Chuck doesn't always enjoy making things with me. (What? Yup.) A lot of days he would just rather that we read books or race airplanes together. And I'm really trying harder to let go and follow his lead. But I love crafting. So I keep putting out those invitations in hopes that he'll join me. And on those special occasions when he's interested and involved in a craft... boy oh boy... those days are really magic.
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We recently received a copy of Jean Van't Hul's
The Artful Year to review. Jean is an artist, mom of 2, and author of the amazing kids' art blog
Artful Parent. (She's also the author of another great kids' art book
The Artful Parent. )
In her newest book, Jean shares a whopping
175 family-friendly crafts, and recipes! The photos are dreamy and beautiful; the crafts span through all the seasons and holidays of the year; and the recipes look really, really yummy. I love this book. But those things aren't what I love the most about her book.
What I love the most about the book is her voice. In the beginning she shares this beautiful quote-
"We need to be more intentional than ever as we carve out quality time together, celebrate in meaningful ways, build traditions and memories and create stronger families. It's not about doing more. It's about making choices, fostering creativity, and building family connection."
Wow. That just hit so close to home. I don't want to just make things with Chuck. Things eventually break down, get lost, or tossed away. I want to foster creativity. I want to build our relationship. I want to make lasting memories.
Ok. This was a super long intro, I know. But I just had to get that all out there. Because it really is a beautiful, beautiful book.
Here's the craft that we chose to try out first from the book:
Melted Crayon Friendship Rocks