Who remembers those challenging exhibitions called the “cave”, “bridge”, or “falling star”?
If you do, you most likely played Chinese jackstones. Nope, not the one with the rubber ball and pointy jacks but the pillow ones that look like mini bean bags. Those 5 pillow-y (and crunchy) mini bean bags of delight that you and your friends used to play after school — you know, that addicting game you were all determined to master just to get to the next challenging level or exhibition. That one.
Well, if you were like me, this is one game you thoroughly enjoyed and have fond memories of playing on the dusty floor with your gradeschool classmates.
Find out how to make your own DIY set from orphan socks — yes, the ones whose matching pairs magically disappeared after your last load of laundry…those ones.
Want to know how to easily recycle / upcycle those orphan socks into a favorite childhood game you can play with your kids? Click below.
Bonus: It makes a great homeschool project and a great intro lesson to nostalgic childhood games of our generation.
Camera work and editing: Alba R.
Materials:
2-3 pcs. kids’ (adult size socks are too wide) orphan socks
1 cup uncooked rice, monggo beans (or any small bean variety) or plastic beads
Needle and thread
Ruler / measuring tape
Scissors
Instructions:
- You will need to make 5 mini-bean bags aka jackstones using 2 to 3 socks. Choose two different patterns or colors (prepare enough of the same pattern for 4 bean bags and one other pattern for the 5th).
- Measure and mark out 3 inch segments. Make 4 segments from the first chosen pattern. And one segment from the second pattern. You will end up with 5 segments in total.
- Turn each segment inside out and sew one side using a backstitch. Make sure there are no gaps to prevent rice from spilling through the gaps.
- Fill with 2 to 3 tablespoons of rice/beans (Tip: do NOT fill to the brim, the bag should only be 2/3 full.)
Fold the edges of the opening and sew carefully once again using a backstitch. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be perfect, just make sure the stitches are secure and even.
Finish all 5 bean bags using the same method.
- Enjoy! Check out this link for a basic lesson to get you and the kids playing.
What a fun way to connect back to your childhood (watch those dormant skills you honed in the playground come back to life) and a meaningful way to reminisce, spend time and enjoy a little bit of bonding and healthy competition with the kiddies.
