3 comments about Kids Weaving: Projects for Kids of All Ages.

1. This book is great if you want a book that has interesting, useful projects, clear instructions, and beautiful photos of kids and their weaving. The starting projects are loomless, involving weaving paper ('checkerboard notecards'), twigs ('fairygarden planter'), pliable tree branches ('hideout'), and what looks like a kind of six-strand braiding of embroidery floss hung from a pencil ('friendship bracelet'). From there you graduate to use of a cardboard loom to make a small wool pouch (I did this one) and to weaving cloth strips to make Japanese Rag Warrior dolls. (These, by the way, really do look like dolls my boys would play with.) Following that, the book details how to construct a stand-up loom from pvc piping and fittings, thick wooden dowels, and tongue depressors, and comes complete with heddle bar. I made mine for a cost of about $20. This pvc loom will handle a band of weaving up to 5" wide. From this loom (dubbed 'inkle loom') you can make these projects: inkle strap shoelaces, tapestry dog collar, a belt, a 43" long scarf, doll-sized pile carpets, and, by sewing woven strips together, a kente cloth blanket. The book also includes information, about making your own fiber dyes, different ways to set up the inkle loom, what is 'fulling' and how it is done, as well as bits of weaving history and lore. I got 'Kids Weaving' from the library six weeks ago. I meant to photocopy only a few pages for use introducing weaving to a small homeschool co-op. But when I began to see that it wouldn't be just a few pages, that's when I realized that I should just buy the book. Nearly all of the projects look like something we would do. That's rare.



2. Lots of GREAT ideas!!! Some are quickly done while others are more involved. This is the best book I have found for doing weaving with children. The PVC pipe loom is a terrific idea and inexpensive enough for each child to have one of their own to work on.



3. This book was a great project book for my daughters, especially the 10 year old. We learned a lot about weaving and were able to produce some nice, usable projects in a short time. We still plan to make the loom from PVC piping and make some Christmas gifts with it.
   
   I had gotten the book from our public library and felt it would be a great addition to our craft library and had to buy it. The instructions, diagrams and photos are well done.

2 comments about Painting With Children.

1. This wonderful book is fundamentally academic (presents research and writings from Rudolf Steiner and Goethe; recommends poetry by Shakespeare and Wordsworth) yet warm and practical.
   
   Brunhild Muller explains first the effect each color has on a child. This is because children experience color in a more vivid and emotional way than many of us. Most adults have lost what they knew about color as children, having been taught that what there is to know about a color is its name and nothing more. The seemingly simple task of preparing to paint is divided into five steps which are discussed in detail; tips for materials are also included. Later chapters give ideas for setting the stage for a painting experience -- such as stories, poetry, seasons, or the moods of nature. Innovative ways to introduce color mixing are also presented.
   
   The entire theory of how children perceive color, and its ramifications for introducing painting, is well expressed. I found this book inspirational and would especially recommend it to any homeschooling parent.



2. a great resource for parents and art teachers.
   inspiring paintings by young children. a must for anyone who wishes to start their children on a lifelong exploration of color. i'm an artist and father who found this book very helpful!

3 comments about Eric Carle Animal Lacing Cards: 10 Cards & Laces (Eric Carle).

1. These lacing cards are great for all 3 of my kids. It really helps to improve their small motor skills. I highly recommend these to all parents and all ages of children.



2. This is one of the items that we always pack into our 2 year old's bag when we go to church. She sits QUIETLY for about 1/2 hour while she does her lacing. The cards are very sturdy and lightly laminated so there is less risk of tearing, and somewhat water resistant. The packaging keeps it all together in the little box, making it easy to travel with. Good gift idea for a 2 - 3 year old.



3. Well made. Excellent practice for eye/hand coordination and small motor skills. Ages 3 to 5.

3 comments about ArtLab: Fashion Studio O6287 (Artlab).

1. My daughter liked everything about this product. We did have to make some adjustments about the light table usage because the batteries were burning out to fast, but we have a special corner of the play area just for this toy and for posting the completed designs. Good for concentration, fine motor skills and creativity. Just don't tell the kids



2. I bought this for my 9 year old niece for christmas and she loved it! The light box is fantastic. Only drawback I could see with this product is that there seemed to be too few blank papers to use on the lightbox. I used copy paper and cut it into thirds to give my niece an ample supply of blank paper that would fit the lightbox. It was easy enough to do. I highly recommend this for any little girl interested in fashion design.



3. I'm sure this is made for a much older girl, but my going on 5-year old daughter loves this. It's great for her fine motor skills and although the faces and hair she makes on the dolls look like that of a typical 5 year old, she is happy making them and proudly taping the finished dolls on her wall. The wardrobe possibilities are endless. I'm making paper dolls out of the original shape on the light box and she is cutting out the outfits she creates. Such a great product!

5 comments about Halloween School Parties . . . What Do I Do? (What Do I Do? series).

