Early Book Review: Shitty Craft Club: A Club for Gluing Beads to Trash, Talking about Our Feelings, and Making Silly Things by Sam Reece

Shitty Craft Club: A Club for Gluing Beads to Trash, Talking about Our Feelings, and Making Silly Things by Sam Reece is currently scheduled for release on September 19 2023. Did you know that you are a glorious and incredible artist? Wait, really? Well, you are. Shitty Craft Club gives you permission to have fun and be as weird, wild, and wonderful as you want to be. It’s about trying your best, not perfection. With step-by-step instructions and funny, deeply relatable tales from her life, Sam Reece, founder of the Shitty Craft Club movement, hilariously guides you through dozens of projects. Making a bunch of pom-poms so you can be your own cheerleader? That’s a craft. Sculpting a rhinestone shrimp out of aluminum foil and a glue gun? A craft. Having literally one sip of water (congrats, by the way)? Yup, you bet—a craft. Because life is hard. So why not spend a bit of time gluing some trash to more trash if it makes you happy?

Shitty Craft Club is a fun and enjoyable read. Are the crafts in the book my style? Nope, but I think that is kind of the reason I read this book. The encouragement to craft things just because it is fun and you deserve to do something you enjoy is fantastic. I have been doing different types of arts and crafts all my life, and I admit to falling into the trap of needing things to be just right or as close to perfect as possible before letting it been seen. Making myself a trophy for getting through the week might have sounded silly before, but maybe that is just the reward I need. Not the final result necessarily, but the making and doing of the craft for no good reason other than I want to and can is something we could all stand to do a little more, especially when (hot glue gun burns and clean up aside) there is no harm or downside in giving yourself the space to do this type of thing. I thought the authors voice was very honest and funny, making this book a joy to read. The emphasis on being health and happy, and working with sustainable and recycled supplies was an added bonus. I think this book is a great read for crafters and perfectionists of all kinds, and is definitely worth the read. 

Early Book Review: Crochet Ragdoll Friends: 36 New Dolls to Make by Sascha Blase-Van Wagtendonk

Crochet Ragdoll Friends: 36 New Dolls to Make by Sascha Blase-Van Wagtendonk is currently scheduled for release on April 1 2023. This is a new collection of 36 ragdolls, including adult and baby pairs of animals and fantasy creatures such as dragons and dinosaurs; friends from around the world, such as kokeshi dolls, Santa Claus and reindeer, kangaroos and koalas, giraffes, and flamingos. So many cute dolls—great for baby gifts and using up small bits of yarn—and they work up quickly for near-instant gratification.

Crochet Ragdoll Friends is cute collection of relatively quick and easy dolls to make. I liked the variety of eyes used in these dolls. I often opt for the safety eyes, because they are so easy and look great, but I like having a variety of options. I thought the patterns were well varied, and easy to follow. I also liked that there was a difficulty rating for each one, sometimes even the most practiced crocheter wants to do something quick and easy. While some of the patterns are something you could find elsewhere, I think this is a solid collection, and overall very cute. I think I might be stitching up some hedgehogs in the near future.

Book Review: A Call to Needles: Acts of Craftivism and Crafted Kindness in the Age of Trump by Dee Ann Eisner

A Call to Needles: Acts of Craftivism and Crafted Kindness in the Age of Trump by Dee Ann Eisner is a comprehensive look at how our needlework became a tool for change, especially in the Age of Trump. Needleworkers have a particular set of skills, and this blending of craft and activism is often referred to as craftivism. This book pays homage to craftivists and needleworkers reacting to challenging times. The ideas, the design and development of patterns, the teams that have been built around these ideas, and the outreach to other needleworkers to support and sustain these efforts deserve more attention. Eisner builds on her backstory, calling on readers to feel their own Call to Needles, whether they participate in an existing project or create a new phenomenon. Writing this book began as the author's coping mechanism while watching the slow chipping away at democracy, both in the US and around the world. It quickly became a passion project. The moment came that, even knowing there was more to discover, the writing simply had to stop. The story will continue, with updates on those in the book and new endeavors at www.acalltoneedles.com.

