
Are you a Crafty Mama (or Papa)? Or maybe you aspire to be? Either way Abby Pecoriello wants you to know that you don't need a lot of time, money or skill to get crafting. In fact her latest crafting spurt came after the birth of her daughter: "In all of my postpartum confusion, I dug up my hot-glue gun from the bottom of the diaper-crammed linen closet and started to create." She wrote Crafty Mama Makes 49 Fabulous, Foolproof (Baby & Toddler) Projects to share her ideas for fun, simple things to make and today we're giving away two copies to readers.
(You Tencils)
Abby writes with humor and encouragement as she guides you through her 49 projects which range from no-sew fleece blankets, brag books, shape puzzles, decoupaged frames and more. At the beginning of each project page she gives you an idea how much time and skill each project will take. Pick a short project while your baby naps or a longer one to do throughout a weekend.
She also offers advice for staving off insanity and isolation for new mothers by forming or hooking up with Crafty Mama groups who, yes, get out of their pjs and get together to craft. Don't think you have the time or focus? No worry: "Crafty Mama gatherings aren't about making the perfect project. They're about connecting with people who are going through the same thing as you and using your hands for something other than changing a diaper."
To enter the giveaway, leave a comment below telling us what craft (knitting, sewing, needlepoint, decoupage, scrapbooking, etc.) you'd like to learn or wish you had time for. Eligible comments must be left before Monday 8/4 at 5 pm EST. One winner will be chosen randomly. Many thanks to Workman Publishing, for sponsoring this week's giveaway.
Rules: Please, only one comment per person per giveaway post. Duplicate comments will be discarded. You'll need to be a registered member of the Apartment Therapy network of sites to post a comment. Make sure the email address in your Apartment Therapy registration is valid; that's how we'll contact you if you win. If you haven't registered yet, please join us here: welcome to our community and create an account.
Winners must claim their prize within three business days after the date of notification of such prize. A Sweepstakes winner's failure to respond to the prize notification within the specified three business days will be considered such Sweepstakes winner's forfeiture of the prize and an alternate winner may be selected from the pool of eligible entries. If an entrant is found to be ineligible, an alternate winner may also be selected from the pool of eligible entries.
To enter, you must be a U.S. resident, age 18 or older. Employees, partners and vendors of Apartment Therapy and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter. We will disqualify any entries that we believe are generated by scripts and other automated technology. When applicable, the winner may be required to execute and return within five business days an Affidavit of Eligibility and a Liability and Publicity Release to be eligible for the prize or an alternate winner will be selected.
All prizes will be awarded. No substitutions including for cash are permitted, except that Apartment Therapy reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater monetary value for any prize. Winners shall be responsible and liable for all federal, state and local taxes on the value of their prize. To receive a complete list of winners or a copy of the Official Sweepstakes Rules, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Apartment Therapy, 22 Howard Street #4i, New York, NY 10013.
Ooh, I'd love one. I learned to sew as a kid and I really need to brush up my skills. I've also always wanted to learn to knit.
view Pencils's profile
This is right up my alley. I've really been trying to get back into crafting. I would like to specifically work on my sewing skills.
view afm's profile
Please pick me! I have always wanted to learn more about knitting and this book could provide me with some much needed inspiration.
view lindaloo's profile
Oh, this looks like fun! I can relate to the author -- I'm having a crafty sewing burst after the birth of my son. I'd like to get better at more complicated sewing, like softies.
view DarC's profile
I wish I had more time for knitting and sewing : )
view javagrrrl's profile
Making clothes for my daughter is the craft piece i would like to learn how to master.
view muppetloon's profile
I just received a sewing machine and I would love to learn how to sew. But I also bead, but I would like to advance my know how.
view stormykat's profile
Since I'm finally a SAHM this fall, I could really use some quick but useful craft ideas! I'm growing a little tired of sewing baby shoes!
view Mamaring's profile
I really aspire to learn to sew! Maybe this book would help :)
view Thats Swell's profile
As a stay-at-home mom, my wife would love this book. Gimme, gimme! :)
view SpaceMonkeyX's profile
the perfect gift for my pregnant, crafty sis! pleeeeeeeeeease!
view cara o'd's profile
I can do very basic knitting, but would love to learn more, and I've always wanted to learn how to sew.
view Kmc's profile
would love one, thanks!
view inkstainedwriter's profile
i would really like to learn to sew
view shannonm's profile
Oooh, fun book! I really want to learn to needlepoint soon! I keep posting all of these fantastic free needlepoint projects in The Daily DIY but I haven't had time to learn how to do them yet! It's next on my list. =)
view Rachel@oneprettything.com's profile
This would be very inspiring.
