Sunday 31 October 2010

The Crafter’s Way 157- Craft Book Review

The Moreton Bay Regional Council Libraries have a wonderful variety of craft books to borrow. Many of these books are recent releases. These books all came from various libraries across the region. Check with your local library for opening hours and how you can borrow from other libraries.f

Making Flowers in Paper Fabric & Ribbon by Steve & Megumi Biddle

I initially borrowed this book for personal use and while it wasn’t exactly what I was looking for I still found it to be an inspiring book. The projects are all created using some of the most easily affordable and sourced materials with the authors providing hints on where to purchase some of the more specialized items. The inside dust jacket states that each project is also accompanied by “ exceptionally clear and comprehensive illustrations with life sized templates”. This is what impressed me most about the book. I was left in no doubt that I could create these stunning arrangements with very little outlay. At first glance the book appears a little dated but this is purely aesthetical, the content is still spot on.IMG

How to Make Beautiful Flowers (745.5943 HOWT)

This is a compilation book by Search Press. Chapters include instructions for making flowers in a variety of craft methods. Learn how to make Silk Flowers, Flowers from Shells, Bread Dough, Paper, Feathers and Nylon Stockings. The diagrams aren’t as easy to follow as the above book but if you have mastered the skills outlined in that you should have no trouble with the arrangements in this book. IMG_0002

A Crafter’s Book of Santas by Leslie Dierks (745.59412DIE)

There is a Santa for every craft, stitching, sculpting, paper mache, gourd decorating and knitting. Some of the Santas require a high level skill but most are simple yet effective. The Santa Slippers make me eternally grateful that we have a Summer Christmas, the Santa’s Baseball Cap made laugh but most just leave you wishing for the festive season.IMG_0001 Knit the Christmas Story by Jan Messent (745.592MES)

With nine odd weeks until Christmas you still have time to knit the nativity. There is no need to race out and purchase specific yarn for these projects. The author has opted for colour samples rather than prescribing yarn weights so that it is possible to use up some of your leftover yarn. I admit 9 weeks might be cutting it a bit fine but why not get a head start on next year.

1 comment:

Marigold Jam said...

Had to laugh at the knitted nativity - I once bought a kit to make a plastic canvas embroidered crib and made Mary Joseph and the baby Jesus in the manger and that's as far as it went. I had had the kit for years before I got that far and I chucked it out when we moved as it was by then about 25 years old and I knew it would never get finished. Hope those who attempt the knitted version have more motivation ans success than I did!

Jane