A Call to Needles taught me a bit about the history of crafting in the activism lens, and I feel like I learned a great deal in that regard. I had no idea about some of the craft related protests and projects, both in our relatively distant history and much more recently. While I knew about the pussyhats and the penguin sweaters, many of the other projects and movements were things I had never heard about and things I very easily could have taken part in. The book has made me more interested in getting involved, and looking more at what I can do locally and globally with my resources and skill sets. I thought the book was informative and inspiring, with a great deal of information and resources to help readers further research the things that interest them and to do some self assessment to understand our own motivation and not only how we can help, but the most effective, efficiently, and ecologically friendly way we can do so. Time to put me privilege, skills, and inability not to have at least two works in progress to better use. 

Early Book Review: Hot Honey Cookbook: 60 Recipes to Infuse Sweet Heat into Your Favorite Foods by Ames Russell; Sara Quessenberry

Hot Honey Cookbook: 60 Recipes to Infuse Sweet Heat into Your Favorite Foods by Ames Russell and Sara Quessenberry is currently scheduled for release on August 2 2022.  The condiment that’s getting all the buzz these days, hot honey, can enhance the flavor of any meal, and no one knows this better than Ames Russell, the founder of AR’s Southern Hot Honey. From drizzling to incorporating hot honey into marinades, glazes, dressings, sauces, and cake batters, the 60 mouthwatering recipes in Hot Honey Cookbook—inspired by Southern, Asian, and Latin flavors—are guaranteed to bring the sweet heat all day long, from breakfast to cocktails. Some of the recipes include: Bourbon Pecan Coffee Cake, Korean-Style Chicken Wings, Smoky Barbecue Ribs, Roasted Sweet Potato and Corn Tacos, Shrimp and Grits, Grilled Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad, Baked Beans, and Strawberry-Rhubarb Cobbler. With Hot Honey Cookbook showing all the ways you can enjoy this versatile condiment, you’ll only need to decide whether to choose mild or hot, or a little or a lot.

Hot Honey Cookbook is coming out at the perfect time for me. I just had some timing changes and am back to being the main cook for the family, so trying new recipes and ingredients is on my to do list. I have always loved using chili and honey together, searching for that perfect balance of sweet heat, but if someone will make that balance for me and then suggest recipes to try it in, well I am all for it. I had never bought Hot Honey before, just adjusted a combinations of the flavors for my own cooking needs, but now I am pretty excited to give it a try. I thought the recipes were well written and easy to follow, organized in sensible groupings. Some of the recipes were very much not for me, but others had me shopping my grocery app and updating this weeks shopping list. I think there is a little something here for everyone that likes sweet heat. 

Early Book Review: Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals: 15 Adorable Crochet Patterns by Kristi Simpson

Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals: 15 Adorable Crochet Patterns by Kristi Simpson is currently scheduled for release on January 19 2022. With some simple stitches and a little stuffing, amigurumi is a charming style of crochet that’s great for beginners. A project guide for any crafter of any skill level, this book offers readers 15 crochet patterns, including a hippo, panda, unicorn, hedgehog, giraffe, and so many more. Opening with an introduction on the basics, each project that follows features easy-to-follow instructions, how-to crochet illustrations, photo step-outs for detail work, and other helpful tips and tricks. Also included are detailed sections on how to read an amigurumi pattern, as well as stitch guides. Have fun making the most charming plush toys, all while you fall in love with crochet!

Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals is a well written guide to crafters that are new to crochet, or just getting started in projects that require more small work than the scarf and blankets that most of us found our confidence and rhythm for crochet with. The instructions are clear and well written, and the tips and trick included will be helpful to many novice and beginner crocheters. I did not find the patterns to be terribly unique, but they did offer a good set of basic skills that will be useful as newcomers attempt more complex problems in the future. There was one formatting issue- that I have full faith with be rectified before final printing- that honestly made me smile as I read. All of the images in my electronic galley were upside down or sideways. Like I said, I am sure the final version will not be like this, but it made my read through just a bit more interesting and has no consideration in my review or number of stars granted to the book.

