Rather than make items from new items, find books that help you use up junk to make new creative stuff. You could use these for the home or even start your own cottage business! It’s a great way to use up items you also find in locally owned charity shops (like supporting animal shelters or hospices). From old books and maps to unpicking old cardigans to make new clothes!
Coccoina Glue Stick is a nontoxic glue based on almonds (avoid the brush version, it contains pig hair). But keep all glue away from pets and smalll children. If making outdoor items, know toxic plants and other items to avoid near pets.
Creative Book Art offers over 50 inspiring projects, ideal to use up dusty old books you never read, or ones you find in the charity shop. Make hanging paper birds and a fairytale castle, or fold the pages to make 3D hearts, stars, clouds and raindrops. Learn techniques from block-printing to origami.
Whimsical Wire has 26 easy patterns to make airy sculptures and wire designs from charming animals, flowers, leaves and bicycles to a Volkswagen bux. Learn how to make your own greetings cards and wall plaques combining wire with wood, paper, glass and recycled flatware.
A Beginner’s Guide to Paper Wildflowers shows how to make paper flowers that look just like the real thing. Paper artist Emiko Yamamote presents the secrets to making realistic blossoms and stems from recycled coloured paper sheets. Her flexible cut, curl and paste method makes amazing flowers with templates you can trace. Divided by season, the 40 flowers including a climbing rose that would suit handmade cards, place settings or gift toppings.
Cardboard Creations for Kids looks at ways to put all those unwanted mailing boxes, paper towel rolls and cereal cartons to good use into crafts, toys and games to guarantee hours of fun. Find Kathryn’s best tips for sourcing, upcycling and handling cardboard plus a range of inventive projects. The 50 projects include llama finger puppets and a shadow puppet theatre.
