My Second Book

I'm thrilled to announce that my second book will be published sometime in 2016 by Storey Publishing!  The contract is signed, and now my work mornings, evenings, and weekends will be packed with book writing concentration (and, also, cookies, tea, and naps).

This book is another arts in education book with a focus on the connection between literacy and art.  It is based on one of the workshops I teach, which empowers kids to harness their creative voices.  The peeps at Storey Publishing are lovely and talented and smart; they were a joy to work with when I wrote Show Me a Story, and I'm extra excited to begin a new project with them.  I'm also working with SUPER agent Kate McKean, which is making everything so easy. 

I'll be sharing glimpses of my art and writing process in this space and on Instagram and Facebook in the weeks to come.

Hooray! 

Happy first week of December, friends.

Emily 

Show Me a Story Tour :: Zakka Life

Our friends recently adopted these cute pies.  Friday is a good day for kitten photographs, yes?

The last stop of the Show Me a Story tour is with lovely Jessica from Zakka Life. Jessica's creative projects never fail to make me smile-- they are just so sweet and charming, as is she. I'm so happy to end the week with photographs of her children's imaginative creations. You can read her review here. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the tour -- both here, on Red Bird Crafts, and through the Storey Publishing blog.   I am overwhelmed with gratitude!  Truly.  Yesterday, I was reading some comments on the blog tour posts where people mentioned that they had just borrowed Show Me a Story from the library and would love to own their own copy.  What a beautiful thing for me to read!

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends.

I'll see you early next week with projects, photographs, and news.

xoxo e

Show Me a Story Tour :: Bird and Little Bird

Today's stop on the tour is with Annie from Bird and Little Bird.  Many of you know Annie as the creative force behind Alphabet Glue, a wonderful e-magazine for children and families.  I feel a connection to Annie because of her dedication to in-depth, imaginative learning and I'm thrilled that she is sharing her lovely space with me today. 

You can read Annie's review here where you can leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of the book.   Storey Publishing has asked that the giveaway be open to US Residents only.  

I'll see you tomorrow for the last stop on the Show Me a Story book tour!

xo e
 
Show Me a Story :: Blog Tour

Week One
9.24 Catherine Newman
9.25 maya*made
9.26 Crafty Crow
9.27 Average Jane Crafter
9.28 Zaa Berry

Week Two
10.2 Small Measure
10.3 scrumdilly-do
10.4 One Golden Apple
10.5 Jane of All Trades

Week Three
10.8 Mommy Coddle
10.9 Whip Up
10.10 Wise Craft
10.11 Bird and Little Bird
10.12 Zakka Life
 

Show Me a Story Tour :: Wise Craft

This little orange guy up there is a preview of things to come on my new website, which we are planning to launch by the end of the month.  Fingers crossed! My awesome, technical wiz husband, Tom, has been sitting with me for hours and hours building the new site. We mostly work at night, shifting text to the left and tweaking colors until they are just right.  He is patient, wise, and clever, which is making the project feel way more exciting than frustrating.  There have been a slew of midnight high-fives. 

Today's stop on the Show Me a Story tour is with the incredibly talented and super kind Blair of wise craft.  I was drawn to wise craft years ago because of Blair's simple, beautiful, accessible, DIY projects.  There is something really inspiring and unique about her space, and I'm honored to be a part of it today.  

You can read Blair's interview with me here where you can leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of the book.   Storey Publishing has asked that the giveaway be open to US Residents only.  Thank you, Blair!
 
Show Me a Story :: Blog Tour

Week One
9.24 Catherine Newman
9.25 maya*made
9.26 Crafty Crow
9.27 Average Jane Crafter
9.28 Zaa Berry

Week Two
10.2 Small Measure
10.3 scrumdilly-do
10.4 One Golden Apple
10.5 Jane of All Trades

Week Three
10.8 Mommy Coddle
10.9 Whip Up
10.10 Wise Craft
10.11 Bird and Little Bird
10.12 Zakka Life

xo e 

Show Me a Story Tour :: MommyCoddle

Walking outside this weekend was a reminder that we are headed towards blustery, cooler, crisper days.  The air was actually warm on Saturday, but the sharp shadows in the sky and the gusts of leaf laden wind were sure signs that autumn is here.  

