Book Review:
The projects in the book Gifts for the Family are divided into
the following chapters: Needlecraft and Fabric Projects (pillows,
linens, napkin rings, clothes, bags, sachets, blankets); Paper and
Card Projects (photo memory box, placemats, tabletop collage, albums);
Houseplant and Flower Projects (flowerpots, vase, dried flower arrangements,
wreaths, centerpieces); Bags, Containers and Storage Projects (planter,
bowls, Mother's Day craft, decorated baskets, keepsake and gift
boxes); Bathroom and Kitchen Projects (bathroom accessories, toiletries,
coasters, glassware, candles); Frames and Mirrors Projects (mirror,
frames, memo board, placemats, tote bag, albums); and Candles and
Lamps Projects (lamp shades, lantern, candles, candleholders).
The projects in this book cover a variety of techniques and with
a variety of products; stenciling, stamping, sewing, hot gluing,
ironing, fusible web, paper and fabric decoupage, natural stamping,
marbleizing, faux finish, flower arranging, embossing, wood staining,
dimensional paint, frosting, gel wax, tooling, pressing flowers
and leaves, painting candles, gold leaf, carving candles.
At the beginning of each chapter there are photos of various projects
included in that chapter to give you a sample of what is to come.
The individual projects are displayed beautifully in color photos
where the projects are arranged in home settings. There are also
color photos of three additional projects under the heading Quick
and Easy Alternatives. They aren't variations of the main craft
but different ideas using the same or similar materials for additional
projects. One example is the antique table runner (the additional
projects are a framed antique handkerchief, a box decorated with
a vintage handkerchief and a velvet pillow decorated with an antique
handkerchief).
I really like this book because along with the instructions for
the projects there are color photos demonstrating the techniques
involved in doing the project (i.e. iron on appliqué for
the Napkin Envelope Pillow). These photos truly make all the projects
easy for anyone to make and that makes the book all the more appealing.
There is such a wide variety of projects that you might even have
trouble choosing what to do. If you are looking for something specific
like a gift for weddings, Father's or Mother's Day there is a beautiful
project for you to make and give. |
