Saturday, August 29, 2015

Paper Goods Projects by Jodi Levine



After a summer of no school, I'm convinced of a few things:
  1. Kids do not use their brains like they could or should
  2. Kids get bored way too easily
  3. Kids gravitate toward screen time
  4. Kids need creative expression to grow
Like a caped crusader, Paper Goods Projects steps in to save the day for kids, teens and even adults who are bored or zombified (new word!) by too much media.  The days of old where thrift and ingenuity guided people to create their own amusements with materials at hand are long gone. And sadly, I think something has been lost in self expression when all the toys a child has have been bought at a store.  It's not about whether you can afford to buy everything they want, but should you? I think we rob children when we do not encourage them to explore, discover, and create things for themselves. Kids need the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands.

The projects in Levine's books will cost more in time than money. Most materials you probably already own or have available in your recycling bin. The main craft ingredients are things like inexpensive paper plates, toilet paper tubes, cereal boxes, muffin wrappers, and coffee filters. That just about sums up the Table of Contents:

  • Coffee Filters & Cupcake Papers
  • Paper Plates, Bags & Doilies
  • Balloons
  • Recycling Bin
The cover is an awesome enticement to explore all the fabulous projects inside some of which include: garlands, table decor, garnishing food, creating toys, mini villages and so many other fun ideas. My all time favorite project is the paper plate dessert stand. What a magical  project to create for a child's tea party or play date.  Let the kids help with the creating and table staging and you've got a hostess-in-the-making.With projects for a variety of ages, you'll want to return over and over again for things to do with your child.

Bright photographs throughout help spark the imagination and get creative juices flowing. Each project lists the needed supplies and follows with very clear step-by-step directions (often with photos of intermediate steps).  Templates are also included for more complicated projects.  The projects will appeal to kids but they will definitely need some guidance from a teen sibling or parent. For example, some initial help to dye the filters and papers as well as understanding of some of the cutting techniques will help get crafters well on their way.  This is a clear, concise, creative genius of a book that I highly recommend for any parent, grandparent, child care worker or teacher.

Jodi Levine's website, Super Make It! is another treasure trove of creativity.  You can sign up for her newsletter and keep in the creative loop for all her projects.

This book along with an assortment of the supplies needed would make an awesome birthday or Christmas gift for a child or a dynamite gift for a teacher.  Go grab your copy of Paper Goods Projects and start putting some paper magic into every day!  

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Paper Goods Projects from Blogging for Books for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.

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