10 minute Mouse Cat Nip Toys

Alicia and I have been getting creative with our cat nip toys. This is Alicia's cat nip mouse. It takes about ten minutes and is simple enough that both Alicia (8) and Holly (6) can do it ( with a little guidance)

First cut your triangles whatever size you want your mouse to be. We mis-matched so the top and bottoms were different prints.

Next cut your tail and ears from a different fabric. Tail is a long skinny triangle, ears are a circle with one flat side.

Now it's time to sew the ears on. Place them where you want them and pin. Go to your sewing machine and sew them on, going back and forth a few time to reinforce.

Place one triangle ( mouse) on top of the other and sew two sides together, leaving the base open. This is good practice for pivoting for the kids! leave a little bit of a seam allowance if you want to apply a decorative effect at the end.

Next cut up a plastic shopping bag into small pieces. This is your filler. The plastic stops the toy from getting soggy with kitty drool and allows it to dry out between play times.

Stuff the mouse half way with crumpled plastic ( right down to the point and fairly full)

now add your cat nip (be generous) and top up with more plastic pieces. You are now ready to finish your mouse. Pin the tail in place and sew along the base of triangle, going back and forth over the tail a few times for reinforcement.

To finish off, trim edges with pinking shears (if you wish) and draw eyes and whiskers on with a permanent marker. 
You mouse is ready for it's kitty play date!