Craft Book Review and Giveaway: Make and Takes for Kids by Marie LeBaron

Sometimes (more often than you might think) I run out of crafty ideas. Really. Enter Marie LeBaron, founder and managing editor at Make and Takes. Her book “Make and Takes for Kids: 50 Crafts Throughout the Year” (Wiley) arrived and I devoured it cover-to-cover.

Marie LeBaron uses her background in early childhood development and creative edge to develop kid-friendly projects. But what sets this book apart is the fact that she outlines learning objectives and skills associated with the projects. The creative process is the focus for the kids, not necessarily the final project. However, if you’re looking for inspiration to make new things to sell, this is not your book – personal use only.

The projects are organized by months with four projects per month, some have five. The colorful book is beautifully layed out.

And, like a good educator, LeBaron gives a nice overview (at the beginning of the book) of basic supplies needed, which you probably have lying around in your house or they’re easily found at a craft supply support. The “simple instructions” for seasonal and holiday creations, edible and decorative, are exactly spot-on.

We tried the Paper Spiral Christmas tree project with some supplies we have in our stockpile.

Not too shabby working on identifying shapes, cutting and fine motor skills. My kids and I can’t wait to try more!

I would love to share this fun and insightful book with a reader, and what better time as we head into the holidays. If you love spending time creating with kids, won’t you share a favorite craft or food idea that you like to do in your home? Leave a comment by December 1, 2011 (11:59 pm CST) and I’ll randomly choose a lucky reader to send a copy of “Make and Takes for Kids”! Don’t forget to include your e-mail so I can contact you if you’re chosen.

Thanks and enjoy the weekend!

**This giveaway is not affiliated with Wiley, MakeandTakes.com, or Craft Critique**

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3 thoughts on “Craft Book Review and Giveaway: Make and Takes for Kids by Marie LeBaron

  1. My little one and I love to cook together, and do it daily (he especially likes snapping the ends off of green beans right now). he also likes to use art supplies in unconventional ways: for example, yarn becomes spider webs.

    • Hi, Domestic Diva! I wish my kids would help a little more in the kitchen. Hehe. If your little one helps with green beans, does he like eating them too? My kids seem to only eat beans cooked a certain way. Whatever works, right? Using craft supplies in different ways is a great thing, too. Thanks for sharing!

  2. Domestic Diva’s mention of yarn reminded me of something my son and his cousin’s did this Halloween (although it would work for any season). The kids drew small Halloween pictures on paper (witches, Frankenstein’s, etc), cut them out, and we attached them to a big piece of yarn that we strung up across the room. My son loved it (he is 3)! It was a great craft to do with different ages/abilities kids. Everyone could participate.

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