CRAFT: Techniques & Projects by DK Book Review and Giveaway!

When asked to review the book Craft: Techniques & Projects by publishers Dorling Kindersley (DK) I jumped at the chance. 15 years ago, so impressed with this publisher’s work, I actually sold DK books at home parties in order to build my own DK library. I was nuts about DK books for children, but also the great books they published for adults. If you’re not familiar with DK, they are known for their distinctive, highly visual books, ebooks and apps that inform, inspire and entertain readers of all ages covering subjects such as: Arts & Culture,Business & Computers, Food & Drink, Gardening, Health & Fitness, History, Maps & Atlases, Parenting, Reference, Religion and Spirituality, Science & Nature, Sports & Hobbies and Travel.

As I expected, this DK book did not disappoint. It is one thick and thorough creative resource with 320 pages featuring over 50 projects. Contents include: textile crafts, papercrafts, jewelry, ceramics & glass, candles & soap, even eco crafts!Every chapter has pages of tools and materials descriptions and images. Craft is compiled of projects designed by many expert crafters, all listed with their crafts and blog/website/contact information in the back of the book.

The exciting thing about this book is how current the projects and craft techniques are. There are still so many different types of crafts that I have yet to tackle but am very curious about. Most of those are in this book, with extremely clear instruction and step-by-step photographs. The project I’m very anxious to try is metal clay jewelry. It turns out, based on the instructions and photos, that this isn’t as complicated an undertaking as I’d imagined. You know how I love paper crafts, there are plenty of papercraft projects in Craft, even templates in the back of the book.This project looks simple enough, right? Wait until you see the technique used to keep the cans from bending and buckling while crafting. A super smart idea I would have never thought of! You can actually download the project here!Even upholstery techniques are covered, so you can make something new, or pretty-up a thrift store find.I’m a firm believer that everyone should have a few jewelry making skills under their belt. Knowing the basics not only prompts you to make your own adornments, but allows you to modify many pieces you already own or find on clearance or second-hand, helping you create a fabulous accessory wardrobe.Maybe you’re not up to the challenge of quilting a blanket- I love this cute appliqué throw featured that I’d consider a nice alternative, though as you might expect, quilting is covered in the book as well.I happen to think that this book is also an excellent resource for any craft blogger for reasons you might not think- the layout, clear step photographs and technical writing are all very good models to follow for sharing projects, techniques and images. You’re going to love this book!

THE Craft BOOK GIVEAWAY!

DK is giving their newly released book Craft to TWO lucky JSIM readers! (US residents only.)

TO ENTER: “Like” DK on Facebook to keep up with all things DK-wonderful, then come back here and leave a nice comment on this post. One comment per person. (Please delete any secondary comments altogether to keep things fair, thank you.)

ENTRY DEADLINE: Sunday, October 28 at noon PST. Randomly chosen winners will be notified and announced soon thereafter.

Thanks to all who entered! The giveaway winners are:

#60 Jen B. and #9 Denise M.