Get crafty with Amanda Kingloff
Atlanta Parent had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Amanda Kingloff, Lifestyle Director of Parents magazine from 2007-2013 and native Atlantan.
Q. Has crafting always been a part of your life?
A. It always has, growing up in a crafting house my mom and dad were always supportive of anything having to do with art. Watching my mother while growing up, I believed she created the idea of themed birthday parties from the invitations to the cake, we always had a party planner. The house was always decorated for the holidays and any other events at the time. My sister and I both attended art lessons from elementary to high school. After high school I went to college to study art.
Q. What was the inspiration for Project Kid?
A. After being lifestyle director for Parents magazine, I oversaw all D.I.Y. content and wanted to now do something that put my two passions together, kids and crafts. I know that crafting is not a fad or trend and kids will always craft. My son triggered the idea for the book when I started looking at the world through his eyes, the possibilities are endless and the sillier the better. People always told me I needed to write a book instead of giving away all my ideas to magazines and such. So I thought what would be a great way to create my own brand and a way people could recognize me.
Q. How did you come up with the crafts in the book?
A. When I was on maternity leave, I kept a running list of ideas in my head then turned that list into a digital document. As a mom and crafter, I know time and money are something I always consider, so I think of what I have lying around and what can I do with it. Making crafts for the book, I would blur my vision and look at the shapes of objects instead of just seeing the object for what it really was. For example, a shampoo bottle wasn’t just a bottle, it was a rocket.
Q. How did you come up with the sections in the book?
A. Naturally kids are going to open the book and say I love animals or nature, so let me try this section. The sections are made so you can open the book and go straight to a theme that you are interested in.
Q. Are most of the crafts in the book something that you not only have fun making but also can use for a game or have a purpose to making it?
A. The projects in the book are something you can live with, play with or wear around, to say the least. I didn’t want to use crafts that would crowd the refrigerator or cause clutter. Most of these projects take a few sittings to knock out so they are things you want to keep. The book is about giving the kids something to make that they get excited about and are proud to show ownership over.
Q. What is your favorite craft in the book?
A. In the Abstract Expression section there is a Symmetrical Sticker Art project that I had the most fun creating. I would love to eventually decorate a wall in my house like this. One lesson that I think is always fun to teach kids is symmetry and shapes. This project is a great way to do that.
Q. Do you have any advice for moms who are not natural crafters?
A. It can be intimidating and overwhelming so find a reference book that you love, something simple but interesting or a methodology that you find motivating. For example, making crafts out of objects that can be found in drug stores or out in nature. Finding someone to follow on social media or television can also help with inspiration.
– Hayley Markowitz
