DIY, Dammit! A Practical Guide to Curse-Free Crafting

Books that appeal to crafters who want to make something cool, but don’t have hours to dedicate to the task are easy to find; the same type of book that’s also a hoot to read is much more rare. Thus, comedian and DIY-er Hughes’s first book is a find: full of good projects and written in a disarmingly funny, low-key tone. “Internet perfection does nothing for DIY. It actually makes it harder,” she writes, before encouraging readers to step away from Pinterest and just have fun making. Her projects are split among decorations, gifts, clothing and wearable, parties, and organization. Hughes’s ideas land all over the crafting map, from bow-tie key chains and headbands made from leggings to timber doormats. While each project includes basic directions and a few photographs, some intrepidness on the part of the reader is expected. Still, this is a great find, especially for younger crafters or those of any age who want to avoid even a hint of mumsy-ness. 130 illus. (Nov.)