Tag Archives: book review

Pretty Little Cozies! Book Review

Posted on by Abi

Most people own a beautiful tea cozy, even if you never use the pot beneath it. You probably also cover your mobile, mp3 player, tissues etc etc. You name it, we cover it. Mainly I think this is to inject a bit of our own personality into objects which often lack any. If you’re a creative person you probably prefer to make such covers yourself. I was therefore delighted when I received a copy of Pretty Little Cozies by Lark Books from GMC Publications.

The book features 32 projects to makes various cozies/pockets and is written by a selection of designers. It begins with a very useful section on cozy basics. This includes materials required and techniques which are covered. I found the explanations and drawings to be clear and easy to follow.

If you’re a regular reader then you will know that we always review books by actually testing them out. So I started by making a cover for a packet of tissues, seen here. It came out so well that I intend it to be a present for a relative.

There are many designs in this book and they are quite varied covering everything from a games controller cover to a pan handle cover. Once I had completed one project successfully I was eager to try out another as soon as possible.

So next I tried out the camera case. I used vintage fabric for this project and I think this is one area where the book really excels. All the designs are small enough that you will probably be able to make them from scraps of fabric you already have. Personally I find nothing more satisfying than being able to launch straight into a project without having to hesitate while I stock up on supplies.

I also made a mobile phone case out of the same fabric and again I’m very pleased with the results.

Would I recommend this book? Definitely! It has so many projects that there’s bound to be one or two that will inspire you. There are also many ideas for gift giving.

Could it be improved in anyway? Not really. The only suggestion I would have and this is based purely on my own personal taste, is that I thought some of the projects looked slightly old fashioned. Largely due to the fabric choices used. But as I say this is only my own preference and really does not affect the quality of the book or the designs it contains.

Book Details

Title: Pretty Little Cozies

Author: Lark Books

ISBN: 9781600593765

RRP: £12.99

Publisher: Lark

Publication Date: July 2009.

 

2 Comments (Leave a comment)

A Day Out With Nature Valley!

Posted on by Abi

A short while ago the good people at Nature Valley contacted me to ask if I’d like to try some of their Granola bars. I have only tried one of these before and my memory of that bar meant I was more than happy to agree. I was even more happy when the postman handed me a large box containing all these wonderful goodies!

There was also a letter suggesting that I follow the Nature Valley ethos and have a day out in the countryside. So I packed my lovely bag of things and my son and I went to a Derbyshire nature trail to feed some ducks. It was a little chilly so I was very grateful for the gloves and flask.

As for the bars, well I’m not sure I know where to start. I am completely in love with them, particularly the Nature Valley Trail Bars. I genuinely felt quite hungry while we were out and the bread we had bought for the ducks didn’t really appeal. But the Mixed Berry Trail Bar was not only yummy, but definitely staved off the hunger. I was so impressed that I plan on keeping a few bars in the car in case of snack emergencies.

I did manage to share the bars with my family (believe me there was a big pull to keep them all for myself) and everyone loved them. The children particularly took to the Canadian Maple Syrup Granola Bars (no big surprise there then).

I also suggest you check the Nature Valley Secret Spots website, it has a wealth of information to help you find the hidden nature gems in your area. I will be referring to it myself over the coming months.

So over the next few days why not take a moment to explore the hidden nature spots in your area.

If you’d like to try Nature Valley bars for yourself you can buy them at most major supermarkets. If you’d like to keep up with Nature Valley events and promotions you can follow them on twitter or facebook.

4 Comments (Leave a comment)

Memories Of A Lifetime Christmas! Book Review

Posted on by Abi

Time for a festive book review! Christmas feels like it’s approaching with alarming speed right now, in fact it feels like that most years. But if you embrace the idea of a homemade Christmas what better than a book to help you along the way. I recently received a copy of Memories Of A Lifetime: Christmas by Nancy Rosin from GMC Publications.

This book has the unusual advantage that you are instructed to cut into it’s pages! The book offers 57 pages of scrapbook prints that you can cut out or photocopy. Or if the idea of cutting up your new book doesn’t sit well with you, all the images are also provided on an enclosed CD so you can print them off at your leisure.

Most of the pictures have a vintage and somewhat Victorian feel to them. There is a gallery at the front of the book with suggested uses of the images. One such use is to make a bookmark. Here I mounted an image of St Nicholas onto card and added a gold tassel.

 

Next I decided to make a present tag. I used a luggage label as the base and a gorgeous snowy scene as the image.

Finally I made a Christmas card using an image of a snowman. I think he looks a very jolly fellow and perfect for the season.

Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would. It isn’t filled with writing or bogged down with ideas so some people might long for a tutorial or two more. But if ideas and images are enough to inspire you then you really can’t go far wrong with this book.

Could it be improved in anyway? Not really. As I said some people may prefer more detailed step by step instructions of projects. But there are plenty of books on the market that already offer this. What this book offers is a no nonsense library of beautiful images ready to be turned into beautiful creations.

Book Details

Title: Memories Of A Lifetime Christmas

Author: Nancy Rosin

ISBN: 9781402723674

RRP: £11.99

Publisher: Sterling

Publication Date: Spring 2006.

 

1 Comment (Leave a comment)