My fallish goals for the week:
1. walk in a field
2. do some hand printing with outside treasures
3. light the wood stove for the first time since spring
4. wear the hand knitted mitts given to me by my dear friend, Lea (and take a photograph of them for her Ravelry page).

Even though it was technically autumn when this book tour started, it feels like it began in summer and will end in the fall, which makes me smile.  Today kicks off the final week of the Show Me a Story tour, and I'm so happy to have lovely Molly Balint join the loop.  Whether it's because of tales of pet mice or homemade magic shell or beautiful photographs of horses, I nearly always smile when I read her blog.  Thanks for spending some time with my book today, Molly! 

You can read her review here where you can leave a comment for a chance to win a copy.   Storey Publishing has asked that the giveaway be open to US Residents only.  
 
Show Me a Story :: Blog Tour

Week One
9.24 Catherine Newman
9.25 maya*made
9.26 Crafty Crow
9.27 Average Jane Crafter
9.28 Zaa Berry

Week Two
10.2 Small Measure
10.3 scrumdilly-do
10.4 One Golden Apple
10.5 Jane of All Trades

Week Three
10.8 Mommy Coddle
10.9 Whip Up
10.10 Wise Craft
10.11 Bird and Little Bird
10.12 Zakka Life

xo e

Show Me a Story Tour :: Jane of All Trades

John Polak Photography

Happy Friday, lovely ones! I'm thrilled to end week two of the Show Me a Story tour with another real life friend of mine who happens to be one of the first friends I made when we moved to Western Massachusetts. Roselee Conklin has supported my artistic ways from way back when I was selling my appliqued wee tees on the streets of Amherst.  She is as lovely as lovely can be and also makes beautiful hand sewn creations, which make me smile. 

You can read her review here where you can leave a comment for a chance to win a copy.  Plus, she is giving away an adorable hand sewn oilcloth smock to another winner.  Storey Publishing has asked that the giveaway be open to US Residents only.  Thank you, Roselee!

Join me on Monday for the last week of the tour.  There is lots of awesomeness on the horizon.  For now, I wish you an October weekend filled with crunchy and crisp fall things. 
 
Show Me a Story :: Blog Tour

Week One
9.24 Catherine Newman
9.25 maya*made
9.26 Crafty Crow
9.27 Average Jane Crafter
9.28 Zaa Berry

Week Two
10.2 Small Measure
10.3 scrumdilly-do
10.4 One Golden Apple
10.5 Jane of All Trades

Week Three
10.8 Mommy Coddle
10.9 Whip Up
10.10 Wise Craft
10.11 Bird and Little Bird
10.12 Zakka Life

xo e

Show Me a Story Tour :: One Golden Apple

Speaking of golden!  This is photograph from one of my classes last week.  The light was autumnal and beautiful, so we did our final storytelling swap outside in a ring on the grass.  All of these children are so intentional and thoughtful in their process; each class feels like a gift.

Today's stop on the tour is with my real life friend Nicole Blum from One Golden Apple & Improv Diary.   Many of you may already know her as one of the co-authors of the fabulous Improv Sewing that came out this Spring.  Nicole is talented and incredibly creative, and I'm thrilled to have her join the loop today. I'm also thrilled to see her son's wonderful puppet theater creation involving french fries.  Super cool.

You can read her review here where you can leave a comment for a chance to win a copy.   Storey Publishing has asked that the giveaway be open to US Residents only.  Thank you, Nicole!
 
