What do you think?
Rate this book
Microcrafts: Tiny Treasures to Make and Share
It is a small world, after all!
Here are step-by-step instructions for making tiny teddy bears, little ladybugs, petite porcupines, itsy-bitsy bikinis, and much, much more! Microcrafts shows crafters how to create dozens of miniature treasures, each no larger than a spool of thread. No previous crafting experience or pricey materials are necessary—just a love of all things small!
Here are step-by-step instructions for making tiny teddy bears, little ladybugs, petite porcupines, itsy-bitsy bikinis, and much, much more! Microcrafts shows crafters how to create dozens of miniature treasures, each no larger than a spool of thread. No previous crafting experience or pricey materials are necessary—just a love of all things small!
- GenresCraftsNonfictionSewing
96 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2011
36 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 15, 2019
There are a few absolutely adorable projects in here (the cats, baby monsters, teddy bears, and the mini-dog’s dog toy all come to mind, and the full hardcover, multi-signature bookbinding tutorial for a mini book is a standout), but many others are SO basic and uncomplicated that they don’t actually need to have instructions at all (e.g. who looks at bunting and thinks, “Gosh, I wonder how you make that line of triangles hanging on a string?”). Another disappointment is the instructions’ tendency to complete crafts in the most cheap, easy, and kludged way: for instance, they suggest you stuff your little kitties full of “yarn scraps”, and while I appreciate the attempt to recycle materials, using yarn scraps to stuff a 3/4"-tall felt cat instead of batting/fiberfill is just going to make it clumpy. Likewise, suggesting details like stripes, eyes, and whiskers be applied with paint using a toothpick (instead of embroidery) just undercuts the quality you started with on your nice, handstitched kitty blanks.
Advanced crafters will be able (and will automatically want) to make these adjustments, but they are going to think a good half or more of the projects ridiculously easy. In fact, I think even beginning crafters are not going to be overly impressed with, say, the detailed instructions on how to make a mini party hat out of a cone of paper. But, for the handful of really adorable projects in there that can easily be upgraded with better finishing, it’s worth a check-out from the library.
2.75 stars.
Advanced crafters will be able (and will automatically want) to make these adjustments, but they are going to think a good half or more of the projects ridiculously easy. In fact, I think even beginning crafters are not going to be overly impressed with, say, the detailed instructions on how to make a mini party hat out of a cone of paper. But, for the handful of really adorable projects in there that can easily be upgraded with better finishing, it’s worth a check-out from the library.
2.75 stars.
July 16, 2016
The crafts in here are so cute! And most of them look pretty easy, so I'm excited to try them out. Recommend this!
November 22, 2023
This book contains instructions for making a variety of tiny crafts. Some, like the very first nut-shell boat, are reasonably something a non-crafter could make. Several items require some skill with sewing. ... But, like the forward starts off with, if you're interested in this book, you probably already have some crafting skill (or at least the willingness to practice).
Great photos of each final craft. Easy-to-trace patterns. Appreciate the uses for empty thread spoils and scrap thread/yarn (as stuffing for tiny stuffies).
Great photos of each final craft. Easy-to-trace patterns. Appreciate the uses for empty thread spoils and scrap thread/yarn (as stuffing for tiny stuffies).
March 16, 2021
I really enjoy books published by Quirk Books, but find many of them to be kinda ridiculous, like this one. Many of the crafts in this book could just be photos with no directions as who could NOT figure out how to make a party hat out of paper and a toothpick? Or paper balloons from paper and wire? Cute ideas, though, and fun photos. Quick read will put a smile on your face.
November 16, 2021
If, like me, you squee when you see tiny things, you will love this book. The authors clearly know their audience, from the way they stage their photos to the wording they use in descriptions and instructions. The projects are adorable, creative, fun, varied, and explained clearly. An extra 5 stars just for Rory the rabbit's hindquarters and fabulous bow modeling.
March 12, 2018
such tiny little projects, made you laugh and smile. not practical but made me joyful just looking at them.
January 27, 2020
Squee-worthy tiny toys and accessories to dress up any space, outfit, or occasion! Surely you can find a place for at least *one* of these nifty little treasures?
August 19, 2020
One of those books with a little something for everyone...?
The projects were quite varied and it was easy to find a favourite. (Hello tiny books and macrame planter earrings!)
The projects were quite varied and it was easy to find a favourite. (Hello tiny books and macrame planter earrings!)
May 18, 2022
There's a few cute projects here, but the whole lacks cohesion and a unified aesthetic.
December 15, 2011
Microcrafts: Tiny Treasures to Make and Share is a compilation of tiny handmade crafts that can be used as jewelry, gifts and little decorations and whimsy on shelves.
I'm absolutely charmed by tiny things and as you all know, I love crafts, all sorts of crafts. So this collection was a winner from the start with it's cover of a tiny stitched cat next to a spool of thread.
Tiny projects that are stitched, cut, felted, knotted, knit, crocheted, sculpted and in the best crafting tradition, make use of even the tiniest scraps.
