Book Review: Three Fun Summer Craft Reads for the Family

What's on your family's summer reading list these days? After those hours spent outside having a ball in the summer sun, sit down with a brand-new book before bedtime. The crafting community has seen several of its favorite bloggers and makers become successful authors – and this reading season is no different. If you're looking to add a few new hands-on books to your family's library stash, this week's Make It has a few suggestions that promise to be crowd pleasers.

Let's Sew Together: Simple Projects the Whole Family Can Make By Rubyellen Bratcher If you haven't spent time enjoying Rubyellen's beautiful blog Cakies, add it to today's to-do list. Rubyellen loves to craft, and her blog is a true reflection of that spirit. In her first book, Let's Sew Together, Rubyellen provides a collection of projects that the whole family can work on. From garlands to super-power wristlets, this book caught me eye right away.

Petit Collage: 25 Easy Craft and Decor Projects for a Playful Home By Lorena Siminovich The products that make up the Petit Collage line are colorful, playful and guaranteed to bring a smile to you and your child's face. (Take a look at the "Curious Cat" and you'll understand why!) Lorena wrote her first book earlier this spring, offering 25 of her most popular how-to projects all in one place. The book comes with templates for each project and easy-to-follow instructions. Follow the latest from Lorena and Petit Collage by reading up on her blog, too.

Tinkerlab: A Hands-On Guide for Little Inventors By Rachelle Doorley At Tinkerlab.com, Rachelle wants you to simplify your life to make more room for creativity (not a bad outlook!), encourage hands-on making as part of your daily activities – and raise creative children. With prompts that help you get your children excited to make and create, it's no wonder Tinkerlab has been so well-received. Packed with 55 creative experiments, the book is perfect for younger children.