I checked out this book from the library. I am so happy that I did not spend good money on it. We all want to live a simpler life and have creative children. This book had no original ideas. I have seen many of the same projects and activities elsewhere. I grew tired of her earth worship that seems to be her world view. i.e. Her table blessing thanking the earth, quotes from Rachel Carson, etc. I gave the book one star because it was a compilation of ideas from Martha Stewart. I also was not able to give it zero because Amazon would not let me. If you are a more traditional family and are tired of a hippie mentality this is not the book for you. I have found more creative ideas in books about turning off your tv. Instead you may consider the book, What is a Family by Edith Schaefer. Edith Schaefer had wonderful ideas on how to be creative and simple with your family. Having time outside, time together, celebrating traditions and holidays in your home and going to the library will give you more creativity than this book will.

I am skeptical of all blogs-turned-book-deals these days, after wasting my money several times on inferior writing and recycled ideas. This book is different. Reading it lowers my blood pressure every time, and inspires me to be a better, more calm, patient, and creative parent. Yes, much of the content was already available on her blog (which is the best mama-blog out there, in my opinion), but seeing it in book form - the cohesiveness and flow of the project... it's just beautiful. This book makes a wonderful gift for natural-minded families, which is why I am buying several.

I thought this was a sweet book, and a pleasant read. Amanda Soule is a wonderful writer. I was a little disappointed that there were no new ideas presented here though. I felt like I was reading the same Waldorf family book I've read several times before. People say "everything has been done before", but I feel that authors can still incorporate new ideas or put their own twist on things. I did not see this here.

I was also disappointed with the craft projects. Aside from the fact that many were the same projects found all over the internet and in many other craft books, I found that most of them were projects geared towards adults with small touches added by children. I was expecting more projects actually for children, or where children played a much bigger role.

I think this would be a perfect book for someone who is new to Waldorf and Montessori philosophy and was looking for ways to incorporate these philosophies into their family life, or for someone who is looking for a simple, pleasant read paired with beautiful pictures. If you've been involved in simple family living for quite some time and are looking for something new, I would look elsewhere.

I had this book on my "wishlist"on Amazon for some time & decided on a splurge for myself instead of a new treasure for the kiddos. I wished I'd checked her blog before I bought, I could've save myself some money. This is a classic case of don't judge a book by it's cover. The front is very captivating w/ the author & her beautiful children giggling & creating together. I was bummed to find that there are very few actual art projects in the books and the ones that are in the book are rehashes from old Martha Stewart Kids magazines or that we'd already done through Waldorf classes.
For those who are in awe of her parenting style, have they never heard of Waldorf? This book would be more aptly titled, "Living the Waldorf Life". You may be money ahead to find some Waldorf books on Amazon. All is not lost though, the photgraphs were fun to get a peek at her life & precious children. The photo of her son putting on make-up is priceless, what a handsome little boy. I also have to admit that I am a tad jealous of the armoire that they found by the side of a road as a freebie. Why aren't my curbside finds that good?!
Honestly though, this is really just a book on living the Waldorf lifestyle.

I had this book on my "wishlist"on Amazon for some time & decided on a splurge for myself instead of a new treasure for the kiddos. I wished I'd checked her blog before I bought, I could've save myself some money. This is a classic case of don't judge a book by it's cover. The front is very captivating w/ the author & her beautiful children giggling & creating together. I was bummed to find that there are very few actual art projects in the books and the ones that are in the book are rehashes from old Martha Stewart Kids magazines or that we'd already done through Waldorf classes.
For those who are in awe of her parenting style, have they never heard of Waldorf? This book would be more aptly titled, "Living the Waldorf Life". You may be money ahead to find some Waldorf books on Amazon. All is not lost though, the photgraphs were fun to get a peek at her life & precious children. The photo of her son putting on make-up is priceless, what a handsome little boy. I also have to admit that I am a tad jealous of the armoire that they found by the side of a road as a freebie. Why aren't my curbside finds that good?!
Honestly though, this is really just a book on living the Waldorf lifestyle.

