November is here, and for all you crafters and DIY-ers, that means one thing: it’s time to get cracking on holiday crafts! This year’s batch of holiday craft books includes everything from paper crafts to natural dyes, doggie doughnuts to tiny cat hats. So if you’re looking to go homemade for the holidays, take a look at these DIY books.
Christmas with Southern Living 2015: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Cooking & Decorating
Author: Southern Living Magazine
Can’t decide where to start? This annual mega-guide has a little bit of everything for your holiday crafting, baking, and entertaining. You’ll find everything from decorating inspiration to homemade gifts and holiday menus. I especially like the sound of the “gifts from the kitchen” chapter for creating and packing food gifts to share. The book itself would make a lovely gift for your favorite crafter!
The Modern Natural Dyer: A Comprehensive Guide to Dyeing Silk, Wool, Linen and Cotton at Home
Author: Kristine Vejar
Half the time, I have no intention of ever even attempting the projects inside a craft book — I just like to admire the photos and briefly pretend I’m a person who lovingly harvests foraged plants to make nontoxic natural dye. But for you truly crafty hippie types, this beautifully designed book shows you how to create a rainbow of color to dye yarn, fabric, and garments. The 20 projects range from knitting and sewing patterns to ready-made items that just get dunked in dye. Imagine the bragging rights of dyeing AND knitting your own winter scarf!
Paper Craft
Author: DK Publishing
I hate spending a bunch of money on craft supplies for some new project, only to use them once or twice and stuff them guiltily into a drawer to avoid their silent, accusing stare. That’s why paper crafts are great! You can get started with an Xacto knife, a ruler, and a hole punch or two. Among the many, many craft projects are gift boxes and gift tags, hanging garlands, honeycomb pom-poms, origami earrings, animal masks, and a variety of realistic paper flowers. With a special section on designing and embellishing scrapbooks, this guide may be especially handy for scrapbookers, but crafters of all skill levels will enjoy these fun and inexpensive ideas.
Subversive Cross Stitch: 50 F*cking Clever Designs for Your Sassy Side
Author: Julie Jackson
Not a fan of the sappy sayings and cutesy designs on traditional needlework? Then you’ll love the sarcasm and cuss-word-laden offerings in Subversive Cross Stitch. And it’s not just for the holidays (“Happy F*cking Holidays”)! “Babies Suck” makes a delightful shower gift, “Cheer Up, Loser” would be a thoughtful gesture of sympathy, and “Go F*ck Yourself” is, er, perfect for everyday. Included alphabet charts allow you to personalize your words of wisdom.
Tiny Hats on Cats: Because Every Cat Deserves to Feel Fancy
Author: Adam Ellis
Warning: if you have a grouchy cat, this might best be enjoyed as a coffee-table book rather than something you’ll actually inflict on your furry housemate. Because it is, in fact, a book about crafting tiny novelty hats to place upon your semi-willing cat’s head. You can get a look at author Adam Ellis’ work by following his @tinyhatsoncats Instagram account. With everything from winged Valkyrie helmets to Robin Hood feathered caps and steampunk top hats, Tiny Hats on Cats shows you how to make your cat an Instagram purrsonality.
The Year of Cozy: 125 Recipes, Crafts, and Other Homemade Adventures
Author: Adrianna Adarme
I hadn’t heard of the blog A Cozy Kitchen before seeing this book — I mean, “year of cozy” pretty much sells itself, right? At any rate, the book is organized by month and into categories like “Live,” “Do,” and “Make.” There are recipes, craft projects, decorating ideas, and activities that celebrate the season. Some projects that caught my eye included doggie donuts, homemade candles, DIY wrapping paper, and a burnt butter/pear/ginger crumble. Enjoy the beautiful photography and get inspired with a year’s worth of cozily creative ideas.
A Year of Gingerbread Houses: Making & Decorating Gingerbread Houses for All Seasons
Author: Kristine Samuell
In case you thought gingerbread houses were just for the holidays, think again. Last year, I was drooling over this tiny 3D gingerbread house cookie cutter, but couldn’t quite justify the purchase for cookies that I made once a year. But now, with the help of this book, I’ve learned that gingerbread houses can be decorated for Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and lots of other seasonal themes! Options for customizing windows, doors, landscaping, and even lights give you unlimited possibilities. Lots of photos are included to help you through the process, along with patterns, piping templates, and tips on baking and assembly. I doubt I’ll ever attain the author’s level of frosting mastery, but it’s amazing to see these elaborate confection creations.
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