Color Swatching the Tombow TwinTone Dual Tip Markers

Tombow has released a second new product this past week, the first being their *MONO Drawing Pens and now the second are these *TwinTone Dual Tip Markers!<br/> <br/> Today I am sharing a color swatch I did with the TwinTones, as well a mini review.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="../../-uRHvy_64e_E/WU5h6v3HxjI/AAAAAAAAgyU/YUn_Khu1un47UBTPeAZNC6JjOoGnwM2EwCLcBGAs/s1600/color-swatch-tombow-twin-tone-markers_Katie--281-29.JPG"/></div> <br/> The *TwinTone Dual Tip Markers are a double sided marker, with 2 different tip sizes- <b>Bullet tip 0.8mm; extra-fine tip 0.3mm.</b><br/> <br/> These markers are a lot like Tombows Dual Brush pens in that they are double sided and they have a water based ink that will blend and layer.<br/> However unlike the Dual Brush Pens, <b>these aren't brush pens</b>. They have hard tips for a solid consistent line.<br/> <br/> What I think is great about them is that they <b>dry super fast</b>, so they won't smudge if you accidentally rub your hand over them, But they will still react to water so you can still use them for some fun watercolor effects.<br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="../../-bZPl10TyAyo/WU5h60o-MZI/AAAAAAAAgyc/-NYwp3-77xAMKErADy8rtmYT49J6TPCjQCLcBGAs/s1600/color-swatch-tombow-twin-tone-markers_Katie--282-29.JPG"/></div> <br/> The markers come in 2 different 12 packs- a Bright set and a Pastel set. I decided to make a small color swatch of my markers so that I could see all of the actual ink colors side by side.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="../../-BTddhwagB8g/WU5h657VVoI/AAAAAAAAgyY/I5v_e6RW2O4Y82ZJfNkqP7skXIaYJ9LXgCLcBGAs/s1600/color-swatch-tombow-twin-tone-markers_Katie--283-29.JPG"/></div> <br/> <br/> I think these will be perfect for journaling, as well as doodling and coloring!<br/> <br/> *Learn more about them here.<br/> <br/> <i style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;">*I am an affiliate for Tombow. This post might include some affiliate links. If you purchase  using them, I might get a small commission at no additional cost to you.</i><br/> <br/>

product review, tombow

Color Swatching the Tombow TwinTone Dual Tip Markers

Tombow has released a second new product this past week, the first being their * MONO Drawing Pens and now the second are these * TwinTone ...

Book Review- Crocheted Bears and Other Animals by Emma Brown

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Hey y'all, Today I have another book review for you. I received a copy of the book Crocheted Bears and Other Animals by Emma Brown to review from the wonderful people at CICO Books.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../../-eo-1ua6Iv2w/WOP8Sk0juVI/AAAAAAAAgRY/z0YnAO2o7hQerpr5JwpyrJ8FKo6QX_7sQCLcB/s1600/book-review-crochet-bears--281-29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../../-eo-1ua6Iv2w/WOP8Sk0juVI/AAAAAAAAgRY/z0YnAO2o7hQerpr5JwpyrJ8FKo6QX_7sQCLcB/s1600/book-review-crochet-bears--281-29.JPG"/></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Let's start off with a bit from the publisher:</div> <blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;"> A world away from mass-produced plush toys, Emma Brown’s hand-crocheted creations live on the make-believe island of Shady Bay. The animals all have their part to play in island life. Ronnie the bear is the Ranger on Shady Bay and he takes his rucksack and cosy scarf whenever he goes on his outdoor adventures. Archie and Boris are two crafty canine brothers and together they build the homes for the other animals on the island. There’s Whimsie the bunny with a wild imagination and Breeze the owl who swoops high amongst the trees gathering the midnight fruit for the other animals. With 25 gorgeous patterns suitable for beginners through to experienced crafters, you’re sure to find a unique toy in Crocheted Bears and Other Animals that will spark a child’s imagination and become a firm friend for life. </blockquote> <div style="text-align: left;"> As it says in the book description, all of the little crocheted characters live on an island called Shady Bay, and each one has a little story about themselves in the book. I think that's so cute.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> If you've never crocheted before, the book starts out with a little "before you begin" section that has recommendations for the bast yarn, hooks, etc. It includes a stitch conversion chart between US and UK terms.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> In the back of the book it has all of the stitches and techniques you need to know explained out.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-PGs2ttCuKGY/WOP8SXZojrI/AAAAAAAAgRU/Dtgp4DvdT2kNZYHsDWr2FGuJ8nTyE6rowCLcB/s1600/book-review-crochet-bears--282-29.JPG"/></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> There are 25 different toy patterns in this book, and not just bears, there are also, puppies, hedgehogs, bunnies, bees,  and so many more, including the owls pictured above: Breeze and Woolie, who might be my favorites.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I put this review off for a little while hoping I might make one of the critters to show you, but I've been a bit busy filming some online classes so I haven't made anything from this book yet. YET. I do intend to make some of these adorable little animals!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> You can find out more about the book here.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"/><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: lato; font-size: xx-small; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;">*I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own.</span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br/></div>

book, crochet, product review

Book Review- Crocheted Bears and Other Animals by Emma Brown

Hey y'all, Today I have another book review for you. I received a copy of the book Crocheted Bears and Other Animals by Emma Brown to ...

