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Book Review: Martha Stewart’s Handmade Holiday Crafts

November 2, 2011 By A Spoonful of Sugar - 13 Comments

One book that I couldn’t resist buying recently was Martha Stewart’s Handmade Holiday Crafts. I was first introduced to the magic of Martha when we lived in the USA. I used to love the Martha Stewart Living Magazine and of course would always go right to the craft pages. Now Sarah and I enjoy watching the Martha Show and have a number of her cook books.

Handmade Holiday Crafts promises 225 Inspired Projects for Year Round Celebrations, and it doesn’t disappoint. The book is divided into chapters that cover all the major holidays including: New Years, Valentines Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Fourth of July, Halloween,Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas. Each section contains loads of inspiring projects and photos that focus on table settings, party décor, gift wrapping ideas, cards, party favours and kids craft. Many of the ideas could be “tweaked” to make them suitable for a number of different holidays. Although I have seen most of the projects before on the Martha website or in her Living magazine, it is lovely to have them compiled together in one beautifully presented hard cover book. It is the sort of book that you could turn to for inspiration time and time again.

As the next holiday that we will be celebrating is Christmas, I thought I would show you a project from the book.

Ribbon Gift card Pockets

Ribbon Gift Card pockets are the perfect size to hold a gift card or cash before popping into a Christmas stocking  These were easily constructed by stitching a piece of wide ribbon to a ready made shipping tag.

I added some Christmas themed ribbon, and stamped a Christmas greeting to the tag

 I didn’t have much wide ribbon on hand in my ribbon stash, so also made one with a small scrap of fabric, which also worked well.

I bought my copy of Handmade Holiday Crafts from The Book Depository (free worldwide shipping).

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Filed Under: Holidays, Uncategorized Tagged With: book review

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Comments

  1. suzitee says

    November 2, 2011 at 2:55 am

    I’m always looking for new ideas for gift cards…and these little pouches are so cute!

    Reply
  2. Rachael Rabbit says

    November 2, 2011 at 3:56 am

    I just got this book too and I love it. I also purchased a while ago her craft encyclopedia …. That one is not so good.

    Reply
  3. Bela says

    November 2, 2011 at 4:32 am

    SO cute, dear Lisa!!! I love these tags!!!
    Be sure I will use this idea!!!
    Today is holiday in Brazil!
    Love, Bela

    Reply
  4. Suzie says

    November 2, 2011 at 5:14 am

    Thanks for the tip, I like her ideas for decorations and gifts.

    Reply
  5. Terriaw says

    November 2, 2011 at 5:50 am

    Looks like another great book from Martha! I do love to read her magazine too, and watch her show, when I remember to catch it. I love that you shared a project from her book – adorable gift card tags. I’m hoping to make some cute tags this season too.

    Reply
  6. nest full of eggs says

    November 2, 2011 at 7:03 am

    got this book from the library & had a peek inside, you’re right, it doesn’t disappoint…

    Reply
  7. Jan says

    November 2, 2011 at 7:45 am

    These card pockets are soooo cute! Martha has such classy craft ideas.

    Reply
  8. Simone de Klerk says

    November 2, 2011 at 7:51 am

    The first project you share with us is very pretty! Look forward to the others you might share with us (o:
    Thank you for the book tip!

    Reply
  9. pasqueflower says

    November 2, 2011 at 1:14 pm

    Too cute! LOVE that project!

    Reply
  10. Chocolate Cat says

    November 2, 2011 at 1:35 pm

    Another book for my wishlist! I love the Book Depository!

    Reply
  11. John Green says

    November 2, 2011 at 7:23 pm

    Awesome, Love it…

    Reply
  12. Jenny of Elefantz says

    November 4, 2011 at 2:11 pm

    Fabulous idea, and not just for Christmas. I have a boy turning 19 on Thursday who is asking for gifts cards this year!! Your blog post came just in time. Thanks, Lisa!
    Hugs
    Jenny

    Reply
  13. mamas kram says

    November 8, 2011 at 2:01 am

    Great idea! I’m so inspired…

    Reply

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