Erin FoxGet Crafty by Ali Coghlan
(Mercier Press, €14.99)
If you’re new to crafts or you’re always on the lookout for a new craft book to keep creating new projects, Get Crafty, by Ali Coghlan, is ideal for beginners and experienced crafters alike.
The tagline here is “Fun, Creative Crafts for Children” but adults too will want to jump in and get crafty with everything this book has to offer.
Get Crafty has over 40 craft ideas inside. With easy to follow, step-by-step written and visual instructions you can make something for every occasion including birthdays, Hallowe’en, Christmas, Easter and St Patrick’s Day. With great recommendations for affordable materials you will want to make every project all at once.
Children will hardly want to spend most of their time in front of the TV after getting stuck into the projects from this book.
The piñata, fringed bunting and the lady bird balloons are perfect for a DIY birthday party.
You can always stock up on materials and turn your child’s birthday party into a craft making class.
The papier-mâche super hero masks and butterfly masks would go down a storm at a “masked ball” themed party; and who wouldn’t want to go to a Kings and Queens themed party with edible crowns?
Creativity
This isn’t just your average craft book. It highlights the benefits of arts and crafts and encourages creativity and confidence in children.
It inspires children to get outdoors, explore and create wonderful things from their findings. It also encourages valuable bonding time for families. Parents too will enjoy the relaxation of switching off and making things with their children.
Author Ali Coghlan has enjoyed making crafts since her childhood. Many of the projects in the book are inspired by her childhood memories. She established ‘Craftea Parties’ which organises craft parties for children whether they are for birthdays or other special events.
Her blog, www.getcrafty.ie was nominated for the Best Irish Craft Blog award at the Irish Blog Awards in 2013. She also writes a monthly column for the Irish Independent on crafting with kids.