Amanda Blake Soule

I really enjoyed this book and came away with a lot of great ideas about how to encourage creativity in my family. I'll be honest, I did find the book overwhelming at times. The author lives and breathes family creativity, and has very specific philosophies about how to carry it out in hers. But, I'm giving it five stars because it really inspired me with many ideas I know I can practically implement, and it also helped me see the importance of buying less, enjoying life more, and putting thought and time and creativity into toys and gift-giving (rather than just picking up something plastic from Wal-Mart).… (mehr)

Ok, this library impulse grab should have been the perfect book for me. I have lots of experience in thrifting and repurposing, some experience in sewing and crafting, and a dresser full of fabrics and related salvage. Well. It's a pretty book, with some neat ideas - but no illustrations of intermediate steps! I could figure out most of the projects, but a true beginner" wouldn't have a chance.

If you have small children, do get a copy of this book from the library and see what you can make of it, how much thrifty fun you can have. If you're an empty nester, comment to me so we can share ideas about what to do with our fabric scraps & salvaged buttons and ribbons since we don't need baby slings, tote bags, or beach blankets.

(*Iff* my couch blanket or bath mat wear out I will use Soule's inspiration to make, instead of buy, replacements.)"… (mehr)

I have loved Amanda Blake Soule's personable and friendly style since I first discovered her blog Soule Mama. It was through her that I rekindled my interest in the everyday act of creation. In my younger days I was a writer and muscian more than anything, while now it is the act of knitting to which I most often turn.

So when I saw this book at my friend's home and she offered to lend it to me, I was quite excited. Unfortunately, while still written in the style I love, most of them handmade items for which she provides directions are either things I no longer need such as baby slings or I cannot envision them in my home. The rag rug is the single exception, as I would love to have one to keep in my kitchen at the sink. I have come to realize it is not so much what she creates that I love as much as how she talks about what she is making, and also about her home that draws me to her. In the future I think I will stick to the blog. Though the book didn't appeal to me I would not hesitate to recommend it to the right person, and I know many of just the sort of person to whom this book would have great appeal.… (mehr)