Craft Books: A Comprehensive Review

I've been a crafter since 2006, with my sister introducing me to paper crafts. I also picked up scrapbooking because it was very popular back then. 

The moment I bought my 1st craft book from a National Bookstore sale, I knew craft books, along with magazines, would be a good investment. 

Why Build A Collection of Craft Books?

• Craft books make valuable resources for facilitating therapeutic relaxation, learning new skills, and improving creativity. 
• They can be a great way for readers to discover a range of new hobbies. 
• Craft books often provide step-by-step instructions along with images, making it easier to learn new crafts and techniques. 
• Authors provide insights and hacks through craft books by sharing their expertise. 
• Readers get to improve their fine motor skills by doing the crafts.
• Craft books provide ideas for DIY and personalizing gifts for different occasions.
• Most craft books focus on recycling, upcycling, and repurposing, leading to reduced clutter, less waste, less materials ending up in landfills, and more space in our homes.

Having said all of the above, here are the latest additions to my collection of craft books:

Artrageous! by Jennifer McCully

Buy this book used on Amazon.

Yay!

• While this is more of an instructional art book than a book that's exclusively about crafts, author Jennifer McCully introduces budding artists to the basics of drawing, painting, and mixed media art.
• Because McCully targets mainly children through this colorful and quirky book, she has provided warm-up exercises, instructions for special techniques, as well as a primer for the basics of color theory. 
• Curious learners will be instructed to draw, paint, tear, stamp, stencil, and glue their way to imaginative, whimsical artwork.

Nay

• None

Creative Wedding Showers by Laurie Dewberry

Order this book used at Amazon.

Yay!

• Event organizers won't be needed to plan the perfect wedding shower. Whether you're the maid of honor, one of the bridesmaids, or anyone else who's part of the wedding entourage, just pick an idea from any of the projects here to suit the bride's personality. 
• Some of the themes are seasonal, so it doesn't matter whether the couple will tie the knot in spring, summer, fall, or winter.
• Projects are concise and not only involve wedding shower invitations and decorations, but extend to entertainment, menu, keepsakes, and party favors as well.

Nay

• Nearly all of the themes will suit a wedding shower with only a limited number of guests. 

Random, mixed-color
grosgrain ribbons
by Fabulous_diy.ph

Making Cards with Rubber Stamps, Ribbons & Buttons 

Buy this book used on Amazon.

Yay! 

• This craft book is filled with cardmaking projects to suit crafters of different skill levels. 
• If you enjoy bright and cheerful concepts for greeting cards, you may never buy another card from a store or online again!
• The designs on each page take minimal supplies to make and can be done in little time. 
• Cardmakers can use inkpads, tulle, buttons, and ribbons in different colors and prints (polka dots, gingham, stripes, chevron, etc.) 

Nay

• While you can make cards for different occasions, this craft book is focused exclusively on cardmaking.

The Crafter's Year

Buy this book through DK UK.

Yay!

• A terrific deal for multi-crafters, this craft book showcases projects and techniques in stenciling, silk making, painting, baking, candle and jewelry making, and cookery.
• Each craft is grouped into a season as a category, so crafters can pull out a particular project for a major event for each season. 

Nay

• None

Make and Colour Easter Decorations by Clare Beaton

Buy this book used.
Available on Amazon. 

Yay!

• Easter-themed craft projects are varied, yet fun and simple enough to suit even newbies in crafting. 

Nay

• This craft book will be appreciated mainly by those who are into paper crafts.

The Usborne BIG Book of Christmas Things to Make and Do 

Buy a pre-loved copy on ebay.

Yay! 

• Colorful craft book that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike, and features over 800 stickers. 
• Packed with the most imaginative, inspiring, and practical ideas for Christmas. 

Nay 

• Projects are limited to Christmas.

Holly Jolly Christmas In Plastic Canvas 

Order a brand new copy on ebay.

Yay! 

• Crafters will work on a variety of projects -- Santa Claus, snowmen, poinsettias, and angels -- on 7-count plastic canvas. 

Nay

• This is a highly niched craft book.

Mollie Makes Christmas 

Buy this book used through Amazon.

Yay! 

• Readers can choose from a fairly wide variety of crafts -- crochet, felt, paper crafts, and hand embroidery. 
• Most of the projects are practical, aesthetic, or both. 
• Crafters can customize or personalize some of the projects and turn them into stocking stuffers, or inexpensive items for Secret Santa, or presents for friends or colleagues.

Nay

• None

The Farm Chicks Christmas 

Order this book online
through Goodwill Bookstore.

Yay! 

• This craft book will remind readers of the slow, unhurried, but oftentimes enjoyable pace of country living and entertaining.
• Readers will be enthralled by the simple yet charming crafts.

Nay

• As the title implies, the projects in this craft book are limited only to Christmas-themed ones.