Kyle Newman, Jon Peterson, Michael Witwer
[isbn]
What better fantasy immersion is there than to enjoy the same delicacies at the gaming table that our characters share in the tavern? Why do we settle for Doritos and Mountain Dew when we can gorge ourselves on Twice-Baked Cockatrice Wings, Underdark Lotus with Fire Lichen Spread, Evermead, and Potions of Restoration?
Recommended by Brandon S.
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Liz Marsham, CRITICAL ROLE , Jesse Szewczyk
[isbn]
Stories and food are inseparable, and the food of Exandria is just as good as its stories — truly “exquisite” actually! Just look at the gorgeous pictures, from “Slayer’s Cake” to “Jester’s Sweet Feast,” and your mouth will water. I’m going to start with the chickpea version of “Yasha’s Bug Bites,” washed down with a “Ruby of the Sea” cocktail, while I plan fun dinners for my RPG friends.
Recommended by Marianne T
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Mitchell S. Jackson
[isbn]
Brilliant wordsmith/storysmith Mitchell S. Jackson is coming to us with what on the surface looks like a beautifully-made sports fashion book — and it’s that, and more. It’s a fascinating history, a well-organized timeline, and most of all, an expansive celebration of a unique and empowering culture. This book is cool.
Recommended by Gigi L.
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Sam Reece
[isbn]
I’m obsessed with this hilarious, feel-good craft book! Crafters are often perfectionists, and it’s good to be reminded why we got into craft in the first place — the pure joy of making (shitty) things! Any crafter you know will get a huge kick out of this delightful book.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Kate Weiss
[isbn]
Whether you know just enough to be dangerous (like me), have made your own clothing for years, or simply want to consider the possibilities, this book will be a good friend. You’ll save money and strut your own style with confidence and pride. Kate Weiss offers really sound advice that’s serious but not too complicated. And you don’t have to make “outfits.” There’s plenty of mending, etc., that we should all be doing, and her instructions are... (read more)
Recommended by Marianne T
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Arounna Khounnoraj
[isbn]
I’m something of a Arounna Khounnoraj fangirl. Her first two books, Punch Needle and Invisible Mending, were exquisite. The projects, the photography, the book design, and her straightforward directions are fantastic. So, when I saw she had a third book coming out about embroidery, you can imagine my excitement. There are plenty of embroidery books out there, but Khounnoraj’s promises to be something special.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Maryanne Moodie
[isbn]
My book-buyer senses started tingling when I saw the cover of this book, and the more I learned about it, the more I knew my instincts were correct. This is the most fun small loom weaving book I’ve seen in some time. The bright colors, the accessible projects, and the sheer joy of craft that this book radiates makes it a must-have for beginner weavers and anyone looking to add some chunky wool roving to their weaving projects.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Terri Watson
[isbn]
Wow, if you’ve never tried macramé, but want to make really polished looking projects relatively quickly, pick up this book. The projects are made up almost entirely from one knot: the vertical clove hitch. It’s a fairly simple knot to learn, and once you’ve got the hang of it, the variety of designs you can make is only limited by the colors of cord you have. And if you’re more experienced with macramé, I don’t have to tell you these are perfect... (read more)
Recommended by Leah B.
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Taisia Kitaiskaia, Katy Horan
[isbn]
This beautiful deck is as helpful as it is pretty. It will speak to you honestly, but not too bluntly, and direct you where you need to be. This is a great deck and even better for literature and art enthusiasts.
Recommended by Aster A.
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FLFFLW01
[isbn]
The tabletop RPG your parents were actually worried about. This beautifully designed rule book is your guide the the apocalyptic fantasy world of MÖRK BORG. Be sure to check out the website where you can find extra content made by the community that's approved by the creators and free to download. I wish only to spread the dark gospel and advise you to face the end times with arms wide!
Recommended by Nick K.
