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10 Tips for Peaceful Crafting with the Kids

500 Cross-Stitch Blocks Reviews This book has something for everyone. There is a wide range of themes and since the designs are generally small they have a number of uses alone (keyfobs, bookmarks, placemats, ornaments, etc) or they can be combined with other designs for larger works.The charts are very easy to read - they are large and are charted using both symbols and colored squares so you can get a sense of the color of the finished piece while still being able to easily tell which thread you should use for each stitch.I do agree with another reviewer that the lack of pictures of the finished pieces is unfortunate but it does not prevent me from recommending this book (but it did 'knock off' one star). Not being one of those who can visualize a finished piece from a chart, this book was a disappointment to me. Only a handful of the charts are made up, but what projects are stitched, are very nice, indeed. I just would have preferred to see more finished pieces. This book will send your cross stitching mind awhirl with ideas. The book is based loosely on mosaic tiles. For experienced stitchers, it has some designs I've not seen in other books. For beginning stitchers, the designs aren't difficult to stitch, but not enough color pictures of finished work to show how to put blocks together into a design. You will need some graph paper to make the best use of this book. The layout of this book is beautifully done with each two page spread color themed. My current favorites are the fleur-de-lis pillow and English garden designs. Happy Stitching! Average Rating:

Bright, versatile, and simple to sew, these 500 embroidered designs fit together beautifully to form an array of fabulous patterns. Choose from a wide variety of themes and then have fun arranging them...

Are you looking for ways to keep craft time with your children simple and fun? If so, I hope you will put some of the following suggestions to use.

1. Find the craft the kids want to make and then make a list of all the supplies you will need to make the craft.

2. If you do not have everything on hand add the supplies you need to your shopping list so you will not forget them.

3. Put a plastic table cloth down where you will be crafting.

4. Have all supplies laid out before you announce craft time to your kids.

5. Use non-toxic paints, glues, etc.

6. Have wet wipes and paper towels handy for spills.

7. Always try to have extra supplies in case something is lost or torn, etc.

8. Let them wear old clothes so you will not be stressed out over ruining what they are wearing.

9.Show the kids how to do the craft but let them do it in their own way. If you insist on it being perfect then you might as well do the craft yourself and forget about having craft time with the kids. It also makes the children thnk that everything has to be perfect and that their best is not good enough. Sometimes little hands need help but you know you have gone too far when you are the only one left at the craft table.

10.Have fun! Don't worry about a little paint on their hands & faces, take pictures instead.

I hope you will try these suggestions for a stress free craft time with your children. Show them how to have fun, they will learn how to be stressed out way too soon anyway.