The past comes alive through craft projects celebrating Minnesota's history and people. Imagine soldiers on the Civil War battlefield as you assemble a "housewife" sewing kit like those made by wives and mothers. Re-create the drama of a midwestern tornado when you build an automaton that actually spins, and celebrate the invention of water-skiing with a boat and skier that really glide. Step-by-step instructions carefully guide you to make your own marionette, but it's up to you to stage the puppet show. The playful miniature scene of a Day of the Dead nicho offers a way to honor a loved one. A woodland hike will provide the twigs and leaves to make a troll. A walking stick in the tradition of folk artist Maurice Carlton inspires you to create art out of what you can find. These projects and more generate hours of fun, not to mention useful pieces you'll want to share with your family and friends.
Wendy Freshman is a program specialist for family audiences at the Minnesota History Center. Kristin Jansson is a freelance prop and prototype designer and a former costumer with the Children's Theatre Company.

Help Your Kids Unplug and Challenge Their Creativity with Fun Things To Do! (Ages 6-8)"Parven Kaur is a mom and writer who focuses on Internet safety and digital literacy. Her blog, Kids N Clicks offers sound advice and recommendations on all things related to digital and screen media for parents." Amy Web of The Thoughtful Parent This activity book in the style of "wreck this journal" for kids encourages children ages 6 -8 to spend less time on their devices, and more time engaged in fun and challenging activities. Fuel your child's creativity. This hybrid kid's activity book and creative journal is filled to the brim with challenges and prompts that promote positivity, while also developing your child's mindfulness and creativity. The book cultivates a growth mindset for kids encouraging them to think outside the box and be creative, while developing their ability to learn new things. Screen-free entertainment. Your child won't want to put this book down. From a scavenger hunt of household items, to coloring-in illustrations and puzzles, this adventurous book is crafted to give your child a digital detox. They'll want to pick-up this book and do more challenging and fun activities, instead of sitting down in front of a screen. Unlike TV and video games, this book benefits your child: Building their confidence by encouraging them to try new things Promoting mindfulness, positivity, and self-reflection with creative journal prompts Growing their self-esteem by keeping them active and engaged in learning with challenges, crafts, and more! If your kids enjoyed books like Growth Mindset Activities for Kids; Learn, Grow, Succeed!; or You Got This, then they'll love Challenge Accepted!

Learn how to knit different stitches and patterns and you'll soon be making all sorts of fun items. Divided into four chapters, the book includes a level of 1, 2, or 3 for every project, and comes with easyto-read instructions and adorable, step-by-step artworks that will guide you along the way. In Accessories you'll find cute little bow hair clips and decorative buttons, a panda hat, fingerless gloves, a keyring charm, and lots more. Warm & Cozy has pretty mouse mittens, an earflap hat, and a cowl. Then you can have a go at Bedroom Essentials, and try making a heart cushion or a caterpillar doorstop for your room. Lastly, Playtime has cute ideas for toys and other pretty things you'll love to make, such as an alien, a rag doll, and a doctor's stethoscope. Finally, the basic techniques section covers every knitting technique you'll need to know, as well as yarns, needles, and stitches.

Make fresh and fashionable origami projects for girls with this fun origami kit! When Cindy Ng was ten, she desperately wanted a pair of high heels, but her mother wouldn't let her have them. Even when she was old enough to wear heels, she still had to dream about looking cool--because she could barely walk in them! No problem! Cindy decided if she couldn't wear cool heels, at least she could fold them. And that was the beginning of Girligami... This new modern and contemporary paper craft kit is origami with a sassy twist--a box full of fun that lets crafters turn bits of paper into 3D origami fashion, romance and all things cute and pretty. Each of the custom-designed origami projects takes only a minute to make and are a great way to learn origami. The full-color origami book gives clear step-by-step instructions on how to make each 3D origami model. And it has an added section showing origami paper folders how to turn their paper creations into cool earrings, greeting cards and other useful and not-so-useful (but no less fun) things folders can give to their friends. The glossy, custom-patterned origami folding sheets are all imprinted with guidelines for easy, foolproof folding. This easy origami kit contains: 18 easy-to-do origami projects 50 fabulous paper folding designs 64-page full-color booklet Step-by-step instructions An introduction to paper folding and guidelines for foolproof folding 60 sheets of glossy origami paper Dozens of fun patterns and colors Creativity doesn't get any easier or more fun than this. So invite some friends over, open up the box, and have a blast! Origami projects include: Foxy Pumps Strapless Dress Lacy Jacket Bobo Panda Lola Kitty Cool Cupcake Secret Love Note Vogue-It Earrings And many more...

