Book Review: 101 Crafts Under $10

101 Crafts Under $10: Easy-to-Make Ideas for Gifts and Home
Edited by Julia Bernstein
Published in 2000
ISBN: 1-57389-017-0

Some Chapter Headings:
Frames and Photos
Pillow Panache
Speedy Stitchery
Toys for Tots
The Craft Tool Kit

I liked:

  • The idea that my thought and time add so value to $10 worth of supplies.
  • The variety of ideas from paper crafts to painting to sewing to cooking.

My dislikes:

  • This book encourages hoarding (like we crafters need any encouragement hanging on to things that “might be good for (insert your project here) someday.”

Conclusion:
Frankly, these type books are a dime a dozen. I find that this book and others like it are wonderful inspiration when you’ve hit a slump. These are also great sources of ideas for smaller gift giving, like teacher gifts, party favors, and hostess gifts.

Would I buy this book?
Probably not. In fact, this book, and others like it, are the reason I love the library. I don’t need an idea book often, and I don’t have room to keep them at my house. But, I know I can always find them in the library’s stacks (usually in the 640s.)

2 thoughts on “Book Review: 101 Crafts Under $10”

  1. I’ve found books like this at the library, or at garage sales. I’m with you–I wouldn’t pay full price for them, either. I generally only like about 10% of the projects, and a lot of them are rehashes of what’s already out there!
    Not to mention you can find an awful lot on the internet. I see that you list “Sew, Mama, Sew” as a favorite. I love all the tutorials over there!

  2. I’ve found books like this at the library, or at garage sales. I’m with you–I wouldn’t pay full price for them, either. I generally only like about 10% of the projects, and a lot of them are rehashes of what’s already out there!
    Not to mention you can find an awful lot on the internet. I see that you list “Sew, Mama, Sew” as a favorite. I love all the tutorials over there!

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