Diamond Art the Amazing New Craft

Seeing your child’s inner artist come out is so special as a parent. But with computer and phone screens everywhere you look it can be difficult to pull your kid away from their devices, especially when kids tire of coloring and painting as they age.  

Lucky for us parents, diamond painting is the new creative hobby that’s taking the arts and crafts world by storm. If you’re interested, I’d love to send you a Diamond Art Kit for review for inclusion in a gift guide or roundup.  

Diamond Art Kits are the perfect gift for the crafty kids in your life. As they place the diamonds one-by-one, the hours fly by as they channel their creativity into a stunning finished masterpiece. 

 

With designs ranging from movie characters, to nature scenes to portraits, there are hundreds of beautiful templates to work off of. 

My Thoughts 

This is amazing as it sounds. So relaxing and zen like. I am a very neurotic person that overthinks and worries about everything. I love things that make me zone out and I don't think about anything for awhile. Things like painting, puzzles, projects all are like therapy for me. This is definitely a fun project to put into that category now. When you unbox it you get ALL of diamonds in little individually wrapped packages with a number letter combo. Beautiful brightly colored jewels in tons of shades. I definitely recommend when you unwrap the canvas for the project that you put it on a table flat and put some heavy books to flatten it out. It is a little creased from being rolled up in the box.  It is definitely nice, soft canvas material. No paper here. Feels like good quality.
You can see a watermarked copy of your image in the background and you can see all the symbols and letters of the coordinating jewel that is supposed to go there. There is a symbol chart on the side of the canvas so you can match up the symbol with the jewel. It also has a protective plastic covering. I recommend only peeling that back for the section you are working on so you can recover it easily. I don't know if you are like me but I have so much dog hair in my house that I can be gone for two weeks and find it on myself before I even come back. Work from the edges into the middle. It comes with an applicator, wax pad, diamond tray, an applicator grip, some plastic baggies if you don't finish a color gem before you call it for the night. Pour some, not all, of the jewels into the tray. Trust me, if these suckers spill, you are going to be sorry. You take the little heart wax pad and dip your applicator into it. Than pick up a gem so the flat side is down and press it onto all of the coordinating symbols. You can do as much or as little as you want. Then whatever you do not finish you can pour into one of the baggies for the next time. Do one color at a time. There is only one tray and only a few baggies included. You don't want to try and do multiple colors or start a new one before you finish. Overall, this is good for teens, older kids, or adults. Crafters all over the world will love this, and you are left with a really fun project when you are done.

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Wood Projects to Do With Your Kids

You’ll never regret spending more quality time with your kids. Creativity is something that connects you both—it’s important for children and adults alike—and woodworking is one of the ways you can channel it together. Try these 3 kid-ready woodworking projects to do with your children. You’ll create something from nothing, both unique wood treasures and unforgettable memories.

Wood Projects to Do With Your Kids

Creating with your kids is infinitely beneficial for their growth. Aside from the physical skills, it builds on your relationship together when you start them early on a mutual hobby. These woodworking projects have little risk and are easy to start with for little to big kids.

Wooden Robot

Robots don’t have to be incredibly advanced in technology to possess the charm that entertains a kid. It only has to be homemade and efforted with love for them to appreciate it. This DIY wooden robot will make for a special toy.

It only takes wooden blocks to make up the main parts of the robot, particularly two cuboids and four cubes. You might have these lying around or even find them in thrift stores.

The two cubes are for the head and body, while the four cuboids are for the hands and feet. To put it all together, you’ll need some low-stretch cotton string, and polyurethane glue.

With a miter box, drill holes on the wood where you’ll attach the string. Using polyurethane glue is ideal because it expands as it dries, filling up the hole and securing the string inside the hole. As an alternative, you can use a sustainable wood filler to fill up the extra space of the holes.

These are easy enough for toddlers. The robot can also function as something to gnaw on for teething babies, provided you used a finisher that allows for this.

Portable Pad Tray with Crayon Holder

This portable pad tray with crayon holder is the perfect balance for both your and your kids’ crafts. After this woodworking project, your child will have something to make their art on. They can even bring it anywhere with them with all their writing and coloring tools.

Starting with the crayon holder, you’ll need a rectangular block of wood. Similar to the wooden robot, your need to drill holes on them with as many slots as the wood can accommodate. To personalize it more, you can paint your child’s name on it.

To make the pad where the paper will be placed on, glue the crayon holder on top of a three-quarter inch of plywood. It should be big enough to fit a 9 inches by 12 inches of paper.

On the other end, glue a 1” X 2 “ ledge to keep the paper from sliding down. This sturdy lap tray will expose your kid to basic woodworking projects and encourage your kid to keep on creating with more kid-friendly tools. Keeping them entertained in planes or while waiting in lines won’t be as hard as before.

Scroll Saw Animal Puzzle

Animal puzzles are one of the most exciting things you can make with a scroll saw. The patterns are enticing to build for kids, though this might be more appropriate for bigger kids considering it exposes them to more risk.

With the scroll saw, you can find several free scroll saw patterns that can all be interesting to work on for big kids. One of which is a family of bear puzzle. You can also find other dinosaur scroll saw patterns, which all kids can find interesting.

You only need to transfer the pattern on the wood and follow it while cutting with the scroll saw. This tool is one of the safest among other woodworking tools, and the small risk it imposes will teach your kid to careful and use it with caution and be responsible with tiny details that might ruin the project.

Conclusion

Some parents struggle with juggling their activities with spending time with their kids. We say, just get out there and merge the two together. It’s never too early to introduce woodworking to your kids. It would only result to an additional skill for them and a more solid relationship between too.

Holiday Gift Guide- A Stocking Stuffer for Art Lovers.

Description-

The instructions are quick visual exercises in Pocket Art: Portrait Drawing, the first book in the new Pocket Art series.

This lively, graphic approach to explaining concepts will have you looking and learning with step-by-step illustrations and expert tips straight from London-based artist Joanna Henly (aka Miss Led). This compact 112-page book is just right for carrying in a backpack or pocket for when you’re learning on the go.

Henly begins by guiding you through your initial set up, then moves on to "Understanding the Face." She takes you through every detail of capturing facial features and expressions, and mastering the rendering of hair and skin. Her exercises demonstrate and reinforce everything you learn as you go along.

The author-

Joanna Henly, well known by her professional name, Miss Led, is an illustrator, artist, and art director based in East London. As an illustrator, she works by commission for corporate brands, products, packaging, and advertising campaigns with specific experience within fashion, beauty, and technology sectors. As an artist, she works on projects from portrait commissions to large scale complex works. These are often in public spaces or live performances. In addition, she creates personal work, which is exhibited globally, and sells beautiful prints and originals online.

Jo is a strong promoter of professional practice within her art and illustration, including as a Global Ambassador for Liquitex paints and European Ambassador for Wacom. She is also a passionate educator, promoted via social media and podcasts to her online audience, which reaches 1.3 million people.

Specs-

Format: Paperback / softback, 112 Pages

ISBN: 9781631594694

Illustrations: 200 color images

Size: 5 in x 8 in / 127 mm x 203.2 mm

Published: April 24, 2018

My Thoughts-

As an art teacher, one of the projects my students struggle with the most are portraits. There's something about looking at a face and drawing it that make artists more critical of their work. Every year I usually assign a self portrait and a classmate portrait for them to work on their skills. When I heard of this book by author, Joanna Henly, I knew this would be the perfect addition to my classroom. 

Henly really did a fantastic job covering every area of portraits. Whether it is drawing facial structures, noses, lips, etc, it is covered in this book. Reading through it, I felt even more aware of better ways to do them myself and how to teach them. The imagery is absolutely beautiful with both black and white and colored images. The directions are easy to follow and provide a step by step guide for artists of all experience levels. It is the perfect size to carry around wherever you go too! 

If you are a budding artist or know someone who is, this is perfect for your holiday gift shopping. I can't recommend this book enough! 

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Learn to Make your own Bath Bombs and more with Fizz Boom Bath book

I adore shopping and smelling fragrant bath bombs. How do they get them so colorful and fragrant? It might be a lot of fun to try and create my own. It could be stress relieving, both making them and then using them in the bath. Where and how do I begin? What ingredients to use? How to mold….so many questions. 

I have found the answers – Fizz Boom Bath is a how to book created by two of the most successful bath bomb creators. Isabel and Caroline Bercaw have been making bath bombs since 2012. Their passion for a hobby has blossomed into a multimillion dollar business. In Fizz Boom Bath, they are sharing their expertise for any home do it yourself crafter to follow. 

My first impression of the book – it is brightly colored and exciting to read! The colors pop off the pages! There are many full color photos of the completed bath and beauty recipes. The first two chapters explain the ingredients and the supplies needed to get started. These are not hard to find ingredients, most can be found in local craft stores. 