view Alisha D's profile
Sewing is one of those skills that it seems like all moms should have and short of sewing a button, I have NO sewing skills. That's one skill I'd love to learn.
view Laura M's profile
Awesome - I'd love a copy!
view megrags's profile
I have a ton of scrapbooking supplies and am always so ambitious about getting one started! But everytime I sit down to work I'm totally overwhelmed! I have no idea where to start! Pick me!!
view Manders22's profile
ooo nice
view BuddhaBellysMum's profile
I would love to learn how to knit or do needlepoint.
view mnsteph's profile
I am so motived to begin sewing - I am the True Beginner, I have read the instruction book (only once so far though) and have loaded up at a fabric sale and now just need a few nights in a row please of the kids all going to bed and staying asleep for me to set up the machine. I have never used a sewing machine before!! But I dream of swirly skirts for my little girls and a superhero cape for my baby boy.
view patricia3's profile
Oooh! I want to play! So far I've knit 1 1/2 sweaters for my October baby.
view mabvt's profile
Now that B is getting older, I'd love some tips on things we can make together.
view phoneill's profile
I'd love to learn simple quilting (or sewing) to embellish pillows and I'd LOVE to learn how to make some very simple doll clothes for my doll-loving 3 year old.
view ernestthedog's profile
I tried learning to knit years ago and I would love to give it a shot again!
view Traveling Robin's profile
I used to make glass and tile mosaics for a company here in Portland; the department closed and I haven't made a single piece since 2001.
view holamartita's profile
scrapbooking - to make memories so much more memorable
view rcpwjr's profile
I'd love to learn needlepoint.
view noisy's profile
I have been trying to teach myself to sew. It is a really slow process when you're hands are full of kids or their stuff!
view Chrystine's profile
needlepoint!
view laila's profile
Crafts are my life lately and I need more inspiration!
view AKB2003's profile
I would love to have the time and mostly the money to scrapbook. Great book and giveaway - thanks!
jennismith21 at gmail dot com
view Jenni S's profile
This is a super giveaway- my daughter & I love to do crafts together. Thanks!
view j_wild's profile
I love to sew, sew, and sew. Would love the book.
view AdrianaB's profile
Would love this book!
view nj_gal's profile
I like to knit & sew & would love to learn needlepoint.
view TxMom's profile
I would love this! choose me!
view Sarah in Nola's profile
I wanna learn to knit. The book sounds great!
view graphix_girl's profile
I would love to learn knitting. I keep meaning to do so, but it hasn't yet happened.
view heps's profile
Need some ideas for projects with my toddler! Would love a copy!
view thevioletpear's profile
I'd love to scrapebook, but I'm so afraid of not being creative enough...that I just don't do it at all.
view Kerstin's profile
love to try needlepoint
view mverno11's profile
I've been going through a post-partum crafty phase too. Mostly, I've been making practical stuff like burp clothes, reusable cloth diaper wipes, or new pillow covers. Now, I want to make something cute, such as a baby sweater.
view anatolia's profile
I really want to get into photography.
Thanks for the giveaway!
emmarleed[at]hotmail[dot]com
view ERL's profile
Oh, those spoons are so cute! I would love to make those!
view alianora's profile
I would love to learn or re-learn to sew.
view mstina's profile
would love this
view SANDY89's profile
Sounds great to me!
view Emaleth's profile
I'd love to decoupage and create brag books. I'm notoriously bad at organizing pictures. My inlaws who live 3000 miles away would love it if I sent them pictures of my 3 kids!
view remees's profile
I would love to learn to scrapbook.
view Elle78's profile
wish i could scrapbook and capture some memories
view agordon10's profile
I'd love to learn to knit
view sarahaha's profile
I can knit a scarf but that's it. I'd love to be able to knit in the round.
view chandlertoth's profile
I'd love to learn how to knit.
gkstratos@yahoo.com
view gkstratos's profile
I'm always looking for new projects for me and the kidlet, count me in!
view Aja West's profile
Whoops, and of course I tab entered my way to a premature comment.
The rest of that was supposed to say that I've done all sorts of painting and collaging work with my kiddo, but I'd really like to get into sewing and knitting projects, and to teach her how to do them as well.
view Aja West's profile
Would love this
view lakemom's profile
This book look so great. I'd really love to learn to sew. I'm terrible at sewing. Thanks so much for this giveaway.
view peg42's profile
this looks awesome!
view dana.beth's profile
I would love this book! Must add to my wish list!!
view jyssilly's profile
I can always use inspiration to be crafty -- and it sounds like this covers a wide range of "craft". I didn't realize this book even existed. Thanks so much for pointing it out.
view redhowler's profile
sewing (without a sewing machine!)
view seltzah's profile
I would love to learn how to Knit.
