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!
Sewing is my favorite mode of crafting. I learned to sew via a Singer sewing course, the “tween division”, when I was 8 and have never stopped! I still have the pin awarded me from the summer sewing competition. Sewing connects me so much to my now long gone mother is so many, many ways. I think that is why I love it so.
.-= Pattie´s last blog ..Yet Another Loss….Gordon Waller of Peter & Gordon…. =-.
My favorite crafts are things I can do with my young kids – so at this point it mostly involves paint, glue, scissors and occasionally playdough. I can’t wait for more ideas of fun stuff for us to do together!
I love photography and photo editing. I’m expecting my first baby though and the crafting bug has bitten me hard! I would love some great ideas so I can some handmade things ready for the baby’s space!!
Right now, I am fascinated with sewing and embroidery. My adopted great aunt gave me her sewing table (untouched! for forty years! EEK!) and I am really really really enjoying learning all about the machine. I even used it to make a banner from “The Creative Family” for a recent birthday. SO much fun! What a lovely giveaway–thank you!
.-= Katie´s last blog ..And just like that =-.
I love to sew… and I love Amanda’s blog and book… I am so looking forward to her new one and it comes out on my birthday! but it would be great to win a copy! I am also a homeschooling mom and just love Amanda’s philosophy…
.-= melody´s last blog ..the garden this morning… =-.
My favorite method of crafting is crocheting!
I love to cross-stitch…used to do it a lot before the kids arrived, but not so much anymore. When my daughter is a bit older I’m looking forward to introducing her to it and spending some quality couch-time together!
Crafting with the kiddos is my favorite for any method. Mostly sewing, scrapbooking or simply creating with them!
=-.
.-= Chi Anne´s last blog ..Create your own YA novel cover
I’d LOVE to win and have this book! My current method of crafting is photography (does that count?). I also tried embroidery last fall (working on matching Christmas stockings) and really enjoyed it – I’d love to try that some more.
I just bought my first sewing machine so sewing has become my new favorite mode of crafting. I wish I was better at it but I’ve been practicing!!!!! Maybe this book will help…
Favorite type of craft: paper! scrapbooking, card making, collages.
.-= Allie´s last blog ..the weekly plan =-.
I really enjoy sewing and quilting. It’s something I just started learning this year and it’s so much fun
My favorite method of crafting is re-purposing or upcycling. I love to make sweater quilts, pegboard mirror frames, chalkboard trays….the list goes on!
I am definitely a fan of photography and photo editing. I do it all the time! I also am learning more about embroidery and am enjoying that as well!
Right now sewing is my favourite, but to be honest it jumps around a lot! Whatever project has me most excited at the time. Although sewing has held me the longest, that’s for sure! Baking is at the top of the list, too, because nothin says lovin like a gift from the oven.
.-= lorchick´s last blog ..break =-.
I love scrapbooking – just not as much time with a 1 year old these days!
Sewing!!!! I am learning my way around my sewing machine and just loving coming up with homemade gifts for the ones I love.
.-= Emily´s last blog ..Hmm… =-.
Sewing for sure – I love watching all the beautiful fabrics come together into something useful.
Painting is my favorite form of DIY and crafting. I am starting to get into sewing though, and I’m very excited about all the tutorials out there.
I love to make cards, scrapbook, and sew. Right now, I’m learning how to knit…and I love it! I think my favorite way to craft is to get a coffee, a friend and cozy up for some good fellowship and craft time.
My favorite method of crafting is making stuff with my kids, so whatever they are interested in at the time. I’m hoping to learn to knit soon. I have the yarn and needles but need someone to teach me how to do it! I would love to win this book. Thanks!!
This book sounds great!! My favorite “crafting” would probably be making cards at StampinUp parties!
I love all kinds of crafting, but lately sewing is my favorite. I’d love to win this!
.-= Wendy P´s last blog ..100 or not =-.
Baking – I bake every Sunday afternoon to make Monday mornings at the office a bit happier.
And crocheting – lots of babies coming soon, and they all need happy blankets! (And knitting, too.)
Sewing, definitely sewing. And I REALLY need this book!!
THanks!
My favourtie crafting is cross stitch, however I would love to sew more beyond the family clothing repairs. I had started PJs for my daughter but she has outgrown the size before I finished. I suppose that is what baby #2 is for.
I love sewing! I make things for the house and clothes for my kids.
