Book Review: Cut and Assemble Santa’s Workshop – Christmas is Just Around the Corner

Cut and Assemble Santa’s Workshop

By: Matt Bergstrom

Fresh from the creative mind of Matt Bergstrom’s is an adorable, easy to make Santa’s Workshop. You may have seen his three-story Haunted House for Halloween. Coupled with his new Santa’s Workshop, you will have a pair of decorations that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Adults and teens can easily follow the step-by-step illustrated instructions. As always, read through them before starting the project. With simple tools; such as a hobby knife, scissors, ruler, dowel and craft glue. Tweezers might be handy for the smaller pieces. But don’t think it is only for adults, school age children will love to rearrange the reindeer, elves, gifts and Christmas tree.

With the high cost of Christmas decorations, Cut and Assemble Santa’s Workshop is an affordable breath of fresh air. You will enjoy the time spent with your older children and teens creating the colorful workshop, as well as the compliments from your holiday guests. Reminiscent of paper dolls, this craft book will bring a bit of nostalgia to your holidays.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy from Dover Publications in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2019 Laura Hartman

Book Review: My First Knitting Book – Great How-To Knitting Instructions

My First Knitting Book

Easy to Follow Instructions and More than 15 Projects

By: Hilegarde Deuzo

My mom taught me how to knit when I was eight years old. But not everyone has someone who can teach them, but still would like to know how to create their own knitted items. My First Knitting Book is the perfect solution.

With colorful illustrations and easy to follow instructions you will soon be casting on (getting the yarn on the needles to start) and knitting your first few rows. The instructions will also teach you how to purl. You will need to practice making each of these stitches. The “Tips” section will show you how to change colors as well as bind off (which is removing your knit item off of the needles properly).

The combinations of knit and purl stitches are used in most patterns. The seed stitch, basket weave stitch and the moss stitch are introduced. They are combinations of the basic knit and purl stitches. It is fun to see the different patterns emerge as you follow the directions for each of these.

Finally you are ready to create something for yourself or loved one. Bracelets, scarves and hat patterns are included. If you want to make something small and quick there are patterns for coin purses and mug cozies. Knit in festive colors, they’d make great gifts for those on your holiday list.

Maybe you know someone who wants to learn to knit. If so, a copy of My First Knitting Book along with some needles (size 4 to 8) and yarn (worsted in a light color – not fuzzy) would be the perfect gift.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy from Dover Publications in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2019 Laura Hartman

 

Book Review: Christmas Inspirations Coloring Book – Dash Right Out and Get Your Copy

Christmas Inspirations Coloring Book

By: Jessica Mazurkiewicz

Christmas will be here before we can blink an eye. I always like to shop early for stocking stuffers and Christmas Inspirations Coloring Book is perfect for adults and teens alike. Each of the thirty-one pages is just waiting for colored pencils, markers or crayons to make them come alive.

Unlike most adult coloring books, Christmas Inspirations is interesting without being overly intricate. The pages are festive and fun, some have more detail than others, but all will put you in the mood for the holiday season.

Perhaps you would like to dress up your home with the artwork created from this coloring book. If so, you may want to get one of the frames that hold children’s artwork and switch out the different pages depending upon your mood that day. Each page is perforated, so it will be a snap to take each one out of the book either before or after you complete it if you so choose.

From “Feliz Navidad” and “Dashing Through the Snow” to “Keep Calm and Jingle On” each page has an inspirational or humorous quote surrounded by holiday icons such as Santa, gifts and traditional decorations. My favorite page is full of Christmas sweaters – ready for you to make ugly or beautiful depending upon your mood. The quote on that page is “May Your Sweaters be Ugly and Bright”.

Amuse yourself and/or someone you love by picking up Christmas Inspirations Coloring Book before the holiday rush.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy from Dover Publications in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2019 Laura Hartman

Book Review: Cuddly Crochet Critters – Make Your Kids an Adorable Animal

Cuddly Crochet Critters

26 Animal Patterns

By: Megan Kreiner

Kids love stuffed animals of all types and Cuddly Crochet Critters will help you make soft, huggable toys they will cherish. Using basic crochet stitches, which are demonstrated with color pictures along with written instructions, you can bring these cute critters to life.

Be sure to read all of the “how-to” sections. The author gives excellent instructions about the assembly & embroidery stitches, general assembly tips and the materials needed.

Each pattern begins with the yarns and notions needed as well as the finished size of the critter. Following that are the step-by-step crochet instructions. The critters are done in pieces, and then stitched together (thus the importance of reading the how-to sections). You can either use plastic safety eyes (for older children only), satin stitch eyes or crochet eyes. I prefer satin stitch eyes, because you can add expression to the faces with your stitches and there is no choking hazard.

All of the animals are a basic chubby tube shaped. It works out well for most of them. Penny Pig, Danny Dog and Henry Hippo are my absolute favorites. But the shape does not lend itself to some of the animals, making them cute, but not easily identifiable for the animals they represent. For example, Ella Elephant has a tiny trunk with tusks that are the same length. And Maxwell Monkey looks more like a sloth. Don’t get me wrong, they are still cute stuffed animals, but just the wrong shape to create the animals they are supposed to be. The body shape works best for the whale, cow, beaver and other animals with round bodies.

