Book Review: Big Ass Book of Bling by @MarkMontano

Woohoo, people, the wait is OVER and we can all get our bling on with fabulous DIY guru Mark Montano! Whut whut!

It's a project from the Big Ass Book of Bling!

Yes, I'm excited, but can you blame me? I mean, it's Mark Montano.  No, I'm not celebrity-obsessed (well, not really…) I'm really all about QUALITY, INNOVATION, LEARNING, and EMPOWERMENT through CRAFTS! Mark Montano teaches us to DIY in many different ways and his projects always come out rocking!

So when I learned about his newest Big Ass book, The Big-Ass Book of Bling, I didn't wait for a publisher to email. I didn't contact anyone for a free book, I pre-ordered that bad boy from BN.com, and it was perfectly delivered on time to my iPad. How's that for a space-saver? And since it's on my device, I can take it with me wherever I go. So, if I'm at the craft store, for instance, I can shop for all of my materials for a specific project using the list of materials in the book without carrying around a Big Ass book! However, I have a hard copy of the The Big-Ass Book of Crafts 2, and it's awesome to have that as well. The format is up to you!

I love learning about the inspiration behind each project. In this book, Montano has arranged his projects by theme, often riffing on a similar focal point or theme. For example, he has multiple fantastic projects using vinyl and E-6000. You know those suckers are going to last forever! The work is so stylish and the techniques are tried and true. It's a privilege to peek into the mind of a true artist!

As an avid crafter, I am ready to dive right into the projects and techniques that Montano outlines in his book. However, I encourage even the more timid crafter to open his/her mind and give some of these techniques a try. With the right tools and instructions, they're not that hard.

Did you know you can make a crown inspired by Glenda the Good Witch for a costume party, child's tea party, or just to wear while doing errands (wink)? All you need is a headband, some wire, paper, spray paint, and a few other things. That's pretty cool if you ask me!

And lest you be worried about buying supplies and not using them, put your mind at rest. There are at least 6 other crowns using similar materials in the book. And once you make yours, I am sure everyone's going to want one! :)

In short, if you're thinking about buying this book, but aren't sure if it's any good, or if it's worth it, put your mind at rest. It's worth it just to read and learn, but the DIY possibilities are endless! You will grow as an artist if you use this book.  This is a book you'll want around for years to come.

Disclosure: Amazon affiliate links.

The Principles of #Knitting Book Review

This is a book review about The Principles of Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt. I received a review copy of the book.

Since this wonderful resource came out in February, it could be said that this review is long overdue. However, the simple fact is that this volume is incredibly relevant and will remain so for years to come.

This is the kind of book you buy for your knitting library and refer back to over and over again. It's perfect for seasoned knitters and newbies who want to increase their knowledge and skills.

The instructions are very clear and easy to follow. Hiatt also devotes a chapter to yarn! I loved reading all about the carding and spinning process. She goes into a great level of detail, even explaining the different terminology for particular types of fiber. Do you know the difference between a noil and a filament? I do. They're quite different, actually...

While I would not recommend this as a beginning knitting how-to book, and it's certainly not a page turner, it is definitely an essential reference for serious knitters.

Vital stats:
  The Principles of Knitting

  June Hemmons Hiatt
Hardcover

Touchstone/Simon & Schuster
ISBN 13: 978-1-4165-3517-1

ISBN 10:  1-4165-3517-9
$45.00

P.S.  It's also available digitally.  A bit cheaper and saves space, too! And, oh yeah. Those links are affiliate links.

Crazy for Cake Pops Book Review

This is a book review for Crazy for Cake Pops by Molly Bakes (Ulysses Press). I received a review copy of this book. 

I am not good at cooking. Ask anyone. I don't like it. I don't like wet messes, touching raw ingredients, or all that mixing and stirring. While I will approach a craft project without fear, making food just isn't my thing.

But how could I say no when Ulysses Press asked me to review this book? Get Crafty with Cake, put it on a stick! 

nom nom nom nom

I love cake. I love frosting. I love cute things. I love creativity. I'm in!

Curvy Girl #Crochet Book Review

This is a book review for Curvy Girl Crochet: 25 Patterns that Fit and Flatter by Mary Beth Temple.  A review copy was given to me at no cost by Taunton Press.  

photo from amazon.com

I love Mary Beth Temple.  I love her because she's funny and nice and full of personality.  Never mind that she's a great designer.  I just like the woman, period.  Now let's talk about her impressive resume- numerous designs in major crochet magazines, her own pattern line, Hooked for Life, and authoring several books.  I know her best from her award-winning podcast, “Getting Loopy,” and from chats around the internet.

Needless to say, I was honored to be asked by Taunton to receive an advance copy of her latest book and review it here on Art, Like Bread.

Sweetheart Tank Top (photo via Ravelry)

Book Review: The Granny Square Book by Margaret Hubert

Granny and I have had an interesting relationship.  I'm not going to pretend to be one of those crocheters who has always been enchanted by granny squares.  For most of my life, granny squares were associated with tacky couches covered in clear plastic, saggy nylons, and the smell of mothballs.  (Perhaps I have revealed too much about my childhood. - Just kidding!!)

But seriously, it hasn't been until recently that I've see the versatility in this classic shape, the vibrant color potential, and {how fashionable granny squares can be}.  Granny's everywhere, y'all, and she's staying out late!

Image used with permission of publisher.

I can hardly believe my luck these days.  I got a review copy of The Granny Square Book: Timeless techniques & fresh ideas for crocheting square by square by *Margaret Hubert*. Margaret Hubert is a prolific crochet & knit designer, and she's been in this business since the 1960s. I heard about her on one of my favorite podcasts, Getting Loopy with Mary Beth Temple.

This book is beautiful, inspirational, and stunning.  There are 75 fresh g-square designs, and then the really exciting part- a whole section on designing with granny squares.  Some people say that all yarn crafters are designers- probably because we take patterns and switch up yarn colors, substitute yarns, and make each creation our own.  I agree with that, but there is also another level to design, which would be conceiving of an idea in your head, and figuring out how to make it real.  Pattern design could include using interesting construction techniques, and communicating those techniques so that they can be replicated.

Section by Section

Do yourself a favor- don't skip the intro section. It has some cute anecdotes from avid crocheters and familiar designers. :)  I even learned a new technique- the invisible join!

On to the designs! I LOVE square number one.  I'm seeing a gold scarf made from that one. :) These squares are very pretty and have tremendous potential. There are a lot of flower-centered motifs.  That would make a cute garden-themed blanket or handbag. Sometimes I just like to make motifs in sock yarn because they are pretty and I learn something.  Perhaps I shall try that for this book.

Here are three versions of square number one: Picot Square!  I'm doing a scarf made from these squares.

Pretty cool in this fuzzy yarn, eh?

Dare I make every single square? :)  If you want a sample, check out this post at Craftside, which includes a free sample pattern! 

You'll be happy to know that in addition to written instructions, Margaret provides clear schematics, and instructions for *half* squares in some designs.

The design section is different- in a good way!  It starts off simple, with several basic projects you can adapt using yarn and hook choice.  This is great because honestly, you can keep busy for quite a long time just doing these few simple projects.  But, of course, the section gets more in-depth and explains the process of graphing to design your granny projects.  Since we're working with squares, that makes a lot of sense!

There are progressively more intricate patterns, and each are laid out so that the crocheter *understands* them.  I remember when I first started crocheting with patterns.  It was a leap of faith.  I felt like I did when I would try a new form in origami- if I just follow these instructions, somehow I will magically come out with a form that looks like something.  With these patterns, the construction is explained, so I was able to get an idea of how it works before even beginning the project.

I particularly like the Yoga Tunic and Bag Pattern.  I may see these in my future.  I am also eying the Pillows with Panache.

Over all, it's a good book.  Lots of ideas here.  It's worth it for just the square designs, but there's so much more.

For more grannynspiration, definitely check out Sarah London, and the beautiful Things to Make and Do blog.  :)

Knitting Goes Digital? It's About Time!

I belong to a crafting group that meets once a month or so to sit around, gab, and shoot the stitch.  We're a mixture of students, mothers, teachers, and professionals.  A couple of us are expats.  One of the things that comes up time after time (especially among the expats in the group) is the marked dearth of knit and crochet books that are available digitally.

