Talk to me about autographable items...

[CathieArms]

When we went to WDW last year, I made canvas bags with a character on each bag (Mickey, Pooh and Tink) for the kids and my MIL. The bats turned out sooooo great and the characters really made a big to-do over signing them, especially when their own image was on the bag.

I'd like to do something similar next year, but we've already done bags. Besides some type of book, can you suggest something different?

I've thought about t-shirts or pillow cases, but the fabric isn't "firm" enough for it to be signed without buckling, so I'd have to put something underneath it. And then there's the possible bleed-through.

What have y'all done? Any suggestions?

 

[aceswild]

You could always go with a nice plush of your favorite character. If you want something more wearable one of those hiker/safari type hats would be cute.

 

[amy611lou]

We did pillow cases last year and I simply brought 2 small embroidery hoops and would move them around the pillowcase as needed. It kept the fabric tight enough that the characters were able to sign easily. My kids LOVE sleeping on their special pillows every night.

 

[wdw-ocd]

If you want something more wearable one of those hiker/safari type hats would be cute.

We go in the summer so the hat idea works perfectly for my little ones- keeps the sun off their heads while showing off the autographs they've collected. It's neat to see the hats "evolve" in our photographs from plain white to super colourful (I carry a few different sharpies in our bag).

When we get home the hats makes a nice decoration on their shelves and they're great when the kids have "hat day" at school!

 

[Hoopfamily]

We did a pillow case last year for my daughter. We went to Michaels and bought a round foam pad about 10" across. I think they were selling it as a dorm room cork board. I then went to Staples and bought some of the flip type paper clips to hold it on. I could easily un-clip and move the pillow case for those times when we get multiple characters together like Tink & Fairy Friends. We also bought a thick fabric marker from Michaels. This last part is important for a few things. First after you get home you can dry the pillowcase and it seals the ink in, then you can wash and dry as needed. Also most of the full costume characters wear big gloves on their hands they can't easily grasp a marker or pen that's too small, this is why in the parks they sell thick pens with the autograph books. My daughter loves her pillowcase and it's way cooler than an autograph book she may never look at again.

 

[CathieArms]

Thanks, y'all! I knew you'd have the answer!

I *LOVE* the idea of a small embroidery hoop. I bet I can get them as small as about 4" in diameter. It seems like I've seen them that size before. Something small like that would fold nicely with the pillowcase to be stuffed in a fanny pack. LOVE that idea!

As for the pens...we used those large retractable Sharpies last time. Do you think the fabric markers are better? If so, what is their advantage?