The Creative Family

I first learned about The Creative Family by Amanda Blake Soule last spring when it was mentioned in a traditions newsletter by Meg Cox. The description of the book intrigued me, and I checked out her blog immediately. I've been hooked ever since. I don't usually order or buy books without browsing them first, though. So I requested that my library order a copy (our city library has this feature that allows any citizen with a library card to request up to 5 books a month be ordered - I love this feature!). The library finally got the book in late summer, and I was pleased to discover that it's staying checked out. I've been a little slow, though, and just got my copy this week.

Part of what I love about this book is that it's not just a book filled with craft projects. There are lots of projects, but she also talks a lot about her philosophy and why her family does things the way they do. The book has a very gentle tone, and I feel calmer when I read it. Even though it is largely a craft book, I read it just for inspiration.

Some of my favorite ideas from The Creative Family:

1. the banging wall - I wish sound didn't carry so well in our neighborhood. I'm trying to figure out a way to talk my parents into making one for the grandkids. Amanda has discussed the banging wall on her blog.
2. the hand-made fabric story book
3. the nature table
4. hand-made sewing cards
5. stuffed art - transferring kids' drawings to fabric and making 3D objects for them
6. freezer paper stencils - which I tried months ago

I like the discussions of natural toys for children, and simple activities to do with kids to bring families closer together. This book has actually led me on a quest to learn sewing, to pick up my crochet hooks again, to seek natural materials, to think more intentionally about my parenting and to start my own blog.

I am grateful to Amanda for writing this book, and my way of thanking her is to let you know how much I've loved it. I hope that you will seek out a copy of this book, and encourage your library to stock it too.