More about the book from the publisher Andrews McMeel Universal:

In March 2010, Martena Duss and Sissi Holleis opened the Sweat Shop, the first sewing cafe in Paris, near the trendy boutiques of Canal St. Martin. Duss is a Swiss makeup artist. Holleis is from Austria, where she had her own fashion store and label. In addition to carving a niche in Parisian society, the Sweat Shop has been featured in publications such as Vogue, Elle, the New York Times, Le Monde, the Guardian, and Marie Claire. “

The designs featured in it are beautiful to look at as well as creatively inspiring!

Fantastic Recycled Plastic: 30 Clever Creations to Spark Your Imagination
by
David Edgar and Robin A. Edgar

Let me start by saying my background is Industrial Design so I know about how much effort goes into designing manufactured packaging. It gives me such pleasure to recycle the stuff that someone else spent so much time designing giving it a new life after its first one is done and appreciating its qualities. That’s what pretty colors and shapes of plastic packaging have to offer you. This book Fantastic Recycled Plastic: 30 Clever Creations to Spark Your Imagination gives you ideas for tons of modern and whimsical designs along with the techniques and skills to make your own creations come to life. I know of what I speak, check out the broken heart charm I made inspired by Fantastic Recycled Plastic after, of course you leave a comment at this post so you are entered to win a copy of the book!

Leave a comment by Midnight ET Thursday November 18, 2010 and you are in the running.

The fine print-Contest is open to USA residents only.

More about the book and its authors from Lark Books:

I love this book! As someone who can look at virtually any bit of this or that and find value (or at least an attribute that would make it a good crafting material) Eco Books: Inventive Projects from the Recycling Bin is packed full of innovative designs and interesting construction methods for all sorts of books. There are a bunch of great tutorials showing how to incorporate traditional stitching and binding techniques with wild and crazy-cool ideas for using them with unconventional materials. I point out the egg carton book featured on the cover! Lark Books, the fabulous publisher of this book has offered you readers of Recycled Craft Gossip the chance to WIN a copy of  Eco Books: Inventive Projects from the Recycling Bin. Just leave a comment in today’s post by Midnight ET Wednesday November 10th and you are in the running!

And if you want to see a project I made inspired by the book pop on over here for a mini notebook petal bracelet tutorial.

More about the book from Lark Books:

Eco Books: Inventive Projects from the Recycling Bin

by

Terry Taylor

“Here are projects for the “pages”: 40 innovative book-making ideas using recycled and green materials! More than just earth-friendly, they’re also beautiful, clever, and witty, stitched with traditional binding techniques.  Egg cartons, wood, beer cans, and cassette tapes morph into covers, while brown bags, coffee filters, and discarded newspapers are transformed into pages. Create a boxed set of cereal box books, an exposed stitch sketchbook out of cardboard and remnants, and even a faux leather journal made from teabags.

In addition to how-to drawings, close-up detail photographs, and simple stitch diagrams, a gallery of eco-books from an international roster of artists provides inspiration.”

I had the pleasure of meeting Mark Frauenfelder author of the book Made by Hand: Searching for Meaning in a Throwaway World at Maker Faire last weekend and he was so nice! His book is all about his experiences “doing it himself” which is cool to read about when you, yourself are a “DIYer” and want to hear about other’s successes and let’s face it failures/learning experiences/process because that’s really a HUGE aspect of his point and why DIYers do it, because it is about the experience not just about the end outcome. If you like doing it yourself too I think you will really enjoy this book! I know I did and not only was I entertained I was educated on a wide range of topics!

More about Made by Hand: Searching for Meaning in a Throwaway World from the publisher:

I have one to give away! Just leave a comment in today’s post by Midnight Monday May 17th 2010 and you will be entered to win!

No matter what you like to make there is a project in Green Craft that will inspire you to go through your trash…uh stash and craft! Pop on over to this post to see a whole bunch of inside peeks.