We are craft consumers.  We are the target audience.  We want those hot craft books the minute they come out.  Seriously, though, the titles are just not available to us locally, and buying online means a cost more than double the list price, and hoping that the book actually arrives.

So I just about did a backflip when I got the following video and email in my inbox.  STC Craft | Melanie Falick Books has released eight wonderful knitting titles in digital form.  Happy dance!




Check out this wonderful video which really highlights how special these books are.  It's inspirational!

I had the received a sample copy of Last-Minute Knitted Gifts, which downloaded quickly and perfectly onto my little netbook.  I anxiously devoured the digital pages, and found that although I am primarily a crocheter, this book has much to offer even me.

For one, I was enthused to realize that the author is none other than Joelle Hoverson, the owner of Purl Soho.  I'm about to admit to some serious craft geekery here, but I actually read the entire Purl Bee blog this summer.  Yeah.  I'm serious.  It just rocks, people. That's all that needs to be said.*

Click to see a quintessential Purl Bee posting. You'll bee in love.
Image property of Purl Bee and used with permission.

Last-Minute Knitted Gifts begins with some background information on the store, Purl, as the impetus for the book.  The author goes into choosing project colors and color theory.  I love color, and color theory is of paramount interest!  The author goes on to explain the color choices for a few of the projects in the book and why they are so striking.

Then it's on to the projects!  This book is a winner, and it has an avid following on Ravelry. :)   I don't know about you, but I always check Ravelry to see which patterns are available in the book and just what can be done with the patterns. 

If you are looking for a gift to knit in less than 2 hours, 2-4 hours, 4-6 hours, 6-8 hours, or 8+ hours, download this book immediately.  It's good stuff. As for me, I'm eyeing the under 2-hour gifts. That's mainly because those are the ones I feel I can finish, and also because I have lots of baby friends who would love a hand-knit something to keep them warm this winter! 

The final thing I wanted to point out about this book is that even though it was originally printed in 2004, it remains perfectly relevant with timeless designs and even a beautiful chevron scarf that even Missoni would envy.

photo copyright 2004 Anna Williams | used with permission of the publisher

*As an aside, reading the Purl Bee Blog and watching the entire season of She's Crafty on DVD got me

into this "I'm so excited for Christmas" kick.  I'm still on it.  Not exactly normal for me, but, hey, I'm going with it.

BTDubs, the publisher requested I put the book cover and video in this post.  

Definitely check out the video! There are also other videos on the site which 

are equally as inspiring. 

#Giveaway! The Big-Ass Book of #Crafts 2 by Mark Montano!

I have exciting news to share today! Tuesday, Oct. 11 marks the launch of the next AMAZING craft book by Mark Montano.  Check out this video to find out all about it!

The Big-Ass Book of Crafts 2 (sample project link) is the sequel to the wildly successful Big-Ass Book of Crafts, which is now available digitally! 

You can be sure that I was incredibly excited when Mark's publisher contacted me to review the book.  Just a few days later, I had it in my hot little hands, before the release date!  Gallery Books was even kind enough to set up an interview with Mark Montano for the Art, Like Bread Podcast, which is still in its infancy, but how lucky am I to have such an opportunity.  Stay tuned to the blog for more on that.

Seriously, I LOVE Mark Montano.  I have always admired his aesthetic sense and I truly believe that he has an open, creative, interesting, and accessible approach to craft and design.  I have been passing his book around to my students and crafty friends and EVERYONE wants a copy.

Look how many bookmarks I added.  This book will get a LOT of use!

 Well, anyone can buy a copy at their local book shop or online retailer, but TWO, yes TWO lucky Art, Like Bread readers will win a copy of this amazing book for their very own!

Mark Montano's blog is one of my absolute favorites, and he updates it regularly with inspirational pictures and great projects to try.  Most recently, I was amazed by this beautiful flower, made from a recycled water bottle. 

In order to enter to win a copy of The Big Ass Book of Crafts 2 by Mark Montano, simply leave a comment on this blog post. :)  I will use a random number generator to choose the two lucky winners on November 11, 2011, and your book will be shipped to you directly from the publisher.

Trust me, you'll find something you absolutely have to make in this book.  You'll find great techniques you've never tried.  You'll find interesting ways to use normal, household items.  You'll be inspired. I am!

ETA:  The giveaway has ended. Thank you to all who entered. The winners are posted here.

Reviews

Guess what?  Art, Like Bread readers can look forward to more reviews here on the blog!  Somehow, someone has identified my blog as a good place to promote new books and products.

YAY!!

As you know, I do this simply for the love of craft, but I've always dreamed of being one of those bloggers who "has been sent a sample copy" of a book, or "requested a sample" of a product.  I'll review products & books I like anyway, but being asked to review is flattering and fun!

Stay tuned in the next few days for a BIG DEAL book review and giveaway!!  Until then, I've drafted this blog post to let the world know that I am open.  I welcome the prosperity and I want to pass it on to you, too.

Let me know what you think, readers!  It's all for you, after all.

HONESTY
My first responsibility is to my readers.

I started this blog in 2007 simply as a way to share my craft projects, ideas, and inspiration.  Over the years, the blog has grown into something more:  a space for community-building and conversation.  Through my participation in online and real-life crafting communities, and also through my extensive personal and work-related networks, I have grown a loyal, specialized cohort people who admire a handmade or artistic aesthetic, and of course, hardcore & casual crafters.

ENTHUSIASM | POSITIVITY
I am happy to provide honest, reliable book and product reviews for them.  Get me excited about a product and I won't shut up about it!  If I don't like it, I simply won't review it.  It is important to me that my blog is a place where I can be positive and send positivity into the world. 

GROWTH  
- Art, Like Bread will be featured in two prominent, upcoming crochet books.  As of October, 2011, I have received confirmation of the inclusion of my patterns in these books.  
- The Art, Like Bread Podcast has launched and will increase the readership and reach of Art, Like Bread.
- I have a team of trusted and knowledgeable reviewers who can cover products as well.

FOCUS
Crochet, collage, crafts, yarn, coffee, tea, scrapbooking, paper, stationery, rubber stamping, fabric, sewing, tools, food, cooking, fashion, accessories, gifts, children, and anything fun/useful for my readers!  (Check out my labels at the bottom of the blog for very specific information on what I've written.)

CONTACT
If you have a product to share, please contact Cami at artlikebread(at)gmail.com.  I excitedly check this account to see what's out there!  My readers love giveaways, and I love to provide them, so if you have a new product to share, I'm ready to pass that on to my amazing network of wonderful readers! 

Twinkie Chan, I'm your latest fan!

If it were not for the prolific and dedicated Leslie Stahlhut of Crochetbug, I never would have heard of the fabulous Twinkie Chan and her fashionable food!  Thank you, Leslie!!

Now I'm wondering how I ever could have missed her.  This girl's been around a long time doing a lot of cool stuff, and she's everywhere on the internet!  In fact, I was so intrigued after checking her out and joining her Ravelry group (where she participates!), I asked my brother to bring the book to me on his Dec. 24th trip!  (I even called two of his local Barnes & Nobles to ask them to hold it for his pickup.  My brother was sufficiently embarassed!  hehe!)  

So, brother Santa brought me the book, wrapped up all nicely in a plastic bag!  I have been one with this book ever since!  This is the ultimate gift book.  I have to tell you, I'm not much for modular crochet, where you make a billion motifs and then sew them together, but this book has changed me.  The first scarf I embarked on was the bread one.  It was so fun and easy to get each slice done. I was surprised.  It's a really quick scarf!  And a wonderful stash-buster!

OMG YUM!

 The book is also fun, fun, and inspiring!  I immediately started customizing the scarf in my head- adding jelly, and bread crust ends... So fun, and delicious!  Then I started on the Green Salad Scarf- wooh hooh!  Finally a use for all of that beautiful, electric green yarn I have!  

Let us eat lettuce.

