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Martha Stewart's Handmade Holiday Crafts: 225 Projects and Year-Round Inspiration for Every Occasion
It's another round of Martha Stewart holiday magic! This time, the crafts masters at Martha Stewart Living Magazine have gathered a 352-page cornucopia of projects for any holiday or special occasion. Whether you're making home decorations for Christmas or Thanksgiving; party favors for birthdays or Halloween; or simply small "visiting gifts," Martha Stewart's Handmade Holiday Crafts can make the occasion more festive. Family fun.
352 pages, Unknown Binding
First published September 27, 2011
16 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Martha Stewart
458 books586 followersMartha Helen Stewart is an American retail businesswoman, writer, and television personality. As the founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, focusing on home and hospitality, she gained success through a variety of business ventures, encompassing publishing, broadcasting, merchandising and e-commerce. She has written numerous bestselling books, was the publisher of Martha Stewart Living magazine and hosted two syndicated television programs: Martha Stewart Living, which ran from 1993 to 2004, and The Martha Stewart Show, which ran from 2005 to 2012.
In 2004, Stewart was convicted of felony charges related to the ImClone stock trading case; she served five months in federal prison for fraud and was released in March 2005. There was speculation that the incident would effectively end her media empire, but in 2005 Stewart began a comeback campaign and her company returned to profitability in 2006. Stewart rejoined the board of directors of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia in 2011 and became chairwoman of her namesake company again in 2012. The company was acquired by Sequential Brands in 2015. Sequential Brands Group agreed in April 2019 to sell Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, including the Emeril brand, to Marquee Brands for $175 million with benchmarked additional payments.
In 2004, Stewart was convicted of felony charges related to the ImClone stock trading case; she served five months in federal prison for fraud and was released in March 2005. There was speculation that the incident would effectively end her media empire, but in 2005 Stewart began a comeback campaign and her company returned to profitability in 2006. Stewart rejoined the board of directors of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia in 2011 and became chairwoman of her namesake company again in 2012. The company was acquired by Sequential Brands in 2015. Sequential Brands Group agreed in April 2019 to sell Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, including the Emeril brand, to Marquee Brands for $175 million with benchmarked additional payments.
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December 9, 2021No matter the time of year, it's always time to start a new craft! Create Christmas decorations, seasonal table settings or creative gifts everyone will love. The pictures are great references with easy to follow directions. Novice to expert crafter. -Sara G
July 19, 2020
If you are into doing crafts and are particularly enchanted with crafting and decorating your home for the holidays, be it Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Halloween and any holiday in between, then this is the book for you. Her ideas include such things as table runners, napkin rings, table place cards, decoupage Easter eggs, gourd candles, hand-crafted gift cards and unique one-of-a-kind gift ideas.
And, not to be left out, Martha would not overlook your kids or grandkids, a segment for kids included in each holiday chapter. As example, red and pink heart-shaped button covers for Valentine’s Day, Pom Pom snowman Christmas tree ornaments and papier -mache pumpkins for Halloween.
My wife was so inspired, she used Martha’s ideas to decorate our house for the Christmas holiday, filling large clear jars with colorful ornaments, stringing tinsel along the fireplace mantel and adding lights along our window drapes. Our modest hollow looks quite elegant!
This is a beautiful book, earning a place on your coffee table.
And, not to be left out, Martha would not overlook your kids or grandkids, a segment for kids included in each holiday chapter. As example, red and pink heart-shaped button covers for Valentine’s Day, Pom Pom snowman Christmas tree ornaments and papier -mache pumpkins for Halloween.
My wife was so inspired, she used Martha’s ideas to decorate our house for the Christmas holiday, filling large clear jars with colorful ornaments, stringing tinsel along the fireplace mantel and adding lights along our window drapes. Our modest hollow looks quite elegant!
This is a beautiful book, earning a place on your coffee table.
December 21, 2011
Here's the Scoop:
There is no question that Martha Stewart has long been the reigning queen of DIY home crafts and decorations. In this holiday-centered book, she has gathered the best of her ideas, giving us up-close and fully realized directions on how to create extraordinary crafts and gifts for home, family and friends. Martha doesn't disappoint her fans, and anyone is bound to find something beautiful to create in this holiday crafting book.
