O is for Octopus!

I'm really happy to tell you about Donna and her ready-made craft kits. For one, I'm not super crafty and I love that the kits come with the pieces all cut out and ready to go. A non-crafty person's dream!! Everything I need is already prepared for my child (and me...since I'm the one that would be doing the prep work!)

With this craft came a corresponding letter worksheet and a color print-out of a recommended book to accompany the craft. I promptly requested the book, "An Octopus Followed Me Home"  by Dan Yaccarino from our local library to read it before presenting the craft. However, after weeks of waiting, I still wasn't able to get the book from the library. :( I still want to read it though!

I love that this craft ties in various learning genres. Donna says, "The 'O is for Octopus' craft teaches color with multicolor tentacles, teaches numbers 1-8, and encourages small muscle development with the use of brads. It is suggested for children ages 4+ with supervision, because of the small parts. The kit is designed to be completed by the child without the use of scissors, glue or paint. Completing the project provides a wonderful sense of accomplishment for young crafters. Each kit is made by me, and was developed for a Tiny Tots Craft Class at a major chainstore. It has been kid-tested and mom-approved! I will be listing many different kits over time so they could be used as an ongoing activity for playgroups, daycare, parent one-on-one, or special grandparent time.

Each kit comes with a book suggestion, and a coloring or activity page - everything you need for some quality time with your child. I will be happy to provide a large number of kits at a discount. Just ask!" (which makes me think Donna would be a great resource for craft kits for Sunday School classes as well---because I can never seem to come up with a good craft for 3 year olds!) I also think these craft kits would be great to send to orphanages because you don't always have craft supplies readily available overseas.

I let my just-turned 4 year old do this craft by herself. I love that it was set up for her to do it independently because it gave me a chance to observe her ability to follow directions. I gave her a few instructions, but other than that, she did it completely on her own. I loved that everything was ready for her too--that way there was no frustration--only a sense of accomplishment.

Here's a little background behind Donna and her crafts...After she "retired" from a commercial art career, she began focusing on kid's arts and crafts. She developed and taught a tiny tots craft class at a local store. She was amazed at how eager even the youngest crafters were to make their own craft items with minimal help.  She became obsessed with putting together craft projects that the kids could do on their own using scissors, tape, glue or paint.  She eventually worked her way through the alphabet and holidays, devising a themed craft for each letter and holiday. Although Donna is no longer teaching this class, she is hoping she can still reach young crafters with her easy-to-do and satisying craft kits.

I'd also like to tell you a little about Donna's mission behind her crafts. She conducts children's craft classes for ages 3-12 and designs and modifies each craft project based on age, ability and easy of completion. She has volunteered at a children's rehabilitation hospital doing art with children with limited abilities. Her goal is to expose all children to the joy of arts and crafts and the wonderful sense of accomplishment that they bring. She believes that she is using her God-given gift and touching young children's lives in a positive way.

And here's a few of my other favorite craft kits that she offers:

And, Donna is offering one of her craft kits as a giveaway!

Here is what you can do for a few chances to enter. Please be sure to leave separate comments for each entry that you complete. Thanks!

1. Check out Donna's etsy shop and tell me which craft is your favorite.
2. Follow Purposeful Homemaking.
3. Sign up for Purposeful Homemaking e-mails.
4. Blog about this giveaway before August 23. Please leave the post's URL in the comment section.

Giveaway ends at midnight on August 24, 2011. May the most crafty-challenged person win! :)

Disclosure: Although I was given a craft kit to keep, I have done my best to give my complete and accurate opinion of this product.