A Few of my Favorite Books this Christmas

I've been inundated with lovely books this season and I thought that I'd share my favorites with you.

My newest favorite children's book author is Kate Decamillo. My mom gave the kids The Tale of Despereaux and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane when she came for Q's birth. D read The Tale twice already and I can understand why. Decamillo has an understanding of language and of hearts and she weaves extraordinary tales that capture your soul. I haven't read her other works, but am planning on it. They are like poetry.

I received Custom Cool Jewelry by Melinda Barta from T for Christmas and have found it really inspirational. Yes, it is a jewelry-making how-to book, but the techniques can be applied to any craft. I gave it to J, my sister-in-law for Christmas because she is an extraordinarily gifted artist. I can't wait to see what she creates. (I will post the beautiful Christmas card that she sent us next week. Stunning.)

Of course, my favorite magazines are always on my list of wonderments. I couldn't live happily without my Somerset Life, Somerset Studio, Somerset Memories. (Yeah, a lot of my money goes to Somerset...I do wish they had some sort of multi-subscription discount...) And my Cloth, Paper, Scissors.

However, my all-time favorite book this season is Alicia Paulson's Stitched in Time. (No mom, you are NOT allowed to buy this. (Wink...)) This beautiful book combines the spirit of scrapbooking (memory-keeping) with sewing and it is simply amazing. The photography is stunning. The projects are inspiring and the little essays are oh-so-real and helpful. For example, Paulson dedicates a few pages to how to handle the disappointment displayed when someone does not appreciate/like your handmade gift for them. (Haven't we all had that experience?) When you are done reading this book (I read art books cover to cover like a novel.) you will feel a domestic happiness. You will want to iron that wrinkled tablecloth, place a few garden flowers in a vase and tidy up the floors simply because it makes life beautiful. I don't know how Paulson accomplishes this, but she does. Even if you aren't a sewer, this book is a must. (I repeat, except for you, Mom.)

On a totally unrelated topic, big things are brewing at Bad Girls. January 5th is more than just kit reveal day, it is going to be majorly exciting. I've probably said too much already, but I'm simply bursting at the seams (in more ways than one!) I'm just terrible at keeping secrets. Terrible.