Major holidays are segmented and ideas for crafts, home decorating and gift giving are shown for each one: New Year's, Valentine's Day, Easter, July 4th, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas...and all others in between! The large spread photographs are lovely, the ideas are not expensive, but are easily accessible; and, the resulting crafts present bright, festive, magical, and even enchanting pieces.
Here's What I Liked:
Valentine's Day:
Red tulips in double glass vases with red cinnamon candy hearts were vibrant, beautiful and made an easy presentation for a dinner arrangement.
Also, a carnation heart made of multiples of pink carnations on floral foam to make a centerpiece is quick and gorgeous!
Easter :
Fabulous egg-dyeing techniques using natural formulas made from coffee, cabbage, blueberries, beets and spices made incredibly beautiful and exotic eggs. And, Martha gives specific directions for marbleizing eggs! Actually, most of her egg crafting was exceptional.
Thanksgiving :
Gourd candles made from hollowed out mini gourds with colored, melted candles are just amazing little jewels! Pumpkin carving is fabulous!
Christmas :
I loved the cookie cutter ornament ideas made from various paper goods, family pictures and such. The gilded, and verdigris Polish inspired eggs, and the ribbon poinsettia wreath was just to die for.
Hanukkah :
Paper packages, a menorah, and satin stars are glowing and sparkling in Martha's hands.
Here's what I found lacking:
Often the crafts are more complex than one would want to become engaged in.
The directions are not clear cut; that is, they are not in a "recipe/materials" format, but are listed in text, which I found to be more difficult to follow. I needed to break it down for myself on my own paper.
Diagrams sometimes took too much for granted, or at least seemed to expect the more experienced crafter could "fill in the blanks." I wasn't up to some of that!
Several projects were quite time-consuming for very little return or impact.
And, finally, I found the pictures too small in the working segments.
Overall Rating: 3 stars ~ I can't highly recommend it, but it's a good book to check out of the library...
There is no question that Martha Stewart has long been the reigning queen of DIY home crafts and decorations. In this holiday-centered book, she has gathered the best of her ideas, giving us up-close and fully realized directions on how to create extraordinary crafts and gifts for home, family and friends. Martha doesn't disappoint her fans, and anyone is bound to find something beautiful to create in this holiday crafting book.
Major holidays are segmented and ideas for crafts, home decorating and gift giving are shown for each one: New Year's, Valentine's Day, Easter, July 4th, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas...and all others in between! The large spread photographs are lovely, the ideas are not expensive, but are easily accessible; and, the resulting crafts present bright, festive, magical, and even enchanting pieces.
Here's What I Liked:
Valentine's Day:
Red tulips in double glass vases with red cinnamon candy hearts were vibrant, beautiful and made an easy presentation for a dinner arrangement.
Also, a carnation heart made of multiples of pink carnations on floral foam to make a centerpiece is quick and gorgeous!
Easter :
Fabulous egg-dyeing techniques using natural formulas made from coffee, cabbage, blueberries, beets and spices made incredibly beautiful and exotic eggs. And, Martha gives specific directions for marbleizing eggs! Actually, most of her egg crafting was exceptional.
Thanksgiving :
Gourd candles made from hollowed out mini gourds with colored, melted candles are just amazing little jewels! Pumpkin carving is fabulous!
Christmas :
I loved the cookie cutter ornament ideas made from various paper goods, family pictures and such. The gilded, and verdigris Polish inspired eggs, and the ribbon poinsettia wreath was just to die for.
Hanukkah :
Paper packages, a menorah, and satin stars are glowing and sparkling in Martha's hands.
Here's what I found lacking:
Often the crafts are more complex than one would want to become engaged in.
The directions are not clear cut; that is, they are not in a "recipe/materials" format, but are listed in text, which I found to be more difficult to follow. I needed to break it down for myself on my own paper.
Diagrams sometimes took too much for granted, or at least seemed to expect the more experienced crafter could "fill in the blanks." I wasn't up to some of that!
