Crafts and supplies make great gifts - either for you to make and give the completed item as the gift or to give the supplies as the gift! Consider giving a family a gift of craft supplies - this would be a unique gift and would encourage creativity, imagination and provide a fun time for family memories to be created as well! Check the craft ideas below!
Craft Books
Potter Craft
 |
Classic Knits At Home Author - Erika Knight |
-
Favorite Features -
-
15 complete designs and patterns
-
15 full color photos
-
each pattern includes material list, size/gauge info and directions
-
This book has stylish and classic designs for the accomplished knitter. Lovely book - combine with bamboo hooks and some yarn for a great gift! Extremely well done, Erika and Potter Craft!
 |
Knitted Critters Author - Jean Adel |
 |
-
Favorite Features -
-
more than 40 projects
-
divided between beginner, easy and intermediate projects
-
full color photos of each project
-
patterns include - sizes, measurements, materials, gauge, notes and directions
-
Completely adorable! If you are a knitter - or want to be - get this book and make these adorable hats for the little ones in your life - they will love receiving them as gifts! Begin a tradition of giving a different "critter" hat each year to the children in your life - a truly fun gift to make and give! This book would make a great gift for the new knitter - give them some knitting needles and yarn for a great combo gift! Creative patterns fill this book! Tremendously well done, Jean and Potter Craft!
 |
Toys to Crochet Author - Claire Garland |
-
Favorite Features -
-
25 patterns for dolls, clothes and animals
-
patterns include color photo, size, material, gauge, note and directions
-
This is a fun book to give a child who wants to learn to crochet! Patterns are pretty straight forward and will provide the opportunity for a child to learn to crochet fun things for themselves and for others! Extremely well done, Claire and Potter Craft!
Sterling/Lark Publishers
 |
Knitwear Author - Sasha Kagan |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
22 designs for sweaters, cardigans, tops, jackets, coats, wraps and scarves
-
color charts and photos throughout
-
chapter on techniques and how-to's
-
patterns include photo, size, material, tension, stitches, directions, drawings and charts
-
Truly lovely designs with complete patterns - the knitter on your list will love this book! This book and the designs in it are enough to make anyone want to learn to knit, or want to begin to knit again! Whether you make these designs as gifts to give, or give the book, knitting needles and yarn - the gifts resulting from this are sure to be treasured! Tremendously well done, Sasha and Sterling/Lark!
 |
Amigurumi! Author - Elisabeth Doherty |
-
Favorite Features -
-
14 fun patterns
-
color photos throughout
-
patterns include skill level, photos, size, supplies, gauge, stitch/technique, directions
-
Fun, interesting designs fill this book making it great to give or to receive completed objects as your gift! Extremely well done, Elisabeth and Sterling/Lark!
 |
Nifty Knits for Kids Author - Catherine Ham |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
22 patterns
-
how-to's and techniques for the new knitter or to "brush-up"
-
patterns include measurements, materials, gauge, stitch, directions, photo and experience level
-
Creative, stylish and fun, this book is filled with patterns any kid will love to wear! Tremendously well done, Catherine and Sterling/Lark!
 |
The Knitted Rug Author - Donna Druchunas |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
21 patterns
-
intro with the history of rugs
-
how to's with photos of stitches - very helpful
-
five types of rugs - garter stitch, knit-&-purl, pile, colorwork and texture
-
patterns include color photo, measurements, materials, gauge, stitch, notes, directions, skill level, variations, charts, diagrams and color graphs
-
Variety of designs and skill levels make this an excellent gift idea! Anyone would love receiving one of these completed rugs as a gift and the knitters on your list would thrill at the opportunity to learn to make something new! Creative, beautiful and functional! Tremendously well done, Donna and Sterling/Lark!
 |
Fashionable Projects Author - Alison Barlow |
-
Favorite Features -
-
introduction and how-to knit instructions
-
patterns for hats, scarves, bags, blankets, ponchos/shawls, sweaters and gifts
-
diagrams are helpful
-
patterns include materials, gauge, color photos and directions
-
34 patterns
-
Excellent book to learn to knit - provides great patterns for beginners . . . definitely not your boring, typical beginner patterns! Combine with knitting needles and yarn for a great gift! Extremely well done Sterling/Lark!
 |
Step by Step Author - Penny Reynolds |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
16 projects
-
introduction and how-to's with photos
-
patterns include materials, photos, step by step directions, size, tension, style, notes
-
Perfect book to learn as Step by Step provides photos which make it easy to understand and follow along! Tremendously well done, Penny and Sterling/Lark!
