The world of craftsters is full of things Japanese Cute - kawaii, and the look created by Aranzi Aronzo is familiar to many but not until now has a single one of the hundreds of bootleg American copies they've sold been in English. Finally these priceless books of mascots, accessories, clothing and well, just about everything, come in ready-to-read English!
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Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Adult/High School—This quirky little craft book has a "Hello Kitty" feel; it's a how-to manual for creating small felt mascots that induce smiles but apparently have no serious purpose. There is an illustrated table of contents, and the book includes patterns and instructions for making 19 different creatures. There are also instructions for making a kidnapper, a bad guy, a liar, and an alien. Narrators White Rabbit and Brown Bunny, two of the felt mascots, assure readers that "you can do this…it's fun and easy." The book assumes no knowledge of or previous experience with handicrafts and opens with an illustrated spread listing basic supplies and explaining techniques. Each pattern is introduced with an amusing thumbnail biography of the mascot, and encouraging words to readers. The tone is light and goofy, but the instructions are clear, with numbered diagrams and photographs of finished work. The book concludes with appliqué techniques and photographs of suggested uses for and misuses of the mascots (e.g., use as a bookmark is not recommended as it looks painful). This book will appeal to young teens interested in crafting and could also be used in a library craft program.—Sondra VanderPloeg, Tracy Memorial Library, New London, NH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
“I therefore give The Cute Book my highest recommendation: It’s a craft book that really works. Unlike, say, Martha Stewart, the Aranzi Aronzo people have come up with patterns that look good even when ordinary people make them.” - Manga Blog
“Most of the patterns fall in the “Oh, how cute” category, but there are several with guy appeal.
Get this book! Kids, teens, and adults will all want to borrow it.”- The yayayas
“It seems like a bit of a bold move to call something ‘The Cute Book’ because you better be sure you can deliver. Luckily Aranzi Aronzo is in the business of delivering on cute.” - http://www.Thimble.ca
“Whether you’ve dedicated an entire room in your house to “crafting” or break out in hives at the mere mention of gimp, it’s hard to deny the weirdly winsome appeal of Aranzi Aronzo’s DIY books”.- Popcultureshock
“Most of the patterns fall in the “Oh, how cute” category, but there are several with guy appeal.
Get this book! Kids, teens, and adults will all want to borrow it.”- The yayayas
“It seems like a bit of a bold move to call something ‘The Cute Book’ because you better be sure you can deliver. Luckily Aranzi Aronzo is in the business of delivering on cute.” - http://www.Thimble.ca
“Whether you’ve dedicated an entire room in your house to “crafting” or break out in hives at the mere mention of gimp, it’s hard to deny the weirdly winsome appeal of Aranzi Aronzo’s DIY books”.- Popcultureshock
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought this book for the tiny felt projects, then found that the text is also very "kawaii" and fun. I took the book with me on a car ride with my family, read the text out loud, and we laughed ourselves senseless over the stories. The strangely weird names and tiny stories about each of the characters does add considerably to the charm of this book. For example, there is a "kidnapper" doll and an alien doll amidst the familiar bunny, teddy and kitty. I personally do not see making a kidnapper in the near future, but if I ever need one, say, to kidnap a tiny teddy, I have the pattern to make one. The projects are very simple and need few materials and sewing expertise. If you've crafted with felt before, you'll have no problem getting started with these projects. The layout and presentation of this small volume are appealing, detailed and colorful. This is my first Aronzo book and I look forward to seeing more. Also, if you are easily amused by strange cute stuff but are not a crafter, you will want this book.
28 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is simply the easiest (& cutest) little craft book out. When my daughter is old enough, I plan on using this book to break her into the wide world of hand sewing. The layout is excellent & the instructions could not possibly be any clearer. If you like making simply little animals & don't want it to take all day? This is book for you. It also contains excellent ideas on what to do with the little creatures once you've made them.
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful
By It's Just Me
Format:Hardcover
I saw this book in the bookstore, and I couldn't resist buying it. The book show directions for making a different little character on every two pages. Each set of directions contains pattern pieces that can be used as are, or can be enlarged or shrunk. The sewing instructions are super clear, and all stitches are shown at the beginning of the book.
The directions are so simple that a child as young as seven or eight could make these with a bit of help. For the older person, there are instruction on how to make a larger stuffed animal by doubling some pattern pieces and enlarging the pattern. There are also applique instructions for putting these little animals on bags, clothing, etc. Finally, instructions also explain how to make keychains, bookmarks, and ponyail holders.
Pictures are great, too. The photographs depict their stuffed animals creating the little mascots, and the line drawings are clear.
The part I like best about this book, as with most Japanese books I have seen, is the translation. It makes me laugh. Here's a great quote: "Everyone will say, 'how cute!' (we promise) People will be jealous and might even resent you. Be careful... Nice felt mascots. Crazy felt mascots. Bravo! Felt mascots!" Can't go wrong with something like that. :-)
The directions are so simple that a child as young as seven or eight could make these with a bit of help. For the older person, there are instruction on how to make a larger stuffed animal by doubling some pattern pieces and enlarging the pattern. There are also applique instructions for putting these little animals on bags, clothing, etc. Finally, instructions also explain how to make keychains, bookmarks, and ponyail holders.
