2007 Gift Review - Crafts for teens and adults

the Review Source

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Sculpey

    Sculpey is a unique craft - one even children are able to use and enjoy, so some of our Sculpey reviews will also be included in our Crafts for children section.

Sculpey III

• Favorite Features -

  • non-toxic

  • available in a wide variety of colors, bold primary colors, pastels, metallics

  • available in a 30 piece sampler pack or as individual colors

  • one hour project sheet included with five simple/fun projects

  • project directions available on-line

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Flexible Push Mold
	Snuggle Buddies
	Jewelry Collection - Caribbean Floral Jewelry and Cameos & Hearts Jewelry
	Tropical Breeze
	In Full Bloom
	Wedding Celebrations

• Favorite Features -

  • detailed molds work with Sculpey, other clays, plaster, soap, wax and more

  • free project directions on-line

  • easy to use

  • soft and flexible

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Ultra Light Clay

• Favorite Features -

  • non-toxic

  • able to be painted after it is baked

  • includes project ideas

  • ideal for jewelry, larger sculptures and more

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Premo!!

• Favorite Features -

  • non-crumbling

  • easy to knead

  • firm, smooth texture

  • great for color mixing

  • durable

  • includes directions

  • available in a variety of colors - we reviewed cadmiun red hue, green, cobalt blue hue, white, orange, zinc yellow, metallic gold and violet

    Sculpey has long set the standard for oven-bake clay and they continue to do so! Their new products and wide range of colors provide a wealth of options for the person who loves to make their own beads and other fun projects! Consider adding Sculpey supplies with a book on beading - great combination gift for the creative person on your list! Tremendously well done, Sculpey!

 

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Bernat Yarn

 

    Bernat Yarn offers a very wide variety of yarns and pattern books - we had the opportunity to review the following  . . .

Yarn
	Cool Crochet Favorite Features - we reviewed "Chocolate" and found it to be a rich, deep, warm brown with a thread running throughout to provide a "shimmer" 70% cotton machine wash
	Satin Sport Favorite Features - we reviewed "Marina" and found it to be a very soft, deep blue machine wash and dry
	Denim Style Favorite Features - we reviewed "Indigo" and found this year to be a warm, comfortable weight, perfect for sweaters machine wash and dry
	Satin Favorite Features - we reviewed "Admiral" and found it to be very soft, warm and a pretty, deep blue machine wash and dry
	Softee Chunky Favorite Features - we reviewed "Dark Taupe" and found it to be a very pretty deep brown and extremely soft! machine wash and dry
	Handicrafter Cotton Twists Favorite Features - we reviewed "Natural Twists" and found it a pleasing shade of peach, tan, and creams 100% cotton machine wash and dry
	Soft Boucle' Favorite Features - we reviewed "Forest Shades" and found it to have deep green shades and colors combined with a texture not too difficult to work with - excellent combination! machine wash and dry
	Berella "4" Favorite Features - we reviewed "Country Blue" and found it to be a very warm, usable, everyday yarn machine wash and dry
	Glacier Favorite Features - we reviewed "Crisp Cream" - this yearn has an extremely soft feel and a sparkle - perfect for winter sweaters, hats, scarves or anything you want to feel soft and warm machine wash and dry
	Softee Chunky Twists Favorite Features - we reviewed "Thyme Twists" and found it to be a unique coloring and a very soft, warm yarn machine wash and dry
	Organic Cotton Favorite Features - we reviewed "Cactus" and found it to be a pleasant shade of green 100% cotton machine wash and dry
	Harmony Favorite Features - we reviewed "Almond Beige" and found it to be very soft an excellent color combination of cream, and brown machine wash and dry