 |
Simple Crochet Author - Jane Davis |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
20 patterns
-
information, how-to's and diagrams make patterns easy to follow
-
patterns include photos, skill level, supplies, notes, gauge, stitches, measurements, diagrams and directions
-
I love the simplicity and design for these patterns - real, everyday clothes which look special due to being handmade! The "onesie" pattern is quick and easy to make and what baby doesn't need a drawer-full of these? Whether you give the book to a crocheter on your gift list or make the items for a baby you love, this is a book sure to be used again and again throughout the years! Tremendously well done, Jane and Sterling/Lark!
 |
Cozy Knits Author - Elanor Lynn |
-
Favorite Features -
-
27 projects
-
introduction and how-to's with diagrams
-
patterns include photo, size, materials, gauge, directions and diagrams
-
excellent information on how to alter patterns for adults
-
Nice selection of baby patterns! Extremely well done, Elanor and Sterling/Lark!
 |
Creature Comforts Author - Amy Bahrt |
-
Favorite Features -
-
20 pattern styles for cardigans/pullovers, hats, mittens, pillows and blankets
-
patterns include photo, materials, gauge, measurements, size, directions, diagrams and color chart
-
Cute basic designs and complete charts for adorable, hand-made baby items! Extremely well done, Amy and Sterling/Lark!
 |
Button! Button! Author - Terry Taylor |
-
Favorite Features -
-
50 complete projects
-
interesting information throughout
-
patterns include photos, supplies and directions
-
While I believe crocheting and knitting are crafts well worth the time to learn and pass on, there certainly are other crafts to be learned and enjoyed! Anyone in the family can create fun, unique and even useful items with buttons! Give this book and a giant bag of buttons to a family or a person on your gift list and watch them create! Extremely well done, Terry and Sterling/Lark!
 |
Extreme Office Crafts Authors - Jimmy Knight & Tom Chalmers |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
humorous helpful rating guide
-
57 unique projects
-
each project includes description, requisition this supply list, directions, rating guide, photos/drawings
-
very funny thoughts of what to say/do if someone notices your "crafts"
-
Humor throughout makes this book great fun! Great gift for those who work in an office! Creative, imaginative, unique gift idea sure to get a smile! Add some office supplies for a great gift! Tremendously well done, Jimmy, Tom and Sterling/Lark!
 |
Paper Creations: Christmas Origami Book & Gift Set |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
includes book with 11 projects and 50 Christmas origami papers
-
complete instructions/directions with diagrams for each pattern and photo of finished object
-
step by step photo directions make this a very easy to use/learn kit
-
excellent "hinged" presentation box
-
I especially like the snowman project! Fun to give and get this makes a unique family gift! If you exchange family gifts early, consider this - those who receive it could use it to make decorations/ornaments to enjoy all season long! Tremendously well done Sterling/Lark!
Craft kits/supplies
Sculpey
 |
Keepsake Collage No-Mess Clay and Frame Set |
|
  |
Keepsake Clay Boy/Girl Set |
|
| Ages 6+ | ||
-
Favorite Features -
-
kits include everything you need to make your own frame
-
instructions and information on how-to's and what not-to's
-
projects take about 20 minutes to complete
-
Clay Boy/Girl set includes extra-soft Sculpey in baby blue
-
encourages imagination and creativity
-
I really like these Keepsake kits - they are great to give as a gift so the one who receives it may make their own keepsake item, or put it together and give the completed item as a treasured gift to someone on your list! Tremendously well done Sculpey!
 |
Flexible Push Mold |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
available in a variety of shapes - we reviewed Zoo life with seven shapes and Sea life with 10 shapes
-
complete directions included with each mold
-
encourages imagination and creativity
-
able to use with a variety of craft mediums
-
Easy to use and with the free on-line projects everyone can make great projects with the help of these molds! Tremendously well done, Sculpey!
 |
Super Sculpey Ages 8+ |
|
 |
Original Sculpey Ages 6+ |
-
Favorite Features -
-
Super Sculpey dries hard so you can carve, sand, drill and paint sturdier projects
-
Original Sculpey is available in many colors - we reviewed terra cotta
-
Original Sculpey is easy to shape, then bake and paint for your own unique creations
-
directions included and there are free project ideas on-line
-
Sculpey is one of the best "must-have" supplies for your family craft supply box! Any color makes a great gift and encourages creativity, imagination and giving! Great to give and get! Extremely well done, Sculpey!
| Children's Activity Sets |
||
 |
Eraser Clay | |
 |
Clay Babies SuperFlex Bake & Bend |
|
| Ages 6+ | ||
-
Favorite Features -
-
eraser clay allows you to shape and bake your own erasers
-
bake and bend clay allows you to created twisty, bendy rubber creations
-
both are available in six colors of clay
-
both include tools, rollers, etc
-
both have step by step instructions
-
encourages creativity and imagination . . . and fun!
