Handmade Gifts

 

Sometimes I think, I should make some handmade gifts for the holidays.  This is followed by the realization that the Christmas crafting season begins in  July, and it's November, do you really have time for this????  Well, maybe there are some quick crafts to try... and maybe next July I'll actually have some sort of plan... not likely.

Knitted Gifts for all Seasons: Easy Projects to Make and Share by Bernard, Wendy

"An exciting book from Wendy Bernard, Knitted Gifts for All Seasons is packed with 30 new garments and accessories. Projects are organized by season and range from cozy slippers, mittens, and a pom-pom wreath to Fair Isle yoke-neck sweaters for the whole family. Embracing the full calendar year and a wide spectrum of reasons to gift knits, each project captures the season’s essence through color scheme and project type, resulting in a well-rounded and unique book."--Amazon.

Quick and Easy Crochet: 100 little Crochet Projects to Make by Pierce, Val

Crocheting has had a huge surge in popularity in recent years and continues to be a very popular craft, and this book has a very wide appeal both to beginners and more accomplished crocheters. This book represents amazing value, comprising 100 projects from some of our best-selling crochet authors. The book covers a wide variety of themes from beautiful crocheted flowers, beanie hats, Christmas crocheted projects, cute bears, lovely hearts and stylish purses, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. Crochet requires very little in the way of tools and materials, which are widely available from major yarn stores and relatively inexpensive. The techniques used in this book are simple enough for experienced beginners to master, and easy for more seasoned crocheters. Special stitches used are explained in detail, and yarns are described in generic terms, so that readers can use what is available to them, wherever they live. The projects cover a wide variety of themes from Christmas crochet, beanies, hearts, flowers, purses, bears and granny squares. They are simple enough for experienced beginners and will also appeal to seasoned crocheters. The tools and materials are inexpensive and widely available and these charming crocheted items make fabulous gifts for family and friends.

The Complete Guide to Creating Oils, Soaps, Creams, and Herbal Gels for Your Mind and Body : 101 Natural Body Care Recipes by Jones, Marlene

Newly updated, this book will walk you through process of creating your own oils, soaps, creams, and gels. You will learn how scents interact with each other in the form of oils. You will learn how to start using essential oils and how to recognize the properties of pure essential oils. You will learn about common and uncommon essential oils, what they entail and how to start blending them. Equipment you will need, carrier and base oils, solutions, and dilutions used are outlined. The top experts in aromatherapy and natural body care were interviewed, and alongside the recipes are a number of tips that help you to know exactly how to use each recipe and which variations you can make.

Glitterville's Handmade Christmas: A Glittered Guide for Whimsical Crafting! by Brown, Stephen

Have yourself a Glittery Little Christmas -- with twenty new whimsical, winter-wonderful projects from the Craft Elves at Glitterville! Following the success of "Glitterville's Handmade Halloween," Glitterville is back for the sparkliest holiday of all! "Glitterville's Handmade Christmas" is as bursting as a mantle-hung stocking with twenty new whimsical, winter-wonderful craft projects that will fill your home with sleighfuls of cheer. Hundreds of beautiful, easy-to-follow, step-by-step full-color photos and how-tos make the crafting fun and the results foolproof. From a Jolly Dolly Holly Wreath or a charming Glittery Village you can nestle into its own Sparkle Forest, to the frostiest Magic Snow and the jolliest pine-cone-bodied Glitter Gnome, "yule" find everything you need to make your home glisten and shine this holiday season!

Handmade Gifts.

This book contains over 70 step-by-step ideas for handmade gifts. Handmade Gifts is the perfect guide to making handcrafted items that people will love. Each project is clearly explained using simple step-by-step images along with photographs of the finished item and variations on how to make each piece unique. There are even ideas for green and up-cycled gifts.

