Busy book = quiet educational play

When I was a kid, a busy book was a standard take-along to church. The big soft books filled with fabric pages would teach various counting, sorting, and fine motor skills, all the while keeping a young child quietly entertained. So I was taken back in time when I read about the busy book that Big Hands, Little World made for her own son. Read her blog post to see all the activities she included in this fabric book.

[via The Crafty Crow]

Quiet books or busy books are educational book/toys made with age or development appropriate activities for babies, toddlers and preschool-age children. They are interactive and tactile. These books usually involve a cause and effect result as well as visual aids to teach fundamental learning skills. These books also develop hand and eye co-ordination. You can find more patterns for making Quiet or Busy books here Etsy.

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Christmas is one of those holidays that you just can decorate too much for. There’s no limit to the amount of holiday cheer you can bring into you home! There’s no such thing as too many Christmas decorations. You can bring Christmas décor into any room of the house – including the kitchen! Which is kind of fitting given how many Christmas activities and gifts are made in the kitchen. We’ve rounded up 13 Christmas kitchen accessories you can sew for your home or to give as gifts.

The list includes holiday themed hot pads, potholders ,aprons, and more that you can sew and decorate your kitchen all season long. Most are things you can make in an evening or less. These would also make wonderful hostess gifts for any holiday parties or gatherings you’re attending. Read on for the kitchen sewing ideas!