Books can inspire, instruct you to new crafts—December 28, 2007
Whether you are a veteran crafter or a novice wishing to learn a new skill, winter is the perfect time to tackle a new craft and the Hastings Public Library has lots of books to inspire and instruct you.
A memory box is a unique way to remember some special event or person in your life. “Making Memory Boxes: 35 Beautiful Projects” by Anna Corba will help you start creating works of art from your cherished treasures. Many of the projects in “Preserved Flowers: Pressed and Dried” by Diane Flowers may not be achievable until spring and summer, but they may inspire your garden planning, as many of the raw materials used can be grown at home.
If you find that your home looks very plain after the holiday decorations come down, try looking through “The Complete Books of Garlands, Circles & Decorative Wreaths” by Fiona Barnett and Terence Moore. You will find many non-holiday decorations that can brighten up a drab winter interior.
When the snow blows is a perfect time to start a new stitchery project and you are sure to find an idea or two in “Stitching Pretty: 101 Lovely Cross-Stitch Projects to Make” published by Better Homes and Gardens or “Fast, Fun & Fabulous Quilts: 30 Terrific Projects from the Country’s Most Creative Designers” from Rodale Press. Both offer a wide variety of beautiful designs whether you want to cross-stitch, hand piece or machine quilt.
If you have succumbed to the recent beading craze at all, a perfect extension is found in “Decorative Wirework: 50+ Ideas for Using Wire to Decorate Your Home, Yourself, or Your Favorite Things” by Jane Davis. Davis explains and illustrates basic wire handling techniques and tools and offers projects of just wire and others with beads and embellishments. A gift for each person on your list for next Christmas could be found here since there are pen holders and bookmarks in addition to jewelry projects.
Check out one of these inspiring craft books and spend the long winter with busy hands.
