7 Crafty Books for Winter Break

Sewing School, by Amie Plumley and Andria Lisle
Based on the authors’ popular Sewing Camp, this colorful book includes 21 sewing projects for ages 5 and up. There are instructions on the basics like how to thread a needle, plus patterns for dolls, pillows, blankets, and more. The best part is that every project can be sewn by hand, so all you need to get started is fabric, a needle, and some thread!

Star Wars Origami, by Chris Alexander
Hitting the sweet spot of the Venn diagram that is Star Wars fans and origamiheads, this book includes 36 projects. Kids 5 and up can make their own paper princess, Yoda, R2-D2, and more. As readers learn more advanced folding skills, they rise in the ranks from Youngling to Jedi Master. The book includes 2 pieces of patterned paper for each character, so you don’t have to worry about making mistakes. May the fold be with you!

Cooking Class, by Deanna F. Cook
With over 50 recipes that chefs ages 5-12 can make, at least you know dinner won’t be a total disaster over winter break. There are the family-friendly recipes you expect like pizza and chicken, but there are also more creative dishes like mashed potato clouds and egg mice. These are healthy nibbles that are fun to make and perfect for little ones that like to play with their food. And side note: teaching kids to cook while they’re still young just might make your life a little easier too!

Klutz Nail Style Studio, by Scholastic Inc.
If I had hours to while away, I would be all over this kit. Kids 10 and up can follow step-by-step instructions to create 25 creative (but not too edgy) designs. The dotting tool, 250 stencils, and 6 bottles of practice polish will help make sure the designs actually look the way they do in the book! (And if they don’t, you can wash off the polish and try again.)

Stuck On Fun!, by Jannie Ho
If your little ones are too young for nail polish or origami, this is the perfect introduction to crafting. There are press-outs, patterned paper, stencils, and stickers—everything you need to decorate bunnies, kitties, owls, and other characters. Simple instructions guide readers through the process. And once your paper dolls are stage-ready, kids can play with them against a fold-out puppet theater!

The Klutz Book of Knots, by Scholastic Inc.
With titles on everything from nail art to knots, it’s no wonder Klutz has ruled the imaginations for generations. This kit includes two nylon cords and color-coded instructions. Holes in each page encourage readers to practice tying directly in the book. By the end of vacation, your kids will agree that knowing your knots is a practical and satisfying skill they can also use to impress their grandparents and their friends.

ABC & Color Me, by Valeria Cis
If your kids want to make their school presentations as droolworthy as the local coffee-shop sign and are begging to learn calligraphy, this is a perfect introduction to the topic. By the end of winter break, your kids will have created a totally unique alphabet, developed their inner doodler, and tried 9 different lettering styles. They might even handletter their resolutions so beautifully that they stick this year!