Cute Stuff is a book of instrctions on how to make 17 different small objects featuring the Aranzi Aronzo menageri of characters. Hot off the trail of the runaway hit craft book The Cute Book and the Aranzi Machine Gun series, Cute Stuff shows you how to make everyday items and accessories like hair ties, book covers, purses, key holders, and a slew of appliques out of the Aranzi Aronzo denizens!
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Editorial Reviews
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"The Aranzi Aronzo line is the latest manifestation of the Japanese love of cuteness. Created by two Japanese women, the characters are neither as bland as Hello Kitty nor as bizarre as the San-x creations. Vertical has set up a website where readers can sample previews of the books and upload photos of their own creations, and they have several more Aranzi Aronzo books on their list." - MangaBlog
On the Aranzi Aronzo line, "...a perfect gift for the crafty friend who’s grown weary of making the holiday centerpieces and Halloween costumes in Martha Stewart Living and Better Homes and Gardens." - PopCultureShock.com
"So, if you've been dying to try out a Japanese book, but have stayed away because of the language barrier - you don't have to wait any longer! Not only can you make those cute dolls, but the accessories that have their image too!" - www.stacysews.com
"One look through this book of dolls and you will want to make them all! These aren't your typical, cute dolls. The dolls in this book are funky and unique, just like the lay-out of the book itself." -- About.com
"Cute Stuff is highly recommended for the novelty of its individual crafts projects, and the many, many hours of personal pleasure and sense of accomplishment they will afford." -- Midwest Book Review
On the Aranzi Aronzo line, "...a perfect gift for the crafty friend who’s grown weary of making the holiday centerpieces and Halloween costumes in Martha Stewart Living and Better Homes and Gardens." - PopCultureShock.com
"So, if you've been dying to try out a Japanese book, but have stayed away because of the language barrier - you don't have to wait any longer! Not only can you make those cute dolls, but the accessories that have their image too!" - www.stacysews.com
"One look through this book of dolls and you will want to make them all! These aren't your typical, cute dolls. The dolls in this book are funky and unique, just like the lay-out of the book itself." -- About.com
"Cute Stuff is highly recommended for the novelty of its individual crafts projects, and the many, many hours of personal pleasure and sense of accomplishment they will afford." -- Midwest Book Review
About the Author
Aranzi Aronzo claim variously to be a Mexican - Japanese man and Norwegian Vietnamese - Indian man, working at securities firms and playing the tambourine full- time. All we really know about them, however, is that they are actually two sisters who create mischief and fun through easy and cute crafts.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
41 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Between "The Cute Book", "Cute Dolls" and "Fun Dolls", Aranzi Aronzo pretty much exhausted all of the possibilities in the way of character dolls. So, in this, the final book in the "Let's Make Cute Stuff Series", Aronzo turns it's focus to cute accessories, and in my opinion, this is the best book in the entire series.
"Cute Stuff" provides patterns and instructions for making 16 different Aronzo character-themed projects (if you aren't familiar with the Aranzi Aronzo characters, check out the Aronzo website, [...] - they're sort of like the Sanrio/Hello Kitty characters, only with more personality). These include: hair bands, book covers, draw-string bags, assorted pencil cases/purses/zippered pouches, felt keyrings, tote bags, tissue cases, napkins, felt envelopes, water-bottle covers, and scarves. Because of the practical nature of these projects, I have found this book to be far more useful that its predecessors. I love making cute dolls, but I don't have the space to keep them and I feel guilty whenever I make one. However, I can use a water-bottle cover, for example, so have a much easier time justifying making it to myself.
The patterns and projects are slightly more difficult than those in the previous books. Whereas most of the projects in the previous Aronzo craft books could be made by hand-sewing, many of these projects require a sewing machine. Furthermore, some also require techniques, such as quilting and fitting zips, which, although not extremely difficult, may cause problems for absolute beginners. Nevertheless, as with the other books, the instructions are fully illustrated and easy to follow, and colour photographs are provided throughout.