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Patterns -
	Girl Talk Favorite Features - 10 patterns, for girls 4-12, including ponchos, hats, scarves, vest and purse simple crochet mostly using granny squares simple, fun, perfect for the beginning crocheter
	Kool Kids Favorite Features - four patterns for kids - sweaters, hats and a poncho knit and crochet patterns
	Easy Living Favorite Features - five patterns, sweatshirts, sweaters and afghan knit and crochet
	Urban Camouflage Favorite Features - 12 patterns for the family - sweaters, vests, hats, mittens and blankets knit and crochet
	Weekend Wear Favorite Features - six patterns for the entire family - vest, sweater, hat, scarves and purses knit and crochet patterns
	Accessory Crazy Favorite Features - five patterns - hats, scarves and purses knit and crochet
	Cool Crochet Favorite Features - three patterns, hat, scarf, vest and purse combines granny squares with crochet for a unique look

• All patterns also include, photos, size, gauge, materials list, stitch, instructions and helpful hints. Most include how to knit and how to crochet with illustrations as well.

    We found all the Bernat yarns we reviewed to be very easy to work with and second to none as far as quality, durability and colors! Combine some of these amazing yarns with pattern books, hooks and knitting needles for a gift that gives and gives for a lifetime as the person you give these to develops or continues the skill of crocheting and knitting! You absolutely can not go wrong with yarn from Bernat! Tremendously well done, Bernat!

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Lion Brand Yarn

Lion Brand offers a very wide variety of yarns - we had the opportunity to review the following . . .

	Wool-ease Chunky
	Wool-ease Worsted Weight
	Wool-ease Thick & Quick

• Favorite Features -

  • for these yarns we reviewed the Nantucket, Mushroom and Taupe shades and found them to be excellent  soft, heathered colors

  • all of the wool-ease yarns are soft, machine wash and dry and 10%- 20% lambs wool

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Bolero

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed Latte color and found it to be soft and warm

  • super bulky yarn

  • 100% wool

  • included directions for felting

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  ColorWaves

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed Pebble beach - muted greens, mauves, blues and browns - great color combination

  • machine wash and dry

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Romance

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed Leaf color

  • 15% mohair - incredibly soft

  • one ball of yarn will make one garment from 1000 free on-line patterns

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Fisherman's Wool

• Favorite Features -

  • Natural color

  • 100% wool

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Homespun

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed Candy Apple - great, deep, rich red color

  • extremely soft, textured yarn

  • machine wash and dry

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Trellis

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed Autumn Leaves

  • unique shimmering, lacy ribbon yarn

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Suede

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed Denim Blue

  • tremendously soft yarn

  • machine wash and dry

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Cotton Ease

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed Taupe

  • 50% cotton yarn is lightweight and breathable - extremely comfortable

  • machine wash and dry

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MicroSpun

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed Coffee

  • ultra soft yarn

  • machine wash and dry

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Lion Cotton Worsted Weight

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed Sage

  • 100% cotton

  • machine wash and dry

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Organic Cotton

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed Almond

  • 100% organic cotton

  • hand wash

    I found Lion Yarns to be quality yarns with true colors. Lion has hundreds of free patterns on their website - download a few, combine with yarn and give a great gift encouraging creativity and imagination to the creative people on your list! You can not go wrong with Lion Brand Yarns! Tremendously well done, Lion Brand!

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Plymouth Yarn Company

 

    Plymouth offers a wide variety of wool yarns! We had the opportunity to review the following:

 

Galway Worsted Weight

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed a very bright pink color - no name given

  • 100% wool

  • hand wash

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Montagna

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed a unique purple, pink and blue yarn - no name given

  • 25% wool, 5% alpaca with a soft, "nubby" look

  • hand wash

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Cleckheaton Country 8 ply

• Favorite Features -

  • soft, turquoise color - no name given

  • 100% wool

  • machine wash

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Baby Alpaca D.K.