Show Me a Story :: Blog Tour

Week One
9.24 Catherine Newman
9.25 maya*made
9.26 Crafty Crow
9.27 Average Jane Crafter
9.28 Zaa Berry

Week Two
10.2 Small Measure
10.3 scrumdilly-do
10.4 One Golden Apple
10.5 Jane of All Trades

Week Three
10.8 Mommy Coddle
10.9 Whip Up
10.10 Wise Craft
10.11 Bird and Little Bird
10.12 Zakka Life

xo e

Show Me a Story Tour :: scrumdilly-do

This is my little mouse peeking out from behind a book I made a few years ago.  Photographs of both of my daughters appear in Show Me a Story, and so, naturally, they see it as their book too.  It is, of course, their book too, but not just because of the photographs-- they provided the daily inspiration.

Today, the tour makes its way to lovely Jessica Wilson from scrumdilly-do.  Jessica is an early childhood educator and was at one point in her life a children's book seller extraordinaire .  She tells stories to her students everyday and she tells me that Show Me a Story is now one of her favorite resources.  Hooray! 

You can read her review here where you can leave a comment for a chance to win a copy.   Storey Publishing has asked that the giveaway be open to US Residents only. 

Show Me a Story :: Blog Tour

Week One
9.24 Catherine Newman
9.25 maya*made
9.26 Crafty Crow
9.27 Average Jane Crafter
9.28 Zaa Berry

Week Two
10.2 Small Measure
10.3 scrumdilly-do
10.4 One Golden Apple
10.5 Jane of All Trades

Week Three
10.8 Mommy Coddle
10.9 Whip Up
10.10 Wise Craft
10.11 Bird and Little Bird
10.12 Zakka Life

xo e

Show Me a Story Tour :: Small Measure

Happy Tuesday and happy October, lovely friends!  Today's stop of the tour is with the charming Ashley English from Small Measure.   I'm always so encouraged by Ashley's sensible, delicious, nourishing ways and inspired by the way she facilitates community building within this big internet world.  Thank you so much, Ashley!

You can read her review here where you can leave a comment for a chance to win a copy.   Storey Publishing has asked that the giveaway be open to US Residents only. 


Show Me a Story :: Blog Tour

Week One
9.24 Catherine Newman
9.25 maya*made
9.26 Crafty Crow
9.27 Average Jane Crafter
9.28 Zaa Berry

Week Two
10.2 Small Measure
10.3 scrumdilly-do
10.4 One Golden Apple
10.5 Jane of All Trades

Week Three
10.8 Mommy Coddle
10.9 Whip Up
10.10 Wise Craft
10.11 Bird and Little Bird  
10.12 Zakka Life

xo e

Show Me a Story Tour :: Zaaberry

My little one making mixed media art.

I'm honored to have Ruby review Show Me a Story on her blog today! Ruby is a sweet, local friend and crafter who sews beautiful clothing, bags, and other useful things.  Her weekly posts are filled with her own incredible patterns, tutorials, and interpretations,  and I'm always left inspired after perusing her projects.  

You can read her review here where you can leave a comment for a chance to win a copy.   Storey Publishing has asked that the giveaway be open to US Residents only.  Thank you so much, Ruby!

Happy Friday, everyone!  I'm all excited to be back in this space again next week for more awesomeness.
  
Show Me a Story :: Blog Tour

Week One
9.24 Catherine Newman
9.25 maya*made
9.26 Crafty Crow
9.27 Average Jane Crafter
9.28 Zaa Berry

Week Two
10.1 Zakka Life
10.2 Small Measure
10.3 scrumdilly-do
10.4 One Golden Apple
10.5 Jane of All Trades

Week Three
10.8 Mommy Coddle
10.9 Whip Up
10.10 Wise Craft
10.11 Bird and Little Bird 

xo e

Show Me a Story Tour :: Average Jane Crafter

From my visit to NYC

Just yesterday, the lovely Diane Gilleland of CraftyPod posted an interview with me in her I Heart Craft Books series. I'm a big fan of her podcasts and was thrilled when she asked if I'd like to be included.   In it, I discuss plastic ballerinas and peppermint cabbage casserole. 

Today's stop on the Show Me a Story tour is with the ever so sweet and interesting Rachel Hobson. Rachel was also one of the first people to share my Story Stones with the crafty world when she posted about them on CRAFT way back in 2009, and continued to spread the word about my work throughout the years.  I'm such a big fan of her blog (and her instagram photos) because she always includes a nice mix of stitchery, thrift, vintage, cat antics, hand built, with a touch of outerspace.  Plus, she is just one of the sweetest people.