"Cute Stuff" provides patterns and instructions for making 16 different Aronzo character-themed projects (if you aren't familiar with the Aranzi Aronzo characters, check out the Aronzo website, [...] - they're sort of like the Sanrio/Hello Kitty characters, only with more personality). These include: hair bands, book covers, draw-string bags, assorted pencil cases/purses/zippered pouches, felt keyrings, tote bags, tissue cases, napkins, felt envelopes, water-bottle covers, and scarves. Because of the practical nature of these projects, I have found this book to be far more useful that its predecessors. I love making cute dolls, but I don't have the space to keep them and I feel guilty whenever I make one. However, I can use a water-bottle cover, for example, so have a much easier time justifying making it to myself.
The patterns and projects are slightly more difficult than those in the previous books. Whereas most of the projects in the previous Aronzo craft books could be made by hand-sewing, many of these projects require a sewing machine. Furthermore, some also require techniques, such as quilting and fitting zips, which, although not extremely difficult, may cause problems for absolute beginners. Nevertheless, as with the other books, the instructions are fully illustrated and easy to follow, and colour photographs are provided throughout.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
79 Pages of the most amazingly adorable stuff that you can make at home for very little money will entertain you for hours on end and make your home-made gifts the sensation of your neighborhood! As the author says, "Just carrying cute stuff around can make you feel happy."
Using simple things easily found at any crafts store, the book will teach you to go from gathering your supplies together to making your patterns and finishing your projects.
Oh! And the projects are so original. The long doll scarves, the book covers, the key rings, hair ornaments and more will send you over the moon with delight!
This is a goldmine of stuff to make that you will treasure and have fun using!
Using simple things easily found at any crafts store, the book will teach you to go from gathering your supplies together to making your patterns and finishing your projects.
Oh! And the projects are so original. The long doll scarves, the book covers, the key rings, hair ornaments and more will send you over the moon with delight!
This is a goldmine of stuff to make that you will treasure and have fun using!
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly recommended for the novelty of its individual crafts projects
April 4, 2008
Format:Paperback
In "Cute Stuff", crafts expert Aranzi Aronzo presents patterns and step-by-step instructions for a wide variety of colorful, interesting, and, well, 'cute' do-it-yourself crafts projects ranging from matching purses, tissue holders, and key rings, to hair bands, eco-friendly bags, and card holders. "Cute Stuff" is comprised of some 79-pages of crafts project in a 'how to' collection offering diversity of specific, fun, projects complete with a list of necessary materials, methodical construction instructions, and a full page color photograph of how they will look when completed. Of special note is are the little introductory commentaries that preface each project. Thoroughly 'user friendly', "Cute Stuff" is highly recommended for the novelty of its individual crafts projects, and the many, many hours of personal pleasure and sense of accomplishment they will afford.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is ideal for a beginner! The patterns are easy to use and the directions are very simple to follow!
I love this book!
I love this book!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I love this book. I have made approx 6 projects from it and all have earned rave reviews. I don't have kids and I love this stuff. My friends kids love it too but they can't have it. Get a job and get your own book kid! This book cheers me up when I'm down just by looking through it. It's better than a boyfriend. Maybe I should aim higher when it comes to boyfriends. But this book is great! I highly recommend it to any cute-deficient crafter. Life is hard but it can be cute too(mmm, just like boyfriends)!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I love every Aranzi Aronzo book I have, but this one is just great for my daughter and I both. Lots of Japanese style mascots and crafts, and many of them are made with felt and can be done by hand. Tissue covers, easy running stitch embroidery (that's just impossibly cute), water bottle holders, and lots of bags. There are some simply adorable keyring patterns I can't wait to try. It's fun and inspiring. I think I'm going to have my daughter decide on a project, then draw her own character up we can make a pattern for.