New Art Product Review: Tombow MONO Drawing Pens

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Today I'm sharing some exciting news about a brand new product from Tombow: *MONO Drawing Pens! You guys know I have a thing for any new art supply!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Being a part of the Tombow USA design team means that I got the chance to use this new product before it was officially released, and so far I am loving it!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1000" src="../../-L7uxEBywShA/WUfOy_DIdBI/AAAAAAAAgs4/REfO0SlsV84ua2LOOq3RuvlQvwUzVn9zgCLcBGAs/s1600/katie_tombow_mono_drawing_pens.jpg"/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <br/> I've been experimenting with the pens in a few different ways, such as drawing (duh), art journaling, etc. They are a lot like the Pigma Micron Pens that I've been using in the past for a fine tip black marker, but these are definitely my new go to drawing pen.<br/> <br/> They come in <b>3 different point sizes- 01, 03, and 05</b>. I use the 01 tip the most, as I like to use it when I'm sketching portraits to get fine details. However I've also found myself using the other 2 sizes in my art journal.<br/> I doodled the leaves in my art journal here using the 01 and 05 fine points.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="../../-uXjqiLOc47s/WUcsE6ziL6I/AAAAAAAAgsY/sOB_KD0GptMfn-KSYM_BPuC9VGyewYhjACLcBGAs/s1600/katie_tombow_mono_drawing_pens--282-29.JPG"/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> They are <b>water based, but permanent.</b> I've been using them to sketch and then paint watercolor over them and they don't bleed or smudge at all. They also work nicely over top of both watercolor and acrylic paint (once it's dry, of course).</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I used them on this weird/amazing starry girl illustration I did:</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <br/> <br/> You can learn more about them and *purchase the MONO Drawing Pens here.*<br/> <br/> <br/> <i style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;">*I am an affiliate for Tombow. This post might include some affiliate links. If you purchase  using them, I might get a small commission at no additional cost to you.</i>

art journal, drawings, product review, tombow

New Art Product Review: Tombow MONO Drawing Pens

Today I'm sharing some exciting news about a brand new product from Tombow: * MONO Drawing Pens! You guys know I have a thing for any ...

Book Review- Making Concrete Pots, Bowls, and Platters

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" src="../../-xjyu8odr1V8/WOP8DXUDUEI/AAAAAAAAgRI/nx4iaLk5a0YLORw9ThI5gzpJkjLxWTGfgCLcB/s1600/concrete-bowls-book-review--281-29.JPG"/></div> <br/> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "lato";"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Hey y'all, Today I have another book review for you. I received a copy of the book Making Concrete Pots, Bowls, and Platters by Hester van Overbeek to review,  and I've really enjoyed reading through it. First, let's start with a little bit about the book from the publisher:</span></span></span><br/> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "lato";"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br/></span></span></span> <br/> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "lato";">Follow Hester van Overbeek's simple tutorials to make a huge range of unique concrete projects. You will find everything you need to know—what type of concrete to buy, how to use it, and how to decorate it—explained in a comprehensive techniques section. From there you can make chic and on-trend home accessories such as upside-down plant pots, a concrete vase with a wooden base, serving platters, a letter-shaped bookend, fruit bowls, and much more.</span></span></blockquote> <br/> I've always been a bit interested in concrete projects, especially things like planters or bowls, but have been a bit intimidated by it and not knowing where to start. I think this book will come in handy!<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" src="../../-rxXrYbDNnk4/WOP8DQOivxI/AAAAAAAAgRM/VS_HZzc7VqciLz8wYTTmZ5GL013hB9TCQCLcB/s1600/concrete-bowls-book-review--282-29.JPG"/></div> <br/> Included in the book are 35 different projects to create including garden planters, bowls and serving boards and decor pieces like bookends, vases, and art.<br/> <br/> Hester includes tips and resources for getting started (just what I need!) how to choose concrete, how to calculate quantities and mix concrete, coloring concrete, what you can use as molds, etc.<br/> <br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" src="../../-BT24rf8xaaY/WOP8DF8JFaI/AAAAAAAAgRE/2lqRcCAWPm8YXFo7mqItaXTAhFuDokJuQCLcB/s1600/concrete-bowls-book-review--283-29.JPG"/></div> <br/> The projects included in this book are, for the most part, <b><i>amazing</i></b>. Usually when I think of concrete projects I imagine a lot of industrial styled projects, but Hester has a really beautiful style and includes trends like geometric designs, two tone, etc, into her work.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" src="../../-P5m-ZsjDtUQ/WOP8D9UcBrI/AAAAAAAAgRQ/G_EZJvZI3gEZ-KF4XkfZKJYw0HD6ip2KQCLcB/s1600/concrete-bowls-book-review--284-29.JPG"/></div> <br/> To finish this post- I'm definitely recommending this book for anyone with any interest in concrete projects. All of the projects are very well explained in the tutorials, with supply lists and great, clear, photos!<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> You can find out more about the book here.</div> <br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"/> <span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "lato"; font-size: xx-small; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;">*I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own.</span><br/> <br/>

book, product review

Book Review- Making Concrete Pots, Bowls, and Platters

Hey y'all, Today I have another book review for you. I received a copy of the book Making Concrete Pots, Bowls, and Platters by Heste...

