Crafty Moms Share

Keeping the Meaning of Christmas in Your Family's Life during the Crazy Holiday Season

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Every holiday season I look for resources to help my family keep Jesus in the front of our minds. This year I found two books--one for me and one for Hazel (and possibly the whole family) to read together. Both are from Sarah Young's Jesus Calling series. I am sharing them nice and early so you can get a copy for yourself and your family and experience Jesus during the crazy season. The one for children is Jesus Calling The Story of Christmas.

Today I am going to share a bit of the history of the tale, Rumpelstiltskin as well as a newer version of it that will make many feminists very happy. Let's just say the miller's daughter does not marry the mean king!! Let's start with the history of the tale of this funny, little man who can spin straw into gold.

Disclosure: Tuttle Publishing sent me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Tonight I am sharing with you a fun book to make beautiful paper flowers. It is Paper Flowers Chinese Style by Liu Fang and Yue Yunyun. Now Hazel loves making flowers but has not explored this book with me.

We are back to weekly Sharing Saturdays!! It is time for Sharing Saturday!! This is a link party to share all of your child-oriented crafts, crafts made for kids, activities and lessons as well as your parenting and/or teaching posts. So glad you joined us!!

On Sunday night we also host Crafty Weekends for all your crafts (done by any age), patterns, and craft product reviews! It is the perfect place to share your creative side!! And if you have any cultural or diverse posts be sure to share them over at Multicultural Kid Blogs Creative Kids Culture Blog Hop (a new one starts on Sunday).

Last week we brought back our Fairy Tales in Different Cultures and introduced the tale of Rumpelstiltskin. This week we are going to look at another version of Rumpelstiltskin. This one is written by Virginia Hamilton and illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon and is called The Girl Who Spun Gold. In the author's notes about the story Virginia shares a bit of history of the Rumpelstiltskin tale and shares that this West Indian version is written what is called black dialect.

It is time to see what you have been creating! This week I am skipping sharing a craft or reviewing a craft book. I have had an exciting week starting a new career as a Thirty-One Consultant (you can shop here to support me) and this weekend I have been visiting my parents since Hazel has a long weekend and we spent today doing a walk to support the Alzheimer's Family & Caregiver Support Center who do amazing things and never charge anyone!! We would love to have you support us by donating here. Now onto seeing your features and crafts!! Thank you to everyone who shared with us at our last party. It was a fun party with lots of creativity shared! There were many autumn crafts shared last week!! Below are a few of the features from our last party, but be sure to go back and check out the many great crafts shared! Please remember for your child-oriented crafts, activities, lessons, etc. Sharing Saturday is going on!! We are back to weekly Sharing Saturdays now!! be sure to stop by and share your kid-oriented activities!! And if you have cultural posts be sure to share them at Creative Kids Culture Blog Hop this month! I can't wait to see what your latest creations!!

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I have to admit that I am having trouble keeping up with my reading and the great books keep on coming in. Of course this week hasn't helped since I have been focused on starting my new career as a Thirty-One Consultant. I would love to have you shop my party this month and help me kick off my new career. There are wonderful choices for gifts and more! But back to my books. I have a large number of books to review and have not gotten through all of them, so I am going to share some with you today and I will admit that I have not finished them yet (but I don't have room on my review shelves for them either). These books are perfect for ages 7 to 12 so second through sixth grade. We will start with one that is perfect for Hispanic Heritage Month which ends on Monday. The book is Merci Suarez Changes Gear by Meg Medina.

Disclsoure: I was sent these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

It is hard to believe it is already October. That means we need to think about Halloween. Now I have posted in the past how Halloween is not our favorite holiday and how Hazel hates October because of the gory and scary decorations in yards and stores. When Hazel was young we found some Halloween books she loved, but not too many. Today we are going to share two more Halloween books that are fun and two books that involve dressing up, being yourself and being kind and making friends. All of these books are for kids in the age range of 3 to 8. We will start with Skelly's Halloween by David Martin and illustrated by Lori Richmond.

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books as part of the BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Do you have or know a child (especially a girl) who struggles with being enough? Today I am sharing two Christian books that use faith, God's love and more to help teenagers and young women realize their own potential, faith and self confidence. The first book is Unshakable Hope Student Edition Promise Book by Max Lucado.

Some of my most popular posts are the ones in my Fairy Tales in Different Cultures series. I have been considering bringing it back. Then when I was at the library the other day the children's librarian mentioned some different versions of Rumpelstiltskin. I decided to check out what versions there are of Rumpelstiltskin and Sleeping Beauty. So today I am sharing Rumpelstiltskin retold and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. (I also have big news down at the end of the post!)

