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.
Coccoina Glue Stick is still toxic to pets (as are all glues). But it’s less toxic for you to use than most brands, made in Italy with almonds. Avoid the brush version, as it contains pig hair. To avoid glue, try this simple Taiwanese trick to bind 16 pages at a time.
Be careful when finding craft books as some offer things like beehouses and birdhouses (bee houses can kill bees due to mites and recycled plastic is not good near birds due to toxins (see how to help bees and how to help garden birds). If making garden items, see how to make your garden safe for pets (toxic plants and mulch to avoid).
Don’t Use Glue Near Pets
Always keep toxic glue away from pets. Many have a smell and taste that appeal. Yet (like bread dough and seaweed) can expand in the stomach, so are very dangerous. Read this book to keep your dog safe for info on toxic foods, plants and other items to avoid.
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. Or fill a vast of flowers that will never wilt.
Paper Craft Home is a beautiful book by talented paper designer Sarah Louise Matthews. Using recycled paper, you can make beautiful gifts (avoid using paper near flammables, like for lampshades). Find 25 gorgeous projects plus tips for papercutting, scoring, folding and shaping. Items include pop-up cards, cake toppers and even a cuckoo clock. Just look at these amazing creations from Sarah:
Refashion, Restyle, Restitch offers 20 stunning ideas for repurposing preloved fabrics like garments, bedsheets and curtains. Sewing superstar Debbie Shore and her dressmaker daughter Kimberley Hind find 20 ideas for your home, using thrift shop finds, with easy instructions and illustrated steps. You won’t get shrinkage or risk the colour running with these projects that include:
- A boho-style lampshade made from an old dress
- Pillows made from men’s shirts
- A handbag cut from ladies’ jackets
- A chic throw made from an old shirt
