The Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater is a memoir about life truths learned through crafting. People who craft know things. They know how to transform piles of yarn into sweaters and scarves. They know that some items, like woolen bikini tops, are better left unknit. They know that making a hat for a newborn baby isn’t just about crafting something small but appreciating the beginnings of life, which sometimes helps make peace with the endings. They know that if you knit your boyfriend a sweater, your relationship will most likely be over before the last stitch. Alanna Okun knows that crafting keeps her anxiety at bay. She knows that no one will ever be as good a knitting teacher as her beloved grandmother. And she knows that even when we can’t control anything else, we can at least control the sticks, string, and fabric right in front of us. Okun lays herself bare and takes readers into the parts of themselves they often keep hidden. Yet at the same time she finds humor in the daily indignities all crafters must face (like when you catch the dreaded Second Sock Syndrome and can’t possibly finish the second in a pair). Okun has written a book that will speak to anyone who has said to themselves, or to everyone within earshot, “I made that.

Since 1967, crafters have entrusted their most treasured creations to Mod Podge--the number one, all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish product that's water-based for easy cleanup and totally non-toxic. The popularity of Mod Podge continues to grow, as does its product lineup that now includes Sparkle, Outdoor, Dimensional Magic, and Fabric formulas. Mod Podge Rocks! features over 40 simple, inexpensive decoupage projects that showcase the versatility of this celebrated product. Contemporary, fun, and welcoming--just like author Amy Anderson's popular Mod Podge Rocks! website-the book includes everything from home accessories and holiday décor to wearables and jewelry. Joining Amy herself as guest project designers are some of the hottest names in crafting, such as Cathie Filian and Candie Cooper. A basic section outlines the simple techniques, and each project features beauty shots, easy-to-follow instructions, and how-to photos.

Writing longhand isn't a chore when you can turn your notes into mini works of art. Grocery lists, to-do lists, sticky notes, make them look more like art rather than work with Written by Hand. There's no getting around the fact that typing on keyboards and screens is the new norm, but the simple, meditative art of writing words by hand can't be forgotten! Written by Hand is a guide designed to give you a new appreciation of writing. Everyday notes and lists don't have to be mundane scribbles; with a little practice, you can make them works of art! Written By Hand walks you through the habits and skills needed to turn everyday scrawls into miniature pieces of art that are both wonderful to look at and fun to "draw". With walk-throughs of various lettering styles, examinations of personal writing habits, interesting facts on handwriting and calligraphy, and plenty of practice pages to use in your own hand-lettering practice, Written by Hand is an immersive guide to the written word.

From the creator of the popular Lulu the Baker blog, this darling book of Scandinavian-inspired gathering ideas includes recipes and crafts for every day and special occasions. Equal parts entertaining, crafting, and cooking, it features 10 seasonal family-friendly gatherings filled with Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, and Finnish flavors and traditions. There are 40 accessible and modern recipes for sweet and savory treats, and 30 simple craft projects perfect for decorating and entertaining, as well as vivid color photographs throughout. With gatherings like Nordic Brunch, Woodland Tea Party, Afternoon Fika, Lucia Day, Christmas Cookie Exchange, and more, this charming book is perfect for fans of Scandinavian style, food, and tradition.

There is something elemental shared among artists and crafters, regardless of chosen medium: creative energy. Crafters dabble, collaborate, muse, and make, all in their own way and on their own timeline. For all crafts, there are established techniques to follow but wild, innumerable ways to experiment, using the basics to launch crafters to new heights. Crafter’s Devotional can aid that launch. Each day of the year is given its own focus, on which the reader will find a daily dose of craft content that inspires, instructs, and illuminates.

Make this holiday one your family will remember forever! With these 19 fun, simple patterns, even first-time knitters can create beautiful knitted Christmas stockings, as well as delightful knit and felt ornaments for the Christmas tree.

Do you love the idea of printing your own fabrics at home but don't know where to start? This comprehensive guide to screen printing shows you just how easy it is to create beautiful, hand printed fabrics at your kitchen table. Screen printing expert, Karen Lewis, demonstrates two screen printing techniques - stencilling and screen filler - and how they can be used to create stunning, professional results with basic, inexpensive equipment. Both techniques are explained using step-by-step text and photography. Karen also explains how to create simple sewn projects from your hand printed fabrics. The sewing patterns include an apron, tote bag and tea cosy, as well as ideas for how to print on ready made items such as tea towels to make fantastic gifts for friends and family.

Keeping a child engaged and happy can be a tall order, but with 500 Kids Art Ideas, you'll never run out of inspiration! This fun, visual reference features a thousand arts and crafts projects for adults and children to do together. With an emphasis on recycled materials and nature, a wide range of art is covered. From making dolls and edible treats to sculpting and printmaking, everything is simple enough to recreate, but also up to interpretation. Add your own creative twist to make them your own and ask your child to do the same! Not only will you be engaging your children and activating their imagination, but also teaching them critical skills.500 Kids Art Ideas also features purposely open-ended art meant to bring families closer together. You'll be able to connect with your child on a deeper level in no time, letting them know that you can be fun, too!

Presents step-by-step instructions for repurposing a variety of electronic appliances and equipment, including computers, cell phones, and scanners, into other items.

Appliqu Your Way goes beyond traditional quiltwork with 35 sweet stitching projects from crafter extraordinaire Kayte Terry. Master decorative stitches, create original templates, and much more. The book is designed for easy use with a lay-flat Wire-O binding and a handy back pocket that holds pattern and template pieces. No more wrestling with a copy machine to enlarge or shrink! Stitchers will find everything they need to create a Gone Dotty A-line Skirt, a Reverse Appliqu Market Tote, a Felted Faux Bois Scarf, and 30+ more projects ranging from the sublimely simple to the ultra-chic.