Christmas Ornaments to Crochet: 31 Festive and Fun-to-Make Designs for a Handmade Holiday by Kreiner, Megan

DIY Mason Jars: Thirty-Five Creative Crafts and Projects for the Classic Container by Averinos,

 Melissa

With DIY MASON JARS, craft enthusiasts will delight in simple, stylish projects inspired by the iconic jar. Each creative idea moves beyond ordinary Mason jar crafts by offering readers a truly unique spin on decorating, storage, gardening, playtime, and baking. Featuring clear, step-by-step instructions and gorgeous 4 colour photographs, this book will guide them as they construct a wide range of incredible creations, including: * Glittering pendant lights * Homespun soap dispensers * Handcrafted ornaments * Elegant planters for homegrown herbs * Stunning branch centerpieces * Perfect for the home or outdoors, these Mason jar crafts will leave a lasting impression in any space! AUTHOR: Melissa Averinos is a designer, painter, blogger, good listener, and lover of strawberry rhubarb pie. She can usually be found getting messy in the studio in the back of her Cape Cod gift shop, Yummy Goods. SELLING POINTS: * From simple home decor to lovely holiday or hostess gifts, this imaginative craft book provides readers with thirty-five uses for the iconic and ubiquitous Mason jar * Features beautiful illustrations, labels, and gift tags that will help readers personalize their creations ILLUSTRATIONS: Colour

Gifted: Lovely Little Things to Knit and Crochet by Kandis, Mags

There's nothing quite like receiving a handmade gift, and your family and friends will love being on the receiving end of these handmade designs. Designer Mags Kandis inspires with this delightful collection of beautiful and colorful little projects for you to knit, crochet, and felt.

From wearable accessories such as hats, mittens, scarves, socks, and wraps to home decor including a tea cozy, pin cushion, needle case, and laptop cover, these 30+ pieces are sweet, lively and add a little joy to every household. Each project features creative embellishments and personal touches, including beading, buttons, needlefelting, applique, and embroidery. Mags also shares her recipes for easy food gifts and simple sewing projects such as sewn fabric gift bags and sachets to pair with fiber gifts. Directions for making these little add-ons that make a gift personal and extra-special are scattered throughout the book.

Gifted will inspire you to grab another ball of yarn and invest a little time and love to create something special for someone special.

Upcycling: Create Beautiful Things With the Stuff You Already Have by Seo, Danny

Presents over one hundred projects for creative "upcycling"--using used and recycled products to create decorative items in the home, including leather belt doormats, bathroom towel picnic baskets, and a jar lid dining table.

Christmas at Home: Holiday Decorating, Crafts, Recipes

Country Living knows how to make Christmas memorable, and that's why this spectacular book will become your new go-to resource every year. It's filled with more than 200 beautiful decorating ideas, recipes, and crafts, plus tips galore. Stunning photos show festive table settings; splendidly decorated trees; fun and easy Christmas projects, from wreaths to no-sew stockings; gifts from the kitchen; and gourmet-worthy recipes like Turkey Roulade with Sausage-Cornbread Filling, Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes, Slow-Cooker Apple Cider, and sweet treats like Red Velvet Snowballs and Chocolate & Cranberry Fudge.

Christmas Joys: Decorating, Crafts & Recipes.

Make this Christmas the best and brightest yet, with hundreds of gorgeous decorating ideas and delicious recipes. From holiday house tours and ways to deck the halls to handmade gifts and festive feasts, this beautiful book will help you celebrate Christmas in Country Living style. Create stunning wreaths, turn saltshakers into sparkling snow globes, craft Advent calendars from tiny envelopes, bake gourmet-store-worthy cookies, and more to make a truly happy holiday.

Knitting/Crochet

The World Wide Knit in Public Day started back in 2005. The original purpose was to bring knitters together in an open forum to form connections with each other.  What began with only 25 events worldwide, had blossomed into 800 events in 2008.  In 2017 there were 1125 events in 54 countries. What started as a knitting event has branched out to include other forms of fiber artistry.  This year it coincides with International Yarn Bombing Day, an event I have yet to actually see in person.  Yarn Bombing involves covering public objects or structures in a colorful array of knitted and crocheted fibrous glory. 

