Review: New Pallet Book

 

The New Pallet book has lots of ideas for fun projects from pallets. I've seen pictures on Pinterest - mostly the vertical garden and always wanted to try it. So I was very happy to take a look at this book. So many great looking projects.

There are several that I would love:

Potting Bench

Planter Box

Bookshelf (And Styling the bookshelf was funny to this librarian/book hoarder)

Clock

Book Set-Up:

 Lots of pictures. 

Step by Step instructions. 

The time it takes to complete a project. 

And the level of easiness of the project.

* NetGalley Read

Library Recommendation: Grab this for your DIY section

Mini Review: Tape it and Make it

Various crafts made out of duct tape.

The Good: The book's split up into categories: Accessories, bags, stickers, toys...I think the Vest would be fun to make. The directions are great - complete with pictures. I love the Penguin pillow. Very creative craft ideas.

The Bad: I wish the projects had levels - some of them look a bit harder than others.

Overall Verdict: A great book for someone who loves creating projects with duct tape. I'm guessing this book will get checked out frequently at the library.

Cover Thoughts: LOVE the edging of the cover to look like duct tape
Source: My Library

Mini Review: Instacraft

A craft book filled with easy crafts with easy to find materials if you don't already have them on hand.

The Good: I love the set up - the post-it notes for instructions and materials make the pages stand out. I like how it's broken up into sections according to how you create the craft. There are several projects that I tagged for myself and to use at the library with teens: Cookie Cutter Frames, Memory Wrapping Paper, Celebration Napkin Banner, Little Lined Frames, and Spaghetti-Stamped Tote Bag. 

The Bad: Nothing

Overall Verdict: It's cute, fresh, and fun. A great book for crafting.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Sent for Review

Mini Review: Craft-a-Doodle

18 artists put together 75 different exercises to help you create better art work.

The Good: This book is pure fun - lots of drawing ideas. The instructions look great and the use of different drawing tools makes it a more well rounded book. When I think about doodling - it's mostly boring ideas (lines and cubes) on meeting agendas, but this book takes it to a whole new level. I'm eager to try some of these ideas: the owls, the pug faces, the yarn inspiration, the cupcakes, the framed lines, hearts, and the village for drawings on cards.

The Bad: Directions are not there for all the designs, but you can figure it out from the directions that are there and adapt them. Some of them are a little strange - but I think there was only one who's work I didn't like at all.

Library Idea: Use this book to prompt an art night or a several night art workshop. Lots of a great ideas to create fun unique drawings. The visual diary would be perfect!

Review: Stick It!

Do you love duct tape or know someone who dies? This is the perfect book for them. There's 99 things they can make with duct tape - obviously more if you use the patterns and your own creativity.

At the library I've previously make Duct Tape Beach Bags and Ties. Both were popular programs. This book brought ideas that seemed obvious, but I knew I would never have thought of them. Now, I can't wait to try them out.

Jewelry? Awesome - love it
Bookmark? - This librarian thinks that's wicked cool.
Cards? Super Cool
Belts? Neat- a great way to remain unique, but stylish.
Headbands, barrettes, cell phone case, coasters, photo frames, a mini chandelier...the list goes on and on. 

My Thoughts: I really like this book. There are a number of great ideas I will use both personally and professionally. I'll be making some gifts, hopefully some for Christmas, and I'll be using several for programs at the library. It's super creative! I love the layout. Each project has a 2 page spread with a photo combined with detailed directions and little sketches just in case you need them. 

Here's a peek at a cool project:

Great for crafty people, people interesting in fashion, or people who love duct tape!

Cover Thoughts: Creative and fabulous
Source: Sent for review

Review: In Love with Papercrafts

I requested this be purchased for the library. It was. I took it home and devoured it. It was worth the wait! It's now circulating amongst the crafty staff.



It has great ideas for cards. The best part about this book is that while it's mostly filled with Valentine cards, the ideas work for any card.  It also has cards for weddings. There's also a scrapbooking portion.

It has great tips for using different tools. One of my favorites is using different stamps to create texture with other stamps.  There are some fun tool showcased.There's several  that I now will be looking for at my favorite crafting stores.


It has recipes.This one I think I'll use with my teens for a program at the library. It's the perfect holiday gift for any chocolate lover.

Sometimes the ideas come in 3D. I'll be making these for a display in the teen room come February. They'll hang over some romance books (I'm thinking of the title Romance is in the Air for this one).

I can't wait for Valentine's Day to make some awesome cards for my friends and family, but also with teens at the library.   The best part about this book is that while it's mostly filled with Valentine cards, the ideas work for any card.  It also has cards for weddings. I'm officially In Love with this book! If you're crafty, b sure to add it to your reading list.