A Year of Creativity: A Craft Date Planner to Meet, Share, and Create

by Petra Hoeksema, Lidy Nooij, Miriam Catshoek

Do something creative every day! In A Year of Creativity , learn how to throw the perfect creative party with your friends—with organizing tips, 25 project ideas, and even recipes for snacks. 

Can’t meet in person? Organize a virtual party to connect with others as you work on the same craft project. Then share your unique results with creative people all over the world.

A “craft date” is a fun get-together with a handful of creative friends in which you surprise each other with craft and DIY projects  using cool materials, inspire each other, and make beautiful things together . At each date, a group of participants share a self-made project to be re-created by the other attendees. Materials are individualized for each participant and given as a unique personal gift along with the instructions for the project. A craft date is different than a workshop since you get to choose the lovely people that you invite, and as the organizer, you get to participate in all the projects. Invitees can put their own spin on the project by using their favorite colors, materials, or techniques. This way you end up with a range of different interpretations and results, leading to new inspiration and ideas.

A Year of Creativity is a book for everyone with a basic knowledge of crocheting, knitting, and sewing. It does not teach you how to crochet or explain how a sewing machine works. There are plenty of other books for that. What it does do is inspire crafting enthusiasts to make something together , learn from each other , and have fun doing it . You’ll find
 
You will share ideas , discover new inspiration , and find new friends while creating  uniquely beautiful aprons , knit garlands , infinity scarves , haberdashery bags ,  cards ,  pencil cases , and more.  Have you had a great craft date or are you working on a neat project and want to show it off? There’s a place for this in the craft dates community. On Instagram, for example, you can tag your photos with, or search for the hashtag  #craftdates . You can have a look at each other’s work, drum up inspiration for your own dates, invite your Insta-friends, or organize a “blind date” with creative people from your town or city that you don’t know yet. A whole world will open up. A very creative world is waiting for you in A Year of Creativity .

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts, Relationships, Art

144 pages, Paperback

Published July 23, 2019

Reviews

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not crafty whatsoever, but if I were and had a lot of crafty friends, I would scoop up this delightful book in a heartbeat, featuring such gorgeous photos and design. It offers 25 fab ideas for creative parties with project ideas and even snack recipes. Invite your friends to make infinity scarves, knit garlands, haberdashery bags, colorful aprons, and more — all while enjoying delicious party dishes. There’s an online instagram community where you can post photos of your creations using hashtag #craftdates. Even suggests inviting Insta-friends you don’t yet know for a “blind date” crafts party to expand your friendship circle and array of creative ideas. A whole new crafty world awaits! 5/5

Pub Date 23 Jul 2019

Thanks to the authors, HarperCollins Publishers and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

#AYearOfCreativity #NetGalley

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was quite a disappointment for me. It looked beautiful (and is) and sounded perfect. I love being creative, and as a mom of five artists and crafters I am always looking for more inspiration for fun crafts for our family to do together. Unfortunately, the title is somewhat misleading. It really should have been something along the lines of "How to Organize Fancy Craft Dates for Your Rich, Uber-Skilled Crafting Friends."

The four authors are friends who live in the Netherlands and have very popular Instagram accounts. They are professional crafters or professional women who craft, and they get together often to have "craft dates" where they work on their stylish craft projects. Various craft companies gave them lots of expensive, beautiful supplies to use (they were all thanked at the end), and all of their craft projects involved coordinating their supplies so they would all match each other and make for great IG posts. All four women are VERY skilled at crocheting, sewing, etc. and the projects expect you to be very skilled too.

