Stephanie Corfee - Craft Lab for Kids: 52 DIY Projects to Inspire, Excite, and Empower Kids to Create Useful, Beautiful Handmade Goods

Finally, there are specialized supplies required for a few of the projects in this book. Its not likely that jewelry findings, eye hooks, /-in. (6 mm) dowels, guitar picks, and citric acid are just sitting on the shelf in most closets. Take a look at the materials list for your project in advance to see if a trip to the store is needed before you begin.

PREPPING FOR SUCCESS

For kids: Before you begin a project, gather all the supplies youll need and protect your workspace with newspaper or a drop cloth if necessary. Its far more enjoyable to complete a project without constantly running to fetch items you need as you go along. Its also much nicer to clean up afterward if your mess is contained.

For adults: If the project will be completed by multiple kids or kids of different ages, be sure to read instructions ahead of time and note the Little Hands adaptations included with some of the more complex projects. Many projects also include additional tips or suggestions to change, personalize, and modify the craft. With these extra instructions, almost anyone will be able to enjoy each project in their own way.

One great aspect of crafting is reimagining things we already own. Skip the store when you want something new! Instead, look around the house for items that only need a little facelift to be fabulous. Embellish some plain-Jane shoes. Turn blank notecards into showstoppers with paint marbling. Decoupage some glassware that was destined for the recycle bin. Once youve opened your eyes to the concept of reinvention and upcycling, youll be excited to treasure hunt for items that need a makeover. No tattered bag or boring tee will be safe from your savvy creativity. Youre the generation that champions sustainability and aims to create less waste in the world. Its a lesson worth sharing with everyone!