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Archive: Reviews
November 3, 2009
Book Review + Giveaway: The Shrinky Dinks Book
The Shrinky Dinks Book by Sherri Haab & the editors of Klutz
Klutz.com
Ages 6 and Up
Book Giveaway Time!
Three lucky CRAFT readers will each receive a copy of The Shrinky Dinks Book along with Shrinky Dinks - Extra Shrinkable Plastic refills! Please make sure you include your email address in the comment form field (won't be published). All comments will be closed by Noon PST on Friday, November 6th. The lucky winners will be announced later on the site. Good luck!
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Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Nov 3, 2009 11:00 AM
Books and Magazines, Reviews, Super Crafty Kidz |
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November 2, 2009
Book Review + Giveaway: Jane Austen's Sewing Box
I probably reread at least one of Jane Austen's novels a year, picking the title to suit my mood: Persuasion when I'm feeling pensive on a frosty fall morning, Pride and Prejudice when I need a bit of a pick-me-up, Emma when I have a jones for some juicy gossip. So I was delighted to hear about Jennifer Forest's Jane Austen's Sewing Box, a book that manages to simultaneously be a craft history, literary analysis, and how-to.
It's a seriously nerdy book, in the best possible way. Hefty, with beautiful reproductions of period paintings, furniture and housewares, it starts off grounding the reader in Jane Austen's world, bringing a little background to her work. Forest explains the role of women's "work" in the 19th century (by which was meant needlework, sewing, knitting, painting, etc.) and sprinkles quotes from Austen's novels liberally throughout.
Then we get into the good stuff! There are 18 step-by-step projects for crafts mentioned in the novels. Some are perhaps a little too period (although it's cool to know how to make a gorgeous silk bonnet, I am unlikely to wear it), but most would look as well in a crafty hipster's apartment as in Fanny Price's hands. The beautiful linen pillowcases would add class to any bed, and who doesn't need an embroidered work bag or quilted huswife to hold projects in-progress? The netted purse is perfect for going out, and would look smashing with a faux-fur muff and tippet. And I think cravats should definitely make a comeback for women or men (there's even a handy illustration showing how to tie the most popular Regency styles).
I loved thumbing through this gorgeous book, and if you have even the faintest yearning for bygone days, you probably will, too.
NOTE: I just heard from the author, who pointed me to Amazon in the UK, which has a much better price than the one in the US. Apparently shipping takes about a week. Enjoy!
Book Giveaway Time!
We are giving away a copy of Jane Austen's Sewing Box. Just leave a comment in this post and tell us why you want this book. Please make sure you include your email address in the comment form field (won't be published). All comments will be closed by Noon PST on Wednesday, November 4th. The lucky winner will be announced on the site. Good luck!
Posted by Arwen O'Reilly Griffith |
Nov 2, 2009 11:00 AM
Books and Magazines, Reviews |
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October 26, 2009
Book Review, Recipe, & Giveaway: Savory Baking
Savory Baking: Warm and Inspiring Recipes for Crisp, Crumbly, Flaky Pastries by Mary Cech, photographs by Noel Barnhurst
As it gets colder this autumn, what could be lovelier than a leisurely weekend day in a warm kitchen? Baking at home is fun and rewarding, but there are only so many cookies and cakes you and your family can take. All that prep time and careful attention should yield a delicious and healthy meal with which to feed your family or guests, not just a guilty pleasure! I don't have a big sweet tooth, but I love to bake, which is why Savory Baking by Mary Cech is the perfect addition to my cookbook collection. The book starts out with an overview of ingredients, equipment, and techniques specific to baking, to ensure your success. More so than stove top dishes, it's important to know what to expect in a baking recipe, so the overview of crepe, souffle, and doughs techniques is empowering.
This book is full of inspiring dishes, broken down more by what type of pastry they use than what course they're for: quick breads, flaky pastry, rustic cobblers and betties, puff pastries, cookies, and, finally, sides and sauces. The gorgeous photos tend to draw focus to those particular recipes, but, really, every dish sounds delicious. Baking can be a time-intensive endeavor, so while I wish the book included time estimates for each recipe, I loved reading through the 75 delectable possibilities for this review.
