Holiday Gift Guide: 14 Crafty Books to Give a DIY Wannabe
Is there someone on your shopping list that has been wanting to try a new hobby or do you think they just need a creative outlet? Get them started with one of these how-to books and kits.
Edgy Embroidery
by Renee Rominger


Edgy Embroidery
This is definitely not your grandmother’s embroidery. Inside the book, you’ll find fun and rebellious patterns as well as some sweet and pretty designs. This book explains basic embroidery stitches as well as more complex ones; step-by-step illustrations make it easy. Edgy Embroidery: Transform Conventional Stitches into 25 Unconventional Designs, Page Publishing
Modern Macrame
by Justine Vasquez


Modern Macrame
This book/kit comes with instructions on how to make 10 projects plus materials to make a mini wall hanging and a mini plant hanger. Other projects include a hanging shelf, owl wall hanging, throw rug, lamp shade, tote bag and more. The knotting tutorials will guide you through basic macrame knots so you can move on to making your own unique designs. Modern Macrame: 10 Simple Projects to Enhance Your Home; becker&mayer! Books
Simple and Natural Soapmaking
by Jan Berry


Simple & Natural Soapmaking
This book offers a beginner all the information they need to make incredible botanical soaps. Fifty recipes with detailed tutorials and step-by-step photos explain how to make cold-process soaps as well as hot-process suds that are made in a slow cooker. Lavender Milk Bath Bars, Creamy Avocado Soap, Mountain Man Beard and Body Bars are just a few of the recipes in this comprehensive guide. Simple & Natural Soapmaking; Page Street Publishing
The Apron Book
by EllynAnne Geisel


The Apron Book
With the new trend towards coziness and entertaining at home, aprons are making a comeback. Aprons are great projects for beginners. This book showcases new and vintage aprons with four basic patterns. The book also includes tips on collecting vintage aprons, recipes and heart-warming stories. The Apron Book: Making, Wearing, and Sharing a Bit of Cloth and Comfort; Andrews McMeel Publishing
Mehndi for the Inspired Artist
by Heather Caunt-Nulton and Alex Morgan


Mehndi for the Inspired Artist
This book provides step-by-step techniques for creating over 50 traditional mehndi designs. When you’ve mastered your designs and patterns, the book will show you how to incorporate them into DIY art projects like jewelry, stationery, candles and home decor. Mehndi for the Inspired Artist; Walter Foster Publishing
The Gardening in Miniature Prop Shop
by Janit Calvo


Kate Baldwin
The Gardening in Miniature Prop Shop
Do you know someone who loves fairy gardens (and who doesn’t really)? This book takes the trend to the next level showing crafty gardeners how to accessorize their mini creations. Organized by themes — global gardens, holidays, fantasy — this book is filled with easy step-by-step instructions to create one-of-a-kind gardens. The Gardening in Miniature Prop Shop; Timber Press
Bold & Beautiful Paper Flowers
by Chantal Larocque


Bold & Beautiful Paper Flowers
You can learn how to make more than 50 paper blooms —peonies, roses, dahlia, daisies, succulents, etc. —with this how-to guide. Step-by-step instructions and templates are included with the book as well as decorating and layout ideas. Chantel Larocque is a renowned artist who has designed wedding florals and been featured in many wedding magazines. Bold & Beautiful Paper Flowers; Page Street Publishing
Fashion Jewelry: A Beginner’s Guide to Jewelry Making
by Courtney Legenhausen


Fashion Jewelry: A Beginner’s Guide to Jewelry Making
Learn how to string beads, wrap wire, make knots and hammer metal with this detailed step-by-step guide. There are 17 projects within the book that explain a variety of basic jewelry-making techniques. Author Courtney Legenhausen designs have been featured in numerous magazines including Cosmopolitan, Lucky and InStyle. Fashion Jewelry: A Beginner’s Guide to Jewelry Making; Lark Crafts
Foraged Flower Arranging
by Rebekah Clark Moody


Gracie Blue Photography
Foraged Flower Arranging
Here’s an easy way to learn floral arranging without the expense. This book will teach you how to create gorgeous arrangements using fresh wildflowers and plants. The author not only explains how to forage local plants, she provides unique ways to display them and techniques on how to preserve their shape and make them last a long time. Foraged Flower Arranging; Page Street Publishing
Building With Secondhand Stuff
by Chris Peterson


Building With Secondhand Stuff
Learn how to turn salvaged finds into new treasures using free or very inexpensive, reconditioned materials. This second edition of the best-selling book includes new projects such as a pallet chair, pallet table, chalkboard message door, door-backed island, and a reclaimed window greenhouse. Building With Secondhand Stuff; Cool Springs Press
Fine Art Adventures
by Maja Pitamic and Jill Laidlaw


Fine Art Adventures
This is a fun book for kids and parents who like to do art projects together, it’s also a great gift for teachers. The book introduces young artists — ages 6 and up — to key masterpieces and classic techniques so they can create their own interpretations of great works of art. Projects include: using plaster to recreate a cave painting, using cardboard and coat hangers to design a mobile sculpture, building a dramatic jungle scene inside a shoebox, and many more engaging, hands-on projects. Fine Art Adventures: Chicago Review Press
Plant Craft
by Caitlin Atkinson


Plant Craft
This book is perfect for people who love gardening but don’t have a yard. It provides decorating tips and expert advice about designing with nature. With 30 step-by-step projects, you’ll learn how to mesh chic style with plants, greenery, driftwood, willow branches, moss and more. Plant Craft: Bring the Outdoors In; Timer Press
Mastering Hand Lettering
by Mye DeLeon


Mastering Hand Lettering
The chalkboard craze started it all. Now calligraphy and hand lettering are the newest trends in arts and crafts. This comprehensive guide explains and illustrates each pen stroke that it takes to create beautiful script or bold print writing. The book also provides layout ideas, how to create borders and all sorts of curly-Q accents. Mastering Hand Lettering; Skyhorse Publishing
Print, Paint & Ink
by Andie Powers and Emily Grosse

This book is perfect for anyone interested in learning to make stamps, prints and painted accessories. The guide’s 20 projects include instruction and beautiful photography so you can learn how to make natural vegetable dyes, cork stamps, nesting boxes, paint on glass and how to stitch together a booklet. Print, Paint & Ink: Taunton Press