Friday, February 08, 2008

Craft Books, Killer Crafts and a Laura Childs Giveaway

Knitting Little LuxuriesOn Friday nights Andrew and I can often be found at Border's Books. They have the best hot chocolate in town and there's wonderful live guitar music that gets me humming--just lovely.

Anyway, here's a list of some of the great finds I've ferreted out during our last couple trips that are now on my wish list--right after a Macbook Air. Heh, Macbook . . . drool.

1. Itty Bitty Nursery by Susan B. Anderson
Full of sweet knits for children and babies including a knitted tea set. You heard me. A knitted tea set--I'm in love.

2. Knitting Little Luxuries: Beautiful Accessories to Knit by Louisa Harding
The patterns in this book have a gorgeous Victorian feel melded with a modern hipness that makes me want to break out the needles right now--that bag you see in the photo is fabulous.

3. Bead Simple by Susan Beal
This book actually hasn't come out yet, they're taking advance orders at Amazon, but that doesn't stop me from wanting it. It's got gorgeous photos (see Susan's blog, Bead Simple for an inside peak) and it looks like a great addition to a crafty library.

4. Folk Bags: 30 Knitting Patterns and Tales from Around the World by Vicki Square
Normally I'm not into the ethnic-Bohemian-Seven Years in Tibet style but this book made me think twice. I think it was the purse shaped like a fish that did it. Bags inspired from around the world: Nepal, Peru, Africa, you name it--she's designed them and they're gorgeous.

5. Cutting Edge Patterns and Textures by Estel Vilaseca
For anyone who can't get enough of fabric, who loves patterns and colors this new book features 250 full-page patterns by 83 designers with all the variety and creativity you could want for the rest of the decade. The Print & Pattern site has pictures and more information.

6. Bags: A Knitter's Dozen by Elaine Rowley
More felted and knitted bags--but more elegant looking than your typical knitted handbag.

7. The Craftster Guide to Nifty, Thrifty and Kitschy Crafts: Fifty Fabulous Products from the Fifties and Sixties by Leah Kramer
This is one of those books where most of the ideas are just okay but then there are two or three jewels that make the purchase worthwhile. The popsicle stick purse idea alone is cute enough to inspire me buy this one (and if that doesn't get you interested I don't know what will). Maybe I'll have to buy it, make the purse then post about it.

8. Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson. Sew, Mama, Sew! asked readers to name their favorite quilting books and then they compiled the results in this post. I have a copy of Quilter's Complete Guide and would recommend to anyone interested in learning different quilting techniques but would like to pick up Last Minute Patchwork for the cute little projects it lists.

9. Doodle Stitching: Fresh and Fun Embroidery for Beginners by Aimee Ray. I love the designs on the cover and love this intro to embroidery. Definitely on my list.

***

And here are a few fun crafts I've had bookmarked lately:

* Get ready for Easter with some Washi Eggs courtesy of Yasutomo. They actually look pretty doable--and different. Who doesn't want that cutting-edge Easter look that says Asian Easter Bunny?

* Make a kit with your children using an old umbrella courtesy of The Sampler. Almost makes you glad when one of your umbrellas break, doesn't it?

* Crochet this beautiful blue cloche hat courtesy Craftzine. Someday I will crochet well enough to make this. Some day.

* Utterly silly but utterly cute and ready to boil: a knitted lobster by Dirigo - Knitting by the Sea

* A tutorial to make a soft teapot. I know you're thinking, "Why would I need a softie teapot?" Oh just click on the link at Ric Rac for the tutorial and you'll see how your life has heretofore been incomplete.

* And if you think I've left you craft-challenged people without any projects here's one ANYONE can do. Even Andrew could put this together. Even my DAD could do this--and that's saying something. A bamboo vase made from a standard bamboo placemat courtesy of Home by Sunset.

***

Frill Kill by Laura ChildsAnd finally, here's something for all you scrapbookers, readers and reading scrapbookers (that pretty much covers everyone out there I think). Frill Kill, the latest book by best selling author Laura Childs, is a scrapbooking mystery. I love mysteries! Here's what Amazon's description says:
Memory Mine shop owner Carmela Bertrand finds herself caught up in New Orleans Halloween mayhem in Childs's sprightly fifth scrapbooking mystery. In an alley behind her friend Ava Grieux's Juju Voodoo Shop, Carmela discovers the body of fashion model Amber Lalique, who was in the shop only moments earlier. The cops suspect Giovanni, Ava's sexy new tarot card reader, whose brother, Santino, is Amber's ex-boyfriend. Carmela and Ava become determined to uncover the truth and throw themselves headlong into danger, filling in as models for the big Halloween night unveiling of Moda Chadron's newest fashion creations, snooping around New Orleans and even venturing into the creepy bayou. Childs rounds out the story with several scrapbooking and crafting tips plus a passel of mouth-watering Louisiana recipes.
It's received good reviews (five stars at Amazon) and with the blend of sleuthing, cuisine and crafts looks fun. Thanks to Ms. Childs I have TWO copies to give away but I'm going to do this a little different this time. If you'd like to enter please leave a comment on this post sometime before Monday morning 12 am. I'll draw the two winners at the same time that I draw a winner for the regular Saturday giveaway that will be going up tomorrow. Got it? Anyone can enter, I'll even ship overseas, so good luck!