view KillerFlower's profile
Decoupage. Always looks so easy, until I start. Then there's glue and bits of junk everywhere.
view bombaygirl's profile
oh how I would love to sew...like really sew...not just the valances I made for my dorm room in college.
view bix'mom's profile
I would like to learn how to stamp.
view idahomom's profile
i love to scrapbook..... The supplies are easy to store in my apt.....
view kathy55439's profile
love to learn decoupage
view chromiumman's profile
I keep amassing "art treasures" (empty cardboard tubes, wooden box lids, shiny paper scraps, pretty bottle caps, etc.) with the intention of using them for some purpose...I suspect this book could inspire me to finally use some of them!
view Secret Star's profile
This would be fantastic to have in the winter!
view Green Me's profile
I wish I had more time to learn to do scrapbooking. I am a huge picture person but can never seem to find the time to get into it. I have tried before but find I hit a brick wall when trying to come up with ideas. I think this book would be great for me. Thanks for the chance to win.
view chickman1973's profile
Knitting! I love to knit, but don't often have time---I've become sort of a seasonal knitter as a result and only turn out a couple of hats a year. I'd love to learn crochet. Amigurumi are adorable!
view ArkansasMel's profile
I would love to learn to knit and also to hone my sewing skills.
view JennS23's profile
I would love to be called crafty.
view mamafeelgood's profile
I love to knit and am *trying* to learn to crochet -- I know everyone says it's easy compared to knitting, but not for this old brain! Would love to have more ideas for my littlest one!
view kyoko71's profile
I am knitting and crochetting a little. I really want to be good, but it seems to be a steep learning curve for me. Same with sewing. I would really love to sew. With four kids, it sure would come in handy, but I totally lack the time/energy!
view DonnaDKS's profile
I'm slowly trying to learn how to be crafty and since now I'm a mom, this would definitely help.
view smileygirl's profile
fun!
view star3night's profile
I've done a little knitting, crocheting, and sewing, but I'm not a master at any of them. I would love to learn how to do more.
view tmd_7's profile
I would love to learn scrapbooking and decoupage!
view samsakara's profile
I'd love to learn to knit, but doubt anyone could teach me!
view hil72's profile
I have a 9 year old stepdaughter and we love to craft together! It's something special to do that's just for us. I also have a 5 month old baby and this will give us lots of great ideas for crafts we can all do together. We love books like this!
view jenmilslp's profile
I would LOVE to be able to knit for my family...they are so, so cold here in San Diego!
view aweekinparis's profile
Money printing - big bills! Or maybe glass blowing. I can't decide.
view ky2here's profile
I SO much want to learn to knit...!!!!!!!
THANKS for great contest!!!! :)
view mama43's profile
This sweepstakes has been featured on Sweepstakes Advantage, http://www.sweepsadvantage.com. The Web's Largest Directory of Free Online Sweepstakes. Good Luck to Everyone!
view KenC's profile
I have been wanting to learn to sew. Then I could quit relying on my mother in law to sew everything for me!
view n_i_k's profile
as a disciple of SouleMama, Angry Chicken and WeeWonderfuls, you must must give me a copy!!! (pleeeeze!)
view dpeacey's profile
what a great book!! I would love to learn more about decoupage!
view sarah2405's profile
This book looks fantastic!!!
view crafty1900's profile
I'd love one!!!
Although I'm not a momma...I'm a crafty aunt....I love picking up my nieces and nephews and crafting with them...to give the parents a break! Please!
view murray's profile
I wish I had time to paint ceramics again!
view kaylee8's profile
I would love to have this to use with my grandkids.
view mommapat's profile
I wish that my knitting skills were better - especially the one handed knitting as that is all the hands I seems to have available at any given time since the birth of my daughter 2 months ago. And, any inspiration for fun/quick projects that can restore my sanity, even for a few minutes, would totally make my day/week/month... Sigh, I hear the Dragon calling again!
view geniesflower's profile
Cross Stitch & Needlepoint ....I used to love doing them now I can hardly ever find the time.
view bfox74's profile
I'm a fanatic about crocheting, but I know nothing about knitting.
view A Necessary Equal's profile
I'd like to improve my knitting
view sms's profile
My husband is so antsy to have a baby soon. The day I find out we're getting one, I am going into crafting high gear. This book would make it sooo easy to pick projects. And I will just buy it if I don't win it, so you guys should just make my life easier...because you rooooooccckk the blog world.
view stellato's profile
I wish I had more time to sew clothes for my daughter, I also wish I had more patterns and books to draw crafty ideas from.
view melissapher's profile
My new mommy would love this!