[tags]Green Craft Magazine[/tags]

Hand Me-Ups: Recrafting Kid’s Clothes with Easy Techniques and Fun Designs

Lorine Mason is a crafting projects designer, utilising a variety of mediums. She has authored articles on home decor, the principles of designing projects for children and cross erchandising. She is the author of two other books by Krause Publications – Fashion Sweatshirts and Fashion Sweatshirts: Tots to Tweens.”

[tags]book review Hand-Me-Ups by Lorine Mason[/tags]

Playing with Books:

Upcycling, Deconstructing, and Reimagining the Book

By Jason Thompson

I was so “torn” when I first read this book, I couldn’t decide whether savor each page slowly and absorb all the details or keep furiously flipping each page to see more! But that is the great thing about a book, it is always there and you can pick it up anywhere and look at it for as quick or as long as you want. This book is also a great combo of fully stepped out projects and an amazing gallery at the end with wild and creative “extreme” book art and sculpture that is sure to inspire you!

Want to see an inside peek at one of the stepped out projects from the book? Pop on over to this post and you will also see the version I made using recycled book pages and a fringing tool.

From publisher, Quarry Books:

“In these pages, Jason Thompson has curated an extensive and artistic range of both achievable upcycled crafts made from books and book pages and an amazing gallery that contains thought-provoking and beautiful works that transform books into art.

The content encompasses a wide range of techniques and step-by-step projects that deconstruct and rebuild books and their parts into unique, upcycled objects. The book combines in equal measure bookbinding, woodworking, paper crafting, origami, and textile and decorative arts techniques, along with a healthy dose of experimentation and fun.The beautiful high-end presentation and stunning photography make this book a delightful, must-have volume for any book-loving artist or art-loving book collector.

Jason Thompson is the founder and president of Rag & Bone Bindery, and author of Making Journals By Hand (Rockport Publishing 2001). He is highly regarded as a book designer with integrity who creates unique handbound books and other fine bindings, as well as a popular blogger who writes about bookbinding, book arts, artist books, and paper craft.

[tags]Playing with Books by Jason Thompsaon[/tags]

By

Tracie Lampe

This book should be called the “Encyclopedia of plastic bag recycling” it is packed full of techniques using recycled plastic bags and then once you have tried all the cool techniques you can then follow the great directions to make a wide variety of fun projects. It’s really cool to get plastic for your craft projects from the recycle bin because that truly does re-purpose them and that keeps them functioning and useful.

From the Publisher, North Light Books:
“Product Description
Fused and Re-used

Whether you?re a sewing enthusiast or an eco-superhero, Upcycled Accessories shows you how to upcycle disposable products into fashionable must-haves! Learn the basics of fusing plastic, then sew together colorful wallets, personalized journals and collaged tote bags. Finally, incorporate creative embellishing techniques to whip up one-of-a-kind plastic projects!

Upcycled Accessories features:

25 funky fused-plastic projects for all experience levels that use inexpensive, readily available materials

Embellishing techniques for incorporating crayon shavings, permanent markers, fabric appliqu? and much more

Tips for incorporating more than just left-over shopping bags?everything from food packages to tablecloths can be upcycled!
Fuse. Sew. Help save the planet!

About the Author
Tracie Lampe is a self-taught mixed-media artist and fiber artist/vendor. Her work has been featured in Artist Trading Card Workshop as well as Interactive Art Workshop. Tracie has been teaching at ArtFiberFest for four years and sells her handspun fibers.”

Want to see what this fun book inspired me to make fusing a plastic milk jug and a plastic bag? Pop on over here. HINT: Listen up! It’s Easter-tastic!

[tags]book review Upcycled Accessories[/tags]

To see one of the projects from the book I had an opportunity to make in a class with Christi at CHA and the finished necklace tutorial pop on over here. It also includes a bit of a recycled soda can punched into a cute set of wings.