I have to say that I have done a lot of knitting in public, loom knitting that is, but I don't think I've ever actually managed to do so on WWKIPD, or in any type of group.  I not only, have a general resistance to going outdoors on a hot day but also, groups scare me a little...  

http://www.wwkipday.com/

Knitstrips: The World's First Comic-Strip Knitting Book by Beltran, Alice Ormsbee

Knitstrips presents 22 original patterns, boundless humor, and seriously appealing knitting instruction. Inspired, original, and laugh-out-loud funny, knitstrips are patterns and knitting instruction mixed with advice and humorous commentary--and presented in illustrated comic book panels. Launched in 2016 on the mega-popular knitting site Modern Daily Knitting, the strips gained instant popularity and have attracted thousands of avid fans. The book includes 22 brand-new patterns and is designed to mimic a bound collection of comic books in a series: each issue with its own cover and wry theme--from yarn stashes to binge knitting--that is close to the heart of knitters. Issues offer four to six knitting patterns each, plus designer highlights and a variety of stories and technical discussions. The result is a fresh, lively knitting adventure that is like nothing the fiber world has seen before.

Contemplative Knitting by Cicora, Julie

"Learn how the meditative practice of knitting can evolve into a spiritual discipline. One-third (53 million) of American women know how to knit, and knitting is becoming increasingly popular with men as well. Many of these knitters belong to social knitting circles, charity knitting groups, or knit with others in churches, cafes-and even in bars! This book shows how knitting creates connections and communities and ties the repetition of knitting to the consistent recitation of prayer. It also compares the act of knitting to the spiritual journey, from starting something new to how we handle mistakes. Many people would like to incorporate a spiritual practice into their frenetic lives only to become discouraged and give up when they try. Those who knit are able to experience its calming effects and dedicate time to their craft each day"--. Provided by publisher.

Knitting For Good: A Guide to Creating Personal, Social & Political Change, Stitch by Stitch by Greer, Betsy

Every time we knit, we have the opportunity to create positive change in ourselves, our community, and in the world. That’s Betsy Greer’s fervent belief, and in this book, she shows us how. Betsy explores the ways we can use knitting to slow down in a fast-paced culture while using the craft to benefit charities in our communities, advocate for worthwhile causes, and support individuals and communities across the globe. Filled with insights from knitters and crafters on how they use craft to benefit others, Knitting for Good! will get you thinking about knitting in a whole new way.

Knitted Gifts for All Seasons: Easy Projects to Make and Share by Bernard, Wendy

"An exciting book from Wendy Bernard, Knitted Gifts for All Seasons is packed with 30 new garments and accessories. Projects are organized by season and range from cozy slippers, mittens, and a pom-pom wreath to Fair Isle yoke-neck sweaters for the whole family. Embracing the full calendar year and a wide spectrum of reasons to gift knits, each project captures the season’s essence through color scheme and project type, resulting in a well-rounded and unique book."--Amazon.

Pocket Pets by Ishii, Sachiyo

20 patterns for gorgeous, quick and easy, cute pocket pets in fleecy yarn

Make your own collection of irresistibly cute knitted animals in beautifully soft, fleecy yarn. This gorgeous knitting book for knitters of all abilities by Sachiyo Ishii contains 20 lovely projects including a baby penguin, a koala bear, a guinea pig, and a squirrel. All the projects are accompanied by clear, easy-to-follow patterns and fun photography. There is a useful page of basic techniques at the start of the book, including making up, stuffing, and simple, decorative surface stitching.

These lovely mini knits are all bursting with character and feel extra soft and snuggly, due to the fleecy yarn used.

All the projects are beautifully made and exquisitely designed, and very easy to make. They make perfect gifts and will delight young and old alike.

Sock-Yarn Shawls II: 16 Patterns for Lace Knitting by Lucas, Jen

Best-selling author Jen Lucas presents an all-new selection of striking patterns for luscious sock yarns, following the overwhelming success of" Sock-Yarn Shawls." Discover more designs for everyone from confident beginners to advanced knitters. Patterns range from small shawlettes to large circular shawls, and many are made from a single skein. Pretty new patterns for single-colored and multicolored shawls--enjoy lots of options! Shawl constructions include top-down, bottom-up, crescent, short row, and circularBegin with the basics and move on to create designs with attach-as-you-go lace borders

Loom Knitting: Scarves, Hats, Bags & More: 41 Simple and Snuggly No-Needle Designs For All Loom Knitters by Phelps, Isela

If you have struggled to knit with needles, loom knitting is an easy craft to master. Looms are easy and fun to use, even without any knitting experience. In just a few hours you can create fabulous accessories in every color, texture, and style imaginable! From beautiful scarves for the whole family to stylish cell phone holders, this book can help you knit unique accessory designs for all occasions.

