Fabulous Origami Boxes


Tomoko Fuse - 1998
    This delightful book is entirely devoted to the creation of origami boxes-plain or fancy, playful or practical, and elaborate boxes topped with cranes, butterflies, lilies, stars, and more.FABULOUS ORIGAMI BOXES includes designs for nesting boxes, simple triangle and square boxes and more complex hexagonal and octagonal boxes. Detailed illustrations provide step-by-step instructions on the correct way to crease and fold origami paper. Many of the designs are made of one sheet of paper, but some combine individual units with intriguing results.Both practical and lovely, these boxes can be used for gift-giving, storing trinkets, or simply for display.

200 Crochet Tips, Techniques & Trade Secrets: An Indispensible Resource of Technical Know-How and Troubleshooting Tips


Jan Eaton - 2007
    Presented in an easy-to-use format arranged by topic and cross-referenced, so you can dip in and out as needed for advice, this book offers hundreds of answers, fixes, insider tips, and secrets to help you along the way. Divided into sections that cover a multitude of topics such as: choosing the right hook for you, putting gauge measurements to work, fool-proof ways of turning, quick fixes for uneven edges, shaping with increases and decreases, how to make neat corners, marking essentials, dealing with yarn ends, choosing the right seam and even how to look after crochet garments, 200 Crochet Tips, Techniques & Trade Secrets contains a wealth of technical knowledge and handy tips. Aimed at all crocheters, from the beginner to the more experienced, this book is a valuable addition to any craft library.

Bound: Over 20 Artful Handmade Books


Erica Ekrem - 2015
    With her novel approach to traditional techniques, and the use of repurposed materials, Ekrem has devised creative fun for book artists of all levels. Choose from three categories: Vintage, Nature, and Leather. Make books from mason jars and seashells, a classic leather-bound photo album, and other works of art.

Art at the Speed of Life: motivation + inspiration for making mixed-media art every day


Pam Carriker - 2011
    Author and mixed-media artist Pam Carriker proves that art and life can coexist peacefully, productively, and happily. Making things every day can be a joyful reality instead of just wishful thinking.Each chapter in Art at the Speed of Life includes both essays and project ideas from a variety of contributors, including Suzi Blu, Lisa Bebi, Christy Hydeck, Paulette Insall, Cate Calacous Prato. The projects are inspiring, yet easy to complete on a tight schedule, and include techniques such as assemblage, image transfer, and collage. A bonus seven-day journal project helps you track your work as you go. With a unique combination of time management tips and advice, inspiring essays, and projects designed to fit into busy schedules, Art at the Speed of Life will help you live your dream of making art every day.

Snail Mail: Rediscovering the Art and Craft of Handmade Correspondence


Michelle Mackintosh - 2015
    In a world of 140-character limits, Snapchats, text-speak, and internet trolls, are we losing the ability to really communicate with our loved ones Snail Mail aims to bring back handwritten communication—and more—in one beautifully illustrated and perfectly proper little package. Inspired by Japanese stationery and letter-writing culture, Michelle Mackintosh introduces the reader to the charm of the handwritten letter, personalized packages, and handcrafted stationery. Beautifully illustrated and complete with cutout postcard designs, papercraft, and rubber stamp templates, Snail Mail is full of equally useful and whimsical advice, like how to say thank you in a letter and other old-school etiquette; how to take time and reflect on your life through writing; how to improve and celebrate your own handwriting; how to make your own paper; how to romance someone the old-school way; how to make pen friends and DIY beautiful invitations for any occasion. It’s time to take back the written word!

Growing Up Sew Liberated: Making Handmade Clothes and Projects for Your Creative Child


Meg McElwee - 2011
    From simple clothing to toys, Growing Up Sew Liberated is packed with innovative, playful sewing patterns. Follow the structure of a child’s day with 20 projects including:Getting up and getting dressed: comfortable clothing patterns such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, and pocket pants.Homemaking and cooking: projects for engaging children in helping around the house and for in the kitchen, such as aprons, bibs, and placemats.Playtime: indoor and outdoor activities are celebrated with dolls, a cape, a satchel, and a tent.Bedtime: snuggle in for a night in cozy pj’s and a sleep sack.Meg adds in suggestions for projects and adventures for kids and adults to explore together and tasks that children can accomplish on their own.Includes a techniques section, how-to photos, extra tips and tricks, and a bonus full-size pattern section, Growing Up Sew Liberated collects designs, activities, and ideas that are perfect for adding creativity into the daily life of sewists, children, and families.

How To Crochet: A Complete Guide for Absolute Beginners


Alison McNicol - 2013
    * Easy to follow How To Crochet illustrations * Fun and simple projects to make * Learn a variety of crochet stitches and skills * Perfect for absolute beginners * Projects include hats, scarves, mittens, baby blankets, scented hearts, granny squares and more! This is the ONLY beginner's book you'll need to start to crochet today!!