From the Publisher:

“A project book for all skill levels. Step-by-step pictures combined with detailed and humorous instructions keep the pace quick and the excitement level high. Steampunk look combines a Victorian-era sense of romance with a clockwork mechanical-ness. This book adapts those characteristics to polymer clay creations and offers projects that are sophisticated yet playful, challenging without being difficult. This eighth book by well-known author/artist Christi Friesen is her best yet!”

[tags]Steampunkery mixed-media book review[/tags]

Refashioned Bags: Upcycle Anything into High-Style Handbags

By
Faith Blakeney and Justina Blakeney

We all carry bags so why shouldn’t they be as unique and creative as we are. The way to make them that way is to make them ourselves. Refashioned Bags probably has the widest variety of styles and shapes of bags I have ever seen in one book. The materials for these bags as just as diverse. The recycled materials used range from cake mix boxes to records and shower curtains. It includes nice step by step instructions with sharp illustrations to make your creative process go smoothly. No matter what your style, classy or crazy there are projects and inspiration in this book for you!

To see an inside peek and what I made inspired by this book pop on over to this post. And if you are in Anaheim, CA for either the CHA trade show or the retail Craft Super Show Jan 21-27,  I have posted my schedule as well!
From the Publisher, Potter Craft:

“Reduce, Reuse, Refashion! Handbags are the ultimate accessory. Fortunately, you don’t need a cookie-cutter designer bag to make a fashion statement. In today’s greener, more fiscally responsible world, it makes a lot more sense–and is a lot more fun—to make your own. Whether your closet is already an amalgam of hand-made clothing and remastered mash-ups or you’re diving into DIY for the very first time, bags are one of the easiest accessories to make over and require little more than a needle, thread, and everyday items you can find in the closet, garage, attic, or flea market. That’s why the authors of 99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim & Tie Your T-Shirt into Something Special show you how to make boutique-ready bags on the cheap. The Blakeney sisters twist and weave, turn inside-out, and reappropriate just about anything and everything to fashion radical accessories with mad style and a message.

In Refashioned Bags, you’ll learn how to create carryalls, clutches, laptop bags, totes, and more. And all of them will get a unique look, whether from the use of an old wool sweater, an ex-boyfriend’s neckties, extra shower curtains, dad’s hand-me-down suit jacket, a quilt, an umbrella, or even a bath mat. Some of the inventive and one-of-a-kind bags you’ll learn to make include:

• Boho Hobo Bag
• Sweater Computer Cozy
• Dapper Diaper Bag
• Dolce Doily Purse
• Le Zip Sac
• Tux Redux Bag And more!

Helpful diagrams accompany the step-by-step instructions, along with bonus crafting ideas, fun facts, and tips and tricks from top bag designers in the DIY field who work with, at times, unusual materials. By following just a few easy steps that require little more than cutting, folding, gluing, and basic stitching, you’ll be able to add refashioned bag designer to your repertoire. ”

[tags]Refashioned Bags[/tags]

Build It! With Pallets is a fun little book. If you are a handy sort and like to build stuff out of found wood pallets this is a great source for how-to projects. There are great instructions with nice little hand drawn sketches and black and white photos to follow. One of the best parts about making projects with recycled pallets is you didn’t invest in the materials so if you are a beginner or you mess up, no big loss. Just go out scavenging and try again! To see an inside peek into the book and a free project on how to build a raised bed out of a recycled wood pallet, pop on over to this post.

More from the Publisher about:

Build It! With Pallets

By

Joe Jacobs

Often found abandoned at the back of factories, at dumps or even in skips, the humble pallet for many practically minded people, represents a huge source of inspiration as well as a challenge. When skillfully broken down into timber and smartened up, they can be refashioned into chairs, tables, fences, gates, chicken arks, planters, sheds, decking, cladding and many other functional items.

Joe Jacobs shows you what kind of pallet to look for, and provides over 20 plans for tables, fences, chairs, planters and other items of indoor and outdoor furniture. Build It! With Pallets is the ideal companion for anyone looking for inspiration and an economical source of wood, making them the ultimate recycling solution.