A Modern Guide to Granny Squares: Awesome Color Combinations and Designs for Fun and Fabulous Crochet Blocks by Semaan, Celine

Not your usual granny squares! Celine Semaan has designed more than contemporary and colorful 6" x 6" blocks to get your creativity flowing. Blocks are the best way to try out new stitches and color combinations, and they can then be used to make four projects, including a blanket, pillow, and wall hanging. There is a basic overview of color theory, and more than forty granny square patterns, each with written instructions, a chart, and detailed photos, showing stitch detail.

The Tunisian Crochet Handbook: A Beginner's Guide by Lipsey, Toni

"From designer Toni Lipsley of TL Yarn Crafts, an introduction to Tunisian crochet, featuring stitches, techniques, and twenty new and exclusive patterns for you and your home."--Page 4 of cover.

Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece: Dip-Dyeing, Hand-Painting, Tie-Dyeing, and Other Creative Techniques by Callahan, Gail

Provides photo-illustrated, step-by-step instructions to dye yarns to customize colors, create self-striping and multicolored yarns, or update outdated yarns with new colors.

Hooked: How Crafting Saved My Life by Foster, Sutton

In these intimate stories and reflections about how crafting has kept her sane while navigating the highs and lows of family, love, and show business, Tony Award-winner and the star of TV's Younger Sutton Foster shares memoriable moments - including her fraught relationship with her agoraphobic mother; a painful divorce splashed on the pages of the tabloids; her struggles with fertility; the thrills she found on the stage; her breakout TV role in Younger; and the joy of adopting her daughter, Emily. Accompanying the stories, Sutton has included crochet patterns, recipes, and so much more

Yarn: Remembering the Way Home by Mori, Kyoko

A memoir of crossing cultures, losing love, and finding home by a New York Times notable author. As steadily and quietly as her marriage falls apart, so Kyoko Mori's understanding of knitting deepens. From flawed school mittens to beautiful unmatched patterns of cardigans, hats and shawls, Kyoko draws the connection between knitting and the new life she tried to establish in the U.S. Interspersed with the story of knitting throughout, the narrative contemplates the nature of love, loss, and what holds a marriage together.

ReUse RePurpose: Book Art

Books have a shelf life.   They just reach the point of where they become what we used to call at Once Upon A Child, "well-loved".  This is when the question arises as to what can possibly be done with the book, one answer to this is of course crafts.  Altered books, blackout poetry, and even my nemesis origami are all different things one can do with an old book.  Many, oh so many, books are mass-produced, so one really does not need to feel any fear that altering the book in any way is somehow committing a sacrilege.   If you have questions on whether one or more of your books may be a hidden gem, consider checking out Your Old Books for information on whether or not to get an appraisal.

Now, onto the crafts.  If you are more comfortable with using drills than I am, there are quite a few projects in  The Repurposed Library: 33 Craft Projects That Give Old Books New Life by Occhipinti that look interesting.   I'm am highly tempted to make a music box, I may just involve my 16 year old as he seems more comfortable with power tools.   The Kindle Keeper and the Tool Bin seem to be more my speed.

For these projects, Lisa Occhipinti rescues and repurposes orphaned and outdated books from flea markets and library sales and turns them into new art objects and practical items for the home. Her creations range from artfully constructed mobiles to a Kindle "keeper" for those who want to replicate the sensation of holding a "real" book while reading from an e-reader.

Altered Books Workshop: 18 Creative Techniques for Self-Expression by Brazelton, Bev

Presents eighteen step-by-step projects, along with variation ideas, to create an array of altered books.

Bound: Over 20 Artful Handmade Books by Ekrem, Erica

"Bind a book beautifully, with these whimsical and stylish projects from bookbinder extraordinaire Erica Ekrem! With her novel approach to traditional techniques, and the use of repurposed materials, Ekrem has devised creative fun for book artists of all levels. Choose from three categories: Vintage, Nature, and Leather. Make books from mason jars and seashells, a classic leather-bound photo album, and other works of art"-- Provided by publisher.

