Willow: A Guide to Growing and Harvesting - Plus 20 Beautiful Woven Projects

 

Since helping my Grandmother as a young girl, I've wanted to try weaving again but forgotten all but the basics. Willow grows nearby and dries lovely. I've kept to making wreaths because they're simple. This book gives me the techniques and procedures, with templates, to make more involved projects. Simply told, excellent photographs and broken down into digestible segments that make it look easy. This book is a treasure.

#SarahWeal #naturecrafts #weaving #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #jennycrisp

Ellie Claire 365-Day Devotional Journals

A joy to own! The shiny covers and insides are all gorgeous, made of heavy paper with beautiful designs. They're archive quality, non-bleed paper and made with acid-free paper and ink. They have a color coordinated elastic band to hold the book shut and a ribbon bookmark. The colors are rich and so very pretty. Each has a place under the devotional for the day to write your own journaling, lists and thoughts. It will look beautiful on your table or stand. There's a place in the front to write in your own personalization - excellent for gifting.

 

The Earth Is The Lord's and Everything In It

As the title says, this has a naturalist theme. If you love nature and the outdoors, you will enjoy this devotional (I do!). It has a beautiful peacock on the cover and each page, beautiful turquoise hues throughout that really appeal to me. One of the devotions is Devine Design. It asks if you had ever considered the purpose of fire ants, mosquitos or houseflies. If God designed the insects with such purpose, we know He designed us for far more.  Psalm 139:15 & 16 are quoted. Another mentions the beauty of flowers, singling out the Bradford Pear tree. It is a beautiful tree, with very pretty flowers, but the scent is horrible (we witnessed this in the spring in North Carolina - it's true!). 2 Corinthians 2:16 is referenced. You'll find that the journaling lines are slightly wider apart, perhaps encouraging decorative writing.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Quite different in that the devotionals start with a line from a Christian song or hymn and finish with a quote from the bible.  One is titled Shield of the Spirit, saying that seven times throughout Psalms it says to take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings. I’ve always loved that image and find hope in it.  The cover and pages are really pretty with peach and cream colored flowers and feels slightly textured. Feminine and precious.

Peace Begins With Me

Each devotional starts with scripture and inspires finding peace by praising God. Beautiful marble design works for male or female readers. Simple yet elegant. Some examples from the book:  It’s In Our DNA. It references Genesis and mentions how many million men and women are on the planet right now, all made in God’s image. Amazing to consider. Another is titled The Battle Cry referencing Exodus, saying you need only be still.  The devotions are comforting and indeed peaceful, something we can all use in our daily life. The smooth cover feels cool to the touch yet seems to invite being held.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received these books free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Botanical Beauty - 80 Essential Recipes for Natural Spa Products by Aubre Andrus

I have an autoimmune disease, am very sensitive and I have to watch my diet and be careful of artificial additives. I was looking for some natural solutions for hair and body, so I thought I'd take a look at this. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. Over the years I've seen recipes for home made beauty products and I've never been impressed. But this book is full of great ideas and recipes that I can't wait to try.

Simple, natural healthy ingredients you mix together in the right proportions. Since there are no preservatives or chemicals, they have a shorter shelf life. But the idea of freshly made products appeals to me too. There are some ingredients that I truly would never think of using.

I was also pleased to see great packaging ideas and cool tricks. Neat things to do with nail polish, a plastic sandwich bag, ribbons and cardstock.  Make neat foam pedicure slippers, hair holders and towel wraps.

A good investment!

I received this book from the Publisher in return for an honest review. My remarks are my own opinion about the book.

From the Publisher:
Botanical Beauty from Capstone
Soak, scrub, and soothe your way to relaxation with simple homemade spa recipes from award-winning author Aubre Andrus. Using some of nature’s best ingredients, such as beeswax, sugar, coconut oil, shea butter, avocado, sea salt, essential oils, and more, craft everything from a Cooling Peppermint Hand Cream to a Vanilla Honey Body Scrub. Make practical products, like your own all-natural Bugs-Be-Gone Insect Repellent, Minty Homemade Toothpaste, and Natural Shaving Cream. Or pamper yourself after a long day with a Re-energizing Tub Tea, Lovely Lavender Bath Salts, and a Deep Conditioning Treatment. Nourish your body from head to toe with these organic, handmade recipes and crafts, or package them as a gift to share a fresh, fun spa experience.


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