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Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Writers Create

 by Suzy Leopold

Writers create the just-right words and sentences on a page to tell a story.

Illustrators and artists create just-right pictures and art to enhance and support a story. 

Creating is powerful and allows writers to see themselves and reflect on their writing.

Time to create.

Gather together the following suggested supplies:

  • scrapbook paper, and/or card stock (various sizes)
  • paints--watercolor 
  • crayons or felt-tip markers
  • paper cutter or a scissors
  • glue stick; hot glue gun (optional)
  • folding tool (optional) or ruler
Additional supply ideas:
  • stickers
  • photographs 
  • magazine photos
  • discarded books
  • colored pencils
  • acrylic paints 
  • wrapping paper or construction paper
  • rubber bands
  • stapler
Accordion Book


For step-by-step folding and cutting instructions, read this post on This Little Project to make an accordion-style mini-book. All you need is one sheet of paper of any size. I created mine with an 8 1/2 X 11 piece of card stock. 

Another creative idea with one sheet of paper is shown here:

For additional ideas check this video on Red Ted Art

Mini Journal

To make a mini-journal use one sheet of scrapbook paper, 8 1/2 X 11, for the cover.  Cut the paper in half length-wise. Then cut five sheets of white paper also in half length-wise. This is for the inside pages of the journal. This equals a total of ten pages. Next fold the cover page and journal pages in half. I bound the journal together with small rubber bands. A long-arm stapler could be used. Decorate the cover. Begin writing a story and illustrating.
A StoryTelling Box

Fill a small box with various items. A small paper or cloth bag can be used instead of a box. Create and write an imaginative story as you refer to each item. Write the story in your mini-book. 

A Book Recommendation
For many more creative ideas to write, create, and tell a story, read:

Show Me a Story
40 Craft Projects and Activities to Spark Children’s Storytelling
Written by Emily K. Neuburger
Storely Publishing, 2012

I read. I write. I create.

Consider creating and writing a mini book, mini journal, and a storytelling box with kids. Share and read your story with students during classroom visits, (or via Zoom) readers, writers, and creators. Encourage children to share and read their creations.

These creations make great handcrafted gifts for family, friends, and writerly friends.

Hopefully, this creative approach gives you motivation and confidence to use with your writing projects.

10 comments:

  1. You make the best creations! Gonna try one of these over the holidays (after I get cards done). Great book suggestion, too. Happy Holidays, Prairie Girl.

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    1. Holiday Greetings, Kathy!

      May you find some time to read, write, and create and do all that you love.

      ❤️ Prairie Garden Girl

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  2. These would be wonderful gifts or stocking stuffers, as well as being fabulous family craft projects during school holidays. Thanks so much, Suzy!

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    1. You are welcome, Beth. My pleasure to share these creations with you.
      Suzy

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  3. What a fun post! I love the ideas! Makes me want to get out my craft stuff and create. Thank you! (But first I have to complete my work...)

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    Replies
    1. Your work can wait! Smile!

      It's time to create, Angie.
      Suzy

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  4. I love containers - so the story box really appeals to me. Thanks for all these fun ideas.

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    Replies
    1. May you fill many containers with story ideas, Sue.

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  5. Super fun post, Suzy! Love the idea of sharing these with kids. Very timely gift and craft ideas--as well as juice for the writer's brain!

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    Replies
    1. Enjoy reading, writing, and creating.

      Thank you, Julie.

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