The book is divided into the three title sections, with a good bunch of projects in each.
There are pull-out patterns included, as well as a handy tips section for things you might need to know. And there are a few cute projects for sure:
It's supposed to be a brooch, but wouldn't that be a great package topper for a gift to a crafty friend? Or maybe a Christmas tree ornament?
This pin cushion truck is super adorbs, but with my luck it would roll off the table and I'd be stepping on pins for weeks. It makes for a cute decoration, though, especially in the right toy truck.
And this stuffed reindeer head I find...interesting. Much better than the real thing... Definitely has some cute Christmas potential.
And now here's the part I hate to write. Would I recommend this book? I can't say that I would. If you're on Pinterest you'll have seen some version of almost every one of these projects or could come up with them yourself. I honestly found a lot of these projects to be...not so inspiring. You can find instructions for any of these things by googling, and I think that's what irks me a little. I really dislike saying something negative about someone else's work, especially something they've put a lot of effort into. But I also dislike books that present content that isn't really that original. I received my copy at no charge, but others will pay for it and without the benefit of an in-person perusal I fear they'd be sorely disappointed.
I can't say that this book doesn't have a place. If you're just getting into crafting (or know someone who is) and you're looking for simple projects in a variety of craft forms then this book would be great to help you discover your niche. It's very pretty, nicely organized, and doesn't require materials that you'll never be able to find. It's a great jumping-off book, but if you made the crafty leap a while ago you might want to pass this one up.
I was not financially compensated for this post. I received the book at no charge in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are completely my own based on my own experience. For my complete disclosure policy, click here.
thank you for an honest review. So far I've been lucky enough to review books that had some appeal to certain seections of the crafty world, I had writing anything negative but it is necessary! I find there are a lot of books out there like this, with projects you can find anywhere for free and I think they're planning on cashing in on the name rather than anything else...
ReplyDeleteBethany I am glad you wrote an honest review about this book. I will say with the internet and free tutorials as well as purchased pdf's and Pinterest inspiration out there most books I have looked at usually aren't worth purchasing. Even though I have seen a project or 2 in them that might look great, the instructions are not nearly as completed or thorough as purchasing a pdf from a good designer online. I am truly surprised that books are still selling these days. Most of the stuff has been done already anyway so creating a book with different fabrics and a different author doesn't really seem like it would sell unless you are totally new to the sewing/crafting world and hadn't seen it before.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting, there's a huge market out there that doesn't use the internet, and like to buy books without knowing about things like Pinterest etc, but asking the demographic that uses these things the most to review a book that's basically a nice compilation of those places, is a little odd!
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I was thinking as I looked at the project list... cute, but nothing I haven't seen before. I so love an honest review! And I do know folks who would love a book like this. =)
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