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If you're a fan of papercraft then you will love Complete Origami by David Mitchell. A comprehensive guide to the art, the book has everything you'd hope to see in a good origami title. Starting with a brief but interesting history, the book explains origami throughout different countries and traditions.
The projects range from beginner to advanced, though I must admit that they start to look rather trick by the time you get to the intermediate section. There are step-by-step directions for making a huge range of designs, including animals, shapes and flowers. There is even a selection of practical projects including Coasters and The Enigma Bowl, which would make a great little storage solution.
Some projects have only a handful of steps whereas the more complex designs can have 30+, making this truly a skill to be mastered. Don't let the pile of paper on your desk grow, turn each sheet in to something wonderful.
You can pick up a copy from Collins & Brown.
Order a copy for only £14.99 including free UK p&p. Call 0870 787 1613 and quote reference CH1058.
If you're guilty of hoarding magazines after you've read them because you're unsure what to do with them, then you'll love these recycled Magazine Frames.
Get rid of your hoard and learn how-to make your own.
If you've ever wanted to pick up a set of knitting needles, then this may be the ideal book to start you off. The Chicks With Sticks Guide To Knitting by Nancy Queen & Mary Ellen O'Connell is a complete guide, so let the chicks take you on a crash course to knitting.
Progressing from simple to more complex knitting skills, the concept of the book is that you will be taught a technique and then provided with a pattern to try out using your new skill. With everything you need to know about yarn, tools, techniques and even washing, you can learn to make a range of knitted projects, such as a gorgeous and cozy, "Make Out" Sweater, s simple and effective Artisan Belt and a super cutesy Envelope Bag.
This book is a worthy advisory to the Stitch 'N Bitch series. Although this title is more technique rather than project driven, I think this can only be a good thing because you can use whichever skills you learn in the creation of your own projects.
You can pick up a copy of the book from The GMC Group or Amazon now.
Cooking Lessons by Daisy Garnett is more of a novel from the kitchen than a cookbook, crammed full of stories and home-style recipes.
A wonderful insight in to the life of a foodie, the book follows author Daisy and her lifetime experience with food - from her childhood days in her family kitchen to her move to New York and city cooking in her adulthood. As Daisy shares her experiences, her beautifully illustrated food diary is periodically interrupted with lessons on how to cook various dishes to perfection.
With family classics such as Gingerbread and delicious sounding Potatoes Dauphinoise, and more unique dishes such as Pine Nut Ice Cream and Spaghetti With Squid And Courgette, there's sure to be a dish to inspire your love of food. If you missed out the day when you're elders were handing down the family cooking secrets then this book will give you a more than needed top-up.
Halloween is on it's way, so why not invite the ghools and demons in with a DIY Halloween Ribbon Wreath hanging on your door?!
View the how-to on The Long Thread.
If you've ever dreamed of becoming a seamstress then this book will teach you everything you need to know. The Ultimate Sewing Bible by Marie Clayton is a comprehensive guide to sewing and dressmaking.
Covering hand-stitching, as well as sewing with machines and overlockers, the book will teach you all the need-to-know techniques including finishing seams, clipping corners, piping, cording and pressing. If you fancy yourself as an aspiring designer, then the sections on constructing patterns, body measurement and darting will come in very handy. There's also practical advice on the best fabrics to use in dressmaking and techniques for sewing on buttons and embellishing your items.
All of the tutorials featured in the book are clearly explained and there's a range of projects for you to try out at home. Not just limited to garments, the book also includes a range of home furnishing ideas, such as upholstering and curtain making. When you're finished making your projects, the guide to laundering will come in very handy!
You can pick up a copy from Collins & Brown now.
Order a copy for only £14.99 including free UK p&p. Call 0870 787 1613 and quote reference CH1057.
Cindylou on Skip To My Lou has posted on article on "how to start the "BOO" in your neighborhood".
She also includes a template for making these cute Halloween Cat Masks.
The latest offering from the Jewish Princess, Feasts & Festivals offers a witty and contemporary take on traditional cooking. This book will take you by the hand, explaining traditions and advising on how best to cater for various Jewish festivals and celebrations, with recipes such as Lime & Apple Slaw, The Handbag Sandwich and a Ginger Beer Cake.
Though not as picturesque as some cookbooks, it is stocked full of recipes for you to try at home - you'll just have to use your taste buds to gauge if it turned out right. There is even a selection of recipes suitable for vegetarian Princesses. Filled with practical advice, the book aims to make cooking for family and friends easy, with recipes that are suitable for royalty.
If you've recently brought out your winter wardrobe to find that it's not as stylish as it seemed last year, then why not spruce up your dowdy sweaters with this excellent how-to.
Learn how-to alter a wool sweater on Sweet Sassafras.