The garden is a source of inspiration for various kinds of craft projects. Here are reviews of some craft books with wonderful garden craft projects.


Merry and Bright-9 Ornament Designs

By renowned designer Marilyn Gash, this book was released by Indygo Junction. These unique felted ornaments with embroidery can be used in various craft projects. Combine them as shown on the cover to create a lovely winter wreath. There are also instructions for making a beaded garland and a table topper/miniature Christmas tree skirt. These designs are also suitable for pin cushions and Christmas tree ornaments.

Some of the designs feature motifs associated with Christmas with stars being an example. However, most of the other designs are timeless, and could be displayed throughout the year. These include a lace flower and a blossom with four petals. In addition, several of the other designs suitable for use all year are the folk art style hearts, the squares, and the checkerboard. These designs can be embellished with coordinating buttons and beads.

For each ornament and project, this book includes a list of materials and easy to follow, step by step instructions from start to finish, including the embroidery. This has full size templates.


Thimbleberries Block by Block To Beautiful Quilts

By Lynette Jensen, this was released by Landauer Books. This features 13 extraordinary pieced projects, most of which feature either garden motifs or floral print fabrics. This has three appealing bed quilts, one with two seasonal color options. In addition, the projects include two seasonal wall quilts and two seasonal throws. The motifs include maple leaves, pumpkins, and seasonal flowers. There is also a beautiful embroidered flower pillow. Gardeners are sure to love the window box wall quilt. One of the bed quilts has a matching pillow.

This title also features appealing Christmas projects, some of which display nature and floral themes. The Christmas items include quilts, pillows, and a miniature Christmas tree skirt.

For each project, this has a list of fabrics, a cutting chart, and color layout along with color illustrated, step by step directions for completing the quilt top. It also has a full size template for the embroidered flower pillow. This title also covers all the basic tools, equipment, and techniques, such as cutting and sewing. There is also a helpful glossary of terms.


The Handbook of Silk Ribbon Embroidery

By Ann Cox, this authoritative hard cover with a hidden wire-o binding was released by Search Press. It features everything gardeners need to know about this classic craft technique. All in all, this covers around 45 different garden plants, such as honeysuckle, laburnum, and roses. A chapter is devoted to each stitch with step by step directions and diagrams for creating each kind of flower, foliage, or plant.

For each project and flower/plant, this has a diagram and template, a list of supplies and easy to follow, step by step instructions. Among the projects is a spring flower scene, a bouquet of roses, a cottage garden scene with delphiniums, and a lovely poppy and wheat scene. I especially like the fuchsia sampler showing different kinds of fuchsias. One project depicts a laburnum arch at the entrance to a garden.

One chapter shows how to enhance the embroidery by creating the illusion of vases, flower pots, stone walls, and backgrounds by stenciling and painting the fabric. This also explains how to mount and frame your floral embroidery creation and how to paint ribbon. The stitches and methods include bows and gathering.

For disclosure purposes, I received review copies of these books from the publishers.