Must-Read Guest Review: “What Do You Do With An Idea?” Feed it!

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“The message in What Do You Do With An Idea?  is clear: welcome and nurture ideas with patience and persistence, no matter how big or small, no matter how unique or popular, and they may grow to change the world. What makes this message so unique is the simple but beautiful way it’s delivered, in narrative and illustration, through the eyes and voice of an innocent and hopeful child. What Do You Do With An Idea? is a spectacular book for all ages and is a wonderful treasure for any home or school library.” – The Children’s Book Review‘s, commentary regarding Independent Publisher’s Gold Seal Award winning title.

Idea

This week guest blogger Anna Bumford shares her insights regarding this amazing storybook for children-of-all ages from her personal creative and mom-of-two perspective.

What to Do with An Idea

“My favorite books speak to me, make me feel, and stir something within that might have been lying dormant.

I search for these particular types of books for myself hoping to find that positive ‘nudge’ I need. When I can find a children’s book which resonates with something inside me, even better. I know immediately I want to share it with my children.

What to Do with An Idea

For me, these special books are more than just books. They are teaching moments: quiet subtle reminders whispering life-lessons into my children’s tiny ears. Lessons they might not even understand during the first reading, but I know will make a lasting impression as they grow.

One such book that checks off on all this important criteria is Kobi Yamada’s book What Do You Do With An Idea.

I knew this book was coming home with me from the moment I read the back cover at my local bookstore. And, I couldn’t wait to share it with my kids Lyla, 7 and Landon, 5.

Idea

But first, I read it alone.

It brought tears to my eyes. It made me sad for my ideas that never came to be and excited for those I have yet to envision. It’s an inspiring book about creating ideas, believing in yourself, and being okay with being different.

What to Do with An Idea

Anna, recently started crocheting. She frequents our Sew God Face Book Page.

Yamada reminds us that everything we see around us started as a thought, an idea. Sometimes those ideas seemed silly and strange to others, but that is okay. What Do You Do With An Idea is a home run, a book that would not only ignite those teachings within my children, but would equally light those same creative fires within me. How incredible!

Yamada’s wonderful book made me think about the times I did not feel my ideas were good enough, special enough, or strong enough. I actually teared up over how special it was a children’s book could teach this thirty-something, mom of two, that I was dead wrong.

What to Do with An Idea

When it came time to share it with my children, the idea of such an important lesson brought tears to my eyes once again, but this time it was tears of joy, joy for the ideas my two small children are sure to create in their lifetime.

Everything about this book is magic: the fact that the idea is represented as an egg that follows its owner (a young boy), the gorgeous illustrations by Mae Besom who perfectly added color into the story when the idea came into fruition, and the grand finale when Yamada writes eloquently, “And then, I realized what you do with an idea …You change the world.”

What to Do with An Idea

Landon and Lyla Bumford. Photo Creds: Anna Bumford

Talk about an incredible way to end this beautiful book, reminding us all that our ideas can be world changing …even if only in our small little corner of the world. I personally cannot think of a better lesson to teach my children, or even myself. We read What Do You Do With An Idea often for inspiration. And if you get it or borrow it from your library, you will too.”

Idea

Anna Bumford: Lover of life, and of the Lord. An optimist. Blessed wife to Chris, Mama of Lyla and Landon. Fan of organization, coffee, photography (https://annabumfordphotography.squarespace.com/), wine, the color yellow, and being an entrepreneur (annabumford.com)

SGlogo50pxGod created, sew should we.  [Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.]  Our stories as makers are valuable. [Life is humbling. Sharing our journeys is uplifting and productive.]

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Beach-y Breezy or Warm & Cozy? Learn to Quilt Together!

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Kona Cotton Cozy Throw Quilt. Click on image for quilt details.

I’m excited. Giddy. Obnoxious with anticipation. January is officially reboot month.

And I want you to join me in a bit of decadence.

Cliche as it sounds, January represents possibilities and fresh starts. An opportunity to commit to nurturing our creative sides.

Just looking at The Cozy Throw Quilt is a mental vacation from Colorado’s frigid January temps. To me the quilt’s simplicity, and especially the featured color palate, lean toward a much-appreciated beach-y vibe. But if you were going to make this quilt switching to a black background and warm colors, the look and feel might change dramatically.

Psssst ... It's OKAY to have WIPs and UFOs, pass it on!

Psssst … It’s OKAY to have WIPs and UFOs, pass it on!

In the online quilting world during the past few weeks, I’ve seen umpteen thousand Facebook friend and blog posts featuring stunning former UFO’s (Unfinished Objects) that have been completed with gusto. Some of the same proud quilt creators have now moved on to posting current works-in-progress (WIPS).

QuiltSpeak Defined: As I understand it, the difference between the UFOs and WIPs seems to be “shelf life” — that is UFOs may have been put away for some reason and a long time, while WIPs might just be lingering on the dining room table or on a design wall for a few weeks.

Either way, I’m ok admitting I’ve 2 WIPs and 1 UFO.

And …  I’m about to jump into another WIP.

And, I’m inviting you to join me in learning to create this wonderful Kona Cotton Cozy Quilt Throw.

If you’re among those I’ve heard from who’ve shied away from quilting because getting started seems complicated, or too pricey, or too time consuming or group classes intimidate you or you can’t find time to work a shop class into your schedule — this may be your opportunity to step into the light.

Nurse your creative urges.

Learn to Quilt: Cozy Throw Quilt

Learn to Quilt: Cozy Throw Quilt. Click on image above for course details.

About a week ago, a good friend and I were therapeutically browsing through Craftsy’s quilt kits. Since a few I’d been wanting to try had been discounted, I added a few to my cart. Then I didn’t order them because I didn’t want to act impulsively.

When I was offered a free online class from Craftsy for recently becoming an affiliate, I jumped at the opportunity to take Amy Gibson’s Learn to Quilt: Cozy Throw Quilt course.

How cool is it this beginner level class is for one of the very projects I had sitting in my cart — begging to become my new WIP?

I’ll be reviewing the class and the project as I go. And hope you’ll join in the fun and share any insights and photos of your WIPs as well.

This way we get to make a quilt together, learn together and enjoy building our Sew God community.

I’ve taken a few Craftsy courses this past year and have benefitted tremendously from such. It’s the next best thing to having an onsite magic personal Quilt Mentor.

You can take and retake the class — pause, review and accelerate —  according to your schedule, any time, day or night.

Gibson’s Learn to Quilt: Cozy Throw Quilt course should appeal to beginners and intermediates, teaching how to make a quilt start to finish — 100% — utilizing basic tools. Imagine the possibilities … choosing whether to personally quilt tops at home or invest using a long-arm service.  These fundamental techniques will translate into greater a greater spectrum of creativity and many gifting projects (pillows, potholders, bags…).

For the course you can use your own fabrics, or save time and money by using Craftsy’s discounted Cozy Throw Quilt kit (the one I put in my cart last week). The kit is discount priced and filled with high quality, beautiful Kona Cottons.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts about the class and seeing your WIPs.

Thank you for visiting Craftsy for your creative needs.  SewGod.com receives a commission when you purchase Craftsy courses and products using links from our blog. We look forward to your input and continued growth of our online makers community. 

SGlogo50pxGod created, sew should we.  [Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.]  Our stories as makers are valuable. [Life is humbling. Sharing our journeys is uplifting and productive.]

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