Favorite Craft Books

Here is a list of the craft books I currently own, the books I did own but got rid of, and the books I would like to purchase. I love to see what other people are reading, and I thought you may too.

Craft Books I Own

Landscape Quilts by Nancy Zeiman – This is a beautiful book, but I wish the instructions were a little more clear.

Trip Around the World Quilt (Quilt in a Day Series) by Eleanor Burns – I don’t like the fabric choices but the instructions are super clear.

Quick Watercolor Quilts: The Fuse, Fold, and Stitch Method by Dana Pappas – Pretty designs and excellent instructions.

Scrap Quilts (Leisure Arts #1947) by Beverly Rivers – Beautiful designs and color combinations plus I love the idea of making something beautiful from a throw-away.

Creative Sketches for Scrapbooking by Becky Higgins – Features layouts and shows several ways to use each one.

A Year of Scrapbooking by Debbie Janasak – This is not my favorite scrapbooking book, but it is nice, and has a little bit of everything.

My Creative Companion: The Ultimate Scrapbooking Resource by Becky Higgens – I like this one a lot. Nothing here but tons of ideas for scrapbooking elements…titles, tags, lettering, etc.

Scrapbook Borders, Corners & Titles by Memory Makers - This is my favorite scrapbooking book. It’s full of really nice, creative ideas.

More 3D Origami: Step-By-Step Illustrations by Joie Staff – I actually handled one of these designs in real life and it was amazing…solid and good looking. I’m dying to try a project myself.

Craft Books I Got Rid Of

Quick Sewing Projects from Placemats by Susan Beck - This wasn’t a bad book, but I’ve seen everything in it elsewhere. Nothing new.

Making Handbags: Retro, Chic, Luxurious by Ellen Goldstein-Lynch – There was nothing in this book that I wanted to make, so I got rid of it.

Faux Surfaces in Polymer Clay: 30 Techniques & Projects That Imitate Stones, Metals, Wood & More by Irene Semanchuk Dean – I was crazy to get rid of this book. Big mistake!

Art Stamping Workshop by Gloria Page – I bought this book for the explanation on stamp carving but the projects were a bit disappointment. I gave this book to my mom.

Polymer Clay Extravaganza by Lisa Pavelka – Another book I was dumb to get rid of. One day I’ll get another copy.

Polymer Clay: Creating Functional and Decorative Objects by Jacqueline Gikow – Selling this one was also a very big mistake. Eventually I will rebuy it.

Quilting Makes the Quilt by Lee Cleland – Beautiful book with great instructions but I’m just not that “into” quilting.

Quick Country Quilting: Over 80 Projects Featuring Easy, Timesaving Techniques by Debbie Mumm – This book is okay, just not fabulous.

Nostalgia Patchwork & Quilting by Robby Savonen – This is another book that wasn’t bad, just not great.

Craft Books I Want To Buy

Watercolor Landscape Quilts: Quick No-Fuss Fold & Sew Technique by Cathy Geier – I already have a book on landscape quilting, but this one looks so appealing!

What Crafts Books Do You Own?

I’d love to hear about your favorite craft books. Please leave me a message with the names of the books you’re reading, and why. I’ll publish your responses as an update to this article.

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10 Free, Online Craft Books

I’m always eager to learn a new craft.

That’s why I like the series of 10 craft booklets from Homecrafts Direct. These free booklets are on a wide variety of subjects, like paper making, print making, cold enamelling and plenty more. Each pdf is full of color photos and diagrams that make understanding the techniques easy.

My favorite? I love the booklet called Decorative Fabric Boxes. There is a little, coffin shaped sewing box that I’m crazy about.

The only problem with this series is that some of the projects are little old fashioned looking. So while the instructions are excellent, you may want to design the finished projects yourself. Still, this educational series is not to be missed.

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Threads Magazine

Many women sew, but few do anything other than just follow a pattern. For those women who want to do more than that, there is a fun and easy source of help. Threads Magazine is devoted to taking everyday seamstresses, and turning them into true artisans.

By teaching techniques such as stenciling, dyeing and stamping Threads shows sewers how to make unique fabric. Articles on techniques such as button making and tassel making allow the sewer to embellish the garment. Other articles, of a less creative nature, teaching fine sewing methods and tips.

As for home sewing, Threads teaches everything from slipcovering a side chair and sofa to making window treatments.

If you are ready to take your sewing to the next level, Threads magazine is more than willing to give you a hand.

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Book Excerpt: Toilette Recipes

Toilette Recipes is an excerpt from a book written in 1880 called Decorum – A Practical Treatise on Etiquette and Dress of the Best American Society. The excerpt features a number of homemade beauty treatments. I’m not sure how many of the recipes are still practical today, but you will still enjoy reading through them.

My favorite?

Take one ounce of Myrrh in fine powder, two tablespoons of honey and a little green sage in very fine powder. Mix them well together, and wet the teeth and gums with a little every night and morning.

Source: http://www.eaudrey.com/

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