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{Book Reviews} Making Mini Books; Quick Weekend Quilts; Creative Stuff.

November 23, 2012 By Spoonful of Sugar - 1 Comment

Do you have books on your gift list this year? We always love to give (and receive) books – especially craft and baking books.  We have three titles today that would be suited for crafty types who like quick projects and creative activities.

Making Mini Books: Big Ideas for 30+ Little Projects by Kathleen McCafferty showcases 30+ projects for making mini books. If you are a lover of stationery and little books like us, you will enjoy learning how to make books in a variety of styles including Japanese stab binding, pamphlet stitch, and other traditional book binding methods. It also includes quick and easy no sew mini books that are suited to beginners.

Interesting and varied materials for the mini books include old hard cover books; playing cards; bingo cards; leather; wallpaper; and more to make lots of one-of-kind books. A basic toolkit is discussed, and then each project includes looks of step by step instructions, full sized templates, and photos to guide you through the process. We recommend this book for teens and adults who enjoy paper crafting. Some of the designs are super cute – especially the Seed Journal (made from vintage seed packets); Necklace Journal (to hold your secret hopes and dreams); and Record It (giving an old 45 LP Record new life as a journal cover).

Making Mini Books features dozens of inspiration and tips for making little books to use and to create for friends.

Book Details:
Publisher:    Lark Books
Format:       Paperback, 144 pages
ISBN:         9781454702009
RRP:           $24.99

Making Mini Books is available from Fishpond, Can Do Books, and Booktopia.

Quick Weekend Quilts by Debbie Mumm includes 45 fast quilting projects that can be made in a weekend. Projects are many and varied and include: quilts, wall hanging’s  table runners, art quilts, kitchen accessories, and more. I taught myself to quilt using a couple of Debbie Mumm books and her country fabrics over 10 years ago. Her quick cutting and piecing methods got me hooked on patchwork. It is great to see that she has a new book out with a more contemporary range of projects.

The designs in the book are modern and varied.Quick Weekend Quilts includes full sized templates, detailed cutting instructions to save time, and lots of coloured diagrams to illustrate each step.  We recommend this book for beginner to intermediate quilters who like quick, modern projects. You can see a Google Preview of the book with more images at Fishpond.

Book Details:
Publisher:     Leisure Arts
Format:        Paperback, 128 pages
ISBN:          9781609004118
RRP:            $34.99
Quick Weekend Quilts is available from Fishpond, Booktopia, and Can Do Books.

Creative Stuff: An Activity Book for Visual Thinkers by Dave Gouveia and Chris Elkerton is a workbook for Visual Thinkers, that includes interactive games, challenges, and exercises aimed at jump-starting your creativity, to get your creative mojo moving.This is the sort of book that you can pick up and do a few pages whenever you need some inspiration.  It includes lots of interesting facts and engaging activities. We think it would make a great gift for teens or adults interested in art, media, and graphic design. It really helps you think outside the box. You can see a Google Preview of the book at Fishpond.

Book Details:
Publisher:    How Books
Format:       Spiral Bound, 184 pages
ISBN:         9781440304200
RRP:           $29.99

Creative Stuff is available from Fishpond, Can Do Books,  and Booktopia.

Disclaimer: Please note that we are not paid to write book reviews but we do receive a review copy of the book from distributors/publishers. We are affiliates of Fishpond. 


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Filed Under: Crafts, Uncategorized Tagged With: book review

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Comments

  1. Anne Downing says

    November 24, 2012 at 3:45 pm

    Looks like those books will keep you busy for days!

    Reply

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The Handy Drawstring Pouch is one of those project The Handy Drawstring Pouch is one of those projects you’ll sew again and again — quick, scrap‑friendly, and endlessly useful. It opens wide, cinches neatly, and makes the sweetest little gift bag or everyday organiser. In this version I’m using Tilda Songbird, which gives it such a soft, pretty finish.If you’re looking for a fast weekend sew or a stash‑friendly project, this one is always a favourite.💬 Comment HANDY and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern: Handy Drawstring Pouch (3 Sizes) — available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.Fabric: Tilda Songbird — thanks to @tilda_australia#handydrawstringpouch #tildasongbird #tildafabrics #sewingpattern #scrapfriendlysewing
The Luma Bucket is such a sweet and practical proj The Luma Bucket is such a sweet and practical project — perfect for storing threads, notions, yarn, and all the little things that brighten your sewing space.In this reel I’m sharing the two sizes made without the star block, starting with them nested and then showing the structure, base, and handles. I’ve filled the small bucket with perle cotton balls so you can see how much it holds.It’s a quick, satisfying sew and a lovely way to use favourite fabrics or scraps. Make one for your sewing room or as a thoughtful handmade gift.💬 Comment LUMA and I’ll send you the pattern link.
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The Fall Sewing Pattern Bundle is available this w The Fall Sewing Pattern Bundle is available this week only 🍁Four cosy autumn favourites — Mushroom House Pouch, Patchwork Acorn Coaster, Falling Leaves Mugrugs, and the Hexie Pumpkin Placemat.Perfect for seasonal sewing, gifting, and using your favourite scraps.Comment FALLBUNDLE and I’ll send you the bundle link. Available in our Pattern Store.#fallsewing #sewingpattern #autumnmakes #sewingcommunity #gifttosew
The Makers Caddy is one of my favourite practical The Makers Caddy is one of my favourite practical sewing projects —sturdy, roomy, and perfect for keeping your creative supplies organised.
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The Luma Bucket — a cute, clever fabric basket in The Luma Bucket — a cute, clever fabric basket in two handy sizes. Make it with the FPP woven star or keep it simple with two fabrics.Perfect for storage, gifting, organising, and using up favourite scraps.Comment LUMA for the pattern link.Available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop. #lumabucket #beginnersewingproject #fpp #handmadegifts #sewingroomstorage
A sweet little movement moment with the Mini Draws A sweet little movement moment with the Mini Drawstring Gift Bag — lying flat, cinching closed, and ready for gifting.Quick to sew, scrap‑friendly, and one of those tiny projects that always feels satisfying to make.Comment MINI for a link to the Mini Drawstring Gift Bag Pattern.The pattern is available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#minidrawstringgiftbag #drawstringbag #scrapfriendlysewing
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