Stacy Talks & Reviews: Summer's not over yet!

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Friday

Summer's not over yet!


School may be back in session, but summer fun doesn't have to end quite yet. My daughter and I have been crafting all summer long and haven't stopped just because school is back in session. Now we just fit our crafting time in after school when she doesn't have homework and on the weekends. The fun doesn't have to stop just because the kiddos aren't home all day! Here are some great books we've been utilizing this summer that make great helpers for those of us "creativity challenged" people. They'll help you do everything from making the ever popular slime to quilting on a simple level.

Sewing School Quilts
The best-selling authors of the Sewing School series are back, introducing kids to the creativity of stitching patchwork, appliqué, and quilts. Using dynamic how-to photos and step-by-step instructions written for ages 8 to 12, Amie Petronis Plumley and Andria Lisle teach a variety of techniques using both hand and machine sewing. The 15 projects range from decorative to practical, including an appliquéd family crest wall hanging, a patchwork pet bed, a crazy-quilt journal cover, and a quilt made from recycled T-shirts. Every project features encouraging suggestions for making truly one-of-a-kind items that express the creative spirit of each young maker.

Stitch Camp
In today’s thriving maker culture, kids are hungry for hands-on guidance in creating stylish wearables and practical objects, or hacking and customizing existing ones. Authors Nicole Blum and Catherine Newman get them started with complete instructions for mastering six favorite fiber crafts. Step-by-step photos teach kids ages 9–14 the basics of how to sew, knit, crochet, felt, embroider, and weave, plus how to make three projects for each craft. From woven patches and a knitted backpack to embroidered merit badges and a crocheted bracelet, the fresh, kid-approved projects encourage creative variations and build confidence along with valuable life skills.

Mason Jar Science
Heatproof, transparent, and durable, the mason jar is a science lab just waiting to be discovered. Unlock its potential with 40 dynamic experiments for budding scientists ages 8 and up. Using just a jar and a few ordinary household items, children learn to create miniature clouds, tiny tornadoes, small stalactites, and, of course, great goo and super slime! With a little ingenuity, the jar can be converted into a lava lamp, a water prism, a balloon barometer, and a compass. Each fun-packed project offers small-scale ways to illustrate the big-picture principles of chemistry, botany, biology, physics, and more.


Of course not everything you do has to be super crafty or time consuming. My daughter being a cat fanatic is always up for anything cat related. So spending time just reading about the different breeds of cats to her is just as enjoyable. And what cat lover wouldn't enjoy a book full of 400 reusable cat stickers!

Fandex Family Field Guides: Cats
Bringing the world of CATS to your fingertips, FANDEX presents a field guide to 47 favorite breeds. Learn all about their mysterious ways-one breed, the La Perm, is a face-kisser. Fascinating and often legendary history-the Egyptian Mau was once worshipped in ancient Egypt as the living form of the cat-goddess Bastet. And unusual quirks-the Norwegian Forest Cat has special claws for climbing rocks. Includes a complete guide to each breeds appearance and temperment.

Eyelike Stickers: Kittens
The full-color photograph stickers are adorable, beautifully detailed, and lifelike, featuring a variety of breeds that will delight every kid and crafter who loves cuddly pets. EyeLike Stickers: Kittens features over 400 baby cat stickers for the feline-inclined. And they’re durable enough to be reusable. Decorate journals, binders, laptops, and phone cases: Stick them on, peel them off, and stick them on again without tearing or losing adhesive.


Of all the books we received this was probably one of my favorites. We attended a presentation back in May about bees so this was really exciting book for us. Not only did we get to learn even more about bees we were able to make our own beehive using the cover of the book!

Turn This Book Into a Beehive!
First, here’s a book that teaches kids all about the fascinating world of bees. Second, fun exercises, activities, and illustrations engage the imagination and offer a deeper understanding of bee life and bee behavior. Third, by following a few simple steps including removing the book’s cover and taping it together, readers can transform the book into an actual living home for backyard bees. Fourth, added all together, Turn This Book Into a Beehive! lets kids make a difference in the world—building a home where bees can thrive is one small but critical step in reversing the alarming trend of dwindling bee populations.

This is a sponsored post on behalf of the above mentioned brand. I received product to share my honest and unbiased thoughts. However, all thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brand.
This blog contains affiliate links and sponsored posts. All thoughts and opinions are my own however and are in no way influenced by the sponsorships. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.