Embroidery "Hip" patterns

Most of this book is made up of black line patterns to transfer.  It does include different transfer methods and shows ideas of how to embellish materials with your own creative handiwork.  The hip patterns include borders, flowers, cars, trucks, and oh yeah Scotty dogs (retro must be hip).  The book is spiral bound with a handy pocket for the patterns once they are removed from the book.  I found the transfer information useful but many of the patterns are very basic, great for someone new to the craft.  Too many of the patterns are the same picture in different sizes.  Rather ho hum.

Scrap booking ideas

If scrapbooking is your passion take a look at The Big Book of Scrapbook Pages.  It is literally full of completed scrapbook pages.  If just looking at a finished project is all the instructions you need your set with this one.  Each completed page list the creator, supplies used and the source of the supplies.  Every third to fourth page has a bit of information called “Inspired Ideas.”  These tidbit include ideas such as sewing bits of lace or fabric to your page to keep it in place.  The book ends with single and double-page layout sketches and a score of product manufactures with phone number and or web addresses.

Repurposed plastic--cheap fun

Save your plastic bags of all size and colors!  Upcycle the plastic that abounds as a leftover in modern life.  With a few basic materials; plastic, parchment paper, scissors, and an iron create over 2 dozen projects. After trying two of the projects in the book all kinds of ideas have bubbled up in my head.

I tried this craft with a group of teens.  They had a great time.  We found that following the techniques to fuse the plastics on pages 12 and 13 helpful.  

Blue book bag made from the plastic sleeves that cover the newspaper each day.  Even the handles are made from several layers of fused plastic, the sides and bottom are sewn.  It's strong and waterproof besides.

One teen designed a bag that will hold a can of soda and ice and doesn't leak.  Instead of sewing she fused  all the seams--sides and bottom.  Viola let your imagination go!