A review. Entirely solicited.

As if to exaggerate my sense of importance in the interweb craft cosmos, a chap from Quirk Books (the quirky division of Random House publishers) asked me to review a book that's out tomorrow.  The reason for the invitation and the bribe of a free hardback book, is of course, the statistics that this blog generates on any given Wednesday.  So, thanks for that, it's why I make you read this stuff.  

Microcrafts (one word....)

Tiny Treasures to Make and Share

It's a nice book - not huge, probably 11 x 8, something close..very handle-able. Beautifully photographed, and the intro includes a nice big up to the photographer who worked hard to bring a sense of scale to the projects.  Very helpful to the reader, I must say. Generally the book presents a single project across a double page, classic editing with the full page photo at left.  Nice touches include tips in separate boxes, and a tag detailing finished size and designer. And nice clear but small font - all to remind you that you're working in Micro.  Neatly.

It's a collaborative project overall and includes a nice section at the back where the designers have some words about themselves, in the third person, and it includes their shops or online presence which is nice.  Seeing other things that they do is interesting..mostly they all continue to work in Micro!

There are some fairly standard projects - but nicely adapted to be tiny - I particularly liked the bunting - simple enough I know, but stitched together paper triangles strung between two skewers over a lovely cake is just enchanting..and certainly the tiny effort involved shouldn't be saved for children's cakes.  Fimo charms aren't new, but these are pretty and made easy - again, don't leave these on the children's menu...there is some really fun jewellery to be had here.  But if you want new - there's plenty....bird feeders from drinking straws, micro   macrame, micro owls and my word, wool felting on a planetary scale!

I liked the friendly and patient instructions.    Indeed, this must be the case - that teeny little book standing up on the front cover in the picture above is my first attempt.  I made signatures, followed instructions and HAND STITCHED the binding...and I'm going to do more..they are so sweet.  This is a breakthrough for me. ( Fat fingers and no patience.)  

The book is bang on trend really; delivering projects that are hand made, and largely from scraps of course - two things that are currently attracting a lot people to crafting.  And why not.  Nice graphics like the 'stitched' page headings and some graph paper behind the supplies lists for each project do reflect current scrapbook and craft trends, non? 


So do I have any dislikes?  One mild one - I'm a metric gal, largely because it's easier (!) and this book is clearly pointed at an American market that still uses Imperial.  So in measuring, I did actually use a calculator (Mr Dunnit) to make conversions.  


But really that's it.  If you know anyone who works in tiny and really is in their comfort zone in the Micro format; this will make a great gift. At £11.99 it's a lovely one too.  From your favourite book retailer of course. And who knows, maybe one day, we can have an English collaborative, metric version too! 

And as a final hurrah to the blog stats that got me this gig - if you're a WOYWWer and would like to have this copy of the book as a gift from me and Quirk, leave a comment.  Masses of comments of course, will require a draw.  I'll report back.