Several projects were quite time-consuming for very little return or impact.
And, finally, I found the pictures too small in the working segments.
Overall Rating: 3 stars ~ I can't highly recommend it, but it's a good book to check out of the library...
July 24, 2021
I don't normally like craft books, but this one is amazing! It's some of the best holiday craft ideas from the pages of Martha Stewart Living, and I think it would be the perfect gift for the crafter in your life. The crafts range from things kids could do with household items to somewhat more elaborate crafts for the experienced crafter. It's also an amazing source of inspiration for decorating your house or planning parties.
February 11, 2025
tasteful; doable
October 10, 2011
As always, the pictures are lovely and the completed crafts unique and dazzling, but sadly, I wasn't very inspired.
First off, there are a lot of thinsg to buy, many of them pricey and only found at craft stores and second, many of the crafts don't seem very durable, so basically you'd only have them for the one holiday and once you took them down they'd go straight into the garbage, frown.
Her are some examples of these disposable crafts:
Gilded pears - take some pears, cover them with real gold dust. Done. Not only am I skeezed out by the thought of making a perfectly edible food into a non edible art, GOLD DUST is frigging pricey! Not to mention people starving, sorry, it just made me mad, it seems wildy inappropriate right now.
Golden Walnut Ball - Stick walnuts, real ones, onto a ball, spray paint them gold. this one would probably last a holiday or two, but it is again, food being wasted. I grew up in a trailerpark and wasting food bothers me, I know, get over yourself, but old habits and all that.
Gourd Candles - Melt wax into a hollowed out gourd, light it on fire. Okay, okay, there is no directive to light it on fire, and I will admit the candles are pretty and props for the fact that people don't eat gourds (can they be eaten?) but these will be a one-dinner-party attraction and I'm kinda craft-challenged, if I go to the expense and time of making something, I'd like it to be around for more than a couple of hours.
But some of the crafts were genius, for example;
A paper Sail centerpiece for a Thankgiving feast, the pictures show a perfectly pristine craft stick, but I think a dry stick from the garden could work just as well, same with the tiny bucket of rocks - I like that it's easily found and cheap!
Pilgrim Hats and Bonnets - easily made by kids, talk about a real Thanksgiving celebration, you could really get into the spirit of Thanksgiving and everyone could make their own!
Napkin rings made of paper or felt or acorns(I have a few acorns in the yard, the ones the squirrels have missed). There's a big section at the back of the book with clip art for various crafts. Very helpful.
The crafts range in skill level from easy, pumkin pouch party favors (if you can use tape and scissors you're ready for this one) to the expert, pumpkin carving that DaVinci would approve of.
All in all, this is a pretty comprehensive book, I only found a few crafts to try out myself, felt fortune cookies, flower pop up cards and the excellent directions for papier mache. But mostly this is a book for the serious crafters who live next door to a Michaels Craft store.
Comment
First off, there are a lot of thinsg to buy, many of them pricey and only found at craft stores and second, many of the crafts don't seem very durable, so basically you'd only have them for the one holiday and once you took them down they'd go straight into the garbage, frown.
Her are some examples of these disposable crafts:
Gilded pears - take some pears, cover them with real gold dust. Done. Not only am I skeezed out by the thought of making a perfectly edible food into a non edible art, GOLD DUST is frigging pricey! Not to mention people starving, sorry, it just made me mad, it seems wildy inappropriate right now.
Golden Walnut Ball - Stick walnuts, real ones, onto a ball, spray paint them gold. this one would probably last a holiday or two, but it is again, food being wasted. I grew up in a trailerpark and wasting food bothers me, I know, get over yourself, but old habits and all that.
Gourd Candles - Melt wax into a hollowed out gourd, light it on fire. Okay, okay, there is no directive to light it on fire, and I will admit the candles are pretty and props for the fact that people don't eat gourds (can they be eaten?) but these will be a one-dinner-party attraction and I'm kinda craft-challenged, if I go to the expense and time of making something, I'd like it to be around for more than a couple of hours.