Each project involves getting together expensive (generally) craft supplies and then "packaging" them in an elaborate, beautiful way to present it to the group. For instance, you can make these little stamped cloth pyramids filled with aquarium gravel that you use for pattern weights. They are lovely and while I have no need for tiny little pattern weights I can see how they'd be helpful if you did a lot of sewing. You need to buy the materials for them (stamps, coordinating fabrics, waterproof ink, etc.) but then you are supposed to package them for each person's setting. To properly package them, each kit is put into a purchased kraft paper takeout container that is tied with coordinating twine. Then you glue fabric to cardstock to make a little fabric covered card, and then wrap the thread needed in all those colors around a little handmade paper spool shape that you affix to the cloth covered card. Make a handmade tag with each person's name, and then seal the takeout box with black sealing wax that is stamped in a nice design.

These would be really great for very rich, very idle women who do tea and belong to country clubs. They're all beautiful but they're also so over the top. Honestly, I kind of felt like Martha Stewart would be seen as a slacker by these ladies.

This is great crafting inspiration for folks looking for some pretty projects to undertake, but the craft date portion just really turned me off. I love getting together with friends for craft dates but we just grab some supplies, bring some tasty pot luck items and have fun. These projects are beyond my capabilities and also just too perfect and Instagram-worthy for me. That said, it is certainly great crafting eye candy and it's all beautiful. This will be well loved by the authors' fan base, I'm sure. It just wasn't a good fit for me.

My rating system:

1 = hated it
2 = it was okay
3 = liked it
4 = really liked it
5 = love it, plan to purchase, and/or would buy it again if it was lost

I read a temporary digital ARC of the book for the purpose of review.

[Kari Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am always looking for some new ideas. I like some craft ideas. While some of these ideas are really pretty these are for advanced crafters with money and time. A lot of these are either time consuming or expensive. I did like the food ideas and will try a coupe of the recipes but I personally would never pick up this book. If you are an avid crocheter, knitter or sewer this may be a book you enjoy.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully inspirational book for creativity, well laid out, bright and appealing, wonderful ideas for the family or alone time crafting. wonderful

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

[Samantha (Booktiamo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book of creativity. So much inspiration and set out beautifully. Great idea for getting together with friends and crafting away.

[Laurie Garrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know what happened when this book downloaded for me but for some reason my copy was totally messed up, I couldn’t see the majority of the images, list of supplies or the steps, but from what I did get to see I can say this book is great to inspire you and some friends to get together and either pick a project from this book or find a new project and craft together.

Each project you’ll find a supply list along with, step by step instructions with images and has images. There is also a section about the authors and how all of the began and how they went about doing it.

You get several craft projects and a few recipes, most of which are for every skill level of crafter, but there are a few projects for very experienced crafters.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

“A craft date with friends” was too appealing to pass by this avid hostess of girls night craft parties. A Year of Creativity is a quick flip through with about 25 projects, including a few recipes, to host a craft night. Just make sure that your friends have crochet, knit or sewing skills first, as the projects are not for beginners. The projects in this book would not work for my circle of crafting friends but I can see it being used by groups that meet up in yarn shops, etc. Many thanks to Quarto and Netgalley for this ARC for my honest review.

[GONZA · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not good enough for almost all of the stuff that is explained in this book, but the pictures are worthy the price of the book!

Non sono in grado nemmeno di provare a fare piú della metá dei progetti fai da te spiegati in questo libro, ma le bellissime immagini valgono il prezzo del libro!

THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!

[Create With Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the concept behind this book (get together with your friends for a craft night) -
Love the beautiful photography throughout -
Appreciate the information, recipes, techniques and projects provided =
Why host a girl's night out when you can host a girl's night in?

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

A Year of Creativity is a planner with crafting prompts created by a group of four artists from the Netherlands. Originally published in Dutch in 2018, the English translation was released 23rd July 2019 by Quarry on their Quarto imprint. It's 144 pages and available in paperback format.

