Craft Lab for Kids: 52 DIY Projects to Inspire, Excite, and Empower Kids to Create Useful, Beautiful Handmade Goods

by Stephanie Corfee

With Craft Lab for Kids , help your kids tap into the fun and empowerment of creating their own custom designs to wear, decorate with, and give.
Enjoy the pleasure and satisfaction of making things together with  Craft Lab for Kids !

The popular Lab for Kids series features a growing list of books that share hands-on activities and projects on a wide host of topics , including art, astronomy, clay, geology, math, and even how to create your own circus—all authored by established experts in their fields. Each lab contains a complete materials list , clear step-by-step photographs of the process, as well as finished samples . The labs can be used as singular projects or as part of a yearlong curriculum of experiential learning. The activities are open-ended, designed to be explored over and over, often with different results. Geared toward being taught or guided by adults, they are enriching for a range of ages and skill levels. Gain firsthand knowledge on your favorite topic with Lab for Kids.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts, Childrens

144 pages, Paperback

Published May 26, 2020

Reviews

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty standard book of craft projects for kids. Most of them are pretty typical ones that most parents and child care workers are familiar with, and many require you to purchase items to make them (bath bomb molds, leather bracelets, fusible bonding, etc.). Typical projects are painting a yoga mat with acrylic paints, making a donation jar for change, making a t-shirt tote and dip dyeing a canvas bag. There were only a few projects that I made a note to try with my kids (such as fleece hand warmers filled with rice and the t-shirt tote, which we've done before but it reminded me to do again) but parents or teachers who are new to crafting are likely to find some good inspiration.

Many of the crafts reminded me more of ones you'd do at camp than just rainy afternoon crafts, especially as so many of them needed purchased materials. That said, there are detailed instructions and lots of color photos, and I think it's a book that will work for a lot of folks.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This is a fantastic book of easy craft ideas for kids to do independently or with a grown up. Some require materials to buy but these are inexpensive materials. There's something in this book for everyone's likes, male or female.
Thus is a great book for filling time, spending time together or for projects or challenges.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy projects to fill some of those boring hours we're living through right now.

The craft projects are varied enough to entertain both boys and girls. I'm sure you can get all age groups interested, from kindergarten to teenagers; even I found some projects I'd like to make myself.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto, for a complimentary copy of this book! This review reflects my personal opinion!

As I was looking through ARCs, my daughter (8) walked by and immediately got excited! So I decided to read this book with her. We have already made a few of the projects in this book (before we got the book). The instructions are easy to understand since most of the steps are shown in photos. My daughter and her peers are definitely a great target group for this book. We can't wait to try some of the other and more complex projects. This will be a fun way to keep the kids entertained!

[Josephine Sorrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are all stuck with ourselves so let’s create. Making your own creations stimulate pleasure and satisfaction. . This book ontains a complete materials list, clear step-by-step photographs of the process, as well as finished samples. The activities are open-ended, designed to be explored over and over, often with different results. Geared toward being Guided by adults Designed for a range of ages and skill levels. My favorite project was the T- shirt tote bag.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Craft Lab for Kids is a DIY manual full of fun, decorative, and useful tutorials mostly aimed at kids and their adults. Due out 26th May 2020 from Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 144 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

With the state of the world at the moment (in the middle of a pandemic lockdown), finding fun and constructive/engaging ways to redirect energy can be a sanity saver (for adults *and* kids). These 52 (!!) tutorial labs are arranged thematically: renewing/repurposing, artistic projects (painting and decorative crafting), self care (fizzy bath bombs and more), party themed crafts, updated traditional crafts, quickie crafts which don't require much of a time commitment, and crafting kind gifts/thoughts for others.

The introduction includes an overview of safety guidelines and essential tools and supplies. Each tutorial includes an introduction, supplies in a bullet list, and step by step directions written in clear accessible language. The tutorials also include instructive photos which are clear and easy to follow.

The tools and supplies used are almost all easy to find and inexpensive, many use recycled and upcycled ingredients which would otherwise go to waste.

Five stars. This would be a superlative choice for a maker's group, home library, school or public library group (when we can gather again).

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Sylvia Mcgrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Craft Lab for Kids, you can help your kids tap into the fun and empowerment of creating their own custom designs to wear, decorate with, and give. Spruce Up Your Stuff. Learn fun ways to personalize with a variety of embellishment techniques Express Yourself! Add your personality to all kinds of homemade projectsTake Care of YOU. Self-care DIY projects to benefit their well-being Kids Just Wanna Have Fun. Just-for-fun projects to make everyone smileClassicCrafts with a Twist. Tried-and-true crafts updated for today’s kids15-Minute Makes. Quickie crafts to make in a flashKindness Crafts. Crafty creations to brighten someone’s dayEnjoy the pleasure and satisfaction of making things together with Craft Lab for Kids!

A wonderful book for inspiring children to try their hands at a variation of craft projects.  The illustrations and photographs are beautiful and will encourage anyone to have a go.  Some projects do require specialist materials that you probably would not have on hand immediately, but many could be adapted and used as a springboard to create something else.  There are projects suitable for all ages and abilities and some more basic than others.  A great book to have on hand when all the kids are at home looking for something to do. Also an inspiration for older people to make quick gifts, there is something for every age.

 Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quarry Books and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Craft Lab for Kids: 52 DIY Projects to Inspire, Excite, and Empower Kids to Create Useful, Beautiful Handmade Goods. I was under no obligation to review this craft book and my opinion is freely given.

After a short introduction and a list of essential tools or materials, the book goes right into crafting. The pages are very colorful and the step-by-step instructions will be easy for children to follow. Some of the crafts require supervision, but there is enough here that children can do on their own that makes the book worthwhile.

The different sections are listed below with the standout crafts in each.

Spruce Up Your Stuff (reimagining things kids already own): Patchwork Guitar or Ukulele Strap; Marbled Paper Notecards

Express Yourself: Dip-Dyed Canvas Backpack; Hidden-Meaning Fabric Scrap Bracelet

Take Care of You: Fizzy Bath Bombs; DIY Stress Balls

Kids Just Wanna Have Fun: Party Poppers; Wonderful Wands

Classic Crafts With A Twist: T-Shirt "Yarn" Braided Lanyards; Pressed Flower Stickers

15-Minute Makes: T-Shirt Tote Bags

Crafting With Kindness: No-Sew Fringed Pet Blankets; Apple Backyard Bird feeder

Overall, Craft Lab for Kids is a great crafting book, which would make a perfect gift for kids.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great crafting book for boys and girls (about 35/65 split) to have a go at some craft projects at home. There is certainly plenty to choose from, be it a quick 15 minute project to make a bookmark, or something that requires a little longer, such as bath bombs or dyeing an item.

The book is divided into 7 chapters with 52 different projects (no per chapter) :
- Spruce up your stuff (8)
- Express yourself (8)
- Take care of you (8)
- Kids just wanna have fun (6)
- Classic crafts with a twist (7)
- 15 minute makes (7)
- crafting with kindness (8)

Each project comes with a list of materials required and a step by step guide, including full colour photography of how to achieve the make. some of the items can be made with what is around the house, some is special that needs to be bought, such as dye to colour the canvas backpack, guitar picks to make necklaces or bracelet end caps, though most look inexpensive to buy. If measurements are needed, they are provided in both imperial and metric terms.

These projects look suitable for those between 6 and 12 years old, some do require adult supervision, a little sewing is required by hand and the occasional glue gun. is needed. There are tip boxes on some of the projects to help the little ones complete the item.

I received this book from Netgalley in return for a honest review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

I'm very impressed by this book. While I don't like all the projects, the majority are just as advertised: projects kids would really be interested in doing. They're doable with common art supplies, too, unlike many similar books which require bizarre supplies. Very timely publication for parents and art teachers suddenly trying to come up with at-home art lessons for children. Unless I just missed it, there's no guidance in the book re: intended age ranges, but I would estimate most projects are for kids 6-12 years old.

Some of the projects are not just upcycling friendly but intended for refashioning or embellishing items you already have. I also appreciate that there's an entire chapter of 15-minute projects. That can come in very handy for parents as well as kids with short attention spans.

The only thing I don't like about this book is that I'll have to wait to try most of the projects with my son because he's too young.

[April Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun kids' craft book that I really wish I'd had as a kid. There's all kinds of cool stuff to make in here- I found several things I want to make for me! There is a good range of crafts, from easy/able-to-do-alone to more complicated projects where adult supervision will be a good idea. Many projects use upcycled or recycled materials, which helps keep costs down; other materials that might need to be purchased can likely be found at dollar or discount stores. While the age range seems to be around 8-12 years, many projects have tips for adapting the craft to younger kids, and some projects will be fun for teens as well (or middle-aged women ha!). A few projects even mix in math skills, and with homeschooling being more of a thing now, parents could even use some projects as part of a lesson plan!

#CraftLabforKids #NetGalley

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craft Lab for Kids
52 DIY Projects to Inspire, Excite, and Empower Kids to Create Useful, Beautiful Handmade Goods
by Stephanie Corfee
My boys and I love to craft. Supplies get expensive and there are only so many projects I can keep. With that I love the idea of up cycling things. This book has so many fun projects and many of them are reusing items. I loved all of the ideas turning trash to functional treasures. All the project ideas shared in this book were great. There was something for every kind of kid. From apparel to accessories to décor the Craft Lab for Kids had an idea for you. The projects were easy to follow and fun to complete!
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would be a wonderful addition to any family’s book collection. Especially good for whenever kids are stuck home and getting bored. The crafts mostly can be made using items around the house as well as be adapted to what is available. It’s a good starting place to give kids experience and confidence in their artistic and math skills. Pictures showcase the projects steps, which will help a lot. Mostly though, believe adults will find a craft or two to try themselves. I liked the pocket warmers. This is one book that can be used over and over again for years.
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for my volunteer review.

