Book Review - Glitterville's Handmade Christmas, Stephen Brown (2014)

Review copy c/o Netgalley, image via Goodreads


I’ll be honest with you, I’m much more of a Halloween person than a Christmas one but when I saw the unique cover of this new festive craft book from Glitterville I couldn’t turn down the chance to review it – any opportunity to discover new craft ideas!

Handmade Christmas features a whole host of completely unique and unusual projects all with their very own distinctive style. Every project is colourful, fun and of course glittery!

Beginning with lots of information on tools and materials as well as a rundown of basic techniques the book seems to be designed to teach methods that can be applied to other projects, encouraging reader’s personal creativity. Each handmade decoration idea that follows comes complete with good quality step-by-step photos in an easy to follow layout. In addition to the tutorials templates and patterns are included in the back section of the book and you won’t be surprised to hear that even these are colourful!

My personal favourite ideas from the book would probably have to be the Jolly Dolly Holly Wreath (made entirely from felt), and the Tiny Tannenbaums & Present Picks (decorative cake toppers that stand out beautifully against the white icing backdrop). The Glitter Village (as pictured on the bottom left of the book's cover) was also an impressive and detailed project.

The originality of the ideas found within this book really stood out to me and I loved how different it was from other Christmas craft books I’ve read. If you’re a big fan of this holiday and are looking to branch out from the average Christmas project into something a little more ambitious and bold this truly unique book could be perfect for you!

If you’re interested in finding out more about Glitterville’s other projects visit glitterville.com

Erin

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Book Review: Stitch It Simple, Beth Sheard (2014)

*Review copy c/o Netgalley, image via Goodreads



Stitch It Simple is a cute and colourful sewing book featuring 25 beginner projects which can also be customised or built upon for those with more sewing experience.

Most of the ideas included are projects for the home such as cushions, a lampshade, mobiles, a doorstop and bunting. However there are also a few accessory and gift ideas such as slippers, tote bags and even an apron with a cute cupcake design! My personal favourite ideas included Fabric Letters, the Balloon Cushion and the Stylized Tree Cushion (obviously someone else agrees as they are the three projects featured on the cover!).

Alongside the tutorials themselves is a section of information on some of the basics such as how to do simple stitches, appliqué, binding edges etc which is perfect for beginners or to use for reference. There's even a few tips dotted here and there along the way too!

The projects found within this title were all created using fabric collections designed by Kaffe Fassett who also penned the forward to the book. The use of one designer’s collection means that the projects all compliment each other well in terms of colour and style and gives an overall coherent theme to the book.

Stitch It Simple is full of cute ideas and would make a nice gift for a beginner wanting to try out some easy sewing projects.




Stitch It Simple is released on October 14th & you can pre-order it from Amazon.co.uk now!

 Have you read this book? We'd love to hear your thoughts so don't forget to use the hashtag #eightandsixteen to share them with us!

Erin

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Book Review: Sticky Fingers, Sophie Maletsky (2014)

*Review copy c/o Netgalley, image via goodreads.com


Sticky Fingers is a quirky and colourful book filled with a huge range of projects surprisingly all made using duct tape!

Although in the past I had seen wallets made from duct tape and no-sew bag projects lined with it I wasn’t aware of just how many different (and amazing) things you can make with it! The ideas included in this book range from jewellery to wallets, bags, storage and even gift wrap. It seems like the possibilities for this underrated craft supply are endless and I think its great to have so many available together in one book.

Templates are included for some of the projects (where needed) and another great little addition is the end section which showcases a few ideas for using up your end of roll scraps and even the cardboard centres the rolls of tape come on!

Sticky Fingers includes so many projects that I loved and wanted to try out so when I first read the book I ran out and bought some rolls of tape to have a go myself. I will be sharing the first project I tried out, a clever but simple accessory idea, with you for next week’s Wednesday tutorial post!

Overall I think Sticky Fingers is a unique, fun and inspiring book that would be a great addition to any crafter’s collection.

Sticky Fingers is available to pre-order now at Amazon.co.uk 
Keep an eye out for a DIY inspired by the book here near Wednesday!

Have you read this book? We'd love to hear your thoughts so don't forget to leave a comment or tweet us using the hashtag #eightandsixteen 

Erin

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Book Review: The Gentle Art Of Quiltmaking, Jane Brocket (2014)

*Review copy c/o Netgalley, image via goodreads.com



Everyday things and sights such as fields of pretty flowers, rows of beach huts, items of clothing and even stamps inspire all the quilt designs found in this book. Each project starts with a short explanation of the idea and inspiration behind the design before moving on to the how-to for the quilt which all include colour photographs of the final piece. My personal favourite of the finished quilts was probably the stamp inspired design as the pattern and colours most suited my taste.

As well as the wide selection of designs the book is also filled with tips and advice for beginners with the final section covering the basics – from equipment to cutting, preparing fabrics as well as the binding and actual quilting. In addition there are fabric suggestions, measurements and information is given on things such as calculating fabric needs and how to choose a design. However its not just the designs and fabrics that Jane talks tips for, she also has advice on creating the right workspace, a useful addition to the book as lack of space is something that can often put people off taking the plunge and making their first quilt.

With such a variety of inspirations and patchwork designs plus all the basics covered The Gentle Art Of Quiltmaking has something for everyone and would be a good reference book to have around as well as one to look at for a little inspiration.



Have you read this book? We'd love to hear your thoughts so don't forget to leave a comment or tweet us using the hashtag #eightandsixteen 

Erin

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