This is a beautifully appealing book. The photography is so calm and coordinated and the concept of a craft date, where everyone brings supplies for all the attendees to complete similar projects reminds me a bit of the old time quilting bees which I remember from my childhood. The social aspects of crafting together and the interaction and mutual support are so valuable. Here's a short definition from the introduction:

A Craft Date is a fun date with a handful of creative-types in which you surprise each other with craft and DIY projects and specific materials and make beautiful things together.
At each date, a group of participants come up with a self-made project to be carried out by the other attendees and provide everyone with the necessary materials. These materials are chosen based on the specific taste of each attendee and are packaged up and given like a unique personal gift. With these gifts and the step-by-step instructions of the planners in hand, everyone gets to work

The chapter progression is easy to follow and even includes some recipes scattered throughout the book for snacks to have when people come together for social crafting. The page numbers are listed together in the table of contents for easy access. There is a short tutorial chapter which includes very basic instruction for crochet, some fabric related tutorial information, etc. The majority of the page content is used on the 25 project tutorials. The table of contents color codes the tutorials into short-longer-weekend/coop projects, which is very handy.

The projects themselves are stylish and varied. There's a lot of crochet, but there's also some sewing, papercrafting, DIYing, painting, and more. I really love the idea of getting friends together for social crafting with the freedom of not having to all work on the same type of craft! I knit and sew a great deal for charity (hospital preemie department, refugee camps in other parts of the world, knitting for refugees, etc) and I have often thought whilst sitting with my knitting buddies how great it would be if they could hang out with my sewing buddies. Craft dates are the perfect solution! It's interesting to me also how often solutions to problems which have popped up during one crafting process can be solved with a technique from another type of crafting. I bet having people who are crafters of different sorts could well give synergistic benefits and expand our boundaries.

I received an electronic ARC, so I can't evaluate the finishing on the physical book, but I will say that every other aspect, from typesetting and graphics, to photography, to projects and recipes are very well done and meticulously presented.

I loved the included projects. The photography is beautiful and easy to follow. The translation is seamless and I found no errors in the instructions.

5 stars. Lovely job!

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Kitten Kisser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received an advanced readers copy of this book through the Amazon Vine program.

I have been really enjoying this book. The general idea is to create craft dates. They can be day long, surprise, weekend, etc. All you need are a handful of crafty friends. If you have a community center, pass this fun idea along to like minded crafters & see where it takes you! It's a great way to get to know people & maybe even make a few friends. In a time where people get together so they can all stare at their smart phones, isn't it time to get together with crochet hooks & a cuppa instead? The phone will always be there, but a craft date wont.

There are twenty five projects. Some are very simple while others will take a bit more planning. The majority of the projects are done with yarn (mostly crochet). There is also a bit of sewing. If you enjoy paper crafts, most of the packaging ideas for each craft date utilize paper crafts.

This book has not only provided me with fun crafts to set up with others but it has also given me ideas for additional crafts. An example is the adorable pattern weights project. This is a sewing project that is super easy. I decided to make one wee change to the pattern & make triangle shaped little toys for my cats. I stuffed them with catnip & valerian root that I also happen to grow sans chemicals on my little farm. Once complete, I realized they also could resemble Christmas trees, so I'll be looking into some suitable organic cotton fabric to take this little project further. Another fun project is as simple as Granny Squares. The trick is everyone makes their own squares. You then put them all together for a blanket or throw. It makes the project unique. In fact, that is a big part of the book, these craft dates may have the same project, but each person puts their own individual touch into it making it unique to their personality. A great example of this is the Green Yarn project. Everyone made their own cushions out of green colored yarn. They all look great & I love them, but I'm just crazy about the round cushion Miriam made. She even made a matching rug. Very inspirational! I even had a lovely inspiration thanks to one of the packaging ideas. I have a bunch of sturdy packing paper that I'm just itching to play with. Never thought I'd say that to anyone!

The book also includes five recipes so you have something to serve while everyone is crafting. Personally, I'm not crazy about the recipes as I don't cook from a box, I'm a farm to table kind of gal, but I know the average person would probably enjoy these types of recipes. The recipes, like the projects, can also give you ideas to work off of.

The majority of the projects instructions are printed at the back of the book.