-
Love these unique clays from Sculpey! Often kids collect erasers, so the opportunity to create their own makes for a gift they will love to receive! A clay that bakes into a "rubbery" creation is bound to be fun and loved by all who receive it! Great for gift exchanges, stocking stuffers and add-on gifts! Tremendously well done, Sculpey!
Creativity for Kids/Faber-Castell
 |
Creativity for Little Kids - Ages 3+ |
-
Favorite Features -
-
includes one plush doll, felt dress with bloomers, pink slippers, peel-stick felt shapes, "designed by" tag and yarn for hair
-
includes instructions and hints
-
birth certificate
-
encourages creativity and imagination
-
Make your own doll requires no sewing or glue, but the stickers had too aggressive of an adhesive as the peel-off paper didn't want to "peel-off". An adult is necessary to help children peel off the felt stickers, but children will love expressing their own sense of "style" by "making" their own doll! Extremely well done!
 |
Penguin Wobblers Ages 6-96 |
-
Favorite Features -
-
includes penguin fact flyer
-
kit includes four flocked penguin wobbles, paint, brush, feathers, bow tie, hair, scarf, tutu, flower, ear muffs, boa, glue and ideas
-
encourages imagination and creativity
-
Encourages fine motor skills, creative expression, hand/eye coordination and imagination! Fun item for children to make and give as gifts! Extremely well done!
 |
Make Your Own Ages 3+ |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
tips for puppet shows
-
everything you need to make three puppets - peel-stick felt shapes, fur, wigs, eyes, pom poms, plastic needle
-
includes instructions/ideas
-
no glue or sewing required
-
Fun kit makes a great gift, or have your kids make the puppets to give as gifts! Great way to show creativity and imagination! Tremendously well done!
 |
Create Your Own Ages 5-95 |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
kit includes two hard cover books, markers, die cut pieces, stickers and wiggly eyes
-
instructions and ideas
-
encourages imagination
-
This is a great item to give as a gift - combine it with your favorite book for the age of child you give the kit to. Read them the book you gave and then help them think through their own story they would like to create! Tremendously well done!
 |
Rock-a-Doodle Ages 5-95 |
-
Favorite Features -
-
kit includes five stones, paint, 3-D paint, felt shapes, glue, wiggly eyes, brush, fur and feathers
-
instructions and ideas
-
encourages imagination
-
Pet rocks used to be a "fad", kids can make their own unique rocks to give or keep! Extremely well done!
 |
Go Tape Crazy Boys |
|
 |
Go Tape Crazy Girls |
|
| Ages 7-97 | ||
-
Favorite Features -
-
each kit has 15 fun, unique tapes for kids to use however they like
-
on-line activity/project ideas add to the fun
-
Unique and fun this is a gift the crafty person on your list will love! Tremendously well done!
Oriental Trading
 |
Scrapbooking Supplies - |
-
Favorite Features -
-
Variety of items available for crafting fun - we reviewed -
-
IN-65/65704 – metal tags
-
IN-65/65958 – months/seasons embellishments box
-
IN-65/65900 – house clips
-
IN-65/65895 – butterfly clips
-
IN-65/65065 – craft wire set
-
IN-65/65757 – celebrations kit
-
IN-65/65863 – ribbon snap brads
-
IN-65/65696 – baby tiles
-
IN-65/65703 – baby paper pins
-
IN-65/65883 – hearts/dots box
-
IN-65/65681 – Christmas paper pins
-
IN-65/90081 – square paperweight
-
IN-65/90082 – round paperweight
-
IN-65/90128 – coasters
-
IN-65/55168 – album
-
IN-65/90165 – square clock
-
IN-65/60664 – usa paper kit
-
IN-65/60614 – apple paper kit
-
IN-65/90061 – wood clips
-
IN-65/90102 – round clock
-
-
multiples of items in each package allow you to make more than one item - extremely cost effective
Oriental Trading scrap-booking supplies make great items to give as a gift to crafty people on your list, or get the supplies, make the gift and give completed items as your gifts! People used to give gifts they made - in this time of budget concerns making and giving homemade gifts is a better idea than ever! Tremendously well done!