view mschwartz's profile
screenprinting
view jfriend's profile
I'd love to learn to sew. I am not a new mother, but I am caregiver to a very active 3-year old great-niece and 1 1/2-year old great nephew and an always bored 6-year old. It'd be great to find something we all would do together.
view Tanya's profile
Sign me up!!
view vbp's profile
I want to learn to crochet or knit. I see some cute toys that I would love to be able to make for my kids.
view ksh123's profile
ready to win. mobiles.
view bethsworld's profile
I wish I could "get" scrapbooking. It just seems as though there are so many supplies to clutter my apartment. I also don't understand how to put 30810 do dads on a piece of paper with a picture and turn it into something nice to look at.
view spiffymom's profile
I love to crochet, but have found learning to knit to be such a challenge - would love to hone those skills!
view highlysung's profile
sewing
view stinkypants's profile
I wish I had taken the time to learn how to knit from my Mom or Grandma!
view redpamplemousse's profile
sewing. i browse etsy thinking of all the wonderful things i could make for my children with sewing skills. i've done some small projects but i'd love to do more.
view Kate N's profile
I've been wanting to learn quilting for a while.
view StephSweeps's profile
I wish I was a better seamstress.
view elsandscoots's profile
Time to spend on arty stuff!
view StephenA's profile
I just wish I had the time to do a good scrapbook. We went on vacation and we hardly took any pictures for a book
view Cml's profile
I'd like to be able to utilize my sewing machine better: to quilt, embroider, and make children's clothing.
view callbob's profile
I would love to learn to scrapbook - and also to take time to do my greeting cards, I want to do them with scrapbooking materials.
view amywill5918's profile
I know hot to knit a little and I want to do scrapbooking. I collect craft books. I wanna add this one to my collection.
view harmonden's profile
I would love to learn to sew, but I never have time to try! This book sounds great! Thanks for the chance!
view coopersmommy's profile
I wish I had enough time to learn how to knit properly! I have dabbled a few times, but somehow, it never really sticks with me...
view lemonadefish's profile
I try to do some scrapbooking when I have the time, otherwise I would love to learn how to sew.
view bkwrms78's profile
Love craft books. I have a ton of them. Now I need more time to actually do some crafts.
view 42rocky's profile
I would love a crafty book from which to make little things for my little one!
view jamiewood's profile
I use to do cross-stitch and scapbooking and I am hoping to start them back up one of these days.
view marianalamar's profile
Never done any knitting, would love to learn how!
view steevee's profile
I would love to win this!
view yellowlabs's profile
I would love to learn how to knit!
view Lara L's profile
I sew, but I wish I could embroider, too. :)
view ValerieSL's profile
I sew and do lots of other crafts!
view aspergerskitty's profile
I wish I had time for counted cross stitch. I used to do it all the time!
view nesta67's profile
I would love to learn more about knitting. Thanks!
view Nesie's profile
I would like to learn how to decoupage.
view carissaad's profile
I want to learn how to make jewelry.
view Bakersdozen's profile
scrapbooking
view dolls123's profile
I would love to learn to do creative scrapbooking! Thank you for offering this prize.
view bndraldy's profile
i'd like to learn sewing!
view cctt's profile
I dabble in many crafts but I have been unable to teach myself to knit so I would like to get better with that!
view alittlemoore's profile
I wish I had time to learn and scrapbook. I am not a very creative person, so I yend to shy away from projects. I wish I could get over that!
view soonergal11's profile
I would love to learn scrapbooking.
view Michael4's profile
I would love to be able to scrapbook, but I seem to be the person who has to have directions as I knit, crochet, and cross stitch already but don't seem to have my own creativity.
view paryjeja's profile
Scrapbooking is my passion. I just need more time and more help in the creativity area. Thanks for this opportunity.
view ingridjen's profile
i always wanted to learn how to knit :)
view klp1965's profile
I really want to learn to sew!
view cation's profile
I wish I had time for scrapbooking. garrettsambo@aol.com
view purango53's profile
knitting is something that i have never found time to learn :(. but i would love to make my own scarves and mittens
view Amira 's profile
I would love to have time to learn how to scrapbook!
view mrstrooper's profile
Crafts are fun and even more fun when the kids are involved or when it is for them.
view sunnymama's profile
I'd love to be able to have more time to do scrapbooking. I have all these pictures and no time to have fun with them!
view dakotamoon's profile
I want to learn to sew
view hampunch's profile
I wish I had more time to sew.
view jfg06001's profile
I would like to learn how to knit. Thank you for the contest!
view AmberRose95's profile
I would love to learn how to embroider.
view lilyk's profile
I wish I had time to scrapbook.
view donnak4's profile
I want to learn how to make beaded jewelry.
view artmarcia's profile
yes please!
view AndreaU's profile