Friday, May 14, 2010

Handicraft Delights

Ready, Thread Your Needles, Go!
Handicraft books never go out of style. These new additions to the library's collection are sure to please crafters and browsers alike.

Candie Cooper's Felted Jewelry: 20 Stylish Designs starts with a flat piece of felt and end up as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and pins. Fun to make, fun to wear, this jewelry ranges from the sophisticated to the simple. Lovely color photos enhance the easy to make instructions. This book contains a wealth of ideas guaranteed to make the reader want to head to store for supplies. If you like jewelry and enjoy handicrafts, this book is one you won't want to miss.

Wool Toys and Friends: Step-by-step Instructions for Needle-Felting Fun by Laurie Sharp offers an adorable array of animals and bean bags. Among the outstanding choices are an elephant pull toy, a mouse in a pumpkin, a pop-up prairie dog puppet, pixie dolls, a lion hand puppet, and a hedgehog pin cushion. Also, what collection would be complete without a teddy bear? Easy to follow directions are enhanced by the beautiful color photos of the finished products. This book could have put the word "cute" in the dictionary.

Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts tries to cover a little bit of everything. Cottons, silks, linens, wools, and specialty fabrics used with a variety of interesting projects are just what you would expect from Ms. Martha franchise. Basic techniques and 150 ideas make a great match!
Post by Bev Simmons