Right now my personal crafting is focused on digital scrapbooking my kids’ baby books. Takes about all the spare time I have! I still want to know how Amanda does it “all” (or what she doesn’t do, like growing her own spices or whatnot)
My current craft obsession is 3D papercraft. Cutting folding glueing and you have a new tooy at the end of it. I give the toy to my 2 yr old and she plays with it as long as she can before it inevitably rips or crushes. No biggie tho, I’ll just make another one.
I love to knit – and I also love how portable a hobby it is. I can take it with me anywhere.
My current craft obsession is 3D paper-craft. Cutting folding gluing and you have a new toy at the end of it. I give the toy to my 2 yr old and she plays with it as long as she can before it inevitably rips or crushes. No biggie tho, I’ll just make another one.
I’ve craft hopped a good bit – started out stamping, moved to paper crafts, and now I’m into fabric and sewing! I have heard great things about the book, and would love to read it!
.-= alianora´s last blog ..First Harvest =-.
I’m finishing my second quilt and loving all I’m learning. I’m expecting another baby, so can’t wait to start another one!
I love to paint, and I’d love to learn to sew. As it is, I can hardly sew a straight line…literally
I love anything to do with paper. Especially when the kids get involved. We are not “fancy” crafters at our house, we just like to enjoy ourselves. I’m hoping my kids get passed on more of their daddy’s artistic genes!
Knitting is my favorite way to craft & relax. My kids get sooo excited when I have a sweater on the needles for them. It makes me happy to be able to do that for them. Also, lately I’m trying to find time for sewing & my 7 year old is interesting in helping with those crafts.
Sewing; definitely.
And this book is on my amazon wishlist–what a joy it would be to receive one as a give-away! Thank you!
I have been waiting for this book!
My favorite means of crafting would have to be sewing. I can get lost in the hum of the sewing machine and the flow of fabric under my hands.
Thanks for this interview and giveaway!
.-= Holly´s last blog ..June =-.
I’m not very crafty myself per se but I love doing “crafts” with my small boys. Those crafts are more just having art time (like watercoloring, collecting things outside and then making a collage, etc.). I find it really peaceful to join them.
Thanks,
Maureen (jnomaxx at hotmail dot com)
paper. no… wait… fabric. nope. paper, definitely paper.
The craftiest thing I do is make albums for my family (which I’m very tempted to do all digitally now, so I’m not even sure this counts). The thing is, I don’t feel I am very crafty. I’ve never made time for it, or had any female role models who made time for it. Crafts weren’t part of my childhood, and thus haven’t been a big part of my life. However, my first child is almost 2, and as winter approaches and we’re inside-bound I would absolutely love to sit down and make things with him or for him. But I don’t really know where to begin. A book such as this would be a great inspiration and starting point for me, and would hopefully empower me to learn some new skills and teach those same skills to my children.
I love to knit and because of that my kiddos are wanting to learn. So far they are working on scarves. Well, my 3yo is with my help. The boys get bored after a bit and move on.
.-= tabitha´s last blog ..Sharing History With My Son =-.
My favorite method of crafting has got to be sewing…or paper crafting…or maybe crocheting…or…there’s no way to pick one.
.-= Jess´s last blog ..The Boy, The Two Year Old =-.
Painting pottery is definitely my favorite. I love forming the clay into ornaments, and watching my daughter paint beautiful treasures!
.-= holly´s last blog ..Teacher Gift, School Days Custom Personalized Notecards, Set of 12 with envelopes =-.
Painting pottery is definitely my favorite. I love forming the clay into ornaments, and watching my daughter paint beautiful treasures!
Oh, I don’t think I could choose a favorite! I sew, paint, illustrate, scrapbook, make cards, embroider, I’m waiting on a DVD to learn how to knit… how could you pick just one?
.-= Casey´s last blog ..Simple Kids Showcase =-.
I am sad to say that I do not know how to craft anything. I am so completely overwhelmed when I walk into a craft store. I SO, SO, SO wish that I could crochet or knit or do photography or quilt or make jewelry or sew. I do not know anyone that does anything of these things (my grandmothers passed and they knew). I am just learning how to cook and that is easier because I have to do it to eat! I just wish I knew where to even begin. Even if I don’t win the book, maybe someone could point me in the right direction.
I don’t view myself as a very crafty person, but there are so many things I would love to do! I was at a garage sale recently, and came across handmade cards for sale. I loved them, and want to do that. I’m also a huge fan of scrapbooks!
Papercrafts are my favorite — scrapbooking, card-making, anything with fun, delicious paper, and I’m there!