Book Review- Crocheted Animal Hats Book by Nicki Trench

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" src="../../-UnjYwtaEKe0/WPaN5ZngY9I/AAAAAAAAgZw/7d23x7cnRMA95jj1S-3SMGbJpWft6hqGwCLcB/s1600/crocheted-hats-book-review--281-29.JPG"/></div> <br/> Hey y'all, It's time for another book review! I want to thank CICO Books for keeping me supplied with some amazing craft books. You can never have too many.<br/> <br/> Today I am reviewing the book Crocheted Animal Hats by Nicki Trench.  First, let's start with a little bit about the book from the publisher:<br/> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> Choose from a wide variety of wild and wonderful animal hat designs; there are hats to keep little babies cosy, such as the super-cute rabbit and kitten and hats for toddlers and bigger kids such as the cool penguin, fierce (but sweet) shark and the cuddly polar bear. Most of the hats can be made in a range of sizes so adults who are young at heart won’t feel left out, and can have their very own tiger, fox or wolf hat. Each hat has easy-to-follow instructions and uses the simplest of stitches, with clear photographs to help with the all-important snouts, ears, eyes, noses and whiskers! With essential yarn information as well as a helpful techniques section, you’ll be ready to start crocheting fun animal hats in no time.</blockquote> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" src="../../-D-UiuMmflDM/WPaN5f2Kz4I/AAAAAAAAgZ0/LEHmgRS8B_EDewgr5e-9hb_KuXfZ8GFYgCLcB/s1600/crocheted-hats-book-review--282-29.JPG"/></div> <br/> My absolute favorite thing to crochet would definitely be hats. Especially animal hats or character hats, so I was pretty excited to hear about this book.<br/> <br/> This book includes 35 different hat patterns you can make, all of them fairly simple. It is divided up into size categories, such as hats for babies, kids, adults, etc.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" src="../../-fCir5Bf_X4o/WPaN5Xem1tI/AAAAAAAAgZ4/1eIs2E9mQV4Qz1BkMT9fofkfmMmNVCs6gCLcB/s1600/crocheted-hats-book-review--283-29.JPG"/></div> <br/> There are some fun critter hats in this book that I haven't seen on pinterest yet, so that was refreshing.<br/> <br/> My one wish was that Nicki made all of the hats with patterns to fit all sizes, so that I could easily make some of the baby hats into adult hats.<br/> I am pretty decent at crocheting, so I will be able to figure out the sizing myself, but it would have been handy. :)<br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" src="../../-NANWGIBPDxs/WPaN5jjgdgI/AAAAAAAAgZ8/Y2fJtYdAEk0Cglgp0QQmhuRBsupobSV1QCLcB/s1600/crocheted-hats-book-review--284-29.JPG"/></div> <div class="separator" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> Overall, This is a great new crochet book. And I have a lot of new animal hats I want to crochet now to add to my hat collection. :)</div> <div class="separator" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> You can find out more about the book here.</div> <br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"/> <span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "lato"; font-size: xx-small; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;">*I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own.</span><br/> <span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "lato"; font-size: xx-small; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;"><br/></span>

book, crochet, product review

Book Review- Crocheted Animal Hats Book by Nicki Trench

Hey y'all, It's time for another book review! I want to thank CICO Books for keeping me supplied with some amazing craft books. Y...

Book Review - Tiny Tabletop Gardens

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-JO3z_PohcZs/WOP9D5Sc8pI/AAAAAAAAgR0/RRZ-rjIKaZowTUBB50N6aEkpnmgLmOITwCLcB/s1600/book-review--table-top-gardens--281-29.JPG"/></div> <br/> Hey everyone, Happy Tuesday! Today I have another book review for you. received a copy of the book Tiny Tabletop Gardens by Emma Hardy to review, so here it is.  First, let's start with a little bit about the book from the publisher:<br/> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> Be inspired by Emma Hardy's beautiful ideas for tiny tabletop displays. Why not try some indoor projects on rainy days; plant some little ferns under glass domes, make Japanese moss balls for the roots of some colorful orchids, or why not create a unique water garden in glass goblets? Make use of any outdoor space you have with hanging lantern planters, little place name pots for a party, a tower of plants, and a beautiful chandelier with small planted glasses. The edible plants chapter has easy-to-grow delicious treats including potted blueberries, an alpine strawberry centerpiece, and much more. Every project has helpful step-by-step instructions and aftercare tips from expert gardener Emma Hardy, so now even those with a minimum of space can enjoy the benefits and joys of gardening.</blockquote> <br/> I do really enjoy working in the garden and potting flowers, so this book is automatically something I would be interested in.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-VkUde_ccqZg/WOP9DD9wWCI/AAAAAAAAgRs/MsvHGjD95roKOFE4J6kW078fXu2JF6zxwCLcB/s1600/book-review--table-top-gardens--282-29.JPG"/></div> <br/> The book includes 35 projects, so it has a pretty good variety. I really love all of the different ideas Emma includes on what type of containers you can use. Such as vintage tins, mason jars, ladles, tea pots, etc. There are so many options.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-5NZGtFKXtf4/WOP9DtlRqtI/AAAAAAAAgRw/waGojBi6Q1wB5baWjTn2WCaZLRgAT7zDACLcB/s1600/book-review--table-top-gardens--283-29.JPG"/></div> <br/> Emma includes an Edible Plants section, which is perfect if you want to grow your own herbs. Right now I have mint, oregano, and cilantro growing outside, but I would love to put them in a cute container to have in my kitchen. <br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-O8PjeFDg4Ps/WOP9EecQ5YI/AAAAAAAAgR4/5ea_SDViUSshNkYoSRBiUtyyfdzXO5LSQCLcB/s1600/book-review--table-top-gardens--284-29.JPG"/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> You can find out more about the book here.</div> <br/> <span style="font-size: x-small;">*I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own.</span>

book, product review

Book Review - Tiny Tabletop Gardens

Hey everyone, Happy Tuesday! Today I have another book review for you. received a copy of the book Tiny Tabletop Gardens by Emma Hardy ...