But some of the crafts were genius, for example;
A paper Sail centerpiece for a Thankgiving feast, the pictures show a perfectly pristine craft stick, but I think a dry stick from the garden could work just as well, same with the tiny bucket of rocks - I like that it's easily found and cheap!
Pilgrim Hats and Bonnets - easily made by kids, talk about a real Thanksgiving celebration, you could really get into the spirit of Thanksgiving and everyone could make their own!
Napkin rings made of paper or felt or acorns(I have a few acorns in the yard, the ones the squirrels have missed). There's a big section at the back of the book with clip art for various crafts. Very helpful.
The crafts range in skill level from easy, pumkin pouch party favors (if you can use tape and scissors you're ready for this one) to the expert, pumpkin carving that DaVinci would approve of.
All in all, this is a pretty comprehensive book, I only found a few crafts to try out myself, felt fortune cookies, flower pop up cards and the excellent directions for papier mache. But mostly this is a book for the serious crafters who live next door to a Michaels Craft store.
Comment
December 6, 2011
Oh, I fully admit it - I love crafting and making stuff. When I get my hands on a book like Martha Stewarts' Handmade Hoiday Crafts, I wait for just the right time to read it. I then flip through randomly stopping at ideas that catch my eye first time through. When I pick it up the second time (again at the right time) I read it from cover to cover.
And there are some fantastic ideas in this latest Martha offering. The book is geared towards crafts for all the major holidays - Valentine's Day, Mother and Father's Days, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, hanukkah, New year's, Easter and yes the one that is fast approaching - Christmas.
And not every one is geared towards adults. There are lots of child friendly crafts that you can do with a small person in your life. There were some excellent ideas that I can see being used at the library - a doily as a stencil, thumb print hearts, heart and lollipop flowers and more. Ideas for colouring eggs? Oh boy, there were soooo many! I think I'll try decopaging some this coming year. Cards for every occassion with patterns for the pop ups featured. I'm not sure I could duplicate some of the elaborate pumpkin carving designs, but they're fun to look at. I have a bunch of buttons just begging to be used - the Mother's Day card is perfect.
And lots of suggestions for Christmas and New Year's. There were some easy ideas for gift wrapping, cards and tags. And a really cute idea using wide ribbon as a gift bag for a gift certificate.
I tried one of the gift tag ideas, using shipping tags, painting them and sticking on a piece of greenery. (The one on the left really needs a gold star on top)And I picked up some cookie cutters from the dollar store too. You could put some pretty Christmas paper behind to make ornaments. Or a photo, as I did - to remind a certain 20 something son of his time as one of Santa's elves! A great reference book to have on the shelf year round.
And there are some fantastic ideas in this latest Martha offering. The book is geared towards crafts for all the major holidays - Valentine's Day, Mother and Father's Days, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, hanukkah, New year's, Easter and yes the one that is fast approaching - Christmas.
And not every one is geared towards adults. There are lots of child friendly crafts that you can do with a small person in your life. There were some excellent ideas that I can see being used at the library - a doily as a stencil, thumb print hearts, heart and lollipop flowers and more. Ideas for colouring eggs? Oh boy, there were soooo many! I think I'll try decopaging some this coming year. Cards for every occassion with patterns for the pop ups featured. I'm not sure I could duplicate some of the elaborate pumpkin carving designs, but they're fun to look at. I have a bunch of buttons just begging to be used - the Mother's Day card is perfect.
And lots of suggestions for Christmas and New Year's. There were some easy ideas for gift wrapping, cards and tags. And a really cute idea using wide ribbon as a gift bag for a gift certificate.
I tried one of the gift tag ideas, using shipping tags, painting them and sticking on a piece of greenery. (The one on the left really needs a gold star on top)And I picked up some cookie cutters from the dollar store too. You could put some pretty Christmas paper behind to make ornaments. Or a photo, as I did - to remind a certain 20 something son of his time as one of Santa's elves! A great reference book to have on the shelf year round.
November 29, 2011
Martha Stewart never fails to please with her craft books. There is always something for everyone in each of her collections. I enjoyed looking through the crafts and have a few slated to be completed over the next month.
There were many things I loved about this book - it had a variety from easy to do with the kids to something elegant and showstopping. She hit all the major holidays and gives us projects for the whole year.
