Books

If you get a guilty feeling when taking out the trash, as though there was some use for a bunch of it, then Rubbish! has all the answers you've been looking for. Kate Shoup loves recycling and in this book, she's gathered together an army of crafters to show you how to reuse and repurpose common household junk.

Starting with a guide on what to hold on to or collect, you soon begin to realize what items are "diamonds in the rough". Turn broken up credit cards in to a Good Credit bracelet, cut up wine corks for a Put A Cork In It Bracelet, or give new life to old circuit boards with some Vive La Resistor earrings. There are 30 projects in total but my favorites were definitely the You're So Negative lamp made from photo negatives and this utterly adorable Brut Strength cork man.

This book goes to show that one person's trash is another person's craft supplies. Filled with neat and clever ideas for recycling, you can feel good about your crafting.

Pick up a copy of the book from Wiley or Amazon now.

Seams To Me by Anna Maria Horner claims to have "24 new reasons to love sewing", and flipping through the kitschy and colourful project pages, I can see why. In the "sewing school" section you will learn all kinds of sewing techniques, such as piping, gathering and seaming. Once you've filled your brain with all the necessary knowledge, the real fun begins and you can move on to the projects section.

Make yourself a super handy and multi-functional Pin Cushion Caddy, a patchwork-inspired I'll Have One Of Everything Bag or an adorable Bo Peep Skirt and For Kicks Patchwork Ball for young-ones to play with.

Including 10 original patterns to use, this is the perfect book for adding a bit of homely charm to your decor.

You can pick up a copy of the book from Wiley or Amazon now.

Knitwear designer Nicky Epstein takes inspiration from around the globe in her new pattern book, Knitting On Top Of The World.

 Categorized by country, the book includes 50 unique patterns, which are both elegant and practical. Wrap up in a starlet-inspired Roman Holiday Shrug, stand out in a Highland Fling Plaid Jacket or dress up for the occasion with a formal Evening Gala Aran top. There's even a range of accessories, such as a Shanghai Garden Scarf, Petite Fancy Fair Isle tea cozy and a Great Plains Blanket Bag.

The thing I like best about this book is that it focuses more on the patterns than the techniques - after all how many knitting books do you need which tell you exactly the same thing?! So, bring some hand-knitted couture to your wardrobe and stay stylish and warm this Christmas.

Pick up a copy of the book from The GMC Group or Amazon now.

If you ever wanted to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos in style, then Day Of The Dead Crafts is the book for you. Learn everything about the history and traditions of the day, while making dozens of wonderful projects for your altar and home.

Learn how to make Ofrendas, to suit different themes and styles, sculpt a Clay Calavera or mold, paint, and decorate a mask to wear during the celebrations. The book is filled with heaps of creative ideas and projects, including a recipe for everyone's favorite treat, Tasty Sugar Skulls.

As well as decor, there's a range of instructions for making unique and beautiful jewelery. Make a Photo Transfer Necklace, some awesome and detailed Marigold Beaded Necklaces, create Day Of The Dead inspired charms, or dress up with a pair of Microscope Slide Earrings. Happy Dia de Los Muertos!

You can pick up a copy of the book from Wiley or Amazon now.

As a reasonably skilled knitter, I've always struggled when it came to crochet, but thankfully, the Rowan Crochet Workshop looks set to fix that.

The first thing that will strike you about this book is how clearly laid out the instructions are, with step-by-step photographs detailing every step, making them really easy to follow. Consisting of six different workshops, to teach you everything from shaping and textures to embellishing and creating garments, the book keeps a steady pace ensuring that you've picked up all of the basic skills before getting too complex.

As well as guides about hooks, yarn, and techniques for a wide range of stitches, there's a selection of interesting projects to try out with your new skills. Beginners can start off with some simple Four-Stitch Coasters and then work their way up to more complex projects, like Crochet Buttons, Felted Pots or a gorgeous Baby Dress. It's a bit like having a private Stitch N Bitch in your own home, where you're free to learn at your own pace. Learn how to make some beautiful and intricate projects and become an expert with the hook.

Pick you your copy from The GMC Group or on Amazon.

I must admit that I wasn't aware that Bruns had made a series of craft related For Dummies guides but I'm glad they do as the book is stuffed full of helpful information and instructions.

If your wardrobe is full of dull and disappointing clothes then you will love this book, as it will show you how to give new life to old outfits, through repairs, embellishments and adjustments. Turn a sweater in to a skirt, transform t-shirts and learn how to turn a pair of jeans in to a denim skirt. Fix stains with quick and simple tricks, learn beading or use up leftover fabric by making a Put Your Money Where Your Scraps Are Wallet.

Progressing from basic to complex, the book includes all the skills you need to become an alterations expert. Filled with dozens of projects, you can learn how to deconstruct and then reconstruct to give drab clothes a second life.

You can pick up a copy of the book from Wiley or Amazon now.

Peach Berserk is an amazing, talented lady and her book, Silkscreen Now, will teach you everything that you need to know to become a "silkscreen star". A handy DVD is included with the book, in which Peach will teach you all the tips and tricks that you will need to know, from her wonderful and kitschy studio in downtown Toronto.

Learn how to set up your own studio, create a light table and build a frame so that you can start printing. The aim is to use inexpensive materials, while recycling and repurposing where possible, to make silkscreening cheaper and easier than ever. The book will talk you through all the equipment, tools and supplies you'll need to use and provides adorable step-by-step illustrations, as well as photos, to guide you through the various processes. Learn how to work with various inks and paints, and learn how to cut stencils to achieve different styles and multi-coloured prints.

Once you've mastered the techniques, try out some fabulous projects including a No Comment Vintage Outfit, some Hopeless Romantic Pillowcases or the Not Your Great-Auntie's Silk Scarf. This book is comprehensive and complete, making it a great starting point for any newcomer to silkscreening.

Find out more about Peach Berserk, or pick up a copy of the book, on her website.