It is time to see what you have been creating! This week I am skipping sharing a craft or reviewing a craft book since I have a cold and know I won't be able to write a good post. So onto seeing your features and crafts!! Thank you to everyone who shared with us at our last party. It was a fun party with lots of creativity shared! There were many autumn crafts shared last week!! Below are a few of the features from our last party, but be sure to go back and check out the many great crafts shared! Please remember for your child-oriented crafts, activities, lessons, etc. Sharing Saturday is going on!! We are back to weekly Sharing Saturdays now!! be sure to stop by and share your kid-oriented activities!! And if you have cultural posts be sure to share them at Creative Kids Culture Blog Hop this month! I can't wait to see what your latest creations!!

Today (October 4) is National Taco Day!! I know I am having tacos for lunch. How about you? In honor of it I thought I would share some fun facts and a taco recipe and craft round-up. Then get out and get yourself a taco!!

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Do you know a child who has trouble communicating his or her feelings? Or maybe one who hates writing thank you notes and other letters? This book is perfect for them and really for any kid who wants to have fun, express him/herself and laugh. The book is Sign Here by Gabrielle Djanogly and illustrated by Adele Mildred.

There is nothing better than a homemade cookie fresh out of the oven. What is your favorite kind? Today, October 1st, is National Homemade Cookie Day, so I thought I would share some fun facts and a cookie recipe round-up so you can get baking!!

Disclosure: I will receive a small percentage from any purchases made from the Dollar Tree links. All opinions are my own!

This week I am sharing some easy fall crafts with supplies from Dollar Tree. They had some cute autumn ribbons. I chose a plaid. I also got a burlap ribbon spool and one of the adorable fall owls. I also used a 10-inch Styrafoam wreath form. I wrapped it with burlap ribbon and used a pin to hold it. Then I tied a bow with the plaid ribbon and hot glued the owl and a decorative pick (I bought elsewhere) onto it. I attached a loop of twine as well to hang it. I am going to give it to my parents to hang on their door of their new condo.

Disclosure: I was sent these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Today I am sharing some fun picture books that are for ages in the range of 2 to 8 and they make your imagination soar. The first book is Pop! by Jason Carter Eaton and illustrated by Matt Rockefeller.

Disclosure: Candlewick Press sent me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Today I am participating in Multicultral Kid Blog's Hispanic Heritage Month Blog Hop. I am going to share a new picture book by Juan Felipe Herrera called Imagine. It is illustrated by Lauren Castillo. When I read the book, I wanted to know more about the man who wrote it and I soon learned he is an interesting man to learn about and I thought I would share about Juan Felipe Herrera with you.

Bench at Rest Stop on Johnny Appleseed Highway

Did you know today is Johnny Appleseed Day? It is the anniversary of his birth. Unlike many of our American legends. Johnny Appleseed was a real person. However his story is different than the legend you heard when you were a kid. Here are some fun facts and historical things I found out about him.

Disclosure: C&T Publishing gave me this ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I will receive a small stipend for purchases made through the links in this post. Thank you for supporting Crafty Moms Share!

Did you know that September is National Sewing Month? Last week we shared a wonderful resource for any sewer. Today we are looking at a different type of stitching--embroidery. The book today is Joyful Stitching by Laura Wasilowski.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of each of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Have you ever horsed around? Today is the day! I have two beautiful, horse-themed picture books to share with you and I thought it would be fun to look at some fun facts about horses and share a round-up of crafts and other horse-themed books. Ready for some horse fun?!

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Soccer season has started at schools around here. Is there really a soccer season anymore? I know kids that play it all year round with indoor soccer and soccer camps. What about you?

What do you know about soccer? Do you have a soccer enthusiast in your house? I have two fun books focused around soccer for you today!! Plus I am sharing a round-up of crafts from some other bloggers as well. Our first book is Absolute Expert: Soccer by Eric Zweig and Mark Giger. It is from National Geographic Kids.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Today I am going to share three books that fall in my Mommy Time review or are for adults. The first is a non-fiction book where singer/songwriter Lisa Gungor shares her own experience dealing with love, loss and raising a child with special needs. It is The Most Beautiful Thing I've Seen.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Do you have an animal lover between the ages of 4 and 8? I have some fun books for you. There are three domesticated animal stories and four wild animal books. The first is actually a wordless book called Pip & Pup by Eugene Yelchin.

Disclosure: DK Publishing sent me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links where I will receive a small portion of any purchases made through them. Thank you for supporting Crafty Moms Share!

Did you know that September is National Sewing Month? For free sewing projects be sure to check out NationalSewingMonth.org. It only seems right to share an amazing sewing resource with you in September. I am going to share a book that is amazing for the beginner sewer or for people who want to improve their sewing skills like myself. It is the new edition of The Sewing Book by Alison Smith.

