Kids' Craft Books -- a Crafty Weekends Review and Link Party

Disclosure: Leisure Arts sent me a copy of this book in return for an honest review. All opinions in this post are my own. I did not receive any other compensation for this review. The links are affiliate links where I will receive a small percentage of any purchases made through them at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Crafty Moms Share!

Most schools are out for the summer now around here (or will be this week). I know people will be looking for things to do with kids especially on those rainy days. Today I am going to share two craft books for kids. Our first book is by one of my favorite bloggers: Rachel Nipper over at I Heart Crafty Things. The book is After-School Kids' Crafts. 

I am always in love with Rachel's crafts and this book did not disappoint. It is full of creative ideas that help teach kids different skills as well. There are several sewing and embroidery type crafts as well as other fun ideas that you probably have not seen everywhere.

I had a hard time deciding which craft to try first. I decided to try the Paper Plate Mandala. I loved this idea because of the geometry ties that could be added to it. A mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism representing the universe. It has become a generic term for most circular designs. By definition it is a circular design where everything is symmetric around the center. Drawing mandalas are sometimes used in meditation and therapy. It is also a fun way to explore some of the properties of circles and using a compass and straight edge in geometry class. Rachel provides a pattern to use. I enlarged it by 110% on my copier to fit it more on the plate. I also changed the colors a bit. 

I loved how Rachel explained how to do a back stitch. I also found the instructions very clear and easy to follow. It is a fun craft that uses things many people will have around their house. And it opens a lot of creativity since kids can design their own mandalas or designs to embroider.  

Our next book is Do-It-Yourself Simple Kids' Crafts. This fun book has thirteen projects that kids can do on their own.  The projects vary from clothespin dolls to wooden airplanes. There is something for everyone in this book.

Hazel and I fell in love with the Yarn Wrapped Jar. The book uses it as a vase, but I used mine as a pen cup.

The instructions were clear and easy to follow, but I felt they could have been a bit more detailed. I should have trimmed my pom pom a bit more, but just followed the instructions. I also found I needed more double-sided tape and glue than the instructions suggested. I love the idea however and love how it came out and so does Hazel. 

I can't wait to see what Hazel makes with these fun craft books this summer. I will be sure to share with you on my Facebook and Instagram pages. I hope you follow me so you can see them!! For more summer kid ideas be sure to check out our posts on slime, bee crafts, animal crafts, sewing, and beach crafts.

It is time to see what you have been creating! Thank you to everyone who shared with us last party. Below are a few of the features from our party. I am sharing some party features, some various craft features and bag features. Please remember for your child-oriented crafts, activities, lessons, etc. Sharing Saturday is going on!! We have started having a monthly Sharing Saturday party for the summer, so keep coming back and sharing!  I can't wait to see what your latest creations!!

Features

1) From Clean and Scentsible: DIY Wooden Sign and Holder

2) From The Scrap Shoppe: Multi-Use Tool Belt for Kids

3) From Celebrating Everyday Life: How to Make an Awesome Father's Day Apron

4) From The Handyman's Daughter: DIY Hexagon Side Table

5) From LiliaCraftParty: Princessa Baby Blanket

6) From Duct Tape & Denim: Bible Verse Coloring Page Psalm 66:11


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. I would love the help spreading the word about Crafty Weekends!!

An InLinkz Link-up