You can read Rachel's review here where you can leave a comment for a chance to win a copy.   Storey Publishing has asked that the giveaway be open to US Residents only.  Thank you so much, Rachel!
  
Show Me a Story :: Blog Tour

Week One
9.24 Catherine Newman
9.25 maya*made
9.26 Crafty Crow
9.27 Average Jane Crafter
9.28 Zaa Berry

Week Two
10.1 Zakka Life
10.2 Small Measure
10.3 scrumdilly-do
10.4 One Golden Apple
10.5 Jane of All Trades

Week Three
10.8 Mommy Coddle
10.9 Whip Up
10.10 Wise Craft
10.11 Bird and Little Bird 

xo e  

Show Me a Story Tour :: The Crafty Crow

Did I almost keel over when I saw the Show Me a Story pouch that my dear friend Karen made for me? Yes, I almost did.  She and her family made a surprise appearance at the book launch party, which was gift enough, but a few minutes after her arrival, she told me she had "a little something" for me.  This little something is now one of my favorite possessions and I will love it forever.  Isn't it beautiful? It also happened to be stuffed with vintage fabric pieces, beautiful ribbon from afar, and a piece of hand pressed (fused) glass that Karen made at Snow Farm. 

Today marks the third day of the Show Me a Story book tour, and I'm super excited that today's stop is with Cassi from The Crafty Crow. This stop feels particularly important to me because back in 2009 when I first posted about Story Stones, Cassi was one of the first people to notice and share it with her readers.  She has been incredibly supportive of my work over the years, and I'm always so appreciative of her comprehensive treasure trove of craft tutorials.  

You will find Cassi's review here along with a project from the book, and a chance to win one of two books. Storey Publishing has asked that the giveaway be open to US Residents only.  Thank you, Cassi!

  
Show Me a Story :: Blog Tour

Week One
9.24 Catherine Newman
9.25 maya*made
9.26 Crafty Crow
9.27 Average Jane Crafter
9.28 Zaa Berry

Week Two
10.1 Zakka Life
10.2 Small Measure
10.3 scrumdilly-do
10.4 One Golden Apple
10.5 Jane of All Trades

Week Three
10.8 Mommy Coddle
10.9 Whip Up
10.10 Wise Craft
10.11 Bird and Little Bird xo e 

c e l e b r a t i o n

The Show Me a Story book launch party was a smashing success.  Many, many thanks to all those who showed up to make crafts, eat cake, read books, and dance.

Extra thanks to Helen from The Cup & Top for hosting us in the most wonderful, helpful way ever!  And, to Justin, Joe, and Tara for filling the sunshine-y space with glorious bluegrass music that made everyone happy.

It was a beautiful day, thanks to beautiful people.

xo e

odds & ends

Hello lovely friends.

I have a few things on my mind, and I'd love to share them with you before we embark on this beautiful pre-autumn weekend.

1.  September is craft book month at Craft Buds, and on Wednesday Lindsay posted an interview with me.  She asked lovely questions in which I discuss Show Me a Story as well as the process of writing a book. I'm so thankful to have been included in such an awesome series.

2.  I was in NYC for the first leg of my book tour and the visit was entirely beautiful and inspiring.  I was reminded how much I love New Yorkers.  At one point, a stranger heard my friend Kristin and I muttering about which subway to take, and bounded off of the subway to be sure that we got onto the correct train.  Once we squeezed our way in, the whole car started brainstorming our convoluted subway ride to Brooklyn (in our defense, there is some track work going on, so the schedule is kind of wonky).  I was all, "Thank you beautiful subway riders of New York."  It was such a Pollyanna kind of moment, and it made me so happy.

I actually kicked off the tour with a wee radio interview with Mindy from Absolutely Mindy on Sirius XM.  It was live and it was awesome.  I did need a tall Mojito afterwards.

