Footbeasts

Using foam-adhesive spray, mount foam blocks to top and sides of the body box; you must coat each contacting surface. When blocks are in position, there's a right-angled void between the top and each side. To fill it, cut edges off the top and glue the resulting three-sided blocks between top and side pieces.

Stretching the fabric pelts taut is easier with a helper. Start by centering and draping the fabric over the body box so it hangs loosely to the sides. Pull back the foam at the top center next to the front and rear legs and spray some from adhesive on the exposed edge (keep spray off wood). Also spray the underside edge of the fabric at that point and firmly tuck it between the wood and foam. Fold the edges of the fabric along front and rear legs and work it between the wood and foam. Tack fabric temporarily to the bottom edge of the body box.

It takes time and steady pressure to put even tension on the fabric. While pressing down on the foam, start in the center on one side, pull the fabric tight, and retack with pushpins along the bottom edge, working out toward the legs. Repeat on the other side, pulling harder so fabric and foam look evenly rounded. Work back and forth, drawing the fabric and foam tighter and smoother. Fold the remaining fabric up under the body so it, too, is smooth. Staple liberally to the inside of the box, then remove pushpins.

The lion and the raccoon have fabric tails stuffed with polyester batting.

To make the lion's tail, start with a 6- by 24-inch piece of synthetic suede. With right sides together, sew a 1/2-inch seam down the length; turn right side out. With scissors, fringe one end: make 3-inch-long cuts 1/4 inch apart. Close that end with a 1/4-inch-wide strip of fabric. Stuff the tail and staple or tack it in place.

For the raccoon's tail, start with two 7-by 22-inch pieces of gray wool and applique 1-1/2-inch-wide bands of cut out, following both pieces. Fold and cut out, following pattern on page 96. Sew the two pieces together with right sides facing. Turn right side out, stuff, and tack in place.