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Wizards Of The Coast
[isbn]
I love dragons! They are part of the very bedrock of D&D. Though dragons have made appearances in many adventures and rule books, this is the first 5th Edition book solely devoted to these enigmatic and terrifying creatures. Alon with new dragon types and dragon-related monsters, this book is packed with advice for integrating dragons into a campaign. This also may be the closest Wizards of the Coast ever comes to producing a real Dragonlance... (read more)
Recommended by Ryan V.W.
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Lesley Anne Robinson
[isbn]
Better known online as Knit Graffiti, Lesley Anne Robinson has been creating and publishing incredible knitting patterns for many years now. She has an exciting approach to color and texture, producing beautiful accessories and garments for all seasons and bodies. Anyone looking to learn brioche knitting — a gorgeous, squishy, and very fun knitting technique — will find her tips and tricks really helpful! More advanced knitters will find a... (read more)
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Travis Wheels Wheeler, Logan Jenkins, Lee Terrill
[isbn]
I listen to a lot of actual play podcasts (I know, I’m incredibly cool), and Very Random Encounters is the cream of the crop. They use a number of systems, but their basic premise is randomizing as much as they can, from stats to names to villains to settings. It’s always a delight, and has made me want to add some randomness to my own games (I know, I’m incredibly cool). The VRE crew’s new book facilitates... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Daniel Clay
[isbn]
If you feel a little intimidated by woodworking, chip carving is an excellent way to dip your toes in. Using just a few simple tools, you’ll learn the basics of carving and be able to complete a number of projects. Despite the use of the words “classic” and “traditional” in the subtitle, nothing about the projects in this book feel old-fashioned. The geometric designs are very contemporary, and I can’t stop looking at them.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Olga Prinku
[isbn]
Gosh, this book is pretty. There are a lot of embroidery books out there, but this is the first one I’ve seen that incorporates dried flowers and tulle. What an ethereal and dreamy combination. If you’re an experienced embroiderer, trying these new materials is a fun way to switch things up, and if you’re a beginner, the projects are still within reach. They range from wall hangings to wearables, each more lovely than the last.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Kelly Williams Brown
[isbn]
"If things are especially dire, just contemplate Dolly Parton." This is but one nugget of sage advice in Kelly Williams Brown's Easy Crafts for the Insane. Brown's quirky, off-the-cuff style lends itself well to this memoir-cum-crafting how-to. Her heartfelt relatable essays let us know we are not alone. Even in those moments when we feel we have no control over our life, the world, or our glitter glue gun, we can always accomplish a... (read more)
Recommended by Tina M
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Masanobu Fukuoka and Larry Korn
[isbn]
Out of print and highly sought after in the US for more than 25 years, Masanobu Fukuoka’s natural farming manifesto is no less revolutionary today than it was when it was first published in 1978, and arguably more necessary with time. A radical rethinking of agriculture, global food systems, and the relationship between humans and the earth we inhabit, The One-Straw Revolution contains both practical gardening advice and profound,... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
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Katrina Rodabaugh
[isbn]
A slow fashion book for the thoughtful fashionista. Rodabaugh states: Start where you are. Start by looking at the clothes you already own before shopping for new. Can they be mended or remodeled rather than replaced? This isn’t just another closet advice book. Rodabaugh gives us inspiring ideas for rejuvenating our old togs into treasures to be proud of. I was a fan of her first book Mending Matters and I’m just as excited about... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Heidi Helyard
[isbn]
Polymer clay (aka Sculpey) jewelry is having a moment right now, and it's easy to see why. It's colorful, low-key, playful, and accessible. There are so many great projects in this book, and you can make them even as a complete beginner. I wish I'd had this book during my polymer clay phase of quarantine.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Charles Henry, Elin Petronella
[isbn]
There are a lot of ways to replace that yearning for travel: read a great book with destinations far and wide, or perhaps watch a favorite movie with beautiful vistas. Good choices indeed, but I'm thinking that combining my love of European cities and embroidery is the way to go for me. The COVID era has given me an opportunity to refine my embroidery skills, and I can't wait to stitch up the streets of Europe for my next project.
Recommended by Corie K-B.
