Arts, Crafts & Photography

From the people who created One-Skein Wonders comes a book for fabric enthusiasts everywhere. One-Yard Wonders is an excellent collection of sewing projects, complete with easy-to-follow instructions, illustrations, and patterns. The best part is that each of these projects can be completed with just one yard of fabric. A perfect book for fabric hoarders and lovers, like me, or for those just beginning to sew, One-Yard Wonders offers a brilliant selection of projects to make and enjoy. —josie

Sewing a quilt is an act inherently infused with love and care: During the many hours it takes a quilter to stitch together patches of fabric and sew tiny quilting stitches (whether by hand or by machine), they know that what they are making will, at the very least, bring someone warmth and comfort. Quilts also have a place in our country’s political history (concealed directions to the Underground Railroad; the overwhelming power of the AIDS Memorial Quilt). Quilting for Peace showcases individuals and groups that quilt for causes that matter to them. In additional to its inspiring message, this terrific book includes projects for novice and experienced quilters, so that anyone can stitch “to comfort those who need solace, provoke positive change, and provide hope.” —S.B.

I am obsessed with contemporary American artist Charlie Harper and you will be, too, as soon as you get one look at the cover of this new compilation of his work. This coffee-table tome is a beautiful tribute to Harper’s singular style, which he referred to as Minimal Realism. Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life is the perfect gift for artists, graphic designers, bird and nature lovers—adults and children, alike. Once you dive into Harper’s work you’ll never want to reemerge. —R.M.

This book is stuffed with great tips on how to take better photos, along with 50 awesome DIY projects that will allow you to turn those photos into creative, easy art projects. Gupta and Jensen show you how to take bottle caps and turn them into tripod heads, make fish-eye lenses, and assemble photo “chandeliers”—and it’s all totally doable and totally fun. —M.M.