There are always many more new craft books published than we will ever have time to show on the show, but those shown on today's program are a few of the more recent releases that seemed worth talking about.
With so many products being geared toward the young pre-teens, the book by Joanne O'Sullivan entitled Girls World seemed not only timely but right on. I don't know whether the author has any daughters or not, but her book would indicate that she certainly seems to relate to young girls and understands what they are interested it. The front cover tells it all..."Making Cool Stuff for your Room, Your Friends and You." Who but a 10- or 11-year-old would love a fur-trimmed mirror for her room? Cute illustrations and easy-to-read print. Published by Lark Books (figure A).
Also from Lark Books...in fact, the first four books on our list were all from Lark...is an educational, unusual and interesting book titled Geography Crafts for Kids. Not only will the youngsters learn about how to do different crafts from around the world, but there are even some world recipes included. This might be a book to involve the entire family. I was happy to notice how many times boys are seen crafting. This seems to be educational in a most delightful way (figure B).
The Most Incredible Cardboard Toys in the Whole Wide World sounds like a bit of an exaggeration, but one look through the pages of the book might convince you that the authors, Stefan Szernecki and Michael Haijtink, were telling it like it is! The toys look large and colorful, the directions and drawings are totally detailed, and the photographs of the youngsters and the toys are delightful. Makes you want to go and cut up a carton. This is another one that might be a good one for the whole family. Certainly some of the how-to drawings look rather involved and as if an adult's help would be welcome (figure C).
When it comes to cardboard, there is also a book for the adults in the crowd. Instead of toys, there is cardboard furniture...tables and benches and--oh my gosh, even a divan! There are picture frames and flowers and vases to put them in. For those of you who remember seeing the author, Linda Ragsdale, on our show, you will not be surprised when I say that the directions are not only easy to understand but also fun to read. Linda's wonderful sense of humor is present everywhere. Great patterns, step-by-step illustrations, and colorful photographs as well. The title is Creative Cardboard (figure D) and the publisher is also Lark.
And when we mention cardboard, it is only a step away from what is probably the hottest crafting material today...paper. It really is true in this case that what's old is new again, because I can't think of a craft much older than origami--yet it is one of the most popular things going right now, often under different names. The first three books on the table today, however, do use the word in the title: Amazing Origami by Kunihiko Kasahara (figure E), Origami 1 2 3 by David Petty (figure F), and Super Quick Origami Animals by Nick Robinson (figure G). All three are published by Sterling. All also have excellent illustrations, although in the Origami 1 2 3 book, the step-by-step paper folding is demonstrated with photographs. It is a bit unusual but very effective.
Creative Paper Folding compiled by Mickey Baskett and published by Sterling includes a variety of paper-folding techniques as well as many interesting completed items made with or using the folded paper items (figure H).
And it wouldn't seem complete without including a book on polymer clay and/or rubber stamping. Creative Stamping in Polymer Clay by Barbara McGuire covers both bases. Those of you familiar with Barbara's work and her many appearances on our show will not be surprised to see that this book, published by Northlight Books is filled with beautiful projects. All of which are beautifully shown in the fine photographs (figure I).
And just for fun...and those special occasions...is the second in the Wizard series from Lark books, written by Janice Eaton Kilby and Terry Taylor. If you have young children or enjoy and appreciate imagination and creativity The Book of Wizard Parties is for you. This book is filled with things to make and do and eat and wear--and all of them described in wonderful magical language (figure J).
Resources The Book of Wizard Parties by Janice Kilby and Marla Baggetta
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Lark Books
Website:
www.larkbooks.comCreative Stamping in Polymer Clay by Barbara McGuire
Order this title from Amazon.com.
F & W Publications
Website:
www.fwpublications.comCreative Paper Folding by Mickey Baskett
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website:
www.sterlingpub.comSuper Quick Origami Animals by Nick Robinson
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website:
www.sterlingpub.comOrigami 1 2 3 by David Petty
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website:
www.sterlingpub.comAmazing Origami by Kunihiko Kasahara
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website:
www.sterlingpub.comCreative Cardboard by Linda Ragsdale
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Lark Books
Website:
www.larkbooks.comThe Most Incredible Cardboard Toys in the Whole Wide World by Stefan Czernecki
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Lark Books
Website:
www.larkbooks.com Geography Crafts for Kids by Joe Rhatigan and Heather Smith
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Lark Books
Website:
www.larkbooks.comGirls World: Making Cool Stuff for Your Room, Your Friends & You, by Joanne O'Sullivan
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Lark Books
Website:
www.larkbooks.com Also in this Episode
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