I was so looking forward to this book -- it's title captivated me -- but I was so disappointed to see that nearly Everything in this book has been said before by someone else. The best idea I got out of the book was the felt birthday crown. There is also a cute birthday banner but you can find much better instructions for one on blogs. If anything, you may want to borrow this book but I wouldn't purchase it looking for fresh material.

I was so looking forward to this book -- it's title captivated me -- but I was so disappointed to see that nearly Everything in this book has been said before by someone else. The best idea I got out of the book was the felt birthday crown. There is also a cute birthday banner but you can find much better instructions for one on blogs. If anything, you may want to borrow this book but I wouldn't purchase it looking for fresh material.

As I read this book (in two days, and now I'm starting over again), I just kept thinking, "Wow." Wow because this is simple family living, which I hope to have. Wow because of the peace which seems an underlying theme throughout the ideas and examples. Wow because the photographs, which the author took herself, are stunning. Wow because the projects and ideas, far from anything I'd read or heard before, are doable and exciting. And wow because the author sounds like a best-friend/mentor, gently coaxing and leading to new ideas.

The only thing I thought it was missing was the Daddy side of things - what's his role in all this creating?

Otherwise, exactly (and more than) what I was looking for, and I was surprised by how much of the book I plan to apply immediately! My inspiration wire is hanging as I type :-)

This book is a gift for my daughter, so I am unable to provide a review on the book. But if it is a book she requested, I'm assured it is a good one. The price was right.

This is such a wonderful book!!!! Amanda Soule's book in addition to her blog has feed my "soule" in so many ways. It is truly inspiring. I have always loved being creative, but this book reminds us of the necessity of making the time on a daily basis, to do creative things.

Full of great, great ideas!!!!! Much more than a typical arts and crafts kind of book, this book is full of wonderful little ideas to make your kids feel special and part of the family. Things that shout, "I love you and find you worthy". I don't know how else to describe it, I love this book!

I was really looking forward to read this book because I used to visit Amanda's blog and found it inspired and inspiring. I couldn't be more disappointed. It's not a craft book, the few project shown are obvious and not very creative in my opinion. It's not a parenting book either, it repeats the mantra "your children are creative" but does not go beyond (i.e. relate her main idea to psychology or community benefits). In some chapters she will mention "I like to do this with my family" and stops there (does not give more clues so that we can try that idea at home).
This is my opinion, I don't mean to say that many parents cannot find ideas in this book that they can do with their children. In my case, I don't feel inspired by this book and I prefer to re-read the craft books that my parents bought for me when I was a kid, or to check the parenting books in my public library to learn more about the role of creativity in my boy's development.

Interesting in this book is the implicit idea that domestic creativity is not a mother's sublimated or repressed need to create--think back to those childhood cliches of the mom who could have been a stockbroker or physician--instead pouring her energies into a jealously-guarded sewing room--but rather a way of being present in the moment with children, a kind of abundant ever-expanding consciousness: the more I give, the more I have. Unintentionally, this snapshot of a joyful, spiritual labor becomes a critique of the patriarchal work-ethic unseen since Mary Shelley or her mother.

I remain ambivalent yet sympathetic toward all things Waldorf. Everything depends on temperament, and my colicky babies, who became intense, high-energy children engendering a chaotic homelife, insure that needlepointing has no chance of putting down roots here. It gives me pause to consider the difference between the darker and more discordant creative energies of the eminent artist and the crafting of the creative homemaker. My children burn through things, and the last time we glued with beans and rice, it exacerbated our ant problem; I buy Prismacolors and they end up cracked and ground into the floor; I simply cannot imagine finding time to cut stencils or teach my 5-year-old to finger-knit. So, I read this in an arm-chair way, while nursing the toddler, and it supported me in feeling the greatness of my undertaking in a culture that devalues the domestic.

Do yourself a favor and check out her website before you order this book. If you like the sugesstions and tips she has there then you'll probably enjoy the book. I found it to be way too simplistic. She repeats a mantra of our ancestors being naturally creative because they had to, be creative and your children will be.... Just not what I was looking for.