Book Review - Folded Book Art by Clare Youngs

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;"> <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><img border="0" src="../../-plizW4pFOxU/WOP8sm9WaLI/AAAAAAAAgRk/VRH-CPJ4GfovNCczGLKtf0wUzFHV1E7CwCLcB/s1600/book-review-folded-book-art--281-29.JPG" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"/></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;"> <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><br/></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;"> <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;">Hey y'all! Today I am sharing a review of the book Folded Book Art by Clare Youngs.  </span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;">First, let's start with a little bit about the book from the publisher:</span></div> <blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Follow Clare Youngs' simple step-by-step projects to make a huge variety of creative book art projects. In the first chapter, Folding Books, get folding and make a beautiful bird, a sailor’s knot, and a shining star, they look impressive but are deceptively simple to make. In Chapter 2, Making Scenes, you will learn how to cut and glue splendid scenes such as tiny paper mushrooms and ferns under a glass bell jar, a fairytale castle, and a tiger in the jungle, all of which would make great gifts, or just keep and display them all yourself! Chapter 3, Refashioned Pages, has ideas for transforming the pages cut from books—make greeting cards, a botanical print lampshade, and hanging birds. All the projects have helpful step-by-step instructions and illustrations so all you need are a few old books and you are ready to start!</blockquote> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> When I first saw the title of this book, my first thought was of those folded book angels I used to see older ladies make at Christmas. And while there are some folded designs like that in this book, there are also a ton of other ideas I wouldn't have guessed.</div> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-PBvwEs4ueek/WOP8sYnUqxI/AAAAAAAAgRg/vjbwk7KPctERkJWQnV2kr1P0nNNq5bk5QCLcB/s1600/book-review-folded-book-art--282-29.JPG"/></div> <br/> The Author, Clare Youngs, shows an amazing variety of projects, not just folded paper angels. My personal favorite projects are in chapter 2, which sows you how to make some projects such as paper ferns and these adorable paper mushrooms! I am definitely going to make those!<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-HOQygE7XsB8/WOP8sRmzuFI/AAAAAAAAgRc/oag3UbHC6A0LJNhcHEYhwhjlB8hpUpcwgCLcB/s1600/book-review-folded-book-art--283-29.JPG"/></div> <br/> Clare has some really cool ideas for using individual book pages as well, such as the embroidered art pictured below, which I think is really neat.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-d4qG_H6K21o/WOP8tNDwI_I/AAAAAAAAgRo/7IK90ubZuRQu16RAB-EYijbda-GnC8PxwCLcB/s1600/book-review-folded-book-art--284-29.JPG"/></div> <br/> This book was a really great surprise, and I look forward to making some of the projects included in it. So I definitely recommend it.<br/> <br/> You can find out more about the book here.

book, product review

Book Review - Folded Book Art by Clare Youngs

Hey y'all! Today I am sharing a review of the book   Folded Book Art by Clare Youngs .   First, let's start with a little bit a...

Book Review- Simple Chic Crochet by Susan Ritchie and Karen Miller

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../../-xSAg8VgALQA/WOPiKsQd6eI/AAAAAAAAgQ0/3qqdIDht5bM5DlGoV2fGFvy0_4z62e76ACLcB/s1600/simple-chic-crochet-book-review--281-29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="../../-xSAg8VgALQA/WOPiKsQd6eI/AAAAAAAAgQ0/3qqdIDht5bM5DlGoV2fGFvy0_4z62e76ACLcB/s1600/simple-chic-crochet-book-review--281-29.JPG"/></span></a></div> <br/> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Today I'm reviewing the book Simple Chic Crochet by </span><span style="color: #333333;">Susan Ritchie and Karen Miller of Mrs Moon.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">First, let's start with a little bit about the book:</span></span><br/> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br/></span><span style="color: #333333;">Susan Ritchie and Karen Miller’s mission is to show you how</span><span style="color: #333333;">simple it is to create your own modern-casual crochet garments,</span><span style="color: #333333;">accessories and homewares. There are easy-to-hook projects that</span><span style="color: #333333;">will grow so fast you’ll be finished in a day and larger or more</span><span style="color: #333333;">intricate items that will take longer.</span></span></blockquote> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Crocheting is really only a Fall and Winter hobby for me, and I don't share my yarn projects here on the blog much, but that won't stop me from enjoying a good crochet book!</span></span><br/> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br/></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="../../-b77zF9ASOgA/WOPiKm164II/AAAAAAAAgQs/qPnocJ9cXvYtY-boFzQ6Qj1DoXqKi43NwCLcB/s1600/simple-chic-crochet-book-review--283-29.JPG"/></span><br/> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br/></span></span> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">In the beginning of the book you have the content section, and the 35 projects are separated into different categories.</span></span><br/> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><br/></span></span> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Truthfully, I wouldn't make many of the projects in this book. Don't get me wrong- <i>they're lovely!!</i> but my crochet style isn't very chic. I'm a nerd and I usually crochet more fun things, like animal hats or tea cup coasters.</span></span><br/> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">So it's just a personal preference of project style, if you make more <b>stylish crochet projects</b>, <b>You will love the patterns in this book.</b></span></span><br/> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><br/></span></span> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">That being said, I did still love a few of the projects included, like this adorable owl.</span></span><br/> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br/></span></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="../../-4IyzAzvqoUc/WOPiKyrnMqI/AAAAAAAAgQw/XKo3Kz5Wy78Xn9vddU2HEGtU3t1QnlQ1QCLcB/s1600/simple-chic-crochet-book-review--282-29.JPG"/></span></div> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">It is nice that there are a variety of projects. Some that are perfect for beginners, and others that have more complicated stitches for more advanced crocheters! </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br/></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br/></span></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 22.4px; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;">You can learn more about this book on CICO Books, here.</span></span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"/><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 22.4px; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"/></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 22.4px; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*I was compensated in the form of a free book  for this post, but all opinions are my own. </span></span></span></span>