-
 |
Beading Supplies – | |
-
Favorite Features -
-
Variety of items available - we reviewed -
-
IN-68/45330 – box charms
-
IN-68/45323 – boy charms
-
IN-68/45311 – baby charms
-
IN-68/45141 – typewriter key charms
-
IN-68/25894 – buff beads
-
IN-68/26033 – turquoise beads
-
IN-68/55032 – ribbon
-
IN-68/55017 – ribbon
-
IN-68/55001 – black leather cording
-
IN-68/26054 – leaf beads
-
IN-68/26234 – lapis chips
-
IN-68/26241 – jade chips
-
IN-68/26239 – goldstone chips
-
IN-68/25630 – blue sodalite
-
IN-68/266021 – stone beads
-
IN-68/25612 – jasper chips
-
IN-68/25905 – stone beads
-
IN-68/45250 – toggle clasps
-
-
multiples of items in each package allow you to make more than one item - extremely cost effective
-
Oriental Trading beading supplies make great items to give as a gift to crafty people on your list, or get the supplies, make the gift and give completed items as your gifts! People used to give gifts they made - in this time of budget concerns making and giving homemade gifts is a better idea than ever! Tremendously well done!
 |
Craft kits – | |
-
Favorite Features -
-
Variety of items available for crafting fun - we reviewed -
-
IN-56/9209 – color your own canvas windsocks
-
IN-56/9250 – color your own ceramic tiles
-
IN-56/9206 – color your own ceramic keepers
-
IN-56/9066 – color your own canvas backpacks
-
IN-56/6301 – make your own photo cards
-
-
multiples of items in each package allow you to make more than one item - extremely cost effective
Oriental Trading craft kits make great items to give as a gift to crafty people on your list, or get the supplies, make the gift and give completed items as your gifts! People used to give gifts they made - in this time of budget concerns making and giving homemade gifts is a better idea than ever! Tremendously well done!
-
Crayola
 |
Beginnings Tadoodles Washable Easy Stampers Ages - 18months + |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
encourages gross/fine motor skills, hand/eye coordination, imagination and creativity
-
includes three stamps - chicken, donkey and cow, or gator, beaver and duck as well as a stamping activity
-
shaped for a child's first palm grasp
-
stamper/pad all in one
-
encourages a child to learn color and animal recogonition
-
These make a great first art supply for little ones! They will love stamping their paper, telling the color, identifying the animal - encourage them to learn the animal sounds and even how the animal moves for excellent one-on-one quality time with a parent and child! Tremendously well done!
 |
Color Surge Ages 5+ |
-
Favorite Features -
-
Super Bright Deluxe Set includes 30 pages of Color Surge paper and 12 Color Surge markers, stencil and storage folder
-
markers have bright colors and dual tip, broad tip, triple tip or wedge tip for variety
-
encourages imagination, creativity and fun!
-
Fun new way for children to color on colored paper - these markers really show up! Extremely well done!
 |
Color Wonder Ages 5+ |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
includes six paint gel pots, tablet clip with 30 pages of color wonder paper
-
light up brush attached so it won't be lost
-
fiber optic bristles light up the color of the clear painting gel
-
only works on Color Wonder paper
-
encourages creativity and imagination
-
I love Color Wonder! It allows little ones to paint and be creative without making a mess - fun for kids and parents! Tremendously well done!
Sizzix
 |
Big Shot |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
able to use any Sizzix die - as well as dies from other companies
-
works on practically any material - paper, cardstock, fabric, foam . . .
-
easy to use
-
fun to use
-
Those who really enjoy scrapbooking will love this machine! Once a person has a machine there is a wealth of available dies which also make great gifts! When you have a Big Shot you will use it again and again! Tremendously well done!
S&S Worldwide
 |
Weaving Baskets Easy Pack |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
includes everything you need to make 30 five inch baskets
-
book with directions - could be a little more informative, but is adequate
-
encourages imagination, creativity and learning a new skill
-
This is a great item for a family to purchase and then work together to make baskets to give as gifts! I thought this would be too difficult and complicated for children to manage, but found even five year olds - with some help - are able to make these baskets! Let your children make baskets for their teacher's gifts, grandparent's gifts, even gifts for their parents! You could even make cookies or homemade candies to fill the baskets for a great family gift! Tremendously well done!
Return
to
2008 Holiday Gift Review
Go
to
the
Review Source
The Review Source
Copyright © Lynda Freeman
Last Updated Nov. 1, 2008
Web Page by Lynda Freeman
Send an e-mail to Lynda at Lynda@thereviewsource.net
|
|
