Every once in a while I want to learn a new craft. At times it could be difficult to find time to learn something new but the fulfillment of being able to do something new with your hands is something that will make you feel good. That is why I think the Craft Boutique of DK Canada will allow you to expand your skills and discover something new. From the books offered in the Craft Boutique, I have selected two which I hope will be interesting for everyone reading this blog post.
The first one is a craft that I hope to develop hopefully this year – crochet. The second book is one that I plan to use on a regular basis because I already do some interesting things involving paper. Without any more ramblings of my part, let me present you the two books I have received from DK Canada.
Crochet: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide features a mix of classic and modern crochet projects, including things to wear, items for the home, decorative pieces, and cute gifts. Packed with 101 inspirational projects for crocheters of all levels of skill, Crochet: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide walks readers through the basic techniques — with useful practice projects — before embarking on more adventurous crochet patterns. As a truly new beginner, I am looking forward to see if I can have the patience to embark on the adventure of crocheting. Okay, I will be 100% honest. My own maternal grand-mother was an amazing crocheter – she made numerous little things to put on desk, drapes, tablecloths and so much more. The biggest project I think she ever did was to make a white bedspread for me when I was younger (see image below). I still have the bedspread and other things she had crocheted in her life. Another treasure I have from her that she crocheted is the red dress that I have worn at 18-24 months.
Needless to say, part of me wish that I could learn directly from her but she died tragically when I was a teenager. So now as I grow older and my kids are slowly entering the teenager years, I think of how fun it would be if I can do something special when they have kids on their own… And I remember how my grand-mother tenderly did things with her hands to pass down to me.
The book is packed with easy to follow instructions and images to help the reader to slowly learn and make a variety of things.
The book contains two main sections: Tools and techniques as well as Project patterns,
Tools and techniques: Yarns, hooks and other equipment, basic stitches, beaded necklace, chunky bracelet, striped washcloths, cell phone covers, self-fringing scarf, textured pillow, pretty headbands, party bunting, coaster set, pot holders, circular pillow, following a crochet pattern, care of crochet, working crocheted edges, crochet-edged pillows, circular crochet, openwork, shell mesh scarf, colorwork, intarsia pillow, unusual stitches, unusual yarns, crocheted toys, teddy bear, and felted crochet.
Project patters: flower blanket, lap blanket, colorful granny blanket, baby blanket, chevron pillow, granny pillow, owl pillow, desktop storage pots, structured baskets, hanging toy basket, round stool cover, rustic ottomans, cat basket, fruit bowl, filigree bookmarks, fish and starfish garland, flower pin cushion, chunky rug, baby bonnet, child’s hat with ears, men’s beanie hat, child’s hat with earflaps, women’s beret, lacy scarf, broomstick lace shawl, tweed stitch cowl, men’s chunky scarf, child’s wrist warmers, child’s mittens with string, ladies’ wrist warmers, baby girld’s booties, baby boy’s booties, child’s edged slippers, ladies’ soft slippers, ladies’ ankle socks, men’s chunky socks, baby’s crossover cardigan, child’s poncho, summer tunic dress, cropped sweater, ladies’ textured cardigan, animal rattles, giant play ball, mother elephant and baby, rag doll, polar bear with scarf, floppy-eared bunny, jungle finger puppets, granny square bag, straw beach bag, super-stretchy shopper, everyday bag, diamond granny bag, clutch bag, child’s turtle backpack, change purses, and tablet sleeve.
Going through the pages of this book and seeing how the instructions are presented as well as the fabulous projects included in it encourage me to take the plunge and learn crochet. All I have to do now is to find some precious time (not an easy task for an homeschool mom) so I can learn and practice this new skill. Maybe the Christmas season would be a good time for me as we usually slow down in December until the new year.
Paper Craft
Paper Craft makes it easy — and affordable — to design handmade crafts that are guaranteed to impress. Transform your favorite paper into beautiful decorations and home decor, greeting cards, scrapbooks, and beyond, no matter what your skill level. This visual, step-by-step guide outlines all the necessary equipment and materials and contains nifty techniques like scaling, embossing, and crumpling, as well as quilling, decoupage, and paper-mâché. Inside Paper Craft you'll find seasonal and special occasion paper craft ideas to suit a variety of tastes. And, templates and variation suggestions allow you to choose exactly the right look for your projects. Cut, fold, roll, glue, and print your way to crafting heaven with Paper Craft.
I love the cover of this book and it did caught my eye when I first saw it. But the project I have seen in it made me want to review it.
The book is packed with fun projects to do with paper.
- Cards and gift wrap: pop-up bouquet, feather gift tag, DIY envelopes, mini gift box, quilling, gift box, pyramid gift box, customized paper, and 3D star tag.
- Gifts to give: layered papercut, quilled earrings, bursery papercut, papercut locket, papercut lantern, and silhouette frame.
- Decorations: honeycomb pom-pom, origami fairy lights, hanging fan, hanging garlands, and snowflake ornament.
- Kids’ crafts: origami bird, animal mask, owl mobile, and party crown.
- Flowers: cherry blossoms, peony, ranunculus, daisy, anemone, daffodil, large rose, kusudama, wreath, boutonniere, large poppy, and festival headband.
- Scrapbooking: making a scrapbook, photo corners and frames, bunting and bows, storage pockets, rosettes, gilding and embossing, travel, wedding, baby’s first year and scrapbooking templates.
- Templates: this is were you will find all the templates used for projects in the book
I do have a few projects that I really enjoy in this book but I think my favorite one is definitively the feather gift tag. However, I decided to use this specific project using my bible art journaling passion. Two of my kids recently memorize Job 42:2 “I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” as part of their Sunday School curriculum. I really liked the Scripture as it reminds me that God has everything in control. So I decided to do some bible art journaling with it. First you might wonder what bible art journaling is. Well essentially you take a scripture that speak to you, write it in fancy lettering in your journaling bible which has specific space for taking notes and/or be creative. Then I decided to paint the page a bit and decorate with it washi tape and stickers. I used the feather project from the book to add some decoration in the page. I used a yellow cardboard to make the feather but decided to use the burgundy and dark green pencils from my Prismacolor Scholar set to incorporate a bit of color. Then I glued the feather in the bible.
Paper Craft is a great book for the paper crafter in your life. This book would make a wonderful Christmas gift under the tree if you have someone passionate with scrapbooking. I am delighted to have it myself and plan to use it quite a bit in the future.
Both books are available at your favorite bookstore, even at amazon.ca and amazon.com.
Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned books for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.
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