The Rippey Library has received several new “crafting” books just in time to get individuals started making homemade gifts for the upcoming Holiday Season.
BEADING for the first time by Ann Benson. This is very informative easily understood book. It is filled with colored pictures, and includes not just making necklaces, but beading for many items such as purses, pillows, lampshades, edging for scarves and handkerchiefs. It provides a comprehensive guide to supplies, tools, and techniques.
CREATING CARDS from A to Z by Jeanette Robertson. This book is just chocked full of creative ideas. It will provide ideas that allow you to truly personalize cards. Ideas are from rather plain stamping, and development of cards on your computer to extremely elaborate works of art. Variations of card making include; ideas for gift tags and using scrap craft items. An interesting section provides information about using fabric in the creation of your cards.
THE EVERYTHING SOAP MAKING BOOK by Alicia Grosso. This book contains recipes and techniques for creating colorful as well as fragrant soaps. This is a fun book, which talks about the history of soap making, and the advancement of making harsh soaps from the ashes of the fire place to beautifully fragrant and delicate soaps. She cautions frequently about safety because of chemicals, and intense heat during the soap making process.
CREATIVE CONCRETE ORNAMENTS for the GARDEN by Sherri Warner Hunter. This book provides direction for making pots, planters, birdbaths, and garden sculptures. It is loaded with pictures and provides quite specific instruction and information. It was fun to leaf through the pages, but be cautious because it draws the reader into wanting to try some of the projects. The section on making a birdbath created a great deal of personal interest, and maybe a winter project worth trying.
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY for DUMMIES by Julie Adair King. This book even for “dummies” was overwhelming at first glance. The leafing through was laced with technical terms that were really overwhelming. In being a bit more disciplined and really studying each chapter, has resulted in improved confidence about using my digital camera.
Stop by the Rippey Library and check out these selections. Toni, the librarian is available on Monday’s from 12:00 to 7:00 PM, Wednesday’s and Friday’s 1-6:00, and Saturday’s 9-12:00.