The Altered Book Scrapbook by Ure, Susan

Combine two of the hottest trends in crafts—altered books and scrapbooking—and you get an exciting technique that’s sure to be a hit. Just take an existing volume and add embellishments until it’s transformed into your own personal scrapbook. Susan Ure—a frequent guest on The Christopher Lowell Show—shows exactly how it’s done, from choosing the right book to alter to creating a pleasing composition. Work from a variety of artists provides inspiration and ideas for materials and techniques—including metal, paper and cloth collage, lace, and beads. A sense of playfulness and creativity are all that’s needed to get great results.

Altered art for the first time by Arendt, Madeline

Altered art is one of the hottest new crafts--but for the uninitiated, it can seem intimidating. Not anymore, with all the basics outlined in a simple question-and-answer format and shown in plenty of sparkling, detailed how-to photos. Find out the best type of books to alter, as well as the right adhesives and paints to use. As your skill develops, the alteration thrill will inevitably build, and so there are also projects for transforming more than just books--including making pendants out of matchboxes and gum tins, and revitalizing purses and luggage.

If you search "Altered Books" on YouTube the number of tutorials seems never-ending.   And when watching some on altered books I was amazed at all the little details involved.  The tool supply lists that the books and videos tend to offer are often of a higher calibre tools than I own.  What I do have is a lot of scrapbooks supplies that have been gathering dust for longer than I care to admit.

However, Here is my first attempt at altered book pages.

I also though I would give making things out of single book pages a try.

Book Page Flowers

Flowers from Book Pages

I only got as far as to when the petals were being cut and I opted to instead just to stick a brad in the middle.

And then my daughter declared it to be hers and ran off with it.  So, I made another one, and this time I folded up the petals.

Corner Book Mark

CORNER BOOKMARK out of paper (easy)

 

 Origami Butterfly Bookmark

I love corner bookmarks.  Origami, however, is a challenge for me so I was thrilled that I actually made this correctly.

Book Page Butterfly 

 The Butterfly Made From Book Pages was fun, however, as it was more cutting than folding.

Butterfly Template

I ended up making a few of these because my kids kept stealing them.

Links:

https://mixedmedia.club/a-crash-course-on-altered-books/

https://mywellnessme.com/reuse-old-books/ 

https://www.simplyfrugal.ca/10-uses-for-old-magazines/#_a5y_p=1006234

https://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/Uses-Old-Books-23418154?stream_view=1

National Craft Month

March is National Craft Month! Time to bust out your hooks, needles, looms, scissors, paper, and whatever else may be hidden in your crafting hoard and get those creative juices flowing. We have a lot to offer for books on crafts and I will provide a select few but highly encourage a search in our online catalog under crafting.

https://weheartholidays.com/10-ways-to-celebrate-national-craft-month/

Cræft: an inquiry into the origins and true meaning of traditional crafts by Langlands, Alex

The Old English word "craeft" signified knowledge, skill, wisdom, and resourcefulness. Today, in the wake of industrialization, people are again seeking products made with authenticity -- artisan bread, local honey, craft beers, furniture, and other goods made by human hands. Archaeologist and medieval historian Alexander Langlands travels from his home in Wales along the Atlantic seaboard of Europe learning a wide range of traditional manual skills and searching for the lost meaning of craeft.

Novel living: collecting, decorating, and crafting with books by Occhipinti, Lisa

In this digital age, the fate of physical books remains in question. Even the concept of curling up with a good book conjures new images. But there remains a sensory thrill to physical books--to seeing and feeling them, to turning their pages--that makes many of us value them even more as digital reading grows in popularity. In Novel Living, the artist Lisa Occhipinti celebrates her love for physical books by presenting us with her unique ideas for collecting and displaying them, conserving and preserving them, and crafting them. Guided by Occhipinti's artful eye, you'll be inspired to build and display collections based on your personal passions and to use books for crafting, either by deconstructing or by copying favorite elements. Amazingly, most of the projects--ranging from easy shelving to a headboard constructed of book spines to napkins composed of scans of favorite text passages from books--require no special skills or supplies

Simple times by Sedaris, Amy

With her special brand of humor, Sedaris shows how to make popular crafts, such as crab-claw roach clips, tinfoil balls, and crepe-paper moccasins; how to remember which kind of glue to use with which material; how to create your own craft room and avoid the most common crafting accidents; and, how to cook your own edible crafts, from a Crafty Candle Salad to Sugar Skulls, and many more recipes.

