Wednesday, February 25, 2015

The Paper Playhouse: Art Projects for Kids & Giveaway


 Having two young girls that love to craft and create, I always find it a bit of a challenge finding art projects for them that are easy enough that they can work independently a little, projects that use materials we have on hand without having to run to the store, and turn out cute enough for them to proudly display and use.  In fact, I subscribed for a long time to a craft box that came monthly just because I became frustrated in trying to come up with projects, materials, etc. myself.  

So when I read that my friend, Katrina, had written a book that was all about awesome art projects for kids, I was so excited.  Not only because I was so happy for her, but I knew the book would be amazing and might just fulfill my criteria for art projects with my girls.  

I first met Katrina in New York City.  She was a fellow winner of the Country Living Magazine Blue Ribbon Blogger Award (in the crafting category) and in the little time I spent with her, I came to know her as very kind, very genuine and very creative.  I thoroughly enjoyed getting to visit and spend a little time with her, and since then, I've faithfully followed her beautiful blog and feel like I know her even better now. 


 What I didn't expect to happen when I received the book is that I would become so inspired.  I knew it would be beautiful and I knew after reading her blog for so long that her projects would be fun and sweet.  But I became so inspired to create with my girls, inspired to use materials we have laying around (like cardboard boxes and junk mail), and inspired to make art accessible to my girls.  So much so that I cancelled my craft box subscription, and fully intend to carve out a special "creative space" for my girls as soon as our upstairs/bathroom renovation is complete so that they can create whenever they like.  I've started saving little things, like certain cardboard boxes and paper scraps.  What I love about this book is that so many of the projects rely on recycled or up-cycled materials.  It makes crafting and art so accessible and enjoyable.

In the introduction, Katrina wrote a paragraph that I wanted to share because I feel like it epitomizes what I want art with my girls to be:

"In creating this book I have three goals in mind: to foster inspiration, to make art accessible, and to encourage adults and children to see the creative potential in castoff materials. I want you to feel as if you have permission. I want you to feel as if you have full access. And I want you to feel inspired! These projects are not meant to be created perfectly without a wrinkle, dent, or other “imperfection.” They are not meant to be replicated exactly or with great precision. Instead, they are meant to be used as a starting point. As an entryway into making art projects using paper, boxes, and books. They are meant to be enjoyed by children and adults alike."


 The book is filled with projects, many using materials that you would likely already have on hand.  For each project there are gorgeous photos, including step-by-step photos (a must for me) and a photo of materials. 


 Along with step-by-step photos, there are also step-by-step instructions.  I love that this gave us the confidence to follow along at first and then branch out a little on our own as inspiration struck. 

Photo Credit: The Paper Playhouse

 There are so many unique projects, including an Airstream trailer, a dollhouse, handmade books, mobiles, masks, and even a classic lemonade stand. 


I honestly feel like the projects in this book are meant for all ages.  There are some projects that worked great for my younger girls.  Even Rosetta, who is just 3 1/2, was able to participate hands-on, like making this paper crown.  She felt like she made it entirely by herself.  There are also some projects that require a little more assistance from an adult, depending on the age of your child, like the VW  bus pictured below.  Some of the projects are so cute I would make them myself to display, such as paper garlands. 


 This VW bus was a project that Jillian wanted to do so badly.  Justus actually did this project with her (so sweet) and I love how it turned out.


She added a few of her own little touches and has it on display in her bedroom.  Who knew that a milk box and duct tape could look so cute! 


Another fun project was making these crowns and wands.  This is a great example of using the template and step-by-step instructions in the book to make the project, but then letting your children use their imagination and creativity to decorate as they like.  I can even envision making these at a birthday party! 


 The truth is, I feel like I owe Katrina so many thanks for giving me the confidence I needed to foster an environment where my children and I can create together and enjoy doing so.  I think this book is special and unique and so very inspiring. I think you will love it as much as I do.  (You can also read more about her book here on her blog.)

Also, Katrina is kindly giving away a copy of her book to one Keeping It Cozy reader!  I'm so excited!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This giveaway is now closed.  The randomly selected winner was Debby!   

All you need to do is leave a comment in this post and I will choose a winner one week from today, next Wednesday, March 4, 2015.  You do not need to have a blog to enter, just be sure to leave your email address so I have a way of contacting you should you win! 

*For shipping purposes, the winner must provide an address in the US, Canada, or the UK.*

You can find The Paper Playhouse on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, or Quarry's book shop.


48 comments:

  1. The book looks wonderful. I have three grandchildren ages 4,5 and 7 who would love the projects. Please include me in the drawing. Love your blog!

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  2. Well, I don't sign up for many giveaways but with 12 grandkids I think this would be great fun...they are all ages so there should be a project for everyone. Thanks- Hope you have a great rest of the week. xo Diana

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  3. What a cute book and great giveaway!! I would love to win this book. Thank you so much for the chance! ~ Jamie
    e-mail: jamieasper77@gmail.com

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  4. What a creative book! It would definitely keep the kiddos busy for a while

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  5. Hi there, stranger!! LOVE your sweet projects...your girls are growing up, and are just beautiful :) Hope you are doing well!

