Book Review 2

Make Your Own Gifts
DK (London)
ISBN 978-1-4093-4806-1

This is a delightful crafts book for children. I really like that it encourages children to make things to give as gifts. Maybe it's just me, but I think it is never too early to start teaching children the value of handmade.

The projects are divided into four sections - Paper Craft Projects, Stitched & Beaded Goodies, Moulded & Sculpted Treasures and Make & Bake Treats.

Paper Craft Projects - In this section we find papier-mache projects that give new life to used containers. There are also paper-folding projects. I particularly liked the fairy decoration and the folded paper flowers. The latter are quite a challenge actually, and could easily be classified as an adult craft.

Stitched & Beaded Goodies - Projects in this section include felt badges, a small felt bag and beaded keychains. I loved the pompom scarf. Maybe it is because of the lovely colours in the picture.

It is such a simple project! Let's face it...pompoms are so easy to make, they practically make themselves.
The beaded lizard keychain is another project I loved. It is a great introduction to beads and knotwork.

Moulded & Sculpted Treasures - In this section, the projects give children the opportunity to explore clay and plaster. Making the pretty pendants from air-drying clay is as easy as cutting cookies.
The tea light holders project must break some sort of record.. All it requires are old, empty jars jazzed up with some shapes cut out of tissue paper. Almost too simple, but so beautiful when a tea light is placed inside. The optional beaded handles on the jars give children the chance to up-cycle all those broken beaded necklaces lying around in their drawer.

Make & Bake Treats - This section has simple recipes, like brownies, iced cookies and cupcakes. Recipes that are easy enough for children to make...and which are deliciously yummy for adults too.

The final section is about presentation ideas for all the lovely gifts in the book. After all, packaging and presentation do make a difference to the appearance of any handmade item. Bespoke patterned paper, envelopes and even customised carrier bags can all give your gift that extra pizzazz. And in this section we are shown how to do that.

Also included at the end of the book are templates for those projects that need them.

I know I've said this before, but I really like this book. Although it is aimed at children, most of the projects are interesting and satisfying enough even for adults.