“It’s not about what it is — it’s about what it can become!” – Dr. Seuss
I found an illustration in a book that sparked an idea. I studied it, accepted the challenge, and gathered my supplies. With pencil and notepad in hand, I sketched a plan and headed to Hobby Lobby for materials. Below are the steps I used to create a Green Eggs and Ham prop for a Sam I Am costume. Follow along, adapt as needed, and have fun creating your own version!
This project is part of my “All Things Dr. Seuss” series. Here I continue the Sam I Am post and show how I made Green Eggs and Ham to go with the costume.
Inspiration for Green Eggs and Ham
DIY Sam I Costume
Note: some supplies overlap with the Sam I Am costume post.
Supplies
- Yellow fleece
- Red felt (on the bolt)
- Green felt (on the bolt)
- White soft felt sheets
- Batting
- Red, yellow, green, and white thread
- Poster board
- Foam poster board
- Wooden dowel
- Velcro
Tools: sewing machine, pins, scissors, hot glue gun and glue sticks, measuring tape, and craft paper.
Green Eggs and Ham Steps
Cut and sew the eggs. Freehand an oval or circle for the green yolks and a slightly larger shape for the egg whites — perfect symmetry isn’t necessary. Layer the green yolk on top of the white, pin in place, and add a thin layer of batting between them if you want a raised effect. Sew around the edge to finish each egg.
Make the ham following these steps:
- Fold a piece of green felt and freehand the ham shape onto it.
- Cut out the ham shape.
- Pin the edges together, leaving the ends open, and sew from each end toward the middle. Leave a large enough opening to turn the piece right-side-out and to stuff it.
Turn the ham right-side-out. Pin circular end pieces to the open ends and sew them on much like closing a bolster pillow. Once the ends are attached, stuff the ham with batting and finish by sewing the final seam closed. For a neat finish, use a blind stitch by hand to close the opening.
Decorative detail: stitch a small white circle onto the outside of the ham to mimic the stylized look from the book.
Green Eggs and Ham are complete!
Next, prepare the foam board base. Place your finished eggs and ham on the foam board and trace a rough outline that fits the pieces. Cut the board to shape and hot-glue the eggs and ham securely to the board.
If you prefer hands-free carry, add a Velcro strap under the board. Cut a strip of white felt, sew a piece of hook Velcro to one end and loop Velcro to the other, then stitch the Velcro in place. Attach the strap to the underside of the foam board with hot glue so the wearer can slip their hand through easily without carrying the whole board.
Creating this set was a playful, hands-on way to bring Dr. Seuss’s world to life. If you enjoy whimsical costumes and props, keep an eye out for more projects in the “All Things Dr. Seuss” series — I love making silly, colorful pieces that spark smiles.
“Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss