Making Fairy Garden Accessories Anna-Marie Fahmy; Andrew Fahmy

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
If you are looking for easy and amusing crafts, here's a good instruction manual. Miniatures, especially when they provoke a second look, are currently trending. And fairy gardens have been around for a while, a small second-look in a garden or outdoor space that bring a smile.

I recommend the clear instructions and many photos to gardeners wants a quick project, to parents and kids who need something pretty to make together, and to those who like surprising guests by making them with a double-take in the yard.

Have fun with this one!

How Art is Made: the Craft Behind the Masterpieces by Debra N Mancoff

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
You've just seen an amazing painting or sculpture, a fresco or drawing ... and thought, "I wonder if I could do that?" Or maybe you realize, "NO WAY could I ever do that!" Or "How did that happen?"

Well, you can't know until you spend years perfecting your creativity. 

Some ongoing questions that pop up in blogs and discussions are: "Is this a craft project or an art project?" and "How do you know the difference between something made a hobby and something made as a job?" (Usually the latter is identified by remuneration.) "When do I know/do enough to qualify as a 'real' artist?"

Mancoff spotlights various arts by how they're made. If you like art history, this is for you. Same if you're a student of art who wonders how that masterpiece "happened" with basic materials. And ... you'll learn a lot whether you identify as an artist or crafter, especially if you want to broaden your repertoire of techniques and skills. 

Super Fun Art Activities for Kids by Susan Schwake

★★★ ☐☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 

I used to homeschool. This is the kind of book that our 4 kids loved. The pictures and instructions are simple enough for them to do the crafts on their own (after elementary age). The projects are adaptable enough to be the foundation for various subjects. It wouldn't be the only book on my idea shelf but it would be a welcome addition!

Living the Seasons: Simple Ways to Celebrate the Beauty of Your Faith throughout the Year by Erica Tighe Campbell

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. We sometimes make faith complicated. In our busy schedules, if we think about the milestones of the Christian calendar at all, celebrating the days may feel like too much of an effort. Designed for busy moms, the simple crafts, explanations of the holidays, and adaptations to family rhythms make this a worthwhile purchase. Add it to your shelf ... or let your kids browse the illustrations for ideas during their carpool.

 

Art for Self-Care" Create Powerful, Healing Art by Listening to Your Inner Voice by Jessica Swift

★★★ ☐☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

A fun book that's more comic book than artist manual. Beginners will love the color and line, the many prompts and examples. For most artists, it will also give ideas for examining feelings and handling stress.

From supply lists to easy-to-follow DIYs, you'll have fun with this one. There's a bit too much magic and woohoo for my taste, but if you're new to visual processing, this may be the ticket.

Weaving with Little Handmade Looms by Harumi Kageyama

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Small is easily overlooked. Crafts are sometimes trite. But there's real satisfaction in creating something personal and little.

Enjoy this how-to, from making your own loom to choosing your yarns, strings and other materials, to a pretty finished creation.

Recommended for those with limited time and resource - you'll have made something interesting and fun when you're done.