Now get crafting people!

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158 comments:

Nicole said...

Ooh! Scrapbook mystery! Sounds fun, mystery novels are my guilty pleasure.

Belinda said...

Thanks for the contest. I like her books.

Robin said...

I'm now kicking myself for throwing out those old bamboo placemats...

And yay for international contests!

FrequentReader said...

Oooh, a mystery involving crafts! I love both!

Caffienated Cowgirl said...

Thanks for all the crafting ideas...I'm in need of a few new ones right now.

And I would love to get my hands on that book - crafts, cuisine, mystery...too cool!

Anonymous said...

Hmmmm...

Scrapbooking? Yep!
Mystery? Sure!
Book? Woohoo!
Free? I'M IN!!

michelle said...

I would love a chance to win a copy of this book. My mom has been picking up other books by Laura Childs, reading them, and then mailing them to me so that I can enjoy them too. Scrapbooking + Mystery = a good way to pass the time in front of the fireplace on a snowy evening.

Michelle
www.northofthe49.com
michelle (at) northofthe49 (dot) com

peg42 said...

Laura Childs books are great. Please enter me. Thanks.

Chrisbookarama said...

Scraping and reading. You know I'm in.

idahomom said...

Scrapbooking and mystery. I think that I am in heaven.

idahomom said...

Scrapbooking and mystery. I think that I am in heaven.

abfantom said...

All the things I like. It sounds like a great book!

Anonymous said...

MYSTERY- MY FAVORITE!

Anonymous said...

sounds like a great book.

United Studies said...

Ack! You so make me wish I were more crafty! That "Knitting Little Luxuries" book...makes me want to learn to knit.

I am going to make those eggs with Emma, though. I can manage that!

Anonymous said...

That makes me think of the huge [neglected] box I have upstairs filled with snow globe kits, paper making kits.......I could go on and on......but instead I'll try and actually DO something today.
Cheers

Anonymous said...

Have never read any of her books, but they sound interesting. I hate to admit how many projects I have in the works right now!

Amber M. said...

I love the craft section at Borders, too. Add the Fine Art section. And the Literature section. Heck I love 'em all. I bet I'd even love a scrapbook mystery. Count me in! Loves.

Anonymous said...

I just recently learned of these books! Just picked up Keepsake Crimes from the library ! Haven't started it yet but everyone says this series is pretty good...I hope so! LOL

Thanks for the chance!

Anonymous said...

I havent had the opportunity to read one of her books yet. But this sounds intriguing.

neneelynn@yahoo.com

Milehimama @ Mama Says said...

I like the Dianne Mott Davidson cooking mysteries, this looks like fun!

Laurie said...

This book certainly sounds interesting, put me in the draw please.

redron said...

love a good read put me in

Marie N. said...

Stoooop! I'm trying to *save* a little stash of craft money!

But thanks for all the books I can add to my library queue.

Jen said...

That sounds like fun - I've never even heard of her!

emerzim said...

Love a good mystery! Pick me!

teabird said...

I like her other series - yes, thank you, I'd love to be considered for this one!

Tea Leaves

dieMutti said...

How fun is that? Authors are so clever... And I also love the idea of a knitted tea set.. how cute is that? Thanks for the list.

Linds said...

I haven't seen any of her books but they sound great!

And thanks for the crafty book list. There are some wonderful titles there I am just dying to read. They are written down!

Barb said...

Ooh, sounds good! :)

An Ordinary Mom said...

Maybe that scrapbook mystery will help me finally finish my kids baby scrapbooks :) !!

Fangirl Jen said...

What a cute cover and neat idea for a mystery.

Mindy said...

Sounds like a great book, what a great idea for a story that I wish I'd had first!

Anonymous said...

Sounds great! Very cute books!!

Anonymous said...

I love a mystery.

Anonymous said...

Karen B

Love mysteries - please enter me!

Carina said...

What a crafty list. Makes me wish I had some kind of skill.

purplepassion126 said...

Sounds very interesting!

Karla Porter Archer said...

You have just ruined my budget!!! A couple of those books, I already had my eye on. But now my list has grown...

The bookstore is my family's regular hangout too.

Blessings,
K

Julie said...

