Staff Picks Blog

Summer time.  When the humidity hits 75% and the heat advisories start popping up, I start looking for things to do inside. And what better way to while away the hours by the fan or AC then by breaking out the craft supplies!  So I wandered through the library’s craft section (upstairs at 745)  and came up with a handful of odd-ball craft books with lots of neat thing to try.

Want to make yourself a duct tape kitchen apron, a wallet, or a cell phone case?   Brake out a few rolls of duct tape and take a look at  Ductigami : the art of the tape by Joe Wilson.

Are you a fan of monsters, or do you know someone who is?   Check out Me Make Monster! A mish mash of monster craft by Jenny Harada.  Make all sorts of monsters – little or big.  Each project has a list of supplies and tools needed followed by simple, well written instructions and lots of color photographs to help you make your very own monsters.

Now if crafting to you means Christmas or Holiday decorations, try Fa la la la Felt: 45  handmade Holiday Decorations by Amanda Carestio.  A very bright and colorful felt crafting book with 45 simple holiday projects.  Nice photos of the finished projects, but not of the steps, although most are so simple they don’t really need photographs.  Starting with an introduction that talks about different types of felt, making your own felt by recycling old wool sweaters, and a section on basic embroidery stitches, and templates  for all the projects this could get you in the holiday spirit months early!

Subversive Cross Stitch by Julie Jackson contains “33 designs for your surly side” and instructions on how to turn your own favorite snide comments or phrases in the cute little bits of non-work-friendly art for you or someone special. 

Just in the mood to craft, but have nothing in mind?  Go for AlternaCrafts by Jessica Vitkus.  This book has a lot of neat ideas.  Broken down into three  sections: Projects to Wear, Projects for your Home, and Projects to Give, this book contains a wide range of projects including stamping with raw vegetables, tying a macrame bracelet, up-cycling clothing, making sachets, or making bouquets of paper flowers.

Consider yourself an advanced crafter?  Making Stuff: an alternative craft book edited by Ziggy Hanaor might be more your speed.  Starting with an instructional section to learn how to knit, felt, applique, sew and crochet, then sections on crafting clothing, jewelery, plus three more sections of oddball crafts, this book is lots of fun, but more for the experienced crafter or knitter.  And just a note – this book was published in England, so sometimes some of the English is confusing.  (I think Fairy Lights are just white Christmas Lights)

Now of all the craft books I looked at, there was one I just have to buy for myself, and it’s huge.   The Big-Ass Book of Crafts by Mark Montano has over 150 craft projects – little to big / simple to complex.  Things that made me burst out laughing or stare at in disbelief.  Things I never would have thought of on my own, but that he breaks down so simply I can’t wait to try them. Beware of this book.  You’ll want to buy it too.

Tags: Arts & Crafts, Crafts