What I’m reading – A Year in Crafts by Clare Youngs

Top of my crafty pile of books is A Year in Crafts by Clare Youngs which contains 52 seasonal projects to make and give. This is a gorgeous book, not only are the projects fun, well laid out and illustrated, but the book itself is a thing of beauty. It’s hard-backed but conceals wire binding so you can actually keep it open whilst crafting. The projects haven’t quite been divided by the seasons but there are 4 handy dividers throughout the book where you can keep your templates, notes or scraps of fabric. There’s also an elastic bookmark to help keep your place or stop loose papers and patterns from falling out of the book.

I want to make so many of these projects I know it will be a great book to turn to throughout the year. The crafts all seem fresh and new so I can’t wait to try out some new techniques. So far we’ve had fun with the Thumbprint robins which my children really enjoyed. I think we’ll be making our own Christmas cards and gift tags with these this year 🙂

Start in January by making a handmade diary so you can start the year fresh and organised, while in March you can revamp your home for the annual spring clean with a new chair seat or a vintage-inspired embroidered tablecloth. In April there are Easter decorations to make, and you can start getting ready for the planting season with a container full of your favourite herbs for the garden. Get inspired in July with an outdoor garland and pretty paper butterflies and moths.

If you’re going on holiday in August, prepare by making a recycled luggage label so you can spot your suitcase at the airport, and in September make a lunchbox or pencil case to keep those back to school blues at bay. in October, it’s time for Halloween again, and you can celebrate by carving mini pumpkins and squash to hang in a tree outside your house. November is the best time to start preparing for Christmas, so start making your presents now and you won’t have to be in a rush at the last moment. Make a beautiful gilded star for your tree in the first week of December, as well as unique decorations to make your home look festive.

A Year in Crafts – 52 seasonal projects to make and give by Clare Youngs is published by CICO at £14.99. and is available from all good bookshops or call 01256 302699.