Craft Book Review: Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts

I had first heard about this new book from Potter Craft while trying to win it from my knitting buddy, Christy Nelson. When I didn't get one of those 5 new copies, I knew I had to immediately borrow it from the library. Complete with about 50 pages of a visual tools glossary and templates, this really is quite the encyclopedia!

I felt this was an excellent craft book because it wasn't just a 'project book'. A lot of craft books that are hitting the market right now are just a collection of about 20 projects to make, and a lot of them are the same in every book! This is more of a manual, carefully explaining each type of craft and the fine details that go with a step-by-step guide. It has everything from origami to making pom-pom animals, gilding mirrors and pressing seaweed and flowers!

Of course, there are project suggestions, but the way her format is laid out, it lets the reader observe how something is done, and giving inspiration to tweak it instead of setting in stone and trying to make the outcome exactly like the author. I think that is what I really appreciated the most about the book. My only question was, why wasn't there a basic section on sewing, knitting, and crocheting? Aren't those considered "crafts" as well? I was surprised by the omission.
All in all, a 4 out of 5 stars as far as craft books are concerned. I will definitely be referencing this book again for ideas and how-tos for Christmas presents.
photo credit

Comments

How To: DIY Sand/Water Table

How To: Build A Sand/Water Table for Under $30 ! Sorry this took me so long to blog, but I had to have a tool list and full instructions before I could do so. A little history on my love for the sand/water table . I love the idea behind tools for tiny hands, i.e. the Montessori Method , and like to have Lukka 'figure things out for himself', even when he is playing. I try to have the most simple and basic toys available for 3 reasons: a) simple toys generally have less parts, which means less of a hassle for me b) simple toys inspire way more creativity and imagination than do 'exact replica' toys c) they are much more aesthetically pleasing to look at, therefore, not making every nook and cranny of our house an eyesore! I know the last reason is just for me, but it's true. Plastic things don't generally last 1/2 as long as wooden or fabric toys, and they are unattractive. For this reason, I started to look for a wooden sand/water table as opposed to a pl...

Home School Activities: Board Games We Love

My children have recently become enthralled in the world of board games. I was never a board game player. Sure, I remember long summer hours (days? it seemed like it..) spent around a Monopoly board, but I was never one to suggest to get out the cards, or a game. As my children have grown and they are now able to do activities with me, I started noticing that they really took to puzzles (when done all together) and the one or two board games I happened to have kept in the storage room. They were always asking to play Candy Land and so I figured I should branch off a bit. Over the course of the last year, I have found GREAT games, even ones that I love to play alongside them. The amount of 'teaching' they have gotten through games is jaw-dropping. Counting, team-playing, math related patterning, are just some of the skills I've watched develop. I asked before Christmas on facebook what my friends and their own kids loved and I was thrilled with the response. We have found ov...

November - December Titles // 2024

a moody December scene at Glen Valley I am just squeaking into the final few days for this post, and I am so glad I had Christmas break to boost a few more books into this somewhat meagre offering for Fall of 2024! What did you read that you loved? No Bootstraps When You're Barefoot by Wes Hall - This was a memoir I read for my bookclub, and although I found the first part very interesting, I read at least 75+ pages of his job (working his way up the 'wall street of Toronto') and I still don't know what he does. This author grew up in Jamaica and honestly his ingenuity, quick learning ability, and resourcefulness helped him achieve amazing things, but it did feel a bit hollow toward the end. I don't think that was the intention, I just didn't overly love it. The Hotel Balzaar by Kate DiCamillo - Again, I will read anything DiCamillo writes and be the first to have it ordered to my library! This lovely, nostalgic, and somewhat dour (at times) little middle...

Our House in the Middle of Our Street

Search This Blog