I'm a huge Borders fan as well. Unfortunately, I tend to run away from crafts. Fast and hard.

tatertot374 said...

Thank you! I love it!

sweetlifeinthevalley said...

Funny you say that Borders has the best hot chocolate. My kids have decided to become hot chocolate critics this year since we have frequently sought out a good hot chocolate for a treat in the cold weather. They all agree that Borders by far has the best hot chocolate with the whipped cream and the white chocolate shavings the swirl of chocolate syrup on top & the final touch-the chocolate stick. We may just have to go get some this afternoon.

Anonymous said...

Sounds great - count me in....

Anonymous said...

I love hanging out at the book store when they have music. Drinking hot chocolate at the same time is a bonus :)

Mean Mommy said...

Sweet list! I'm beside myself trying to decide where to start. I'm thinking the lobster... ;)

Tammy said...

I never get to go out to the bookstore, you are so lucky! I think I might try making one of those vases, they look foolproof! Thanks for the chance to win the book Michelle, I love your blog.

sillelin said...

Sounds great, thanks!

♥ DEB ♥ said...

Sounds simply delicious!

All my fav ways to pass the days with the g-kids!

Terri said...

I love the idea of a scrapbooking mystery!

Lei said...

Huh, a scrapbooking mystery. Now I've seen it all! Lol.

Sarah said...

Yeah baby, sign me up!

susan1215 said...

please enter me

Susan @ FruitfulWords said...

scrapbooking, mystery and reading - what's not to love.

Fun post - I' heading over to see how my life can be made complete with a knitted teapot as I drink a cup of tea. :-)

Cjnedrow said...

Please, enter me! Thanks!

Shannon said...

I am so buying quite a few of those books! That knitting book that you have pictured looks absolutely divine! I am off to the book store. THanks!

Amy said...

I've never heard of this author, but I love the looks of it. People are so creative!

Lisa said...

NEver heard of a scrapbooking mystery. Sounds interesting.

I am Arizona; a person, not a place. said...

I'd love to have this book! I've been thinking about doing some scrapbooking.

Stephen A said...

Nice contest! Great book!

Eternal Sunshine said...

Oooh - I love the kite idea, and I'm going to hope I can brush up on my crocheting enough to make that adorable cap!

Anonymous said...

Enter me, please.

Richelle said...

Sounds great!

Heffalump said...

I never thought there would be a scrapbooking mystery...but it does sound fun to get crafty tips and recipes along with a good read~!

Anonymous said...

Oh fun! I love mysteries and I AM a scrapbooker! Thanks for the chance to win! Love your blog. :)

Holly Homemaker said...

I'm always in need of a good book!!

Ginny said...

I love her books, enter me!

Montserrat said...

Can't wait to try the crocheted hat from Craftzine! I'm just drooling with all the quilts going on at Sew, Mama, Sew.

Donna said...

I've been looking for a good book to read lately - this looks perfect!

Anonymous said...

I would love to enter please. I am a scrapbooking reader and this book sounds intriguing. How I love a weekend trip to borders also. I go for the coffee and scrapbooking magazines. You can reach me at hjtorbs@sbcglobal.net.

Anonymous said...

This would mean a lot to me.

Rosie said...

sounds like a great book! Keeping my fingers crossed!

Sea Star said...

I sound like a fun read. I will see if our library has it. But I wouldn't mind having my own copy.

Danielle said...

SOunds like a good one!
dansan826 at yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

A scrapbooking mystery - that sounds fun.

Anonymous said...

Love a good book,love a good craft ! Can't lose on this one.

Anonymous said...

A craft book giveaway...I can't believe it, and I would love to win!
Love to knit, and dabble in all other crafts!

Aisling said...

Wow - a mystery with crafting tips and recipes. Sounds delightful!

Anonymous said...

A Craft book great! Super! Wonderful!

bluecat said...

I loves me a mystery. Count me in.

bluecat said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
justkc said...

Wow! A scrapbook mystery. Sounds interesting!

maweisberg said...

i would enjoy this

Daisy said...

This sounds like a great read!

sweetsue said...

I havn't heard of this author, but she sounds great.

Prisca said...

I love the craft book review! And the scrapbook mystery idea is really funny. I'm anxious to check it out.

Anonymous said...

My wife is very good at crafting.

miriama said...

Interesting idea for a book

Anonymous said...

I love a mystery! I went to Barnes & Nobles this last week. Have you ever seen the magazine the Artful Blogger? It was beautiful and included blog entries and photographs from pictorial blogs.

Anonymous said...

we would love this

Anonymous said...

Enter me in the contest, please. I'd love to read this book.

Anonymous said...

can't wait to read this

Karyn-for-you said...

Oh, I so need a good book to read!!
http://karynforyou.wordpress.com/

windycindy said...

