There’s a German proverb that translates, you can’t turn a billy goat into a gardener. In English, we might say don’t trust the cat to watch the cream or don’t send the fox to guard the henhouse. But after spending some time in... Read More

Pinhole cameras typically evoke an idyllic childhood pastime: matchboxes, a needle, sunny days, and curiosity. The tools of this memory have not changed, though the remembering mind has likely matured. In contrast to the hectic demands... Read More

The Art of Elegant Hand Embroidery is a love note slipped into the pocket of a dear friend. Tinged with the sweetness of nostalgia and heavy with the scent of old-world charm, it is a quiet celebration of everything dainty and sweet.... Read More

Perhaps the two biggest obstacles for novice knitters are the need to learn how to read knitting instructions and the length of time it can take to complete even a small project. Tricia Drake has tackled both problems in this joyously... Read More

Fancy brushes, paints, and papers aren’t needed to make art memorable. Stressing “the process of art” rather than the product, Kohl gives teachers, parents, day care providers, and others who work with children ages 4-10 fabulous... Read More

Though whimsical and nostalgic, the substance of Vintage Notions is more than just cute. As the subtitle suggests, Amy Barickman’s book is a celebration of domestic aesthetics. But it is also quite practical and not without social... Read More

There’s a reason why quilts are considered heirlooms. These beautiful pieces of folk art seem to speak of history and family through every stitch. Quilt designs range from very simple to impossibly complex and making the decision to... Read More

Profitable Patches: “The difference between a dream and a goal is a plan,” writes Sylvia Landman, a craft-business writer, teacher, and consultant. A business plan isn’t just for those looking to acquire a loan from the bank.... Read More