The recipes are tantalizing. Fruity fragrances are my favorite so I am drawn to the Tangerine Tempter and Tiki Time bath bombs. If you like florals, there is a section of recipes just for you. One of my favorite recipes – on my must make soon list – the Color Changing Birthday Bomb. This recipe is a cake scented purple bomb that changes to a deep purple core while dissolving. It is a more complex recipe so I will attempt it after a few simpler recipes. 

There are more than bath bomb recipes. Several recipes are included for face masks, scrubs, lip balms and more beauty products. Each can be made at home. Think of the fun and the savings of making your own at home! 

Look for Fizz Boom Bath at your favorite book seller. It makes a fun gift for any crafter. How about putting together a basket with this book and some ingredients to get started! 

Show off your cat pride with this new book from, The Quarto Group!

Doodled Cats is packed with creative prompts, fun feline facts, and step-by-step doodling projects for the feline fanatic in you—the perfect book for on-the-go artists.

In Doodled Cats, beloved artist and illustrator Gemma Correll provides inspiration and ideas for doodling a variety of different cat breeds in a fun, quirky style. From a Persian and a Sphynx to a Scottish Fold and Siamese, doodle enthusiasts will learn to draw and doodle all their favorite feline friends, in addition to anthropomorphic cats, fashionable furballs, and even cats in hats! A bonus project demonstrates how to create your own cat-doodled mug.

This compact, hardcover book makes the perfect gift for on-the-go creative types and cat lovers alike.

DOODLED CATS

By Gemma Correll

9781633226531

160 pages

US $14.99, CAN $19.99

June 26, 2018

Walter Foster Publishing

My Thoughts:

Cats are one of my favorite animals! They're so independent and full of vigor. When I saw the adorable designs of Doodled Cats, I knew it would be a hit in my classroom (and for me personally). My students range from around 8 to 15 and this book has designs for all types of artistic levels from beginners to experienced. I loved the step by step guides to each design, as well as the cats designed as known figures in our society today.

The other adorable aspect of this book is the cute little illustrations and stories. These can be fun to read or to try and recreate for your own customized designs. You can even add your own real life feline friend!

If you're looking for a gift for your favorite cat lover or a fun activity book to enjoy, I highly recommend Doodled Cats!

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The Rx for boredom: Squishies, Slime, and Putty!

Super Squishies, Slime, and Putty

Over 35 Safe, Borax-Free Recipes

Tessa Sillars-Powell

PUB. DATE: AUGUST 2018

Paperback, 112 pp., 6 11/16 " x 8 7/8"

ISBN 978-1-4380-1253-7

$12.99, Can$15.99

Get ready to discover the cutest squishies, slimes, and putties on the planet! Who needs a plain old-fashioned craft project when you can create 36 incredible crafts, including a narwal, panda, poop emoji, skull, cactus, or cake? You'll also find:

Instructions for making your own squishies: the hottest trend for kids under 12
Breaking trends for slime-making and playing with it in cool ways
Next-level slime recipes and putty recipes, including a slime unicorn frappe, slime eggs on toast, fidget spinner putty, and farting putty (a kid crowd-pleaser)
Popular fluffy slime, clear slime, magnetic slime, spider web slime, and glow in the dark slime
Carefully designed projects that are safe for children to make with adult supervision
Ingredients that are all easy to find
and much more.
This is the perfect craft book for big kids who love getting their hands dirty—in a good way! (Ages 7 and up).

My Thoughts:

There are few things as fun and relaxing as making your own slime and putty. Upon seeing the fun designs on the cover of Super Squishies, Slime, and Putty I knew I needed to look through this book! With over thirty crafts from animals to food, there is something for every child and adult alike.

The imagery in the book was one of my favorite aspects. Plus, there are also recipes inside for making everything at home! There are even designs for creating your squishies into key chains to hang from your phone or other devices. One of my favorites was the fox I shared in the photo!

If you are looking for something fun to do with your family, I highly recommend this book! It's perfect for any arts and crafts library!

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Creative Books for Older Kids. Let them build!

When I was growing up, I enjoyed being creative by taking things apart then putting them back together. I liked to make things from scratch using parts from here and there. I guess you could say I was an imaginative builder.

 
Here are a series of books sure to delight the young adult creative builder in your family. For ages between 10 and 14+ these books will delight with fun projects the whole family can be part of.

