Craft Your Own Happy

UK maker Ford calls many of her two-dozen-plus designs "Kawaii," or Japanese for cute. Her first collection, she notes, was inspired by a search to cure anxiety,remedied by mindfulness creation. Truly simple to fashion, and requiring little in monetary outlay and effort, these 25 projects examine the ways in which crafting, even for a few minutes, can catapult readers into a flow state, distracting and calming anxious minds. Some of the offerings: a pompom footstool, clay diorama, pressed flower phone case, and toast-shaped make-up bag (complete with a face!). Templates at the end enable success, while captioned color photographs of how-tos, complete "needed materials" lists, and step-by-step directions support making activities. Many of Ford's comments will resonate in these pandemic days, like “there’s something therapeutic about gently stabbing a piece of merino wool repeatedly” and “being organized is a form of self-care.” ~Booklist

“Crafters, especially beginners, and lovers of kawaii will be sure to find something they like in this book with its wide variety of projects. Recommended also for those looking for fun projects to do with children.” ~Library Journal