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As I went up to see my daughter for the umpteenth time last night I realised how quickly she is growing up. Despite school, a playdate, a karate lesson and shower she was NOT tired. We asked her to lie down in bed for 10 minutes before she got up to play. I let her play for a while before going back up to ask her to go to bed. This was at 9.30pm! She’s only 5 years old! It’s fair to say she knows her own mind, which is why I knew she would enjoy This is Not a…
It’s not often I get sent a lovely adult craft book to review, but I am so pleased when I do! The latest book on my bedside table is the wonderful Rag Rugs, Pillows and More by Ragged Life founder, Elspeth Jackson. This is a wonderfully modern approach to a traditional, and rather forgotten, craft filled with beautifully contemporary projects all illustrated with gorgeous photography. Elspeth also includes all the techniques and tools you’ll need to get started on an exciting new craft. In this stunning new book, crafter Elspeth Jackson reinvents the old (and somewhat forgotten) technique of rag…
The Gloriumptious Worlds of Roald Dahl, a spectacular scrapbook of stories, characters and creations is published later this month, part of the celebrations surrounding 100 years since the birth of the author. Don’t forget the 13th September will see the biggest ever global celebration of Roald Dahl’s birthday on Roald Dahl Day. So, have you ever wanted to know what actually happened to James Trotter’s parents when they encountered an angry escaped rhino? Or how to make the Twits’ infamous bird pie? Well now you can find out, with The Gloriumptious Worlds of Roald Dahl. The book is a brilliant…
I love craft books and it seems my enthusiasm has passed to my children too. Every time they hear the sound of the postman dropping a book through the letterbox they rush to open it. Next month sees the publication of I Can Make My Own Accessories, a follow-on from the popular I Can Make Dolls’ Clothes – both from Thames & Hudson. Written by former head of Children’s Wear Design at Liberty of London Louise Scott-Smith, and graphic designer Georgia Vaux, I Can Make My Own Accessories features on-trend pieces such as a festival garland and brooch. With easy-to-follow guides, this creative book teaches children aged…
A new 2016 edition of The BFG has recently been published by Puffin Books. With a new foreword by Lucy Dahl and exclusive fun activities inside, including: Draw Your Dream, BFG Draw-along with Quentin Blake, BFG Quiz and much more! The cover ties in with the film and this is sure to be a classic copy for my children’s generation. For those not familiar with the story: On a dark, silvery moonlit night, Sophie is snatched from her bed by a giant. Luckily it is the Big Friendly Giant, the BFG, who only eats snozzcumbers and glugs frobscottle. But there…
With the School holidays looming I thought you may be interested in More Colouring for Contemplation by Amber Hatch and Alex Ogg, the follow on title from the team that brought you the hugely successful Colouring for Contemplation. Colouring books for adults have seen a huge rise in popularity, this ‘new’ craft is an antidote to the stresses of modern living. In answer to this, Watkins released Colouring for Contemplation in November and a pocket edition of the same book in January. These books have received fantastic 5 star reviews across the board with positive comments on the book’s…
My book shelves are pretty full, and double stacked in places, but when I heard about Cath Kidston Teatime I really wanted to treat myself to a copy. I have all the Cath Kidston books as I love looking through them, but so far they’ve all been craft books. Cath Kidston Teatime: 50 cakes and bakes for every occasion is a baking book and I was excited to see a copy. Teatime is a British tradition that has become a staple the world over. Afternoon tea brings people together over sumptuous scones and sponges, elegant sandwiches, marvellous macarons and delectable…
The weather has turned slightly here in the UK so instead of sitting out in the garden we’ve been spending more time indoors. Luckily for me I was sent a new adult colouring book which has been keeping me busy – Landmarks of the World. Landmarks of the World contains 35 famous buildings, from ancient forts and castles to towering skyscrapers of the modern age. The buildings featured are selected from every corner of the globe and ordered chronologically displaying a unique and fascinating picture of architectural development and changing trends. Landmarks of the World looks to the some of…
I’ve always been a fan of pretty prints and patterns so when I heard about The Cath Kidston Colouring Book I knew I would be ordering myself a copy. I’m always sharing my latest adult colouring book on here and Instagram. What can I say? I really do like them and have a shelf full of them. So what can you expect from The Cath Kidston Colouring Book? Colour in the best-loved designs from two decades of Cath Kidston prints. Enhance your inner creativity with your own colour combinations; relax and be inspired by looks that are adored the world…