All photos are by Amanda Soule
This giveaway is now closed.
If you have the popular book The Creative Family
I’ve been privileged to devour an early copy of the book, and I absolutely adore it. My daughter and I spent a recent cozy Saturday morning together, flipping through the book, marking which ideas we were going to try first, and feeling the stress leave with every turned page.
Amanda’s books emanate peace and a joy for life, where she shares her passion for living a creative life with all family members. She’s a real mama, but she takes the time for the little things in life, the things many parents miss because they’re too busy racing out the door.
Reading Handmade Home inspired me to pull out my sewing machine and get crafting again, and it encouraged me to try those crafts I haven’t yet made the time to learn. It’s been relaxing and rewarding to just make something, a reminder what a cathartic release it is for me to create.
I got a chance to chat with Amanda recently, and I asked her a few questions about her latest release.
Tsh: Congratulations on the release of your next book! I absolutely adore your first book, The Creative Family, so can you tell readers what this next book is about? How is it different from your first one?
Amanda: Thank you! And thanks for hosting this interview Tsh!
Handmade Home differs from The Creative Family in that it’s more of a craft book (it will be found in the ‘craft’ section of bookstores) than the first (found in the ‘parenting’ section). It’s a little bit more of a practical, hands-on guide to ‘making things’ for your home – with or for children, and inspired by family home life.
Tsh: I know many mamas feel like they don’t have time to create or repurpose things; that it’s quicker and easier to just buy something at the store instead. What would you say to those mamas?
Amanda: Buying things at a store is certainly quicker and easier than creating something ourselves, but not always better or more fun!
The beautiful thing about the position so many of us are in — this day and age — is that we have so many choices about how we choose to spend our time, energy and resources. Making things by hand does take a bit more time, surely, but if creating is something that brings you joy, it can add so many other things to our lives besides just the items’ given ‘purpose.’ Making things by hand nurtures ourselves, connects our families, and conserves both financial and environmental resources.
I also find that including so much handmade in our family life helps us to lead simpler, more mindful days together. When we make something versus buying it, we’re aware of how much time and energy went into its production, which makes us more mindful of the purchases we DO make. So it does slow us down…but in really wonderful ways, I believe.
Tsh: What’s one word you would use to describe the atmosphere in your home?
Amanda: Cozy!
There are lots of natural textiles and fibers to be found in our toys, furniture and tools. Wood, cotton, wool. Lots of ‘soft’ places to be found for reading, knitting, crafting, drawing, creating, and snuggling. I have this silly goal of having a quilt within arms reach from any spot in the house! We’re also blessed with lots of natural sunlight and the smell of bread baking almost non-stop. In the winter, the woodstove is always keeping things extra warm.
We’re quite home-based as a family – we homeschool, and Steve and I both do most of our work out of the house now, so the coziness translates into the people too. In a fairly small space, there are six people living and working and playing together. Sometimes it does indeed feel cramped and crowded, but in those moments especially, we really try to remember “cozy!”
Tsh: I know you get asked all the time, “How do you do it all?”, and your answer to them is, “I don’t do it all.” What don’t you do? What are some things you wish you knew how to do, but haven’t yet learned?
Amanda: Oh, there are SO many more crafty things I want to try! I really want to learn how to spin. I would love to work with clay (I did once upon a time and love, love, loved it). And so many more things! I know the time will come for those in later years, and as my family grows. Right now, what we’re doing as a family, and what I’m doing in my own creative time – it feels just right.
Tsh: I hear you’re writing your next book. Any clues on what this one’s about?
Amanda: Yes! I’ve actually be working on the third for a little while now. AND…I am very happy to tell you that this one includes the writing of my very favorite Papa writer! Steve (a.k.a. SoulePapa) and I have been having lots of fun working together on this book project, and I’m so thrilled at the direction it’s heading in with his involvement. We’ve still got lots of work left to do – it’s scheduled for release in 2011.
Giveaway Time
Alright, Simple Mom readers, to celebrate the release of Handmade Home
To enter, leave a comment on this post, answering this question: What is your favorite method of crafting?