book, crochet, product review

Book Review- Simple Chic Crochet by Susan Ritchie and Karen Miller

Today I'm reviewing the book Simple Chic Crochet by  Susan Ritchie and Karen Miller of Mrs Moon.   First, let's start with a litt...

DIY Watercolored Tea Themed Cards + Art of Tea review

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Hey everyone, I'm excited for today's post. You know I am a tea drinker- it says it right over there in my bio. ---></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I LOVE tea and drink it all day. If I had to choose between tea & crafts, well, it's hard to say which one would win. Which is why when the <a href="http://www.artoftea.com/">Art of Tea</a> approached me about reviewing some product, I said yes! </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-_oTH77lk07Q/WJ0FPTgskeI/AAAAAAAAf4o/YZACB9vIm9MFoRQPGmEuT1nRzjwfmFBdwCLcB/s1600/art-of-tea-review-and-diy-tea-cards--281-29.jpg"/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-FYfHOnqMc94/WJ0FPVhQ8PI/AAAAAAAAf4s/u3fGeWQoieIkyXIZiBHTKBCLEOIlD2HLQCLcB/s1600/art-of-tea-review-and-diy-tea-cards--283-29.jpg"/></div> <br/> I wanted to combine this review with a craft project, so I'm showing your my process for watercoloring these tea themed cards- perfect to send to any fellow tea lovers!<br/> <br/> I started by lightly sketching out a teapot and teacup onto mixed media paper.<br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-E-JQrZrkw90/WJ0FPgcOSOI/AAAAAAAAf40/wDzNgtn2LIU6s4k2GBi2yvMoHvrxw-bMwCLcB/s1600/art-of-tea-review-and-diy-tea-cards--284-29.jpg"/></div> <br/> I erased most of my sketch so that it was just barely visible- it's just a guideline. Next I gabbed my paint palette and a wet brush and started coloring the design in!<br/> <br/> I like to sprinkle on a tiny bit of salt while the paint is still wet, it gives it a neat effect as it dries.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-FfAKW87cZ-8/WJ0FPkFT7JI/AAAAAAAAf44/GhBFum5Stw8YOgazBbghf9SBj6Jajwn2QCLcB/s1600/art-of-tea-review-and-diy-tea-cards--285-29.jpg"/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-S9EJStpZ4is/WJ0FP2PCEQI/AAAAAAAAf48/7khPwj3b6PItjPoEUTo3LxAM-HHDTZkXwCLcB/s1600/art-of-tea-review-and-diy-tea-cards--286-29.jpg"/></div> <br/> After I colored in the designs, I actually decided to go back and outline them in black marker and then I matted the mixed media paper with black cardstock and adhered them to a pink card base for a quick and easy card!<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-rgBzBcJsMOs/WJ0FP3HyuZI/AAAAAAAAf5A/Vz5IknpkAjMISX7r4cdH4gAYdmorKJJUwCLcB/s1600/art-of-tea-review-and-diy-tea-cards--287-29.jpg"/></div> <br/> <b>Now on to the tea review!</b> The Art of Tea sent me these teas: <a href="http://www.artoftea.com/tea/collections/wellness-collection/bright-eyed.html">Bright Eyed</a>, White Coconut Creme and Classic Black.<br/> <br/> I've tried both Bright Eyed and Classic Black and YUM. Black tea has always been my personal favorite, so I <b>loved</b> the classic black- It smelled so good when I opened it up (yes I smell the teas!).<br/> <br/> I've honestly never been a fan of coconut, so I gave the White Coconut Creme tea to my father, who loves all things coconut, and he gave it two thumbs up!<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-6t8phtBlnwo/WJ0FQFj4yaI/AAAAAAAAf5E/eGug9AmI7S4hlxR_O2jg1ePBjK_kvqy8gCLcB/s1600/art-of-tea-review-and-diy-tea-cards--288-29.jpg"/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-rjeRMamJiJQ/WJ0FPSr4T6I/AAAAAAAAf4w/vAyp8il210Qnw2azmAvnW7CDD2H7ZMoTwCLcB/s1600/art-of-tea-review-and-diy-tea-cards--282-29.jpg"/></div> <br/> If you take a visit to the Art of Tea's website, you'll not only find a large selection of teas, but they also have what they call the "<a href="http://www.artoftea.com/catalogsearch/advanced/">tea wizard</a>"in which you take a quick Tea Discovery Quiz to get recommendations.<br/> <br/> Overall, if you like tea as much as me (or even just a cup here or there), then definitely try out some of these by Art of Tea. I think I want to try out the Pacific Coast Mint because I love mint.<br/> <br/> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: xx-small;">*This is a sponsored post by Art of Tea. I received compensation in the form of free product, but all opinions are my own.</span>

product review, tea

DIY Watercolored Tea Themed Cards + Art of Tea review

Hey everyone, I'm excited for today's post. You know I am a tea drinker- it says it right over there in my bio. ---> I LOVE te...