Pictures are great, too. The photographs depict their stuffed animals creating the little mascots, and the line drawings are clear.
The part I like best about this book, as with most Japanese books I have seen, is the translation. It makes me laugh. Here's a great quote: "Everyone will say, 'how cute!' (we promise) People will be jealous and might even resent you. Be careful... Nice felt mascots. Crazy felt mascots. Bravo! Felt mascots!" Can't go wrong with something like that. :-)
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I am a novice with the needle and have little time and skill to make big projects, even though I admire all those gorgeous crafts on etsy. The Cute Book enables even a novice to complete fun stuffed mascots quickly. It includes easy, simplistic patterns for several animals, including a cat, dog, fish, squirrel, hippo, frog, bird, sheep, etc. You can use wool felt or those twenty-cent felt squares available at craft stores. Because the mascots are so small, only a couple of inches (unless you enlarge the patterns), a low-cost investment in felt squares, needles, embroidery floss, and polyester fill will make many little toys or appliques. Clear, illustrated instructions on the few stitches recommended, even a straight stitch and a french knot. (Hint: I do not bother gluing on ears or limbs because it is just easy to stitch them in as you sew the bodies.) Fun, easy, cute...right? Just to make sure it's not too sappy, the book also includes not only a robot and alien but also a liar, bad guy, and kidnapper ("Kidnapper's job is to steal kids. That white bag is his work bag.") The menacing and twisted side of Aranzi Aronzo. The last couple of pages of the book offer photographs of various projects, including appliques on shirts and tote bags, mascots on hair clips, etc., and it's fabulous that the section is titled: "You Can Do That."
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By NxtDrGrrl
Format:Hardcover
I found this book at the bookstore last night and I couldn't resist. There are very clear, concise instructions on how to create the characters within, including other uses for the design. It's less than 50 pages, but chockful of cuteness.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By serendipity
Format:Hardcover
Although i got this book a few weeks ago, i attempted my first project yesterday. As the title states, all of the projects are VERY cute! And there is definitely something for everyone. I am a beginner sewer, so this is something that was perfect for me. Cut, glue, and sew. Tada! Cute little cat! The projects cost very little to complete, but can be a little time consuming. Little knowledge of sewing is necessary, and the only items you need are: felt, glue, scissors, embroidery thread, a needle, fiber fill, and tracing paper. The written instructions aren't very clear, but for the most part the pictures are self-explanatory.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I'm from Australia and we dont get the range of books that appear here on Amazon. I read the reviews to help me purchase items, so I hope this helps someone else. This book is very kawaii (cute)! There are many great little characters to make ( I want to make them all) and the instructions are very clear and simple with diagrams. Basically the instructions are for a small felt mascot. They also have pictures at the back which shows how you can use the patterns for different applications - large softies or for applique work. The book has great pictures and illustrations and inspires you make your own mascots as well! Definitely purchase this book if you are into Japanese craft/aesthetic!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Overpriced
For what is inside this book it is entirely overpriced. All of these products can easily be made by just looking at a picture. Not worth the money.
Published 2 months ago by Rach
5.0 out of 5 stars
The title is correct
This is a cute book. Made something right away for my granddaughter from the book. Have others marked for making..can't wait..
Published 2 months ago by Lizabeth Peters
5.0 out of 5 stars
Your wife will love you!
If your wife is into crafts, she'll go crazy when she gets this book. Full color, great pics and nice descriptions.
Published 6 months ago by Iboughtthis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outside-the-Box Adorableness
I love this book. I should also say that I own all the other in this series.
While not every little character is cute [some of them WILL make you say aloud, "what the... Read more
While not every little character is cute [some of them WILL make you say aloud, "what the... Read more
Published on January 5, 2011 by Yukarin
5.0 out of 5 stars
A thoughtful gift!
A friend of mine gave me this, and I immediately set to work making little presents for everyone. It's not hard, it's just so much easier to have the pattern all proportioned out... Read more
Published on November 25, 2010 by A. Dimova
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not so cute
I love finding craft books, especially when I expect the crafts to be whimsical and, like the title claims, cute. This book was one of those mistake purchases. Read more
Published on September 14, 2010 by Michelle Jean
4.0 out of 5 stars
the cute book
great craft book. easy to follow directions and hours of fun. great value. easy for beginner sewers and can be modified for a new sew time as well.
Published on July 4, 2010 by sewsunshine
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Cute Book
I LOVE this book.
I made three of the animals.
Easy and adorable!
I made three of the animals.
Easy and adorable!
Published on June 25, 2010 by notevenclosetoempty
3.0 out of 5 stars
Get the Cute Stuff Instead
I got the Cute Stuff book from the library and loved it. So I figured I'd buy it along with this one for the ultimate cute. Read more
Published on February 23, 2010 by SabbathLily
3.0 out of 5 stars
Mixed bag of patterns
After making more than half of the felties in Nelly Pailloux's Felties I started poking around for other similar books. I located this one, took a look at it at and purchased it. Read more
Published on December 13, 2009 by Mint910
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