This giveaway is open until this Friday, August 7 at 11:59 p.m. EST. I’ll announce the winners soon after.
I hope you win! And thanks, Amanda, both for writing such an inspiring book, and for your generosity to Simple Mom readers.
And if you want another chance to win this fabulous book, head to the giveaway at our daughter blog, Simple Kids!
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BINDERS!! I’m not a scrapbooker but I have had a long standing obsession with the paper! Now I use it to make cookbook binders as wedding gifts- just a modern day recipe box. I also just made my first Baby Medical Record binder for new moms to have to keep track of all the appointments and doctor’s orders in the first years. Creative. Fun. Simple. Inexpensive.
My favorite craft is knitting – there is something so soothing about the repetitive motion. I’ve been lucky in that I’ve been able to make time during the day to knit even with a toddler running about. She’s learning it too – she likes to help wind the yarn into a ball and she’s very good about “oohing and aahing’ over my yarn
.-= Becca´s last blog ..Goodies! =-.
I mostly love to sew and my most practical items come out of that (like the recent nighty I finished for my 7 year-old!). But I’m also now working on hemp necklaces for the two big kids.
i think my favorite has got to be a toss up between knitting and sewing, with knitting taking the lead by a click.
but truthfully, there are so many crafts and just not enough time (or space!)
thanks for the chance to win
.-= liz´s last blog ..we’re back! =-.
I am NO good…. but I’m trying to get into sewing!!
.-= Elizabeth Smith´s last blog ..Jessie & Woody’s wedding =-.
Thanks for doing this interview, this is definitely my favorite giveaway that you have had on here!
My favorite craft is sewing, for sure. I love to be able to see something I like, and use my creativity and the resources available to me to recreate it myself!
I am NO good…. but I’m trying to get into sewing!!
Oooh, how exciting!!
After years of skipping birthday presents for extended family (living on a ministry budget, you know!), we started painting handprint t-shirts for everyone. They’re brilliant, cheap, and the relatives love them. (And they’re easy AND inspiring for me, because I stink at crafty stuff usually.)
We’ve started a trend at the end of last year, titling the t-shirts: “I’m Uncle Bill”, “I’m Grandpa Ed”, and so on. We’re planning a big picture reunion someday! In fact, we made an “I’m Daddy” one yesterday for my husband…he’ll find it in his luggage once he arrives at his conference tomorrow.
I love to sew….my kids design and I sew. Recently my oldest has started making friendship bracelets and we are now practically a bracelet factory!
I like quilting but I don’t get to spend much time doing it these days.
I am not a very crafty person by nature, but all 4 of my daughters LOVE to create things… so we do lots of cutting pictures from magazines and glueing, coloring, etc. I would use the book as a guide to go with all the inspiration my girls provide! Thanks for the chance.
.-= MaryBeth´s last blog ..Complete and Total Randomness =-.
painting!!!
I really enjoy sewing, or should I say the finished result of sewing
But I am way too impatient and try to finish big projects all in one day and then end up with a slightly rushed sometimes messy end result. So, my newest and most favorite craft of choice is making bows for my little girlie. It’s fast, and relatively easy…and the finished result is oh so gratifying 
I love that I can make 5 in an hour and try out the finished result right then and there. Plus it beats paying way to much for bows in the store and you can get really creative.
.-= Laura´s last blog ..Domesticity Strikes =-.
oooh, crafting…my favorite is probably sewing and scrap booking.
Thanks for doing this giveaway! This book sounds wonderful!
I love to do crafts…probably my favorite is crocheting or knitting. I do love to sew as well, but have not done as much of that.
Thanks again for the giveaway!
.-= Sheri´s last blog ..Homeschool Scheduling =-.
Well, I love to paint with my daughter, and I’m trying to learn to knit too!
Wow! This is just what I’ve been thinking about! I love the theme. I love all kinds of crafts. I guess my favorite right now would be sewing. I don’t do it well, but it serves a great purpose. I would be ecstatic to win a copy of this book!
