I’ll admit that I’m not a big beer drinker. But my husband is a beer fan, so reviewing the book “Beer Crafts” was a great opportunity for me to fulfill one of my husband’s deepest desires: asking him to pick up some beer on the way home! Here is what the publisher says about “Beer Crafts – making the Most of Your Cans, Bottle Caps, and Labels” by Shawn Gascoyne-Bowman. While author and crafter extraordinaire Shawn Bowman would like to […]
Book Review: Aimee Ray’s Sweet and Simple Jewelry
I haven’t been this charmed by a book in a long time. Really, get ready for a love-fest, because I’m about to dish about the fabulous book Aimee Ray’s Sweet & Simple Jewelry. Here is what the publisher has to say about the book: Aimee Ray, the bestselling author of Doodle Stitching—along with top Etsy and indie designers—presents some of the most beautiful, on-trend jewelry projects ever. Designed for general crafters, jewelry makers, and Ray’s legion of fans, these stunning […]
Book Review: Practical Origami: Folding Your Way to Everyday Accessories
It took me 33 years to make a paper crane without crying. Succeeding at origami requires both patience and precision, two skills that are not my forte. It also requires clear instruction, something that can be rare in the origami world. Ever try to use one of the patterns on the paper package? Inscrutable! Frustrating. Rage-inducing. However, Practical Origami: Folding Your Way to Everyday Accessories, is an excellent instructional book with fun, doable projects. The tagline for Practical Origami: Tuck, […]
Book Review: 101+ Things to do with Glitter by Momtaz Begum-Hossain
Sometimes glitter gets a bad reputation. Often referred to as “the herpes of the craft world,” once you let glitter into your life, it likes to stay forever. But who says that’s a bad thing? Glitter is bright, bold, funky, and easy to use, and Momtaz Begum-Hossain’s 101+ Things to do with Glitter offers a melange of projects, ideas, and tips that will make any reader a glitter expert by the last page. I bet there’s even a project in […]
Jewelry Book Review: Chains, Chains Chains by Joanna Gollberg and Nathalie Mornu
I have to admit that “Chains Chains Chains: 25 Necklaces, Bracelets and Earrings” by Joanna Gollberg and Nathalie Mornu sat on my TO BE REVIEWED shelf for a little while. Basically because I was afraid that the projects might be too hard. I mean, I’d never MADE my own chain before. Now I just feel silly. There are several projects in the book that are kind of over my head and I don’t have the equipment to make BUT there […]
Book Review: Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams by Kerin Gale
Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams Mixed-Media Projects in Epoxy Clay by Kerin Gale is a book that features Epoxy Clay, as you may have guessed. I have to tell you, when I received the Apoxie Sculpt Epoxy Clay (read the full review of that product by clicking the link) from Jenny along with the book. I was a little intimidated so I put the book on my “To Review” shelf. Finally, I pulled it down this week and decided that I […]
Book Review: The Impatient Beader Gets Inspired by Margot Potter
Margot Potter is one of those crafty rock star personalities who are big on personality AND talent. I met her at the Summer CHA Show in July of last year (2010) when she was promoting her newest book (which I’m sure to be reviewing in the not to distant future!) The Impatient Beader Gets Inspired by Margot Potter  A few things you might want to know about this book: Soft cover 127 pages The Impatient Beader has 6 major […]
Book Review: Destination Creativity by Ricë Freeman-Zachery
I’ve been an avid reader of nearly everything that Ricë Freeman-Zachery has written for several years simply because I like the way she writes. She writes like I think. She has a friendly “lets sit, talk and be friends” kind of voice. So I knew when I saw “Destination Creativity The Life-Altering Journey of the Art Retreat” I just had to read it. Not only because I like Ricës way of writing but because Art Retreats have been calling […]
Craft Book Review: Big Ass Book of Crafts 2 by Mark Montano
When Jenny asked me if I wanted to review The Big Ass Book of Crafts 2 by Mark Montano I JUMPED at the chance. I have all of Marks other books and I always find lots of ideas and inspiration in them. I couldn’t wait to dig in! Stats: A hefty 383 crafty pages Chapters sorted by themes such as; Around My Neck, Heady Stuff, Orna-Mental etc Glossary at the end of the book titled “Things I used for the […]
Craft Book Review: The Cloth Paper Scissors Book
The Cloth Paper Scissors Book – Techniques and Inspiration for Creating Mixed-Media Art by Barbara Delaney I was totally excited when I got this book in the mail a few weeks ago. I’ve been a subscriber of Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine off and on (mostly on) for several years now. While the book is compiled by Barbra Delaney it’s full of designs and instruction from past articles that were published in Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine from 25 different Mixed […]
Craft Book Review: The Big Book Of Scrapbook Pages edited by Kelly Biscopink
I used to scrapbook more than I do now. It seems to be such a HUGE task, and my time is short…so I constantly put off my scrapping. (For example, my 6-year-old still does not have a baby scrapbook. Sorry, BK!) So I was open to reviewing The Big Book of Scrapbook Pages: 500+ Designs for Capturing All Your Memories, edited by Kelly Biscopink. I was ready to get my scrapbooking mojo back! The book, put out by Northern Light […]
Craft Book Review: Beasties by Diane Schoenbrun
Plushies. Stuffies. Monsters. Whatever you want to call them, they are all the rage: hand-crafted fabric creatures for kids and adults alike. Last fall I got a copy of Diane Shoenbrun‘s book, Beasties: How to Make 22 Mischievous Monsters That Go Bump In the Night (and one to give away, but more on that later.) While it’s taken me a while, I finally carved out some sewing time and made a few creatures from the book! First, let’s just do […]