[Sharley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fab book for primary aged children. This has a real mix of crafts that are simple and quick through to more detailed and in depth, there should be something for everyone and as a parent it certainly has sparked some inspirational ideas to keep the children busy!
Not all of these crafts are to be done with what you may have lying around so planning will need to be done but I think all of the ideas would be a hit with my children.

The book is well laid and talks directly to the children, it keeps the details light and the instructions clear and to the point, there are various tips throughout and can be helpful with ‘the next project’ or to give it a little twist.

[Leyla Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are 52 items of crafting to entertain children of different ages in this book. All very well photographed and with easy to follow instructions. Some will appeal to the younger age group and some are a little more challenging, with more involved techniques. They are suitable for both boys and girls, who wouldn't love a secret book hiding spot., DIY stress balls or and apple bird feeder, and there is also a lovely no sew pet blanket.
These items are not too messy and the results look great, and most important they are able to achieve results by themselves.

[Poongothai · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book on craft ideas. There are 52 ideas and the instructions are easy to understand. Pictures are colourful and attractive. Topics covering Sprucing up your stuff by stenciling and stamping graphic T-shirts, expressing yourself by yarn wrapped wire initial, easy sewing pocket warmers to take care of you, travel tic-tac-toe for kids wanting to have fun, giving classic crafts a twist like the colourful whirlgig, paperclip bookmarks which can be made within 15 minutes, some kindness crafts such as lollipop blooms are there.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC

[Marvy Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Quarry Books, via NetGalley. This review is my opinion.


This is book is so beautiful and you can see this is a work of love and dedication. In the beginning, we first found the type of materials we will need. I love how it is structured, the photos, the step by steps, and the tips and recommendations for each project this book is a must-have for young children and (and not so young). I believe it could also be an opportunity for sharing and communicating and enjoying the beauty of what it means unique and express themselves.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 9 and 12 year old are BONKERS for this book. Jam-packed with a huge variety of current craft projects where kids will make things that they'll actually use. All of the supplies are easy to come by from your local craft store if you don't already have them on hand. Super easy to follow instructions with step-by-step photos.

Thank you to Quarto Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A craft book that is geared for kids with an adult supervisor. There are 52 projects that include designs to wear, decorate and give to others. The tried and true crafts have been updated giving them a chance to show off their style. Some of the crafts are just fun and will made me laugh. Other crafts have the potential to be given as gifts to others. Each craft has a complete list of materials needed, excellent photos that show step by step instructions as well as an example of the finished craft. The projects are open ended so that you could do the craft more than once and get a different “ending” of it. It’s an excellent book for kids and adults. Adults would have fun doing them too!

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from NetGalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Neha Thakkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be an awesome gift for kids right now, as they are stuck at home during the quarantine. This book has different crafts that kids can do at home with materials they already have, rather than needing to go out and purchase new materials. It might be a great project for kids to do with their families to both find items to up-cycle and then clean out excess items! (Hopefully they won't just want to keep everything for some future project!)

[Andrea Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an odd assortment of projects for kids of all sorts of ages. This book would be great for use in a library for programs, and in school classrooms, and at home. There are a few projects that you could probably find most of the supplies at home, but not all of them are easy to find items and will take some planning to do. I did write down three of the ideas while I reviewed the book so that says something :)

[Nicoletta LaSirenissima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book. I have a lot of books, for children and adults with wich you can make presents and little gifts for your family. But none as good as this one.
My girls had a lot of fun creating cool gifts for their friends and their grandparents. And of course for themself.

I use this book for my work at the library, I sometimes do craft workshops for children and they also had a lot of fun and created some cool stuff.

We all had a blast.

[Amber Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craft Lab for Kids is an excellent source of craft ideas for the mature child crafter. These crafts could not be done independently by younger children, but would be great for interactive parent and child activities. My daughter is ten and was very excited about the crafts offered and how she could do them in a way that made them her own. This book will make a great gift book or summer fun book.

[Colette Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great books for kids containinga wide range of crafts to help them recycle, upcycle and develop creativity at home. A fantastic addition to the bookshelves and ideal for Lockdown 2020! Low cost cheap crafts to keep the kids occupied for hours at home.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book from netgalley for my honest review. This book has some great craft for children. A lot of fun for the summer and homeschoolers. But most of those crafts I have seen on YouTube for free. So I would not think this a great value unless you don't have internet at home.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has awesome ideas that are fun for kids and parents alike! This is a great addition to a homeschool curriculum or for some fun summer or weekend activities. It is broken into different categories and has a very nice layout.

[Ada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! I am always trying to think of new ways to inspire Ada, and give her a chance to show her creativity, whilst learning. This book was brilliant and really gave me a wonderful planform to create and do with her. I highly recommend it!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has SO MANY easy to make DIY craft projects that you would actually want to use or display. I used this as a guide for three or four different library craft programs for school age kiddos and everything turned out great.

[DB in Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! Incredibly useful and detailed book of creative learning experiences and interactions. Highly recommend.! 5*
Note: I received an advanced e-galley of this book compliments of NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group.

[Rosalyn Davey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has some amazing ideas. I will definitely be picking this book up for crafty ideas when I need them!