[tags]Build It! With Pallets[/tags]

1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse
Remake, Restyle, Recycle, Renew
By
Garth Johnson

OK so you are into recycling and crafting. Want 1000 really cool ideas? This is the book for you.

It is the kind of book that just gets your creative juices flowing and you have to read with your sketchbook next to you so that you can write and sketch the ideas that flow with every turn of the page.  I rarely make it though without having to stop and go make something. It’s like a gift that keeps giving and speaking of giving… if you know someone who is into making things from other things it would make the perfect holiday gift. And if you want to do a little Christmas decorating and have a tomato cage lurking around, why not recycle it into a Christmas tree see how to do a simple one here and one covered with a recycled sweater and lights here.

There are a bunch of other books in this 1000 series on Artist journal pages, jewelry, ATCs and greeting cards and they are all great. A real wealth of inspiration and creativity. To see some inside peeks into 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse Remake, Restyle, Recycle, Renew pop on over here or grab a copy here.

From the publisher:

Artists and crafters have always been recyclers, but for many, it has not only become a thrifty choice, it has become a moral imperative. 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse contains a cutting edge collection of the most inventive work being made with re-used, upcycled, and already existing materials. The work in this book ranges from clever and humble personal accessories to unique and important large-scale works of art, including paper art, fashion, jewelry, housewares, interiors, and installations.

Garth Johnson is a studio artist, writer and educator who lives in Eureka, California. In addition to maintaining the website “Exteme Craft” (www.extremecraft.com) Garth writes about a variety of topics, including art, craft and creative reuse.  He and his wife Claire are currently writing a blog for Readymade Magazine called “Keeping Up With the Johnsons (http://readymadeblogs.mydevstaging.com/blogs/johnsons/). His DVD, ReVision: Recycled Crafts for Earth-Friendly Living was released by Eyekiss Films earlier this year (www.reconstructdvd.com). His artwork was recently featured in solo shows at Gallerie Maxim in Cologne, Germany and the Clay Studio in Philadelphia. Garth received a BFA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and an MFA from Alfred University. He has taught at Georgia State University, Columbus State University and is currently an assistant professor at College of the Redwoods in Eureka, CA. In addition to teaching, he is a sought-after lecturer and visiting artist, with recent lectures at Ohio State University, Louisiana State University and the Pottery Workshop in Jingdezhen, China.”

[tags]1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse[/tags]

Craftcycle: 100+ Earth-Friendly Projects and Ideas for Everyday Living
by
Heidi Boyd

Let me just say I love this book for it’s comprehensiveness.

It covers all sorts of crafts (and for us hobby surfers this is a big plus!)

It includes excellent illustrations, photographs, patterns and directions so that even the most beginner crafter is sure to have all the guidance needed to complete a recycle craft project either exactly as the directions state or to veer off the path and truly make their own creation. To see a variation I made and an inside peek into Craftcycle pop on over here.

Also included are recipes, because we all have to keep our strength up for tons of up-cycling.

From the Publisher (North Light Books):

“Inside Craftcycle, you will find a mix of over 100 ideas for crafts, recipes, sustainable living ideas and construction projects – all organized by season to offer year-round green living. Within each chapter, there are larger projects to build, quick crafts to complete using basic materials or recycled items, seasonally appropriate tips, and recipes using seasonal ingredients. Detailed diagrams accompany the larger-scale projects, while the basic crafts feature step-by-step photographs and illustrations, making them accessible for the entire family.
Heidi Boyd is the author of seven North Light craft books. She brings her simple and pretty approach to green crafting in this book. Her husband Jon Boyd, an architect, is certified in sustainable building practices, and he brings his expertise to this book. He provides the larger-scale simple wood construction projects, all of which are be accompanied by clear diagrams.”

To see tons more of Heidi’s creativity pop on over to mycraftivity.com.

[tags]Craftcycle book review[/tags]