.-= Theresa´s last blog ..The Ultimate American Bento =-.
My favorite is scrapbooking and making cards. My first real love was cross-stiching, though.
Ooh! What a great book this is going to be! My favorite type of crafting right now is scrapbooking, but I also love to sew and create things for our home.
.-= Sarah ´s last blog ..Since I’ve been gone! =-.
I think my favorite method is crochet. I do enjoy bead work and scrapping, but every time my fingers touch the yarn, I’m home.
I love reusing sweaters that have seen better days. A much beloved yet moth-eaten cashmere sweater can become a very cozy hot water bottle jacket.
My favorite crafting thing to do is to repurpose something to create something new!
I don’t have a favorite as I am still learning. Mostly I let my son take the lead so we end up cutting and pasting. I look forward to trying new things!
I am by far the best at sewing, though I have gained a new appreciation for cross stitch. Its less of a hassle to pull out a small box and a needle and thread than to get the sewing machine out and have to iron. I am not much for ironing though. I do stick to the fabric crafts though. I just have a love for textiles.
.-= Becca´s last blog ..Tomato Success =-.
Scrapbooking is generally my favorite. I love the combination of photography & design (and using scissors & glue!!).
I love sewing! Maybe because i am no good at it and always see the wonderful things all of you accomplish with the help of sewing skills.
I can’t wait for this book! My favorite method is embroidery, crocheting, stitching by hand.
I love to knit. Since Soule Mama is such a knitter, I would love to have this book!
I love to sew!!!!!
I learned to sew when I was 12 or so and then life got busy and I stopped. After having kids I have gotten inspired to explore the craft again.
I love to create by sewing, knitting, crocheting and embroidery. My favorite is crochet however. It’s so portable! I love that I can be in the same room as my family, even involved in conversation with them, and still be creating something useful or beautiful with my hands.
.-= TheresaB´s last blog ..Green Sleeve – Gingham Apron =-.
I sew! That is my normally form of crafting. I love the freedom and creativity it gives me. I also Journal in a non traditional Art journal and that allows me to relax and focus inwardly on myself.
At the moment, I’m into quilting.
Hand sewing. Hands down.
.-= Mary@TurkeyFarm Treasures´s last blog ..From Six Blueberry Bushes =-.
I love wrapping beautiful presents. I like to pair plain colored paper with beautiful ribbons and hot glue wonderfully ardornments that give a hint to what is inside the box. If I am wrapping a cookbook, I’ll attach a mini-wire-wisk and a pair of colorful pot-holders.
Tsh, this sounds like a fantastic book! I can’t wait to read it! On my library list now…unless of course I am lucky enough to win this. Thanks for the opportunity!!
.-= Abbie´s last blog ..Organizing Link Friday – July 31st =-.
I love sewing! By machine, by hand — you name it, I do it!
.-= Courtney´s last blog ..It Was A Dam Good Morning =-.
scrapbooking and sewing. I even sew on my scrapbook pages.
.-= Robin Baker´s last blog ..Good "romantic comedy" =-.
I am not that great at crafts but if when I have done stuff it is creating stuff out of other stuff….Building things or creating things with stuff that would normally get thrown away!
I loved your first book Amanda and enjoy reading your blog
I love scrapbooking!!!!!!!!!! and I love hat my 3 year old helps me now, with buttons, and gluing and cutting
I love to scrapbook.
Does cooking count? Seriously, it’s the one thing that allows me to encorporate my latent and supressed creativity. I would otherwise say knitting, but it seems like so many other things take over and before I know it, it’s been years since I last knit anything.
Well…the only thing I’m _good_ at making….is babies. And I can tell that I certainly enjoy the making of them! ;p Not so much the gestating of them, but the initial set-up, if you will! I’ve got two beautiful, smart, and sweet little ones right now (and I’m not the only one who says so – they’ve been “anti-birth control” for my babysitter who was planning on waiting a while longer before she and her husband had kids). God’ll have to convince my husband to let us make a few more, but right now we’re enjoying (and thankful for) the two we’ve got!