I was skeptical about this being a five star book. I am way too busy to think about the tedious creative activities for my kids. This is such a great book. She makes so many valid points and suggestions. I wish I could live up to the bar she has set. Its just not me. But I can still learn alot from her and use many of her ideas to help create a more creative family. I felt like a girlfriend was telling me about what she did with her kids. She seems so real and its a delightful book to read.

I absolutely loved this book and am currently rereading it. It is full of so many wonderful, simple ideas for children and families. I like the idea of simplicity and less is more. It has been a very inspirational book for me and we have already put into practice several of the ideas from the book!

I read this book pretty much cover to cover the day I got it. Amanda obviously loves being a Mom and her passion for creating shines through while reading this book. The craft projects she provides instructions for are not groundbreaking but they are great starting points to get you thinking. I really enjoyed the last two sections in the book that focused more on how to make the most out of the time you spend with your family. She has some great suggestions for family traditions and exploring nature with your children.

I recently ordered this book and love it. It has some great projects to do with your kids, I especially love the nighttime bag--it's a bag you put your kids p.j's in and a book to have ready each evening. I'm working on mine right now and am going to do a little hand embroidery on the front of each--from the Aunt Martha's iron on embroidery patterns to personalize them. The ideas are fun for little ones and older ones alike--there are so many neat and easy activities for them to do...mine span from 2yrs. to 6 so that is important. I also love the section about celebrating little things like when a child learns to ride without training wheels etc. I am still going through this book and can't wait to try more of the ideas with my kids!

I have enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to families of all ages

Love it! Bought it many times over to give as gifts. Great inspiration to begin a summer at home with children. Too few people supporting this kind of interaction with our children. I appreciate her encouragement. Time to turn off the television and be a creative family.

a beautiful, heartfelt book that is enjoyable to read and great to keep for a reference.

I have read this book from cover to cover and I think it's great.
Amanda gives you a lot of simple and practical tips of how you can achieve the idea's that are given by her in her book. We have tried a few of the suggestions yet and they are a lot of fun to do and give the family real quality time! And that is what it's all about.

This book reinforced the way I am trying to raise my children as well as inspiring me to try a variety of new activities and traditions.

I love this book SO much - it's so simple, yet holds a lot of inspiration and joy. As others have said, it goes beyond just crafting, and explores a way of BEing with your kids, appreciating what (and who) you have around you. I am deeply connected with my boys, but I never did a lot of crafty stuff with them; I never believed I was 'talented' enough to do that. I got inspired after reading Amanda's book, and the boys and I are choosing things to do together. They are 9 and 15, and have really enjoyed it, so it's definitely NOT just for younger kids. Her ideas and examples have also provided jumping-off places for them to create stuff on their own, that they might not have tried otherwise.

I highly recommend this book for all families.

This is a wonderful addition to any library/book collection. Full of ideas to incorporate creativity into your child's life whether it be rain or shine; loaded with tutorials and patterns and inspiration.
I would highly recommend this to any and all parents as well as teachers.

I love the philosophy, love the ideas. Its a way of family life to aspire to, but I wonder
how many of this can pull it off on a daily basis. But, I believe it's good to have an ideal
inspiring us to do better.

I devoured The Creative Family in one night, snuggled in bed with a flashlight until the wee hours. This book is food for the soul.
It is full of simple, inspiring ideas to enjoy with your family. I feel encouraged to let my children explore their creative sides in spite of the messes. It can be so easy to plop children down in front of TV or video games, but they really do hunger for more creative pursuits.
If you find Amanda's blog inspirational, you will love having something tangible to drag around the house with you and read in all your comfy spots. My copy now has a place of honor in the bathroom right next to the extra roll of TP.

I love this book, as does my almost 3 year old.
I received it in the mail and handed it to him, he proceeded to look through it and say "this is a good book!"
It's so full of do-able projects, especially with young ones.
I'm absolutely thrilled with this book. Also makes just a good reference book.

