Softies: A craft book for the (relatively) non-crafty

Ok, so this book called to me from the front table at Powell's City of Books. I happen to have a little thing for items made of felt. I don't sew, I don't craft (really), but something about the bold shapes and colors, and precise stitches, and yes, the soft squeezability of little hand-sewn creatures appeals to me. So when I saw Softies: Simple Instructions for 25 Plush Pals beckoning to me from the table, I pretty much grabbed it and headed to the checkout.

Inside, you'll find more than felt. Projects range from easy to challenging, but it's all so clearly laid-out it feels doable. You'll have to do a few basic stitches, there's some machine sewing in there, along with needle felting and one adorable crochet project, but boy are the results gorgeous. Plenty of gift and ornament ideas, although this book is in no way Christmas-y. One of my favorites: The Lonely Dollop. Ask yourself why it might be lonely.

The folks at Chronicle were kind enough to send me a giveaway copy, and I'm thrilled to pass it along to a lucky Parenthacker! To enter, answer the following question in the comments:

What's your favorite source (website or book) for simple kids' crafts?

I'll choose a winner tomorrow at 5pm. Good luck!

Comments

[jennifer]

I love Rookie Moms for fun parenting activities. Here are some of my favorite simple crafty ideas on there:
http://www.rookiemoms.com/make-some-easy-kids-pants/ (some sewing involved, but cute)
http://www.rookiemoms.com/spell-it-out/
http://www.rookiemoms.com/alter-your-board-books/
http://www.rookiemoms.com/keepsake-your-favorite-baby-clothes/
http://www.rookiemoms.com/announce-babys-arrival/ (nice photo tips)

[jennifer]

I love Rookie Moms for fun parenting activities. Here are some of my favorite simple crafty ideas on there:
How to make baby/toddler pants out of a t-shirt. Minimal sewing involved, but cute
http://www.rookiemoms.com/make-some-easy-kids-pants/

Neat idea for putting kid's name on clothes or whatever
http://www.rookiemoms.com/spell-it-out/

Altering board books!
http://www.rookiemoms.com/alter-your-board-books/

Making a scrapbook out of memorable baby clothes
http://www.rookiemoms.com/keepsake-your-favorite-baby-clothes/

[Caryn Bailey]

I really like the following websites

http://www.dltk-kids.com/

http://freestuff4kids.net/

http://www.marthastewartcrafts.com/

[Angela]

I am almost ashamed to admit this.. but martha stewart kids!!

I blogged ya :)
http://contestaddict.blogspot.com

[Julia]

We've used Kids Craft Weekly. :)

[kelly loyd]

I look forward to being able to do crafts with my son, he's still too young.

[Priscilla]

I like the Busy Toddler book, and I also like the Little Hands series (e.g., Little Hands Big Fun Craft Book). I have also used this website for some ideas:
http://www.craftbits.com/

[Bebemiqui]

I go to Parents.com

[jessie]

awesome giveaway!
i like to go to familyfun.com please enter me.

[Lacey]

i have used the little pre-k waldorf currculums at little acorn learning and a little flower garden. they incorporate crafts into seasonal themes, using lots of lovely objects from nature. also, ilove searching flickr for craft ideas.

[amy]

Loved Kiddley, and while I understand everyone needs a break, I do hope they have the urge to return again soon. :)

[Alyson LaBarge]

http://www.familyfun.com/, http://www.dltk-kids.com/,
and http://childfun.com/ are my faves!

[Alyson LaBarge]

Some of my favorite crafty kids links are http://www.familyfun.com/, http://www.dltk-kids.com/,
and http://childfun.com/.;)

[Brandy]

I have a vintage Disney print book that details all sorts of crafts for kids. Flibbers and other such items that I enjoyed making as a child.

We've made pinwheels, and racing catiplillers as well as walnut boats and yes, flibbers. So much fun and everything is kid friendly. ^-^

[Liz]

Kiddley was my favorite, too.

[Lisa]

I love Kiddley for Crafts with my nieces!

[kitty]

My fave are the Klutz books.