1. I am a first year teacher and this book helped me by leaps and bounds. Almost all of the activities are listed to be for grades K-6, but I was able to modify (if at all) many of them for my pre-K classroom. Every section - games, crafts, food, etc - is broken up into subcategories such as cats, frankenstein, bats, etc so the Halloween Party can have its own theme as well, if you'd like. I can't even begin to explain how useful the entire book has been to me! It took all the stress out of putting on a huge party with students, siblings, and parents galore.



2. I've used this book to help in the classroom and for a neighborhood party. It is practical and helpful. A good way to start the planning session.



3. I suddenly found myself being the "room mother" two weeks before the Halloween Party. Desparately, I searched for a source to plan an excellent, low cost, fun party for 28 5th graders on short notice! This book was perfect. Although the crafts seemed a bit involved, the game ideas were perfect. The book was divided into themes such as witch, bat, pumpkin etc. and each theme had associated foods, games, crafts and decorations. The game ideas were easy to put together and I improvised a bit. The teacher said it was the most organized and fun party she had seen in 30 years of teaching!



4. Great book! I purchased this used, and I really like it. Definitely one I'll use over and over for family and school parties!



5. Great for school parties, hence the title. Loads of ideas, but quite a bit of recycling from other seasonal party books in this series (Halloween BINGO, Christmas BINGO, Valentines BINGO, etc.).
   
   Many standard party ideas you have probably seen before. Like any large party-idea book, 1/2 of the content is not all that useful or relevant. Still, there are a few gems in here, so it will be useful.

3 comments about Historic Houses of New England Coloring Book (Dover Coloring Book).

1. I just purchased these Dover COloring Books for my mother and she loves them. The detail is out of this world and the variety of colors you can use are only limited by your inagination. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!



2. I am currently coloring this book and greatly enjoying doing so, however, I think those considering purchasing this coloring book need to be aware it is very detailed.
   
   In order to portray the house completely on each page along with foreground, the drawings are small.
   
   A person needs a very fine-point marker or pen to do the coloring, and unless one likes small, detailed work, or has a great love for historic houses (I LOVE old houses), they might find it tedious.
   
   While I like the book, it is challenging.
   
   Definitely for adults only or possibly teenagers. It would be far too difficult for a young child.



3. The coloring books in the Dover Series, especially those by Marty Noble and A.G. Smith, are superb. My 8 yr old and 6 yr old daughters have been enjoying these highly detailed coloring books since they were 4 years old. It is a great balance to original art and allows children to focus on color combinations, balance, precision, and patterns. We use good quality colored pencils with these coloring books. Markers may bleed through depending on the type of marker. Great gift for anyone creative, especially children 5+ along with a set of good quality colored pencils.

5 comments about Carving for Kids: An Introduction to Woodcarving.

1. Parents and their kids will find CARVING FOR KIDS: AN INTRODUCTION TO WOODCARVING an intriguing project guide holding eleven skill-building projects for kids ages 4-17. Not only does the author teach woodcarving as a volunteer: all four of his kids are carvers too: his book is packed with color photos and clear techniques.



2. Purchased to accompany a Christmas gift of a small pocket knife for a six-year old grandson who expressed an interest in whittling, Carving for Kids is written at the appropriate level, well illustrated and includes a suitable range of projects from simple to challenging. He immediately selected a project and went right to work on it.



3. Excellent book for the beginners. My 8 and 9 year olds loved it. This is a must have book for kids.



4. Great little book - it's actually for my husband, who is a begging woodcarver. It has some great basics.
   Book is in very good condition.



5. This book is very informative, full of ideas to get one started into woodcarving. I'm 56 and I benefited greatly from the information to this hobby, that is new to me.

2 comments about Childhood Treasures: Quilts by and for Children.

1. This book showcases a collection of quilts made for and by children for doll beds. Some of them are quite old, whereas others are fairly recent. The photos are well done and the book's layout is easy to read.
   
   I picked this one up on a whim, and while I enjoyed this book, I don't see it having much re-read value for me. I was hoping for some ideas for projects I would want to make in the future, and while it was interesting I wasn't inspired to duplicate any of the children's work.
   
   I'm giving this book 3 stars, mostly because, while interesting, it didn't leave a lasting impression.



2. This delightful book leads the reader into the seldom-explored world of doll quilts. Better still, it helps us imagine the makers of the quilts, as well as the children for whom they were made, and who sometimes learned to make the quilts themselves, however awkwardly. Best of all, the knowledgeable collector and the author, with their historical expertise and their trained eyes, teach us that what speaks to us most clearly is the concept of the quilt, rather than the skill of its construction.--Dorothy Schneider (Mrs. Carl J. Schneider)

5 comments about Everyone's Mandala Coloring Book Vol. 3 (Everyone's Mandala Coloring Book).