What a fantastic contest! Mystery/
suspense books are my favorite genre
of books to read. Please enter me in your contest. Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Sue Farrell said...

I really like light mysteries - ones without too much gore.
I think this one would be fun.

Karin said...

Sounds interesting.... please enter me in the drawing. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

The glass tipped over and sticky pop dripped all over the black and white keys of the grand piano.

Meredith said...

Sounds wonderful!

AaronBSam said...

Please enter me as well!

Anonymous said...

Ooooo #1 on your list sounds soooo good!

Valeen said...

Ooh! Scrapbooking and a good mystery! I'm all a-tingle!

Jeanette J said...

I love a mystery. Please enter me

sewingmema said...

I love good books and this sound fantastic!

Unknown said...

Please enter me. Thanks.

Samantha P said...

i love a good read!

Rebecca L said...

sounds interesting

LibraryGirl62 said...

Have replaced my crafting jones with writing lately~maybe I, too can do both?? Sounds like great fun!

JOYVEN said...

sounds interesting

Jinxy and Me said...

Sounds like a good book!

Anonymous said...

sounds great!!ty 4 the contest!!

Sylvia P said...

cool beans!

Anonymous said...

Many thanks for the great links.

judithrac@yahoo.com

Beck said...

That sounds like so much fun!

blueviolet said...

Scrapbooking is my favorite thing to do in the world. I can't believe there is a book with scrapbooking in it. Awesome!

Anonymous said...

Love mystery books ! Never read any of Laura Childs - looks a good read!
elaineneal389@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Looks like fun read!!

Kate said...

OOOOOhhhhhhh...I'm IN! I sooooo need a new book.

Anonymous said...

I love to read!

angie said...

I love mysteries...thanks!

toyota said...

Sounds interesting. Love to win.

Anonymous said...

Sweet niblets!

theyyyguy@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Mysteries are my favorite. Combined with crafting and you have a winner. I would love to win this book.

Anonymous said...

Mysteries are my favorite. Combined with crafting and you have a winner. I would love to win this book.

Anonymous said...

I love mysteries, and Laura Childs is one of my favorite authors. I would love to win this!

Cyndi said...

Sounds like a great book!

Storm, The Psychotic Housewife said...

oooh this sounds like a great book!

Anonymous said...

I would definitely like to read this. Sounds like a fun book. aewalls425@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

love you books would love to win this

Jayna said...

I love mysteries too!

And that knit lobster you linked to is really cool. I'll have to teach myself to knit, though!

Unknown said...

I'm a relatively new knitter and I can't wait to see the knitting little luxuries book.

Catrina Pomerleau said...

Please enter me in the drawing.

Anonymous said...

I would love to win this book! Thanks for making this contest available.

/\Heather/\ said...

I'd love this! Thanks.

Bakersdozen said...

I love mysteries. I am currently reading a mystery involving a caterer, and the book had actual recipes inside for truffles, cookies ,etc. This sounds like it would also be fun to read.

page2 said...

A scrapbooking mystery sounds fun. I'm really curious about this one.

Anonymous said...

I love mystery books!

buddyt said...

Hi,

I just came acros your blog while doing a Google search.

The book sounds interesting and I would like to read it so please enter me in the giveaway.
Thank you.

Carol

Anonymous said...

I love mysteries too :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!

noreen said...

I love hanging out at bookstores too, and I would love to read this book

Anonymous said...

Scrapbooking, mystery, New Orleans (Voodoo Shop, tarot cards, Louisiana recipes) -- Does it get any better? I sounds like a fun read! Thanks for the great contest!

Anonymous said...

i could sure use help with scrapbooking please enter me

Anonymous said...

I'm just starting out and need all the help i can get. Thanks

Becky said...

A Scrabook mystery...how cool sounding..

Unknown said...

Scrapbooking & Mysteries together in one book--fantastic!

sappysmom said...

wow this book combines my favorite things!
good luck all!!
sappysmom@yahoo.com

lilyk said...

Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!

mgster said...

wonderful...enter me please!

Anonymous said...

Add me in!!

ladypawnbroker said...

This is such a neat giveaway!

Timster said...

Ooh! Scrapbook mystery!

Anonymous said...

this sounds very interesting. if i win i would be willing to write a few words on the book after i read it. have a blessed day.

Anonymous said...

Mysteries are my favorite

ldrnc2000 said...

Sounds like a great book! Thanks so much for the giveaway!

Unknown said...

Mysteries are my fav!!!

Raquel said...

Sounds great. I would love to read it.

Anonymous said...

My wife would love this

Francine Anchondo said...

i love mystery novels.

Schlauberger said...

Please enter me, sounds like a great book!

Anonymous said...

Lets enjoy and wish everyone a Happy Valentines Day; raymondw345@Aol.com