.-= Andrea´s last blog ..Greta’s Newest Friends =-.
Although I never seem to have enough time to do it, I love sewing. I’ve been teaching myself over the last couple years and love when I get a chance to get away for a bit with my sewing machine.
.-= dee´s last blog ..You’re The Inspiration =-.
I’m a scrapbooker and card maker, so I’d have to say paper crafting. Love when I have time to play with all of my goodies!
My favorite form of crafting is currently quilting. A while back I was lucky enough to host the blog Peanut Blossom for a few days:
http://mypeanutblossom.blogspot.com/2009/07/involve-peanut.html
As you can see at the link above I absolutely love doing projects with my two young daughters. I cannot wait to see the new Handmade Home book on the 11th. I am excited to see all the ideas Amanda has in store for us.
*crossing my fingers for luck!
.-= Zina Harrington´s last blog ..The siren song of stitching =-.
Digging things out of the recycle bin and making something out of it may just be my favorite. Before kids I loved cutting up squares out of magazines and making collage art… hoping to get back to it soon!
I love Amanda’s book and blog. Our favorite craft around here lately has been sewing, but we alternate ALL the favorites – painting, knitting, baking, stamping and, perhaps, the all-time favorite, box decorating!
It is so hard to pick ONE. Knitting is my standard crafting though.
.-= Carrie at Rhubarbsky´s last blog ..Foodie Friday: Summer Squash =-.
I’m a papercrafter.
I love scrapbooking, cardmaking and altering anything that stands still!
.-= Candy M´s last blog ..Assembly Line Birthday Cards =-.
How lovely! Right now my favorite method of crafting is sewing. But that’s always changing, depending on my mood or what I get the itch to work on
.-= Harley´s last blog ....hot august day.. =-.
More than anything, I love to knit. But I am constantly drawn to new and different modes of expression–spinning, sewing, cooking, writing, etc. I wish I had more time to create!
I’m not too crafty, yet. I do love baking for my family though. I would love to win this book and hopefully get inspired.
must i choose one? I love scrapbooking, painting, knitting, really just about anything crafty
.-= karen´s last blog ..Digital Downloads – Journaling Card 1 =-.
I love both paper and fabric and love making little scenes with both!
.-= genny´s last blog ..A highlight day =-.
I love to scrapbook! But I would love to start quilting.
I’ve only been doing this for a few months but I love sewing!!
.-= Katie´s last blog ..Francesca’s =-.
Well, I think of my photographs as the basis for any type of crafting. I like to try new and different projects with the photographs that are important to me. It could be crafting a frame, making something unexpected out of photos or incorporating a photo into another piece of art.
I’m definitely a scrapbooker, but I also love sewing little projects here and there.
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..What’s on Your Nightstand? =-.
Not yet a “crafter” (though with Amanda’s inspiration I am in process of becoming one), I do love making collages. I slip collage notes into my son’s lunch.
I love working with paper. Whether it’s coloring with my son, or making collages, I love expressing myself on paper. I get to re-use then recycle what we don’t display. There’s always plenty of supplies around when we just need paper, magazines, scissors, and something to color with.
Sewing, I’m happy to n0w have a sewing space set up in my house and look forward to a winter full of sewing.
.-= Marci´s last blog ..All Tied Up =-.
crocheting is my favorite; and scrapbooking is what I used to do.
i love anything that has to do with pictures of my little ones!
I am currently organizing my craft space and finding so many delicious things, I don’t know hwere to begin! But the sewing machine is calling me along with a whole slew of fun fabrics my mom and I found!
Amanda Soule is amazing as are her books and blog! Thanks for this fun look into her new book!
.-= rani shah´s last blog ..Heart to Heart with Mom =-.
well, my favorite craft is always the one i’m doing right now!
so that would have to be sewing. i’m not very experienced yet, but i’m working on it and with everything i make, i feel a little more domestic, which i just love. i can’t wait to get my hands on this book, even if i don’t win it. thanks for the great interview!
.-= Laurel´s last blog ..August is coming!! =-.
My most favorite way to craft is with paper. I started as a scrapbooker but now love to craft anything that has to do with paper.
Knitting! What a lovely give-away. Thanks***
Not sure if my previous comment posted b/c I got an error message… and reading through the comments keeps stalling and taking forev-ah to load!
Anyway, my current favorite “craft” is bread making. So satisfying! I also love taking photos and creating cool collages and photo books for family.
