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Contemporary yarn crafts by Heidi Gustad. Knitting, crochet, latch hook and macrame.

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Book Review & Giveaway | Washi Wonderful

April 22, 2014 15 Comments

Book Review | Washi Wonderful

In my library career, I’ve had the awesome opportunity to incorporate my craft life in a few different ways. Most notably, I get to design DIYs for my teens on a regular basis, and I’ve also been in charge of selecting craft books for a couple of my libraries’ collections. That means getting to pick out which titles get bought, cataloged and put on our shelves for people to check out and DIY with at home. It’s pretty fun! So when I was contacted about reviewing a book full of washi tape crafts, I was excited – I’ve always wanted the chance to review craft books on Hands Occupied!

The book I got my hands on is Washi Wonderful by Jenny Doh (with project contributions by Ishtar Olivera Belart, Carolyn Garris, Avital Gertner-Samet, Cynthia Shaffer & Anne Stills), and it retails for $19.95, but right now it’s marked down to about $13 on Amazon. It’s a book all about different ideas for craft projects you can do with washi tape.

Book Review | Washi Wonderful

The pros

Washi Wonderful is divided into 5 main sections: the basics [of washi tape], cards, gift wrap, party decor, and washi fun. All of the projects included are very on trend and beautifully photographed. This book is ideal for beginners and for those who love party-related crafting (decor, gift-giving, etc.).

The book opens with a bit about the short history of the paper tape that’s taken the world by storm, and an overview of a few recommended techniques used for the projects in the book. The history was fascinating (I learned a lot!), and the techniques overview was full of great tips for first time washi tape crafters.

I have to say that the design of the book itself was really awesome. Every page is edged or accented in some way with washi tape-inspired graphics, the fonts used are very of-the-moment, and the consistent color palette of the book made me happy.

The gift wrap section is my favorite. The ideas for how to embellish presents with fringe, tassels, layered tape, cards, and really cool gift toppers were all super cute and modern. Many of the projects pictured in Washi Wonderful featured beige shipping tags in lovely, clever ways that will have me inspired for years of gift wrapping to come.

My favorite project in the book

Aren’t these wooden stick dolls the cutest? Found in the gift wrap section, they take plain wooden ice cream spoons and make them over into the cutest little dolls that can be customized in almost limitless ways! They use a combo of paint, washi tape and ink pens to dress up the sticks. I’m going to make an army (or menagerie) of these buddies to stick up all over the house!
Book Review | Washi Wonderful

The cons

Overall, there’s very little negative to say about this book. It’s so well photographed and laid out! I can’t emphasize how much the author and contributors really captured the kind of DIY that’s on trend right now in the spring of 2014. My only critique is that the projects are very easy. I’d get this book for friends who don’t DIY on the daily. For seasoned crafters, this book might not feature challenging enough projects to sate their practiced hands. However, this book is absolutely on my to-buy list for friends who are casual crafters and photography lovers! I also think this is a great pick for DIY designers because I was really inspired by the techniques used to make a really spectacular impact with washi tape.

But you don’t have to take my word for it… 

Great news! You can win a copy of Washi Wonderful to get inspired for yourself.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway is open to the United States & Canada only.

 

I received a review copy of the book in exchange for my review. Opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Giveaways, Reviews & Sponsored Tagged With: book review, diy, giveaway, washi, washi tape, washi wonderful

About Heidi

Heidi Gustad is a craft book author & content creator in love with primary colors & vintage vibes. She specializes in knitting, crochet, latch hook and macramé, and her first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is out now!

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Comments

  1. Katy

    April 22, 2014 at 9:46 am

    I love sprucing up Birthday cards etc!

    Reply
  2. Heidi

    April 22, 2014 at 1:20 pm

    I have used washi tape for cards and jounals – would love to recieve this book for more ideas!

    Reply
  3. Penny H. (Kindred Hearts)

    April 22, 2014 at 1:26 pm

    I make cards and use washi to cover cut out shapes (or cover the paper and then punch or cut out the shapes). Stripy clouds, pattern hearts, etc…so fun!

    Reply
  4. Emily

    April 22, 2014 at 4:25 pm

    Looks like a great book!

