“…like having your best friend show you all of the best crafts that *actually* worked with her kids, and then telling you how to make it work in your family.”
The Artful Year: Celebrating the Seasons and Holidays with Crafts and Recipes Written by Artful Parent blogger and author Jean Van’t Hul, features over 175 family friendly arts, crafts and recipes that will inspire you to celebrate the season and holidays with your kids.
Lucky me, I received a copy to review. Books links are Amazon affiliate links – should you choose to purchase and use that link you’ll support Creative With Kids at no extra cost to yourself, thank you!
What I Love:
This book is like having your best friend show you all of the best crafts that *actually* worked with her kids, and then telling you how to make it work in your family. Because the book is so pretty, it’s a fun way to connect with your kids as you flip through thinking about what you want to do together. Jean’s pictures will entice even kids who are not super crafty to get excited about doing something with you, and you can trust that her activities will be do-able, not some complex frustrating endeavor.
The book is laid out in such a way that you can open it and flip through looking for gorgeous photos to inspire you, then easily see the instructions on the facing page. As a very visual person, I appreciate that nearly every activity has a photo, or photos to go with it, making it easy to page through and find a project to do.
Because Jean is extremely skilled at children’s arts and crafts, she is able to give instructions in an approachable, easy to follow fashion, no matter whether you feel you are “the creative type” or not. The Artful Year is arranged seasonally, so it offers an opportunity to brighten up any day with your kids with crafts or cooking that match the current season or holiday.
You’ll also find ‘Favorite Books’ recommended throughout, so you can head to the library for a seasonal storybook.
What I love best about Jean’s writing style is that I can read, get inspired and then remember much of what to do without having to look back at the book over and over; this makes it much easier to do a project with three kids. When I do need to look back at a recipe or craft instruction, I appreciate the clean layout which makes it easy to read.
I’ve been on a clean out mission lately and cleared out bags and bags of books; I’ve been collecting arts and crafts books for ages, but it was time to reduce to only ones I’ll actually use. This is one of the handful that will retain a spot on my shelf.
[easyazon_link identifier=”1611801494″ locale=”US” tag=”snglbkpost-20″]The Artful Year[/easyazon_link]opens up simple opportunities to enjoy celebrating the seasons with kids all year long.
Who I’d Recommend The Artful Year For:
Moms and dads who’d like visually inspiring “eye candy” that will get them doing creative projects with their kids; teachers looking for projects they can be sure will work out and will let them bring seasonal celebrations into the classroom; grandparents who want to have a fun activity ready to make memories when their grandkids visit.
In Three Words: Inspiring, Do-able, Connection
Find both [easyazon_link identifier=”1611801494″ locale=”US” tag=”snglbkpost-20″]The Artful Year[/easyazon_link] and Jean’s previous book, [easyazon_link identifier=”1590309642″ locale=”US” tag=”holidea-20″]The Artful Parent: Simple Ways to Fill Your Family’s Life with Art and Creativity[/easyazon_link], on Amazon.com or at a bookstore near you.
Let me know if you have any questions about the book – I’d be happy to tell you more 🙂
~Alissa
What is the youngest age you think kids might be ready to start crafting with this book?
I would say you could start with toddlers with many of these activities – for the youngest children you would be involved in a lot more of the set up and doing, of course, but I open this and feel like I could work together with a 2 year old on much of what I see.
Awesome – thanks! I do already have her other book – the artful parent and have greatly enjoyed her guidance. I have two littles – my eldest is two and wants to craft with Mommy almost everyday…..lol So, I’m learning as fast as I can. I’m trying to spy all the other titles I see on your bookshelf – would you recommend any of those in particular for a new, not so crafty mom trying to keep her toddler busy and happy? Thanks much!!!
What a great review! I’m also a fan of this book and so happy to see it on your shelf too, Alissa.
This is great! Thanks so much for the review. I love to craft with my daughter and highly value others’ contributions to our artful play. This looks like a book I will certainly purchase.
This is so good to being creative with your kids. They learn and u will have fun…. Parents are the best teachers at home