What I didn't like was how quick some of the instructions were. Some of the projects I would have liked more detail and more pictures. I was able to find more instructions on her website but not much. I like her projects but it's a little frustrating going in blind. I know that I will most likely figure out the project on my own but it makes me less likely to do more projects.
I love her eye for crafts and really like the ideas she offers. This is definitely one worth checking out.
There were many things I loved about this book - it had a variety from easy to do with the kids to something elegant and showstopping. She hit all the major holidays and gives us projects for the whole year.
What I didn't like was how quick some of the instructions were. Some of the projects I would have liked more detail and more pictures. I was able to find more instructions on her website but not much. I like her projects but it's a little frustrating going in blind. I know that I will most likely figure out the project on my own but it makes me less likely to do more projects.
I love her eye for crafts and really like the ideas she offers. This is definitely one worth checking out.
November 14, 2011
So here's the thing, I realize that this was an ARC and the publisher had no responsibility to send in the best version of the book to the readers but for a book which is meant to draw a customer in using graphics and photographs, the ARC was a terrible print with the photos in a weird resolution. It made even Martha Stewarts' project look - well - cheap for one thing and amateur for another. Apart from this issue however,I found the book to be interesting and catering to a wide audience. The pictures (if I take them to be in good quality at printing time) draw you in and you wanted to try your hands at the project as soon as you read them. However some techniques (such as easter eggs decoration) were given in too much details while others were just skimmed.
Still, it'd make for a good buy and I liked the inspirations that I got from this book.
Still, it'd make for a good buy and I liked the inspirations that I got from this book.
October 17, 2021
Really cool book! This book has beautiful pictures alongside with instructions and inspiration on how to make holiday decor for the year. All the major U. S. holidays from the beginning of the year through Christmas. I especially liked the Halloween section: such cute things to make, and lots of pumpkin carving or painting, etc. My favorite holiday is Christmas, but I actually think the Halloween projects looked more fun to do. It has a huge section on egg dying and egg projects for Easter. The templates for the projects are supposedly online, but being that this book is dated, I'm not sure if the templates are still online, but luckily you could probably make your own templates and there's plenty of projects where you don't have to use a template at all. There are also instructions on how to fold a napkin, how to tie a bow or make your own bows, make gift bags, greeting cards, money envelopes, all kinds of fun projects to do.
If you like crafty stuff, this is definitely a must read and do book!
If you like crafty stuff, this is definitely a must read and do book!
January 15, 2026
Wow! Some really neat, easy ideas that look very nice- like transforming cheap bows into much prettier ones.
The Chinese and polish inspired ornaments were beautiful too. And the different ideas for using pumpkins for Halloween were interesting.
The flower/plant involved crafts were gorgeous, but imo require too much work for projects with such poor longevity.
Would read again, especially if I come to a season of life where I’m happy to spend more time creating ephemeral beauty.
The Chinese and polish inspired ornaments were beautiful too. And the different ideas for using pumpkins for Halloween were interesting.
The flower/plant involved crafts were gorgeous, but imo require too much work for projects with such poor longevity.
Would read again, especially if I come to a season of life where I’m happy to spend more time creating ephemeral beauty.
August 29, 2022
I love Martha, but I'm really disappointed in this one. I remember some of these crafts from her TV series, where I thought they had a much better presentation. There were only 3 projects I would be interested in, and the rest of it looked like clutter. I think her magazine and other holiday books are more inspirational.
January 4, 2025
Fun year round holiday crafts from New Years to Christmas. Nice pictures, great instructions with templates and resource buying guide. Definitely a couple crafts I will be making(felt Valentine fortune cookies and Rick rack Christmas ornaments).
January 11, 2018
for the most part, simple but lovely crafts to make throughout the year
February 25, 2021
I think even a simple crafter like myself can do a few of these.
December 18, 2021
May be for the more experienced crafter - some instructions assume you know the basics already. Otherwise a good variety.
November 11, 2024
So many beautiful ideas! I love bringing this book out with the kids to pick out some craft ideas and decorate the house together. It has made for some great memories!
