Crafting Kits for All Ages

Have you run out of ways to entertain your children with this summer? If so, check out these fun crafting kits for all ages...

First, I would like to introduce a kit for those children who love to create things with paper...

 Bird Origami will have you folding paper like a duck takes to water. You won't have to wing it when you follow the detailed, illustrated instructions to flush out twenty popular species, including mallards, hummingbirds, sparrows, seagulls, and finches. Specially designed paper makes these beauties realistic! Field guide information introduces each species, from crows to cardinals, from pelicans to geese. The bluebird of happiness will be singing from your fingers in no time!

About the Author:

Seth Friedman is an internationally known origami artist from Brooklyn, New York. He has shown his original origami sculptures, and presented on the topic of origami in the United States, Canada, France and Japan. Best known for his sculptures of birds, he also makes every living creature of interest the subject of his folding.

My Opinion:

This book contains diagrams for 20 origami birds for the more experienced folder. The book comes with 100 sheets of specially designed thin paper. You may also read about the varieties of birds on each of the pages. Another interesting feature of the book are the photographic instructions for the birds, as well as standard diagrams. The overall design quality of the book is very high. I introduced the Bird Origami book to my eighteen year old son, who  used to enjoy origami. He  tried one of the birds from the book and said the paper was just right and the instructions were easy to read.  This is a perfect book for someone who loves birds and has experience with origami.

Next, do you have a child who is crafty with yarn?

Pom Pom Pals:

Pom-pom Pals: Pets contains everything that budding crafters need to create the most adorable fuzzy friends you’ve ever seen. This complete kit and detailed book of instructions comes with an easy-to-use pom-pom maker, four colors of yarn, felt, ribbon, and ready-made mini pom-poms—everything kids ages 7 and up will need to make a dog, cat, rabbit, and guinea pig. The full-color simple step-by-step instruction book contains extra project ideas and instructions to make even more adorable pom-pom animals, plus fascinating facts about each creature. Once kids have created their new pom-pom friends, they can personalize their pets and sign the included adoption certificate to become the official owners of the cutest pets on the planet.

Includes:

* 48-page book with step-by-step instructions

* Pom-pom maker

* 4 colors of yarn (18 yards each)

* 3 pieces of colored felt 

* 15 ready-made mini pom-poms 

* Decorative ribbon

* Adoption certificate

In my Opinion:

The Pom-Pom Pals Pet kit comes with everything needed to make a dog, cat and other pets. It is an easy-to-use pom-pom maker, four colors of yarn, felt, ribbon, and ready-made mini pom-poms. The full-color simple step-by-step instruction book contains extra project ideas and instructions as well as an adoption certificate for the pets. I made the orange kitten with my daughter. This was a great activity to make on a rainy summer day. The instructions were easy to read, and we enjoyed reading about the fascinating facts about the animals inside the colorful book.  It does take time to make each pom pom but the results are great! My seven year old enjoyed the one on one time and she now has  a new cuddly pet to play with. There is also a Pom-Pom Pals Farm kit that is fun too.

Lastly, do you have a child who needs a challenge? Try...

Disney Classic Crochet:

If you wish upon a star for a whole cast of crochet classic Disney characters, you're in luck. Disney Classic Crochet includes everything necessary to begin creating beloved Disney characters from Mickey to Minnie, Jiminy Cricket to Bambi, and even Chip and Dale. With a paperback book complete with photos and step-by-step instructions, this kit includes five colors of yarn, felt, a crochet hook, a needle, embroidery thread, and even stuffing. Providing enough materials to assemble two adorable characters (Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck), the kit offers complete instructions for twelve huggable Disney critters. 

About the Author:

Megan Kreiner grew up on Long Island, New York, in a household where art and art projects were a daily part of life. Coming from a long line of knitters and crocheters, she learned the craft at an early age from her grandmother, her aunt, and her mother. As of 2012, her MK Crochet pattern line has been published and featured in books and various crochet and knitting magazines. Inspired by her early love of Disney movies, Megan also pursued a career in the feature animation industry in Los Angeles, California, and currently works as an animator. She lives in Altadena, CA.

In my opinion:

In my opinion this is a really nice box set. It includes a  pattern book, 1 crochet hook, five colors of yarn, three colors of felt, stuffing, embroidery floss and a tapestry needle.The book also contains step by step patterns to make: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Chip n' Dale, Dumbo, Bambi, Lady, Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket. The book contains clear instructions and 80 full colored photographs. The instructions are detailed but I don't think that this is a project for most beginners. It uses techniques that crocheters with a bit more experience would feel comfortable with. I highly recommend this charming kit for anyone who loves Disney and loves crocheting.

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services for free in the hope that I would mention them on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.