Gather up your empty toilet rolls, cereal boxes, egg cartons and even old socks to give them a new life as a shark, a dragon, a pirate ship and more! These 24 simple craft projects offer the perfect boredom-busting activity for rainy days and future pandemic lockdowns (you never know!). Encouraging reuse and recycling with stuff you already have around the house, these fun crafts are sure to keep kids happy and engaged with hours of imaginative play. Includes clear step-by-step instructions and handy cut-outs at the back of the book to customise and decorate your makes.

Create your own magical artefacts with this official craft book of projects from the Harry Potter films! From your very own Hogwarts acceptance letter to a golden snitch and a pop-up Goblet of Fire, this official book of craft projects from the Harry Potter films covers a whole range of magical artefacts that fans know and love. With five levels of difficult rating, and detailed instructions and step-by-step photographs for each project, you will soon be able to create an elder wand, a crystal ball, a time-turner and more! Organised into chapters, the book covers the journey to Hogwarts, recognisable books and potions from the classroom, magical objects from sports clubs and competitions, and of course, the dangerous restricted section of the library! This it the perfect book for Harry Potter fans looking to immerse themselves in the Wizarding World.

There are times when keeping your young children occupied and entertained can be a real challenge, no matter how super-organised or imaginative you're parenting skills. This bumper book of boredom-busting craft activities is all you need to be inspired. Dip in and discover the eight handy sections: Nature lovers, Messy makes, Rainy day, Sunny day, little laboratory, Paint and print, Playing and performing and Dressing-up. Each one is packed with things to do that range from spur-of-the-moment creative play, involving little or no preparation, to mini projects with step-by-step instructions.

"My Secret Book of Fashion "is a book specifically made for girls who love fashion! The book was imagined as a "secret notebook" with a padlock, and is divided into different categories. Girls will be able to write about their favorite fashion designer and their favorite outfits.Candybird is a freelance illustrator based in the south of France. Her artwork is almost exclusively digital and has as aesthetic that oscillates between feminine and childish. Her works have so far featured in exhibitions in Rome and Los Angeles. Candybird's strong black linework and delicate watercolors perfectly suit children's books. She is also inspired by fashion shows that she has illustrated for magazines like "ShowStudio."

Pixel Craft with Perler Beads is a fun project book containing more than 50 exciting design ideas for digital-inspired jewellery, coasters, frames, boxes, toys and more, using fusible craft beads. With no crafting experience necessary, you'll produce great results in no time thanks to Choly Knight's clear directions and step-by-photographs!Colourful, inexpensive beads from Perler(R), Hama(R), or Artkal(R) are ideal for recreating the retro 8-bit era of blocky video games. As well as learning the basics of assembling and fusing beads, you'll also pick up useful tips on tools, pegboards and adhesives.Making trendy pixelated wearables, jewellery and decorations for your home has never been easier or more enjoyable. Your creations will look as if they have just stepped off a screen!

In Stitch and String Lab for Kids, art teacher and winner of the Netflix bake-off show Nailed It! Cassie Stephens presents 40+ inventive projects that explore everything from simple sewing, embroidery, and weaving to string art, needle felting, and yarn crafts. Stitch and String Lab for Kids leads children, step by step, through a huge range of sewing and fiber art projects. As they go, they will learn a variety of techniques, develop dexterity and coordination, and enjoy making a variety of creative projects. Kids will employ simple embroidery stitches to embellish a sun catcher, wall hangings, and an applique animal. Sewing projects include a drawstring bag, a sketchbook jacket, and custom plushies. Children will learn how to make custom looms to weave bookmarks, bracelets, and even a mini rag rug. They will also experiment with string art, needle felting, shibori dyeing, pompom animals, as well as finger knitting, yarn art, and cool wrapping projects. Each project includes a materials list and illustrated steps, and the book is filled with useful tips, tricks, and shortcuts. Stitch samplers will teach the basics, and templates are included for plushies and stuffies. Kids are encouraged to make variations and personalize the projects to their own style and personality. These 44 creative projects offer a broad and rich sampling of sewing, fabric, and fiber crafts-Stitch and String Lab for Kids is perfect for keeping kids busy with educational activities at home, learning techniques and experimenting at school, or having a ball at camps and parties. Parents, teachers, homeschoolers, and facilitators will appreciate the easy, illustrated instruction and the curriculum-friendly format, with projects that can be completed in any order. The popular Lab for Kids series features a growing list of books that share hands-on activities and projects on a wide host of topics, including art, astronomy, clay, geology, math, and even how to create your own circus-all authored by established experts in their fields. Each lab contains a complete materials list, clear step-by-step photographs of the process, as well as finished samples. The labs can be used as singular projects or as part of a yearlong curriculum of experiential learning. The activities are open-ended, designed to be explored over and over, often with different results. Geared toward being taught or guided by adults, they are enriching for a range of ages and skill levels. Gain firsthand knowledge on your favorite topic with Lab for Kids.

