Get Your Craft on with These Must-Have DIY Books
We may glorify summer break, but it's possible that at this point in your long vacation from school, you're more than a little bored. The solution? Get crafty, of course.
Each and every week we show you how to make awesome things like espadrille sneakers, floral denim shorts, and neon sunglasses, but we know you may be in the market for even more DIY goodness. Well, you're in luck! We've rounded up the very best new books brimming with cool projects that are a perfect cure for the end-of-summer doldrums.
Photo courtesy of Harper NonFiction1/5<em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Lowes-Vintage-Craft-Projects/dp/0007491093" target="_blank">Pearl Lowe's Vintage Craft</a></em> by Pearl Lowe
You know that saying, "Everything old is new again?" Well, it’s totally true. We love vintage, and this new book from designer Pearl Lowe (who just so happens to be Daisy Lowe’s mom) focuses on projects that give your home (or dorm!) a touch of old-school cool. In addition to vintage-style DIYs for your bedroom, bathroom, study space, and more, you’ll also learn how and where to find unique vintage gems.
Pearl Lowe’s Vintage Craft by Pearl Lowe. $20, Amazon.com.
2/5'Tis the season for a project or two!
Photo courtesy of Perigee Books3/5<em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Jewelry-Tatty-Devine/dp/0399161716" target="_blank">How to Make Jewelry with Tatty Devine</a></em> by Harriet Vine and Rosie Wolfenden
The design duo behind bauble brand Tatty Devine is responsible for this delightful volume, chock full of cheeky projects (tape measure rosette, anyone?) and eye-popping pics. This is the book to get if you’re looking to up your accessory game and be a little playful in the process. Another cool thing? Extra customization tips are sprinkled throughout to make sure you end up with truly one-of-a-kind pieces.
How to Make Jewelry with Tatty Devine by Harriet Vine and Rosie Wolfenden. $13, Amazon.com.
Photo courtesy of Potter Craft4/5<em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tie-Dye-Dye-It-Wear-Share/dp/0307965732/" target="_blank">Tie-Dye: Dye It, Wear It, Share It</a></em> by Shabd Simon-Alexander
Now this is a summer DIY book if we’ve ever seen one. Tie-dye is a trend that just won’t quit (Shabd Simon-Alexander, so don’t you think you should get some tips from an expert? Dye artist <a href=) drops some major knowledge—from what fabrics produce what effects to basic color theory—in this bright, fun, oh-so-necessary tome.
Tie-Dye: Dye It, Wear It, Share It by Shabd Simon-Alexander. $17, Amazon.com.
Photo courtesy of Running Press Kids5/5<em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/This-Belongs-Me-Personalize-Stuff/dp/0762449292" target="_blank">This Belongs to Me: Cool Ways to Personalize Your Stuff</a></em> by Anna Wray
This rad book is all about making the most of what you already own through DIY customization. Soak in the best ways to doodle on your sneakers, jazz up your jeans, and make your schoolbag stand out from the rest. There are even template pages for you to test designs before making permanent changes to your favorite staples. Bonus: There are also great dorm-ready projects like a painted bedspread and awesome wall art.
This Belongs to Me: Cool Ways to Personalize Your Stuff by Anna Wray. $11, Amazon.com.
