Love her or hate her, you have to admit
knows how to do....stuff...and lots of it.
Recently, I was browsing her site and found three related and very cute
easy projects that anyone could easily do themselves without much trouble
The first was done on her site as a simple travel scrapbook. As you can see from the
photo, it simply involves making an accordian book from cardstock and
filling it with mementos of a special trip. I think it would make
as fun little take-along for writers visiting schools or talking to kid's groups
about their books. I can see it filled with doo-dads that have to
do with the book, illustrations etc to be shared with the
group. A map of where your story takes place, something your character loves,
a photo of your main character doing something fun, etc. It could even be
shown to teachers as a fun way to do a book report.
The second DIY, also on the site, was a little "book" of a special collection
also made with a small accordian of cardstock then placed in a little box.
I think this would be perfect for little people! It could be shared as a "mystery" box...
guess what's inside, or odd ball objects pasted then a little game of
"what does this have to do with my book."
Lastly, a similar project done with one larger box of goodies
that also could be used to entertain little people when visiting schools.
Fill the larger box with book-related items pulling them
from the box one by one and talking about them.
Again, a fun "book report," or just a fun way for a child
or adult to save memories.
For more on these projects visit
In my own twisted attempt to channel Martha, I pulled out my trusty sewing machine and sewed up a little tote I would be pleased to give to one blog reader. It's just big enough to tote a book or two or your e-reader or i-pad back and forth to the pool, the hammock or the big chair. As I have said again and again, I am NOT Martha, but it's my blog and I wanted to sew a tote. Leave me a comment by August 2 10pm and I will pull a name from my hat!
I'm not proud! I love my mason jar--would it fit in the tote?
ReplyDeleteLove the ideas.
you're too funny sharon...of course it would fit in the tote!!!!
ReplyDeleteSharon,
ReplyDeleteWonderful crafty and colorful ideas to spark interest in our young muses. Terrific idea on the tote bag.
All the best,
Donna
I love all three of these projects! I've been making albums in boxes for years--so much more fun than sticking pictures in albums. But for most of us veteran school visit writers--we speak to at least 250 kids at a time, often 500. These projects would be better for library visits, maybe.
ReplyDeleteYou can never have enough totes!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts everyone...for some unknown and very vexing reason Blogger is not letting me reply to each of you separately! Greasing up my hat for the drawing....
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, and I can ALWAYS use another little tote! Count me in!
ReplyDeleteHoly Cows bring memories of chasing pigs that took the fence row as a challenge stifling their curiosity. My Aunt wondered what the world would have come to if Martha hadn't arrived on the scene. She taught all of us how to measure,cut and tape wrapping paper.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog Sharon!
ReplyDeleteMy aunt wondered how the world would have survived if Martha hadn't come along to tell us how to do things. She taught each of us to wrap a gift with paper, pencil, ruler and invisible taping before two sided tape existed.
ReplyDeleteCount me in.
I love the little accordian books! I might fdo them with grandkids. Please enter me for the tote.
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon:
ReplyDeleteI came from Sharon Stroud's blog. I needed to give her some competition. Please enter my name in for the prize.
I was directed from Sharon Stroud's blog to give her some much needed competition. Please enter me in for the tote. Nice job with your blog.
ReplyDelete