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Carin Oliver
[isbn]
I have minimal crafting skills, and no glue gun or box cutter, but I made my cats a house (page 60). The instructions were clear, assembly was easy (even with substandard tools), and the house looks great. Most importantly, my cats love it!
Recommended by Amy W.
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Simon Garfield
[isbn]
I'm obsessed with all things miniature, and I know I'm not alone. Teeny tiny things are magical, mesmerizing, and adorable. This book delves into our collective obsession with the miniature, from dollhouses to tiny scenes in snow globes, model trains to mini food, and everything in between. Looking through the lens of the miniature makes us feel more powerful in an uncertain, chaotic world, and who among us doesn't want that?
Recommended by April L.
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Conn Iggulden
[isbn]
Not teaching children how to be naughty won’t prevent them from finding trouble on their own, and sometimes it’s better to have a few tricks up your sleeve anyhow, as you never know when it may come in handy! Such is the thinking behind this spectacular reference manual that celebrates craftiness and ingenuity, with enough projects to get a child less interested in their phone and more invested in exploring the natural world.
Recommended by Moses M.
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Malcolm Gladwell
[isbn]
Malcolm Gladwell’s latest is everything we’ve come to expect: thoroughly reported anecdotes in service of a grand theory, based in social science, assembled to answer an immensely difficult question. In this case, the question is what happened to Sandra Bland? How did a routine traffic stop go so badly, so quickly? To get at an answer, Gladwell guides us through an assemblage of spies, liars, drinkers, accused murderers, poets, and... (read more)
Recommended by Keith M.
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Tan France
[isbn]
Naturally Tan is a deep dive into this pop culture icon's life. Tan's unique experiences will inspire readers to accept themselves for who they are and find the courage to live their truths.
Recommended by Alex Y.
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Gayla Partridge
[isbn]
Gayla Partridge specializes in exquisite stitching and anatomical art. Stitchcraft is an exposition of her beautiful and creepy artworks. Super close-up photos help to almost get inside the stitches. For those inspired to recreate her designs, general patterns are included, but she encourages people to choose their own colors and stitches to make the art their own. Stitchcraft is a fun and gorgeous look at Partridge’s work.
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Lara Prior Palmer
[isbn]
Rough Magic is the extraordinary story of a 19-year-old woman who, with no formal training, ended up winning the Mongol Derby, the longest and one of the most difficult horse races in the world. Lara Prior-Palmer's memoir of her experience in the race is funny and raw; her voice is uniquely captivating, and the pace (as might be expected) is page-turning. An inspiring and enthralling tale.
Recommended by Jill O.
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Sally Coulthard, Louise Lockhart
[isbn]
Don’t trust the bland cover on this one. Crafted is a beautifully illustrated book with information on over 60 crafts, including some you’ve probably never heard of. It’s a wonderful reference book for someone interested in the history of craft, and great inspiration for someone looking to try something new.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Elena Vilar
[isbn]
Written by a
popular French blogger, this book includes detailed instructions for beginners, and a number of charming projects. It also has some information you might not
find in other weaving books, such as how to make a loom out of cardboard.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Erin Benzakein and Julie Chai
[isbn]
Widely anticipated by her fans, Washington state flower farmer Erin Benzakein invites us into the world of lavishly photographed flowers and floral arrangement techniques in stunning turns. Avid gardeners and designers alike will find inspiration in this expertly comprised tome.
Recommended by Aubrey W.
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Anna Joyce
[isbn]
When local artist Anna Joyce got involved in dyeing, she noticed there was a hole in the literature — something with a focus on the use of traditional techniques, but aiming for a modern, contemporary aesthetic. So she decided to write it herself! While most dye books tend to focus more on background and technique, this book puts projects in the spotlight so you can jump in and get your feet wet without too much prep time or practice. All the... (read more)
Recommended by Leah C.
