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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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🎁 15 gifts. Under an hour. Zero last-minute panic. 🎁 15 gifts. Under an hour. Zero last-minute panic.

Looking for quick handmade gift ideas? These 15 projects can all be sewn in around an hour and make thoughtful gifts for friends, family, neighbours, teachers and hosts. 

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Need a quick handmade Christmas gift? 🎄 A set of Need a quick handmade Christmas gift? 🎄

A set of Merry Little Tree Coasters is quick to sew, scrap-friendly, and easy to turn into a thoughtful gift with a few festive extras.

In this carousel I've paired them with: 
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There's something so satisfying about turning fabr There's something so satisfying about turning fabric scraps into beautiful little gift tags! ✨

In today's reel, I'm making my free Threaded Tokens pattern and showing the cutting and sewing process.

For this version, I used the new SOHMO decorative scissors to create modern scalloped and zigzag edges. They add such a lovely finish and instantly elevate the look of these quick little makes.

✂️ Scallop 5mm
✂️ Scallop 10mm
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I can't decide which edge is my favourite!

These threaded tokens are quick to sew, perfect for using up scraps, and make thoughtful handmade gift tags for friends.

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Swipe through to discover your Christmas sewing personality and find a project to match your favourite festive aesthetic. ✨

I have a feeling most sewists are a mix of two or three styles... I'm often somewhere between Classic, Handmade and Vintage!

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Meet my brand new pattern... Merry Little Tree Coa Meet my brand new pattern... Merry Little Tree Coasters! 🎄

With 4 festive tree designs to choose from, these quick little coasters are perfect for using up your favourite fabric scraps.

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✨ Perfect handmade gifts, stocking stuffers & teacher gifts

Sew one or make a whole forest! 🌲🌲🌲🌲

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Which side would you choose? 🎄 The front and back Which side would you choose? 🎄

The front and back of these Ribbon Pouches feature different fabrics, so it feels like getting two designs in one.

Made with Merry Happy by Ruby Star Society and perfect for gifts, decorating and festive treats.

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