I love the conversational tone of the book, and I noticed that her book would be a good one for beginners to try.  The instructions are very easy to follow.  Twinkie Chan is a personality I can support.  Her mission is to bring fun, cute fashion to adults!  She gives us permission to embrace the zany & nonsensical, and to create our own fun in life with jubilation! 

When's the next book, Twinkie?  Until then, I'll keep finding inspiration on her many homes on the web!

Waking Up in the Land of Glitter Giveaway Winner!

Hey everyone!  Thanks for entering my Waking Up in the Land of Glitter Giveaway.  The lucky winner is Dawn of Designs by Dawn Marie!

Here was Dawn's comment:

She was the sixth person to enter and the Random Number Generator picked her!

Dawn sent me her mailing address and will be notified of shipment through a private email.

If you are still hankering for a fabulous, fun read, you can pick up your own copy at Amazon or anywhere.  I definitely recommend the book!  I have finished it and I am dying to talk to someone about it, but I don't want to ruin the surprise.  

Dawn, if you want to discuss while you are reading the book, shoot me an email to gab!  The same offer goes for anyone who wants to discuss this book.  It's a super-fun read.

Have a glitterful day!!

CHA Chicago 2010: Waking Up in the Land of Glitter & Giveaway!

During the month of August and beyond I will be covering the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Supershow Consumer Event that took place in Rosemont, IL on July 30 and 31.  I attended with my trusty sidekick, Mom, and we basked in all the crafty wonder.  We had such a fabulous time and we learned a lot!  I really did feel like I was in sort of a crafty wonderland.  It was AWESOME!

This is a sample flower Kathy brought.  She said that her craft group in Phoenix met to make samples.

Our first major event could not have been better.  We crafted beautiful paper bag flowers with The Crafty Chica!  The concept is really simple but the end result is beautiful when you use her products.  I am waiting impatiently for them to become available in Chicago, but in the meantime it's Amazon.com only.  

Kathy's mini-zine, products, and Aleene's Paper Glaze.

Kathy gave us each a cute little mini-zine, which she also posted a tutorial for on her blog.  She's a complete dynamo.  I don't know how, but somehow she gets it all done. 

Are you getting inspired? These are more samples from the Crafty Chica!

We decorated and layered circles of paper and embellished them with glitter to make our masterpieces.  I had to carry my pretty flower around the fair afterward because it was still drying and at least a dozen people complimented me and asked me where I had made it. 

Here's my masterpiece!

The Crafty Chica glitter really is quite brilliant.  I know that she custom-mixed the glitters and I was psyched to see them in person.

Kathy signed a free copy of Waking Up in the Land of Glitter for each participant.

I started reading the book before the fair and it was so cool to meet the actual author.  Now I have a signed first edition!  I am loving the story.  It's super-juicy and all the little craft references are AWESOME!  Kathy's style is rich and bubbly.  I love her inventive similes and pop culture infusions.  The plot is quite engrossing from the very first chapter, and only gets better and better.  In fact, right after I post this blog I'm going to read a couple more chapters. 

At the end of the workshop, Kathy posed with me and her book.  I'm holding a Crafty Chica flocked iron-on shirt that I made.  I've since embellished it further.  So.Fun.

It was an amazing way to kick off a fun-filled two days.  I have lots more to tell, so stay with me for some really cool posts.

-.-.-.-.-.GIVEAWAY.-.-.-.-.-

Aren't you, like, totally ready to read this awesome book now?  If so, simply post a little comment below.  If you're really seriously interested, pop me an email with shipping information to artlikebread(at)gmail(dot)com to expedite the shipping process. I'll pick one comment at random from the participants.  I will happily ship the winner a copy of Waking Up in the Land of Glitter.  You'll be receiving my original book, which is an advance reader's copy I bought from Alibris.com.  It's not in perfect condition, but it's fine.  I'm keeping the signed copy!!!

I'll be taking entries until 9 am on Wednesday, August 11, 2010.  Please check the blog later on Wednesday for instructions on how to claim your prize.  If I don't receive a proper mailing address by midnight on Thursday, August 12, 2010, I reserve the right to pick a new winner.  Sorry for the uptightness.  I'm on a tight shipping schedule!

Thanks and good luck!  :) 

Do You Love DoubleStitch?