After awaiting this book for over a year it's already lived up to everything I had hoped. Being along time reader of Amanda's blog I have loved her ideas for a long time. I just can't say enough good things about her book.
So many ideas to connect with your family, your soul, nature and the earth.

Amanda Soule has a wonderful blog, as far as entertainment goes. It's a good read once in a while to get out of a rut, but give me a break. Isn't all the stuff she writes about stuff that has been and is being done over and over in "Creative" families around the world?? Nothing new here. Get some good Montessori and Waldorf books and you'll be better off. I do not get the "know it all" and "I am so great...look what I did with my kids" thing that runs through her book and blog. Disagree with me if you want, but many of us have been doing what she does for years (and years) and we don't claim it as our own original ideas. It's just good parenting and common sense. This book is way over-rated.

The Creative Family is a lovely, well written book that encourages parents and children to turn toward a creative, active life filled with nature. Amanda Blake Soule speaks to parents all over, from rural to urban, of all income levels about ways to nurture a child's natural creativity everyday. It serves as an encouraging reminder of what childhood can be if we provide our children with a few materials and allow ourselves to be drawn in to their wonder.

Even if you are not a home or unschooler, even if you sometimes watch TV, this book is a tender reminder of real ways to interact with our amazing world.

You may think this is an arts and crafts book. But really, it's a parenting guide. Though it's filled with things you can do with your children, it also brings out the kid in you, and in the process helps you become a better mom or dad. The activities involve getting dirty with your kids, going outside and finding things like cool leaves and bugs, or drawing with crayons. Most are best suited for families with preschool- through elementary-aged kids.

The book is divided into four sections, each with three chapters:

Part One: Gathering
1. Preparing Your Creative Mind
2. Gathering Materials
3. Being Resourceful

Part Two: Playing
4. Encouraging Imagination
5. Supporting Your Young Artist
6. Sharing the Tradition of Handmade

Part Three: Living
7. Exploring Through Nature
8. Capturing Moments
9. Everyday Rituals

Part Four: Connecting
10. Celebrating Your Family
11. Handmade Holidays
12. Creative Connections

At the end of the book, a six-page resource guide lists other books and websites on the same topics.

Even though my daughter is 14, we both found this book worthwhile. For example, we set up a Nature Table. Before, all the tiny miracles we brought home in our pockets ended up in the trash. Now we have a spot. At the moment it has a handful of seashells, three skate egg cases, some hot pink sea whips, an orange sponge and a sparkly rock she snared last week on a trip with her dad out to the Grand Canyon.

You may think this is an arts and crafts book. But really, it's a parenting book. It is filled with things you can do with your children, it also brings out the kid in you, and in the process helps you become a better mom or dad. The activities involve getting dirty with your kids, going outside and finding things like cool leaves and bugs, or drawing with crayons. Most are best suited for preschool- through elementary-aged kids.

The book is divided into four sections, each with three chapters:

Part One: Gathering
1. Preparing Your Creative Mind
2. Gathering Materials
3. Being Resourceful

Part Two: Playing
4. Encouraging Imagination
5. Supporting Your Young Artist
6. Sharing the Tradition of Handmade

Part Three: Living
7. Exploring Through Nature
8. Capturing Moments
9. Everyday Rituals

Part Four: Connecting
10. Celebrating Your Family
11. Handmade Holidays
12. Creative Connections

At the end of the book, a six-page resource guide lists other books and websites on the same topics.

Even though my daughter is 14, we both found this book worthwhile. For example, we set up a Nature Table. Before, all the tiny miracles we brought home in our pockets ended up in the trash. Now we have a spot. At the moment it has a handful of seashells, three skate egg cases, some hot pink sea whips, an orange sponge and a sparkly rock she snared last week on a trip with her dad out to the Grand Canyon.

I'm an unschooling mama to 6 kids, and this book fits so wonderfully into our lives. I love her detailed photos. She explains everything so well. It's nice to read a book that not only focuses on creativity, but on nurturing children and encouraging family relationships. I would love to go into more detail as I devoured the entire book last night, but my babies are waking up for the day.

