Katie~ Three creative craft books

Edward's Menagerie : Over 40 Soft and Snuggly Toy Animal Crochet Patterns by Kerry Lord

This book makes crocheting toy animals for gifts accessible to anyone. The 40 patterns in this book are laid out in three sections these are: patterns for beginners, intermediates and experts. The instructions are clearly laid out with photo illustrations to help. My favourite pattern is Douglas the highland cow. This book also contains sections on material and yarns, how to stuff the finished toy, how to add additional details and sizing options for the projects.

Paint with Thread : A step-by-step guide to embroidery through the seasons by Emillie Ferris

This is a wonderful book which combines embroidery with beautifully detailed patterns of nature by painting with thread. This book contains 5 projects, each having around 60 step by step photos to help with the instructions making this book accessible for beginners as well as experienced embroiders looking to learn the art of painting with thread. My personal favourite is the bee pattern. Additionally, helpful tips on preparation, material and how to transfer designs are included. The back of the book contains iron on transfers of the patterns to help you get started on your projects.

The Kew Book of Botanical Illustration by Christabel King

Christabel King is a botanical artist at Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew and has created this beautiful book on botanical illustrations. Accessible for beginners King explains how to layout a workspace, what materials to use, suitable subjects for beginners and what to put in your travel illustrations kit. The book then develops with your talent and explains the dissection and preservation of plant specimens for cross sections as well as introducing readers to the use of pencil, watercolour and ink mediums.