Have Yourself a Lovely Crafternoon with the Kids...

I am smiling as a write this--see:  :-)   

I have some very happy news to share with you--I am in my very first book!   It is one of two books recently published--Kids' Crafternoon Sewing and Kids' Crafternoon Papercraft.  Both books were curated and edited by the lovely Kathreen Ricketson of Whip Up and each contains 25 projects designed and created from many talented crafters around the world.  Let me tell you a little bit more about the books...

{Pet Pillows designed by Karen Jester}

{Limby the Button-Eyed Dude designed by Lizette Greco + Grecolaborativo}

Each book features projects that can be completed in an afternoon by kids--most of which are designed to be completed largely independently with limited on-the-scene support from parents or other big people.  While the projects are aimed at the 7-12-year-old set, there are many, many projects in here I know a 14 or 15 or even 16 year old would be interested in making for him or herself.  Oh, and that is the other good bit--the projects are aimed to appeal to both boys and girls.  Nice.

{Illustrated Softy Badges designed by Lisa Tilse}

The books are actually part of a series of craft books, all aimed at kids, of course, that Kathreen put together with Hardie Grant.  Books with projects based around beading and felt will also be released at some point in the future (and I also have projects in each of those, thank you for asking).  

{iPod Creature Cosy by me!}

{Sassy the Sock Softy also designed by me!}
Oh, and here are my two projects in the sewing book: the iPod Creature Cosy (2nd above--made from recycled sweaters and customizable to the size of your own MP3 player needs), and Sassy the Sock Creature with its tongue sticking out of its mouth all sweet and snotty-like (above--made from a stripey sock, can be handsewn too!).

It is a really thoughtfully put together book--clearly designed to make the projects as accessible as possible to kids. Above are the illustrated instructions in the books, just to walk a kid step by step through how to make the projects (Kathreen's husband did the illustrations--personally, I like that--a family effort gives it all more heart). And there is a pocket at the front of the books with the template pieces for easy access.  

Here are just a few of the projects I love in the Kids' Crafternoon Papercraft book...

{Book Invaders Bookmark designed by Elod Beregszaszi}

{Pet Menagerie designed Nancy W Hall}

{Home Sweet Home designed by Cate Holst}

{Sewn Cards designed by Alison Hudson}

Do you like them?  Want to make some of these projects with your own kids?  Curious about the other fantastic projects in the books?  Good--because I have a copy of the Kids' Crafternoon Sewing book and the Kids' Crafternoon Papercraft book to give away--one to each of my readers.  All I ask is that you leave a comment by end of day Tuesday (July 26th) telling me what you like most about these books, or which project you can't wait to make with your kids or just for you (no shame there), or why you think it is awesome Kathreen put together these books in the first place, or whatever comment you choose to leave related to the books--and I will announce the two lucky winners on Wednesday, July 27th right here.  

And if you are not so fortunate as to be one of the lucky winners, there are other options so listen up, people: you can either crash the blog party Kathreen has arranged around blogland (find the sites and dates here), or you can order your very own copies either through Booktopia or Amazon UK.  

Imagine me dancing around all joyful-like with the books in my arms right now, elated as hell to be part of the crafty group represented in the book--because that is what I am doing (or let's be honest--maybe I am just folding some laundry right now but, well, you know what I  mean...)