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed a lavender color - no name given

  • 100% baby alpaca, extremely soft

  • hand wash

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Baby Alpaca Worsted Weight

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed an aqua color - no name given

  • 100% baby alpaca, extremely soft with a bit of a "shimmer"

  • hand wash

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Cleckheaton Country Silk 8ply

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed a country blue with flecks of light blue throughout - no name given

  • 85% wool and 15% silk

  • unique look

  • hand wash

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Encore Worsted Weight

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed a burgundy color - no name given

  • 25% wool

  • machine wash and dry

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Yukon

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed a grey color - no name given

  • 35% mohair, 35% wool - extremely soft

  • hand wash

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Massimo

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed a variegated green, blue, purple and white yarn - no name given

  • 51% wool and extremely soft

  • hand wash

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Alpaca Sport

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed a taupe color - no name given

  • 100% Peruvian Alpaca - extremely soft and fine yarn

  • hand wash

    If you are looking for wool yarn, Plymouth Yarn Company has a wide variety of types and colors. I found Plymouth Yarns to be tremendously soft - perfect for making clothes for yourself or especially for a baby! Most of these yarns have to be hand washed, so keep this in mind when you are selecting yarn. Combine some of this yarn with a pattern book - check out the reviews below - and you will have the perfect gift for the person on your list who enjoys creating their own clothes! Tremendously well done, Plymouth Yarn Company!

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Coats & Clark

	Moda-Dea Baby Talk
	Moda-Dea Fashionista
	Moda-Dea Cherish

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed Spearmint , Berry Red and Bubblegum colors

  • Baby Talk is machine wash and dry while Fashionista and Cherish are hand wash

  • soft yarn with bright colors

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TLC Baby Amore

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed Yellow color

  • extremely fun, "nubby", soft yarn in great pastel colors

  • machine wash and dry

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	Red Heart Easy Tweed			Red Heart Soft Yarn
	Red Heart Hula			Red Heart Fiesta

• Favorite Features -

  • we reviewed Coffee, Teal, Red Hot and Horizon colors

  • all are machine wash and dry

  • great colors, excellent options for nubby, fine and soft yarns

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Starters for kids
	crochet hooks
	knitting needles

• Favorite Features -

  • available in single hook/needle packs or in three packs

  • Christmas colored and primary colors hooks/needles available

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Susan Bates Candy Canes Knitting Needles Gift Set

• Favorite Features -

  • available in single set of needles or in three or six packs

  • fun Christmas colors

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	Susan Bates Point Protectors - Christmas Stockings			Susan Bates Mini Pom Pom Tool
	Susan Bates Mini Tassel Tool			Susan Bates Knitting Knobby
	Susan Bates Seaming Pins

• Favorite Features -

  • items include directions and project ideas

  • excellent stocking stuffers for your crafty people or gift add-ons

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Coats & Clark Beginner Knit & Crochet - First Projects Designs by Mary Jan Protus

• Favorite Features -

  • directions for six projects

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Learn How Book - knitting, crochet, tatting and embroidery

• Favorite Features -

  • complete book with easy to follow directions and drawings

  • includes patterns to get you started

    I grew up with Red Heart and Coats & Clark yarns and am pleased to see they still offer variety and quality! Combine these yarns with pattern books for a great gift - don't forget the essentials like hooks and needles, too! You can not go wrong with Coats & Clark, tremendously well done!

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Berroco

	Suede Favorite Features - we reviewed a tan shade - no color given hand wash
	Foliage Favorite Features - we reviewed a unique color of greys and browns - no color given 53% wool, extremely soft hand wash
	Memoirs Favorite Features - we reviewed a pretty combination of greens and blues - no color given 43% wool, 40% mohair - extremely soft hand wash
	Peruvia Favorite Features we reviewed a forest green color - no color given 100% Peruvian highland wool - tremendously soft hand wash
	Keltic Favorite Features - we reviewed a unique variegated combination of grey, purple and blue that changes to pink, green and brown - no color given 50% wool and very soft hand wash

    Quality yarns with wonderful colors and color combinations - you can not go wrong with Berroco yarns! Again, add these yarns to a pattern book and the creative person on your list will have a gift they will truly enjoy! Tremendously well done, Berroco!