.-= Princess Leia´s last blog ..Camping Adventures =-.
This book looks great! I put it on request at the library a couple of weeks ago. Right now, sewing is my craft of choice. I am having lots of fun with it!
.-= Carly´s last blog ..Storytime Fun: Colors Everywhere! =-.
I adore Amanda’s first book and can’t wait to see the next one! Thanks for such an awesome giveaway!
.-= MamaAcorn´s last blog ..Belly Shots =-.
My favorite way to be crafty is scrapbooking! I have a family album I try to keep updated and five kid albums!! LOVE it.
craft foam and hot glue… im obsessed with the stuff i have been known to make ridiculous hats for every member of my family and demand that ….er ask nicely.. them to wear them in public! i also made a rocket from little einsteins costume out of it for halloween
Hmm…my FAVORITE way?? It depends for me. If I’m wanting to do something fun with children, we simply enjoy drawing together. If it’s a “me” project then I really enjoy sewing, painting, and photography. Is photography a craft??
I do a little sewing here and there, and I have been known to cover anything and everything with scrapbook paper! My favorite though – quilting! Although I don’t do it nearly often enough because of time and space constraints, I love the timelessness of it. When I quilt, I feel like a link in the chain of the generations – doing something my grandmothers and great grandmothers did, and creating something that will hopefully be passed on to generations to come!
.-= Karey´s last blog ..O Say Can You See… =-.
Definitely sewing. My most recent project was a dress for my daughter out of one of her dad’s old dress shirts. Although Amanda’s first book wasn’t a “craft” book, I’ve made several things out of The Creative Family.
Mostly scrapbooking. But, I dabble in embroidery, sewing projects, DIY/home decor, and felt projects! I’ll pretty much try any kid of craft once!
.-= Holly Hanks´s last blog ..crazy… =-.
Mostly scrapbooking. But, I dabble in embroidery, sewing projects, DIY/home decor, and felt projects! I’ll pretty much try any kind of craft once!
.-= Holly Hanks´s last blog ..crazy… =-.
I have two forms of crafting that I love and go back and forth between, never really over lapping. I’m either in an oil painting mood or a sewing mood. Occasionally I throw in other forms of craft, but those are my two favorites! This book looks absolutely fabulous!
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Making Memories in Bryan =-.
Oh I have many! My favorite crafts are knitting, spinning and sewing/quilting and I usually spend my time split between the 3.
.-= keri´s last blog ..Sweet Georgia:: Handspun:: Fiber Club =-.
Oh you got me! I have been waiting for this book to come out for a long time. My favorite craft is knitting. I try to sneak it in whenever time permits. With 3 little ones that is not always easy but after reading Amanda’s first book I have really tried to incorporate my kids in my craft. Finger knitting for the older one and just playing with yarn with the younger ones. They just love the pretty colors.
The book looks so pretty and useful and inspiring!
My personal way of “crafting” is digital… I love to enhance photos, digital scrapbook, etc. We do all kinds of diys too, but I’m really wanting to learn how to sew. I’ve been intimidated in the past, but I think I’m ready to figure it all out. I just love so many things out there that I know I could do myself. And I’ve love for my daughter to grow up with the skill.
.-= PS~Erin´s last blog ..Monday Meal Planning =-.
my favorite method of crafting is anything ridiculously easy. sewing something in 30 minutes or less, making something beautiful with just a can of spray paint, most anything using mod podge…
.-= laura´s last blog ..blended by hand? =-.
I really enjoy knitting, but I also like to work with felt and felted sweaters. I just made my sister-in-law a water bottle cover out of an old sweater. This book looks beautiful!
Oh diaper sewing! I love sewing cute little diapers for my 9 month old! : )
I definitely used to be much craftier than I am now. I used to make jewelry. Haven’t done that in a while though. I love scrapbook paper, but hate scrapbooking, go figure, as I have boxes of things waiting to go in a scrapbook! I love fabric, but can’t sew worth a lick (it’s on the list of things to learn).
