Handmade Christmas -- Craft Book Review & Crafty Weekends Link Party

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 Disclosure:  Ryland Peters & Small sent me a copy of this book free of charge to review. All opinions in my review are my own and I did not receive any other compensation. As in all my reviews I am providing links for your ease, but receive no compensation.

Today I am going to share the perfect book for any crafty Christian family this time of year. Handmade Christmas by CICO Books is full of different crafts and recipes for different age crafters! There are specific crafts labeled as kids' crafts and some of the other crafts are kid friendly as well!!

 The crafts range from sewing to paper crafts and even some tin and more!! The three chapters are Decorations, Cards & Giftwrap and Gifts. Some are traditional crafts like paper snowflakes.

Snowflake using template found in book

 The instructions throughout the book are clear and easy to follow. There are many photographs to help with the instructions as well. In the back are templates for some of the projects. A few of the templates need to be enlarged which is my only complaint. Since the book is hardcover enlarging them is not always easy.

 I made the tin candle holder which was suppose to be enlarged, but I found the enlarged horse was too big for my tin. I was amazed as how easy this craft ended up being and am happy with the results. I considered using some Sharpie markers and coloring the design and may do that if I make another one. 

 I attempted the Paper-cut woodland scene, but discovered that even with a new Exacto knife I am really just bad at paper cutting. I can't blame it on the blade anymore. I stopped and will finish it when I get a chance but am not sure I will like it when I'm done. I didn't even attempt the piece that goes in front of this one.

 I took the pattern for the Robin's nest card and made it on a colored canvas. I pulled out my handmade papers for most of the pieces in this one and Hazel helped me glue the buttons on for the nest. She wants the canvas to hang in her bedroom once it is dry. She took the idea of the buttons one step more and made a gingerbread house (we had the mini candy canes in her button supply). 

 I love when a craft with me inspires her to do something on her own!! I also love how it came out!

I can highly recommend this book. It is full of great crafts and many ideas that can be expanded on as well as just enjoyed. I also love that it has various crafts for kids as well as recipes mixed in. There are so many great ideas. I hope you will check it out!


  Crafty Weekends Link Party

It was another fun party last week!! Sharing Saturday (anything kid oriented) is also going on.  
 

Thank you to everyone who shared with us at last week's party!! It was the largest thus far!! There were some amazing crafts shared and this is just a sampling. Be sure to check them all out!!

1) From Rubber Boots and Elf Shoes: Simple Christmas Angel Ornament

2) From  Crafty Journal: Dollar Bill Angel

3) From Rena Klingenberg Jewelry Making Journal: Wire Angel Pendant

4) From Crafty Journal: Snowflake Silverware Holder

5) From The Homespun Hydrangea: Anthropologie Inspired Ombre Brush Trees

6) From Save More Spend Less: Miniature Potted Christmas Tree

7) From Savvy Apron: How to Make a No Sew Deer Pillow with Glue and Stencil

8) From Purple Hues and Me: Ribbon Flower Decoration

9) From Ginx Crafts: Keyrings for Christmas 

10) From Mommy Suite: 6 Free Chrisitmas Chalkboard Printables 

11) From The Boondocks Blog: Gift Bracelet Holders 

12) From Over The Apple Tree: Minecraft Stampylongnose Hat 


Thank you to everyone who shared the last week!! I hope you will share again!! If you are featured here, please feel free to grab a featured button to display proudly on your blog. 

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 Please share family friendly crafts here. Just crafts and/or patterns--no recipes, lessons, etc. You can share craft product reviews as well. By linking up here you are giving me permission to share your links and to pin your links. Please follow my Crafty Weekends Feature Pinterest Board to see all the features from these fun link parties!

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