When online book discounter The Works asked me if I’d like to review a book of my choice I jumped at the chance to.  I love The Works and pop in to one of their stores for a book haul every now and then.  Now they’re online it’s even more difficult to stay away from the mountains of bargain books! I always enjoy checking out the Craft section, as I do love a bit of home craft (when I actually put the laptop down).  I cross stitch and love making cards for special birthdays, but I’ve long intended to make more things with my sewing machine and I’ve long held an interest in the upcycling trend.  So, a crafty book was the obvious choice. The book I originally wanted to try out was a Kirsty Allsopp book which sadly was sold out, so I was sent an alternative hardback book by Joanna Gosling called Home Made Simple.  Not a book nor author I was familiar with but I was still intrigued by the promising cover. The book is laid out beautifully inside which just makes it a joy to look through in itself.  Large photo images lie opposite each project with a simple and easy to read method, a list of bits you’ll need and the odd tip. The DIY tutorials are categorized into three main sections: Home, Giving and Celebrations which contain lots of crafty things to make for around the home and give as gifts such as lanterns, nibbles, knits and paint jobs.  Many projects are eco friendly and quite simple and imaginative, using up odds and ends of wood and fabric.  This is the part I really like: the feeling of creating something gorgeous and new from what was nothing much before. I love how the projects seem relatively quick and easy to make which is encouraging when you can get something completed within the same day. The gift ideas are quite luxurious too, which I’m inclined to treat myself with and possibly bear in mind for presents too. I’ve already bookmarked my favourite must-do projects: Simple Candles, Peppermint & Lime Lip Balm, Rose & Mandarin Bath Oil and Tree Branch Pegs.  I guess now I just need to source the oils and go scouring for some interesting wood!

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