So, mostly the only crafting I do now is with my oldest son, which I love doing. I love seeing his little creations. I can’t wait until he starts drawing actual pictures. I have seen the start of it, but a lot of it is still just scribbles. I have big plans for his drawings though!
.-= Mama Bird´s last blog ..Mid-Year Financial Checkup =-.
my fave is scrapbooking – preserving the memories!!
i love to sew. i wish i had more time to do so.
and i’ve been dying for this book to come out!!!
.-= emily´s last blog ..a big change is coming =-.
I sew.
and sew. and sew. and sew.
i started knitting last winter and really love it!
.-= brandiandboys´s last blog ..A Little More Camping… =-.
My main craft of choice is sewing…I love having the ability to make things for our home…infact, I just finished my daughter’s quilt this weekend! Otherwise, I crochet and would love to learn to knit.
Great giveaway, I’d love to win! = )
.-= Angel´s last blog ..Four going on Five =-.
My favorite method of crafting is knitting. Most projects are portable so I always have something to do in a waiting room. I love it because if I see something beautiful I can recreate it exactly as is, but, more often especially as my skills increase, I can make changes that make it my own. I love making things like socks, because they are functional but also very beautiful and they feel amazing.
I have the Creative Family and love it. My favorite crafty way to pass time is to sew for my girls!
Right now my crafts revolve around what I do with the kids. I would love learn to sew and make cards. I plan to work on that this winter.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Do You Have A Wall Calendar? =-.
I love to knit right now. I taught myself about a year and half ago while living in Belgium and I am really enjoying it.
I would love to start sewing but I don’t have enough time yet. Maybe when school starts.
Does crafting with my kids count? I love working with paper, and I love working with paint, esp re-finishing old furniture & decorative items.
.-= Christy´s last blog ..drawing inspiration =-.
beading, jewelry making…that’s my fave but I also love soap making…and anything really…crafty time=sanity.
right now, that would be knitting. I love that I can do it from anywhere in the house and can also take it outside the house.
My favorite way of crafting is scrapbooking!
I like to cross stitch and embroider tea towels(with a pattern). I’m not to creative myself, but I can still sew something beautiful by hand. I also like that it’s something I can do while chatting or having the kids play around me.
My favorite form of crafting is card making. I love that it is fairly contained (so I don’t go overboard), but is also practical.
.-= Claire´s last blog ..Mission Accomplished! =-.
I would just love to win this book! My favorite way to make things is sewing; I’ve been sewing since I was a little girl and it is so lovely to be able to sew clothes, quilts, or other things for our house or family.
.-= Julia´s last blog ..A Few Bullets at the End of the Week =-.
I like hand-stamping jewelry, and anything involving paint. And sewing. And I’m learning to use photoshop.
Oh, hope I win!
.-= allie´s last blog ..Florida =-.
Lately I’ve become obsessed with cloth diapering my baby’s little butt. This weekend I made him a butt sweater, and up next are some inserts for the diapers I am fixing the elastic in. So I guess my crafting centers more around “themes” than actual methods. Can’t wait to read this book!
I love to sew, I just made a little apron for my niece who is turning two
I love paper crafting – card making, scrapbooking, altering misc. things I find around the house.
.-= Laura L´s last blog ..Free Big Shot!!! =-.
I have been learning to knit. I have done 2 scarves and really enjoyed it.
I have to say knitting, for its portability. I do also love to sew though.
Knitting, for certain! It’s just so soothing, and I can tell when I haven’t done enough of it–I tend to get frazzled!
.-= Meryl´s last blog ..Picking Dinner =-.
when it comes to handmade for our family or to bless another family, i love to sew. something so special about fabric crafted into something unique and personal!
.-= Kristen ~ Pajama Mama´s last blog ..Small World =-.
At the moment, I love sewing more than anything else! I have been without my sewing machine all summer and I’m really looking forward to getting back to sewing again in a few weeks!
.-= Katie ~ This Natural Life´s last blog ..Life Adjustments =-.