December 26, 2024
As with all Martha does, a quality book that offers ideas and triggers ideas in the reader.
May 19, 2022
Fun stuff!
October 20, 2011
The Good Stuff
Some very practical crafts using leftover supplies which is nice to see, as very environmentally friendly
Would buy this book for the section on Easter Egg decorating alone
Pictures are lovely just to look at
Something for every different skill level
Crafts for both adults and kids
Buyers Guide is quite nicely detailed (but it's American based
Clip art and templates section is fabulous
Excellently organized index ( I know, but guys I'm a nerd, this stuff is important to me)
Basic Techniques section is helpful
Some truly unique and very stylish crafts
Lots of fun Halloween Crafts - my personal favorite holiday
The Not So Good Stuff
Would have liked more point form or step by step instructions - kept losing my spot which was frustrating
Also more pictures in each craft would be helpful
No Canadian Holiday crafts(Yes I know that is extreme finickiness)
Many of the crafts use a lot of specialty craft tools that most people might not have on hand - which leads to things becoming very expensive
Favorite Crafts
Glittered Pumpkins - Pg 199
Pumpkin Pouch Party Favors - Pg 213
Cookie Cutter Ornaments - Pg 281 (Making some this weekend)
Candy Cane Mice - Pg 328
Who Should/Shouldn't Read
Anyone who is into making homemade crafts will find something to enjoy
I would recommend this more for an experienced crafter
Obviously fans of Martha Stewart will enjoy
3.75 Dewey's
I received this from Random House in Exchange for an honest review
Some very practical crafts using leftover supplies which is nice to see, as very environmentally friendly
Would buy this book for the section on Easter Egg decorating alone
Pictures are lovely just to look at
Something for every different skill level
Crafts for both adults and kids
Buyers Guide is quite nicely detailed (but it's American based
Clip art and templates section is fabulous
Excellently organized index ( I know, but guys I'm a nerd, this stuff is important to me)
Basic Techniques section is helpful
Some truly unique and very stylish crafts
Lots of fun Halloween Crafts - my personal favorite holiday
The Not So Good Stuff
Would have liked more point form or step by step instructions - kept losing my spot which was frustrating
Also more pictures in each craft would be helpful
No Canadian Holiday crafts(Yes I know that is extreme finickiness)
Many of the crafts use a lot of specialty craft tools that most people might not have on hand - which leads to things becoming very expensive
Favorite Crafts
Glittered Pumpkins - Pg 199
Pumpkin Pouch Party Favors - Pg 213
Cookie Cutter Ornaments - Pg 281 (Making some this weekend)
Candy Cane Mice - Pg 328
Who Should/Shouldn't Read
Anyone who is into making homemade crafts will find something to enjoy
I would recommend this more for an experienced crafter
Obviously fans of Martha Stewart will enjoy
3.75 Dewey's
I received this from Random House in Exchange for an honest review
Read
October 30, 2011This book is exactly what it looks like... a Martha Stewart craft book. I admit that sometimes Martha's perfection often puts me off when it comes to crafts, but the ideas her people come up with are usually eye catching and interesting. This book is no exception.
As with what you often expect with Martha, it is more a book of celebrating with others. You have all the major holidays which is geared mostly toward a US audience. So, you have the 4th and Thanksgiving included. And although I do enjoy looking at crafts for a formal(ish in some instances) setting, it wouldn't fit any of my family on either side. We just aren't a formal crowd. I would fear for the fate of most of those crafts when the kidlets get a hold of them. LOL
But there are some that really caught my eye. Like for the upcoming holiday, Halloween. I think this would be fun to do some time:
Just think of all the creatures you could invent!
So, there are lots of crafts for those of us that just don't do the adult formal thing. There are also a lot of Christmas/ Hanukkah which is approaching fast (hey, don't look at me like that, I'm just stating that it's true! *hides*)
So, if you enjoy the creativity that Martha Stewart brings, I don't think you'll be disappointed with this book.