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Katrina Rodabaugh
[isbn]
Sustainable fashion. Slow fashion. Whatever your terminology, making, mending, reusing clothes, and avoiding factory fashion is Katrina Rudabaugh’s mission. If you like Natalie Chanin and her Alabama Chanin, you will adore Mending Matters. I loved Mending Matters from the moment it landed on my desk and had to fight off coworkers for the privilege to browse it first. Rodabaugh will inspire you to mend your old battered clothes... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Grackle & Pigeon
[isbn]
Brimming with colorful photos and sketches to get your creative juices flowing, this whimsical book is all about creating cozy spaces anywhere you happen to be. You’ll find a treasure trove of imaginative ideas — there’s even a book cave!
Recommended by Moses M.
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Melissa Fehr
[isbn]
Tired of wearing the same old bike shorts, leggings, and tank tops that everyone else has bought? Do you dream of glamming up hoodies and jackets just a touch? Sew Your Own Activewear will get you off on the right foot with sewing your own, with both patterns and helpful hints from experienced sewist (and marathon runner) Melissa Fehr. The patterns provided work for a number of styles, and Fehr walks through pattern manipulation in each... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Natalie Chanin, Sun Young Park
[isbn]
Natalie Chanin of Alabama Studio fame presents a concise guide to hand stitching. This is a bit of a revelation! Instead of free stitching, Chanin provides plastic templates for tidy-beautiful grid stitching, making for easy stitchery. Chanin provides a wealth of knowledge, combining easy to comprehend diagrams with photos of stitched samples. This how-to book is glorious in its simplicity, just like a Chanin-inspired embroidered garment.
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Hollie Chastain
[isbn]
This is a sort of Design 101 for crafters who may want to up their art skills. The techniques section is inspiring as it shows how to meld various multimedia aspects. The composition chapter offers up small doses of easy to understand design lessons. The charm of If You Can Cut is that it balances a perfect line between being informative and being inspirational. Not just good for paper art, I found a lot of inspiration for quilt design... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Bob Ross
[isbn]
With his curly perm and mesmerizing voice, Bob Ross has become a pop culture icon, but he saw the world as an inspirational place. Through his lens, mistakes are just “happy accidents” and beauty is everywhere. Take care of yourself and color your own happy little trees with Bob.
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Kelli Anderson
[isbn]
Yes, This Book Is a Planetarium is a planetarium — but it’s also a speaker, a perpetual calendar, and several other tools made only with the magic of paper! This pop-up masterpiece is a beautiful work of art that provides hours of entertainment.
Recommended by Leah C.
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Dezso Kosztolanyi
[isbn]
In stark contrast to the ethereal qualities implied by her nickname, Skylark is a dud. In an era that values decorative women, she's plain, dull, and introverted. But two people think she hangs the moon: her parents. When Skylark goes away for a week to visit relatives, her devoted parents aren't sure what to do with themselves — but the days that follow aren't what they expect. Amusing details of life in a provincial Hungarian town at the turn... (read more)
Recommended by Lauren P.
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Andreia Gomes
[isbn]
Do you want to take up weaving, but aren't ready to commit to the cash and floor space a loom requires? Little Loom Weaving is for you. Starting with building your own super easy frame loom, author Andreia Gomes walks the reader through the basics of weaving — basics you can take with you even if you move onto bigger looms. In addition to the beginning steps, Gomes teaches some advanced techniques for further embellishing your textile.... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Julia Sherman
[isbn]
Salad for
President author Julia Sherman turned her love for veggies into
performance art by staging artists making salads at museum gardens like the ones at MOMA Brooklyn and the Getty. Each chapter features a different artist, with an interview and
personal recipe. The rest of the chapter is augmented with Sherman's recipes. A
bit of an oddball cookbook as well as a beautiful art book, the recipes are sumptuous. While there are a few... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Joan Juliet Buck
[isbn]
Writer Joan Juliet Buck's memoir is a glittering tragic thing. Even as she recounts a life lived among movie stars, the fashion elite (she was editor of Paris Vogue), and literary icons, she laments a life that was played on the surface and in thrall to artifice. All this would make a fun read, but Buck is a good writer and, almost despite herself, drops in moments that are sweet and magical.
