Did your Mom read to you as a kid? Mine sure did. And in fact we were just talking about how the library played a huge part in our childhood. So, why not get Mom a book for Mother's Day? It's a gift that keeps on giving. Is she a devoted crafter in one area or has she been looking for something new to try?
Why not build on her library or start her down a new crafty path?
To see some inside peeks, click here and here. This is a great all-encompassing craft inspiration book on all topics with a little instruction thrown in. I call this a "If I could have one book if I was stuck on a desert island" book.
OK well I hope I gave you some ideas for some great books to give Mom on the day we set aside to make sure she gets an extra bit of recognition and love!
Once a Girl Scout, now a Craft Scout! You too can earn a merit badge! The first 25 people to make something every day for 365 days can get one of these spiffy Nerd Merit Badges! Details here. Check out some of the entries over at the Make Something 365 Blog.
As you can see, my Craft Scout sash was pretty darn full so I thought I would make a Craft Scout sash for Jane Doe Amineko. And since this merit badge is Velcro backed, a recycled wool felted sweater would be the perfect material since Velcro sticks great to it.
Here is how I made my Amineko doll size scout sash.
I sketched out a pattern (below) that fit on Jane. She doesn't have shoulders really so it took a few tries but was pretty easy.
Then I laid the pattern on the folded side seam of the recycled wool felted sweater and cut it out. Roy supervised.
The sash seemed a bit wide so I trimmed it a bit but still kept it wide enough to fit the 365 merit badge.
I folded it right side in and fit it to Jane again. Then all that was left to do was a quick line of stitching to attach the front and back at the bottom side seam.
Here is the doll scout sash pattern I used.
Check out this cool video of Skull a Day, 365 skulls in 1 minute:
The concept of Noah Scalin’s "365 method" is simple but inspired: Choose a theme or medium, then make something every day for a year. Noah made 365 skull-themed projects... now he invites you to choose your obsession and get creative! The book offers 365 project prompts to kick start your creativity, plus plenty of room for journaling, sketching, and jotting down ideas. Learn how to choose your subject and document your work, and see examples from other artists and crafters who took the 365 challenge. In addition, master new techniques to incorporate into your projects, including quilling, clay-making, paper pop-up engineering, and more. Share your progress with other 365-ers at www.MakeSomething365.com. With365: A Daily Creativity Journalyou’ll get charged up, get messy, and get inspired, and you’ll see how making something every day can change your creative process—and change your life forever!
In 2007, artist Noah Scalin came up with an ingenious idea: he cut a skull out of orange paper and posted it on his blog with the note, “I’m making a skull image every day for a year.” His year-long art project became an award-winning internet sensation that resulted in the book Skulls, as well as landing him in the New York Times and on the Martha Stewart Show. He lives in Richmond, Virginia.
Hello My Name is Amineko follows the journey of Amineko the Crochet Cat and his crocheted friends as they eat, sleep, and have lots of fun and adventures. The book comes with complete step-by-step photography and instructions for creating an Amineko of your very own and personalizing this cute cat with different facial expressions, clothing, and even bedding. Hundreds of color photographs tell the adorable tales, and mischief, that Amineko and his friends find themselves in, with complete instructions for knitting adventures of your own.
Born in Tokyo 1967, Nekoyama has been a life-long lover of cats. Cats and their endearing mischief have never failed to cheer her up. She created her first Amineko by accident and has never looked back. Today, she and her husband are the proud parents of many Aminekos. Nekoyama’s first book, A Day In the Life of Amineko, was published in Japan in 2005.
Designed for both the photography enthusiast and weekend warrior, this daily reader offers a broad look at life through the camera lens. From brief biographies of world-renowned photographers to techniques in fashion photography and trends, there is something for every reader inside. Packed full of inspiring images and stimulating information, this book is a staple for everyone who loves to point and click. Ten categories of discussion rotate throughout the year: History of Photography, Famous Photographers, Photography 101, Fashion & Beauty, Photojournalism, Nature, Portraits, Social Commentary, Innovations, and Photographic Oddities.
The authors of this book offer a collection of unique voices from the world of professional photography.
In the previous peek into this book, I shared art in a latte. Here is some great art on dirty car windows. I just love the idea of art in unusual places. Click on the image to enlarge and read all about this art by Scott Wade.
Where and out of what is the most unusual place you have spotted art?
And if you are new to Craftside, if you leave your answer to the questions I pose in the comments section you are entered to win a free book!
By Colin Gilbert, Dylan Gilbert, Elizabeth T. Gilbert, Gabriel Guzman, Rebecca Razo, Sharon Robinson, Amy Runyen, and David J. Schmidt
In today’s fast-paced world, creative people are as eager as ever to pursue their artistic passions, but many of them simply don’t have enough time. Catering to this modern dilemma, this is the perfect remedy for over-burdened artists. The Daily Book of Art includes a year’s worth of brief daily readings and lessons about the visual arts that entertain as they inform.
Ten exciting categories of discussion rotate throughout the course of a year, giving readers a well-rounded experience in the art world. From color psychology and aesthetic philosophy to the proverbial argument over whether cats and elephants really can paint, art-starved readers will encounter a broad range of inspiring subjects.
The Daily Book of Art also features a ribbon bookmark so readers can keep their place throughout the year. The ten categories of discussion include Art 101, Philosophy of Art, Art Through the Ages, Profiles in Art, A Picture’s Worth 200 Words, Art from the Inside Out, Art Around the World, Artistic Oddities, Unexpected Art Forms, and Step-by-Step Exercises.
I LOVE coffee but it never occurred to me that my yummy treat that keeps me going could be a place for creativity, boy my eyes are open in more than one way! Want some more artistic knowledge and inspiration? Grab a copy of:
By Colin Gilbert, Dylan Gilbert, Elizabeth T. Gilbert, Gabriel Guzman, Rebecca Razo, Sharon Robinson, Amy Runyen, and David J. Schmidt
In today’s fast-paced world, creative people are as eager as ever to pursue their artistic passions, but many of them simply don’t have enough time. Catering to this modern dilemma, this is the perfect remedy for over-burdened artists. The Daily Book of Art includes a year’s worth of brief daily readings and lessons about the visual arts that entertain as they inform.
Ten exciting categories of discussion rotate throughout the course of a year, giving readers a well-rounded experience in the art world. From color psychology and aesthetic philosophy to the proverbial argument over whether cats and elephants really can paint, art-starved readers will encounter a broad range of inspiring subjects.
The Daily Book of Art also features a ribbon bookmark so readers can keep their place throughout the year. The ten categories of discussion include Art 101, Philosophy of Art, Art Through the Ages, Profiles in Art, A Picture’s Worth 200 Words, Art from the Inside Out, Art Around the World, Artistic Oddities, Unexpected Art Forms, and Step-by-Step Exercises.