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Caron Yarn

One Pound

• We reviewed Royalty - a very pretty shade of blue

• no dye lot

• machine wash and dry

• direction arrows to help you know where to find the end of your yarn!!!

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Natura

• we reviewed Claret

• no dye lot

• machine wash and dry

• direction arrows to help you know where to find the end of your yarn!!!

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Simply Soft
	Quick we reviewed Bone no dye lot extremely soft machine wash and dry direction arrows to help you know where to find the end of your yarn!!!
	Heather we reviewed Woodland - soft colors machine wash and dry direction arrows to help you know where to find the end of your yarn!!!
	Tweed we reviewed Off White machine wash and dry direction arrows to help you know where to find the end of your yarn!!!
	Baby we reviewed Cool Mint machine wash and dry direction arrows to help you know where to find the end of your yarn!!!
	Shadows soft merino wool we reviewed blue with teal and purple - unique coloring direction arrows to help you know where to find the end of your yarn!!!

 

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Felt-it

• We reviewed Evening Mist

• 100% wool

• instructions for felting are included

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Pizazz

• we reviewed Meadow

• colored ribbon yarn

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Wintuk

• we reviewed Nutmeg

• machine wash and dry

• no dye lot

• direction arrows to help you know where to find the end of your yarn!!!

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Perfect Match

• we reviewed Taupe

• no dye lot

• machine wash and dry

• direction arrows to help you know where to find the end of your yarn!!!

    A wide variety of types and colors from Caron allow you to find the perfect yarn for whatever project you are working on! Simple "extras" like yarn direction arrows are so helpful and add to the enjoyment of crocheting or knitting with Caron yarn! Tremendously well done, Caron!

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Random House/Potter Craft

 

	Just Socks
	Just Gifts
	Author - Shannon Okey

• Favorite Features -

  • intros packed with useful, helpful information

  • socks book includes 24 knit patters and six crochet patterns

  • gifts book includes 17 knit patterns and 11 crochet patterns for toys, clothes, pillows, dish cloths, afghans, pet items, jewelry, gifts, hats, bags and mittens

  • each pattern includes description, size, materials, directions and photo

  
  

      Great books - I love the fold over covers to mark the pattern you are working on! Excellent book to combine with yarn to make a unique gift encouraging creativity! Tremendously well done, Shannon and Random House/Potter Craft!

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Sterling Publications

Cool Crocheted Hats Author - Linda Kopp

• Favorite Features -

  • 40 designs

  • book includes how-to's with stitches and techniques and diagrams

  • patterns include skill level, size, supplies, stitches used, pattern notes, directions and photo

   

      Hats for everyone you know and a full wardrobe for yourself! Fun book to combine with yarns and crochet hooks for an excellent gift! Extremely well done, Linda and Sterling!

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Kids Crafts Crochet Author - Jane Davis

• Favorite Features -

  • includes patterns for 30 projects

  • how to crochet instructions with diagrams

  • projects include skill level, size, materials, gauge, stitches, directions and photo

   

      Fun learn to crochet book with patterns kids will love! Excellent choice for the young crocheter - combine with a nice selection of fun yarns in their favorite colors and you have a gift encouraging creativity for a lifetime! Tremendously well done, Jane and Sterling Publications!

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24-hour Crochet Projects Author - Rita Weiss

• Favorite Features -

  • 23 projects with large photos of completed items

  • patterns include materials, gauge, instructions, size, photos and time to make

  • includes a refresher course in crochet with diagrams

   

      Great patterns, beautiful book with excellent photos throughout! Projects are easy, quick and provides a nice variety of options for the entire family! Tremendously well done, Rita and Sterling!

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Beaded Crochet Designs Author - Ann Benson

• Favorite Features -

  • explains the basics and how-to's as well as provides excellent diagrams

  • includes 37 patterns

  • patterns include materials list, instructions, photos and diagrams

   

      Fun book with all you need to know to crochet with beads! Great gift for the person on your list who enjoys crocheting and wants to learn something new! Extremely well done, Ann and Sterling!

