New book perfect for crafty moms

Posted in Mom Stuff
by besttech

Becky Sher McClatchy-Tribune

Whether you’ve got a baby of your own or are just a frequent purchaser of baby gifts, you’ve no doubt noticed just how expensive baby gear has become. Not just the necessities — strollers, car seats, high chairs — but the more frivolous (but oh-so-cute) stuff as well. A decoupaged pail for holding nursery necessities can run $50 at a fancy boutique. A sassy wipes holder to match the diaper bag? Easily $30.

If you’ve got even the tiniest crafty gene, pick up “Crafty Mama,” by Abby Pecoriello (Workman, $15.95), which outlines 49 projects that are guaranteed to elicit oohs and ahs at the next baby shower you attend. None of them require any particularly difficult skills, like knitting or fancy machine sewing; in fact, a hot glue gun is probably the fanciest tool you’ll need for the majority of the projects. Some of the items are practical (bibs, wipes cases, hangers) and others are merely fun (tie-dyed shirts, embellished barrettes, placemats). The few skills that you might not know (decoupage, for example) are outlined at the front of the book, and a “craftypedia” in the back includes info on where to find supplies you’ll need for the projects. Best of all, each project offers suggested variations, and some included “Baby Shower Power” — an idea for how to turn the project into a fun activity for a baby shower. (For example, have each guest create a vinyl bib for the mom-to-be.)