In today's society where so many children are raised by strangers in daycare from the time they are 6 weeks old, and motherhood is not a valid profession since it does not come with a hefty paycheck, it is refreshing to read this wonderful little book. It is a gentle reminder that all we need to be a good parent is plenty of free playtime to spend with our children and free playthings you find in your house and in nature.

This is an inspiring and enjoyable read. Stay out of ToysRUs, raise your own babies, and explore the world around you!

I preordered this book last year and literally cried when I finished it. Its is beautiful. Simply. This is the parenting book I have always wanted. Like its title, it focuses on family creativity which allows for the closeness we all desire. Her projects are easy, no fuss and beautiful.
I recommend this book to everyone who is a parent or is becoming one.
[...]

I was excited to receive an advance copy of Amanda Soule's new book. The Creative Family is her sweetly inspiring collection of projects, ideas and thoughts on family life at home. Home with little ones- precious, curious children just beginning their own creative adventures. Like her blog, the book is a clever handbook of the ways that a family can simply play and learn together, enriching each other's creativity with imagination and invention.

I am loving this little book- small enough that it sits perfectly on top of the stack here. It is beautifully designed and easy to dip into, though harder to put down. Most of all, I love the way that Amanda's parenting style fills their lives with creative discovery. Children are natural teachers too, their gentle ways instilling respect and affection for siblings, a calmer pace for the household. I like the accessible crafts that the family has created- sewn, built, mixed from simple materials and resources. Handmade knitting needles (how cool!), art-on-the-go bags, a banging wall from kitchen pots and pans. Rituals, traditions, parlor games, all within budget, without commercially marketed products. Fabulous, thrifty, home-made fun.

You know how you hear people jokingly say over the heads of their children, Where's the owner's manual? I think it's here, in the pages of thoughtful books like Amanda's. This wonderful book reminds us that there is no better, or more natural way to nurture our children- and ourselves- than with our own enthusiasm, patience, care and creativity.

I just received this book, read 2 pages, and knew that this was just what I needed! The ideas, and information that are in the book are things that as a child 30 years ago my family did together and the book takes me there and away from what today's society has created for our children. Some of us easily get caught up with what is on your local chain store shelves as being educational and fun, rather than looking in our own back yards and with items that we already have to create memories, education, and beautiful projects. I love the section that talks about sharing blessings at the dinner table, for an agnostic family I loved the examples and traditions that were thankful but not based on beliefs that we are not part of.
For someone who would like to SIMPLIFY, and create more bonding and memories in there family life, to get away from consuming more with the parenting of today, this book is perfect! Like the others I am truly inspired and so excited!

This is a wonderful book. It radiates love and inspiration. I just can't wait to begin following some of of her many fabulous suggestions. Do you and your family a favor and buy this great book ASAP.

"The Creative Family" is really, very simply, a sweet, gentle, and dear book on family traditions and togetherness.

Most of the ideas in this book were not new to me. In fact, much of it could be written about my actual family life. If you are familiar with the Waldorf tradition, and books such as "You are your child's first teacher", "The Children's Year" and "All Year Round", "Heaven on Earth", or some of the other little "Waldorfy" craft books out there, then many of the ideas in "The Creative Family" will not be new to you, either.

But I don't think that "being new" is the most important thing about this book. I think that it is really fantastic that Amanda Soule has taken many of these tried-and-true (perhaps less well-known/mainstream) ideas about parenting, family life, and creativity, and blended them together into one simple, easy to read, compact and easy to reach for, updated resource.

The photography is really beautiful, and the projects are all simple enough to be done by a pre-schooler (some with more help than others).

This is more than a project book, however (in fact, I would not even describe it as being a project book). It is more about a way of life -- taking a step back, learning that a "no" really can be a "yes," and so on. Her thoughts about toys were excellent -- again, exactly what our family has already practiced since our first child was quite small -- but, in observing so many of my friends with young children, ideas that would help many an overwhelmed family learn to say "no" to too much stuff.

I was most inspired by her tips on art supplies -- a good comprehensive list of supplies, along with tips on their storage. It's one thing that I don't think we had a good system for before, and I will definitely be incorporating some of her ideas into our life.

