Memories in Miniature
June 13, 2009 by Kids Crafts · Leave a Comment
Projects that are small in size don’t need to be small in significance. With Mini Memories, scrapbook artists will learn how to create miniature albums and other small-scale gifts and keepsakes. This guide provides:
-A spectrum of delightful projects, including mini albums, party favors, invitations, announcements, magnets, jewelry and more -Creative ways of utilizing pre-made scrapbook embellishments, such as frames, slide mounts, tags and more -Ideas for integrating found objects, such as matchbooks, bingo cards, playing cards, tins and more
Crafters of all skill levels will enjoy learning how to make the tiny yet significant gifts in this guide.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Fun and unique book for all kinds of crafters!
“Memories in Miniature” by Pamela Frye Hauer is so cool, I love it! It’s definitely not your typical scrapbooking book. The projects are geared towards “memory crafts”, (using photos and mementos), but they could all be adapted to little art pieces and other projects not using photos. The style is really fun and funky and often has a retro/artsy feel to it. The cover doesn’t do justice to all the great artwork and ideas inside. This big and colorful book has 4 chapters: Family & Friends, Events & Celebrations, Babies & Children and Home & Holidays; everything is covered in here, and all the projects are really vesatile. Each project in the book is 2 pages, with full color photos including variations, instructions and many have “how-to” photos too. Plus there are dozens and dozens of additional ideas and tips throughout the book!
The projects range all the way from building and decorating many kinds of unique mini albums, all the way to jewelry, magnets, snowdomes,home items and even little games! Pamela shows how they can all be used as much more than keepsakes too- like for one-of-a-kind gifts, invitations, ornaments, home decor, favors, etc. All of her ideas can be done quick and simple by beginners, or done with as much time and detail that an advanced crafter might like to invest.
So, if you’re an artist, collector, scrapbooker or crafty at all, this is a really nice-looking, well put-together and useful book to add to your library!
5 Stars Great Ideas, and this stuff’s so fun to make!
Pamela Frye Hauer’s “Memories in Miniature” has the best photo keepsake and gift ideas I’ve come across in ages! As an international flight attendant, I have traveled the world from one end to the other, and I have stacks of albums with pictures of airplanes, landmarks, and faces from every continent. I considered myself a scrapbooker of sorts, saving train tickets and cocktail napkins to put in my photo albums alongside my snapshots, and making the occasional trip to Michael’s to buy suitcase stickers. My friends would peruse the first few pages of my albums before gently closing them and changing the subject. But after a friend of mine turned me on to Pamela’s book (”you’ve got to check out her ideas!”), I compiled some new mini albums, one of travel shots and several of my nieces and nephews, with shots from bris to bat mitvahs, and I can barely keep those albums on the shelf. Now my friends oooooh and aaaah over every page, and when they get to the end, most often they start right over again. Pamela’s book is packed with unique ideas and great techniques for making a big deal out of small photos. What I like best about this book is the way she taught me to look at my photos differently, and taught me I can crop the best bits out of what might be a so-so 3×5, and make eye-popping mini memories! The magnets I’ve made using my very own photos of the Sydney Opera House and the Panama Canal are the showpieces of my kitchen, and my sister-in-law loves the necklace I made for her with my favorite photo of her twins — her friends are lined up with their own baby pictures begging me to make more! And the fact that she illustrates her ideas with her own memories, using photos of what are obviously her family and friends instead of clip-art landscapes and studio portraits of models, makes even her most elaborate ideas seem achievable. I have already started collecting tidbits I plan to use for my own wedding invitations and favors, and we’re not even engaged yet. (fingers crossed!!) I wonder if I could get Pamela Frye Hauer to help me put my wedding album together… You WON’T be disappointed with this fun and original book, and you’ll be thrilled with the results you get with your own memories!!
