Stamp, Stencil, Paint Your Way to a Colorful Life!

Textile artist Anna Joyce believes that we should all live with color and pattern every day. Now, with the release of Stamp, Stencil, Paint, so can you!

In this beautiful and approachable new book, Anna Joyce shares her signature hand-printing techniques for adding color and pattern to ready-made surfaces like fabric, ceramics, paper, leather, furniture, walls, and more. Inspired by vintage fabric, folk art, shapes in nature, and exciting new color combinations, Anna’s distinctive projects showcase the beauty of the unexpected and the mark of the artist’s hand. Following beautiful step-by-step photography, you'll learn new, easy skills to stamp, stencil, and hand-paint wonderful projects for your homes, wardrobes, families, and friends.

Anna's joy for making things by hand is truly infectious, and if you're in Portland this weekend or New York the week after, you can see for yourself at one of her exciting tour stops:

Portland, Oregon Events


New York City Book Tour

Can't make it to one of the events above (or can't get enough of Anna)? You can still get involved and learn from her with this fabulous giveaway from our friends over at Creativebug, going on now! .

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A World of Artist Journal Pages is here!

Next up in our list of spring releases is A World of Artist Journal Pages by Dawn Sokol!

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Art journaling is typically a private activity, but anyone who has ever journaled knows that there's no inspiration quite like seeing the work of other artists you admire. In this colorful and exciting new book, Dawn Sokol breaks into the journals of over 230 artists from all over the world to showcase a selection of over 1000 captivating pages.

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As an added bonus, behind-the-scenes interviews, plus a list of techniques and materials used for each page, give you a glimpse inside the minds and toolboxes of new and established artists.

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A World of Artist Journal Pages is available now, everywhere books are sold! Check at our gallery of sample pages and scoot over to Dawn Sokol's blog for Q&A outtakes.

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And enter to win a free copy by entering Dawn's giveaway before April 28 here.

Natalie Chanin is Back with Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns!

Today is an exciting day—Natalie Chanin, founder and creative director of Alabama Chanin, is back with the book fans have been waiting for: Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns! 

If you've ever dreamt of creating your own Alabama Chanin wardrobe (and really, who of us hasn't?), this exciting compendium takes the Alabama Chanin library to the next level, offering all the patterns from Chanin’s first three books on a convenient CD, plus instructions and patterns for new skirts, dresses, tops, and jackets, with illustrated guidelines for customizing the fit and style of each. 

Hand-sewists: this is a key guide to customization. This invaluable resource is bursting with information about the ins and outs of refashioning shapes, raising and lowering necklines, taking in and letting out waistlines, and other key skills for creating the wardrobe of your dreams.

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Chanin also provides guidelines for adapting patterns from other popular sewing companies to the Alabama Chanin style: stitched by hand in their signature soft, organic cotton jersey and embellished with swirls of stenciling, embroidery, and beading.

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For more inspiring peeks into the book, check out our image gallery. Or, get your hands on a copy today, wherever books are sold!

'Tis the Season for Handcrafted Christmas!

If author Susan Waggoner had her way, every Christmas would be a handcrafted one...

... and now, yours can be too! If you've been spending these last few chilly evenings hearing those sleigh bells ringing and dreaming of a blanket of white snow, then prepare to sate your holiday yearnings with Handcrafted Christmas: Ornaments, Decorations, and Cookie Recipes to Make at Home! This collection of more than thirty-five warm, inviting projects and recipes inspired by the treasures and flavors of the 1920s through the 1960s are certain to make you nostalgic for Christmases past.

Get ready for the most wonderful time of the year by taking a look at the image gallery here. And start planning your own vintage-style celebrations with everything from pinecone wreaths and punched-tin votive holders to beloved cookie swap recipes like Chocolate Sour Cream Drops and Pecan Tassies. Handcrafted Christmas is in stores now.

STC Craft Summer Reads

It's officially summer and we're celebrating by kicking off our sandals and cracking open some new warm-weather reads! Whether you're looking for an engaging travel partner or a treat for a morning at the beach, these books are sure to inspire:

 

For yarn lovers eager for a laugh-out-loud funny collection of essays about a well-knit life:

Stockinette, ribbing, cables, even the humble yarn over can instantly evoke places, times, people, conversations, all those poignant moments that we’ve tucked away in our memory banks. Over time, those stitches form a map of our lives.
—From the Preface

 

For readers who love their stories with a side of DIY:

To make anything by hand, whether it is to feed or to warm or to shelter yourself, to succeed in meeting some small—or not small—need that exists within us, this is what we and every other thing with a heart that walks this earth are meant to do with our hands and with our days. And when you are inside a structure that you have built yourself, whether your walls are made of plastic or grass or brick or beans, you will be at home.
—From How to Make a Teepee from Plastic Flowers

 

For creatives looking for that little push to break new ground:

Now that people know I paint—I've included my artwork in books I've written, made public my darling pleasure—they not only want to attend writing workshops, they ask me when I will teach painting. I jokingly say, Never. But if they pay close attention, I'm teaching painting all the time when I talk about writing.

