I often get books in for review, and I try to look at them promptly to get the review published but this one kept disappearing. I found my five-year-old planning his birthday party out of it, and then discovered my seven-year-old long after bedtime re-writing his favourite crafts from the book into his journal for fear that I wouldn’t let him have the book again. My five-year-old even packed it to bring on a weekend to Granny’s as his reading material. I think you could definitely say that this book has family appeal.
The book in question is “Get Crafty” a charming book by Wicklow mum-of-three Ali Coghlan (You might know her blog Hey Ali)
The photography in “Get Crafty” is magnificent, bright and colourful with clear images showing what to do, it give the book a lovely feel and really sets the tone, and that’s what drew the kids in.
There are over forty projects in the book, with chapters divided into “Getting Started” which lists 15 craft essentials to get you started, Back to Basics, It’s Party Time, Make and Play!, Celebrations throughout the Year.
My personal favourites are the edible party hats, driftwood sailboats, and jelly playdoh, but the mini tea party cups are just adorable too, who knew how cute toilet roll holders could be?
I often look at websites for craft ideas but I have to say that the projects in Get Crafty are all very fresh and new to me. There are a lot of projects that involve play afterwards which really appeals to me, like the kite, or the Mini Ice Cream Shop, it’s great it’s not just a question of “make and display/dispose” but the crafts have a second purpose, to play.
It’s a really lovely book, worth looking out for. It’s RRP is €14.99 but I just noticed that Mercier Press have it reduced to €11.99 on their website so now is a good time to buy, get them while they’re gone. It’d make a lovely gift or keep your own kids busy on wet afternoons. Now, who’s stolen my copy again?
**giveaway now closed**
If you’d like to win a copy of – comment below or on the pinned post on facebook, I’ll randomly select a winner on Thursday 24th. Competition open to Ireland only. The prize will be send to the winner directly by Mercier Press.
Disclosure: I received a review copy and a competition copy from Mercier Press, but as always my opinions are my own (and my kids’).