 
For ages 10+: Stick Sketch School: An Animal Artventure - Mastering the Art of Stick Figure Critters
by Billy Attinger and Rachel Kochackis
More on the artistic side, this book is a learning to draw book. The simple pencil designs are detailed for easy following. I like the bright color and funny illustrations. The color adds to the fun. Simple drawing techniques with lines, and shapes create a wide variety of animal critters. There are many creatures to draw. Lots of fun!
Paperback, 144 pages, 200+ color illustrations
$19.99 US / $25.99 CAN
ISBN: 9781631063053

For ages 14+
Duct Tape Engineer: The Book of Big, Bigger, and Epic Duct Tape Projects by Lance Akiyama
I know they say duct tape can fix anything. How about creating with it? I have seen Duct tape prom dresses and more! In this book, duct tape is used in many forms to make simple things like a cardboard chair to a more complex patio swing. I found this interesting to see the way the duct tape is layered to make sheets. These sheets are then used to make the sides of many projects. The cover image of a duct tape backpack looks like a lot of fun to make. The projects will require other materials and tools so make sure kids have adult supervision. Who knew duct tape could make a kayak?
Trade Paperback , 160 Page, 200 color photos
$22.99 US /$29.99 CAN
ISBN 9781631591303

Rubber Band Engineer by Lance Akiyama
Very much like the Duct Tape Engineer, this book features many projects using rubber bands plus a lot of other materials. The designs appear a little more complex. Inside there are plans for slingshot rockets, catapults and more. A perfect book for young students wanting to explore engineering.
Format: Paperback / softback, 144 Pages
$22.99
ISBN: 9781631591044

  
Star Wars: Build a Scene -  Build Papercraft Scenes from a Galaxy Far, Far Away by Benjamin Harper and Claudio Dias
A favorite movie series is available as a buildable paper model. Inside this book are the paper cutouts to create 3 different Star Wars scenes. There is a lot of parts just like making a regular model. All the pieces are marked with a very detailed instruction book. Also included is a push button LED light unit to add to the scenes. This will take a lot of patience to build. Star Wars makes it fun!
Kit w/ 48 page booklet
$19.99 US / $24.99 CAN
ISBN: 9780760353158

Look for each of these titles at your favorite book seller or online.

Many thanks to Quarto for providing the review product.
Disclosure: No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. Gratis product was received in order to write my honest and unbiased review. The opinions above are my own and were not influenced in any way. Others experience may vary.

Enjoy Hours of Fun with Modeling Clay!

Modeling Clay with 3 Basic Shapes

Model More than 40 Animals with Teardrops, Balls, and Worms

Bernadette Cuxart

PUB. DATE: SEPTEMBER 2016

Paperback, 96 pp., 8 7/8" x 10 1/2"

ISBN 978-1-4380-0908-7

$11.99, Can $14.50 

Teachers, parents, and kids will adore this book that's bursting with fun-filled projects. With three basic shapes (ball, worm, and teardrop), children will learn how to create personality-filled critters. All techniques described are easy for children to master, and kids will be delighted by the wonderful array of animals they can make with a little bit of clay and a whole lot of imagination.

A step-by-step guide to creating more than 40 clay animals.

Cute photos, numbered steps, helpful illustrations, crystal-clear directions, and some funny text help kids unleash their creativity and artistic talents. Projects include everything from pandas, owls, rhinos, kittens, puppies, snakes, koala bears, raccoons, snails, turtles, fish, and more. 

They'll look forward to rainy days!

A summary of projects and a helpful guide to techniques at the beginning of the book will help you create dozens of different, fun, and original clay figures. Perfect for a rainy day or art class project, or as a fun way to foster and encourage creativity. (Ages 4–8). 

My Thoughts:

As an assistant art teacher, I am always looking for fun ideas for my students. They love doing projects where they can have fun with clay. It was one of the main activities they all asked for during the summer and fall season of our camp. Nothing beats getting to craft their favorite animals. With ages ranging from around 8 and up, each child was able to find a fun idea that worked for them. 

Author Bernadette Cuxart, creates a step by step guide in her book. Each animal has it's own section in the book with instructions on how to create each shape, as well as detailed features. Any additional crafting tools are also shown as well. The instructions are very user friendly for learners of all ages, as well as parents, grandparents and/or teachers who are overlooking the projects. I enjoyed how intricate the animals come out. Although they are all made from three basic shapes, ball, worm, and teardrop, each creation had it's own flare.

For those that are teaching groups, it is nice that each student will generally be starting with the same basics. It makes it nice for the teachers, but also fun for the kids who can work together to help one another make something that is alike, yet they get to incorporate their own unique creativity with through the projects in this book.

I would highly recommend, Modeling Clay with 3 Basic Shapes, for anyone looking for activities that will lead to hours of fun for kids and adults alike! 

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