If you are looking to add another element, this origami mosquito tutorial looks a lot like a hummingbird, and I bet it would look charming with these lilies!
Geared toward the absolute beginner, Origami 101 contains more than 40 amazing folding projects for the whole family and includes models that evolve from one of four basic origami shapes. A revolutionary illustration enhancement called Glow Fold makes the diagrams and video steps easy to understand. With the introduction of every folding symbol, you'll find a detailed sidebar explaining what it means and a symbol index bookmark that guides you to these sidebars whenever you need to be reminded. If you need more help, just pop the accompanying DVD into your computer and go directly to the video of any model!
Have you always been intrigued by origami, but often found the diagrams confusing or the models uninspiring? Origami 101 is here to help. Geared toward the absolute beginner, this book contains more than 40 amazing folding projects for the whole family and includes models that evolve from one of four basic origami shapes. A revolutionary illustration enhancement called Glow Fold makes the diagrams and video steps easy to understand. With the introduction of every folding symbol, you'll find a detailed sidebar explaining what it means and a symbol index bookmark that guides you to these sidebars whenever you need to be reminded. If you need more help, just pop the accompanying DVD into your computer and go directly to the video of any model.
In these pages, you'll learn how to create:
A roosting robin
A flowering branch
A flying dragon
A sea turtle
A Tyrannosaurus Rex
A tree ornament
A tropical fish
A graceful swan
And so much more
With the help of origami enthusiast Benjamin Coleman, you'll learn how this classic craft can be enjoyed by all ages. Amuse yourself and delight your friends with these captivating folded figures!
Benjamin John Coleman, also known as Benagami, first found success in the business world and then turned to teaching math as a creative outlet. An Origami book he received from a friend brought back childhood memories of paper folding and renewed his fascination with the craft. Always intrigued by the complexity and simplicity of Origami, Ben has most recently devoted his time to making bonsai botanical sculptures from recycled paper that he calls Origami Bonsai. He has published a book titled Origami Bonsai. Ben maintains http://www.benagami.com and http://www.origamibonsai.org, and he publishes online The Origami Bonsai Electronic Magazine. He lives in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Written with the absolute beginner in mind, this book teaches all the basics for machine quilting with step-by-step instructions and photographs. Quilting skills are learned by working on projects, beginning with something very easy and getting progressively more difficult as the reader works through the book. New skills are explored in depth as they are introduced. The introductory section covers all the basics of quilting-choosing fabric, quick cutting techniques, sewing seams, completing a quilt top, layering and basting, and both hand and machine quilting methods-making this the most comprehensive beginner's book available. The accompanying DVD includes a how-to video illustrating quilting basics, demonstrates all projects, and offers the complete book pages in PDF format.
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!
Many people want to express themselves through visual journaling, but are stuck or intimidated with how to get started, what to write, or how to move beyond gluing down a few images or putting some paint on the paper.
This book breaks down the entire working process of journaling with step-by-step photos and instructions from start to finish: how to use different media such as paint, photographs, and collage, and contains journaling prompts and exercises. These exercises help readers dig deeper to enrich the journaling process and experience. The book discusses the benefits of visual journaling, and includes exercises about what to do when you are in a creative funk or feeling down or uninspired, and how to help yourself out of it.
The book includes a DVD featuring Traci Bunkers creating many of the visual journal pages shown throughout the book. This visual guide enhances the information in the book, showing her work process in a way that goes beyond what can be captured in still photographs or through text.
Traci Bunkers is a passionate and quirky self-employed mixed-media and journal artist living in Lawrence, Kansas. “I love rusty things, glitter glue, old books to cut up and cheap cameras. I'm smiling when my hands are dirty with paint or when I've altered a camera or something to use as a printing tool. It means I'm doing what I love—making art and doing things with my hands. Lucky for me, I do what I love for a living.” Even though the DIY and repurposing life styles are now in vogue, for this self-proclaimed love child of MacGyver, reusing and repurposing have always been her way of life as a creative way to problem solve and make ends meet. Through her one-woman business Bonkers Handmade Originals, she sells her nifty creations such as hand-dyed spinning fibers and yarns, original rubber stamps, handmade books, knits and original artwork. She also creates an artzine called Tub Legs, designs knitwear, and is a knitting, spinning, and crochet technical editor. She has been teaching workshops across the US since the early 90s and her visual journal pages, artwork, and knit designs have been published in numerous books and magazines. To learn more about her work, visit her web site at www.TraciBunkers.com.
And now on to your favorite crafty links to kick off the week:
Eileen - The Artful Crafter Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night. Read Eileen"s tale of her first magical Christmas birthday in Mexico.
Mixed Media Artist Cyndi shares the steps as she begins to assemble a small quilt using her own handpainted fabrics.
About Family Crafts Check out the current make-it-over craft challenge! Do you have a snowman craft to share?
Aileen's Musings New Project Announcement--Every Inchie Monday A "small" personal challenge....an inch a week is all we ask!
Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi sews up an elephant using a vintage cigarette card pattern.
Crafty Princess Diaries Valentine's Day already? Yes, it is a good time to start thinking about it if you hope to sell some Valentine's crafts.
Cross Stitch at About.com Print your Free 2011 Cross Stitch Calendar - use it to track stitching events, appointments and more. Keep track of how many days you stitch this year too.
