Customer Reviews

Simply Sublime Gifts: High-Style, Low-Sew Projects to Make in a Snap

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I loved Simply Sublime Bags, but this book is even more up my alley, since I'm not a big sewer (though there are plenty of sewing projects if you are). I like that every project is rated for difficulty/time, and many rely on cleverness as much as craftiness--eg, nothing could be easier than the baby onesie personalized with a "Hello My Name Is" transfer--but how adorable a baby gift is that?! There are easy but elegant hand towels, fabric note cards, the adorable chamois Jammies and that amazing Wonder Bread apron on the cover--lots of great ideas for me to make for Christmas gifts that look sophisticated or adorable, but don't scream "handmade" or "cutesy-crafty." Fun things for crafty tweens and teens to do, too.

I was deeply disappointed with this book which relies on iron-on transfers or computer printout art to produce the adult equivalent of kindergarden craft. Tha pretty apron on the cover is made by ironing plastic bag packaging from a brand-name product onto plain white fabric. The "chammy jammies" are made with what I would call yellow dusters.... 100% guarenteed to shrink and to turn an entire wash bright yellow. How popular will you be then???

This book will be useless to me and my daughter. I rarely write a reveiw, but the glowing reveiws of this book are far off the mark, imho.

I received this as a gift and immediately decided that I needed to log on and buy a couple more to give as gifts myself. Simply Sublime Gifts makes you feel good from the moment you lay eyes on it. It excudes warmth, whimsy and style in a very non-threatening away. Initially I thought a few of the projects were a little intimidating because I don't really sew. In fact, I've been known to ask my husband to sew on the random lost button :). However, I was quickly taken in by all the projects I knew I could do with ease! The projects are the perfect level of challenge without being overwhelming. The author makes you feel like you're hanging out with her in a cozy retro kitchen with your craft supplies strewn over the kitchen table as she warmly takes you step by step through these awesome crafty adventures with a heavy dose of humor and fun! My first project was the duct tape belt that I made with my 12 year old daughter...in fact we made 3 different ones while we were at it! My 75 year old mother glanced at the book (pretty enough for the coffee table by the way)and said she wanted to make the handtowels to make as a hostess gift for an upcoming dinner party she was going to. My younger daughter chose the shrinky dink type necklaces to make as favors for her upcoming 11 birthday. Although i received this as a gift, it is clear to me that it is a purchse that would quickly pay for itself. Let's face it, times are still a little tough..if I can purchase a gorgeous book that allows me to make quick, classy gifts for $10 or less (over and over again)its money very well spent! Have fun!!!

After reading all the glowing reviews for this book, I decided to treat myself in hopes that it would have ideas for some gifts for the upcoming holiday season. I wish I had treated myself to something else.

This book is NOT for crafty people, it's for people who don't have a creative bone in their bodies. If you really are crafty, you've probably already come up with 90% of these gift "ideas" on your own, as a teenager.

Sachets made of dish towels? Done that. In Junior High. Fabric glued to card stock to make your own cards? Done that, and have even had KIDS do it. Seriously, about the only original project idea in this book is the wonder bread apron on the cover, and maybe the Christmas stockings made of oil cloth, but seriously, who wants a PLASTIC stocking anyway?

The other major downer with this book is that about 80% of the projects require you to buy expensive specialty supplies, such as printable fabric sheets, iron on vinyl, and even silicone cupcake wrappers (about $10 each in my neck of the woods. Ouch.)

If you are adept with scissors and glue, but are unable to come up with any kind of creative idea of your own, this book might be for you. If you have ever made up your own project, save your money. I wish I had.

I had been waiting for this book -- I LOVED the author's first book, SIMPLY SUBLIME BAGS, which provided me and my daughter many fun and innovative projects -- and this book is even better! I don't know how the author comes up with these ideas. Dare I say she's a genius? Well, at least a craft and creative superstar. I've already made 3 projects in the first 2 days of having the book. (I'm going to be giving the fabric cans for the holidays, so watch out friends and family!) There are so many projects -- and each one is better than the next. The directions are really clear -- so far it's one of the best...if not the best!...craft book I have (and I have them all). Thank you.

I am one of those people who LOVE homemade gifts--and I always mean well and want to make some,too--but the truth is, I'm a little bit IMPAIRED when it comes to thinking up how to do things like this. Luckily for me, Jodi Kahn has spelled out exactly what needs to be done. She has not only great projects but great instructions, too. And the projects are ranked so I will know when I deserve a special high five for creating one of the harder ones. I love the fabric note cards (that's where I'm going to start) but I also have my eye on the dishtowel quilt as my ultimate goal.

I went looking for this book when it came out after having read the author's "Simply Sublime Bags." This book has many different projects, and the instructions are clear. Having not been a "crafty" person until the last few years, I've never heard of "Shrinky Dinks" and printing computer designs with an ink jet printer so as to tranfer it to fabric and tons of other ideas. I plan to make most of the projects just to learn. I have a very creative friend who was not as impressed with the book and recognized the techniques, but I'm blown away. So much in one book. I recommend it.

Initially I bought this book looking for something a little different because it seems everything is "same-o-same-o" with nothing new on the horizon. When received, and briefly scanned, thought I made a mistake because it appeared to be geared more toward young people and their tastes but, when I had time to finally sit down and really peruse it, I found some unique items that, even at my age (no, I'm not telling!), could be adapted into some interesting and unusual gifts. As always, I think a lot of books turn people off initially and, for some, permanently, simply by the overuse of color. If you can get past some of the color choices and think how it would look in your favorite colors you will, also, see the unique possibilities offered.

Yvonne

I was delighted with this craft book. I am a grandmother who enjoys doing crafts with my grandchildren and this book was terrific. Not only were the ideas cleaver and very useable, they were made easy to follow with excellent layouts and wonderful pictures. I also found many gifts that would be great gifts for me to make myself and give as hostess gifts and baby gifts. I highly recommend this book for personal use and a wonderful idea to give for Christmas presents.

These days I usually try to check out books from the library but I am so glad I bought this one. There are so many fun ideas in here. My favorite are the cupcake pincushions. My daughter and I spent the afternoon making them and we will give them to our friends for gifts. I love that the author has so many projects that use materials that we already have at home. I recommend this book and I am so glad I don't have to return it to the library. Enjoy!!