1. My love affair with these coloring books has only intensified with the publication of Volume 3! The author's experiences and "story" which inspired this volume are infectious in their appeal. What continues to amaze me is that fact that, depending upon the day, the moment, whatever, individual designs leap out at me. A design that draws me to it one time is rarely the same design that attracts me so forcefully another time. Ahhhh - mandalas. After being exposed to them by Monique, I now see them every where! Hurray! They make the world a better place! Plus, I'm never at a loss for a good gift! I give them to people of all ages who all love them! Keep them coming, Monique!



2. Author, artist, transpersonal psychotherapist and business person all describe what Monique Mandali is, but do not tell you who she is. I've been privileged to meet Monique and I know that she is a seeker traveling her path. Her walking stick is her love for all, especially children. Ms. Mandali offers a series of four coloring books for children and adults. There are three different delights in the original Everyone's Mandala Coloring Book series, each consisting of 22 designs. While the original three books in the series contain designs by the author, the latest (and perhaps greatest) has 25 peace mandalas from children all around the world. The Peace Mandala Coloring Book is very special because the mandalas are designed by children unencumbered by the pressure of adult living. Further, they bring a variety of spiritual as well as geographical cultures to bear.

   Monique Mandali has given us something special. Not only do we find drawings to color that can aid in health and serenity...Everyone's Mandala Coloring Book Series is additionally special because they represent the best part of Monique Mandali, her love!




3. I purchased the whole series. I keep coming back. Its a treat combining one of the best pleasures of childlike doodling with intuitive ramblings on a deeper level. I'm still wholly engaged every time I enter a new one. I'm not sure there could be any "wasted" designs, just ones that appeal to me differently on different days. I'm close to thinking that one day I'll buy these volumes again just for the chance to experience their centers and colors differently. No matter which one I tune in to for the moment, they still have that uncanny quality of helping my work and worries fade so that my center become clearer and rest seems more possible.



4. I have purchased many of the Mandala Designs coloring books for my mom who is 83 and in perfect health. She continues to live in her own home, drives around town and nearby towns, and is active socially with church activities.
   However, there are those days when Mom gets a little down due to seasonal depression, and these coloring books are just the way to pass her time!
   What lovely work! I have to admire her patience in completing each design so intricately and beautifully. I find that I'm having a difficult time keeping up with the speed at which she completes her books!
   They are a great tool for aiding the young during times of bereavement, just for fun on a rainy day, the elderly who are homebound, those who ill, and anyone who loves to color!
   I love to color these designs even though I have quite a busy schedule. A very relaxing hobby!
   Purchase one, color it, and feel yourself relax!
   Marilyn ( age 59 )



5. This author has a series of Mandala coloring books. I have purchased them all. I am having a ball. On my date days I grab one,find my favorite spot and release the child with-in.

4 comments about Toymaking With Children.

1. I recieved this book and really couldn't be more pleased! It begins by describing the purpose of play, and shows us how to best implement positive play in children's lives. It lists some toys that are appropriate for each age group and goes on to describe how to make a number of toys. The ideas i found to be very enlightening, and I so look forward to making some of these wonderful toys! Oh and this book has a waldorf slant to it. An excellent find!



2. This book is a revised and expanded edition of the original book titled "Making Soft Toys" which was published in 1981. The author is a Waldorf Kindergarten teacher. This book discusses the importance of play as seen through a Waldorf education perspective and explains that natural playthings from nature and toys made from natural products are important. The book opens with several essays on the subject of the value of play and the nature of (appropriate) play as seen through the eyes of a Waldorf educator. Simple toys that allow imaginative and creative play are defined as ideal and appropriate for the proper development of the child. The author states that toys made by hand are more appreciated by children and she urges parents to make toys by hand, with the child's help or the child watching. A listing of toys appropriate for different age groups is listed. Discussion about outdoor play, play with dolls, and clean up time is included. Full instructions for over 45 toys are provided. Toys include dolls and doll clothing, knitted animals, wooden playstands and cloths, wooden tree blocks, and carved wooden toys (bridges, animals, spoons, etc.). Using wool roving is explained and instructions for creating pictures with plant-dyed wool end the book. The book is 93 pages long and the instructions are detailed and illustrated with line drawings. If you enjoy crafts and want to make Waldorf-style toys, this book is a must and a good value. Of course you can buy many of these toys already made, but you would save a lot of money by making these yourself.



3. This book gives good ideas for toys to make at home and gives some good description of children's play at different stages. The main problem I have is that I have never carved wood and there are no directions on how to actually carve. I would like to make some of the wooden toys, but I will need to do more research beyond this book to actually be able to carve the wooden toys. So, I guess I'm saying, if you have a base knowledge in sewing and carving, this book is very good....if not, you will need to do some other research in addition to this book.



4. This is a really great book on how to mkae simple, and some not so simple toys for children. Most of them are just beautiful as well.