—From the Introduction

 

Happy reading!

Gifts for the Crafty Grad

It's that time of year again—the time when scores of hopeful grads set off for new adventures! Whether yours is gearing up for college life or setting off for that first job, here are some of our favorite books to set them up in style.

For the architecture or decorative arts major who loves interior design:

 

For the bookish types who wish they'd never left:

 

For DIY mavens looking for the next big thing:

 

And for any new grad who may need a little help navigating their newly found independence: 

 

For more great gift ideas, check out our full catalog here.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2014!

Spring Refresh with CLOTH by Cassandra Ellis!

There's something wonderful about changing our homes to reflect the change in seasons. When cold winter winds begin to blow in, we nuzzle in to wooly accessories; spring's arrival speaks of light cotton pieces; and linen's cool touch and open weave makes it ideal for the summer months.

For those of us who mark the passing of time in precious pieces and scraps of fabric, Cloth: 30+ Projects to Sew from Linen, Cotton, Silk, Wool, and Hide by Cassandra Ellis is just the inspiration we need for swapping out those woolens for a little spring refresh!

For a chance to win a copy of the book, as well as a bundle of five silk fat quarters, head on over to Spoonflower to enter! And of course, check out the CLOTH gallery for more décor inspiration, and make sure you get your hands on a copy of this beautiful book, available now everywhere books are sold.

Spring Has Sprung: Handmade for the Garden Has Arrived!

Despite what the weather report says, Spring has sprung here at STC Craft with the arrival of Handmade for the Garden by Susan Guagliumi! Get your green thumbs ready to tackle over 75 projects sure to get you (and your garden!) in a spring state of mind, ranging from planters and embellished pots to trellises, mosaic walls, and more.

For those of you who have been hungrily browsing seed catalogs all winter (or those of us who are starting small with a windowbox of herbs), one quick peek at this gallery will be sure to get you ready to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty!

 


Handmade for the Garden is available today everywhere books are sold.

STC Craft Author Lynne Barr Is Teaching Knitting Techniques on Creativebug!

Lynne Barr fans rejoice—video tutorials of the knitting expert's innovative techniques are coming to Creativebug!

Complementing the unique and groundbreaking techniques featured in STC Craft favorites The Shape of Knitting, Reversible Knitting, and Knitting New Scarves, these classes show the knitting expert in action as she demonstrates how to use "traveling pleats" to make a hat with a unique twisted top design, and double knit to create reversible multi-colored pieces. Best of all, she also provides valuable lessons on how to create your own charts using any stitch patterns you please!

While the names of the techniques might sound intimidating, they are easy to grasp with Lynne Barr walking you through the instructions one stitch at a time. These classes are the perfect companions to your Lynne Barr library—make sure to check them out today!

5 Handmade Gift-Packaging Ideas

Wrap bits of leftover yarn over kraft paper for a beautiful rainbow effect, from More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson

 

It's a gloomy, stormy day in New York, the perfect kind of day to put on a pot of tea and start on that mountain of presents that still need wrapping. If you're a fan of a good handmade gift right down to the packaging, here are five unique and crafty ways to take your gift-wrapping to the next level.

 

Create your own wrapping paper designs in Photoshop, with instructions from Heather Ross Prints by Heather Ross

 

Knit a delicate ruffled ribbon from Handknit Holidays by Melanie Falick

 

Make your own paper boxes from Modern Paper Crafts by Margaret Van Sicklen

 

Whip up a few of these fabric pom poms, from Last-Minute Fabric Gifts by Cynthia Treen

6 Quick & Easy Gifts to Complete in an Evening

Kim's Hats from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson

For me, the holiday season seems to follow the same trajectory every year: At first, I vow to create special handmade gifts for all of my loved ones. Then days go by, lost in the whirlwind of get-togethers and winter cheer, and suddenly I find myself a few days out and nary a project is started. If this sounds familiar to you, you're not out of luck yet. Put aside an evening, gather some craft supplies, and get ready to make one of these unique, yet quick and easy, gifts!

Big Lace Scarf from More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson

 

Sewing Box from The Repurposed Library by Lisa Occhipinti

 

Pieced Pillows from Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson

 

Rice Paper Lanterns from Heather Ross Prints by Heather Ross

 

Assorted terrariums from Tiny World Terrariums by Michelle Inciarrano and Katy Maslow

Holiday Gift Guide: 12 Books for Crafters

From Weekend Handmade by Kelly Wilkinson

We all know one—that person who makes the perfect gifts every year without fail. This year, why don't you return the favor! Whether you want to please a Jill-of-all-trades or the hardcore artist, these books are guaranteed to delight any DIY maven on your list.