Who are DoubleStitch?

Are you serious?

They are only the coolest, sweetest, and most talented crocheting twins out there! Erika and Monika Simmons have an amazing book, titled Doublestitch: Designs for the Crochet Fashionista, which I picked up at a craft fair in Chicago. Oh, did I mention that THEY SIGNED IT? :o)

This is me and them! They're so nice!

If you are sick of frumpy crochet designs, or spending $18.00 a skein on yarn for a pattern that requires 9 skeins, then check their book out! They use the mesh design quite a lot, making the designs versatile, easy, and quick. They also use normal, affordable yarns. How refreshing! This is a case where the finished product really looks like a garment that would have cost much more if you'd bought it in a store. And you don't feel like these take forever to complete. You can be wearing your amazing new garment in a week or less.

There is so much to tell about DoubleStitch. I am sure I can not fit it all into one post. Therefore, I'll leave you now with my version of their "Versatile Spring Wrap," which I learned to crochet from one of their free videos on the Virtue Radio Network. I did one up for myself and one for Mom. Of course, you can make these up in any color to go with any season. There are many ways to wear it!!

Wrap skirt front^ and back.

Cover-up front^ and side.

Capelet front^ and back.

The Mary-Kate

OK, OK, I did order Vickie Howell's Pop Goes Crochet from Amazon before it was available in stores. And yes, I did open it hastily and devour the contents like a giddy child. What did I find inside...? A lot of diverse projects. At first glance, I can't say that I wanted to make every pattern in the book, but it actually grew on me. I'm loving the accessories. There are some great felted purses in the beginning of the book. I totally ADORE the Heidi scarf. It's amazing and I can't wait to make it. I'm searching for the perfect yarn for that one. It's clear that Vickie paid attention to the entire family, because there's definitely stuff for everyone in this book. And Vickie has posted a free pattern from the book in her pattern shop. Look for the "Doris Scarf". You will love it!

I was looking to use up some stash yarn, so I flipped through the book and came upon the "Mary-Kate". My acrylic is not nearly as glamorous as the yarn in the book, but I think it came out alright. See what you think.


When I finished the hat, I tweeted “I made the "Mary Kate" from _Pop Goes Crochet_ by @vickiehowell today. It's cute but if you style it wrong, you look like a huge mushroom.”

See what I mean? I feel like I'm in Mario Brothers!

Then Vickie Howell tweeted “VickieHowell@artlikebread Mushrooms are the new black. ;). I'd love to see a pic of your finished Mary-Kate beret!”

Um, what? Vickie Howell tweeted at me? Well, alright!! So I tweeted back, “@VickieHowell OK! I'll post one on my blog!! :o) It really is cute, and it was fun to make, too. Thanks!”

The best way to wear it is with a Mary-Kate attitude.

Crocheted Hats from Get Your Crochet On!

Remember when I told you I was on hiatus, but I had been crafting a lot? Well, here's one of the hats I made.

Teal and red is my new favorite color combo.

This one is called Kinky Reggae from

"Get Your Crochet On: Hip Hats and Cool Caps"
by Afua Ibomu.

***

You may be wondering why this man is smiling so much. Is it because he lives next door to someone with a grill and hummingbird feeders? NO! It's because he's wearing a freshly- (and I do mean freshly *snap*) made O.G. from Afya's book.

This hat is worked in puff stitch. It's interesting and fun. I learned some new techniques and worked with Sugar and Cream cotton yarn. I found the yarn a bit hard to work with until I got used to it. This is the third hat I've made from Afya's book and I find the patterns to be fun and well-done. I'm impressed with her creativity and design ability. This is also one of those books where you just want to make every single pattern and you could imagine yourself doing so- for yourself or gifts.

"I got a gift!"

I've made four versions of Lively Up, which reminds me of the classic LL Cool J kangol from the late 80's. In my final version, the only mod I made was using soft, flexible acrylic yarn and leaving out the elastic. I loooove the final hat. I feel so cool when I wear it. I'll take a picture when I get the chance.

I also worked up Mellow Moods, in purple and pumpkin. It's my fourth GYCO creation. Pictures to come!