I am constantly picking up new inspiration books for crafting and business and I want to share my favorites with you. So, from time to time I’ll be creating must read book lists in one of those two categories.
Because my first love is everything DIY, I am starting there with today’s first list…
Here are three books that every crafter, maker, or diy lover should have on her shelves.
Sure you can live without them, but do you really want to?
1. Handmade Living by Lotta Jansdotter
My brother and his girlfriend got me this book last Christmas and I go back through the pages I’ve bookmarked at least every other week. It’s such a good read. And bonus: there are some clever diy projects for a modern home. And for you foodies out there, Lotta shares her favorite Swedish recipes too. Yummy!
2. Crafting a Meaningful Home by Meg Mateo Ilasco
My bro also got me this book (he’s pretty cool, isn’t he?). And it is another must read for crafters. What makes this book special is its focus. It’s not just another craft project book. It’s a craft project book about family and heritage. All 27 projects tie in to the subtitle for Crafting a Meaningful Home, 27 DIY Projects to Tell Stories, Hold Memories, and Celebrate Family Heritage. You are going to love this one!
3. Printing by Hand by Lena Corwin
Oh yeah! I’ve had this book for years and it is still one of my favorites for printing techniques. In fact, back when I was teaching, I would use this book as a reference for my students every year when I taught printmaking. Seeing all the projects they could make by mastering this technique would get them excited to learn. And if teenagers can recreate these with ease, so can you. That’s what I love about this book. Every project is super do-able (for lack of a better word). Print on pillows, totes, and everything in between (even comes with patterns to use). If you want to get into printmaking, this is the book for you.
—
*These links are affiliate links to amazon. So, I get a (very small) commission for books sold through my link. But I only recommend books that I actually own and truly adore.
10 comments | Click here to reply
I’ve read the “Handmade Living” I expect a book full of project and instructions, when I get it I was very disappointed. But the book is well photographed so I love it.
Elizabeth ClarkI’m planning to buy the other two books you recommend.
Thanks for the recommendations, it’ll be great if they have a Spanish edition too, I’ll have a look at them 🙂
SasaI also have Printing by Hand by Lena Corwin and love it! You learn the basics and have a bunch of projects to go through – fun!
lindaYeah! Let me know how you like it Gia. It’s a really great book.
papernstitch-Brittni
I just reserved the Printing By Hand at the library too! I am excited to look at printmaking. Thanks- fun topic- books and arts/crafts.
giaso glad to hear that you ladies are enjoying my book suggestions. i should probably also mention that if you have a book that you think should be on this list, let me know about it. maybe i’ll feature it next time, if its a book i have or plan on getting. 🙂
papernstitch-brittni
100% going to check ALL of these out! thank you so much!!!
erin * sparkle & hayI was only yesterday at the library looking for Printing by Hand-Now, I think I need to buy it for myself- Thank you for the intro to the other two-xx
Annamaria PotamitiI’ve had Printing by Hand for years, too, and I still reference it regularly. You’re so right about all of the projects being do-able. It’s the first book that made me look at screen printing and stenciling in a “hey, I can do this” kind of way, instead of being intimidated by the process.
KristenI want all three of these! I’ve never seen t”Crafting a Meaningful Home” before. It looks like a really good book, thanks for the recommendations!
Alissa