Eco-craft: recycle-recraft-restyle by Wasinger, Susan

Who knew taking care of the planet could look so good? Eco Craft shows how with 30 truly beautiful homes d#65533; cor projects that elevate environmental consciousness to stylish new heights. Every idea is amazingly clever: who would ever have imagined that plastic six-pack can holders could become a chic Moorish-inspired filigree tri-fold screen? Or that glass baby food jars would make a charming candle chandelier? Every project features at least one beauty shot in a modern home setting, easy-to-follow instructions, and step-by-step color photos, while handy icons spotlight the key techniques, materials, and the estimated time to complete each project.

Add one stitch knitting: all the stitches you need in 15 projects by Schneider, Alina

Author and renowned blogger Alina Schneider demystifies the knitting process and helps you learn 15 essential knitting stitches with this easy, step-by-step guide. Starting with the simple knit and purl stitches, each lesson will help you combine these building blocks to create more complex stitches such as moss, waffle, rib, seed, and more.

Modern crochet bible: over 100 contemporary crochet techniques and stitches by Shrimpton, Sarah

The Modern Crochet Bible is the definitive guide to all the crochet techniques and stitches necessary to create stunning contemporary crochet projects.

DIY Mason jars: thirty-five creative crafts and projects for the classic container by Averinos, Melissa

Here is everything you need to make one-of-a-kind creations with everyone's favorite jar, from darling label designs and centerpieces to reed defusers and pendant lighting. These Mason jar crafts will leave a lasting impression in any space!

Tape it & make it: 101 duct tape activities by Morgan, Richelle Fabian

Offers dozens of creative ideas and easy-to-follow instructions for making everything from wallets and coin purses to novelty neckties and household decorations out of duct tape.

101 wire earrings: step-by-step projects & techniques by Peck, Denise

Providing detailed descriptions on how to intricately craft stylish wire earrings, this beautifully illustrated guide offers simple yet elegant projects that are inexpensive and easily accomplished. Easy-to-follow instructions and comprehensive definitions guide the jewelry maker through the many elements of wire working, such as headpins, jump rings, hoops, loops, spirals, and ear wires, clearly highlighting the techniques and detailing the quality materials necessary to produce functional and innovative works of wearable art. With a diverse selection of 101 contemporary earring projects submitted from top designers, wire crafters of all skill levels will hone their talents while discovering new and inspirational ideas for producing unique and creative works in one of the fastest-growing trends of modern jewelry art.

The art & craft of the blacksmith: techniques and inspiration for the modern smith by Thomas, Robert

"The Art and Craft of the Blacksmith is a visually stunning introduction to the tools, techniques, and traditions every modern smith needs to know"-- Provided by publisher.

Craft lab for kids: 52 DIY projects to inspire, excite, and empower kids to create useful, beautiful handmade goods by Corfee, Stephanie

"Through 52 fun, customizable crafts activities, Craft Lab for Kids promotes creativity and hands-on making for kids age 8 and up"-- Provided by publisher. The popular Lab for Kids series features a growing list of books that share hands-on activities and projects on a wide host of topics, including art, astronomy, clay, geology, math, and even how to create your own circus--all authored by established experts in their fields. Each lab contains a complete materials list, clear step-by-step photographs of the process, as well as finished samples. The labs can be used as singular projects or as part of a yearlong curriculum of experiential learning. The activities are open-ended, designed to be explored over and over, often with different results. Geared toward being taught or guided by adults, they are enriching for a range of ages and skill levels. Gain firsthand knowledge on your favorite topic with Lab for Kids.

ProjectKid 100 Crafts to make with and for your kids by Kingloff, Amanda

Move over, macaroni picture frames. Here are 100 stylish, inventive projects that promise endless hours of creative fun. From a rocket ship made with a body-wash bottle to an owl made from a juice box, there are ingenious uses for upcycled objects and materials on every page. This book is packed with hundreds of step-by-step photographs and basic crafting lessons (from pom-pom making to fabric dyeing) to help kids build a DIY arsenal. With lists of must-have tools and materials, a handy source directory, and more, this is the ultimate family craft bible!

https://www.marthastewart.com/1512278/ways-partake-national-craft-month

https://www.reviews.com/utilities/internet/websites-to-learn-hands-on-craft-at-home/

https://blog.feedspot.com/craft_blogs/