A spellbinding story from the Sunday Times-bestselling author of The Girl of Ink & Stars, winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. 'A story bursting with imagination, sparkle and tender heart ... I adored it!' JASBINDER BILAN 'Both souful poetry and thrilling adventure; powerful and delicate, chilling and comforting' SOPHIE ANDERSON 'Ripping propulsive plot, gorgeous imagery, floating fairytale prose ... absolutely loved it' ROSS MONTGOMERY In an Italian city ravaged by plague, Sofia's mother carves beautiful mementoes from the bones of loved ones. But one day, she doesn't return home. Did her work lead her into danger? Sofia and her little brother Ermin are sent to the convent orphanage but soon escape, led by an enigmatic new friend and their pet crow, Corvith. Together they cross the city underground, following clues in bones up to the towers of Siena, where - circled by magpies - the children find the terrible truth ... The fourth children's novel by Times number one bestselling author Kiran Millwood Hargrave, winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and the British Book Awards Children's Book of the Year From the author of The Island at the End of Everything, The Way Past Winter, Julia and the Shark and The Mercies - chosen for the Richard & Judy Book Club A darkly beautiful historical novel featuring Kiran's trademark magical realism and an enthralling mystery, presented as a gorgeous flapped paperback with stunning cover foil Longlisted for the Diverse Book Awards 2021

Pokemon folding fun for everyone! Turn your favourite Pokemon into folded art with the easy origami projects in Pokemon Origami: Fold Your Own Pokemon! Eighty full-colour pages featuring 48 pages of instructions and all the special sheets of origami paper needed to complete 10 Pokemon! Pokemon Origami: Fold Your Own Pokemon offers a dozen new ways to play with the Pokemon you love best! In these detailed pages, you get the full how-to guide including: Simple step-by-step origami walk-throughs All the materials necessary to complete your 10 Pokemon, including special sheets of origami paper Helpful full-colour examples of all the finished origami Pokemon Tips and tricks to keep your Pokemon looking extra sharp!

Learn how to read tarot cards and understand what the past, present, and future have to say about your life, especially as it pertains to friendships, family, and school. From Nikki Van De Car, author of The Junior Witch's Handbook and The Junior Astrologer's Handbook, this third book in the Junior Handbook series teaches young readers how to use tarot to get answers to questions about life, friendships, family, school, and more. The book offers a step-by-step guide to everything from how to choose a deck to how to do a reading and includes detailed explanations of what each card in a tarot deck represents and how to apply these meanings to your own life. Maybe you need to focus more at school or examine how you've been treating your friends. Perhaps you simply need more love and support from family. Whatever the need, whatever the question, let the cards be a source of wisdom in how to handle anything that comes your way. With beautiful illustrations from Uta Krogmann, this is an empowering guide of self-discovery. Whether reading on your own or with friends, The Junior Tarot Reader's Handbook is the perfect guide for budding mystics.

Discover science, technology, engineering, art and maths (STEAM) through original craft projects and recycle at the same time! This brilliant series combines learning science with seasonal craft projects, scientific experiments and fun activities. In Autumn make your own spider's web, create an erupting pumpkin or examine leaf fossils, plus there's many more fascinating ideas to try out. Combining fun photos, illustrated step-by-step artwork and a dose of eco-friendly fun, STEAM through the seasons will ensure plenty to occupy any 6-8-year-old!

Looking for an outdoor hobby to engage your children and encourage them to be crafty and creative? Wood carving is not only easy to learn and fun to do, but almost everything you need to get started can be found for free -- right outside your door! Together you can craft a tumbling tower game, a racing car toy, a dolphin necklace or even a handy coat hook! With more than fifty activities at levels for beginners and up, children can create something useful, beautiful or fun (often all three!) out of wood. Learning wood carving not only helps to improve children's concentration, creativity and dexterity, it's also invaluable in teaching them how to handle knives safely. Adventurous children will be thrilled to learn woodland skills, while nature-loving parents will enjoy rediscovering the lost art of whittling with their kids.

Turn string and pins into works of art with String Art, a modern twist on a classic craft. Children can use more than 20 art templates, including animals, words and pictures to create the whole look: pick a design, prepare it with pins and string and display! String Art comes with everything you need to create beautiful designs, including pins, backing boards and instructions. With enough material to make three big art pieces and four small art pieces, there are hours of fun to be had!