When I was bored and whiny during summer break as a child, my mother would either direct me to a bookshelf or send me outside, so I grew accustomed to creating my own fun. Typically, such fun involved some sort of crafty endeavor. Sometimes I would hand sew Barbie clothes (try fitting those measurements!) or write really bad poetry. (I still have a copy of one about mismatched clothing—fashion obsession clearly starts early!)
I also recall being obsessed with activity books. Don’t you remember those? The ones your parents would shove into your hands when you grew insufferable on summer road trips? All of those puzzles to be solved and dots to be connected—I loved it.
With that bit of nostalgia in mind, I’ve decided to share a two-part guide with you this week to highlight some of my favorite summer activity books for the adult set. From painting and coloring to appliqué and sewing—and even a little cooking thrown in for good measure—you’ll find tons of inspiring ways to keep boredom at bay.
1. Painting People: Figure Painting Today by Charlotte Mullins, Distributed Art Publishers: Whether you’re a novice or a Renoir in training, grab your oil paints, canvas and this book, which is sure to inspire you to dabble in portraiture. The vast and varied collection of portraits by 85 artists from around the world is intriguing and just so special.
2. Sew Retro: 25 Vintage-Inspired Projects for the Modern Girl by Judi Ketteler, Voyageur Press: Instead of spending your summer sorting through sale racks, why not learn to sew your own charming, retro-inspired duds? With easy-to-follow instructions and included patterns, you’ll have a closet brimming with DIY bags, skirts and more.
3. Appliqué Your Way by Kayte Terry, Chronicle Books: Personalized skirts, totes and scarves—oh my! Keep your idle hands busy this summer by learning some simple and oh-so-chic methods for personalizing everything from clothing to home goodies with Kayte Terry’s 35 sweet stitching projects.
4. Rosie Flo’s Coloring Book by Roz Streeten, Chronicle Books: Remember when you were little and your mom would hand you a coloring book to keep you busy? This is kind of like that—but way better. With amazing fashion illustrations and space to draw and color in the fashionistas who wear your styles, you’ll want to spend too-hot-for-outdoor-fun afternoons inside. Feel free to color outside of the lines.
5. Organic and Chic: Cakes, Cookies and Other Sweets that Taste as Good as They Look by Sarah Magid, William Morrow Cookbooks: Hostess Sno-Balls. Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies. Twinkies. Do I even need to continue? I had you at Thin Mint, didn’t I? This summer, learn the secrets to developing these classic faves in your own kitchen—and with organic ingredients, no less!—as you follow Sarah Magid’s wholesome recipes for confections with sophistication to spare.
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Def getting a couple of these for the gf.
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