FLOWER LOOM BLOOMS
By Haafner Linssen, Struik Lifestyle, R200
If, like me, crochet or knitting are your go-to crafts, you most likely own an unruly basket of leftover yarns.
Instead of feeling guilty every time your eyes happen to rest on your stash, why not pick up a craft, such as flower looming, which is designed specifically to use up scraps?
Combining both loom and crochet techniques, this novel craft may prove a slight challenge at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be hooked.
This handy guide includes step-by-step illustrated instructions for 30 different flowers, as well as a starter cardboard loom, and instructions on creating your own looms of different sizes. The flowers can be used for anything from embellishment to entire projects such as blankets, and, thanks to Linssen's excellent advice on colour and yarn selection, you'll be able to personalise your creations at every turn.INTO THE WILD
By Daisy Fletcher, Laurence King, R340
There are few activities as relaxing as colouring in. No new skills required, just a few kokis or pencils and a whack of quality me-time.
Daisy Fletcher's latest book is the perfect project to lose yourself in. A journey through dream-like forest scenes, it is packed with 79 illustrations featuring both real and imagined creatures.
The book begins in a woodland world of otters, badgers, foxes and deer before gradually transporting you deeper into a flower forest; a magical environment populated with rare and mythical animals such as caracals, muntjacs and ibex.
Thick pages allow for serious creativity without any buckling or warping, and the book comes complete with a list of all the flora and fauna featured, giving an educational twist to a wonderfully whimsical title.WOODWORKING - TRADITIONAL CRAFT FOR MODERN LIVING
By Andrea Brugi and Samina Langholz, Quarto Books, R420
Hot off the press, this gorgeous book is the passion project of Tuscany-based woodworkers Samina Langholz and Andrea Brugi.
A hands-on guide, it focuses on teaching key woodworking techniques and contains 20 carpentry projects that you can do in the comfort of your own home, without the need for complicated tools.
From an egg cup made from a reclaimed beam and broom handle to a chopping board featuring a hand carved "butterfly" (an old trick for stabilising a crack), the projects are suitable for all levels, including beginners.
With striking photography that brings to life the couple's rural Italian lifestyle, step-by-step instructions, and information on the types of wood and tools required for each project, this book provides everything you need to start handcrafting your own woodworking masterpieces.MINDFUL ORIGAMI: FOLD YOURSELF CALM
By Mark Bolitho, Carlton Books, R170
The perfect launch pad into the art of paper folding, this stylish pack contains a 72-page fully-illustrated guide, as well as 40 sheets of high-quality origami paper.
The book features 15 different patterns, all of which are as pleasing to fold as they are to admire afterwards.
The book is broken into four sections: the classic section features the likes of a peace crane and boxes; the contemporary section focuses on models such as flying birds and modular shapes; the action section boasts models that move, including a jumping frog and a talking bear and, finally, the book closes off with an advanced section containing bigger, better and more challenging options.
The best part? You'll find even this final section accessible after a bit of practice, thanks to origami expert Mark Bolitho's incredibly detailed instructions...