I thought I would do a bit of series on the various craft books that you can regularly find in op shops, garage sales, second hand shops etc and which ones I like and why.
First up is the
Australian Women's Weekly 'Home Library' series.
For anyone who is familiar with their cookbooks these are essentially they same sort of thing but covering all sorts of different crafts. I currently have 4, two kids titles, one on general crafts and one on needlework. I used to have more but must have destashed them at some point.
The layout of these books is well done and although the project instructions are sometimes on the lean side the photos/illustrations more than make up for it.
The kids titles are jammed packed full of great ideas such as simple puppets
kiddy printing and sewing ideas
ideas that could also translate to home deco stuff as well as kids stuff, I've seen similar 'string balloons' used as light shades
To some slighting more wacky ideas like 'fish printing' (I don't think this fish phobic person will be trying this one)
The adult titles have a similar range of variety (although the styling has definitely not held up as well over time, anyone for a ladies hand embroidered sailor collar?)
and includes stuff like soft toys and bean bag patterns
To basket weaving, hat making, stained glass and linocuts.
Because they are soft cover magazine style book they will rarely cost you more that a couple of dollars in the op shop. When hunting for them don't just look in the craft book section as they can also often be found hiding in with the magazines or the similar shaped cookbooks.
Although the styling can sometimes be a bit dated they are packed with great ideas, that are clearly explained using generally easy to find materials.
They also don't take up too much space on my already groaning craft shelf.
Mary