The children that I met at the events were incredible;  they were sweet and excited and beautiful.  I was so happy to witness such bright eyes and creative ways.

3.  My book launch party is this Saturday at The Cup and Top Cafe in Florence, MA from 11-1.  If you will be anywhere near the Northampton/Florence, MA area, please stop by.  There will be cake, live mandolin by my friend Justin and his friend Tara, a craft from the book, and book signing! Hope to see you there!

Happy golden weekend to you all.

xo emily

The Big Apple.

Photograph taken at night on The Whitestone Bridge.  NYC lights.

Tomorrow, I venture off for a little Show Me a Story book event tour in New York City.  I grew up nearby, so I am thrilled to visit and share my book with the city of my heart.

If you are in the NYC area, please consider joining me at one of these events:

Logo from Bankstreet Books

On Saturday 9/8, I'll be at the wonderful,  Bank Street Books leading a craft and signing books from 3:00-4:00.

photograph from WORD Books

On Sunday 9/9, I'll be at the hip and lovely WORD books in Brooklyn where I'll be leading a craft and signing books.  This is a ticketed event where tickets are $16.95/family, and include a copy of the book and all craft materials.

It would truly be wonderful to see you there!

xo emily

B O O K !

It is time.  And, I couldn't be more thrilled and to the moon excited to share this big announcement.

 

On August 28th of this year, my book Show Me A Story will be released by the magnificent Storey Publishing to stores all across the country. You can read about it on Storey Publishing's website and it can now be pre-ordered (and shipped on the day of the release) in the following places:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million
Powell's
IndieBound

Show Me A Story: 40 Craft Projects and Activities to Spark Children’s Storytelling is packed to the brim with projects and activities that nurture children’s natural inclination to tell their own imaginative stories. There are even puppets for you to copy and cut out, templates, and lots of story sparks to help children feel inspired as they go.

Children naturally have all sorts of amazing ideas inside their heads, and the projects and games in the book are meant to help them develop and grow them. As a teacher, I wanted to create a fun, curriculum rich book that could be used in classrooms and homes to inspire children to enjoy using words and pictures to tell stories.  I wrote the book for anyone who spends time with children: parents, teachers, librarians, therapists, speech and language pathologists, and camp counselors.  And, yes there are Story Stones inside (of course!).

This is a project from my heart - my teacher, artist, mother heart - and, I can't wait to share it with you and your children this summer.

Thank you for following along and for supporting what I do here.  I have been so motivated and inspired by all of your kind words and encouragement.

As the months go on, I'll post updates here and in the above book tab.

xox e

Big news

Over the past few weeks, I've been hinting about a super exciting project that I've been working on, and it is finally time for me to share.  It is a project that resonates with every bit of my creative self, and it is so dreamy that, sometimes, it just comes out as a whisper.  A thrilled whisper:  I signed a contract with  Storey Publishing, and my educational craft book will be published next spring (2012)! Eeeep! (that part wasn't a whisper.)  Not only am I to the moon excited about the book, I couldn't be more happy to be working with the ever inspiring peeps at Storey.  They publish incredibly useful, thoughtful, creative books of all kinds.  I've admired their books and publishing style for so long, and it is truly a dream come true for me to work with them.

And, so, I am busy, busy making it a reality.  This has meant long hours in the studio and at my desk.   When I put a full day of work into this project, I am left feeling that it is just what I want to be thinking about and it is exactly what I want my hands and head wrapped around. Simply put,  I feel incredibly lucky.   As I've been writing and designing, I've been sharing portions of the book with my children.  This has become a meaningful, new way to connect with them as they give me their opinions, feedback, and suggestions.  Chick has been writing "how-to" books and slips them on my desk to surprise me.

Thank you, dear readers and friends, for reading, for your continued support, and for your kind words.  They mean the world to me (for real).  Your lovely messages and encouragement truly fuel me, and for that, I am deeply thankful. 

xo e

p.s. This red balloon is from Cradle's Grand opening celebration two (!!) years ago.   I did a craft demonstration there, and snapped this photograph on my way home. It made me happy then, and it still does.