The time, the late nineties. The setting, a coffee shop with couches that were mysteriously always free at just the right time. The characters, "OHHH MY Gawwwwd, Chandler. My Bing-a-ling." Yes, that was the first reaction when I caught the first episode of a new kids crafting show starring one-time Friends star Maggie Wheeler. Fortunately, she has a way with a unicorn-shaped tube of glue.
My second thought? It's the playhouse, but where's PeeWee? Turns out the show, Magpie Time, is the brainchild of a group of creative Hollywood types that includes Ric Heitzman, three-time Emmy Award-winning production designer on PeeWee's Playhouse. OK, that 'splains it. But Janice? Turns out Maggie Wheeler (who has done her fair share of highly respectable gigs in Tinsel Town, even though that shriek still sends chills down my spine) is a mom of two and long-time crafter.
The clip, made available by Boing-Boing, shows she's got the stuff to spin turntables from cereal boxes and maybe make ratings gold from recycled garbage?
First up, a green take on making an owl:
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Take one fast food restaurant or coffee shop cup tray, three paper coffee cup sleeves, cup stirrers and two cup lids.
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Cut the bottom off two of the cup-wells in the tray (make sure they are two that are side by side). The cut-out pieces will be used later, so be careful to save at least one well.
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Cut a slit up the side of each cup sleeve so it can be stretched out into a straight sheet of paper.
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Spread two across the cut-out space in the cup tray and glue in place. If there is significant hangover, feel free to trim.
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Cut a triangular shape from one of the cut-out cup wells and glue on top of the upper sleeve, positioned between the two remaining cup wells, to serve as a nose.
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Cut two wing shapes from the remaining cup sleeve, and glue one to either side of the tray.
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Glue a cup lid to each of the wells to serve as eyes.
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At the opposite end of the tray, along the edge, you will need to find space for two clumps of stirrers sticks that will serve as the owl's feet. Three sticks, fanned out, are sufficient for one foot. The same can be done for the second.
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Feel free to gussy her up with glitter, paint or whatever strikes your fancy. Whooooo are we to judge?
Need some more help? Watch Janice Magpie making fast work of night-time bird crafts. Because this is just a teaser for the show, beware she skips ahead, so be prepared to hit pause (and sometimes rewind the clip).
The Official Magpie Time sizzle reel from Magpie Time on Vimeo.
Image: Magpie
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