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  6. I would love to win this adorable book!

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  7. This would be a fun book for my grandchildren and me. We love making things together.

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  8. This looks fantastic and I know we would thoroughly enjoy all of the crafts!

    ~Julia

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  9. Looks like some fun projects, and I love that she wants to encourage creativity. :)
    merryhenke at yahoo dot com

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  10. Just ordered on Amazon as I am a nanny to a sweet two year old girl and we like to be busy with crafts! Her mommy will be so happy we are being creative!! Thank you for sharing!

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  11. This would be awesome for my girls! I have 4 of them ages 3-11! Thanks for the opportunity...taraklaassen@hotmail.com

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  12. I craft with my 4 year old granddaughter, this would add to the wonderful creative crafts we could do together. The ones your daughters created are lovely!
    Xo

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  13. My email is dagmar.1949@gmail.com. (Previous comment):)

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  14. I like the idea of letting my children be creative, but when the moment comes that they need something to do, I'm usually blank on ideas or without the right supplies in the house. This book sounds like a good jumpstart. Angie at vernonmartin@verizon.net

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  15. I would love to have this book on hand to keep my young children busy, especially during this long winter.

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  16. Oh, this would be a great book to use with my two young granddaughters! They love anything to do with creating and art. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  17. Oops, forgot to add email. Adoannie97@yahoo.com

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  18. Love this! My granddaughters love all kind of crafts !beva47@gmail.com

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  19. Delightful! Perfect for my grandchildren! {mconway60@gmail.com}

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  20. This book looks really fun! My son is starting to approach the age of making things...

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  21. This looks like so much fun! My grandchildren would love this! Your girls are precious! kmarlowfam@yahoo.com

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  22. Your girls have gotten so big! I would have loved this book when mine were the ages of yours. And I'd love it for one of the libraries in our school district--which is why I'm entering your giveaway. :-)

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  23. Oh what lovely projects :) These would be perfect to use with my little Kindergarten co-op class!! Thanks for the great giveaway! Becky J abcjones@comcast.net

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  24. It would be called "keeping busy at Grandma's" I love the play house.

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  25. I enjoy reading your blog. This art project book would be a wonderful item for my 6-year-old who loves projects! I can see some of these being Cub Scout meeting projects also (well, maybe not the crown and wand... boys don't appreciate them quite as much). JanL (TCFJANOHIO at sbcglobal.net)

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  26. I do not consider myself to be a "crafty" mom at all. This book would be such a blessing as it looks to make the projects simple and manageable ~ especially eliminating the need to go hither and tither to find all the necessary supplies. Love the photos on her pages. Now, you've inspired me!
    Thank you for sharing.
    Carol from WA -
    puretsimple.blogspot.com

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  27. What a wonderful book! I have five grandchildren and this would be a wonderful resource for special time with them. If I don't win this copy, I will buy my own! Thanks for sharing! vickiobenhaus@hotmail.com

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  28. Oh my, my grand kids would love this! I can see us having a lot of craft time play dates with this!!
    dlord at pineprop dot com.

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  29. Hi, this book sounds awesome. I have three very creative daughters that would really enjoy these projects! I like the idea of simple materials too-- I think that helps them learn to be even more creative. My mom told me that her mom used Sears catalogues to make paper dolls and I love stories like that

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  30. This is so cute, I've never seen something like it. My boys would love it! And I regularly check your blog because your house is so beautiful!! adesplin@gmail.com

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  31. Oh my goodness. This sounds like an amazing book!!!
    I would love to start crafting and creating some fun projects.

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  32. Thank you so much, Andrea! What a beautiful gift to know that the book has inspired you to create a craft space for your girls. And I'm smitten with your VW bus project. Smitten! So glad our paths crossed in NY and hope they'll cross (in person) one day again soon. xoxo

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  33. What fun for me as a grandma to play with my grands! Thanks. Bows9665@gmail.com

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  34. Oooh, what a fun give-away! My three little girls (and I!) would love this. Thanks!

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  35. That kind of book is right up my alley! We are definitely into crafts here. It would be great to win this! Thank you!

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  36. My friend has this book and it is lovely, very simple and clear directions. I would love to win it!
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

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  37. Fun! Hours of fun! nancysmith6367@gmail.com

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  38. oh my, that vw bus is adorable. looks like an amazing book to help kids get inspired and creative.

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  39. What an engaging and inspiring book! We love it!

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  40. What a great book!!! I love the house made from a box that kids can fit into:) I'd love that as a kid!!!
    annejk112233 at yahoo dot com

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  41. What fun projects. Something that would keep wee ones busy for hours. Love it!

    CinCapri@gmail.com

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  42. This book looks like so so much fun!

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  43. So cute! Kids will love this. This is a great creative outlet. - shaunie
    contact by replying (or by mentioning on twitter.com/sandyhills25)

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  44. Love your blog and the book looks fantastic!

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