I love books, and I especially love a good craft book. This year I've reviewed a number of new releases and any one of them would make a terrific holiday gift for a creative person in your life (or for yourself!).
Here's my 2013 craft book holiday gift guide!
I Just Like to Make Things, by Lilla Rogers, is a book about making marketable art. Lilla interviews art directors from all different sectors of the marketplace. She challenges you to make every square inch of your work beautiful. And she encourages you to enjoy the process. My favorite quote from this book? "People buy your joy." Read my full review here.
Sew & Stitch Embroidery, by Alyssa Thomas, is full of whimsical projects to make for the home, and for children. I made a dreamcatcher from this book that is now hanging in my new neice's bedroom. I love Alyssa's illustration style, and this book really packs a punch because she gives you two embroidery patterns for each project. Read my review here.
Flip Dolls and Other Toys, by Laura Wilson, is a super creative softie book with patterns to make toys that do things. They turn inside out, open up, unzip, roll, and more. This book is really inspiring. I made a bat/vampire and a whale with a pocket mouth, both of which have gotten lots of playtime from my three kids. Read my review here.
Party Origami, by JessicaOkui, is both a book and kit in one. The front half gives you easy-to-follow instructions for 14 party-themed origami models. The back is 75 sheets of nice quality origami paper with beautiful patterns. We've made nearly every one of the models in this book, and we're still working through all the pretty papers. Read my review here.
Creature Camp, by Wendi Gratz, is a softie book for kids (and adults who love softies!). Each chapter helps you build your skills until you can design and sew your own soft toy. This book is intended for kids to be able to use all by themselves. We made a plush cube and we love it! Read my review here.
Stuffed Animals, by me, is a comprehensive guide to soft toy design. And guess what? It was just named an Amazon Best Book of 2013!!! I'm so excited. Watch the trailer here and read the reviews here.
Stitched Blooms, by Carina Envoldsen-Harris, is a book of embroidery patterns and simple sewing projects to put them on. You get 300 of Carina's signature floral motifs, and a handy CD to download and print them out. I made a pincushion from this book and I use it every single day. Read my review here.
Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing, by Andria Lisle and Amie Petronis Plumley, is a follow-up to their first book, Sewing School. The first one was all about teaching kids to sew by hand, and this one is focused on learning to use a sewing machine. Reading this book inspired me to buy a Janome Mini for my older daughters, which they use all the time. Read my review of Sewing School here, and of Sewing School 2 here.
Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love, by Kerry Goulder, has 18 toy patterns sewn from quilting cottons. There are some really innovative designs in here, including a hot air balloon, an igloo, and a turtle that slides in and out of its shell. I made an adorable mouse from this book that my 3-year-old loves. Read my review here.
+++++
Craft books make great gifts. If you've purchased a craft book this year that you'd recommend, please feel free to leave a link here. I just may be buying myself a few for Hanukkah.
Disclaimer: The Amazon links in this post are affiliate links.
It’s terrible, I have so many craft books – so many books generally, as it the one thing I am acquisitive about. For years I didn’t buy any craft books because after looking at them I decided they didn’t have anything I didn’t know already, or that wasn’t in my reader’s digest book (That’s still my go to). However, in the last few years there are so many beautiful, inspiring and useful books. I rarely follow a project though and I still think there are far too many craft books that are style over substance. I mostly like them for information, eye candy and just because they are inspiring. I have to seriously think about new purchases as I don’t have the space. I’ve started getting them from the library. Of course then I have to order the ‘must haves’ for myself to keep! It is a good way though of getting to see a book, because all too often a book not seen first can be disappointing (I tend to buy online). Recommendations are always good. I like your choices – origami has been whispering to me lately.
I love a good craft book, too, Sara!
Thanks for including Sewing School 2 in your craft book gift guide! I am so honored. I discovered a few new books on your list that I can’t wait to check out. Yes, I may be a craft book addict! Happy Holidays!
You’re very welcome, Amie! I love both of your books and we sew from them often. Happy holidays to you!