For fresh ideas and insight, Japanese craft books are something you might want to take a look at. I first encountered these books when our family was transferred to Japan for one year. I was dying for a good book and hoped that the local bookstore carried English language books. And there on the shelf was a HUGE variety of craft books. Within, although I didn’t read a lick of Japanese, was the most amazing content of paper, fabric, and bead crafts I had ever seen. These books I reviewed are my own personal ones and I was not compensated for reviewing them.
The Japanese are extremely fond of handcrafted items and the women especially have the interest and the dexterous fingers for fine crafting. Many of these books have been translated and published into English however, if you happen to get a hold of the Japanese versions, the instructions are usually in graphic format. You can figure most of it out by looking at the photos or the images included. Patterns are very plain and easy to understand.
I have found titles on crafting pretty boxes and containers out of easy to find home items such as milk cartons, cans, and cardboard boxes. Other ones include making fabric flowers for various gift items, ideas on using Japanese origami papers, creating lifestyle items, making skirts or blouses, beaded jewelry, and so many others. Most of them have an interesting and unusual take on the craft that is quite different than the regular Western view. Many of the instructions and projects are quite intricate and use techniques I was unfamiliar with.
I lived in Kyoto and I found that it was a town with an old handcrafting history. Many items for sale in the shops were handcrafted and there were some workshops available so you could try your hand at one, such as pottery, origami, or sewing tiny Asian figures. I was quite lucky to be so immersed in such a place and was very happy to be able to purchase many of those soft covered craft books.
You can find many of those same books at Amazon in English and in new condition. I have seen many on Ebay as used books. I also suggest going to your local Japan town or China town and seeing if they have a book store. Even if it is in Japanese, take a look inside, you may find one to your liking. I have also seen a few of these in local libraries. They may be more difficult to find but try the paper or fabric crafting section. There are also many websites and blogs based on these soft cover books. I have found that there is a community of crafters devoted to the Japanese crafts/craftbooks.
Below, I have listed some sites for you to enjoy.
Amazon.com
Zakkalife
Weewonderfuls
Sweetsassafras