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Kooky Crochet Author - Linda Kopp

• Favorite Features -

  • 30 patterns

  • patterns include skill level, size, materials, stitches, gauge, pattern notes, pattern, photo, charts, yarns used

  • gallery photos

   

      Fun, unique patterns - this book is a fun choice for the creative young person on your list! Extremely well done, Linda and Sterling!

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Creative Glass Techniques Author - Bettina Eberle

• Favorite Features -

  • explains glass fusing, glass painting and lampwork

  • 32 projects and how-to's

  • projects include materials, directions, photos

   

      Creative, imaginative unique gift for the artist on your list!

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Flameworking Author - Elizabeth Ryland Mears

• Favorite Features -

  • basics, 11 exercises to learn how-to and 11 projects

  • gallery with amazing glass sculptures

  • photos of each step

  • projects include material list, tools needed, directions and photos

   

      Excellent book - great coffee table book as well! Tremendously well done, Elizabeth and Sterling!

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The Art & Elegance of Beadworking Author - Carol Wilcox Wells

• Favorite Features -

  • gallery photos throughout

  • 33 projects

  • projects include supply list, instructions, diagrams, patterns and photos

   

      Fun, easy to follow projects - great book for the creative "jeweler" on your gift list!

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the Weekend Crafter - Basketry Author - B.J. Crawford

• Favorite Features -

  • 18 patterns for easy to make, quick baskets

  • basic information/how-to's with photos to illustrate

  • tremendously useful information and tips

  • patterns include skill needed, techniques you'll learn, materials needed, directions with photos

   

      This is a must-have book for the person who wants to learn to make baskets! Quality photos throughout and simple to follow directions combine with a pleasing, wide variety of beautiful baskets to make it an excellent choice to give or receive! Tremendously well done, B.J. and Sterling!

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Pine Needle Basketry Author - Judy Mallow

• Favorite Features -
  • 44 complete projects
  • 22 photos of baskets
  • complete how-to and history of basketry

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GH Productions, Basket Makers Catalog

www.basketmakerscatalog.com

 

New England Tote Basket Kit

• Favorite Features -

  • complete kit includes supplies and directions - does not include colored reeds so if you want the colors shown in the photo, you will need to purchase additional supplies

  • directions were relatively easy to follow

   

      The end result of this kit is well worth the time and work it takes to make it! The finished basket is beautiful and extremely functional! My reviewer found it to be a perfect option for a more "green" response to shopping bags when she made a trip to the store for just a few items! Any crafty person on your gift list who is even somewhat interested in basket making would love this kit! Consider also getting the kit, making the basket and giving the completed basket as a gift to people on your list as well - they will absolutely love it! Tremendously well done, GH Productions!

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Swing Your Partner Basket Kit

• Favorite Features -

  • complete kit includes supplies and directions

  • intermediate skills kit - excellent option for someone with some basket making skills or for the very creative/crafty person

   

      Again, the end result of this kit is absolutely worth the time and work to make it! The unique features and skills needed to make this basket are well displayed in the finished basket! Attractive, sturdy and functional - this basket is a gift whoever receives it will absolutely love! Tremendously well done, GH Productions!

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Basket making supplies
	Pine needles		gourds
	handles		reeds

• Favorite Features -

  • wide variety of quality supplies

  • extremely reasonable prices

   

      GH Productions provides an excellent source for you to find pretty much any basket making supply you are looking for! My reviewer found their supplies to be of excellent quality, easy to work with resulting in very pleasing baskets! Tremendously well done, GH Productions!

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V.I. Reed & Cane

www.basketweaving.com

Cherokee Double Wall Basket Making Kit

• Favorite Features -

  • complete kit

  • easy, complete directions with illustrations

   

      This basket is extremely fun to make and with a very pleasing finished product! The double wall project directions are extremely easy to follow and this is the ideal basket to learn this technique! My reviewer found the directions to be the easiest to follow of all kits she reviewed. Tremendously well done, VI Reed & Cane!