Creative Computer Crafts 50 Fun and Useful Products You Can Make with Any Inkjet Printer
May 25, 2009 by Kids Crafts · Leave a Comment
Creative Computer Crafts 50 Fun and Useful Products You Can Make with Any Inkjet Printer
This eye-catching, 4-color book shows, step-by-easy-step, how to use a computer and an inkjet printer to make fun and functional projects. Even with minimal technical skills, you will be able to jump right in and try your hand at the projects described. All projects include step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and full-color photos of the finished product. A resource list of websites and message boards provides entry into the computer crafting community, and an exhaustive supplier listing for all sorts of computer crafting materials makes it even easier for you to find what you need.
User Ratings and Reviews
2 Stars Some good ideas
There are some good ideas in the book, but some of these ideas are free on the website provided in the book. There is also a sample in the intro pages of the book about a pillow made from a design on a tissue box, but no instructions on how to replicate the project.
4 Stars Fun Computer Crafts For All
‘Creative Computer Crafts: 50 Fun and Useful Products You Can Make with Any Inkjet Printer’ by Marcelle Costanza is a nice book for all hobbyists and craft lovers who are looking to have some fun with their computer! As the title says, full of 50 fun crafts, you can learn that with even a simple inkjet printer you can have loads of enjoyment and start creating imaginative, exciting crafts just with the click of a mouse!
If you are into crafts and enjoy working on the computer, pick up a copy of this book and learn how to mesh these 2 things together while having a great time doing so!!
**** RECOMMENDED
1 Star tacky and pointless
I checked this book out of the library rather than buying it, thankfully. Virtually every pattern in this cheesy book is available on the author’s (equally cheesy) website for FREE, with links to buy materials to make the projects directly from the author. How genius. The information in this book is so fundamental that it is laughable, and easily available for free on the internet with minimal effort. This is just a really dumb book.
5 Stars More Than Just Computer Craft Projects
This book by Marcelle Costanza is more than just 50 computer craft projects. It is packed with useful information for the beginner and advanced computer crafter. Costanza begins with the background and history of computer crafts, the growth of computer crafting techniques and the popularity of computer crafts on the web. Next, she discusses the tools you will need to get started such as a computer, printer, software, special papers, inks, scanner and digital camera. She covers what is available on the market and what to look for when choosing the best equipment for your needs. She also gives some useful tips that she has discovered over the years.
One thing that makes this book stand out from the others on this topic is the section about starting your own computer crafts business. Costanza shares her experiences and knowledge gained while starting her own business and discusses what options you have available as you make those startup decisions.
The main part of the book is the step-by-step instructions for the 50 craft projects. Here you will find some favorites such as a candy bar wrapper, note pad and memory book. But you will also enjoy some projects you may not have considered before such as a Barbie doll outfit and a revolving musical carousel. There is also a thorough list of computer craft websites, communities and suppliers.
Marcelle Costanza is a long time traditional and computer crafter and started her online business, The Crafty PC, in 2000.
5 Stars Computer Crafting Book for the Technically Challenged
I love crafting, but never realized how many wonderful items I could make with just my computer and printer! I am not technically savvy, but with this book and its easy to follow instructions, I created beautiful invitations, party favors and more! Its is so easy and the projects really are unique. I received so many compliments on my “creations.” I would highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys crafting. You do not have to be a computer geek to LOVE this book!!
Creating and Crafting Dolls Patterns Techniques and Inspiration for Making Cloth Dolls Craft Kale Idoscope
May 7, 2009 by Kids Crafts · Leave a Comment
A good basic introduction to the fundamentals of dollmaking, Creating & Crafting Dolls explains how to sew dolls from your own fabrics or make them from purchased blank bodies. Beginners and novices will learn how to utilize two easy patterns to construct simple but charming doll bodies, and how to adorn them with a variety of hairstyles, facial features, clothing, and accessories. (A number of patterns are included for the clothing and accessories.) Though a bit plain-looking–mostly text augmented with line drawings–the procedures are clearly explained and the book contains 14 full-color spreads showing photographs of many different versions of the basic dolls. Unlike other dollmaking books aimed at the art-doll audience, the results of the techniques covered in this book are dolls that can actually be played with by children.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars a great book to spark the imagination!
This book includes a very simple doll pattern that can be embellished in countless ways. The imaginative choices of the authors are fascinating to see and make you want to start creating immediately! Wonderful book for a beginning dollmaker or the experienced looking for new ideas.
5 Stars Hundreds of color photos of beautiful and creative dolls!
I have been using this book as a source of craft inspiration for many years. The range of fabulous color photos of so many varied doll creations is better than any other I have yet to see.
Crafting with flea market fabrics
April 30, 2009 by Kids Crafts · Leave a Comment
Crafting with flea market fabrics
Flea market bargain hunting is one of the fastest growing leisure time activities. But the real challenge is what to do with your bounty after you bring it home. CRAFTING WITH FLEA MARKET FABRICS is a fun and practical guide to sewing, cutting, and gluing your bargain acquisitions into decorative accessories, toys, ornaments, and gifts. 195 color photos and illustrations.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars If You Love Vintage Linens, You Will Love This Book
Crafting with Flea Market Fabrics is one of the better of its type. Each project comes with easy to follow instructions and lovely pictures. Now we can recycle those old scarves, tableclothes, and bedspreads to provide decor for a lovelier home and play-pretties for our precious little ones. I am here to warn you, though. Once you have gone through your own linens, you will be rummaging through your friends, relatives, garage sales, and flea markets!
5 Stars This is a great book!
This is THE book to have if you enjoy working with vintage materials. It’s full of directions for making many country style items for gifts or just to enjoy yourself. If you have only one pillow case, or a dresser scarf with a unremovable stain right in the center, but with lovely embroidery on the ends, you’ll find ideas for making beautiful items from the usable parts. Lots of color pictures, and directions are easy to follow.
5 Stars Best of the Bunch
I bought 7 books on crafting with vintage fabrics. This one was by far the best. Well written and wonderful photos. Just enough instructions. Inovative ideas and useful guides.
5 Stars Crafting With Flea Market Fabrics
Wonderful, unusual, & simple ideas from things many of us already have around the house. Lots of good ideas for turning damaged linens into treasured items. Many good projects for inherited linens, as well
5 Stars The perfect DIY book for compulsive flea market shoppers.
There’s something for everyone here: from what to do with beautiful antique hankerchiefs to decorative items to baby gifts, etc. The instructions are clear and concise, and the author leaves no stone–or flea market find–unturned. Harding really knows her stuff!
Japanese Paper Crafting Create 17 Paper Craft Projects and Make Your Own Beautiful Washi Paper
April 29, 2009 by Kids Crafts · Leave a Comment
Japanese Paper Crafting Create 17 Paper Craft Projects and Make Your Own Beautiful Washi Paper
Across the country interest in paper crafts is booming. People from all walks of life are creating scrapbooks, making gift cards and learning origami. Washi, a traditional handmade paper originating in Japan, is a perfect accompaniment to these crafts. Japanese Paper Crafting teaches the essentials of making beautiful and unusual washi paper at home.
Using diagrams and photographs, this book’s step-by-step instructions will show both novice and experienced paper artists how to make washi paper and how to create 17 exciting washi projects with their own handmade paper! Projects include a hand-bound blank book; purses and wallets; desktop and tabletop accessories.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Any general-interest collection strong in crafts will welcome it.
Michael G. LaFosse with Richard Alexander and Greg Mudarri’s Japanese Paper Crafting provides a fine guide to Japanese paper crafting which tells how to make lovely washi paper at home. Diagrams and color photos supplement step-by-step instructions on creating some 17 washi projects with handmade paper, from a hand-bound blank book to purses, and come from one of the leading authorities on origami and paper art, a co-founder of a teaching studio, and an origami enthusiast. Any general-interest collection strong in crafts will welcome it.
