I didn't grow up in a crafty or artistic home. My parents were hard working people but creativity was not something we did. As fate would have it, I grew up and married the most creative man on the planet. He cooks without a recipe. He solves unexpected problems with ease. He builds funiture, cross-stitches, and is currently learning how to turn wood! Life is funny.
In fifteen years of marriage I have learned a lot about creativity. I have learned that I enjoy creating things. I have taught myself how to crochet, cook, knit, and cross-stitch. I am anxious to add painting to my list of skills this year. I enjoy watching my daughter emerge as an wonderful artist. My oldest son is ready to learn some needle-crafting and my youngest son is obessessed with water colors these days!
One of our goals for our children is to help them nurture a creative spirit. Creativity is so important for our minds, our emotions, and our bodies. It helps us deal with stress. It challenges us to push forward and not quit when things don't turn out right.
I recognize that helping our children be creative is a super challenging thing to do in this age of internet, video games, and endless competitive sports. I have found it helpful to have supplies ready and organized when a creative spirit sparks. I keep a few creative books on hand when inspiration needs a push. Often times, children will look at one picture in a book and off they go!
Here are some of our favorite books in our creative library:
Beautiful patterns and wonderful step-by-step directions, this book is wonderful for kids and adults alike! I recommend it for kids 8 and up. Children younger than 8 will still love to learn the basics of holding a hook, casting-on, and learning basic stitches. The front of the book has easy patterns. The back of the book moves into crocheting in the round and other more advanced techniques. A fabulous book to add to your family library!
Art Lab is one book in a series of art books for kids. Wonderful pictures and easy to follow instructions, we simply love these books! This book contains 52 lessons of inspiring art. Each lesson gives just enough instruction to get your kids going, but leaves the project open to inspiration. Gather up a bunch of supplies and pull this out on a rainy or snowy day. Even adults can really get into this book.
I picked up Sewing School when my daughter was around 8 years old. Three years later, she is still grabbing this book off the shelf to create a new project. The back of the book contains patterns that your kids can copy, cut, and reuse. I love how the author encourages kids to reuse fabrics. This book teaches the basic of hand stitching. A sewing machine is not required. The pictures are fabulous and the instructions encourage kids to work independently. This book will be the most loved book in your home library.
Hoop-la is our newest and favorite edition in our family library. An entire book of how to create meaningful and original hoop art in your home. We love it. The author uses embroidery, cross-stich, crochet, and basic sewing techniques. She gives fabulous instructions and the pictures are AMAZING. Once you pick up this book, you'll want to make all the projects. Older kids will be inspired by this book as well. The back has printable patterns so I recommend you buy the actual book and not the Kindle version.
MARTHA STEWART'S FAVORITE CRAFTS FOR KIDS
Oh Martha, we love you. This book is huge. Think of it like a dictionary of crafts. It contains every single craft you can imagine for kids. Crafts that will inspire YOU to sit and create with your kids as well. Amazing pictures and clear instructions, it is a typical martha stewart gold mine. This book covers the gap between young kids and older ones. It will fit everyones age, abilities, and interest.
What creative books does your family enjoy?