.-= Marie Green´s last blog ..Niece, Toads, Jumping Pillow, Gymnastics Show, CSA Week 6 =-.
I wish I was better at crafting…there are so many things I want to learn but I do love painting, baking and scrapbooking. I hope I win the giveaway!!!
.-= Mary´s last blog .. =-.
This sounds like a really neat book! My favorite crafting activity at the moment is making collages – just got into it and am really enjoying myself
.-= Deb´s last blog ..A Surprise Viewing of Harry Potter! =-.
My current favorite crafting is digital scrapbooking. So fun!
My favorite craft is papercrafting right now, scrapbooking and stamping, altered gifts, etc. However, after going to CHA on Friday
(first time ever opened to the public) I saw so many other things I
would love to try. I have always wanted to quilt, so that may be the next thing.
thanks for sharing
ceashark at aol dot com
My favorite craft? Whatever it is that I’m working on at the moment! This month: Designing invitations for special events, sewing something for the house (probably curtains) and lots of cooking.
I enjoy paper crafts, making cards primarily. My three year old son likes to make cards for daddy, too.
I love to sew the most!
.-= Emily´s last blog ..Time marches on =-.
Knitting would be my favorite craft though I find myself sewing now that I have a little girl on the way.
Lately I’ve been into stamp carving! With children in the house, it’s easy to put up and down at any time, and when I can steal a quiet moment while they sleep, the drawing and/or carving motions can feel so soothing. It’s relatively quick and easy and as a result, quite rewarding. Plus I end up with fun stamps to use on recycled brown paper bags to make my own gift wrap!
Definately my favorite crafting method is sewing and more specifically quilting! I have my sewing machine in my living room and sit and sew while watching tv or whenever I need a cathartic moment!
.-= Christie´s last blog ..I’ve been busy sewing =-.
Repainting old furniture to make new again…
I think my favorite method of crafting is sewing. I started sewing nearly 3 years ago and I just love the instant gratification of it. I love to be able to set out to create something and have it in my hand (or in use) an hour later.
.-= Liz´s last blog ..Home =-.
I love sewing. If I get involved with too many crafts, life gets crazy. Thanks for the giveaway!
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Mallows–Daring Bakers’ July Challenge =-.
Scrapbooking! I can’t wait to take a look at her new book. I enjoyed her first one and this one looks even better.
.-= Dana´s last blog ..Summer is… =-.
since my mil taught me last November…crotcheting
Knitting has been one of my favorites but I can’t stick to just one.
.-= Lynnette´s last blog ..You know you read too many blogs when… =-.
I like to scrapbook, but I rarely do it. I also occasionally sew – probably more often than I scrap – but I enjoy it far less. I think there’s a problem here… lol
.-= Heidi´s last blog ..Here Are My Hands =-.
Oh I just love her! I hope I win a copy!
My favorite craft is actualy a whole sect of crafts. I love anything that involves a needle and thread/yarn/floss. I love sewing, embroidery, hardanger, knitting, crochet, and more! I just told my husband recently “I think I would be perfectly happy if I could always have a needle in my hand… Well not IN my hand, but I think you know what I mean!” lol
.-= Alicia S´s last blog ..I Blame it on the Sugar =-.
I really like to quilt and have been trying my hand at scrapbooking.
I also like to make lapbooks with the kids (I think I enjoy it more than they do!)
Sewing and fabric crafting in general has definitely taken top priority in my creative life this year. But, I also have a special place in my heart for scrapbooking. I’ve just been focusing on more practical pursuits and love creating things that can be used. This book looks right up my alley, I’d LOVE to win it!
.-= Tiffany´s last blog ..The siren song of stitching =-.
My current favorite crafting is digital scrapbooking. Loving it!
I enjoy Amanda’s blog and bought her first book “Creative Family” to inspire me as a new mama. My favorite crafting method is sewing – lately I’ve trying my hand at quilting (free form) and I am loving it.
If I were still in middle school, I’d say sewing. I actually won the award for best home ec student in 7th grade. My competition was a bunch of pimply boys who were only thinking of an excuse for their missing homework. Maybe I’m not such a good sewer after all…
.-= Kendra @ My First Kitchen´s last blog ..What’s In Your Pantry? =-.
I love knitting and I hope I can teach my daughter someday! I have the first book and I think it’s great. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love paper crafts…scrapbooking mostly. I’ve recently discovered stamping too.
.-= Kelli´s last blog ..The Simple Woman’s Daybook – August 3, 2009 =-.