I have been a fan of Rae Grant and her work since I first laid eyes on her beautiful books Cooking Fun and Crafting Fun. Over the course of the past year we’ve enjoyed many lovely e-mail exchanges and I was thrilled and honored when she asked me to be part of her book tour for her latest book, Homemade Fun: 101 Activities to do with Kids.

It is my great pleasure to introduce Rae Grant and to share this space with her today.

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EBG: How did you come to do the work you are doing?

RG: Books and handmade paper have always been my medium for creative expression. I always have my own ideas about things so I found making books to be a happy medium for that tendency. My book projects come from my own experience and interests. It’s fun and I feel lucky to have a publisher like St. Martin’s Press who supports my approach.

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Please tell us about your family.

I live with my husband and daughter in New York City. My husband is an architect and I am a book designer. I’d say we have a fundamentally creative household while balancing all the complexities of modern living. It’s fun, busy, and challenging but we know when to relax and unwind.

Do you have a television in your home? If yes, can you describe when/how it is used? If no, how long have you been TV-free?

We have a TV in a non-central part of the home and usually watch the news or public television programs. I am not impressed with the junky side of TV culture (to put it mildly), and would rather see children playing cards, reading a book, building a project, baking in the kitchen, or running around outside. One reason I wrote the book trilogy Crafting Fun, Cooking Fun and Homemade Fun was to offer modern kids and families an alternative to TV, computer, and thinking that ”fun” has to be bought at the store. Living simply is a value that shouldn’t be underestimated. It seems extremely important to many families these days given the current state of the world.

What can you share with us about your creative process? 

I work in a small home studio in my apartment. When I do a project it is all encompassing. I sort of live with the project whether it is short or long-term and work on it constantly. It is always a bit of a relief (to me and my family) when I am done but that is how I work. My family is a big supporter of my work so they are very good about living with my books.

Something that struck me about all three of your books is that not only are they full of wonderful ideas and recipes, they are absolutely beautiful to look at. Is it true that you designed them yourself?

Yes! I am a book designer by passion as well as trade. I love it and I hope it shows. It’s always a thrill to hear how people use the books too. It makes me happy to think that I’ve contributed something useful and of quality to the world of kids.

With all that you have going on, when and how do you nurture yourself and “return to center”?

Like so many families today, I sometimes feel that life is moving like a fast train. I’m not sure if it is because we all have a busy family life, or if the world is just moving along at a new clip but I have to stop and get off sometimes. I swim often as a way to relax and quiet down and I make simple projects with my daughter that amuse and delight us. I also simplify my expectations of how much I think I should be doing and have learned to say, “that’s enough.” Usually it is.

What’s next for you and what is the best way for people to follow along with your work?

My sister Julie and I are collaborating on a children’s book. The story is near and dear to me and I love working with Julie because we are creatively simpatico. I am also developing another adorable cookbook for kids.

The very best way to follow me is on my author website and on my blog.

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Thank you Rae for sharing your time with us and for sharing your many talents with the world!

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For a chance to win a copy of Rae’s latest book, Homemade Fun, simply leave a comment here between now and Saturday (6/26) at 8 a.m. EST when I will close the comments and announce the winner.

For a second chance to win, please help spread the word about this giveaway. Blog about it. Tweet about it. Share it on Facebook. Call your friend. Mention it to your sister. It’s all good.  Just come back here and leave a second comment noting what you did to help spread the word, and you will be entered a second time.

Comments closed. I’ll be back over the weekend to announce the winner!