Craft Your Own Happy (Crafts)

by Becci Mai Ford

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Craft Your Own Happy is a nice collection of beginner accessible feel-good crafting projects. Due out 30th Sept 2020 from Pen & Sword on their White Owl imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback format.

I enjoyed this book. The pictures are all very clear and colorful, the projects are well designed and appealing, and the text is upbeat and encouraging. The introduction includes a discussion of tools, supplies, and basic techniques. The bulk of the book is taken up by the 26 (by my count) projects. The projects themselves are varied and attractive, from an adorable needle felted unicorn, macrame, wall decorations, and more. Most all of the projects could certainly be easily adapted to other finishes. All of the templates are included. Each tutorial contains an introduction, materials list (nothing too exotic or difficult to source), and step by step photo tutorials from start to finish. Tips and alternative finishes are included in the tutorials. There is no included links or supplies list (the tools and supplies used are not exotic and will not be difficult to source). There's also no index, but there is a well-laid-out table of contents with all the tutorials listed.

Although the author's focus is on the solitary crafter - emphasizing mindfulness in the creative process to alleviate anxiety, stress, and other negative feelings, it would also be a great selection for a makers group, library crafting group (when we're allowed to assemble again), studio library, classroom or other formal instruction, or home studio. A lot of these projects would also be great for younger crafters (some might require some adult help).

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.