Crafty Family Ideas by Kristin Gambaccini

Crafty Family Ideas Reviews

• 
  Alicia Bayer

  This is a nice enough craft-ish book although it doesn't really stand out in the market from thousands of similar books that have been published over the years. There are lots of color photos and it's written in a friendly, relatable way. The author has 8 kids and it's definitely geared towards those who have more than one child. Helpful hints are given for families, though there aren't many and they aren't really that novel. Some recipes are included for very standard American food (tater tot casserole, carrot cake, etc.). The crafts require specific supplies like a fake gumball machine that uses various parts and baubles, instead of child-led, open-ended crafts. You're likely to find some fun stuff here, but it will definitely be more helpful for parents who haven't read many similar books or who are fans of the author's blog.
  
  I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
• 
  Samantha Luke

  An interesting book but not exactly what I expected from the title.
  As well as crafty makes there are quite a few recipes which I wasn't expecting.
  There are some good ideas here but some of the items I feel are aimed more at the American market, which I now understand is where the author is from.
  Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for this read.
• 
  Jennyfer

  If you're a fan of hot glue, felt and crafts that'll keep the kids entertained, this is the book for you! Kristen Gambaccini is a mother of 8 (!!), and in this book she shares the tips and tricks and recipes she's come up with to make running such a large family easier. She introduces the book and explains her rationale behind being thrifty and crafty, and is non-apologetic in her use of recycled materials.
  The book is broken down into seasonal crafts, so that one can jump forward to winter activities rather than flicking through to find a gingerbread recipe, for example.
  Speaking of recipes, there are some wholesome, simple family favourites that are sure to be a hit with my family, too.
  The crafts themselves.. I'm torn. In the crafty blogging circles, there are some crafts that are just busywork, and I don't get them. I don't understand the wreathes and non-edible food displays and so on. (There are instructions in this book for non-edible candy apples. In a household with small children, my only question was - WHY?!)
  Having said that, though, there are some cute, practical crafts and tips in here, too that will help kids make fun gifts. While a hot glue gun is used throughout this book, it wouldn't be hard to substitute for PVA if kids aren't able to use hot glue.
  
  ~Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exvhange for an honest review~
• 
  Linda

  Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
  
  Overall, this is a decent book of craft ideas for families, especially families with several children. Some of these might be hard to do with just one kid. I wouldn't say it's great, though, largely because the focus is a bit blurry. It can't decide whether it wants to be a craft book, a baking book, or a household tips book. You'll find a craft idea with a random household tip squeezed onto the same page for no apparent reason (not thematically related, I mean).
  
  The ideas are organized around the four seasons, though there's no reason you can't ignore that and do a craft or baking project any time of the year. The ideas generally require only items commonly found in North American kitchens and homes, too, so you're not going to need to go out and buy a bunch of odd equipment or ingredients to do these.
• 
  Caitlin

  A great resource when looking for projects to keep yourself and your family occupied. Theres something for everyone, including our 4legged friends! A great collection of ideas and easy to follow instructions with hints and pots of useful tips! I particularly like the i e cream cone garland idea which will be fun to make for kid’s birthday and family occasions!
• 
  Tam Sesto

  I was disappointed in the book Crafty Family Ideas by Kristin Gambaccini.
  
  The book opens with a few pages of the author’s life and thought’s as to why she decided to write this book. The book was broken down into crafts and recipes by season; Spring Break, Creative Summer, Fall-ing Back into Routine, and Crushing the Winter Doldrums. There was also a section called Idea Collection where the author recommended certain crafts and/or recipes for an occasion or theme. As an example, she did an Idea Collection of All Things Organized. There was nothing new or exciting about the crafts or recipes in this book. On the positive side, the pictures were well done, and the instructions were quite clear. Out of the entire book, only three craft ideas sounded interesting to me; Pet Silhouette, Bubble Gum Machine, and Book Pouch. The book pouch was quite clever, yet appeared quite simple to make. One recipe jumped out at me and that was the Grinch cookies. I know my great nieces and great nephews will enjoy making those at Christmas time.
  
  My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are my own.
  
  
• 
  Annie

  Originally posted on my blog:
  Nonstop Reader.
  
  Crafty Family Ideas is a collection of crafting ideas and tutorials for lots of different all-ages projects written and presented by
  Kristin Gambaccini. Released 25th May 2021 by
  Fox Chapel Publishing, it's 160 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
  
  I really liked the exuberance and fun energy of this book. The author is enthusiastic and upbeat and the project tutorials are colorful and engaging. The layout is easy to follow.
  
