Chickens in the Road


Book Description

Suzanne McMinn, a former romance writer and founder of the popular blog chickensintheroad.com, shares the story of her search to lead a life of ordinary splendor in Chickens in the Road, her inspiring and funny memoir. Craving a life that would connect her to the earth and her family roots, McMinn packed up her three kids, left her husband and her sterile suburban existence behind, and moved to rural West Virginia. Amid the rough landscape and beauty of this rural mountain country, she pursues a natural lifestyle filled with chickens, goats, sheep—and no pizza delivery. With her new life comes an unexpected new love—"52," a man as beguiling and enigmatic as his nickname—a turbulent romance that reminds her that peace and fulfillment can be found in the wake of heartbreak. Coping with formidable challenges, including raising a trio of teenagers, milking stubborn cows, being snowed in with no heat, and making her own butter, McMinn realizes that she’s living a forty-something’s coming-of-age story. As she dares to become self-reliant and embrace her independence, she reminds us that life is a bold adventure—if we’re willing to live it. Chickens in the Road includes more than 20 recipes, craft projects, and McMinn’s photography, and features a special two-color design.




Corn-husk Crafts


Book Description

Directions for dyeing, softening, and preserving corn husks and for making both useful and decorative items from this natural material.




La Casa Loca


Book Description

Cute and colorful items range from Zoot Suit Night Light to Spice Candle Lanterns, Carmen Miranda lampshades to mariachi tote bags, and of course calaveras.




Making Colorful Corn Shuck Dolls


Book Description

The first comprehensive illustrated book on how to make colorful corn shuck dolls is finally here! Author Anne Freels is sharing her techniques after more than three decades of crafting and selling these entrancing dolls worldwide. She is known for her colorful and contemporary flair on a traditional Appalachian craft, and her work is highly collectible as both traditional and folk-art. The book contains over 200 full-color illustrations and step-by-step instructions on how to make two different styles of a traditional corn shuck doll with, of course, Anne's signature colorful style. Plus, readers receive lots of practical advice, as well as suggestions on how to personalize the dolls so their own creativity shines through. For anyone with a love of folk art and a desire to create, this book will be a treasured addition to their library.




My Rag Doll


Book Description

Sew super-cute rag dolls and their gorgeous clothes—perfect for personalized presents! Start with one basic doll sewing pattern—which you can then alter to personalize your doll’s coloring and hairstyle. Then choose from a range of fabulous themed outfits and accessories to complete your uniquely charming doll—including a ballerina doll, a bride doll, a bedtime doll, and a fairy doll. All instructions are suitable for intermediate to experienced sewers and include full-sized templates for the doll, clothes, and accessories.




Low-Mess Crafts for Kids


Book Description

A collection of craft ideas for kids that create a minimum of mess.




25 Latino Craft Projects


Book Description

Provides twenty-five craft projects that revolve around Latino culture to create such items as masks, pi~natas, and dolls.




The Three Little Tamales


Book Description

In this variation of "The Three Little Pigs" set in the Southwest, three little tamales escape from a restaurant before they can be eaten, and set up homes in the prairie, cornfield, and desert.




A Kid's Guide to Native American History


Book Description

Hands-on activities, games, and crafts introduce children to the diversity of Native American cultures and teach them about the people, experiences, and events that have helped shape America, past and present. Nine geographical areas cover a variety of communities like the Mohawk in the Northeast, Ojibway in the Midwest, Shoshone in the Great Basin, Apache in the Southwest, Yupik in Alaska, and Native Hawaiians, among others. Lives of historical and contemporary notable individuals like Chief Joseph and Maria Tallchief are featured, and the book is packed with a variety of topics like first encounters with Europeans, Indian removal, Mohawk sky walkers, and Navajo code talkers. Readers travel Native America through activities that highlight the arts, games, food, clothing, and unique celebrations, language, and life ways of various nations. Kids can make Haudensaunee corn husk dolls, play Washoe stone jacks, design Inupiat sun goggles, or create a Hawaiian Ma'o-hauhele bag. A time line, glossary, and recommendations for Web sites, books, movies, and museums round out this multicultural guide.




Crafts Through the Year


Book Description

This comprehensive book includes crafts for children to make at home or school. Detailed instructions, diagrams and color photographs on making a range of seasonal items are given: from decorated eggs and pompoms, straw and origami animals, to autumn garlands, lanterns, festive wreaths and paper window stars. Packed with enjoyable projects, this is the perfect resource for both parents and teachers. This is a fully revised compilation of the Christmas, Easter, and Harvest Craft Books.