(Pictures at my blog)
As with what you often expect with Martha, it is more a book of celebrating with others. You have all the major holidays which is geared mostly toward a US audience. So, you have the 4th and Thanksgiving included. And although I do enjoy looking at crafts for a formal(ish in some instances) setting, it wouldn't fit any of my family on either side. We just aren't a formal crowd. I would fear for the fate of most of those crafts when the kidlets get a hold of them. LOL
But there are some that really caught my eye. Like for the upcoming holiday, Halloween. I think this would be fun to do some time:
Just think of all the creatures you could invent!
So, there are lots of crafts for those of us that just don't do the adult formal thing. There are also a lot of Christmas/ Hanukkah which is approaching fast (hey, don't look at me like that, I'm just stating that it's true! *hides*)
So, if you enjoy the creativity that Martha Stewart brings, I don't think you'll be disappointed with this book.
(Pictures at my blog)
May 23, 2012
I haven't really been posting any handmade crafts on the blog. Although that was and still is one of my main interests, besides reading, I haven't had as much time as I used to and the things I do I end posting on my Portuguese blog.
You can guess that when I was offered a chance to review Martha Stewart's Handmade Holiday I really couldn't pass it up. I don't remember how many times I checked Martha Stewart's website looking for ideas or tutorials of handmade projects and getting my hands on one of her books it's a dream come true! Especially if it is about the holidays... Holidays are just the right times for some “do it yourself" projects.
The book features the major American and international holidays: New Year’s – Valentine’s Day – Easter – Mother’s Day – Father’s Day – Fourth of July – Halloween – Thanksgiving – Hanukkah – Christmas
As I was already expecting the pictures are lovely! The colours, the materials, the production... the result is beautiful and inspiring. Many of the projects seem really easy to do, something you could do with your children. While my boys are still young for these projects I am definitely making notes of what to try when they are older.
So, thank you Crown Publishing Group and NetGalley. I had a fabulous afternoon sitting down with a cup of tea and browsing this book to pick my next handmade project!
You can guess that when I was offered a chance to review Martha Stewart's Handmade Holiday I really couldn't pass it up. I don't remember how many times I checked Martha Stewart's website looking for ideas or tutorials of handmade projects and getting my hands on one of her books it's a dream come true! Especially if it is about the holidays... Holidays are just the right times for some “do it yourself" projects.
The book features the major American and international holidays: New Year’s – Valentine’s Day – Easter – Mother’s Day – Father’s Day – Fourth of July – Halloween – Thanksgiving – Hanukkah – Christmas
As I was already expecting the pictures are lovely! The colours, the materials, the production... the result is beautiful and inspiring. Many of the projects seem really easy to do, something you could do with your children. While my boys are still young for these projects I am definitely making notes of what to try when they are older.
So, thank you Crown Publishing Group and NetGalley. I had a fabulous afternoon sitting down with a cup of tea and browsing this book to pick my next handmade project!
November 6, 2012
Reviewed for NetGalley
I'm a sucker for any Martha Stewart craft book. The books always have at least one or two projects I want to try. It seems that Martha Stewart and her helpers can make a craft out of almost anything. As with other Martha Stewart craft books this one does not disappoint. As a librarian who does crafts with kids, this will be one of my go-to books for ideas. All of my Valentine's Day crafts for a recent program came from this book.
The book is organized by holiday as they appear through a calendar year. The crafts range from very simple to more complicated crafts that will take some time. Many of the projects are available on the Martha Stewart website or appeared in the Martha Stewart Living Magazine.
As with all Martha Stewart craft books the photographs are beautiful with the directions for each craft are laid out with step-by-step instructions in a fairly easy-to-recreate manner. A great addition to any crafter's collection or one to check out from the library several times as needed.
I'm a sucker for any Martha Stewart craft book. The books always have at least one or two projects I want to try. It seems that Martha Stewart and her helpers can make a craft out of almost anything. As with other Martha Stewart craft books this one does not disappoint. As a librarian who does crafts with kids, this will be one of my go-to books for ideas. All of my Valentine's Day crafts for a recent program came from this book.
The book is organized by holiday as they appear through a calendar year. The crafts range from very simple to more complicated crafts that will take some time. Many of the projects are available on the Martha Stewart website or appeared in the Martha Stewart Living Magazine.