I love to do quite a few things craft-wise. I just recently picked up quilting and I love it! That is my current favorite. I also love to scrapbook and do other type of sewing projects. Looks like an amazing book!!
.-= Kama´s last blog ..Melon Ball Salad =-.
My favorite form of crafting is sewing and specifically quilting. I just LOVE it, and I would also love this book
.-= Lindsey´s last blog ..sewing can be such a chore… =-.
I tried to leave a comment but it said it didn’t go through so hopefully this isn’t a repeat!
I love to sew, especially with my daughters. My mother buys them their own sewing machines when they turn 8. We have up to 5 sewing machines around the dining room table at once! I love it because we have our own old-fashioned sewing bees. =)
.-= Chocolate on my Cranium´s last blog ..Nothing is Swifter =-.
I love to bead. It is similar to sewing, and you can make all sorts of things like jewelry, clothing, and decorations. I feel proud to wear “pieces” that I’ve made that people comment about, and it can be very quick and simple to embellish an inexpensive pair of flip flops. I also enjoy making ornaments or other gifts for a few lucky individuals during the holidays!
My main crafting right now is knitting. I love knitting things for my family, especially the warm cozies we use so much in the winter. I have recently started sewing home goods and quilting too, and I can’t wait to begin our very own quilt pile.
.-= bashtree´s last blog ..Manic Monday #177 =-.
my current fave is sewing.
What a great giveaway!
I’m a paper girl right now – decoupage mainly, but that is only because I don’t know how to sew or knit. In the spirit of always learning, I’ve acquired a sewing machine and have the fabric for my first project: a pillowcase for my toddler’s little pillow! I figure I can’t go too wrong with all those straight lines, right?
Then on to bigger projects – this book looks like perfect inspiration for more!
I like making bread, which might not be considered “crafting” per se, but I find it incredibly satisfying. My favorites are pita bread or pizza dough; both we make weekly.
Also, I really love photography. And writing. I’m not great at either, but I keep trying.
.-= Marie Green´s last blog ..Niece, Toads, Jumping Pillow, Gymnastics Show, CSA Week 6 =-.
My favorite form of crafting would have to be sewing, even though I’m terrible at it! The point is I’m learning!
I’d love to have this book, we could so use it around these parts…
This is always a hard question, and depends on what I’ve most recently found. I suppose I keep going back to sewing, however.
I love to use recycled materials to do crafts with my children. I also love to sew and crochet. Actually, any craft I can do with or for my children is my favorite.
I would love to win this book. I enjoy reading Amanda’s blog and have been wanting one of her books. Thanks!
.-= Jackie´s last blog ..Garden Fresh Salsa and Roasted Tomatoes =-.
right now – sewing and photography. i am teaching myself both and that makes it all the more fun!
Boy would I love to craft! Right now my only creative outlet is card making. After reading Amanda’s blog occasionally this past winter I am dying to learn how to knit and sew (So I can make precious things for my little one)!
I’m a quilter! Although I haven’t had much time for it lately. Maybe now that the house is finished I can get back to the long list of projects I have waiting!
.-= bdaiss´s last blog ..Closing Day =-.
The *real* craft I do most often is knitting, but my *favorite* craft is just crafting! Making something I need out of other things. Making toy boxes out of old shoeboxes and wrapping paper, reinventing a stained baby shirt with the addition of a carefully placed applique, etc. This book looks fantastic – thank you for offering it to us!
My favourite craft is sewing! Or anything else with a needle and a thread
I like to make, repair or refashion clothes, make original fabric presents for my family like napkins, laptop bags…
I’d love to start knitting and crocheting too though!
When I was a kid I loved to make stuff with beads
And if you’d call it a craft, I love trying out new dishes and cooking overall
Sewing, repurposing things (not sure if that’s true crafting, but it’s a craft in its own right!), silouhettes and card making. I so want to learn to quilt, but I’m intimidated. And of course, there is the issue of time. I already have so much on my plate! Maybe when the kids are a little older, I will make some time for quilting.
.-= Cara´s last blog ..Terracycle is at Target with back-to-school supplies =-.
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