Free Activities from the ILLUSTORIA Archives
FREE & DOWNLOADABLE! Pages from Illustoria’s printable activity pack, “DRAW, WRITE, PLAY, MAKE.”
With kids and parents sheltered at home during these extremely difficult times, I’ve been reflecting on what Illustoria has to offer and how we can contribute to families in a small way. Since we launched the magazine in 2016, a guiding ethos has been to inspire creativity across generations; to get grownups and kids to slow down together to read, write, make, draw, play, and get into the mood for creative experiences together off screen. Now as we find ourselves in our homes, finding brilliant new ways to stay connected virtually, it seems technology has never been more appreciated and needed. And yet—the tactile act of making, baking, crafting; the joy of snuggling together with a book (or kids’ mag); the pleasure of dancing to music and the beat of our own drums…many, who are fortunate to, are finding more time and space for these simple, timeless activities.
Whether you are needing a break from the kids (these pages can keep them occupied for hours!) or looking for more inspiration for activities to engage in together, I hope families will find some fun distraction and joyful art-making here. This 42-page collection represents some of our favorite activities from Issues 1–5—all out-of-print issues that we’re so thrilled to revisit and bring back to life in this way—and represent contributions by amazingly talented writers, artists, and staff through the years.
Feel free to print out a copy of this activity collection, staple it together, and have your kids customize the cover with their own colorful drawings. If you don’t have a printer, many of the activities can still be referenced and enjoyed off your device. For those with a home printer, please consider printing an extra copy or two for a neighbor or kids you know who might enjoy these activities.
Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, for your support through the years and for being a part of our community.
******DOWNLOAD BELOW*******
PRINTABLE EDITION (single pages; PLEASE PRINT DOUBLE-SIDED + STAPLE TOGETHER)
DIGITAL EDITION (double pages; BEST FOR VIEWING ON SCREEN—not for print)
A spread from “DRAW, WRITE, PLAY, MAKE,” a free collection of activities from issues 1–5 of Illustoria.
A spread from “DRAW, WRITE, PLAY, MAKE,” a free collection of activities from issues 1–5 of Illustoria.
A spread from “DRAW, WRITE, PLAY, MAKE,” a free collection of activities from issues 1–5 of Illustoria.
A spread from “DRAW, WRITE, PLAY, MAKE,” a free collection of activities from issues 1–5 of Illustoria.
A spread from “DRAW, WRITE, PLAY, MAKE,” a free collection of activities from issues 1–5 of Illustoria.
A spread from “DRAW, WRITE, PLAY, MAKE,” a free collection of activities from issues 1–5 of Illustoria.
A spread from “DRAW, WRITE, PLAY, MAKE,” a free collection of activities from issues 1–5 of Illustoria.
A spread from “DRAW, WRITE, PLAY, MAKE,” a free collection of activities from issues 1–5 of Illustoria.
A spread from “DRAW, WRITE, PLAY, MAKE,” a free collection of activities from issues 1–5 of Illustoria.
Indie Bookstore Day w/ ILLUSTORIA + DIESEL Oakland
Mark your calendars! April 29th is Independent Bookstore Day (2017) and you'll find Illustoria at one of our absolute fave local bookshops, Diesel in Oakland! The day will be full of events and activities catered to your literary (and little one's) heart's delight. Grownups with creative kids, come drop in from 1-2 pm for a craft session with Illustoria. We'll make easy-peasy and totally original bound books and zines with kids, and there will be stamps and coloring for all. Take home bookmarks, pins, and other cool swag. We'll even have a temp tattoo station!
WHEN: Saturday, April 29th, 2017 / 1-2pm
WHAT: Indie Bookstores Day
Kids' Craft Time w/ ILLUSTORIA
WHERE: Diesel, A Bookstore
5433 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618
Also check out these happenings at Diesel Oakland throughout the day:
10am - noon: Big Kid / Little Kid Juice Stand. Mimosas for the adults, and OJ for the kiddies. Books for everybody.
1-2pm: Kids' Craft Time with Illustoria.
4-5pm: Literary Happy Hour. Our featured item this year is the IBD limited-edition, A Literary Cocktail Party. Pouring their signature cocktails from the book will be, Edan Lepucki -- Tequila Negroni; Novella Carpenter -- Beet Kvass Shots; and Jacqueline Luckett -- Dirty Martini. Cheers!
We couldn't agree more with this testimony to the relevance of indie bookstores today, from the staff at Diesel:
"Bookstores are unique places in the chaos and hubbub of our modern times. They are places where you can come to disconnect, relax, and enjoy a moment of silence, yet simultaneously they are also places where you can feel more engaged with and informed about the world around you. Bookstores embody dichotomy: antiquated yet ever-more-relevant, sanctuaries of knowledge but purveyors of distraction, nerdy yet sophisticated, esoteric and yet always welcoming. Cities across the nation have seen the resurgence of these oh-so-vital centers of conscience and community, and we want to celebrate with you! So come out and enjoy a day of browsing, reading, and reveling in all things book-related."
Come surround yourself with great books and let's celebrate ideas, crafts, and curiosity together. Here's to our thriving literary community. Yay, Oakland! Yay, Indie Bookstores Day!