Recommended by Kathi K.
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Sophia Amoruso
[isbn]
An honest and inspiring story of female entrepreneurship told by a modern-day female hustler who successfully entered the business world seemingly overnight. The author covers her personal ethical dilemmas both in her personal life and in business. She explains how she values critique, teamwork, and differences in opinion in order to keep her business running. Her transparency and authenticity inspires her readers to become confident, to question... (read more)
Recommended by Brittany L.
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Nick Offerman
[isbn]
Good Clean Fun is an irreverent look into America’s woodshops by humorist Nick Offerman (of Parks and Rec fame). Expect a goofy read — but also expect to learn how to build stuff! While it's a deeply fun book, Offerman's respect for gorgeous wood and stunningly crafted wood furniture shines through.
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Anuschka Rees
[isbn]
Have you ever walked out of your house only to later regret your less-than-perfect clothing choices? The Curated Closet goes about 10 steps above and beyond most other closet-makeover books. You'll get a walk through for building a dream wardrobe that you will actually be happy to wear. Author Anuschka Rees guides the reader through a series of questions that will narrow down choices to your personality and your varied lifestyles... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Antoine Laurain, Gallic Books
[isbn]
This is a quirky little novel about French President François Mitterrand's hat, and the life it leads when separated from the man himself. He accidentally leaves it in a restaurant, and for the lucky souls who will next wear it, it is a good-luck charm of immense proportions. Thoroughly engaging, this unlikely story is a quick, fun read. But don't misconstrue "fun" for "insubstantial"; there are clever layers of allegory and meaning to discover... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Keri Smith
[isbn]
Randomness and the unexpected are vital conditions for personal growth, and this book suggests that wandering is a surefire way to increase the unexpected and to become more grounded in the present moment. Part memoir, part guide, it is sure to give you an exciting new way to spend your time.
Recommended by Ashleigh B.
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Anonymous, W S Merwin
[isbn]
Despite being nearly half a millennium old, The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes remains eminently readable, charming, and more than a little funny. Published anonymously in 1554 (the authorship debate rages ever on), the novella was banned and later censored as part of the Spanish Inquisition for its allegedly heretical content. The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes, credited as being the first picaresque work of fiction, follows the... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Piera Gelardi, Christene Barberich
[isbn]
In a perfect world, I would leave my house every day in an elegant outfit with a gorgeous topknot and lipstick that doesn't immediately bleed onto my coffee mug. Back in the real world of work and motherhood, my hair gets messy, my lipstick is sacrificed to the coffee god, and I lack the time and money to collect the closetful of unique, expensively tailored items I covet. What I love about Refinery29 by Christine Barberich and Piera... (read more)
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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Joshua Glenn, Elizabeth Foy Larsen, Tony Leone
[isbn]
Unbored Games presents over 70 fantastic games to keep you entertained for hours. You'll find a huge variety of creative, scientific, cooperative, and high-tech games — from old favorites such as tabletop paper football to newer crazes like geodashing. A great pick for all ages!
Recommended by Kim T.
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Jennifer Williams, Olivia Bee
[isbn]
I do not have a daughter of my own, but as soon as I saw this, I instantly fell in love. The illustrations come from a Brooklyn mother who drew (and also documents on her blog of the same name) what her tween daughter and her daughter's friends were wearing. The combined results are phenomenal. These girls' fearless, laid-back style and self-expression puts them in a class all their own, brought to life in smooth, colorful sketches, making this... (read more)
Recommended by Aubrey W.
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Andrew Bolton
[isbn]
"I find beauty in the grotesque, like most artists. I have to force people to look at things."
