Book Review and Owls!!!

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Hi there! On my facebook page, I had asked folks if they'd be interested in reading book reviews on my blog. I did receive some positive responses, so I thought I'd start with a very fun selection from my bookshelf called Microcrafts.

This colorful book details 25+ projects you can make using scraps in your craft stash. I am all about using up materials and letting very little, if any, go to waste. This book is great for giving you ideas on how to do that! Imagine having a "crafternoon" or a rainy day where you wanted to create but didn't want to start a "big" project. This book is perfect for that situation. It would also be fun to share with a younger craft fan as well! There are lots of simple projects (bunting, for example) but also some more complicated projects (mini books) that will take some more time and patience. 

Back of the book...

 

As a miniaturist, I find this book a great source for ideas for my dollhouses (in 1/12 scale). Books, bunting, miniature candy, deer heads, houseplants (including macramé plant holders!), and birdfeeders are just a few of the projects that are directly applicable to the miniaturist hobby. However, it is easy to adapt any of the projects for a dollhouse scene. For example, I made one of the little fabric owls (shown below) and decided (by mistake, actually) that they would make super cute pillows! Perfect for a 1/12 scale scene!

I made this little guy using the instructions in the book! Super cute. The ribbon can be used to hang him from just about anything.

The little guy on the right was my first attempt at the owl project in the book and he turned out too short to look right, so I made him into a pillow, which is perfect. The little guy on the left is the third one I made (I got a bit carried away in making these! -___-;)

The instructions are quite clear. There are some great photographs and diagrams. You can use tracing paper to copy the patterns so you can use them again and again!

(By the way, the chairs above can be found in my Etsy shop here.)

A special bonus in this book is the appendix, which includes information about supplies needed in projects within the book as well as various basic craft techniques. The latter include stitches to help you complete the projects and actually make the book a great crafter's reference as well! I also enjoy the modification ideas and the information about the contributors also found in the appendix.

Sometimes you just need to create something cute, frivolous, and fun, and this book is a great guide in helping you do that, and in helping you use up some of your scraps! These projects are fine for small thoughtful gifts, trinkets, or club projects for young and not-so-young alike! I highly recommend this book. 

If you have read this book, or decide to based on my review, please comment and let me know your thoughts!

Book details:
Title: Microcrafts: tiny treasures to make and share
Editors: Margaret McGuire, Alicia Kachmar, Katie Hatz, and Friends
Publisher: Quirk Books, Philadelphia 2011
87 pp
Retail price: 16.95 US/18.95 Canada (hardcover)

Please buy from your local and/or independent bookstores! Here is where you can find Microcrafts online or near you: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781594745218

Note: I am in no way affiliated with the authors or publisher of this book, nor have I been compensated for this review. This review is merely to express my opinions of the book and my experience using their instructions!

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I also wanted to share with you the finished owl pillows I made from two kits I purchased from Whimsy Cottage Minis! 

So cute!