InstaCraft Book Review

How do I distress from life?  I get crafty, instead of crabby.  Starting with a small project is key.  I came across a great book, InstaCraft,  by Alison Caporimo.  It has 50 fun and simple projects for adorable gifts and décor.  The brick bookends is one of my favorite projects.

Photo: Meera Lee Patel

Don’t you just love these bookends to group your favorite reads together?  Customize the spine with the title of  a favorite book for a personalized gift.   Follow these simple instructions to make your own.

MATERIALS
Two bricks
Acrylic paints
Fine-point paint pens

DIRECTIONS
Wash bricks with water
Once dry, coat one edge with acrylic paint
Use paint pen to write out book title
Let dry

TIP
The more battered the brick, the better.  Nicks and bumps supply a great textured canvas for the paint and make for vintage-looking spines.

Another InstaCraft  project is creating designer-inspired French jewelry with an old locket and two coats of colorful nail polish.  I find crafting to be a great way to slow things down and spend time with my teen daughter making something together, instead of driving to the mall.

Whether you’re a crafting pro or newbie, InstaCraft shows you how to turn 5 minutes, a few simple household items, and your own creativity into stylish, personalized trinkets and accessories.  Happy crafting!