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Craft Book Review: Creative Play for Your Toddler

I must have seen this craft book, Creative Play for Your Toddler: Steiner Waldorf expertise and toy projects for 2-4s by Christopher Clouder and Janni Nicol on my recommends section on Amazon, though I can't remember exactly. I check out everything through InterLibraryLoan before I buy it, to see if I like it, and I loved this book. I did end up buying it because out of the 20+ projects, I will probably make 15 of them, and I get inspired visually. To have it on my shelf I can reference over and over, is what works for me.
There are sewing, knitting, woodworking, and no-sew projects for any type of crafter. These projects are also gender neutral, a big plus! The book has a lot of information about Waldorf, of which I haven't read yet, but look forward to.

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I love that all of the projects are very simple, but encourage big imagination, something Waldorf theory holds very highly. (See my Waldorf post here.)
I had wanted to make Lukka a fishing game for awhile since he likes to carry around a big stick and call it his 'fishing rod', perfect timing since this project is in the book!
I sewed up different sized fish according to some scraps I had, stuffed them, and put a magnet near the 'nose' of the fish before sewing them back up. Attach twine to a stick, with a magnet stuck to the end of the twine (I wrapped it up and superglued it) for the pole.
The picture is quite blurry since my Bug never stops moving, but you get the general idea. The fish stay on the ground (a blue blanket or towel would work great for water), and he has to "catch" the fish by aiming the pole around them until one 'clicks' onto his pole.
If you like simple toys, that can be homemade, aestetically pleasing and encourage imagination, check out this book from your local library or ILL. You won't be disappointed!
The next projects I plan on making in the next few months from it are:
*Wind Wands (front cover)
* Soft Doll
*Riding Horse
*Doll's House
What have you been making lately that you're excited about? Seems I've been into toy-making mode for awhile! Posted by Picasa

Comments

StephG said…
Thanks for the review, S! Looks like a great book!
kat ann said…
please post more! i have a 2 year old boy who is very active and curios! it would be such a help to see some of these! thanks for posting the fishing game! thats a great idea.
Beck said…
I must make one of these fishing rods!

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