Here’s a round up of some new cute and fun craft books to keep you busy over the summer – some are are out now and others are available to pre-order. I’ve included Amazon links below but you can get the ISBN there and order through other sites, like The Book Depository (free worldwide shipping) or Bookshop (UK / US) which supports independent bookshops near you.
Kawaii Crochet Garden (UK/US) is the latest book in the series by Melissa Bradley and promises 40 super cute amigurumi patterns. There really is everything you need for a kawaii garden with flowers, potted plants, cacti, gardening tools and even some bugs! Out now.
Mini Amigurumi Birds by Sarah Abbondio (UK/US) would make a great companion book to add some tiny little birds. It has 25 crochet patterns for everything from owls and robins to puffins and peacocks. Pre-order now – published 30th June/5th July.
My Pretty Brown Doll by Yolonda Jordan (UK/US) is the first pattern book for making African American crochet dolls that can be customised in many ways so everyone can have a doll that looks like them. It has different options for skin tones, hairstyles and eyes, plus loads of outfit ideas from everyday and careers to mermaids. Out now.
We’re all big fans of Mollie Johanson (Wild Olive) and she has a new book out soon called Cross Stitch Celebrations: Bundle of Joy! (UK/US). It’s full of adorable patterns for baby-themed gifts and birth announcements, plus lots of individual animals and borders that you could use for other projects. Pre-order now – published 5th July.
Or maybe you’re more suited to Cross Stitch Or Die Tryin’ by Kate Blandford (UK/US)? This includes 30 super cool patterns for hip hop lovers with some really fun alphabets and motifs. Pre-order now – published 22nd September/15th October.
Simply Stitched With Punch Needle by Yumiko Higuchi (UK/US) looks like a very cute book for punch needle or embroidery fans who want to try something new. There’s 11 patterns for food and nature-themed designs that are smaller than usual and use embroidery floss rather than yarn. Turn them into brooches, pouches, coasters, samplers, pillows, and hoop art. Out now.
With the world opening up, we’re all dreaming of travel again and The Art of the Travel Journal by Abby Sy (UK/US) is sure to have you looking up flights. It includes techniques, tips and inspiration to help you create a one-of-a-kind travel journal using drawing, painting, lettering, ephemera, and more. Pre-order now – published 9th August.
If you’re new to art and still finding your style, the Sketching From the Imagination book series (UK/US) can be really helpful. Each book has a theme but is full of art by many different artists so you can see all the different ways you can draw the same things. It’s a great way to discover what you like, and you can use them for reference when practicing. The newest book is Magic & Myth but there’s also Anime & Manga, Fantasy, Creatures & Monsters and more.
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