Book Review- Modern Weaving by Laura Strutt

<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: justify;">Hey everyone! Today I am sharing a review of the book </span><span style="color: #333333;">Modern Weaving by Laura Strutt. </span></span><br/> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><br/></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Although it's an ancient art, Weaving has especially been a huge trend for a couple of years now but I haven't really done any myself, it has just looked a bit intimidating to me!</span><br/> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br/></span> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="../../-ePFWGeZCCFk/WCaDrONaldI/AAAAAAAAfRQ/Q1Kd9_ezngIHFA68RDoGeMZy5oIAyITZACLcB/s1600/modern-weaving-book-review--281-29.jpg"/></span></div> <br/> When I saw this book I thought "oh hey, they actually make it look easy!".<br/> <br/> Let's start with a blurb from the publisher:<br/> <br/> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "open_sans"; font-size: 19.6px;">Laura Strutt has designed 25 contemporary weavings in a range of stylish colorways, from bright neons to pastels, Navajo-inspired earth tones, monochrome, and neutrals, as well as suggesting alternate colors so you can match your makes to your home and your accessories to your mood. With a comprehensive techniques section that covers everything from how to make your own loom, warping (preparing) a loom, basics such as tabby weave, bubbling, Egyptian knots, Soumak weave, basket weave, and many more, you will develop the skills you need to make a wide range of exciting projects, such as a stunning gold and cream wall hanging with extra-long Rya knots, a pastel-colored hanging with ribbons and strips of lace to create a tactile texture, or a pretty phone cover with Aztec-inspired triangles—the only difficult part is choosing what to make first!</span></blockquote> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br/></span> <br/> <span style="font-family: inherit;">As it says on the cover, this book includes 25 different tutorials for woven projects, as well as 15 pages of tool guides and weaving technique instructions.</span><br/> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br/></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="../../-_sQuCJCgUXs/WCaDrVTxv7I/AAAAAAAAfRM/amtgkUyY1CkyLmiEq89OHCsdlm49FiaUwCLcB/s1600/modern-weaving-book-review--282-29.JPG"/></span></div> <br/> This book appears to be great for both beginners (me!!) and more advanced weavers looking for new techniques and project ideas.<br/> <br/> Laura even shows you how to make your own DIY loom if you don't already have one to work on.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="../../-EbUy_1gXdAA/WCaDrI4eKdI/AAAAAAAAfRI/nZLuzQVjhnEO6Q691YiwPgac_WRqxRg1gCLcB/s1600/modern-weaving-book-review--283-29.JPG"/></span></div> <br/> The projects in this book are all lovely, but what I like best is the super detailed technique tutorials at the beginning of the book, as well as the handy color charts for each project.<br/> <br/> Have you taken up the weaving trend yet? If you're interested in it, I do recommend this book.<br/> You can find the book Modern Weaving here.<br/> <br/>

book, product review

Book Review- Modern Weaving by Laura Strutt

Hey everyone! Today I am sharing a review of the book   Modern Weaving by Laura Strutt.  Although it's an ancient art, Weaving has espe...

Book Review- Rag Rugs, Pillows, and More by Elspeth Jackson

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: justify;">Hey everyone! Today I am sharing a review of the book </span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="text-align: start;"></span>Rag Rugs, Pillows, and More,</span><span style="color: #333333; text-align: justify;"> by Elspeth Jackson</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-LxEB7yQwRdg/WCcairNHvdI/AAAAAAAAfRs/eTyrOCM3AX48Wj4nvSgSktClDpEuVEa8QCLcB/s1600/rag-rug-book-reviews--281-29.JPG"/></div> <br/> <br/> Let's start with a blurb from the publisher:<br/> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: open_sans; font-size: 19.6px;">You’ll be amazed at how simple and enjoyable it is to upcycle old and well-loved garments into beautiful rugs, pillows, artworks, bags, and other gifts, using just a few basic tools and some simple techniques. The book is arranged into three chapters: Home includes a selection of projects for fun and easy rugs in a range of colors and styles, as well as a shaggy pillow, draft excluder, wall hanging, and chalkboard frame. Gifts has wonderful ideas for unique items that you can make for friends and family, from a clutch bag to flower hair clips and even a brooch. Finally, Seasonal will inspire you to turn your strips of fabric into decorations and gifts to use at certain times of the year, from a rag-rugged heart for Valentine’s Day, to an unusual spring wreath, and some gorgeous Christmas baubles.</span></blockquote> <blockquote class="tr_bq">  <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: open_sans; font-size: 19.6px;">With lavish color photographs and clear, step-by-step instructions and artworks, crafters of all ages will enjoy making these projects. A comprehensive section at the start of the book covers everything you need to know about which fabrics to choose, what tools you will need, and what the essential techniques are, allowing you to discover how to update this traditional craft with endless possibilities of color and fabric combinations.</span></blockquote> <br/> I have never made a rag rug, so this book looked really quite interesting to me! I'd seen them before of course, just never tried making any. One time I tried to crochet a rug, but I lost interest about halfway through.<br/> <br/> In this book Elspeth shows you 30 different ways to upcycle fabric using the rag rug technique and not all of them are rugs! There is a great variety of different projects, like this stool below:<br/> <br/> <img border="0" src="../../-ahTzsOKW0_I/WCcaipz5w2I/AAAAAAAAfRk/w8Nmnzw1WzQ8DnyBZp4ZzS6u-4L2VRfFgCLcB/s1600/rag-rug-book-reviews--283-29.JPG"/><br/> <br/> The book starts off with an introduction about what makes Rag Rugging so wonderful and then Elspeth shares what tools you'll need to get started and then all of the technique you'll need to know to make the projects in this book:<br/> How to work in straight lines, cutting fabric strips, how to rag rug, etc.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-QRamP2RNniw/WCcaigvsfcI/AAAAAAAAfRo/kDIS2Q8pZ54jPHv-xBkXsGi2cmWAVFAFACLcB/s1600/rag-rug-book-reviews--282-29.JPG"/></div> <br/> There are some realllllly cute projects in this book, I may have to give Rag Rugging a try, and hopefully it works out better than my crocheted rug! Ha.<br/> <br/> You can purchase this book here.<br/> <br/>

