AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Book Review Bountiful Baskets: Creating Perfect Gifts for Any Occasion

Add crafty touches to store-bought gifts!

When I first saw this book, I was skeptical. I've put together a few gift baskets, I thought to myself. But when I looked through the photos and read through the Basket Basics, I was hooked. The basket ideas are clever and charming. Most of her 'baskets' are not baskets at all: boxes, canisters, laundry baskets, buckets, a bread box and more! In fact, the projects are not traditional directions. This book is a collection of ideas and tips organized by occasion and recipient, punctuated with great photos. Each photo has a paragraph for a caption, explaining the gift basket shown and extra tips.

Let's go back to the beginning. The basics section starts with planning, brainstorming, and a list of basket theme ideas to get you started. Then onto the action: choosing a container and filling it. Several methods for creating the full, professional look are illustrated. The finished basket is covered in netting, cellophane or shrink wrap. Several pages show different embellishments, bows, and tags to complete your gorgeous gift basket.

The Basket Gallery is full of projects. It is divided into several sections: Gourmet, Spa, Feminine, Masculine, Baby & Child, Family, All Occasion, Professional, Get Well and Unique Baskets. After you've been inspired by the baskets, you will be ready to check out "Basket Business," the nuts and bolts of planning and running a professional gift basket business. There are several good tips on pricing and appealing to customers.

Gift baskets are a fun way to express your creativity in gift-giving. Now is a great time to start gathering items and ideas for the upcoming holidays.
9/30/2005 | Permalink | Email this to a Friend

 
Beaded Indian Corn Pin - Holiday Crafts & Beading
Cute, quick and seasonal. I like it.
Added to Holiday Crafts and Jewelry-Making & Beading section at AllCrafts.net

 

9/28/2005 | Permalink | Email this to a Friend

 
Backhoe Digger Cross Stitch

Unique, detailed cross stitch chart. Also includes instructions to fuse the completed design to a children's sweatshirt. Added to Needlework section at AllCrafts.net

 

9/28/2005 | Permalink | Email this to a Friend

 
Father's Day Golf Course Pencil Holder - Holiday Crafts


I've been looking at flower bulbs to plant this fall. Must have made me long for June. Cute kids craft for dads.

Added to Holiday Crafts section at AllCrafts.net

 

9/25/2005 | Permalink | Email this to a Friend

 
Wedding Shower Sign - Wedding Crafts

Fun gift for the bride-to-be. Easy embroidery project.
Added to Wedding Crafts section at AllCrafts.net

 

9/24/2005 | Permalink | Email this to a Friend

 
Make Painted Gourds - Nature Crafts

Added to Nature Crafts section at AllCrafts.net

 

9/17/2005 | Permalink | Email this to a Friend

 
Bohemian Scarf - Knitting

Fun and trendy striped scarf for the autumn.
Added to Knitting section at AllCrafts.net

 

9/15/2005 | Permalink | Email this to a Friend

 
How to Create a Simple Digital Layout - Scrapbooking

Very clear directions showing how to create a scrapbook layout entirely in Photoshop.
Added to Scrapbooking section at AllCrafts.net

 

9/10/2005 | Permalink | Email this to a Friend

 
Flower Power Locker Pocket - Kids Crafts

Fun back-to-school project. Can also be easily made without the flowers. This would also be handy to hang on the fridge at home.
Added to Kids Crafts section at AllCrafts.net

 

9/08/2005 | Permalink | Email this to a Friend

 
AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Book Review - Dollmaking for the First Time


Unleash your inner primitive folk artist!

This book is a thorough course in the basics of doll-making. I do think the title is a bit broad, since this covers the folk style of doll-making exclusively. The instructions and color photos are excellent.

The Doll Making Basics section is almost a complete course in itself. The techniques are general in nature, and could be used in designing your own dolls. Almost every page has multiple color photos that are very helpful. The directions for making a cloth doll illustrate in detail how to sculpt fingers, toes and faces. Next, the basics of making a wooden doll are shown. Hairdos, clothing, shoes and embellishments round out this section.

The crafts skills that you will use the most are sewing (hand and machine) and decorative painting. A big heaping of creativity and personality help out, too.

The projects are arranged in order of difficulty, and each doll is designed to teach a different aspect of doll-making -- using patterns, mixing wood & cloth, sculpting faces, adding a beard, making an ornament, painting methods, and more.

Due to the clear instructions and photos, and the emphasis on learning new crafts techniques, this is a reference book that you can use again and again. It's a great example of how craft techniques should be taught.
9/03/2005 | Permalink | Email this to a Friend

 
AmericanGreetings.com top 10 eCards
 Click here to see the top 10 most popular eCards on AmericanGreetings.com, including birthday cards, romantic cards and more.

 

9/03/2005 | Permalink | Email this to a Friend