<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<GoodreadsResponse>
	<Request>
		<authentication>false</authentication>
		    <method><![CDATA[]]></method>
	</Request>
	<author id="860662">
  <name><![CDATA[Amanda Blake Soule]]></name>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/860662.Amanda_Blake_Soule]]></link>
  <fans-count type="integer">8</fans-count>
  <followers-count type="integer">3</followers-count>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1226171145p5/860662.jpg</image_url>
  <about><![CDATA[I'm Amanda, and I live in beautiful Portland, Maine with my husband, Steve, and our three young adventure-seekers — Calvin, Ezra, and Adelaide. Our days are spent making things, exploring our coastal Maine surroundings, and growing together as a family.

I've always had a love of textiles and crafting, but it wasn't until the birth of my first child that creating became an essential part of my daily life. Making things became a way for me to nurture myself in the busy and giving role of Mama, as well as a way to save money and conserve resources by repurposing readily available materials. Making things also allows me to connect with countless women before me and share my love — through the gift of handmade — with those dearest to me.

Creating with my children — inherently the most creative beings of all — is a source of tremendous inspiration, growth and connection for our entire family. Whether through sewing, paper craft, music, cooking, nature exploration, or imaginative play, I believe there are many ways for each of us — regardless of our skills — to express creativity in our daily lives. The benefits go far beyond a finished project when they both nurture and connect the soul of the family. It is my hope to inspire other families to incorporate creativity into their own lives.]]></about>    <gender>female</gender>        
  
  
  <books>
        <book id="1889059">
  <title><![CDATA[The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections]]></title>
  <authors>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[Amanda Blake Soule]]></name>
      <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/860662.Amanda_Blake_Soule]]></link>
    </author>
      </authors>
  <average_rating>4.05</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>643</ratings_count>
  <published>2008</published>  
  
</book>
        <book id="6166346">
  <title><![CDATA[Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures]]></title>
  <authors>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[Amanda Blake Soule]]></name>
      <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/860662.Amanda_Blake_Soule]]></link>
    </author>
      </authors>
  <average_rating>4.22</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>94</ratings_count>
  <published>2009</published>  
  
</book>
      </books>
</author>
</GoodreadsResponse>