The best part of reviewing a recipe book is the cooking (and subsequent eating), clearly. I decided to make the Cambozola Pear Cream Tart, and enlisted the help of a foodie friend. Read the full article for the free recipe! Baking is a great team-cooking activity, since there are usually different concurrent tasks to be done. It's a great time of year to make this recipe, since the pears at the market will be close to ripe enough already. We used Gorgonzola dolce instead of the suggested Camembert-Gorgonzola hybrid, Cambozola, since it looked really good at the Italian market, and both of us love the flavor. We used slightly more than the recipe called for, and the flavor came out delicate and subtle. I think next time I might try a little more cheese, even, to balance with the delicious walnut crust. The most challenging part of this recipe is working with the dough, which is crumbly and delicate, making it easy to overwork, and hard to get into the shell. Tarts are forgiving, though, so perfect placement in the pan isn't critical, as patching up cracks and holes is much easier than with a flaky pastry dough. Besides licking the filling-covered spatula afterward, my favorite part of this recipe was laying out the pear slice in the shell in a sunflower pattern. It's like a pretty little secret hidden under the cheesy filling.
This is great for the intermediately skilled home cook looking to expand his/her repertoire of favorites. The tart I made required that I know how to toast walnuts (dry in a pan is how we did it), separate eggs (crack the whole thing into a bowl and pick up the yolk with your fingers), handle fancy cheese (remove the foil but let the food processor handle the rind), and work with delicate dough (I used a big cake mover to transfer it to the tart pan). Many of the recipes in Savory Baking are sure to become family holiday favorites, and this book would make a fantastic gift for the foodie in your life who's looking for a new set of ideas to tackle. It's inspiring because of the clever ingredient combinations and "why didn't I think of that?" touches that really satisfy the itch to make something lovely and delicious. Check out my Flickr set with more pictures from the making of this recipe.
Book Giveaway Time!
Three lucky CRAFT winners will win a copy of this book, Savory Baking! Leave a comment on this post telling us why you want this book. Make sure to enter your email address in the form field (won't be published). All comments will be closed Wednesday, October 28th at noon PDT. The winners will be announced on the CRAFT Twitter feed later this week. Good luck!
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Posted by Becky Stern |
Oct 26, 2009 12:00 PM
Books and Magazines, Food, Reviews |
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October 6, 2009
Book Review + Interview: AwareKnits by Vickie Howell & Adrienne Armstrong
AwareKnits: Knit & Crochet Projects for the Eco-Conscious Stitcher by Vickie Howell and Adrienne Armstrong
Our favorite knitter and crocheter Vickie Howell teams up with fellow knitter and environmentalist Adrienne Armstrong to create a unique book for us stitchers. (Adrienne also a sustainable living shop in Oakland, CA called The Atomic Garden and is wife of Green Day's Billie Joe.) AwareKnits: Knit & Crochet Projects for the Eco-Conscious Stitcher incorporates important facts and tidbits on sustainable living among a showcase of 31 eco-friendly patterns you can make. Their style is fun and conversational; it's not about pushing their ideas on you. It's a way for all of us busy crafters (and moms) to become more informed on the choices we make each day. I actually read this book cover to cover when I received it just to soak up all the informative tidbits! Learn everything about sustainable yarns to the carcinogenic dangers of dry cleaning. The two authors together bring a wonderful perspective on how we can become more green through our love of knitting and crochet.
I got a chance to talk to Vickie and Adrienne about AwareKnits and other fun stuff. Today is also Adrienne's birthday so Happy Birthday! Read on after the jump!
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Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Oct 6, 2009 11:00 AM
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September 16, 2009
Teagan Tall
The dreamlike and the practical merge with objects modern and objects vintage in the new blog of San Francisco designer Teagan Tall. Teagan, who counts among her clients MAKE magazine and our own Craftzine, and has recently begun chronicling her art, her work, and things she loves. She includes diverse posts, ranging from high-end furniture and her collection of books, to papercut art and photography.
These pieces of bird-inspired art represent her ability to render the reality of nature using the softness of the ethereal. The story of her creative journey to arrive at them is modest and sweet:
Two years ago I decided to start finding uses for the stacks of old calendars and scrap paper I pack around with me like a greedy hermit crab. I began to sketch birds drawn from field guides onto the more undesirable side of my paraphernalia — the tree is made from the ghost prints of an old woodblock I did ages ago — and cut out the forms with an X-Acto. This project became one of the few art exercises I've done recently that didn't consume my mind with concept or execution — it was just scrap paper! I wasn't worried how they turned out, and this ended up being very liberating.