One of my favorite things about this book is that the diminutive crafts aren't used in dollhouses, they are wearable, or perfect for gift giving, or an unexpected artsy craftsy touch.
There are a lot of little stuffed animals and monsters in this book. A little patchwork dog, those sweet tiny kitties from the cover, baby monsters and little owls. There is also miniature book binding to make a pendant, a little walnut shell boat and my personal favorite, the tiny plants in little thread macrame hangers.
For the paper artists out there, you aren't left out. A miniature bunting, some wonderful decorations and the most wonderful little fairy tale paper pieced cards you've ever seen.
Okay, the little plants aren't my only favorite. I also love the miniature polyclay taxidermy in it's stylish white and brown, tiny teddy bears with their little blankets and matchbox bed and the felt flower pocket necklace.
Crafts for many levels of crafter made tiny. These aren't pieces that will take forever to put together, and they are so whimsical and charming. They would make wonderful gifts, and it's a book that you could share with a young person who is interested in miniatures. They would be wonderful in a room box or to make a very special shadow box.
At the end of the book is a techniques section which also includes tips for making jewelry, displaying and ways to use these miniature crafts. It also has well diagrammed tips for miniature sewing.
Being so close to Christmas right now, I'm thinking of starting now so next year I can have a pile of handmade tiny gifts all wrapped under a miniature tree to give out to friends. As a beader, I can see uses for a lot of these miniatures in beaded pieces as well.
[I received a complimentary copy of the book to review on my craft blog- Don't Eat the Paste. My reviews are always my honest opinion]
I'm absolutely charmed by tiny things and as you all know, I love crafts, all sorts of crafts. So this collection was a winner from the start with it's cover of a tiny stitched cat next to a spool of thread.
Tiny projects that are stitched, cut, felted, knotted, knit, crocheted, sculpted and in the best crafting tradition, make use of even the tiniest scraps.
One of my favorite things about this book is that the diminutive crafts aren't used in dollhouses, they are wearable, or perfect for gift giving, or an unexpected artsy craftsy touch.
There are a lot of little stuffed animals and monsters in this book. A little patchwork dog, those sweet tiny kitties from the cover, baby monsters and little owls. There is also miniature book binding to make a pendant, a little walnut shell boat and my personal favorite, the tiny plants in little thread macrame hangers.
For the paper artists out there, you aren't left out. A miniature bunting, some wonderful decorations and the most wonderful little fairy tale paper pieced cards you've ever seen.
Okay, the little plants aren't my only favorite. I also love the miniature polyclay taxidermy in it's stylish white and brown, tiny teddy bears with their little blankets and matchbox bed and the felt flower pocket necklace.
Crafts for many levels of crafter made tiny. These aren't pieces that will take forever to put together, and they are so whimsical and charming. They would make wonderful gifts, and it's a book that you could share with a young person who is interested in miniatures. They would be wonderful in a room box or to make a very special shadow box.
At the end of the book is a techniques section which also includes tips for making jewelry, displaying and ways to use these miniature crafts. It also has well diagrammed tips for miniature sewing.
Being so close to Christmas right now, I'm thinking of starting now so next year I can have a pile of handmade tiny gifts all wrapped under a miniature tree to give out to friends. As a beader, I can see uses for a lot of these miniatures in beaded pieces as well.
[I received a complimentary copy of the book to review on my craft blog- Don't Eat the Paste. My reviews are always my honest opinion]
November 2, 2011
From Lilac Wolf and Stuff
I'm still enthralled by all the tiny crafts in this book. There are pictures, traceable patterns and step-by-step instructions to walk you through whichever craft you'd like to attempt. There weren't too many that were my style, but I saw many that I want to try or that I think friends would make.
There are candy charms made with clay, tiny felted cats and dogs, boats, microtaxidermy (little deer heads, bears, birds, etc), fabric buttons, tiny flower pots with a tiny plant, greeting cards and even books. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. Things we all love making, with a tiny makeover.
I want to try making the cats and dogs and teddy bears...in fact I think that would be a great Christmas gift for the kids in husbands family. If I can find the tiny pots, I think the little plants would be cute for adults.
The tiny cat next to the spool of thread on the cover really gives you a clear idea on what this book is all about. It's ironic that its a fairly large hardcover book. Not thick but tall.
Each project has a small tag on the page sized picture with the actual size and who designed it. Considering that this is a "compiled by", it is interesting to see who is involved in each craft.
So the question is, do you like exploring your crafting skills? This book will challenge even the most talented crafter - and it's a fantastic way to use up all your odds and ends!
I'm still enthralled by all the tiny crafts in this book. There are pictures, traceable patterns and step-by-step instructions to walk you through whichever craft you'd like to attempt. There weren't too many that were my style, but I saw many that I want to try or that I think friends would make.
There are candy charms made with clay, tiny felted cats and dogs, boats, microtaxidermy (little deer heads, bears, birds, etc), fabric buttons, tiny flower pots with a tiny plant, greeting cards and even books. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. Things we all love making, with a tiny makeover.
