Mania indeed…also, the perfect collision of design, content and craftiness in books about, somehow, rubber bands and duct tape. My friend, Amanda Formaro, who skillfully manages an infinite supply of creative ideas (seriously, where do they all come from? how does she never run dry?) over at Crafts by Amanda, has published her first two craft books for kids ages 6 to 12 in the Mania series: Duct Tape Mania and Rubber Band Mania. More about Duct Tape coming soon. Today I’m all about rubber bands.
I have a 7 year old who crafts incessantly, so she ripped open the package and tried to take my books before I had a chance to review them. Nice try, Maeve. Nice try.
Rubber Band Mania has over 40 rubber band projects, each with clear step-by-steps and photographs that kids can follow on their own or with minimal help. There are also tips and fun facts sprinkled throughout. Did you know the US Postal Service uses millions of pounds of rubber bands a year to help sort mail? I do now.
If your kid has discovered the loom like mine, not to worry. The first section of the book honors the craze with bracelets, necklaces, and rings you can make with with your fingers, a fork and even a DIY loom. But there is much more, like organizers and notebooks and luminaries kids can make, or a rubber band car, marshmallow catapult, slingshot and bow and arrow. They can paint and stamp and tie dye with bands or make a harp or guitar or even do magic tricks. My kid has already made the popsicle charm. Two of them. And has promised more for her friends.
Next, we made a boat. She outfitted the boat with duct tape while I painstakingly blew up our inflatable pool. I’d have rather have had her job. Oh yeah, just relax at the table playing with tape. Don’t mind that woman passed out on the ground behind you.
And the boat is ready to launch. Please note the top of the pool is barely inflated. I gave up half way. And I forgot to take video of the boat zooming across the pool. I can make a thousand more boats, but please don’t ask me to re-inflate that pool.
THE GIVEAWAY!!
Leave a comment here before Monday September 15th, midnight EST for a chance to win a copy of
Rubber Band Mania by Amanda Formaro
Winner drawn randomly.
Winner has 48 hours to respond after being notified before another winner is notified.
Ships to US addresses only.
Kimberly avery says
Thank you for the opportunity!
Marcia says
Call me old-fashioned but I think giving a kid a chance to create something unique is a fabulous way to inspire creativity and confidence. I love electronics and get caught up with my iphone and ipad too, but an afternoon with this book trumps that ANYDAY!!
Pauline says
Thanks for this AWESOME GIVEAWAY!!
casey says
love to create things especially when u can recycle something into something new. up- cycling is the way to go
Jen Y says
Please enter me for the drawing – what a fun book.
Jerry Melton says
would love to win this for my granddaughter who is 11 . she loves doing crafts ….. her name is Macy
Sandra Jones says
Please enter me for a chance to be awinner of the book I love crafting and I love seeing crafts by amanda in my newsfeed on Facebook
Laurie Mahoney says
I just love the arts and crafts that Amanda does. Creativity is the best thing for a child.
Marina says
Thanks for the opportunity.
Penny says
WooHoo! I love a giveaway, especially when it’s craft books!
Rabecca Forbes says
My granddaughter is almost six, and she is very crafty and loves to do hands-on crafting. She would LOVE this book!! 🙂
Thanks for the chance and good luck everyone!
Kira says
Cool book looks like some great crafts.
Glenda Burks says
I always try to cook or do a craft when my Grandkids come over. This book would give us many hours of fun together.
Adriana says
Awesome! My daughter world love one of this!!!
Marlene Barnett says
I would love to win this book.
I do crafts all the time at home & while working with my autistic students, too.
Diane Marbaugh says
Hoping to win this book. I work at daycare
plus I’m a grandma and great grandma
who loves to craft and create things.
Thanks for awesome crafts….
Shannon Kemp says
I have an 8 year old daughter and a 5 year old son, we would LOVE this!! Maeve, love the name. It was almost my daughter’s name. I loved it, but my X did not. So we settled on Chloe ☺ Good luck to everyone!
cindyzs says
this book is so fun! hope to win it for the g-kids & me! thanks 🙂
Lynette Blakesley says
My kids would love this book!! Thanks for the chance!
Pat says
Grand kids and this book…perfect combination