4 New Craft & Artisan Books Inspiring Me Right Now!

Inspiration is a fickle friend, she comes and goes as she pleases without a please or thank you to be heard. Books however, especially Artisan books aka books for ‘Makers’ provide a different type of inspiration. The special ones although few and far between, become life long friends.

I have just discovered one of these and I could not wait to share it. This post is for all my maker friends, or for anyone who appreciates handmade, unique items and reading about the life behind them.

I will leave a list of links at the end of the post for easy access and further details…

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Inspiration is a fickle friend, she comes and goes as she pleases…[/perfectpullquote]

Making a life By Meanie Falick

In my opinion one of the most life affirming and inspirational books I have seen for a long time. I will say this now if you have a crafter or a budding maker in your life, they will love this book, maybe buy it for them for Christmas?

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]if you have a crafter or a budding maker in your life, they will love this book[/perfectpullquote]

Not just for crocheters or knitters, it is for everyone who loves and appreciates a handmade item. Melanie Falick interviews the people behind the crafts, spends time with them and learns how they are inspired to make by the things they find or have in their lives and all around them. A truly exceptional book. Published by Artisan Books

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]In revealing stories and gorgeous original photographs, Making a Life captures all the joy of making and the power it has to give our lives authenticity and meaning[/perfectpullquote]

Simple crocheted Hats, by Vanessa Mooncie.

I am a long time fan of Vanessa’s patterns. I have all her books! How delighted was I then to see she had published a book about crochet hats and just in time for the hat wearing season. Of course I got to work immediately and made a Beanie for Marc. Who was I may say delighted with it, he wears it to work everyday and I had to ask for it back to take some snaps of it!

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]…I got to work immediately and made a Beanie for Marc.[/perfectpullquote]

The patterns are simple to follow and include charts too. The great thing about making a hat for someone is you dont need too much yarn. I used a size 5 mm (UK) hook and some WI chunky yarn I bought at hobbycraft. It used less than one ball and took about 2 hours from start to finish. Total cost about £3, again a superb idea for a Christmas present. The book contains a lovely range of hat ideas and styles, I rather like the pin wheel beret…

I have written about and reviewed more of Vanessa Mooncie’s books in the last few years…

A couple of fun new artisan books that would be great for young sewing fans…

POM POM POM by Henry Le

A super fun book, with 50 mini pompom shapes and characters to make. Perfect for using up scrap yarn and a brilliant way to teach and entertain children over the Christmas holidays? My favourite poms are the emoji’s and the hamburger pompom looks good enough to eat! I may make a few as stocking fillers this year…

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The fabulous pompoms in this book, by Vietnamese artist Henry Le, make other pompoms look distinctly ordinary. [/perfectpullquote]

Fat Quarter Vintage by Susie Johns

I could not list crafting books without having a sewing one on the list now could I. Fat quarters as you may know are handy pre cut short lengths of fabric. This pretty book, divides the 25 projects up by eras. Simple and quick to make all are perfect for beginners and intermediate sewing fans alike. The projects would make superb Christmas gifts too!

Susie Johns is an artist and designer who has written dozens of crafts books. She also runs classes and workshops on knitting and crochet and has been involved in a number of textile based community projects in and around London where she lives.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]This book is ideal for using the leftover remnants of fabric, and the projects make great gifts[/perfectpullquote]

The books I have received as gifts over the years, are the ones I treasure the most. My Nanny and Granddad gave me craft and story books and the inscriptions always bring a tear to my eye even today. Books are magic…

Disclosure: these lovely books were all gifted, but I was under no obligation to post about any of them. I have because I think they are superb books…

Why not have a look at more of my Book Reviews & see if you fancy putting any on your Christmas list!