Book Review: The Flexible Family Cookbook: 75 Quick and Easy Recipes with Over 200 Options to Keep the Whole Family Happy by Jo Pratt

 

The Flexible Family Cookbook: 75 Quick and Easy Recipes with Over 200 Options to Keep the Whole Family Happy by Jo Pratt is full of simple and delicious recipes to keep the whole family happy. Jo Pratt provides flexible adaptations for each recipe to account for allergies, intolerances, and lifestyle choices. Traybakes and one-pot roasts make for easy and convenient time-savers, whilst scrumptious puds and simple bakes help get smaller hands involved in the cooking. Covering everything from gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free cooking and veganism, to suggestions for flavor and spice adjustments for younger or fussier palettes, this book will be a lifesaver in the kitchen and a crowd-pleaser at the table.

The Flexible Family Cookbook is an well organized and attractive cookbook. I thought the recipes and instructions were clearly written and easy to follow. I liked the options, suggestions, and adjustments that were included with most recipes to account for allergies, picky eaters, and personal tastes. The photographs of the food were very appealing, and I think they put a good light on the selected dishes. I just wish that more of the dishes were more centered on ingredients families are likely to already have on hand, or would readily find (at a reasonable price) in the average grocery store. While there are substitutions, I just felt like the ingredients were often a little to upscale for me, and possibly many other households. I am interested in broadening my family's culinary appreciation and the dishes that  make everyone happy, but not when it means stretching our already tight budget and patients to find pomegranate molasses, no matter how good that picture looked. 

Early Book Review: Storey's Curious Compendium of Practical and Obscure Skills: 214 Things You Can Actually Learn How to Do by How-To Experts at Storey Publishing

Storey's Curious Compendium of Practical and Obscure Skills: 214 Things You Can Actually Learn How to Do by How-To Experts at Storey Publishing is currently scheduled for release on September 15 2020. Readers with a hunger for knowledge and an interest in the myriad ways people have taught themselves to make, grow, and build will discover the ins and outs of how to do everything they’ve ever wondered about in this colorful, inviting volume. With dozens of useful and intriguing visual tutorials that cover how to carve a turkey, capture a swarm of bees, predict the weather by the clouds, darn socks, create a butterfly garden, set up a dog agility course, keep a nature sketchbook, navigate by the stars, and more, this rich compendium will educate, fascinate, spark conversation, and inspire new hobbies and experiences.

Storey's Curious Compendium of Practical and Obscure Skills is exactly what the title states, and is a helpful resource to have in the home, or to check out regularly from the library. I cannot tell you how many times I planned to do something or ran into one of the myriad of problems that come with home ownership and had to quick search up if my ideas of how to do something are right or will only make things worse. Is the solution in my head really something I remember reading or learning somewhere, and is it the best way to go? The variety of things covered in this book cover a wide range of projects, from the expected and fairly common gardening advice to making beer, candles, and herbal tinctures, to training your dog to run an agility course. A little bit of everything is covered- including many things I had never expected. The text and images come together nicely to make all of the instructions clear and concise. It was fun to look through, and I found many interested parts that I sat and studied. I think this is a great resource for every household, and a perfect gift to those striking out on their own for their first time.

Book Review: DIY Projects for Cats and Dogs: 20 Easy-to-Build Creations for Your Best Friend by Armelle Rau; Pierre Legrix

DIY Projects for Cats and Dogs: 20 Easy-to-Build Creations for Your Best Friend by Armelle Rau and Pierre Legrix offers readers  20 simple projects that they can make in just a weekend, without any advanced skills or special tools. From a cat tree and a hide-away litter box to bowl stands, leash racks, and a Scandinavian bed platform, these stylish structures will take care of your pet’s needs while preserving your interior décor. Built and pet-tested by the authors in their own home, each imaginative creation features step-by-step instructions, materials lists, and inspirational color photographs. Projects include litter boxes, dog house, bowl stands, bed platforms, travel basket, cat tree, leash rack, bedside table cabin, and more.

DIY Projects for Cats and Dogs has a nice variety of projects, some of which I found to be completely not my style but some which I would gladly spend the time to build and put in my home or give to family for their pets. I found the instructions and photographs to be very well done, and easy to understand. I like that while some tools are necessary to get the work done, they are all tools that the average home (at least the home of anyone reading a book about building) are likely to own or have access to rather than crazy specialty tools.  The book is well balanced with projects for cats and dogs, with a variety of styles and function. As an animal lover I know I will be storing away some of these ideas for a later date, and will sadly never actually get around to making any of these, I think they are accessible and understandable instructions that anyone with the interest and motivation to make these projects will be successful. 

DIY Projects for Cats and Dogs is a well written and organized resource for handy pet lovers. I think this might be a book I would borrow from a library rather than buying, only to check out when ready to get to work, unless you plan on making a full collection of the projects for your home, and for your family and friends.  

Book Review: Better Living Through Origami: 20 Creative Paper Projects for a Beautiful Home by Nellianna van den Baard, Kenneth Veenenbos

Better Living Through Origami: 20 Creative Paper Projects for a Beautiful Home by Nellianna van den Baard and Kenneth Veenenbos invites readers to take papercraft to a new creative level. Learn how to create 20 items of functional home decor using simple, origami inspired paper folding and manipulation techniques, and then show off your DIY creations at the heart of your home. There are step-by-step illustrations to guide readers through the projects, which include beautiful lampshades, creative wall art ideas, an ingenious clock, pretty garlands and decorations, unique vases, candle holders, plant holders, decorative bowls and more. Using readily available paper and card stock, readers can create some stunning designer accents for your home for a fraction of the cost of store-bought versions.

Better Living Through Origami is a craft and decorating book that is different from anything I have tried before. Oh, I have tried origami before- and never really excelled at it. However, I have never tried to include paper crafts into my home decorating. I like that there is a detailed explanation about the tools and materials readers will need to attempt the projects, and the detailed information about the terminology and techniques. Although I think the techniques and link to downloadable templates could have been moved towards the front of the book, before the first project so that readers could use that information to practice before finding a project they love, only to discover they will need to drastically increase their skill level before attempting it. I do like that the projects are labeled with their difficulty levels, to mitigate that sort of frustration.  Since I do have kids and cats, some of the ideas and designs simply would not survive my house. Others just do not fit with my style and tastes, but I could picture them fitting wonderfully in other people's homes or offices.  I did like some of the lamp shades and well decorations, and could admire the craftsmanship and skill that went into not just making these items, but designing and testing them in order to sell, and to share. I think the instructions are understandable, but I could not try them for myself since I did not have access to the diagrams, just the instructions and images of the finished projects. 

Better Living Through Origami is a well organized and written book. The digital copy I received via Netgalley did not include the diagrams, although did contain a link to downloadable templates. Without the diagrams to attempt some of the designs I cannot give it a higher rating, because I can not test the accuracy of the diagrams and their ease of use when combined with the instructions and templates. 

Early Book Review: Badass Braids: From Vikings to Game of Thrones, 50 Maverick Looks for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fanatics by Shannon Burns

Badass Braids: From Vikings to Game of Thrones, 50 Maverick Looks for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fanatics by Shannon Burns is currently scheduled for release on April 3 2018. When she’s not studying for her PhD in social neuroscience, Silvousplaits (a.k.a. Shannon Burns) is creating and posting weekly instructional videos on her YouTube channel of DIY hair art that mimics the hairstyles of valiant men and women in the best historical, sci-fi, and fantasy shows and movies. Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, Vikings, and The Hunger Games--oh yeah, she's done them all. In Badass Braids she shows you how to transform your hair step-by-step. You'll look just like your favorite heroes and heroines in no time. With an introduction to the styling techniques for different kinds of basic braids, interviews with behind-the-scenes stylists and actors, and original styles inspired by fan-favorites.

Badass Braids: From Vikings to Game of Thrones, 50 Maverick Looks for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fanatics has me wishing I had my long hair back, and willing to go through the awkward regrowth process so that I can try more of these out. This book offers readers a good deal of information on the tools and tricks for perfect braiding. I liked the amount of detail given about the different combs, brushes, other tools and decorations that could be used and how or why you might want to use one or another. The tips and instructions are all well done and very detailed, but never talk down to the readers, which sometimes happens in how-to books of every variety. I also like that there is information on the character each style is based on with each style, both including who they are portrayed by and some information on the real character from history, literature, and so on. The combination of photographs, illustrations, and step by step instructions make the process easy to follow on your own.

Badass Braids: From Vikings to Game of Thrones, 50 Maverick Looks for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fanatics is a wonderful book for hair and braid lovers, and those looking to emulate the characters from various shows and movies. It could also be helpful for cosplay, conventions, and other costumed events. While not everyone needs this book, anyone wanting to expand thier knowledge of hairstyles in general, and braiding in particular, would do well to get this book.