As with all Martha Stewart craft books the photographs are beautiful with the directions for each craft are laid out with step-by-step instructions in a fairly easy-to-recreate manner. A great addition to any crafter's collection or one to check out from the library several times as needed.
August 31, 2016
I meant to do a review of this book before Christmas--sorry! The great thing about it is the awesome projects for so many holidays. I loved so many of them, and definitely feel inspired by lots of things in here.
I really liked the pictures and how many holidays are covered. I did not like that the directions and a separate supply list for each project was not provided.
Several people said that many of the supplies that are recommended are expensive, and I agree. However, I think that crafty people in general look for alternatives that are more in their price range, so that wasn't really an issue for me.
If you've got a choice between an ebook and the real thing, I definitely say go for the real thing--you are going to want to have this out all year long.
I really liked the pictures and how many holidays are covered. I did not like that the directions and a separate supply list for each project was not provided.
Several people said that many of the supplies that are recommended are expensive, and I agree. However, I think that crafty people in general look for alternatives that are more in their price range, so that wasn't really an issue for me.
If you've got a choice between an ebook and the real thing, I definitely say go for the real thing--you are going to want to have this out all year long.
August 14, 2011
Typical of Martha Stewart, there are some wonderful projects for decorating your home or preparing for a party, including for children's parties. Most of the projects can be made primarily with items you already have around the house, making them excellent for families trying to make some meaningful decorations without spending much money. It's definitely worth thumbing through at your local library to see if any of the seasonal ideas inspire you.
Disclaimer: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher.
Disclaimer: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher.
January 1, 2012
WOW! Chock full of excellent holiday decorations/party favors, templates, clip art, tips, techniques, resources, and a buying guide, this is a fabulous resource for any lover of crafting.
In my opinion, this book is worth the purchase if only for Martha's comprehensive pumpkin carving techniques that put my favorite resource, Pumpkin Masters, to shame! But there is truly a plethora of easy and elegant crafts for any holiday that can be easily adapted for any special occasion.
Definitely a must add to your craft library!
In my opinion, this book is worth the purchase if only for Martha's comprehensive pumpkin carving techniques that put my favorite resource, Pumpkin Masters, to shame! But there is truly a plethora of easy and elegant crafts for any holiday that can be easily adapted for any special occasion.
Definitely a must add to your craft library!
October 6, 2011
Just what you would expect from Martha Stewart: a beautifully designed and photographed book featuring 225 elegant handmade crafts for 10 different holiday seasons. This book strikes a good balance of inexpensive/expensive crafts and easy/very difficult crafts. If you subscribe to "Living" you may recognize projects, as everything in this book was in the magazine. Fun to flip through and use as inspiration for a project. Bonus: good tips on "basic techniques" in the back, as well as clip art templates.
November 4, 2011
Martha Stewart's Handmade Holliday Crafts
A good craft book chock full of great ideas. I made the Gourd Candles and they were fun and beautiful. I received a lot of compliments. I also used the pumpkin carving tips and carved the coolest pumpkin.
There are many craft ideas for every Holliday from Hanukkah to the Fourth of July. The crafts are fun and creative. But, this is not a book for beginners. The instructions aren't always clear and the pictures are needed, so you need to be a seasoned crafter.
A good craft book chock full of great ideas. I made the Gourd Candles and they were fun and beautiful. I received a lot of compliments. I also used the pumpkin carving tips and carved the coolest pumpkin.
There are many craft ideas for every Holliday from Hanukkah to the Fourth of July. The crafts are fun and creative. But, this is not a book for beginners. The instructions aren't always clear and the pictures are needed, so you need to be a seasoned crafter.
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March 14, 2023My husband was a little surprised that I checked this book out- kind of surprised myself actually. I got a piece of paper and thought I'd write down four or five ideas from the whole book. I barely got through the first third of the book and had written down lots of ideas. I told Jeremy I would have to buy the book eventually (when it's cheaper) instead of writing everything down. I showed him some of the projects I liked and he admited they were pretty good. It's a fun book to look through with some great ideas.
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