Why craft? Crafting, building and creating are great ways to spend free time and are proven to help keep your brain active and healthy.
I love crafting because at the end of my project, I have something tangible that I can hold in my hands that I made. Handmade creations also make great gifts for loved ones.
Your local library has many books and materials that will help to light your creative spark. With so many different ways to create, you should be able to find something that fits your personality and the project style. These books will help you to find inspiration or learn the skills you need to begin to make some amazing crafts.
• Adorkable Bubble Bath Crafts by Brittaine Pyper: What better way to warm up during this chilly season than with a bubble bath? This amazing book features more than 50 easy-to-make bubble bath projects that will scrub away winter blues. With Ninja Turtle ooze soap, lightsaber bath bombs, or unicorn poop sugar scrub, you should be able to find something awesome to make.
• Make a Statement: 25 Handcrafted Jewelry and Accessory Projects by Janet Crowther and Katie Covington: Why not make something you can wear? In this imaginative book, you will learn about the tools, materials and techniques to make jewelry and accessory craft projects. Once you have completed your masterpieces, login to Lynda.com — free through your library website — and learn how to take exceptional photos of your creations.
• Embroider Your Life: Techniques + Motifs + Inspiration by Nathalie Mornu: Pin down your desire to learn a new skill. This amazing book covers techniques, styles, stitch types and more than 150 designs. According to the author Nathalie Mornu “these embroidery designs are child’s play to learn, easy to stitch and fun to apply to any number of objects.”
• Epic Cardboard Adventures by Leslie Manlapig: Bend, tape, glue and colour your way through 60 cardboard creations that are designed for younger ages but are bound to appeal to everyone. From freestanding giant dinosaurs, to air cannons made of cardboard, the variety of projects will tear into your imagination.
• Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide by Clara Parkes and All New Fabric Savvy: How to Choose and Use Fabrics by Sandra Betzina: Both of these books are widely considered in craft circles to be excellent resources. All New Fabric Savvy will help you select your next fabric for a project, with more than 107 fabric suggestions, stitch settings, needle sizes and care instructions.
As well, The Knitter’s Book of Yarn is a detailed volume of knowledge on all things yarn: making of yarn, types of yarn, style of stitches, care, and 40 patterns to get you started.
Visit your local library where staff can get you started on your crafting journey with even more great suggestions.
A Good Read is a column by Tri-City librarians that is published on Wednesdays. Brandon Monahan works at Terry Fox Library in Port Coquitlam.
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