Disclosure: Penguin Random House sent me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Today I am sharing a young adult novel that has mystery, suspense, love, fame, and rock 'n roll. Could you ask for more? The book is The Falling Between Us by Ash Parsons.

Disclosure: Macmillan Publishers sent me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Do you have a smart phone? I held out for quite awhile and Steve held out even longer (even though his work pays for his cell phone). We didn't need the fancy phones, but now it seems as there is not much choice out there. I know when I went to a smart phone it was only like $10 more than replacing my broken phone with a flip phone and now the company I use for my cell phone only works on smart phones (and relatively new ones). Have you noticed smart phones seem to be taking over our lives? Today I am going to share a fun book about just that. It is Me, Myselfie & I: A Cautionary Tale by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8, but I think it is even better for the parents out there!!

Disclosure: Penguin Kids sent me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and participation in the I am a Travler Blog Tour. All opinions are my own.

Today we are sharing fun facts about the astronaut, Neil Armstrong. You may have heard his famous quote--"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Yes, he was the first human to walk on the moon, but there are other very interesting things about Neil Armstrong and I am sharing some of them today. This post is part of the I am a Traveler Blog Tour.

Disclosure: Thames & Hudson sent me these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

When you go to a musuem do you ever wonder how things are made? The Victoria and Albert Museum have put out A Maker's Guide Series. I shared with you the Patchwork and Quilting book back in July. Today I am sharing the other two books. I am going to start with Embroidery: A Maker's Guide by the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Disclosure: Macmillan Publishing sent me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I grew up reading Laura Ingalls Wilder books and watching Little House on the Prairie. Did you? I loved it. In fact I found the reruns on Hallmark Channel at one point and introduced Hazel to the show. Then we started reading the books together. Now I have seen many places the idea of how politically incorrect the books are, but to me they were wholesome and good and bring back memories of a simpler time (in my life). Well, now you can find out more about the Ingalls family then ever with Caroline Fraser's Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Caroline Fraser tells you how it was. She has researched the Ingalls family and the time period thoroughly and explains things. There is a look at where both Charles Ingalls and Caroline Lake Quiner Ingalls came from and their lives and how the families came to move around and why each move was probably made. She also delves into the climate of the country and was happening during their lives. She also points out some of Laura's own biases especially when it came to faults of her family.

As Laura Ingalls Wilder filled my head (and the head of many) with a dream of a happy time to be alive, Fraser knocks it down and tells how life really was for many families including the Ingalls on the prairie. She also explains how some of the events that happened in Wilder's books and life have been explained with a look at history and science. Things such as the great prairie fire she saw from a distance may have been the Great Chicago Fire.

Now I have read social issues brought up by the inaccuracy of history in Wilder's books, and how it is told in the view of white man. It does not share how the Ingalls were trespassing on Native American's land when they first moved from the Big Woods. However Fraser explains it all. She explains what the pioneers were hearing was going to happen and what was happening. She tells the story without prejudice. It is eye opening to read this book having grown up with Wilder's books and the television show. I truly enjoyed this book and hope you will check it out.

Fairy Animals of Misty Wood

Disclosure: Macmillan Publishing sent me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Do you have a new reader who wants more than picture books but is not ready for a big novel? I have the perfect books for kids ready to start the chapter books. These books are sweet stories with fairy animals that help spring happen and learn lessons in the stories. They are the Fairy Animals of Misty Wood Series by Lily Small. I was sent three of the books (one of which has three stories in it) to introduce myself and you to this fun series. The first one we read was Bailey the Bunny.

Today is National Cheese Pizza Day! In honor of this favorite treat, I thought I would look at some fun facts about pizza and share a round-up of crafts, books and recipes. So go grab a slice and enjoy!!

Awhile ago I posted about making a quilt for Kit Kittredge. Kit is the American Girl from the 1930's/the Great Depression Era. In my post I explained I was having difficulties with the dresden plate quilt block and getting it the correct size. I decided to just make Sun Bonnet Sue squares. I started making them and at some point put them away and now I have to find them. However this weekend my interest was renewed because Hazel had her first sleepover Friday night which has turned into a weekend guest including her American Girl doll, Ruthie. Ruthie is Kit's best friend in the stories, so we have been having lots of doll fun including a trip to the American Girl Store today. However my depression era interest is back. Now awhile ago I discovered Wren Feathers has an easy dresden plate doll quilt pattern on her site. If you look up dresden plate quilts you will see three styles or so of dresden plates. Wren Feathers is the one that is just a circle. I did some more research and finally figured out what I needed to do to make my pattern. I found The Quilting Company's article to be very helpful in sizing of them. I wanted to make one with the scalloped edge and I figured it out!!

