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:
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:
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/