Handmade and Creative

Synopsis: In these tough times we could all do with a little cheering up, but with expensive holidays off the agenda, and moving house a no-no, why not start by rolling up your sleeves and transforming the space in which you live into something truly fabulous? Packed full of wonderful and unexpected ideas, stunning photography and expert advice from an inimitable source, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's Book of Decorating is the one decorating book everyone should own.

In this stylish yet practical guide, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen imparts his expertise on all aspects of home decoration - from planning a space to make it work for you, through to the practical help that will transform your space and make it truly unique. Throughout Laurence provides professional techniques and tips to enable you to revamp, rework and renew every room in your house.

Following an introduction that outlines the principles of home design, the book is divided into two sections. In Part One, over 30 breathtaking rooms are revealed. From breezy seaside living room to contemporary knock through or cosy cottage bedroom, there are spaces and schemes to suit the range of budgets and lifestyles. Part Two, shows how you can bring all Laurence's fantastic ideas into your own home. All major techniques are fully explained - from painting, tiling, hanging wallpaper, laying natural flooring and hanging up shelves and pictures. Easy to follow step-by-step instructions and accompanying photography will inspire you to try your hand at every suggestion.

Throughout, Laurence encourages us to make a bold statement with our interior design and to be brave with colour and pattern - with ideas for adding style and glamour to our homes that are easy to put into practice and won't break the bank. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's Book of Decorating is set to become every home decorator's bible.

Buy Decorating with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen from Amazon.co.uk

Hot Brands Verdict
We really liked this book! What we particularly liked was the way the book was structured with inspiring and beautifully designed rooms in Part One and a guide to how to recreate these ideas in Part Two. Very accessible with Lawrence’s commentary throughout this is an essential book for anyone looking to re-vamp their home this Spring. Beautifully illustrated this exuberant book is full of wonderful ideas to inspire you to create fabulous, individual and unique rooms. We loved it! Highly Recommended!

Synopsis
Simple and timeless in red, white and blue, these exquisite needlecraft motifs can be used in a multitude of ways to create unique gifts and home accessories. Everything can be embroidered, from little canvas shoes to bed linen and handkerchiefs, from linen bags to cushions and from bath towels to cotton tea towels. These elegant and easy projects will seduce every reader into the simple art of embroidery.

Buy Made in France: Cross-stitch and Embroidery in Red, White and Blue from Amazon.co.uk

Hot Brands Verdict
This is such a classy book! If you are looking for something relaxing and therapeutic to do, these simple projects are perfect. In interior design it is often the little statements that say the most. This book is full of delightful ideas, built around the three colours of Red, White and Blue, like mini works of art, that are not only very contemporary in terms of design, but can also become treasured keepsakes. It is full of ingenuity, effortlessly demonstrating the variety of items than can be embroidered from canvas shoes to jam pot covers, from exquisite pin cushions to lingerie bags. If you are looking for something special we loved the Marriage Sampler, a beautiful and unusual gift. With details of how to get started, stitch library patterns and templates, this book has everything you need to embrace a new pastime. We absolutely loved it! Highly Recommended.

The Crafty Minx is about making gorgeous things from pre-loved, remnant and vintage items. It is written especially for non-crafters who are desperate to be more creative but don't know how, and shares the delicious rewards of living with and giving away beautiful handmade objects.

Including over 75 projects which give traditional crafts a modern makeover - from brightly patterned summer beach bags and cotton apron tops to cosy lambs' wool throws and cashmere-covered hot water bottles, or a soft toy for a friend's new baby - this book is broken down into the four seasons of the year for easy inspiration.

No matter where you live or what your circumstances, discover just how easy it is to be a crafty minx.

Buy The Crafty Minx from Amazon.co.uk

Hot Brands Verdict
If you are looking for inspiration this weekend, this book is the perfect solution, it is packed through with fabulous ideas for creating wonderful items from pre-loved, remnant and vintage items. The whole look and feel of the book is very creative, as well as the projects there is also Kelly’s commentary running through the book with personal anecdotes, information and inspiration. Divided into seasons, with projects like A Bold Beach Bag, the intriguing Maltese Bow for a Modern Entrance, (which is a unique way of announcing the arrival of a new baby). Vintage Silk Scarf Cushions, and the more ambitious Tepee this book is packed with fun projects, simple enough for a beginner, inspiring enough for the more experienced. Overall this book is an absolute joy, to be read from cover to cover, destined to be a Hot Brands favourite. Highly Recommended !

