Forget the Sugar Rush of Halloween
and Learn about Monsters by Making Beasties
Before you know it the candy-crazed holiday is here so start the month off with exciting craft projects.
Beasties: How to Make 22 Mischievous Monsters That Go Bump in the Night
By Diana Schoenbrun
photography Tory Williams
The book has a variety of do-it-yourself sewing projects that children and adults can make together. There is a skill range from one to three for each project. For example, a young nine-year old child may want to start with a level one while those more experienced may attempt a two or three. The book is also a great way for adults to teach children sewing skills while they make their own plush creatures for play. Beasties can be created by hand sewing and machine sewing. The projects can easily be done with materials found at home. Try recycling old fabric and reuse clothing that you or your children have outgrown. An old striped cotton shirt could make the perfect Witch dress. Recycle last year’s Halloween costume by using the fabric for a Beastie. Or, you can enjoy sewing a handmade Beastie to give as a gift to someone special. 
Included in the book are some familiar monsters such as a Witch, Zombie, and Werewolf, as well as some less known characters such as the Baku and Chonchon. Each character has a description that can inspire storytelling with children. While making a Beastie you can further explore folktales and mythology from other cultures. Have your children read more about the story of the Cyclops and the Siren, while learning about Greek art and mythology. Encourage them to write their own Beastie stories and draw illustrations to go along with it. Perhaps your child would prefer performance. Get out the glue, crayons, scissors, and art supplies and make a set for you your Beastie. The book has example photos of sets. Children can act out a Beastie play.
Keep sewing past Halloween. Monsters may be more prevalent during the holidays but they are here to stay. Beasties can lurk, creep, and bump through all twelve months of the year!
For more information visit www.dianaschoenbrun.com
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This is a guest post by: Author, Diana Schoenbrun