Do you have a need to hide money from someone with sticky fingers? Are you worried that a break-in might result in the loss of your precious family heirlooms? Make a stuffed animal hidden bank and you’ll worry no more. Put the animal bank amongst other stuffed critters and you’ll feel much safer.
A stuffed animal that sits is the best choice for this project. You’ll also need an empty jar or bottle – the type that used to contain bubbles that kids blow is perfect. The lid will not be necessary but you can use it if you like.
There are various ways to hide the money or jewels in the stuffed animal. One easy way is to slit the seam in the back of the animal – if it has a back seam. After cutting a slit large enough to allow the jar to fit easily inside, remove a little stuffing and position the jar. The jar should slide all the way down to the rear of the animal.
The money or jewels is slipped easily into the container, but the opening in the back of the bear or other animal will be extremely noticeable. For this reason, you’ll need to choose a way to hide the slit. Slide a shirt or dress on the animal to hide it, or attach elastic pieces that allow you to stretch open the slit for insertion of money or valuables. Even when using the elastic method a shirt or dress should be added to help cover the opening.
Another way to make the hidden bank is to cut an opening in the animal’s head. Choose a jar that will go from the seat of the animal to the top of the head, but make it a slender jar so that the stuffing will still cover it on all sides. Add a hat to the head, and secure it with velcro so it isn’t easily knocked off the animal.
Purchase baby shoes, or booties, and hide your secret stash inside the animal’s foot or leg. Cut a slit in the foot, preferably along a seam in the foot, then hide your stuff. Simply remove the shoe or bootie to retrieve the valuables. Pants or a dress may help hide any lumpiness in the limb. The same can be done with the animal’s hand or arm. Choose doll gloves that will hide the slit.
Containers that work the best are plastic, since glass jars will weight the animal and can be easily noticeable if bumped. Some container choices include prescription bottles, spice jars, cold cream or similar jars, hair coloring bottles, and similar plastic containers. If you’ll be hiding only paper money the jar is totally unnecessary.
The old saying about hiding things right under someone’s nose is a good one in this case. Place the stuffed animal amongst other stuffed animals, or high upon a rarely-touched shelf, and it should be safe and sound. This project is great for young kids, teens, and adults alike.
Choose a stuffed animal which has a seam down the back, a seam on top of the head, or a foot that can be easily slit and covered with booties or shoes. Accessories like shoes, shirts, dresses or hats will make all the difference in the look of the bank. Get busy making your stuffed animal bank, have fun with it, and – shh – don’t tell anyone!
Reference:
- Buy stuffed animals online: www.orientaltrading.com