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Nested set of three wicker baskets kit

• Favorite Features -

  • kit includes everything you need to make three baskets - be careful how you measure and cut or you won't end up with enough reed to complete the set

  • complete, easy to follow directions

   

      This kit makes an extremely functional set of baskets! Give the kit as the gift to the crafty person on you list, or make the baskets and give the set to one person on you list, or each basket to three people on your list! Excellent kit with very satisfying results! Tremendously well done, VI Reed & Cane!

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Casting Gifts

www.castinggifts.com

Life Casting Kits

• Favorite Features -

  • includes everything in the kit you need to make a casting of a child's foot, hand, adult hand - whatever you want to capture in 3-D

  • easy to follow directions

   

      I love casting kits! They make the perfect gift to give so the person on your list is able to enjoy making a casting of their child's hands/feet or their own hands and they also make the perfect gift for you to make a casting and give to a parent, grandparent - someone on your list who will appreciate the 3-D cast of a "moment in time"! Fingerprints, wrinkles in the skin, every detail - large or small - is preserved with a casting for generations to enjoy and remember! Tremendously well done, Casting Gifts!

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The Casting Kit

www.thecastingkit.com

Hand Casting Kit

• Favorite Features -

  • includes everything in the kit you need to make a casting of a child's foot, hand, adult hand - whatever you want to capture in 3-D

  • easy to follow directions

    I love casting kits! They make the perfect gift to give so the person on your list is able to enjoy making a casting of their child's hands/feet or their own hands and they also make the perfect gift for you to make a casting and give to a parent, grandparent - someone on your list who will appreciate the 3-D cast of a "moment in time"! Fingerprints, wrinkles in the skin, every detail - large or small - is preserved with a casting for generations to enjoy and remember! The Casting Kit has a wide variety of casting kits and supplies - there is something for all your casting ideas and needs! Tremendously well done, The Casting Kit!

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Watson-Guptill Publications

The Art of Resin Jewelry Author - Sherri Haab

• Favorite Features -

  • thorough information and how-to's

  • 26 projects

  • projects include description, materials needed, step by step directions with photos

  • helpful list of suppliers in back of book

   

      Incredible photos, fun projects - this is a great gift book for the jewelry maker on your gift list!

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Metal Clay & Mixed Media Jewelry Author - Sherri Haab

• Favorite Features -

  • information on techniques and how-to's

  • 22 projects

  • projects include description, materials step by step directions with photos

  • helpful list of suppliers in the back of the book

   

      Again, Sherri provides photos, projects, clear directions to make your own jewelry and a helpful list of suppliers! Extremely well done, Sherri and Watson-Guptill!

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Rodale Publishing

www.rodale.com

Scrap Quilt Celebration Author - Karen Bolesta

• Favorite Features -

  • 24 projects

  • projects include -

    • photo

    • skill level

    • size/materials charts

    • step by step directions

    • sew easy and sew quick tips throughout

    • colored diagrams

  • quilt maker's basics

   

      I keep hoping someday I'll find the time, and ability to make a quilt . . . this book gives me reason to continue to hope for this! Colorful, throughoughly explained and complete, this is the perfect book for someone you know who wants to quilt or who already loves to quilt! Tremendously well done, Karen and Rodale!

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Rotary Magic Author - Nancy Johnson-Srebro

• Favorite Features -

  • 12 projects

  • explains rotary cutting

  • explains piecing, pressing, finishing

  • color diagrams and photos

  • tips throughout

   

      Attractive projects, I would have liked to see a skills level indicator, but nonetheless, this is an excellent, well presented book on quilting! Extremely well done, Nancy and Rodale!

 

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2007 Holiday Gift Review

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Copyright © Lynda Freeman
Last Updated  Nov. 1, 2007
Web Page by Lynda Freeman
Send an e-mail to Lynda at Lynda@thereviewsource.net

 

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