Fathers Day.

This is my Dads book. He gave me it when I was maybe 9 or 10, I think. Its full of the most amazing illustrations. I've mentioned it before but my Dad is the reason that I love and know so much about nature and animals, specifically birds. We used to refer to this book all the time when I saw something I didn't recognise, and I still do that now. There was never any bird my did didn't know everything about. I'd test him, picking a page at random and he never had any problems.

To celebrate my all-knowing Dad, today Dixon and me are hoping on the train back to my home town where we're going for a meal with my parents, my brother and his fiancees, and her parents. Here is to all Dads. Enjoy your day whatever you have planned.

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Clare Young - Folk Art Needlecraft

I have been slowly building up a collection of craft books recently; They're an endless source of inspiration for me! I'm excited to share this particular craft book with you, it has helped me out so much lately. Folk Art Needlecraft is full of amazing ideas for cute things you can make for around the house or wear. You'll learn how to make zipper make-up pouches (which I have gone crazy for), the most beautiful picnic bag, pillows, quilts, hats and the sweetest little dolls.



This isn't just a basic how-to collection though, right at the back you have a selection of amazing motif templates. Clare Young has pulled inspiration from all over the world, from Peru to India to Spain! These designs make your home-made pieces into something your friends will pick up and swoon over (I mean, I definitely would!). It shows you what stitches to use too, to make the design perfect.

Thats my favourite part of the whole book; the super straight forward illustrations on a selection of different embroidery stitches. I found this bit so amazingly helpful. I had no idea adding a few different type of stitches could make something look so much more professional!

I was super excited to get started on one of the projects. I didn't know which one to choose! I decided on a Reindeer Pillow (because the design was the cutest!). It gave me chance to practise and master a bunch of amazing stitches. The bullion knots was once my nemesis, now though? Easy! I'm about half way through now (it has taken me a whillle to get to this stage). What do you think? I am pretty happy with it so far :)

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This little book is perfect for beginners and masters alike. You can pick it and follow a step by step from start to finish, or pick out a embroidery design to add to anything you like. If you want to give the beautiful book a try, and I really really recommend it Folk Art Needlecraft by Clare Youngs is published by Cico Books at £12.99 and is available from www.cicobooks.com.

Gemma Correll - A Pugs Guide to Etiquette

Gemma Correll is a super talented and funny illustrator. I've been a fan of her work for a while, so I was very excited when Cico books offered to send me a copy of her new book- A Pugs guide to Etiquette. Upon receiving it I was so happy to see Gemma hasn't veered away from her usual sense of humour. Expect fart references and butt sniffing.

The Pugs Guide to Etiquette is 64 pages full of amazingly cute puggish illustrations. Filled with hilarious rules on how exactly a pug should act to up-hold its breeds reputation. Through the book you'll learn how such well-bred pups should hold themselves in certain situations; from grooming to sports. You'll find out when it's acceptable to lick (Answer: Always) and what after-dinner entertainment your guests will enjoy. The 'Entertaining' chapter had me in fits of giggles through-out.

I highly recommend the Pugs Guide to Etiquette for all dog fanciers and lovers, whether a pug owner or not. I also recommend a look over at Gemmas amazingly funny blog roll, it keeps me entertained daily. Her narrative illustrations has me snorting (the herbivore dinosaur is me all over). 

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A Pug’s Guide to Etiquette by Gemma Correll is published by Dog ‘N’ Bone at £9.99 and is available from www.cicobooks.com.

Wreck This Journal

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I want to share something with you. I was given this amazing little wreck it journal by Dixons sister this Christmas (Thanks Lindsey!!). I'd never heard of Keri Smith before, but man, I love it! It has been travelling everywhere with me. Every time I have a minute I flick to a page and do whatever it says. There are some quick ones and some pages to collect things too. I love when books look weathered and worn, it means they're loved right? So this is perfect. The only problem with it is I want to do everything in it now! I've made paper planes, pressed leaves and drawn with my mouth. I'm worried it wont last me the year!

Keri has a whole load of other books in her store, I highly recommend them! Especially as a gift. Have you wrecked a journal?

Mo' books.

I set myself a reading challenge a short while back, to sweep up the books I am mid-way through so that I could start a-fresh in the new year. I mentioned there that I am one hell of a slow reader. Well, I didn't do very well at tackling them. Actually, I didn't get around to finishing one! I guess I didn't think about Christmas being a pretty busy time of year for me. 

Anyway, I am still going to get those books out of the way. And, when 2013 hits I'm going to get a whole new bunch of books and get back into writing my weekly book posts. I really love sharing my books thoughts with you guys. These are the 5 I want to get first;

// How to Make Love Like a Porn Star: A Cautious Tale - Jenna Jameson // The Last Night of the Earth Poems - Bukowski // Serial Killers: The World's Most Evil - Nigel Blundell // Haunted - Chuck Palahniuk // My Time - Bradley Wiggins //

They are a mixture of my interests, loves and it also includes a few kinds of books that I wouldn't usually read; Non-fiction. I first heard of 'How to make love like a porn star' over on Kaylahs blog and man, does she have awesome reading taste, it went straight onto my wish list. This Serial Killer book was recommended to me as a good introduction to true crime books. I am weirdly interested in all things to do with serial killers, I read tonnes about them online but this will be my first book about the subject. I get huge teenage crushes on sport stars all the time, and Bradley Wiggins is way up there. He's my absolute hero and I can't wait to hear more about his life. And finally, the old faithfuls;  Palahniuk and Bukowski, two of my favourite authors so naturally their books made it on here.

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As always, I would love to hear any recommendations from you guys! Whether its similar to things you know I read, or completely different, please let me know. I'm always looking to broaden my reading horizons.