I want to try making the cats and dogs and teddy bears...in fact I think that would be a great Christmas gift for the kids in husbands family. If I can find the tiny pots, I think the little plants would be cute for adults.
The tiny cat next to the spool of thread on the cover really gives you a clear idea on what this book is all about. It's ironic that its a fairly large hardcover book. Not thick but tall.
Each project has a small tag on the page sized picture with the actual size and who designed it. Considering that this is a "compiled by", it is interesting to see who is involved in each craft.
So the question is, do you like exploring your crafting skills? This book will challenge even the most talented crafter - and it's a fantastic way to use up all your odds and ends!
October 20, 2011
If you like to create little things,this is the book for you. If you’re not sure you want to create little things,then just pick up this book and take a look! This book has so many great little projects! There are sweet little Monster Babies and Accessories,Hansel and Gretel Cards with matching Envelopes and even little Books you can make! So,if you like to create little treasures,this is the book to help you create!
February 17, 2012
I loved the idea of this book. I think this would be a fabulous edition for anyone who makes dollhouse crafts of loves intricate details. There is a terrific craft for mini books. But it was a bit too involved for my taste. And honestly, the biggest thing to make was about the size of my thumbnail. I don't think I have the patience to make something that I can only see with a magnifying glass when I'm done. But those who do? Rock on!
May 13, 2012
oh my god, y'all. just the photos alone make this book awesome, but then there are templates and instructions for making them!
i really like this introduction:
"hello! if you're reading this book, chances are you already have a minor obsession with adorably tiny trinkets and treasures. But microcrafting isn't just about a love of all things small. it's really all about putting odds and ends to good use."
who doesn't have tons of odds and ends to use up?
i really like this introduction:
"hello! if you're reading this book, chances are you already have a minor obsession with adorably tiny trinkets and treasures. But microcrafting isn't just about a love of all things small. it's really all about putting odds and ends to good use."
who doesn't have tons of odds and ends to use up?
October 13, 2011
You will be sure to talk in a high squeaky voice about this book.
These would make fun projects for spontaneous and anonymous gift giving.
Favorites
Mini books (p7)
Mini temp tattoos (of course I want the black silhouette kitty, p73)
Speech bubble toothpicks for parties (p65)
The One I Have Any Inkling of Actually Making
Flower pocket pendants (p33)
These would make fun projects for spontaneous and anonymous gift giving.
Favorites
Mini books (p7)
Mini temp tattoos (of course I want the black silhouette kitty, p73)
Speech bubble toothpicks for parties (p65)
The One I Have Any Inkling of Actually Making
Flower pocket pendants (p33)
November 11, 2011
What I liked most was the varied ideas in this book, from a variety of crafters. (But everything is incredibly cute and tiny!) Sure, there were some that didn't appeal to me at all, but the others made up for it plenty. Definitely a book I'll have to come back to.
November 12, 2011
Apparently I'm not as into tiny things as I thought. I had no real desire to make anything from this book, except the owl, which is what brought me to it in the first place. Still 4 stars for nice photos and general hipster cuteness.
January 8, 2012
It is very rare for me to love every project in a book, but this one did. I added this to my amazon wish list. This craftyness is full of fun stuff and I wanted to try it all out. Well worth your time if you want to expand your artistic capabilities.
January 30, 2013
This book contains quite a few felt crafts, which don't interest me because they won't hold up outside. But there are a few which will be useful for my miniature gardening hobby. The instructions are complete and clear with good quality pictures.
March 16, 2013
What a fun little book! I'll probably never do any of these things, but when I saw it at the library I couldn't pass it up, teeny tiny books, stuffed animals, party hats and more, with great illustrations.
March 28, 2013
This book has directions to create some of the cutest miniatures. It is not limited to just decorations for your dollhouse, but includes decorations for your next cake, ideas for jewelry, and more. The pictures are wonderful, and the writing has a wonderful humor. I highly recommend!
June 11, 2012
Whimsy, indeed. These were super cute, and besides the fact that I don't have anyone who would appreciate any of these as a gift, I think that they would make really cute gifts.
October 22, 2011
Cute ideas. My favourites are: bottle cap frames (pg 11), candy charms (pg 15), speech bubbles (pg 65) and spool dolls (pg 67)
February 1, 2012
cute little things to make. little is good. especially when you have lots of artists in your home. little takes up less room and no less special.
June 9, 2012
Ok - lots of felting tho.
July 2, 2012
B and I had so much fun looking through this book. We picked out several projects to work on together. We especially liked the miniature deer heads and other "taxidermy"- all made out of clay.
September 4, 2012
So cute! So tiny!
November 19, 2012
Expect tiny things from me this holiday season!
February 10, 2013
Someday I will make the tiny books. I so want the tiny books. Well, and a bunch of the other things. And thanks to Amy I have a start with a deer head!
March 18, 2013
Super cute! Although remember, you have to want to make miniature things to truly enjoy this book. I did enjoy looking through this book though, just to see the creative ideas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews