Last year I became acquainted with Ice Resin 2-part epoxy resin, and met the wonderful Jen Cushman manning the booth at CHA. At the time I was unfamiliar with her impressive art and writing credentials- I just thought she was one of nicest, most welcoming people I’d ever met. Little did I know that she was writing the an amazing book! Today I get to share how “Explore, Create, Resinate” really can expand your resin-crafting horizons! This tidy volume is […]
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: Crafting with Cat Hair by Kaori Tsutaya
Reviewing the book Crafting With Cat Hair: Cute Handicrafts to Make with Your Cat resulted in, hands down, two of the most bizarre projects that I’ve ever made. Strangely enough, they also ended up being two of the cutest. Keep on reading and you’ll see what I mean! Crafting With Cat Hair: Cute Handicrafts to Make with Your Cat was written by Kaori Tsutaya, and was translated from the original Japanese by Amy Hirschman. The book is 96 pages long, […]
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: Crafty Chica’s Guide To Artful Sewing
I actually purchased this book a several months ago, brought it home and put it on a shelf to read later. Something about writing book reviews for Craft Test Dummies and National Sewing Month got me to pull it off the shelf to dig through it. Boy, I’m glad I did. Because I finally got motivated to work a project that’s been swimming around in my brain for probably a year or two. But I’ll tell you more about that […]
Book Review: Sew Wild by Alisa Burke
I’ve been a fan of Alisa Burke for a while now, her blog is in my daily feed and I have another of her books. I’m crazy about her messy graffiti style and the way she uses and layers color. In Sew Wild, Alisa still uses her messy layers, colors and even some lettering and graffiti but she’s added a new element to her work… thread! That makes me happy! So happy! A few things you might want to know […]
Craft Book Review: Upcycled Accessories-25 Projects Using Repurposed Plastic by Tracie Lampe
Let me start by stating the obvious: I love recycling and making crafts out of objects that are headed for the trash. So when I heard of Tracie Lampe’s book “Upcycled Accessories: 25 Projects Using Repurposed Plastic” published by North Light BooksI was half sold before I even opened the cover. Let’s start with a few facts about the book before we begin. From the publisher: Fused and Re-used Whether you’re a sewing enthusiast or an eco-superhero, Upcycled Accessories shows […]
Craft Book Review: Steampunk Softies by Sarah Skeate and Nicola Tedman
There are few things that crafters find quite as irresistible as a beautiful book filled with adorable, quirky plushies, and Steampunk Softies delivers just that! The cover boasts “Scientifically Minded Dolls From a Past That Never Was,†and the projects do not disappoint. Each doll has its own personality, with just the right amount of steampunk charm to bring all of the strange and wonderful details together! Published by Andrews McMeel Publishing, Steampunk Softies is fully illustrated and has […]
Crafty Field Trip: Maker Faire Detroit
I’ve heard about Maker Faire for years now, but have never had the chance to attend. They were either too far away, I had another obligation, etc- but this weekend, the stars were in alignment so I packed up my kiddos and headed up to the Motor Maker City to go check out what all the fuss was about! For those of you who ask, “What is Maker Faire?” I can only say that it’s an amazing tribe of folks […]
Craft Video Review: Cricut A-Z by Above Rubies Studio
I now own FOUR Cricut machines, and even have demonstrated them for ProvoCraft- but who couldn’t use a little more help when it comes to learning to use a tool? Enter Megan Gravener of Above Rubies Studio. She came out with Cricut A to Z, and instructional DVD that helps even “advanced” Cricuteers get more from their machine. This DVD covers Cricut Basics, Cricut Advanced, and “Let’s Get Creative.” Her’s a run-down on what’s included: The Cricut A to Z […]
Crafty Field Trip: WoolFest at the Lake County FarmPark
Last weekend my 6 year old and I took a spontaneous field trip out to Lake County to visit the FarmPark. Only 30 minutes east of Cleveland, the FarmPark is a gem for city-slickers like myself! It’s a place where you can see a working farm in action, and learn about the almost-lost arts of bee-keeping, maple syrup sugaring, and this weekend, all things wool. I was excited to see the spinning, weaving, and knitting demos, and little girl was […]
UK Week, part 3: Six Craft Magazines to Review
So, after my visit with the Bermondsey Craft Club (make sure you read about that part of my trip here) I was itching to get my hands on some crafty UK publications to see how perhaps the aesthetic or products were different than what I see in the US. Here are some of the magazines I’ve seen first hand, with a little break down for you. I know that there are more, but either I couldn’t get them at the […]
Craft Book Review: Polymer Clay 101 by Angela Mabray and Kim Otterbein
I love polymer clay, and have played with it for quite a while. I even teach local classes on occasion. So I look at a book called “Polymer Clay 101” and I wonder- is it really easy enough for beginners? Will it have anything to offer experienced clayers? After reviewing this book by Angela Mabray (AKA “CraftyGoat”) and Kim Otterbein I can say “yes” to both questions. First off, let’s talk about the book itself. It’s a hard cover book […]
Craft Book Review & Blog Hop: Puppet Play by Diane Schoenbrun
Remember a few months ago when I reviewed “Beasties” by Diane Schoenbrun? Well, I enjoyed that first book enough to join up for a craft-blog-hop for her new one, “Puppet Play.” Like Beasties, this book features creatures you can make from things you have on hand (mostly.) Dishcloths, socks, cans and even legwarmers (ok, I don’t have those on hand) can be transformed into fun puppets that you and your favorite kiddo can make and customize together. The book is […]
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 […]
Behind the Scenes at “Scrapbook Soup”
I find it amusing and beyond coincidence that the majority of PBS craft shows are shot on the East side of Cleveland. Every week, my favorite crafty people fly in, shoot their segments, and fly away back to their busy lives. Imagine how thrilled I was when one of my new crafty friends, Julie McGuffee, rang me up to let me know she was in town taping her new show, Scrapbook Soup, and I was invited to stop by and […]
Green Craft Products: Review of ecosystem Sketchbooks
A while back I reviewed the ecosystem artist’s journals, and I absolutely loved them. Imagine how thrilled I was to find out that they have come out with a NEW version- a sketch book! Lucky for me, I got my hands on one to review. The reason I love these books- and are including them in my GO GREEN month- is that they are 100% recycled materials. Yes, you read that right. Amazing! And when you can combine eco-friendly practices […]
Guest Post: Christine Urias and “Wee Wonderfuls” Book Review
Hi!! My name is Christine and I am the Host of Scrap Time!! Today I am here at Craft Test Dummies to share a review with you on the book ‘Wee Wonderfuls’ by Hillary Lang! I love Handmade Dolls!! I had a pile of my daughter’s clothing and I though instead of giving it away, I would use the fabric to make my own dolls! I then came across this book, ‘Wee Wonderfuls‘ by Hillary Lang and I was immediately […]
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 […]
