Crafts

Since you are here on The Mixed-Up Files, it’s safe to say that you are a book lover like me.  Book related crafts can be great gifts or be a fun way to personalize your own collection. Every now and then, I make a little gift for my favorite librarian and leave it on her desk. She thinks there’s a library pixie, but actually it’s just me, M.G.

Click on the links below for great book-related craft and gift ideas. If you have a craft activity for you or your favorite bibliophile (that’s a fancy word for book-lover), tell us about it so others can try it out!

SUMMER CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES:

When you’re handed lemons…

…make smoothies!  Mixed-Up Files author Diana Greenwood shares some kid-inspired smoothie concoctions the whole family with love!

https://fromthemixedupfiles.com/for-kids/crafts/chill/

…create some lemon science!  Mixed-up Author Lill Pluta shares some great ideas to experiment with those extra lemons!

https://fromthemixedupfiles.com/for-kids/crafts/lemon-science/

…have a party!  Mixed-Up Author Diana Greenwood shares ideas for a summer lemonade party!

https://fromthemixedupfiles.com/for-kids/crafts/summer-lemonade-party/

SPRING CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES:

GREEN-THEMED CRAFTS: Check out this great link with loads of ideas for crafts using recycled materials. Green is busting out all over. For more spring-themed fun, try this origami activity and create your own blooms while waiting for those in your neighborhood to sprout.

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WINTER GIFT AND CRAFT IDEAS

Never forget that books make great gifts.  Consider giving classroom teachers a gift card to your favorite bookstore or donating a book in your child’s name to your child’s school library. Bookmarks can be fun and personal stocking stuffers along with a favorite book. A nice pen set and personalized journal can be a special treat for your up-and-coming author. A book on writing, like Bird by Bird or Stephen King’s On Writing can inspire your favorite adult writer. Here are a few new craft ideas for kids and parents alike. Don’t forget to check out the previous craft suggestions at the bottom of this page for more gift ideas with a personal touch.

Help maintain long-distance relationships with the encylopedia of cousins:

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/the-encyclopedia-of-cousins-674752/

Start a new tradition with a family comic book with super heroes you know and love:

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/family-story-comic-book-674705/

Make a fun and edible spelling game:

http://familyfun.go.com/winter/winter-crafts/more-winter-crafts/w-i-n-t-e-r-bingo-675087/

Welcome your guests and make a keepsake of your visits with this guest book:

http://familyfun.go.com/winter/winter-crafts/more-winter-crafts/household-guest-book-664820/

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Book-Themed Crafts

Fun-to-browse site with dozens of craft ideas arranged by age, by category, and by materials needed. Easy-follow, printable directions:

http://familyfun.go.com/back-to-school/back-to-school-crafts/school-supplies/back-to-school-supplies-pg-918166/view-all/

Bookmarks

Slip-over-the-corner page marker:

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/hold-your-place-in-style-669851/

Magnetic placeholder:

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/magnetic-marker-668892/

Traditional tasseled bookmarks:

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/novel-bookmarks-710294/

Ribbon “inchworm”:

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/inchworm-bookmark-663701/

Printable designs:

http://familyfun.go.com/printables/back-to-school-bookmarks-702869/

Recycled project:

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/bookmark-this-675057/

Fancy beaded bookmark:

http://familyfun.go.com/back-to-school/back-to-school-fashions/back-to-school-fashion-accessories/bead-reading-668621/

Origami pencil-shaped bookmarks:

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/paper-pencils-674292/

Book Covers

Felt book “blankets”:

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/book-blankets-793367/

Paper covers, with ideas for customizing:

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/book-covers-662796/

Artistic stenciled paper covers:

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/blopens-book-covers-663647/

Journals

Purse style with handle:

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/on-the-go-journal-863565/

Bandana-covered notebook:

http://www.familycorner.com/family/kids/crafts/bandana_craft_notebook_journal.shtml

Denim diary:

http://www.familycorner.com/homegarden/crafts/denim_diary.shtml

Pencil Toppers and Cases

Beaded, felt and colored-paper toppers:

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/pencil-toppers-664093/

“Friendship” pens (yarn-wrapped with tassels):

http://www.familycorner.com/family/kids/crafts/friendship_pens.shtml

Ideas for personalizing vinyl pencil cases:

http://www.familycorner.com/family/kids/crafts/pencil_case.shtml

Harry Potter-inspired wizard’s broom topper:

http://crafts.kaboose.com/pencil-brooms.html

Turn your pencil into a wizard’s wand:

http://crafts.kaboose.com/pencil-wands.html

Other Fun Crafts

Make a cartoon flip-book:

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/flip-book-cartoon-848205/

Create your own mini-book:

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/magic-book-892804/