Exhibition 36: Mixed-Media Demonstrations + Explorations


Susan Tuttle - 2008
    There's something for everyone at this art expo. Whether you want to sharpen digital-imaging skills, make your own jewelry or listen to the stories behind provocative works, you're sure to find plenty to keep you busy--all included with the price of admission.Amidst a full-color feast for your eyes, you will: Discover ways to turn your art mistakes" into meaningful creationsSit in on mixed-media demonstrations, guiding you through techniques for layering, transferring, altering and moreBe introduced to the works and inspiration of 36 artists, including: Lisa Falzon, Sheri Gaynor, Claudine Hellmuth, Katie Kendrick, Deryn Mentock, Karen Michel, Ted Orland, Izabella Pierce, Richard Salley, Suzanne Simanaitis, Roben-Marie Smith, Jonathan Talbot and many more!Take on creative challenges to push your art-making into new directions Enter the "Exhibition 36" experience--your ticket to an amazing gallery of mixed-media inspiration."

The Sewing Bible: A Modern Manual of Practical and Decorative Sewing Techniques


Ruth Singer - 2009
    From simple tutorials to in-depth masterclasses, Ruth Singer packs in lesson after lesson on both practical and decorative techniques.The Sewing Bible includes:• Easy-to-use instructions accompanied by hundreds of beautiful photographs detailing every stage of each technique•20 functional, fashionable sewing projects that illustrate many of the lessons—from an easy T-shirt transformation to a complex handbag—making this a how-to guide and pattern book in one•Extensive guides to fabrics and tools, and resources to help you choose the perfect materials and equipment for your projects•Advice on using organic and eco fabrics and working with recycled and vintage fabrics With more excitement than traditional sewing manuals, and much more depth than a book of projects, The Sewing Bible is an easy-to-use guide that's as attractive as it is comprehensive. This is the one book you need whether you're a beginner, an expert, or anywhere in between.

Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals: A Mixed-Media Workshop with Carla Sonheim


Carla Sonheim - 2012
    Improve your drawing skills, expand your creativity, and learn new art techniques—and have loads of fun doing it!—with Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals.

Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop: Techniques and Projects for Weaving with Wire


Karen Karon - 2012
    In Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop, you'll find more than two dozen techniques for making today's most popular chain maille weaves—from simple chains to beaded wonders to intricate Dragonscale.Jewelry artist and author Karen Karon pairs in-depth, step-by-step instructions with color illustrations that show exactly where to place the next jump ring. You'll also get a thorough but flexible approach to techniques that prove weaving can be done in a multitude of ways and demonstrations on “speed weaving,” which is ideal for large projects. Designs progressively increase in complexity, so every jewelry maker—beginner or pro—will find inspiration and projects that suite their skill level.What's more to love? Every chapter provides a unique jewelry project and a plethora of design advice, visual inspiration, shortcuts, tips, and tricks, as well as guidance for attaching clasps and findings. It's no wonder that Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop is the ideal resource for innovation and originality in chain maille jewelry making.

Harmony Guide: Cables & Arans: 250 Stitches to Knit (Harmony Guides)


Erika Knight - 2007
    Featuring 250 texture-friendly designs for knitters of all skill levels, this handbook gives techniques for cable, ripple, knot, and twist stitches. The reference provides a multitude of new knitting patterns both for the home and to wear--such as a honeycomb afghan, medallion-rippled sweater, and twisted-arches scarf. Beautifully photographed swatches are displayed with the latest yarns and include easy-to-follow instructions and design tips. An all-in-one guide to creating textures and cables, this crafting resource is the perfect knitting companion.

Knit Noro: Accessories: 30 Colorful Little Knits


Vogue Knitting - 2012
    Hand colored in vivid combinations of painterly hues, Noro yarns are as striking to behold as they are easy to work with. This follow-up to Knit Noro features 32 small projects knitters can complete in a weekend, including Leg Warmers, Cabled Mittens, a Lace Flap Hat, and even an iPad cover.

Bend the Rules with Fabric: Fun Sewing Projects with Stencils, Stamps, Dye, Photo Transfers, Silk Screening, and More


Amy Karol - 2009
    In this follow-up to the wildly popular Bend-the-Rules Sewing you will see how easy it is to alter fabric, making and using your own custom stamps; make stencils that will totally transform totes and tees; rescue tired clothes with a new dye job; and use appliqués to spruce up anything that needs a little TLC. With Amy’s familiar, friendly tone and valuable advice, you’ll see every piece of fabric as blank canvas for your artistic vision!

Sew Darn Cute: 30 Sweet & Simple Projects to Sew & Embellish


Jenny Ryan - 2009
    Simple sewing techniques and quick yet stylish projects combine in this appealing book that teaches readers basic sewing skills while they create adorable yet useful items to keep for themselves or give as thoughtful presents. Use surface embellishment techniques including applique and embroidery to transform plain tees or old linens into pretty and unique signature items like a pillowcase purse or a skinny summer scarf; create lovable critters or a set of crafty coasters from scrap fabric and felted sweaters; or clean up the clutter in your craft room with easy-to-sew organizers for your crochet hooks, knitting needles, pins, and more. A focus on using vintage and thrifted, repurposed fabrics shows readers how they can whip up unique sewing projects that are also easy on the planet (and on your pocketbook). Colorful photographs reveal the projects and fabric selections up-close; step-by-step instructions, plus Jenny's tricks and tips, make it easy for home sewers to re-create these sew darn cute items for themselves.