For the dabbler:

Lena Corwin's Made By Hand; The BUST DIY Guide to Life; The Gentle Art of Domesticity


For the weekend crafter:

Tiny World Terrariums; Weekend Handmade; Modern Paper Crafts


For the décor-obsessed:

Past & Present; The Repurposed Library; Crafting a Meaningful Home



For the art-inclined:

Art Doodle Love; Printing by Hand; Heather Ross Prints

Holiday Gift Guide: 15 Books for Sewists & Quilters

Ermine Stitch from Alabama Studio Sewing + Design by Natalie Chanin

Still looking for the perfect gift for the crafter who can do it all? Don't despair! It's not too late to pick up a copy of any of these great titles for your resident sewist or quilter.

For the weekend stitcher:

Weekend Sewing; Last-Minute Fabric Gifts; Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts


For the color-obsessed quilter:

Kaffe Fassett Quilts Shots and Stripes; Denyse Schmidt: Modern Quilts, Traditional Inspiration; Material Obsession


For sewists who stitch outside the box:

Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing; Alabama Studio Sewing + Design; Stitch Magic

 

For the storyteller:

 

Kaffe Fassett: Dreaming in Color; Alabama Stitch Book; Quilting for Peace


For the little ones:


Wee Wonderfuls; Kata Golda's Hand-Stitched Felt; Oliver + S Little Things to Sew

Holiday Gift Guide: Books for Knitters

Crafters can be difficult to shop for. What do you get the person who can make anything? Craft books, of course! Here are our suggestions for all of the knitters in your life.

 

For the fashionista:

More Modern Top-Down Knitting; Knit to Flatter; Custom Knits


For the homebody:

The Knitted Slipper Book; Comfort Knitting & Crochet: Afghans; Knitted Socks East and West

 

For the knitter who loves learning new techniques:

Shape of Knitting; Knitting From the Center Out; Reversible Knitting


For the weekend stitcher:

More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts; Weekend Knitting; One More Skein


For knitters who appreciate a good yarn:


Yarn Whisperer; Knitting for Peace; A Knitter's Home Companion

For the accessory maven:

Knitting New Mittens & Gloves; Custom Knits Accessories; Knitting New Scarves

 

For the new mom (grandma, auntie, or best friend):


Comfort Knitting & Crochet: Babies & Toddlers; Vintage Baby Knits; Knitting For Baby

5 Holiday Decor Projects To Make (And Finish!) This Weekend

Festive Stars from Modern Paper Crafts by Margaret Van Sicklen

We may be in the thick of December, but there's still plenty of time to deck the halls with handmade decorations. This weekend, plan to pour out some piping hot chocolate, put on your favorite winter album, and craft yourself some holiday cheer with our favorite end-of-year decor projects:

Egg Cozies by Kristin Nicholas for Weekend Knitting by Melanie Falick


Bird Ornaments from Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson


Willow Chandelier from Weekend Handmade by Kelly Wilkinson


Lettered Wreath from The Repurposed Library by Lisa Occhipinti

8 Quick and Easy Personalized Gifts To Make (And Finish!) This Weekend

There's no better way to make someone feel special than with a unique and personalized gift. But creating a one-of-a-kind handmade offering doesn't always have to be time-consuming! This weekend, pull out your craft supplies and channel your loved ones with one of our favorite quick and easily customizable projects:

Silhouettes on Canvas from Crafting a Meaningful Home by Meg Mateo Ilasco


Stationery Suite from Heather Ross Prints by Heather Ross


Empire-Inspired Plates by Julia Rothman for Past & Present by Amy Azzarito

Happy Birthday Pillow from Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson


Biographical Bracelet from The Repurposed Library by Lisa Occhipinti


Customized Mugs from The BUST DIY Guide to Life by Laurie Henzel & Debbie Stoller


Printed Notebooks from Printing by Hand by Lena Corwin

 

Made-By Patch from Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson

5 Quick and Easy Gifts to Knit (And Finish!) This Weekend

With early snow flurries and shop windows awash in red-and-green lights, it's hard to deny that the holidays are upon us. It may be the busiest time of the year, but if you're anything like us, you're probably figuring out how to make time to craft a few meaningful gifts. So now's the time to start planning! Have your list handy? Here are five knitted gift ideas you can whip up in no time:

Pom-Pom Flats from The Knitted Slipper Book by Katie Startzman

 

Sleep Shades from The Shape of Knitting by Lynne Barr

 

Filigree Gloves from Knitting New Mittens and Gloves by Robin Melanson

 

Flower Washcloths from Weekend Knitting by Melanie Falick

 

Seed-Stitch Bracelet from More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson

 Have you started working on any handmade gifts yet? Let us know in the comments!