day 14 :: 2009 craft books

2009 craft books :: more honorable mentions

i didn't have the time to make anything from these 2 books yet, but would love to some day...

Reversible Knitting: 50 Brand-New, Groundbreaking Stitch Patterns by Lynne Barr --- this book is amazing ! 50 new stitch patterns that are also reversible - making 100 different looks, in addition to that the book contains 20 projects...


i would love to knit & wear this folded mini dress some day...


& i'd also love to knit & wear these double-wrap stockings, too...


Eco Books: Inventive Projects from the Recycling Bin by Terry Taylor --- 40 clever ideas of what to make books out of, now you can use all those egg cartons, cassette tapes, you've been saving...


this plein air sketchbook is on my list of things to make...

see you tomorrow for day 15 !

day 13 :: 2009 craft books

2009 craft books :: Home, Paper, Scissors: Decorative Paper Accessories for the Home by Patricia Zapata

looking through this book it can be hard to believe that everything is made out of paper... many fun paper crafting projects that are so pretty, sleek, modern... be sure to check out Patricia Zapata's A Little Hut blog & Home, Paper, Scissors flickr group.


here's a wip photo of the bird's nest bowls that i made (that's the project photographed on the cover of the book)


shredded cardstock turned into a nest bowl - i love it !!!


pink, white, & blue --- i made all 3 the same size


i plan to use them for Easter...

see you tomorrow for day 14 !

day 12 :: 2009 craft books

2009 craft books :: Sew Liberated: 20 Stylish Projects for the Modern Sewist by Meg McElwee

be sure to check out Meg McElwee's Sew Liberated blog & Sew Liberated flickr group.


happy to see some curtains, as i need to sew some curtains (always looking for curtain ideas!)


i enjoyed the children's clothing patterns, so i was pleased to learn that Meg's 2nd book is just on children's clothing --- look forward to seeing that book when it comes out :)


from this book i sewed the blossom blouse...


it was made with some pink vintage linen, in size 2/3 years, it fits perfect ! love the little elastic detail on the sleeves...

see you tomorrow for day 13 !

day 11 :: 2009 craft books

2009 craft books :: honorable mentions

here are 5 books that i didn't make anything from... these are more reference or technique type books, but i for sure wanted to mention them...

The Sewing Book by Alison Smith shows photographed step-by-steps of many many sewing techniques (i've always enjoyed how well photographed DK books are).


Bend the Rules with Fabric: Fun Sewing Projects with Stencils, Stamps, Dye, Photo Transfers, Silk Screening, and More by Amy Karol, be sure to check out the author's Angry Chicken blog & Bend the Rules with Fabric flickr group.


Fabricate: 17 Innovative Sewing Projects that Make Fabric the Star by Susan Wasinger.


Design-It-Yourself Clothes: Patternmaking Simplified by Cal Patch.


Perfectly Fitted: Creating Personalized Patterns for a Limitless Wardrobe by Lynne Garner.

See you tomorrow for day 12 !

day 10 :: 2009 craft books

2009 craft books :: Scraps: An Inspirational Field Guide to Collage by Elsebeth Gynther & Christine Clemmensen


this book is full of eye candy, inspiration...


& tips to use in your own collages.


sewing on paper with the sewing machine...


so far i've made a couple of collage cards. i really do enjoy making these collage cards ! i want to do more of this in the future.

have a great weekend, see you on Monday for day 11 !

day 9 :: 2009 craft books

2009 craft books :: I Love Patchwork: 21 Irresistible Zakka Projects to Sew by Rashida Coleman-Hale

be sure to check out Rashida Coleman-Hale's i heart linen blog (she & i share a love for Bonne Maman jars), also check out the I Love Patchwork! - The Book flickr group


how adorable is this little lamb !?! i love the added touch of those fluffy pompoms tied to her ears & the little dress is irresistible, i want to sew one of those little dresses for a teddy bear that we have around here...


look at this cute little detail, tiny hexagons & the perfect button to match !

i applaud Rashida for bumping it up a notch & offering more challenging projects. i really feel that what she is doing is one direction the global crafting community is going in & i would really love to see her write another sewing book ! can you tell that this was one of my favorite craft books of 2009 ? :)


so far from the book i have made the blossom pincushion. it is made with a 7-well porcelain flower palette which is used for water-color painting & can be bought at an art supply store.


i already have the supplies gathered to sew the fold-up eco bag. also next on my list is the utensil basket...

see you tomorrow for day 10 !

valentines

my second son & i made lollipop holders together for his class valentine's exchange.

supplies:
red cardstock
white cardstock
paper cutter
various small rubber stamps that are valentine or kid themed
red rubber stamping ink
scallop oval paper punch
double-sided adhesive
stapler
Jolly Rancher heart-shaped lollipops


how to make:
cut red cardstock 6" X 2.5", then score it at 3.25" & 2.75" - this will make it easier to fold it matchbook style
rubber stamp on white cardstock & punch out with scallop oval paper punch
attach them to the red cardstock with double sided adhesive
insert lollipop & staple on both bottom corners
(note: on the opposite side my son wrote who it was to & from)



i made another version with my older son 3 years ago.


Happy Saint Valentines Day !!!