  The crafting prompts and tutorials are grouped thematically by season: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. The tutorials include nature crafts, found objects, cooking, art, papercrafts, and recycled project materials. The bulk of the content is given over to the projects. Each one includes an intro/description, tools and materials, and step by step photo tutorials. The photography is clear and abundant. There are color photos on every page. Alternate steps and enhancements are included for many of the activities. The recipes have ingredients in a bullet list in a sidebar. Measurements are given in American standard units, and nutritional information is not included. Those tutorials which are made to specific patterns have templates included in the back of the book.
  
  This would make a superlative choice for staying home activities, as well as great ideas for a library or classroom activities (when we can gather together again). This would also be a good book for folks who spend time with kids (grandparents, teachers, scout leaders, activity groups, etc).
  
  Five stars. There are a ton of good ideas here.
  
  Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
• 
  BlueFalkon95

  I would have given 5 stars but certain information I felt was missing. As a mother who loves making crafts I am grateful for the Crafty Family Ideas but I feel like something is missing with the instructions. I love that the recipes list the ingredients but it would be great to know if any cooking equipment or items or utensils are required so the children can help by getting them out of pantry or cupboards. Little picture icons so the children know what they are looking for so the parent is there as a helper or guide I’d the children are unable to read the items or instructions. For the crafts I also noticed that there’s no list of required items so they could be ready to begin the craft. The children could also help by taking the needed items for the craft activity from their craft box. It’s an ideal book of family crafts for a rainy day on days off, weekends or short or long holidays and has all seasonal holiday crafts and cooking. Fun for the whole family young and old to participate in togetherness.
  
  #CraftyFamilyIdeas #NetGalley
  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Dox Chapel Publishing via NetGalley for my honest review of the book Crafty Family Ideas Projects to Make, Things to Bake, and Lots of Homemade(ish) Fun
  by Kristen Gambaccini. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.
  
  Review run date 2021 for Netgalley, is posted on my WordPress blog, Facebook blog, Instagram, LinkedIn, Amazon.com.au, goodreads, along with the non-linked retail online stores that sell the book is at:
  
  My WordPress blog link is
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  My Amazon link is: Sorry I do not have any followers, I have a reviewer ranking #10,871
• 
  The Planning Mama

  Lots of good craft ideas more geared for older children and some unexpected recipes thrown in for good measure. A nice craft book that has a lot of fun felt pompom and hot glue gun activities. Some of the activities look like fun for children however lack a little finesse for a more discerning eye and there is a heavy reliance on a hot glue guns that may not be suitable for younger children.
  Not being familiar with Kristen Gambaccini it was interesting to read about her experience as a mother to 8 (!) children and her busy life. I'm sure that to a big fan of Gambaccini this would be a great book.
  
  Many thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.
• 
  Arlene Mullen

  I love crafty family activity books. There were a lot of really fun and actually interesting crafts in this book. They had silhouette paintings which are some of our favorites and using eggshells to plant things which is something that we have done before and so many other ones that my kids are very excited to try. Definitely a fun family activity book
• 
  Dana

  Maybe not the type of book you think of reading in one sitting, but I DID! This book is filled with fun stories, good recipes, and great craft ideas. Ms. Gambaccini is a natural story teller. Her love of family and community shines in her crafty ideas. Her helpful tips I will surely reference often.
• 
  Leyla Johnson

  Great ideas for craft making and cooking for children and family activities. This book suits all age groups, is super easy and has activities that parents and older members can get involved in. Well illustrated with step by step photo instructions this really his the mark of family craft makes. The cooking is easy and appealing and some of the craft ideas are very useful and creative.
• 
  Jennifer

  A fun craft book that has a lot of excellent ideas for the family. I saw several that I plan on doing with my children. It looks very simple to follow and something everyone can actually do together.
• 
  Melanie

  I received this book as part of a giveaway. The author has organized the book very well based on season or theme (like rainy days). The recipes are delicious. I do wish there were more crafts than what there are.
• 
  Cathy

  I received ARC, a fantastic resource of craft projects for the family to enjoy creating together.
  
• 
  Pegah Ouji

  If you are like me, and get overwhelmed by Pinterest, then this book is very handy to have around. It has organized activity ideas, colorful pictures and simple to follow instructions.
• 
  Gabriel Jones

  Really cute book lots of good ideas for crafts with my kids. Excited to continue working through some of them.
• 
  Ann Green

  What a fun book! Lots of good ideas for a variety of readers including moms, teachers, camp counselors and grandparents. I saw some cute projects for my daughter who is a kindergarten teacher! And some great recipes too. I especially enjoyed the seasonal projects! This book is a nice alternate to scrolling through Pinterest. Would make a useful gift, too!