book, product review

Book Review- Rag Rugs, Pillows, and More by Elspeth Jackson

Hey everyone! Today I am sharing a review of the book   Rag Rugs, Pillows, and More,  by Elspeth Jackson Let's start with a blur...

Book Review- String Craft by Lucy Hopping

<div style="text-align: start;"> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 23.4px; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">Hey everyone! Today I am sharing a review of the book, String Craft by Lucy Hopping.</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 23.4px; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> It came out this Summer and my first thought was that it looked like it might have some fun projects in it! I got the chance to review it, so here it is!</span></span></div> </div> <div style="text-align: start;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br/></span></div> <div style="text-align: start;"> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 23.4px; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="../../-uqWLm4ISN08/V-CWmPFwgII/AAAAAAAAe_k/tL98ebwMi7wESP2hm1neE9YcFEUH5i3QgCLcB/s1600/book-review-string-craft--281-29.JPG"/></span></span></div> </div> <div style="text-align: start;"> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 23.4px; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br/></span></span></div> </div> <div style="text-align: start;"> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 23.4px; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's start this post off with a small blurb about it from the publisher:</span></span></div> </div> <blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Follow Lucy Hopping’s simple instructions to create a whole host of stylish home accessories to update your décor.</span></blockquote> <blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"> In the first chapter "Display and decorate," you’ll be able to make a cool geometric lampshade, get organized with embroidered storage baskets, or revamp a bare wall with a large piece of wall art that consists of lots of little canvases which combine to make an impressive deer. Wrap your furniture in string too—there are projects to transform your chairs, decorate a table, and stitch rainbow curtains.</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></blockquote> <blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">All the creations in the second chapter "Accessories and Jewelry" can be worn, so you can be a walking work of art! There are embroidered buttons to embellish a cardigan, a vibrant neon necklace that makes a statement, and even a cute pineapple purse that will liven up any outfit.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the final chapter, "Artful gifts," you can use all your new skills to make your friends and family beautiful gifts such as pretty stitched notebooks for the student in your life, a trendy arrow cushion for a new home, ceramic hanging decorations for Christmas, and why not whip up gift boxes and gift tags as the perfect finishing touches?</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></blockquote> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br/></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">This book has 35 different projects with instructions. The books starts with an introduction (duh),  and then has 2 pages full of stitch techniques. </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br/></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="../../-HUiyQlYzujA/V-CWmPHmcoI/AAAAAAAAe_g/tKTs3vMTaNgWFhlQh_ZPSpBVgVD6goRNQCLcB/s1600/book-review-string-craft--282-29.JPG"/></span></div> <br/> My first thought when seeing the cover of the book was "hmm, so string art and embroidery?". but it's got so much more variety than that.<br/> Yes, it does have the classic string art, where you wrap string around nails to create patterns, but I love the ideas included. String art on driftwood? Awesome.<br/> <br/> I think my favorite string art project in this book though is the Flowers in a Mason Jar Art. I really want to make one.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="../../-egxeQfkk5Vg/V-CWmDqasJI/AAAAAAAAe_c/_osxw2mAvCgLLaVb_CkHBmQqPuiMofb_gCLcB/s1600/book-review-string-craft--283-29.JPG"/></span></div> <br/> <br/> There are a lot of trendy projects in this book, such as the pineapple purse and the fruit coasters.<br/> <br/> The back of the book has templates you need to make some of the projects, as well as a list of resources to find supplies.<br/> <br/> Overall, it's a fun craft book. Not something I'd go out specifically to look for, but I do love some of the projects in it!<br/> <br/> You can find it here.<br/> <br/> <br/>

book, product review

Book Review- String Craft by Lucy Hopping

Hey everyone! Today I am sharing a review of the book, String Craft by Lucy Hopping .  It came out this Summer and my first thought was t...

