Book Review: D.I.Y. Design It Yourself

I think I first learned of D.I.Y Design It Yourself through an Amazon recommendation. I did some research online and found out that it was created by the MFA Graphic Design department at MICA, Maryland Institute College of Art. I have a certain affection for MICA, because although I know very little about it, I attended a nearby school in Baltimore where we seemed to have a good-natured rivalry. My law professors seemed to get a kick out of using "MICA students" as our "clients" seeking legal advice to teach us to write memos and such. Despite such friendly teasing, honestly, I always wanted to go to RISD, Rhode Island School of Design, but did really poorly in high school art classes. So I guess I'm a bit jealous of all that talent at art schools...In the end I purchased D.I.Y. because I was interested to read it, and because even if I didn't like the book, at least I was supporting local artists in my former home state.

Anyway, after reading it, I totally adore this book. I usually collect crafting books focused on project instruction, but this was a bit different. The design into is written a bit like a college text book, but I liked that about it. For those who wouldn't, it probably doesn't matter because the book quickly moves onto the different topics - blogs, books, logos, posters, web sites, etc. Although the book does include many project instructions, I think it is better used as an inspiration. There are hundreds of photos of student projects to help you think creatively. My favorite sections were business cards, books (blank & printed), embroidery, stationery, and T-shirts. And I think it is pretty cool that all these ideas came from students and faculty. I'm keeping this book on my shelf and I imagine I'll refer to it often when I need design inspiration for a project.

When I retire from my current job (in the distant future), my second career is definitely going to be as a graphic designer. Or as a cashier at Jo-anns (to get the employee discount!). Or as the Creative Designer for J.Crew.

Upcoming Craft Book Reviews

Although I haven't been crafting much lately, I have been reading...

I perused both Chic & Simple Sewing and Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts at my local Borders before buying. D.I.Y. Design It Yourself I bought sight unseen. I'm trying to cut back on my craft book purchases because I already have an entire bookshelf full, so it helps to see a book in person to make sure it is one I really need.

I'll post reviews soon.

This is where I'll be June 1-12

At my mac!



I signed up for Elise Blaha's online Get Crafty workshop, and I'm very excited. It seemed like a good way to learn a bit about scrapbooking and to force myself to focus on only one craft for two weeks.

it's official... stitch is my favorite magazine

I took a brief blogging hiatus to finish up some work and personal projects, but now I'm ready to be back to posting more regularly.

The second issue of stitch arrived in early May and I love it just as much as the first issue.

My only complaints with the magazine is that I wish there were more projects, that I hate to wait until October for the next issue, and that I wish there were instructions for the cute bowl/birdnest on page 31.

My favorite articles were "all about thread" because I learned what thread to use on jeans, "Liberty for all" for teaching me a bit more about Liberty fabrics, "print me" about different fabric printing methods, and "the whir and power of making" about the Make Workshop for its beautiful inspiration board photo.

My favorite projects: Amy Karol's super creative Monogrammed Pillow, Kevin Kosbab's modern-styled E-ticket wallet, and Malka Dubrawsky's Pi Pillow. I also loved the dress patterns, but with my skirt pattern problems from the last issue, I probably won't be daring enough to try those.

stitch is a beautiful magazine that I'm sure I'll keep forever (rather than tearing out the projects I like best) to flip through its well-designed and inspiring pages.

Another kind of scrapbooking

I bought some Moleskine Cahiers at Borders to keep track of all the craft projects I'd like to work on some day. I finally got around to decorating some. This was my first attempt, but overall, I'm really pleased. For all my worrying during the set up and sewing, I like the end product. Better yet, it was easy & quick to make. That Joelle, she knows what she's doing.



The other project I made from this book was the quilted coasters.