6 Books Filled with Summer Craft Projects

Project Kid: Crafts That Go!: 60 Imaginative Projects That Fly, Sail, Race, and Dive, by Amanda Kingloff
As a former Parents Magazine lifestyle director, and mom of two, Kingloff is someone who knows her way around the crafting table. If you have a kid who is obsessed with “all things that go” then this is the book for you. From pint-sized ice cream trucks that use file boxes in a whole new creative way, to sassy circus trains made of cracker boxes, this book is nonstop fun. And if you haven’t seen the original Project Kid, and are interested in creating a very stylish felt fringe necklace (I’ve made one, they’re cute!) then check out her first book as well.

The Unofficial Guide to Crafting The World of Harry Potter: 30 Magical Crafts for Witches and Wizards from Pencil Wands to House Colored Tie-Dyed Shirts, by Jamie Harrington
With the recent release of Harry Potter & the Cursed Child, this is the perfect time to accompany your reading with some Harry Potter themed crafts. This book shows you how to make tie-dyed t-shirts in your house colors to wear at your next Quidditch game (which seems like a fun party idea, too!). You can also make super stylish golden snitch necklaces, that even mom might enjoy wearing.

ScrapKins: Junk Re-Thunk: Amazing Creations You Can Make from Junk!, by Brian Yanish
This awesome, eco-friendly book promotes recycling as well as creativity. Instead of throwing out your old tissue boxes, how about turning them into fun box puppets and putting on a puppet show? And hold on to your empty milk cartons as well—with a few crafty adjustments they make excellent guitars. You’ll never look at your recycle bin the same way again!

Pokemon Origami: Fold Your Own Pokemon! By Pikachu Press
With the Pokeman craze taking over the globe, your kids will go crazy for this fun book which contains everything you need to create your own Pokemon origami characters. The paper templates are at the back of the book, and the characters are ordered from easiest to most difficult, so you can choose your own level of skill, and see your progress as you move through the pages. Learn how to fold origami while making your favorite characters.

My First Sewing Book, by Susan Akass
This stylish book is right up my alley, and is perfect for aspiring fashion designers. Not only does it give you a step-by-step guide to making your own rag doll, but then it shows you how to sew up a lovely skirt and coat for her as well! Or if you want to try a more delicious task, there are cute felt cupcakes you can create for your doll’s first tea party. Finished with a cherry on top, of course!

Susan B. Anderson’s Kids’ Knitting Workshop: The Easiest and Most Effective Way to Learn to Knit!, by Susan B. Anderson
I went through a fairly unsuccessful knitting phase when I was a kid, and only wish I had a copy of this step-by-step book to help me out. This book is great for kids, but adults might want to follow along as well. Who doesn’t want a cute homemade knit cap or scarf come wintertime? This book will show you what you need to get started and walk you through the basics. You’ll be knitting up bunny and puppy hand puppets before you know it!
What are your favorite craft books?