We are back to weekly Sharing Saturdays!! This summer we decided to have monthly parties and it was a lot of fun, but now with the start of September, it is time to go back to normal. So it is time for Sharing Saturday!! This is a link party to share all of your child-oriented crafts, crafts made for kids, activities and lessons as well as your parenting and/or teaching posts. So glad you joined us!!

On Sunday night we also host Crafty Weekends for all your crafts (done by any age), patterns, and craft product reviews! It is the perfect place to share your creative side!!

Disclosure: Running Press sent me copies of these books in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

As the start of school is approaching I am seeing Hazel's anxiety level rising. Socializing with other kids can be tough on her and school is probably the toughest place for her since she is with kids all day long. Add on top of it that she is hitting puberty a bit earlier than most of her classmates and she is a bit of a pile of nerves and moods. I have been trying to add relaxing and calming things to our routine although this summer routine has kind of gone out the window. Today I am going to share two amazing resources for kids like Hazel and in particular girls. The first is a book that is really for any child -- girl or boy. It is Just Breathe: Meditation, Mindfulness, Movement and More by Mallika Chopra and illustrated by Breanna Vaughan.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Are your kids back at school yet? Many of the schools around me start this week or next. Hazel goes back next Wednesday. Our summer is coming to an end and it feels like it just began. Such is the way of life. Today I am going to share three books for kids starting school or about school (and its lessons). Each child has his or her own difficulties and anxieties about school and these books seem to help kids with different ones. The first is for kids with allergies or who will be in a class/school with kids with allergies. It is Eppie the Elephant (Who Was Allergic to Peanuts) by Livingstone Crouse and illustrated by Steve Brown.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of these products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Today I am sharing some fun products that I have been meaning to share for several weeks, but due to outside aggravation and life I haven't had the time and energy to write a good review for you. Sorry! Today we are going to look at some resource about space and space exploration. We will start with To the Moon! by Jeffrey Kluger with Ruby Shamir.

Last summer Hazel was given a hand-me-down American Girl Caroline doll. She was estatic. Now Caroline was retired a couple of years ago, so all of her clothes and accessories are only available on places like eBay and they are rather expensive for the most part. The only outfit I have gotten for her was the one with the Spencer jacket and hat. Hazel loves it. Otherwise she has Caroline's meet dress. Now Caroline is one of the historical Beforever dolls. She is from 1812 and the daughter of a shipbuilder in New York. Her era is the regency style era. I searched for some regency style patterns. The first one I made is from a pattern from Vanessa Knutsen. I found the pattern here, but it is available from Knutsen on Pinterest (page 1 and 2). The instructions are a bit vague, so you have to have some sewing knowledge to make it. I added soem lace trim to the neckline and sleeves.

Did you know that August 22nd (and February 28) is National Tooth Fairy Day? In honor of this fun holiday I am sharing some fun facts about the mysterious Tooth Fairy. No one knows what the Tooth Fairy looks like, but often the Tooth Fairy is betrayed as a female with wings.

Disclosure: Abrams Books sent me these products free of charge. All opinions in my review are my own and I did not receive any other compensation. As always I am providing links to the book for your convenience.

Today I am sharing a historical novel about a girl/woman you probably have not heard of, but her story is amazing. The book is Puritan Girl Mohawk Girl by John Demos.

Disclosure: C&T Publishing sent me this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own! I will receive a small stipend for purchases made through the links in this post. Thank you for supporting Crafty Moms Share!

I remember going to the library as a young girl and taking out the little Beatrix Potter books. I loved her stories and the beautiful illustrations. This is what inspired me to decorate Hazel's nursery in the theme of Beatrix Potter. I made curtains and a crib skirt with Beatrix Potter themed fabrics. I didn't finish the quilt for Hazel, but gave it as a gift later. I also used some of the fabric to make clothes for Hazel when she was younger and used some on her nursery rhyme quilt that still is on her bed. She loves Beatrix Potter books as well. Therefore when I saw Stitching with Beatrix Potter: Stitch, Sew & Give 10 Adorable Projects Featuring Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck & Friends by Michele Hill.

By Boris Smokrovic borisworkshop (https://unsplash.com/photos/gr7ZkoZnHXU) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

Today (August 18) is National Honey Bee Day. It is the third Saturday in August each year since 2010. (It was the fourth Saturday in the first year, 2009.)Why do these buzzing little stingers deserve a special day? Well the numbers of honey bees is way down and life without these little flying miracles would be awful for us all. There has been so much out there about helping the bees. I thought today I would share some fun facts about these amazing pollinators and the delicious food they make themselves (besides all the food they help grow for us).

Google Analytics

Total Pageviews