Published in conjunction with an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty offers a stunning retrospective of the late designer's career, showcasing garments just as likely to make your skin crawl as they are to make you swoon. True to McQueen's aesthetic, Savage Beauty is at once visually... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
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Amy Bryant Aiello
[isbn]
If there's one thing I've learned through my wayward attempts at gardening, it's the importance of starting small, and it doesn't get much smaller than this. In Terrarium Craft, Amy Bryant Aiello and Kate Bryant not only cover the basics of terrarium building (from container, soil, and plant selection to decorative elements and care), but also guide the reader through 50 imaginative and easy-to-follow projects, such as "Rock... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
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Henk Schiffmacher
[isbn]
If you're looking for the perfect tiny butterfly to grace your ankle, you won't find it here. Brimming with images that will inspire, impress, amuse, intrigue, and perhaps offend, 1000 Tattoos is not for the faint of heart. Then again, neither is getting a tattoo.
Recommended by Tove H.
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Robyn Jasko, Jennifer Biggs
[isbn]
Just as a small plot of land can yield a bountiful harvest, this unassuming little book packs quite a punch. Jasko's friendly, informative, and unfussy instructions cover all the basics of growing, preparing, and preserving your own food, while Biggs's charming line drawings challenge you not to crack a smile in the process. You don't need a green thumb or a culinary degree to enjoy farm-to-table goodness — this book should do the trick.
Recommended by Tove H.
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Susan Beal
[isbn]
Susan Beal might just be the friendliest crafter in Portland, so it's no surprise that the projects in Bead Simple are as sparkly and charming as the author herself. Bead Simple features 50 handcrafted jewelry projects, each accompanied by two variations, for a grand total of 150 unique creations. Dazzling photos and easy-to-follow instructions make this an invaluable reference for beginners, while more experienced or courageous... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
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Corwin, Lena
[isbn]
Textile designer Lena Corwin has mastered the "so cute it makes you want to squeal" aesthetic, and thanks to the detailed instructions and full-color, step-by-step photographs in her debut book, Printing by Hand, you can too. This helpful guide covers the basics of printing, as well as the nuts and bolts of the author's three favorite methods: stamping, stenciling, and screen printing. In true Corwin style, the accompanying projects are,... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
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Laura Heyenga
[isbn]
This book showcases 26 contemporary artists whose innovative and meticulous creations are breathing new life into the centuries-old craft of paper cutting. From Su Blackwell's fairy tale forests to Mia Pearlman's swirling tempests, the works compiled here are nothing short of extraordinary. If your paper cutting repertoire stops at dolls or snowflakes (or coupons), prepare to be amazed.
Recommended by Tove H.
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Patricia Hoskins
[isbn]
With a few exceptions (namely all things baby- or dog-related, and the spats on page 147), the projects in this book are things I would actually use, wear, or proudly display in my home... and each of them requires a mere 36 inches of fabric! Whether you're looking to downsize the ever-growing pile of leftover fabric in your craft space, or simply hoping to cut costs at the fabric store, One-Yard Wonders has the project for you.
Recommended by Tove H.
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Mark Cheverton
[isbn]
Know a young Minecraft fan? This series is the perfect gift to offer them if you want to get them to read more. Cheverton was a teacher whose son played Minecraft. Inspired by his son’s experience of someone griefing (vandalizing) his Minecraft structures, Cheverton addresses cyberbullying in an approachable way in this engaging series.
Recommended by Kim T.
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Kirsten Kearney and Yazur Strovoz
[isbn]
Block City is an excellent Minecraft how-to book for beginners as well as those looking for inspiration, with jaw-dropping examples from master builders all over the world! You'll find great tips for choosing a platform, tools, blocks, and mods. Witness the limitless lands of creative online architects who don't have the restrictions of gravity to hold them back!
Recommended by Kim T.
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Guinness World Records
[isbn]
This book is loaded with fascinating gaming facts, from the evolution of Mario and a mega Minecraft section to detailed infographics and interviews with industry experts. Classics like Pac-Man and Tetris, as well as newer video games like Skylanders and Destiny, feature updated records, high score tips, and trivia. A must for any gamer!
Recommended by Kim T.
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Johanna Basford
[isbn]
I love coloring books. Johanna Basford creates the best coloring books. This one is so pleasant to draw in; the paper is wonderful and her work makes my scribbles look glorious.
Recommended by Britt A.
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