    Reply
  5. Andrea

    April 22, 2014 at 7:26 pm

    I haven’t ever used washi tape which is why I want the book. :)

    Reply
  6. Sara H

    April 23, 2014 at 2:26 pm

    I’ve never used washi tape before, but I’d like too! Some of the ideas from the book look fun.

    Reply
  7. MJ

    April 23, 2014 at 10:08 pm

    The book looks so cute, I would love to win! Thanks so much for the chance! I am (a little) obsessed with washi tape..can’t stop making projects with it, lol :)

    Reply
    • Heidi

      April 23, 2014 at 11:00 pm

      You and me both!! ;)

      Reply
  8. Tricia C.

    April 24, 2014 at 8:33 pm

    Starting in the fall, I’ll be the librarian at my middle school. I’m planning on having after-school crafting sessions. I have some washi tape that I’ve used on envelopes and to embellish pages of a notebook. This book looks like it’d give me some great ideas to use with my students. Thanks for the heads up!

    Reply
    • Heidi

      April 24, 2014 at 9:25 pm

      Hey! I’m a librarian by day too :) – BTW, I have had great luck using washi tape for displays, like this: http://instagram.com/p/kXzbLfktDc/
      http://instagram.com/p/ifBQEsktB0/

      Reply
  9. HawaiianLibrarian

    April 26, 2014 at 6:49 pm

    A new book that sounds just right for our crafting community!

    Reply
  10. Jessica Wyatt

    April 27, 2014 at 8:20 pm

    I actually love putting it on my mantel edge to coordinate with holidays! :)

    Reply
  11. Crystal Rose

    April 28, 2014 at 6:42 pm

    I like to use it for cardmaking.

    Reply
  12. Allyson

    April 29, 2014 at 11:03 am

    I love to use it to wrap embroidery hoops to make them prettier for displaying my embroidery!

    Reply
  13. Rachel | The Crafted Life

    April 29, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    Those popsicle dolls are adorable! What a fun book!

    Reply

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Heidi Gustad from Hands Occupied / Craft Book Author and Knitting, Crochet, Latch Hook and Macrame Designer

Hi! I’m Heidi, an author, yarn craft designer and content creator specializing in knitting, crochet, latch hook & macrame. My work unapologetically features primary colors and vintage-meets-modern style. My first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is now available!

Professionally I’m most known for: advanced intarsia knitting design & modern latch hook design.

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A new YouTube tutorial is live today covering how A new YouTube tutorial is live today covering how to knit the Little Butterfly Stitch (aka Bowknot Stitch). It adds so much cute character to simple stockinette. Only a little funky to knit, and it packs a huge visual punch! 🦋 
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Find the video & written stitch pattern on the blog and YouTube, links are in bio. 
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Yarn: @kelbournewoolens Germantown in Baby Blue via @knit_picks. Needles: Prism Interchangeables, also from Knit Picks. 
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Pictured: a light blue swatch of Little Butterfly Stitch knitting on a pink background. A skein of yarn and a few stitches of knitting are nearby.
“You’re telling me words can be pronounced in “You’re telling me words can be pronounced in different ways and mean the same things?!” 👀 Posting this here, just to make it clear: when anyone says skayne, skeen, or skyne, it can be safely assumed we’re talking about a bundle o’ yarn,  a SKEIN. It’s not necessary to shame someone for using a word that is known to have MULTIPLE common pronunciations. 🧶
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Can you plz comment sharing how you say SKEIN and where you learned it? The OED happens to say SKAYNE, but it’s not a personal attack if someone says SKEEN and you say SKYNE or even Saskatoon. I’m legitimately curious. We don’t all knit or crochet the same way, and craft evolves a bit like language - it is passed on. There is so much value in having conversations about & embracing these variations! ✌🏻
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Do you also style your hair using vintage methods? If you have any tips for vintage hair styling or good resources to share, please do!
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Pictured: A medium sized, brown, senior dog asleep on a green bed. For some reason a donut ball of navy wool yarn sits on his head.
The first stitch tutorial of the new year is live The first stitch tutorial of the new year is live on YouTube! Diamond Brocade is a great knit+purl only stitch for beginners or anyone wanting a classic look for their knitting project. Find the video with a written stitch pattern on the blog or head directly to the video on YouTube. Both are linked in bio. ✌🏻 
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