In my fourteen years as a mother, I’ve browsed through a lot of craft books. It’s rare that I find one with what I consider to be unique ideas. Crafts For Little Kids: (101 really, really, really fun ideas!) from Better Homes and Gardens has some great and unique ideas for bringing out small children’s’ creative sides. The projects are aimed for kids aged three to eight. But some of the projects are so clever that I think even adult crafters would find them interesting.
I love the Valentine cards made out of air-dry clay with embedded beads and jewels. I can just imagine preschoolers going wild over the shiny jewels. Young crafters and artists can make instruments, or jewelry, or room decorations. They can use their fingerprints to create their own set of dishes, and their footprints for a one of a kind rug.
There are new ways to paint and to use paintings to make ornaments, cards, and notepaper. Young children will love making flip-flops, aprons, and hats, and very special shoelaces. Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter all have special projects. Some projects are seasonal for snowy or rainy days, and there are even some for pets. I especially like that there are crafts for pretend play like crowns, goblets, and hats. I never thought of letting children paint a fence or an umbrella! Other projects create gifts, or games for the children to play.
Some projects like macaroni necklaces, paper hats, painted rocks and oatmeal drums are updated classics.
The one hundred and one projects all have a “what you’ll need” supply list, and “here’s how” directions. The directions are easy to follow and have full color photos of the finished project. Patterns for shapes and cut out projects are also provided.
This would be a great book for anyone wanted to do more crafts with their children, for preschool teachers, and homeschoolers too.
Also See:
Kid’s Pumpkin Projects – Deanna F. Cook
Shapes, Sizes & More Surprises – Mary Tomcyzk