Easy #DIY Bound #Journal Video by Mark Montano!

Oh-my-gawd!  Rediscovering Mark Montano's YouTube channel has been like falling in love all over again.  

I ADORE Mark Montano and his Big Ass Books of Craft.  He is like a craft machine making project after project and his talent is just incredible.  

I have been journaling a lot lately, so this DIY meant a lot to me.  In fact, I've been journaling so much that I am needing more and more journals, so this is perfect!  

Watch the video and then click the button below to save it on your Pinterest board!

 

And although the finished product looks very professional and doesn't appear to be an "easy DIY," Mark's video is very clear and has excellent visuals.  I am convinced it actually is easy and I'm excited to try it!  (I will just have to pull my sewing machine out of hibernation.)  Also, if you're not a video person, you can check out Mark's blog for written instructions & photos.

If you would be interested in trying out this journal project with me, please let me know by leaving a comment or contacting me at artlikebread (at) gmail (dot) com.  As always, thanks for reading the blog!  Please leave your thoughts, ideas and questions in the comment section below.  If you liked this post, please share this post with a friend through social media & and then write all about the inspiration in your journal?!  Like my Facebook page for updates and more crafty sharing!

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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.

And the Winners Are...

I am extremely pleased to announce the winners of my Mark Montano's Big-Ass Book of Crafts 2 giveaway!

They were selected by the Random Number Generator at Random.org.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Karen, who said, "Super nice giveaway. Thanks for the chance to get a really interesting looking book."

and 

Rose (Sisterrobinson on Rav), who said,  "The book looks marvelous and I would love to learn many of his crafting secrets. Such fun!"

Karen and Sister Robinson, please email your mailing address to artlikebread (at) gmail (dot) com or artlikebread on Ravelry.  :D 

Thank you all so much for entering. I know you will love the book as much as I do!  Those who didn't win can pick up a copy at your local bookstore, and the Kindle Edition is only $9.99.  

Thank you to Gallery Books for providing the giveaway prizes.

Enter to #Win the Big-Ass Book of Crafts by @MarkMontano!

Giveaway ends on 11-11-11!

The giveaway has ended. Thank you to all who entered!

#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.