Posted by Brookelynn |
Sep 16, 2009 12:00 PM
Design, General, Reviews |
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September 3, 2009
Book Review: Cupcake Kit
I love cupcakes, and I love baking, so I'm not quite sure why I had never actually tried to make cupcakes. My mini muffin tin holds tea lights. I didn't even own a regular-sized muffin tin. But my favorite cupcake place, Love at First Bite, is across the San Francisco Bay in Berkeley, and I just don't get there that often. That's probably a good thing for my waistline, but nonetheless, I jumped at the chance to try out the Cupcake Kit by Elinor Klivans from Chronicle Books.
The kit includes a few hundred adorable cupcake liners (half the reason to buy the kit!), a small cookbook with a bunch of really tasty-looking recipes, and a pastry bag with tips--pretty much everything you need except for the ingredients and the muffin tin.
And how are the recipes? They're great (and you can even peep a few for free on the Chronicle site): delicious, unusual (chocolate butterfly anyone?), and well-written. They're full of good tips about what to expect and how to get the best from your ingredients. The author warned that the batter would look curdled when I added lemon juice if the cream wasn't room temperature, and I'm glad she warned me so I didn't panic; the cupcakes I made turned out fine.
I tried out the Meyer Lemon Cupcake recipe with a friend, and I was thrilled with how easy it was and how delicious they were. (Case in point: there are only four cupcakes in my photo because a house guest ate two in the middle of the night without knowing they were waiting for a morning photo shoot in my kitchen!) I don't think I will ever make cream cheese frosting without lemon zest ever again; it's that delicious.
So here I am, still addicted to cupcakes, and now with the means to make them in my own house. Uh oh.
Posted by Arwen O'Reilly Griffith |
Sep 3, 2009 11:30 AM
Food, Recipe, Reviews |
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September 2, 2009
Book Review & Giveaway: Bend the Rules with Fabric
Believe me, you have no idea how excited I was to receive Amy Karol's second book, Bend the Rules with Fabric. Amy shows you how to personalize your fabric with stencils, stamps, dye, photo transfers, silk screening, and more. There are a great variety of projects for all different levels, including 9 no-sew projects for those that have yet to take the leap. A few of my favorites (pictured below) are the Painted Toile, the Lunch Bag where you print your own fabric, and the Aunt Sarah and Uncle Pete Dolls (how hilarious and fun!). Templates and patterns for the project are in the back of the book. In addition to projects, Amy also goes in depth on techniques. I love these as they are peppered in between projects. They are things that I've always wanted to try out such as printing images on fabric sheets, using Bubble Jet Set to make your own, or screen printing with Photoez, just to name a few. Amy includes a short bullet-list of benefits as well as drawbacks to each technique, so you can keep them in mind as you test them out. I could honestly stare at the pretty project photos all day. This is definitely a book for your craft collection!
Book Giveaway Time!
Three lucky CRAFT winners are going to win a copy of Bend the Rules with Fabric and a box of the Bend the Rules Gift Labels (pictured below). Wowza! Just leave a comment to this post and tell us why you want this book. Make sure you enter in your email address in the form field (won't be published). All comments will be closed on Friday, September 4th at Midnight PST. The winner will be announced next week on CRAFT. Good luck!
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Sep 2, 2009 03:30 PM
Books and Magazines, Reviews |
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August 24, 2009
Book Review: Weaving Un-Loomed by Diane Gilleland
"Sister" Diane Gilleland's project guide to weaving without expensive equipment, Weaving Un-Loomed, comes to us as an e-book, elegantly situating itself somewhere between environmental consciousness and convenience. It starts up with an introduction to weaving's concepts and terms, then inspires you with pattern ideas and material choices.
The five projects inside really do have something for everyone, especially if you already have a bit of basic sewing experience. My favorite part about the projects is how easy it is to find the materials in your stash already. Twill tape and a bit of fabric become a funky woven tablecloth, old magazine pages become colorful woven jewelry, and don't even get me started on what I now want to do with my yarn stash! Not only are the actual weaving materials easy to find, but the tools are even easier. A stiff scrap of cardboard becomes a loom, and the tines of a fork are used to tighten up your work. This is the perfect introduction to weaving concepts if you're not sure you're into weaving yet.
If the idea of an e-book gives you pause, fear not. This 60-pager with big, bright photos is friendly to your shelf space and your printer because each project comes with a text-only instruction sheet designed to be printed by itself for crafting away from the warm glow of the screen.
Twill tape placemat:
Woven applique:
Throughout the e-book are links to resources for materials (bet your paper book can't do that), and at the end there's a resources section for more loom-less wonders. Check out Diane's page about the book, where you can download a free sample project! Happy weaving!
More:
- Checkin' In: PDX Crafter Sister Diane Gilleland
- Book Review: Kanzashi In Bloom by Diane Gilleland
- Pet Spotlight: Diane Gilleland's Cat Pushkin
Posted by Becky Stern |
Aug 24, 2009 09:00 AM
Books and Magazines, Reviews, Weaving |
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August 14, 2009
Re-Construct DVD: Eco-Friendly Crafts Made Easy
Garth Johnson and Jeanée Ledoux have paired up to bring you an instructional DVD of eco-friendly craft projects called Re-Construct . The DVD format is really fresh, and watching Garth and Jeanée is captivating and quite relaxing at the same time. They are both talented artists whose unique personalities come through, complement one another, and keep things interesting. Their tone and format is so natural and casual it feels like they're hanging out in your living room teaching you how to make cool green crafts.
The DVD features 11 different projects made with second-hand materials, some built from scratch and others modding existing things you may have. The projects include High-Heel Hooks, a Cardboard Ottoman, the Starry Blender, Eggshell Planter, and Stenciled Pillow, to name a few. My favorite project, which I can't wait to make, is the Book Shelf, a floating shelf with hidden hardware fashioned from a vintage book (designed by Ezra Waltermaurer of Little Fish Furniture).
Garth and Jeanée make all the steps very clear and easy, while keeping it fun and quirky, all accented by the smooth, organ-infused lounge music in the background. And you can use the techniques they teach as inspiration and direction for other projects you dream up.
Posted by Goli Mohammadi |
Aug 14, 2009 05:00 PM
Green, Recycle, Reviews |
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August 13, 2009
Book Interview & Giveaway: Crochet Adorned by Linda Permann
Crochet Adorned:Reinvent Your Wardrobe with Crocheted Accents, Embellishments, and Trims by Linda Permann
Web Site: LindaMade
We are so excited to be a part of Linda Perman's blog tour for her new book Crochet Adorned! I'd like to call myself a natural born knitter but in the last few years while working at CRAFT, I've been hit with the crochet bug. So when I got my copy of Crochet Adorned, let's just say I did my own happy dance in my head. As a fashion lover, I can't resist all the projects in the book because opening it is like reading the Anthropologie catalog. And here's the great part, you can use these patterns in the book to update your wardrobe at a budget! We all have old cardigans, shirts, and dresses that could use a bit more love, don't we? As a bonus, the Stitch Dictionary in the back is really like it's own little book. In there you'll find 100 stitches for trims, flowers, geometric shapes, as well as basic and popular crochet stitches. It's such a handy reference to have that I'll know I'll be able to refer to the pages in this book again and again.
(photo via CraftyPod)
My dream project from Crochet Adorned is this Breezy Tunic above. I love how the crochet trim that embellishes the sleeve is in perfect harmony with flowered print of the shirt.
Book Giveaway Time!
One lucky CRAFT winner will win a copy of Crochet Adorned! Just leave a comment to this post and tell us why you want this book. Make sure you enter in your email address in the form field (won't be published). All comments will be closed on Monday, August 17 at Noon PST. The winner will be announced next week on CRAFT. Good luck!
Read on for my interview with Linda Permann and find out more about Crochet Adorned and her tips for crochet and fashion.
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Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Aug 13, 2009 08:00 AM
Books and Magazines, Crochet, Fashion, Interviews, Reviews |
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July 21, 2009
Book Review and Giveaway: Kanzashi In Bloom by Diane Gilleland
Kanzashi In Bloom: 20 Simple Fold-and-Sew Projects to Wear and Give by Diane Gilleland
Book Site: kanzashi-in-bloom.com
Diane's Site: craftypod.com
I'm so excited that we are the first stop in Diane Gilleland's blog tour for her new book, Kanzashi In Bloom: 20 Simple Fold-and-Sew Projects to Wear and Give. Diane is well-known for her mulit-craft talents and for her podcast/blog, Crafty Pod. In true Diane form, this book does not disappoint! I didn't know much about Kanzashi before this book and Diane gives you the perfect 101 to this beautiful art form before you dive into specific projects. Learn the history of Kanzashi in Japan and then dive into the core techniques of how to make and design a flower. Once you have the essentials down, Diane gives you 20 projects you can make from hair ornaments, jewelry, brooches, embellishments to clothing, home decor, and more. A few of my favorite projects are pictured above: Fuzzy-Flower Scarf, Flower Garland, and Butterfly Jar toppers. The step-by-step photos (taken by Diane's mom, Pam) are fantastic and help showcase the intricate details of what to do. I'm looking forward to making projects from the book for friends and family. I'm even thinking I can get a jump start on the process of making holiday gifts with this book!
Book Giveaway
Guess what dear readers? Three lucky people will win a copy of this book! Just leave a comment to this post telling us why you want this book! (Make sure to include your email address in the form field so we can contact you. Won't be published.) Deadline for comments is Thursday, July 23rd at Noon PST. Good luck!
Read on for my interview with Diane and find out more about Kanzashi In Bloom and her tips for crafting.
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Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Jul 21, 2009 10:00 AM
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May 13, 2009
Book Review and Giveaway: Simple Sewing for Baby by Lotta Jansdotter
Simple Sewing for Baby: 24 Easy Projects for Newborns to Toddlers by Lotta Jansdotter
Visit Lotta Jansdotter: jansdotter.com
More books by Lotta Jansdotter: chroniclebooks.com/lotta
Quick and easy baby projects have been on my mind lately and Lotta Jansdotter's new book, Simple Sewing for Baby: 24 Easy Projects for Newborns to Toddlers (published by Chronicle Books) is the perfect craft book for today's stylish babies and kids. In true Lotta "Simple Sewing" fashion, you'll be able to whip up some cute baby or toddler goods in no time. I see this fast becoming my "go-to" baby crafts book for inspiration, baby gifts, as well as things to make for my own daughter, Chloe. One project I know I'll make a lot of is the Simple Pants pattern. Chloe is tall for her age and she can grow out of pants so quickly! It's nice to know I can use up my fabric stash to make her some perfect fitting pants.
This spiral bound book also contains a pocket of patterns making it handy to keep everything organized. In addition to the fantastic photography by Meiko Takechi Arquillos, the book is also filled with Lotta's cute illustrations and fabric prints. I also love the personal touch Lotta brings to the book as a mom herself. It's wonderful to flip through the pages and see the beautiful photos of her son August throughout the book.
Pictured above are the Soft Letters which I want to make for Chloe's room and the cute Soft Rattle shaped like a giraffe.
Book Giveaway Time!
Three lucky CRAFT readers will get a chance to win this book! Just leave a comment to this post letting us know why you need this book. Please make sure you include your email address in the comment form field (won't be published). All comments will be closed by 10am Thursday, May 14th. The lucky winners will be announced later this week Good luck!
This Sunggler swaddle project pictured above will be featured in this Friday's CRAFT Pattern Podcast!
Book Launch Party Event
If you are in the SF/Bay Area, join Lotta Jansdotter at her book party at the Museum of Craft & Folk Art (51 Yerba Buena Lane in San Francisco) this Saturday, May 16th from 1pm-4pm.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
May 13, 2009 10:00 AM
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April 24, 2009
Book Review: Miss Woolly's Mini Cross-Stitch
As you may know, my craft of choice is embroidery. It's easy, inexpensive and feels a lot like coloring when I was a kid (which I loved to do, and still enjoy doing with my daughter). I love Lazy Daisys, French Knots and Feather Stitches. Any way to decorate fabric with needle and thread makes me happy. However, I've always avoided cross-stitch. It may go back to silly kits I tried to do as a kid, or even one I tried a few years ago that just led me to absolute frustration. I think my brain had a hard time looking at a blank canvas and understanding how to make the cross-stitched image somehow appear. So when I was given the opportunity to try out Miss Woolly's Mini Cross-Stitch book and kit, I was hesitant, but hopeful that this could be the key to finally breaking me in to this sister needlework.
Not only did Miss Woolly's kit break me in to cross-stitch, but it's left me more than a little obsessed with tiny, pixelated images. Miss Woolly (a.k.a. Eliza Edwards) gives clear instruction, and better yet, offers up a sampling of simple, fun projects that deliver the kind of opportunities for success that make newbies want to keep stitching.
The kit includes six skeins of embroidery floss, two tapestry needles, Aida cloth and a book full of instructions and 12 adorable patterns. The book also includes a blank chart for photocopying and alphabet and accent patterns so you can start designing your own cross-stitch projects.
I started stitching the cheeseburger pattern first, and was surprised by how easily and quickly it came together. It takes a little focus to keep up with where you are in the pattern, but because these projects are mini sized (each piece of Aida cloth for the projects is about the size of an index card) following the pattern wasn't overwhelming. Once I finished that project, I literally grabbed another rectangle and picked another pattern to try - it was that addictive. Over the last week, I've completed three of the cross-stitch patterns in the book, and that's just doing little bits here and there while I'm watching television.
As I was stitching one evening, my daughter came by and asked what I was going to do with the piece after I finished stitching. Fortunately, each pattern comes with a little sidebar project suggestion. And any of the cross-stitch patterns would work with any of the sidebar projects in the book, so there is a lot of possibility for fun here. (Although, right now, I'm having fun just looking at the little pieces I've completed so far)
This is a perfect kit for anyone starting out in cross-stitch. It has almost everything you need. All you have to add is a pair of small scissors. Because the kit comes packaged in a nice, sturdy box, I found myself just tossing the scissors in there with everything else and toted it around, waiting for any chance to stitch. (On a side note, Dear Moms of my son's tee ball team: I'm not anti-social, I just like to stitch ...)
The kit would also work for someone who has already tried cross-stitch and is looking for some cute patterns that can be worked up in a jiffy. And, at under $15, it would make a perfect gift. I highly recommend it! Enjoy!
Posted by Rachel Hobson |
Apr 24, 2009 03:00 PM
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April 22, 2009
Book Review and Giveaway: Chic Metal by Victoria Tillotson
Chic Metal: Metal Jewelry to Make at Home by Victoria Tillotson
I love jewelry-making but never realized that I could take my love further than just simple beading until I picked up this book, Chic Metal: Metal Jewelry to Make at Home by Victoria Tillotson (published by Potter Craft). I love the look of hammered silver and gold (I own a few pieces I've picked up at craft fairs) but I always thought it was way more complicated to make. As a jewelry-making professor at the School of Visual Arts in NY, Victoria Tillotson demystifies working with metal and gives you a great 101 to the craft. You really feel like you are one of her students with all her anecdotes and tips. Scared of working with all those tools? She starts you off easy in the first chapter with projects using the most basic tools such as wire cutters, pliers, hammer, and file. Then, Tillotson helps you build on these skills so that by the time you finish the book, you're soldering metal and using a dremel. The photography in the book is stunning and Tillotson's jewelry designs are just breathtaking. (See more of her designs on her web site.) You'll find yourself saying "wow" each time you flip the page to a new project. There are also illustrations of techniques for each project to help you along the way. I love the Scroll cuff (p.38) and the Starry Night Pendant (p.115) pictured below. Pick up this book for yourself or to make a gift for mom (Mother's Day is coming up!).
But there's more! Five lucky CRAFT readers are going to win a copy of Chic Metal! Just leave a comment in this post letting us know why you want this book. The deadline for entries is Thursday, April 23 at 10am PST. The winners will be announced later this week. Good luck!
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Apr 22, 2009 10:00 AM
Books and Magazines, Jewelry, Reviews |
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April 8, 2009
Book Giveaway, Interview, and Project: Sewing Green by Betz White
Sewing Green: 25 Projects Made with Repurposed & Organic Materials by Betz White
betzwhite.com
I'm so excited that crafter Betz White is stopping by CRAFT today as a part of her blog tour for her new book, Sewing Green: 25 Projects Made with Repurposed & Organic Materials published by STC Craft | Melanie Falick Books. I've been a long time fan of her creative work and her new book just makes you want to spend all Spring and Summer crafting! All the projects in the book are beautiful and emphasize sustainability from the aprons constructed from men's dress shirts to the reusable sandwich wrap project. You'll love crafting these beauties and will feel great that you are doing your part by crafting green.
And guess what dear readers? We've got a book giveaway for you! Two lucky CRAFT readers are going to win a copy of Sewing Green! Just leave a comment in this post letting us know why you want this book. The deadline for entries is Thursday, April 9th at 11am (PST). The winners will be announced here on CRAFT on Friday. Good luck!
We also have a special treat for you to get crafting right away with a project from Sewing Green! Download the PDF for the Nature Produce Bags. Stop using those plastic produce bags in the grocery store and sew up these eco-friendly reusable bags to shop for your fruits and veggies. What a great idea!
But wait, there's more! Click for my Q&A with Betz White after the jump.
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Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Apr 8, 2009 11:00 AM
Books and Magazines, CRAFT Patterns, Reviews |
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March 30, 2009
Book Review and Giveaway: Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts
My new favorite book of the moment is Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts: An A to Z Guide with Detailed Instructions and Endless Inspiration which debuts in bookstores tomorrow, March 31st. Not only is this book a concise craft compendium, it's eye candy and inspiration. Just flipping through the colorful pages makes me giddy with excitement to make something! The book is organized by craft techniques such as Beading, Etching Glass, or Silkscreening and within each section are a number of projects with illustrated how-to references or glossaries. For instance the Jewelry Making section has an illustrated guide on how to string beads and the Glittering section has a great visual glitter glossary so you can visually see the different types of glitter from shard glass to powder. I also love all the great tips filled throughout the book.
Here's the contents for the Techniques and Projects so you have an idea on the amazing breadth this book covers: Albums, Scrapbooks, and Memory Boxes, Beading, Block Printing, Botanical Pressing, Botanical Printing, Calligraphy, Candlemaking, Clay, Decoupage, Etching Glass, Fabric Flowers, Gilding, Glittering, Jewelry Making, Marbelizing, Mating and Framing, Mosaics, Nature Crafts, Origami and Paper Folding, Painting China and Glass, Paper Cutting and Punching, Paper Flowers and Birds, Photo Crafts, Pom-Pom Animals, Quilling, Rope Crafts, Rubber Stamping, Silkscreening, Soap Making, Tin Punching, Wirework, and Wreaths.
A few projects that look great to start with, especially for Mother's Day coming up are these vintage tea cup candles (p.99) and the beaded flower corsage (p.33). Heck, if your mom is a crafter herself, she'll love this book. I also love the entire section on glittering and the project to make the glittered birds pictured below (p.147). The back of the book contains all the project templates as well as a handy section listing craft tools and materials. From glues to scissors to ribbons, this section is great to let me know some of the items I'm missing in my craft supplies. (I totally need the circle cutter. Ok, I just really want one.) With over 400 pages of crafts, Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts is a must-have for any crafter because it's a book you'll find yourself going back to again and again for reference and inspiration.
To celebrate the release of Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts we have an huge giveaway for you!
- 1 lucky winner will receive a Martha Stewart Crafts prize package worth $100 plus a signed copy of Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts by Martha herself! (The prize package includes: a screw punch, doily lace edge punch, circle cutter, bone folder, tissue paper pompoms, butterfly holepunch, and bottles of glitter -- all from Martha Stewart Crafts.)
- 10 runners up will receive a copy of Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts
To enter the giveaway, email crownmarketing@randomhouse.com with the subject line: "Martha Stewart Crafts Prize Pack". Only one entry per person. Deadline for all entries are April 6th. Good luck!
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all who entered!
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Mar 30, 2009 12:00 PM
Bazaar, Contests, Reviews |
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March 27, 2009
Bazaar: Spinster Yarn & Fiber in Baltimore, MD
Bazaar: A Review on Spinster Yarn & Fiber in Baltimore, MD
By Moxie
When you're as fiber-obsessed as I am, you seek out all opportunities to expand your pallet and deplete your bank account. While visiting in-laws in the Baltimore area, crafty research directed me to Spinster Yarns & Fibers.
Living in the historical Lauraville neighborhood, Andrea Donato and her friends were having coffee one day and imagining what was missing from their community. Filling a niche and following her passion, Andrea decided to create an eco-friendly yarn haven for knit, crochet, and spin enthusiasts. Andrea is especially fond of their weekly Saturday Knit and Hook Night. "Everyone is welcomed," she said "and we get a little wild and crazy in here."
The reason I made my visit to Spinster was the custom batt station. I love needle-felting with batts, but I've never had the opportunity to create blends of my own. With well over a dozen glass candy jars full of fibers of all colors, textures, and origins to choose from, I could have stayed and made batts all day.
The orange and green batt, which I'm calling "Citrus Town" is made of merino, Romney, Border Leicester, and a tiny bit of sparkle. The rich pink and purple batt, which I named "Beyond Pepto" consists of Tencel, sparkle, Targhee, and Border Leicester.
Andrea took the fibers I chose, combed out the curlies, and with finesse and a whole lot of elbow grease, she conjured these beautiful batts for me. I can't wait to stab them.
January marked Spinster's 1st anniversary, and the yarn community is thriving. The store is packed full of beautiful yarn, fiber, and accessories, and there are a ton of classes to take, if you sign up early. Andrea's favorite part of teaching spinning class is the breakthrough moment when a student "...smiles and says 'I got it! I'm making yarn!'" She said, "That makes me so happy."
Spinster Yarn & Fiber
4337 Harford Rd # 1
Baltimore, MD, 21214
(410) 444-YARN
Website: spinsteryarnsandfibers.com
Blog: spinsteryarnsandfibers.blogspot.com
About the Author
Moxie is an artist and writer living in Seattle. She likes context, ice cream, and you.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Mar 27, 2009 11:00 AM
Bazaar, Felting, Reviews, Yarn |
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March 13, 2009
Book Review: Switch Craft by Alison Lewis with Fang-Yu Lin
Switch Craft: Battery-Powered Crafts to Make and Sew by Alison Lewis with Fang-Yu Lin
Book Site
I'm so excited about Alison Lewis' new book, Switch Craft: Battery-Powered Crafts to Make and Sew. Alison of Switch merges technology into fashion, home, and product design with 20 step-by-step projects. Each project in the book is easy to follow and has accompanying illustrated diagrams as well beautiful color photographs. I also love the spiral binding so the book can easily lay flat while you are working on a project. And, if you aren't technically savvy, no worries! Alison is an awesome teacher. She teaches fashion technology at Parsons and I've seen her teach first hand at the many workshops she's done at Maker Faire over the years. She walks you through the process -- teaching you about the materials, safety issues, and electronics. Just flipping through the colorful book is inspiring in itself.
Here are a few of my favorite projects from the book:
Pictured left is Pillow Talk, a pillow that lets you talk on your phone! Just hook it up your mobile phone and talk away. On the right, is the stylish Petal Shuffle newsboy hat. The hat hides your iPod shuffle and the beaded pedals allow you to control the volume and song choice. There's no soldering involved at all on this one so it's very easy to make.
This Firefly Bracelet merges sewing techniques along with electronic components to make it glimmer. Plus I'm in love with all the colors in the bracelet. This may have to be the first project I tackle.
Alison showed Maker Faire Austin attendees how to make this Shiny Clutch.
Catch up with Alison Lewis and updates on the book Switch Craft at the Switch Blog.
And if you are attending SXSW, don't miss Alison's panel:
The Convergence of High-End Design, Fashion and Technology
SXSW
Tuesday, March 17th
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Room 8
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Mar 13, 2009 04:00 PM
Fashion Tech, Reviews |
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March 3, 2009
Book Giveaway: Button It Up by Susan Beal
Button It Up: 80 Amazing Vintage Button Projects by Susan Beal
West Coast Crafty's Susan Beal has a new book out today, Button It Up: 80 Amazing Vintage Button Projects. If you are a lover of vintage buttons like me, this book is filled with projects to inspire you and keep you crafting. The variety of projects is fantastic -- learn how to turn your buttons into necklaces, earrings, rings and embellish napkins, curtains, bags, and more. I love the the photos in the book and the detailed illustrations that take you through the steps of making the projects. Many of the projects in the book would be fantastic and easy gifts to make for friends and loved ones.
Here are just a few of my favorites:
Triple Dip Feedsack Necklace
Button Embellished Handbag
Check back here on Friday at Noon when this Loop-D-Loops curtain project will be available for download in our CRAFT Pattern Podcast.
We are giving away 2 copies of Button It Up to 2 lucky CRAFT readers! Just leave a comment in this post and tell us why you need this book! Please make sure you include your email address in the comment form field (won't be published). All comments will be closed by 10am Wednesday, March 4th. The lucky winners will be announced on Thursday on the CRAFT blog. Good luck!
Join the Button It Up Flickr Group and share the projects you've made from this book!
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Mar 3, 2009 10:00 AM
Contests, Reviews |
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February 25, 2009
Book Giveaway: The New Terrarium by Tovah Martin
The New Terrarium by Tovah Martin
Terrariums are getting a new life these days and I am loving this new book, The New Terrarium: Creating Beautiful Displays for Plants and Nature by Tovah Martin. For those of us who are city and apartment dwellers, this is a great way to bring in a mini-garden into your home. The project ideas are endless in this book and there are a lot for those of us who don't have a natural green thumb. I love the idea of collecting various ferns and plants and collecting them together into this decorative ecosystem. You'll love all the inspirational photos and the various jars or cases you can use to create the terrarium you want. Spring's coming soon and this is a perfect book to have in your gardening/craft collection.
Now, here's your chance to get a FREE copy of The New Terrarium! We are giving away this book to 5 lucky CRAFT readers! Just leave a comment in this post and tell us why you need this book! Please make sure you include your email address in the comment form field (won't be published). All comments will be closed by 10am Thursday, Feb 26. The lucky winners will be announced on Friday on the CRAFT blog. Good luck!
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Feb 25, 2009 10:00 AM
Contests, Home Decor, Reviews |
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