Overall, these cuddly critters are adorable and the kids in your life would love to snuggle with them. Because there are twenty-six patterns, there is something for everyone. You may have to make a barnyard or zoo full because animals have to have friends! They would also be the perfect, easy to make baby shower gift.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy from Dover Publications in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2019 Laura Hartman

Book Review – Cut & Assemble Haunted House – Must Have for Halloween

Cut and Assemble Haunted House

By: Matt Bergstrom

Who wants a detailed three story Haunted House for Halloween this year? Matt Bergstrom and Dover have teamed up to create a paper masterpiece for your home. With scissors, glue and a craft knife, adults or teens can create an entire Victorian Mansion complete with furnishings, fences and a dinner table laden with food.

There are ghoulish guests and creepy cooks to add to the fun. Monsters and bats are sprinkled throughout to amuse and entertain everyone that creates it and enjoys the finished product. Be sure to read the detailed instructions to ensure the success of your project. Pay special attention to the “Avoid bloodshed” section – it outlines safety as well as gives tips on how to embellish your Haunted House with spooky extras like spider webs and dead plants.

Even though the thermometer is 90 in the Midwest, all too soon it will be time for sweatshirts, crunching through autumn leaves and trick or treaters. According to www.statista.com/, Americans spent just over 9 billion dollars on Halloween in 2018 and 2.9 billion of those dollars were on decorations. My advice is to pick up your very reasonably priced copy of Cut and Assemble Haunted House now so that you have time to get yours ready in time for the festivities. I can almost hear the oohs and ahhs from all of your friends and trick or treaters now!

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy from Dover Publications in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2019 Laura Hartman

Book Review: Make in a Day Crafts For Kids – Fun Projects

Crafts For Kids

By: Cintia Gonzalez-Pell

Kids love crafts. Every kid I’ve encountered, including my own sons and grandsons love to make things out of paper, string, paint, glue…pick any medium and they have probably used it. So I was very excited to see a book of 15 fast and fun projects.

Definitely written with older children in mind, these crafts include Painted Animal Gift Boxes, Colorful Yarn Dreamcatchers and Decorated Wooden Bangles. Each project will require adult supervision as well as a list of supplies.

Younger kids could probably make some of the crafts, but will need more than a little bit of help. I would say the easiest is the Artist Abstract Painted Canvas. For this you will need a small stretched canvas, acrylic paint, removable stickers, painter’s tape and of course brushes, water and something to protect the table you are working on. Your child will begin by painting a colorful abstract background. When it dries, apply the stickers and painter’s tape. Then paint over the entire surface with white acrylic paint. When dry, remove the tape and stickers and your child will have a really cool abstract work of art to hang or their wall or give to a loved one as a gift.

Older children might like to create Fruity Plant Pots. Using paint markers, they can create these one of a kind works of art. If they don’t want to use the designs in the book, they can create whatever makes them happy to keep for themselves or give as gifts. Younger children could create these with a bit of help as well.

If you want to make something for the youngsters in your life, the Painted Animal Gift Boxes are adorable. This craft requires sketching the faces, painting the background, and then adding details like pompoms, felt ears and googly eyes. As previously stated, an older child may be able to create these, but younger kids might be frustrated with the various steps and fine motor skills needed.

Over all, there are some great ideas in Crafts For Kids. Kids and adults will love making gifts and decorations for their homes.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy from Dover Publications in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2019 Laura Hartman

Book Review: Dogs in Origami – 20 New Designs

Dogs in Origami

By: Nick Robinson

As I review Robinson’s Dogs in Origami, my beloved mixed breed sits by my side. I am sure many of you have or have had a dog that has touched your heart and possibly taken over your home with tennis balls, squeakless toys and unmatched faithfulness and love. This new book of origami is for you.

There are 20 projects complete with instructions and diagrams to assist novice and seasoned origami folders. As in Robinson’s previous books, the first few pages gives the reader tips and instruction on folding, choosing the correct paper and various techniques that are used in the book.

The projects are cute, but most of them do not especially say “dog” when I look at the pictures. Some of them could be any four legged creature – I felt the busy patterns on the origami paper detracted from the finished product. A couple of them are super “doggish”. My favorites are Woof! Woof! Puppy, Bodo’s Dog and Nodding Dog. The funniest one, and by far my favorite is Perro Liberando. This cute little pup is in action, doing what dogs frequently do – pooping. Yup, poop is funny in any medium, origami is no exception.

This is not a book for younger children due to the detail of these designs. They may be difficult for a younger child, especially one that has never done origami before. That being said, adults and teens should have no trouble following the explicit directions given by Mr. Robinson as well as the other contributors to Dogs in Origami. The Biography section at the end of the book highlights each designer that contributed to the book, so be sure to see which of the contributors is your favorite.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy from Dover Publications in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2019 Laura Hartman