This book is a gem. It's small and simple. It suggests simple steps that any family can take to make their lives more family-centered and joyful.

This book is a keeper! I don't buy books often but this is one that will be well loved on my bookshelf. Amanda's ideas and writings are inspring and creative. This is not your average craft book, but a jumping point into a whole world of creative ideas. These are ideas I can start with my two-year old but will grow with us for years and years to come. A must have for anyone wanting to bring more creativity and quality time to their family. Stay at Home, moms this will definitely inspire you in the ho-hum of everyday life.

This book is pure, unadulterated creative dynamite! I wanted to review this book knowing that I would enjoy it, but I had no idea to what extent it would challenge my family and I. Amanda and the rest of the Soule family do an excellent job in this book of inspiring creativity, of living artfully and of helping other families reach their creative potential as well. Last night, after reading a little over half of the book throughout the day, I could not sleep for hours (and I usually have no problem) but my mind was stewing, in hard-core overdrive imagining all the fun things we can do together as a family, thinking of all the neat projects that my two little boys are old enough to do now that are in this book!


Some of the exciting projects include little hands learning to felt, sew, make stuffed art, knit, and embroider. Other projects that stood out to me were family drawing time, making traditions, handmade holidays, art placemats, and "craftivisim" . If you have thought about the level of creativity in your house, and desire it to ebb and flow out of all of you and yours, The Creative Family by Amanda Blake will be a sweet dream that can be your new reality, an amazing place that after you have entered you'll know you just gotta stay. The best thing is that kids are drawn to create and it need not be something you are apprehensive about, take it from Soule, she believes that, " as human beings, we are all born with the ability, the desire, the passion, and the drive to be creative. We may become anxious about "teaching" creativity to our children, but there is really no need for us to teach. They know how to be creative. The know it with every ounce of their being- it isn't conscious or rational. It is simply who they are. Until somethings stands in their way [...]they will be creative" (p. 13).

Consider me inspired: Yesterday I set up an inspiration wire (p. 21), and several times I noticed my little one checking out his art on the wall with intense pride. I went out and found some things that our art cabinet (dresser)(p. 25) was in need of, and I was dying to do the projects in the book. Today, after reading the section on letting your kids use good quality things I (must admit reluctantly) let my four-year-old paint with my paint brushes...the results were just beautiful, let me tell you that next time I will not hesitate, he can use my brush! This weekend we are going to do the freezer-paper stenciling (p. 74) after I find the shirts we need, and because our "inspiration wire" is already way too full I am going to put together some sturdy art clips (p. 83) up at some point in the near future. The project that I am incredibly excited about though, and have already been eyeing materials for is the incredible "Banging Wall" (p. 197) I cannot wait to get that up in our backyard! Those are the projects that have inspired me, since yesterday...and there are many more in this book waiting to be used as well.

One of my favourite aspects of this book is the desire to bless others with your art, for whom you want to express love or care for. Here is an especially great quote on just that, Soule says, " Living a creative live is made all the more fulfilling and rewarding when we are creating with, for or because of others. Much creative drive is certainly internally driven, but there is such benefit to creating beyond ourselves, beyond our family, and beyond our homes, for our community and the world around us. Connecting with and creating with others can be a powerful and inspiring act, as well as a wonderful gift for our children, teaching them how to connect and share their own passions with others" (p. 191). It is beautiful to allow art to not only influence your family, but to impact those around you as well. Kids and parents alike learn life lessons from such acts.

This is one of those books that come around very much too infrequently that you would like to buy 100 of and give one to all your friends because you know they would love it too...but then you do the calculations and realize that would not go over too well with family budgeting. No, seriously I will buy this book for several of my close friends who I know will love it just as much as me, and to all the rest of my friends who would also love it just as much I will give it the highest recommendations possible. All I can say, if you believe in creativity, or would like to start...buy this book and you will want all your friends to buy it too!

Oh, and check out her pretty much daily blog at: http://soulemama.typepad.com/soulemama/