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...

We've Gone and Done It

We are in the midst of packing up, and moving. Not just any move, but The Move we've been trying to accomplish for years now. We're heading up to (Washington) Canada. In the last couple of months Stefan had been talking to a potential employer up in Richmond, British Columbia , and after a very swift interview process they offered him the job. Small and large details aside, he accepted and plans to start on February 25th. We leave one week earlier, on the 18th. That's literally just over 2 weeks from when you will read this. We told family and close friends first, and while we haven't been keeping it a huge secret, our church, as a whole, did not know until last night because it was then we could tell everyone at our seasonal congregational meeting what our plans were in person, and with many of them all at once. I didn't want to say anything online until that happened. We've been steadily spending heaps of time with friends and family, all while slowly p...

{This Moment}

A portrait of his sister. From Soulemama's blog : A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Our House in the Middle of Our Street

Search This Blog