Book Review- Handmade Christmas

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> You may be thinking it is too early for Christmas posts, but in reality, there aren't that many weeks left until the holidays start and we all get into the Christmas spirit! Who doesn't love a good Christmas craft, right?</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Which is why today I am reviewing the new book, Handmade Christmas, by CICO Books!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Here is a blurb about it by the published: </div> <blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Save money and have fun with this beautiful collection of Christmas makes. Split into three chapters covering a wide range of different crafting techniques, </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Handmade Christmas</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> will show you how to perfect your card making, embroidery skills, and sugar craft with projects from different festive cultures and traditions. Start with Decorations, where you will find delightful ideas such as a traditional advent calendar and colorful embroidered Christmas stockings, as well as tin candle holders that will glimmer and shine. Then move on to Cards and Gift Wrap, which includes inspired ways to present your thoughtful gifts. Learn how to make goody bags and labels in the shape of gingerbread men, or get the kids involved with making the potato print star gift-wrap! And lastly, Handmade Gifts has something to please everyone. With tasty edible treats such as button bites, chocolate coins, and traditional German lebkuchen, you will be the envy of every household. Every project comes with clear step-by-step instructions and illustrations, requires no specialist equipment, and many can be made in an afternoon, so you can get started right away!</span></blockquote> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-4H9n5dI4JDA/V7JdH-ujomI/AAAAAAAAezA/yuEosP42VZwIjQqC-kaa0V-LWAFb56tOgCLcB/s1600/book-review--handmade-christmas.JPG"/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I feel like it is hard to have a bad Christmas craft book, I love almost all of them. My mom used to do Crafts with my Sister and I every year, making ornaments and cookies, and such, so Christmas crafts always have a special place in my heart.</div> <br/> Handmade Christmas has over 35 step-by-step projects, and 128 pages.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-r0cw4ybrLzg/V8RnSc3rIYI/AAAAAAAAe2o/ml5QVRnozB0R_vcXfqE5Tdpf5VRE40NEgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0502.JPG"/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../../-wiJNMjQ8zG8/V8RnSbw7hWI/AAAAAAAAe2s/0cUsbBRfJTUWzRyVcCzMVinFIyI_u_NSgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0503.JPG"/></div> <br/> There is am ix of old and new projects in this book, some crafts (jolly rancher cookies) I have known forever, but of course that doesn't mean everyone has seen them. And other project ideas were completely new to me!<br/> <br/> I do love the bright step-by-step photos included.<br/> <br/> I just absolutely love the button cookies pictured above, and the stuffed "gingerbread house"!<br/> <br/> I will definitely be adding this book to my Christmas stash, and making some of the projects for decorations this year!<br/> <b><br/></b> <b>Do you have a collection of Christmas crafting books you pull out every year? </b><br/> <br/> <br/>

book, Christmas, product review

Book Review- Handmade Christmas

You may be thinking it is too early for Christmas posts, but in reality, there aren't that many weeks left until the holidays start and...

Book Review - Learn to Sew

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 23.4px;">Hey everyone! Today I am sharing a review of the book, Learn to Sew by Emma Hardy</span><a href="https://coloringnotebook.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a9cb8; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0px !important; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">.</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 23.4px;"> Have you heard of it? It just came out this past month, so let's start this post off with a small blurb about it from the publisher.</span></span></div> <blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Emma Hardy has been sewing since she was a child, graduating from making doll’s clothes by hand to mastering a sewing machine, and sewing both for herself and for the home. To help you get started, she has gathered together 25 simple projects that are quick and easy to make, using basic hand and machine sewing skills. Before you begin, a fully illustrated techniques section teaches you everything you need to know to complete the projects, from basting to hemming. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can try your hand at sewing accessories for the home, including curtains and pillow covers, a table runner, place mats and napkins for the dinner table, or a tea cozy and a pan holder for the kitchen. Around the rest of the house, you can keep things tidy with a drawstring toy bag, and even make your own ironing board cover. Discover how simple it can be to sew unique items for the home, using your own selection of fabrics and trimmings, and you’ll soon be hooked on sewing.</span></span></blockquote> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br/></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="../../-qflIDpPAoo8/V7JdAwtYvGI/AAAAAAAAey4/w8Txdhk7H-AhMpUnNZz8DMackT9pp8mRwCLcB/s1600/book-review--learn-to-sew.JPG"/></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I love a variety of crafts and post mostly scrapbooking, art or diy's here. But once and a while I do LOVE a good sewing project! </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The projects that Emma made for this book are all really great for beginners, or just anyone looking for a simple project!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Included in the book are step-by-step tutorials for the basic sewing stitches you'll need to know for hand stitching as well as using the sewing machine. Emma also shows techniques for making templates and tips for choosing patterns if you aren't great at that.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" src="../../-7RVXLa_NHx4/V8RmdflSBlI/AAAAAAAAe2k/H1zSzYrAnHsf76C2-5SO4mjJLC-Ji-3kQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0500.JPG"/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" src="../../-wJgJ4BOWJc8/V8RmdbP0SQI/AAAAAAAAe2g/MkAbgyyp0q4JXppdF4pzcvsCSswKGchKgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0501.JPG"/></div> <br/> <br/> My favorite projects in the book are probably the tea cozy, which I thought was super cute, and the "Knitting Bag" looks super handy for lots of projects, not just knitting!<br/> <br/> If you are looking for a more advanced sewing book, I would say that<i> this is not it.</i> The projects are all pretty simple. However if you are looking for beginner projects,<b> this is a great resource!</b></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br/> You can learn more about the book here.<br/> <br/> Have you done any good sewing projects lately?</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br/></div>

book, product review

Book Review - Learn to Sew

Hey everyone! Today I am sharing a review of the book, Learn to Sew by Emma Hardy .  Have you heard of it? It just came out this past month...