Crafting Fun: 101 Things to Make and Do with Kids

by Rae Grant

In our hurried times Crafting Fun introduces kids to classic childhood crafts that many of us remember fondly. The charming vintage art illustrating all the projects adds to the appeal and the hidden-spiral binding with a sturdy paper-over-board cover makes the book easy to use. 101 easy and entertaining projects are explained on one to two pages each. Make a pumpkin-seed necklace or crayoned waxed leaves for fall, decorate with paper-cut snowflakes during the winter or make a summer scrapbook of pressed flowers. The step-by-step directions and line drawings allow even the youngest crafter to follow along. The seasonal activities also include fun facts relating to the projects, like how to tell a ghost story, charts of state trees, and the names of the first Thanksgiving attendees. HOURS OF ENTERTAINMENT---projects and activities are organized by season to provide year-round activities for children, parents, and teachers. SIMPLE FUN PROJECTS---from creating glittery holiday decorations, to making tin can lanterns, kites that really fly, or spooky cheesecloth ghosts, the book is filled with projects with an old-fashioned slant. RECYCLE BASIC HOUSEHOLD ITEMS---most of the projects use simple materials found in every home, such as aluminum foil, string, paper bags, egg cartons, and others. FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN ALSO---many of the projects can be done by younger children with adult supervision. For parents, grandparents or teachers, this lovely book will help create fond family memories and provide a plethora of fun projects and activities.

Genres: Crafts

144 pages, Spiral-bound

First published September 30, 2008

Reviews

[Cecile · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would buy this book if I had money and bookshelves. The format is great: a hardbound cover that can be wiped off if glue or paint were to spill on it and a spiral binding. It is setup seasonally, making it easier to search and it requires one to use objects actually found in a home to make the crafts. I will check it out from the library again!

[Diana of Shelved by Strand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic nostalgic crafts that you should have either learned from your grandma or from a good Girl Scout leader! The design and illustrations of this craft book are swoon-worthy and the seasonal organization makes it oh-so user-friendly.

Autumn crafts on my to-do list include waxed paper leaves, tin can lanterns, and roasted pumpkin seeds. From the Winter section, I can't wait to try beeswax ornaments for Christmas and invisible ink for secret valentines. Spring crafts to look forward to include dying Easter eggs with natural dyes, handmade paper, and potato print greeting cards. The Summer section is my favorite though: pressed flowers, cork parachutes, big bubbles, and summer travel scrapbooks are all activities I hope to enjoy before school starts again.

[Amy Brown (amylikestoreadalot) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting projects, some "old fashioned" ideas like ironing leaves onto wax paper, etc. But no pictures...I don't like a craft book without pictures, but that's just me!