The instructions are well written and very cute, and there is a conversational feel to the project descriptions that made me laugh out loud at times. I'm glad I got it.
The instructions are well written and very cute, and there is a conversational feel to the project descriptions that made me laugh out loud at times. I'm glad I got it.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Heather
Format:Paperback
I can't praise this book highly enough. The basic projects are simple to make, but also highly functional. The emphasis on "making things the way you like" gives this book a welcoming feel.
There are few projects in this book that you can't add a felt appliqué to, making it easy to personalize your projects.
In addition to the great projects and patterns in this book, the book itself is a joy to read-- if you're anything like me, the writing will have you in stitches (pun intended)!
There are few projects in this book that you can't add a felt appliqué to, making it easy to personalize your projects.
In addition to the great projects and patterns in this book, the book itself is a joy to read-- if you're anything like me, the writing will have you in stitches (pun intended)!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Seriously, this is one of the better books out there with "cute" projects. The simple construction of the projects is what initially sparked my interest in this book. Even if you don't own a sewing machine (I do) you could still make most if not all of these projects. The sewing machine just might make it less time-consuming.
Mini tote bags, hair accessories, pencil pouches, etc... All things you could actually use, and would make great gifts for someone!
My 6 year old daughters actually like me to "read" them this book and show them the instruction diagrams, patterns, etc. Really! It's obviously translated into English from Japanese, in a fun, happy way! Going thru the how-to's of a project makes my kids smile.
If you are looking for detailed, exact patterns this probably isn't the book for you. But there are templates and cutting/sewing directions with measurements, so it's easy to do yourself! I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking to do simple crafts, not just for kids!
Mini tote bags, hair accessories, pencil pouches, etc... All things you could actually use, and would make great gifts for someone!
My 6 year old daughters actually like me to "read" them this book and show them the instruction diagrams, patterns, etc. Really! It's obviously translated into English from Japanese, in a fun, happy way! Going thru the how-to's of a project makes my kids smile.
If you are looking for detailed, exact patterns this probably isn't the book for you. But there are templates and cutting/sewing directions with measurements, so it's easy to do yourself! I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking to do simple crafts, not just for kids!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very cute, pretty basic.
I thought this was a very cute book, my 3-year old found a number of products that she wanted me to make for her.
Published on March 29, 2011 by HRBLindberg
5.0 out of 5 stars
Super Cute Sewing Projects
This book is exactly what I was looking for as a new sewer. Sure, it's narrated by two bunnies but who wouldn't want to learn to sew from two bunnies? Read more
Published on February 21, 2011 by Heremeow
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cute, but not exactly what I thought
I saw this book had a lot of good reviews and the view things I could see on the cover was cute. So ordered it, it came faster then the expected date which is a plus. Read more
Published on October 29, 2010 by Meranda
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cute Stuff
I love this book! It is so cute and easy to manage. I'm working on my first project now - although I don't have too much time to work on it, the book clearly takes you on a step by... Read more
Published on April 16, 2009 by Julianna
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great for Teens
My daughter loves this series and we recommend it for all the wonderful ideas. Suggestion would be that patterns be separate from bound book to make it simpler to copy.
Published on December 20, 2008 by Susan Marens
5.0 out of 5 stars
LOVE IT! TOO CUTE!!
This extremely cute book is for all ages, kids who want to learn how to sew and anyone interested in making adorable crafts! Read more
Published on December 12, 2008 by Kaley Quinn
5.0 out of 5 stars
so many projects, so little time!
i love this book. the projects are simple, and the instructions are very detailed. i haven't had any problems making anything in this book so far. and the results are TOO CUTE! Read more
Published on September 15, 2008 by Jennifer Okumura
3.0 out of 5 stars
Dissapointed
My 13 yo has ripped through Aranzi's Cute Book this summer. After years of doing craft projects that were fun, but not fun enough that she wanted to repeat, she has found one she... Read more
Published on August 4, 2008 by Laurel F. Parker
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