In today's throwaway culture, it can often seem easier to ditch a broken item rather than attempt to repair it. But this also seems like madness at a time when we're all trying to be thrifty, and at the same time reduce the amount of rubbish we contribute to landfill. In this timely new book, Sian Berry sets out to prove that your much-loved table with the wonky leg, wobbly earring or dodgy door handle can be given a new lease of life with a bit of common sense and know-how. With chapters covering furniture, kitchenware, electrical goods, textiles and jewellery, Sian guides you through 400 repair projects, each accompanied by step-by-step illustrations and simple instructions. Even the most DIY-shy person will find this book a revelation.

Buy Mend It!: 400 Easy Repairs for Everyday Items from Amazon.co.uk

Hot Brands Verdict
In our spare time the Hot Brands team are known for our ability to suddenly decide to move all the furniture around in our homes and in doing so often rush it, dropping heavy items and injuring ourselves ! We have an equally cavalier approach to D.I. Y often rushing in without really knowing what we are doing. This book is therefore a welcome addition to our library, full of sensible advice about how to repair and fix things which otherwise we might damage, or simply throw away ! The wide-ranging chapters include Safety Notes before you start, a basic tool kit, Common Home Repairs, Furniture Repairs and Refurbishments, Keeping Things Going In The Kitchen, Simple Plumbing and Bathroom Repairs, Simple Clothing Fixes, and Personal and Household Accessories, as well as a reference section with websites and useful information. This is a fabulously useful book, with everything from how to change a fuse to how to restring a set of beads. Highly Recommended!

Synopsis
Everything you need to know to develop your painting and drawing skills in easy steps.Whether you are interested in learning to draw, work with watercolours, acrylics or oils this step-by-step guide is for you.
Starting with materials and techniques, warm-up exercises encourage you to build your drawing and painting expertise and confidence. Easy-to-follow step-by-step projects designed to train your eye and develop your skills show you what to do, and demonstrate key techniques.
Clear explanations of the principles of drawing and painting will encourage you to tackle different subjects from simple landscapes to portraits, while "building the image" illustrations provide at-a-glance overviews of projects.
Galleries of contemporary artwork demonstrate how successful artists approach different topics from still lifes, to panoramas and figures, with tips helping you to develop your personal style.

A fresh approach to practical art helping you achieve the best results, whatever your level.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Painting-Drawing-Handbook-Dk/dp/1405347414

Hot Brands Verdict
Many people harbour a secret desire to be able to paint, or draw and this book is a perfect companion to help make those dreams a reality. Everything you need to know about the different medium is included. With reassuring step-by-step guidance to the different techniques, this wonderful book will encourage you to take the first steps to unleash your creativity. For those with more experience, this book is an ongoing source of inspiration. We loved it! Highly Recommended!

The Sewing Book Alison Smith

Synopsis Whether you want to make soft furnishings, clothing or just do alterations this is the book that everyone interested in sewing needs.

Follow step-by-steps and master every technique you’ll ever need; from machine-stitching a buttonhole and attaching a collar, to altering patterns and building a basic sewing kit. Every hand and machine stitch and technique is clearly shown and easy to follow, guiding you through every move. Follow 25 stylish projects, for the home and to wear, which will enable you to take your sewing skills to perfection.

Plus, get properly kitted out; close up photographs of hand and machine tools show you the best equipment for the job and guarantee you know exactly how to use it.

Tucks, pleats, hems, darts, edges, pockets, buttonholes, zips – whatever you want to sew, find out how.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/

Hot Brands Verdict
Here at Hot Brands we work hard, but we also play hard, and play for us often means indulging our creative side. Having recently mastered the instructions of turning on and threading our state-of-the art sewing machine, we were desperate to try and make something! This book is absolutely perfect for anyone who wants to find out more about sewing, everything from the equipment you need to the different type of stitches you can use and full details on a range of techniques for everything from soft furnishings to clothing. Finally there is a wonderful projects section covering how to make 25 different projects, we loved the stylish drawstring bag, the beautiful cushion, and are currently in the middle of creating a Roman Blind! There is much, much, more in this delightful book and we love it! Highly Recommended!