Crafty Christmas Countdown: 23

Today's craft started with a pair of Christmas socks that I've owned for years. They were some of my favorites so I was pretty bummed when I realized that the sole was wearing out. I was resigned to the idea of relegating them to the rag bag when I realized that there was nothing wrong with the cuff. And sock cuffs make great sock puppet shirts. Or, in this case, sock ugly Christmas sweaters. Add in goofy eyes, a tacky red nose, and reindeer antlers and it's just the right level of Christmas tacky.

Crafty Christmas Countdown : 24

A couple of weeks ago, while trying to fall asleep, I had an idea. Why not count down to Christmas here on my blog by posting a different holiday craft every day? In the light of day I had to admit that the notion of producing 24 unique crafts in less than a months was a truly impractical idea. One might even say nutty. But I couldn't talk myself out of it. So we'll give it a try. To be clear, I'm using a pretty loose definition of crafts. And also of what makes something a Christmas craft. Take today's project for example. I've had this kit for making wind-up robots for quite some time. What makes these little guys Christmasy? Each one has a candy cane made out of pipe cleaners glued to it's side.

Book review - The Spell Thief

Title: The Spell Thief
Author: Tom Percival
Genre: fantasy
Similar Books: Moldylocks and the Three Beards by Noah Z. Jones
                     Operation Bunny by Sally Gardner
Rating:

Cute

Summary (provided by publisher): Join Red, Jack, Rapunzel, and Anansi in this fun fairy tale mash-up chapter book series!
Life for Jack is great: he's got a magical talking hen called Betsy, he lives in a town where stories literally grow on trees, and all his best friends live there with him. That is, until Anansi, the new kid in town arrives...
When Jack sees Anansi having a secret meeting with a troll, everything changes. Trolls mean trouble and Jack will stop at nothing to prove that Tale Town is in danger. Even if that means using stolen magic.

My opinion: There were times reading this book that I felt like I had missed something, like there was a story that preceeded it that I had not read. Nothing so vital as to prevent understanding the plot, just little gaps. Apart from that this is an easily understood and interesting take on familiar characters. I especially liked the inclusion of Anansi. Tricksters are great elements especially since traditionally they are neither hero nor villain. The plot is decent, though the moral is a little heavy-handed. A solid choice for kids beginning to read chapter books independently, especially as the text is supported with a healthy dose of illustrations.

More Information: The Spell Thief releases December 1.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Merciful Minerva!

A few years ago I painted some peg dolls for a craft fair. After the sale, I had a handful of dolls left. Given that there were just a few I though I would reuse them later. This weekend, on a whim, I painted this one. Wonder Woman turned out so well I may have to do a whole series of female superheroes.
 

A Happy Thanksgiving to You and Yours

Hi friends. Between work and holiday preparations this week promises to be a busy one. So, I'm taking the rest of the week off from blogging. Join me again Monday for my regular blogging schedule.
Hoping this holiday finds safe, warm, and surrounded by people who care about you,

Martha

Gobble gobble

While most of my work with Sculpey is focused on Christmas, sometimes it's nice to try something a little different. Like these little turkeys I made for November craft fairs.

 

Book review - A Boy Called Christmas

Title: A Boy Called Christmas
Author: Matt Haig
Genre: fantasy, humor
Similar books: Suddenly, the Milk by Neil Gaiman
                     The Extincts by Veronica Cossanteli
Rating:

a silly story with heart

Summary (provided by publisher): Before there was Santa Claus, there was a young boy who believed in the impossible. . . . Lemony Snicket meets Elf in this warmhearted Christmas caper.
Eleven-year-old Nikolas—nicknamed “Christmas”—has received only one toy in his life: a doll carved out of a turnip. But he's happy with his turnip doll, because it came from his parents, who love him. Then one day his father goes missing, and Nikolas must travel to the North Pole to save him.
Along the way, Nikolas befriends a surly reindeer, bests a troublesome troll, and discovers a hidden world of enchantment in the frozen village of Elfhelm. But the elves of Elfhelm have troubles of their own: Christmas spirit and goodwill are at an all-time low, and Nikolas may be the only person who can fix things—if only he can reach his father before it's too late. . . .
Sparkling with wit and warmth, A Boy Called Christmas is a cheeky new Christmas classic-in-the-making from acclaimed author Matt Haig and illustrator Chris Mould.

My opinion: Haig takes elements from the life of Saint Nicholas and a variety of Santa Claus stories to create this truly individual novel. While there is magic, it is magic with clear rules and limits. Its a truly funny story. The humor does tend towards the low brow (think reindeer ... releasing... mid-flight) but that will add to the appeal for young readers. It's not all fun and games though. There are some rather serious scenes, some rather grim in fact, which young readers might actually absorb better with a dose of humor. All in all, it's not a book that the average reader will spend much time contemplating or revisiting but with  quirky line drawings and a sharp sense of humor it's pretty entertaining.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley