In the spirit of full disclosure, Quarry Publishing sent me this book to review. That being said, I never review a book I don’t enjoy. Cut It, Paste It, Sew It: A Mixed-Media Collage Sourcebook (Quarry Books, September 2010, $17.99, paperback) arrived in the mail and I immediately read it
Read MoreOh of course I love Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts. It’s a little touch of everything I love to dabble in: tutorials to learn the basics, projects to try out, and photos to tantalize the senses. There is really only one thing bad I can point to
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Each issue of Crochet Today! is filled with a mix of garments, super cuteness, and and home decor. More than any other crochet magazine, I tend to actually want to make most of them. They also include these great articles on crochet themed ideas. Check out the rest of this month’s issue…
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It was too much for one post, so I broke my bookish happiness into two. Part 1 was how to make time, part 2 is about affording it.
When I really get in a reading mood, I can blaze through a book or two a week. At $10-15 each, books can add up. Honestly, that’s just not an option. Here is how I keep my hunger for books fed and affordable:
Read MoreThis past Saturday my friend Crystal passed on what she called a “craft leftover” from the 70’s craft book. It’s such perfect timing since the July issue of Craft Leftovers Monthly is about using fabric scraps. This short book of just 132 pages is stuffed with whimsical patterns, advice, and
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I was cleaning out my studio yesterday and a print out of this quick dishcloth pattern fell out from between two knitting magazines. Perfect! The Garterlac Dishcloth by Criminy Jickets on ravelry here and on his blog here.
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I’m having a hard time finishing this book because about every other paragraph I’m compelled to run off and jot something down. Committing to my idea list inspired ideas that keep raising to the surface. I love this book, it’s so inspiring. So what is it all about?
The meaning of making is always an issue for those of us who create…who make. That sentence feels like a circle. When you choose to forge your career out of making things, you make a lot. And personally, there are a lot of questions that come up during that process.
Read MoreHouse cleaning is a hassle. Period. And no book will ever change that. Period. That being said, reading No Hassle Housecleaning by Christina Spence left me feeling like cleaning could be less of a hassle than it currently is. I’ve been working with the fly lady system of housecleaning for awhile
Read MoreThis past year Diane of the CraftyPod and I decided to collaborate on a short and sweet little ebook on what to do with those leftovers related to giving gifts. Five months later, this amazing ebook has turned in to a 63 page resource on paper making, collaging with fabric,
Read MoreNope, I’m not talking about interior decorating, I’m talking about a whole new redress series here on Craft Leftovers! I’m going to turn my attention from the apartment and studio (which I think are looking pretty good because of all the apartment redress projects) to the closet. Specifically, to my
Read MoreWhen The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections came out in 2008, I was intrigued. I loved the photos. I loved the concept. But, it’s just Jason and I here in our home. So I took a pass. I was so happy when Amanda Blake Soule
Read MoreAs you may or may not know, the February issue of Craft Leftovers Monthly is divided in half between friendship and gardening. While digging around for ideas I came across quite a few wonderful garden themed items. I was going to have a page devoted to these great goodies, but
Read MoreThis beautiful tiny zine is, literally, the size of a match box. The introduction and then the history of the Borrowers with a cute little accompanying magnifying glass. You will need it. This zine is all about post. I love getting mail and mail art is even better. The page
Read MoreDo you remember awhile ago how I made the Crafty Buddy embroidery set? And the little freebie thimble guy? Well, I’ve had a lot of fun playing around in the studio lately and wanted to show you what I’ve been up to. I have to say, that I really wouldn’t
Read MoreI am such a sucker for mail of any kind, but when it’s as neat and well put together as these two zines, well… I don’t know how to end that sentence, I guess I’m speechless? Love them! Love mail! Swapping is a load of fun and in exchange for
Read MoreI really enjoyed the book 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse: Remake, Restyle, Recycle, Renew by Garth Johnson; it is exactly what it says. With about 4-9 pictures per page it is the largest catalog of creative people I have ever seen. So inspiring! It’s grouped into 6 different categories: paper, collage +
Read MoreI am so excited about Diane’s new ebook! I love that a collaborative project of my favorite craft authors-Susan Beal, Betz White, Kayte Terry, Linda Permann, and Patricia Zapata. This ebook gives you a great selection of 6 types of ornaments to make. Paper, thread, sewn, buttons. And, from my perspective, ornaments are perfect
Read MoreI am so excited to finally get to tell you about Good Mail Day: A Primer for Making Eye-Popping Postal Art. It’s been sitting on my shelf for over a month now with the blog book tour date scheduled. Finally! Hooray! This is such a great book. A book I
Read MoreGame Knitting aye? What is that? Think tv drinking game meets knitting. But instead of a hangover, you get a one of a kind fun knit project! Wonderful! I have never seen anything like this and I am so excited to have my first game knitting night :) I just
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