Sunday, June 26, 2011

Make Stuff Together!


Not just a command, an actual book review and GIVEAWAY! Read closely folks, because here's your chance to WIN a copy of this amazing new book. Leave a comment below and I'll randomly select a winner by Friday July 1st.

Make Stuff Together is the new book by
Bernadette Noll and Kathie Sever, two wily and inventive mamas and all 'round crafty folks who together form the dynamic duo that is Future Craft Collective (you can follow them on Facebook here).
I've been following them like a devoted puppy dog avidly for years now, they're true Austin, TX superstars of the crafty/recycle-y variety, and they just beam out joy, fun, creativity and major style everywhere they go. No one could be more confident than I that their book would be great.
I have to say the book surprised even me. I thought it was going to be good, like so incredibly good, and that it would share with the world what Austin already knew... that Kathie and Bernadette were the super-coolest... but seriously, it's SO good. The projects are so ingenious and great-looking, and I think most books, should they be fortunate enough to be in possession of such fine inspiration: beautiful photos of happy children, and instructions for making things that are not only truly useful and that you actually really want but that are also made from upcycled materials, would just consider it a home run right there and coast the rest of the way by fluffing up the space between the pictures with some forgettable bla bla bla. But nothing about the writing was forgettable. I must admit, even I was skimming over the sewing instructions when I realized that there was gold hidden in those as well and I had to go back and read them all more closely.
It's a very fine line that they walk, advocating as they do the importance of a close and connected family life full of reflection and celebration, alongside the importance of community and eco-consciousness, and this book could easily have become preachy, but they do backflips along that line. It's funny and down-to earth about the realities of life with kids while inspiring you to juice up the life that you share with them with more goodness. And I don't know if any kids craft book ever has so fully acknowledged the challenges of attempting to craft with kids AND offers such a wonderfully practical solution... the projects can be done all in one go, of course, or without the kids at all (that would be a cop-out, but it may be what I end up doing... shhh....), but they also break up the projects into bite-sized pieces so that you can maintain your sanity and give your kids that great sense of accomplishment, neatly sidestepping the tears and fatigue and craziness that sometimes go along with making stuff together.
What else can I say... it's FABULOUS! Go buy it yourself and see for yourself that these Words I Say are true (or wait a few days and see if you win it, that's good too)! Congratulations, K and B, on a real slam-dunk of a first book... love you guys! And now the whole rest of the world gets a chance to soak up the goodness, too!

26 comments:

Baby Momma said...

So cool - I hope everyone had fun yesterday. Can not wait to make stuff together!

Vanessa howell said...

Wow sounds good! Consider me in the contest! Wish I could have gone to the book release party, we were in Houston. Hope everyone had fun celebrating!

Nancy said...

Sounds great! Would love to learn how to make more things all together. Count me in.

Snig said...

Would love to win the book! So cool!

Jody said...

Cannot wait to read this book! So proud of Kathie and Bernadette. And Austin.

Mindy said...

Can't wait to read it! I hope I win a copy, but I'd be happy buying one, too : )

Valerie said...

Really, really want this book. I love making stuff with my kids and this be a much needed inspiration point for summer.

rosesmama said...

That looks great. Umm, I might know something about the tears aspect of making something together. Tears do get less as kids get older . . .

Sarah S said...

What beautiful projects! I love to see kids thoroughly engaged in their work :)

Tina c said...

I would love to check this out!

Autumn said...

Loving all the inspiration you bring into my life Kami. Excited to see this book in person.

Jennifer McNichols said...

My daughter and I would have great fun with these projects! It'd be a great surprise for her upcoming 7th birthday!

Ellie said...

Wonderful projects!

Anonymous said...

Fingers crossed to be the recipient of that book giveaway. I've admired their work ever since I was in an advent calendar making class with Bernadette. Wine + crafts = doesn't get better than that.

Lori said...

Seriously wonderful pictures. I hope I get to check this book out!
lkziegler[at]gmail[dot]com

Lauren said...

Count me in!!

earthcore said...

Looks like a fantastic resource!

BGrace said...

sweet!! i want one! !

Unknown said...

This book is so cool..for a newbie like me..to do small projects and how to do them..please consider me for the contest..I love to learn to do new thing..Please pick me... :)

dogma said...

This would be lovely! fingers crossed!

Kristy said...

This looks like an amazingly fun book! I know my 5 kiddos and I would thoroughly enjoy using it! Thanks for the chance!

clanmiz77 said...

This book looks awesome! Love your blog, too!! Would love to be the winner! Thanks!

moomah said...

Looks like an amazing book. I'd love to win it!

Kami said...

OK, I used the random number generator, and it randomly selected lucky number three... Nancy!! Email me your address, Nancy, and I'll get that book in the mail to you, pronto. Enjoy!

Kami said...

And oh yes, my email is kamiwilt@gmail.com. :)

Nancy said...

Thank you Kami!! Love the book and the idea of making more fun things with my kids. Fun! We are all three of us so happy to be here with you guys. ;-) Nancy