An important bit I'd like to point out taken directly from the beginning of the book:

"It is a book for everyone with a basic knowledge of crocheting, knitting, & sewing. We are not going to teach how to crochet or explain how a sewing machine works. There are plenty of other books for that & many videos on the internet. What we do do is try to make everyone enthusiastic about getting together & crafting because it's so much better doing it together than alone..."

I don't know about you, but I'm ready to get crafting with friends & would love to make new crafty friends. Anyone want to join me?

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subtitle of this book states that it is a “craft date planner.” I believe the authors misspoke. When I think of a planner, I think of something that I can write in as I strategize something, whether it's my day or a project. This is really more of a book that introduces the concept of a craft date if you aren't familiar with it and gives some ideas for projects for the group.

The idea of a craft date is to get together with like-minded friends and craft together. Sometimes, the group might work on a single project together, like a gift for a mutual friend. Other times, the group might work individually, each participant making the same project but fashioned for her own likes and dislikes. Another possibility would be to work on a variety of small projects during the craft date time. As you can see, it really depends on what the group wants to do in general and on a particular day.

The bulk of the book is pictures of and directions for a variety of projects that a craft date group could do. In the table of contents, these are color coded to show whether they are short, longer, or cooperative projects. In flipping through the book, none of them looked particularly difficult, which I imagine would be a criterion for a craft date project. The crafts in this book include crochet, knitting, sewing, and even a little straight-up crafting, like making a wooden coat rack or a tool station. When looking at the projects themselves, some were wholly contained within the main portion of the book, while others had directions (partial or complete) in the back of the book. I know this is a long-standing tradition in craft books, but I'm not a particular fan of it, and I don't think it was well done in this book. It made for a very picture-heavy central portion and a very text-heavy end section. There was one project where all it showed were pictures in the main part—four pages worth—and had the directions only in the back. I would have loved to have seen all the directions integrated into the main part with the photographs scattered throughout the project’s section. It just breaks up the tedium of the pages and helps you to see what a project should look like, from a variety of angles, when the directions and the picture are on the same page.

The book definitely has some projects that look like they are worth doing, either alone or in a group. As someone who has crafted off and on throughout her life, this is just the sort of book to fire up my imagination and make me want to break out my favorite crafting tools and have a go. They would be more fun to do with others, that's for sure, especially if the group is made up of truly like-minded individuals.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

The basis of this book is about friends getting together to have a Craft Date. It has lots of details of how this can be organized. Everything from recipes for food to serve to how to package your craft projects for each person participating that day. The object of this Craft Date is to have everyone working on the same project for that session. There are a total of 25 projects: 12 short projects, 5 cooperative or weekend projects, 8 longer projects. Each project shows all 4 of the author’s versions of it. All of the projects are pretty.

Most of these projects are not for beginners at crafting. You have to be already creatively inclined and know about different types of crafts and techniques because things are not explained. First project listed for example is a crochet sleeve for vases, no description of how to do the stitches, just the pattern to follow. Also being that you are using a vase or glass unique to your home it’s going to be different from what the pattern calls for so you need to know how to adjust the pattern to fit your glass. The book doesn’t show in progress pictures as a how-to guide, only the end results. Some material is not even put in with the corresponding project but located in the back of the book. It gets confusing because there is no reason for it not to be together.

I have been involved with monthly craft parties but where everyone has their own project they are working on. To me this works better because everyone has different abilities and are at different skill levels. Then there is the inevitable comparing of projects if everyone is doing the same thing. If you do these craft dates it’s important to have people with your same craft skill level or otherwise it can get competitive and showing up others. The listed projects are such that if you aren’t good at it, it will show very clearly.

I thought this book was just about crafting projects to do, like one a week or something. I didn’t know what it was about until I got into it. If I had known I probably wouldn’t have read it.

I agreed to read this book as an advance copy thru NetGallery. This is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Mechthild · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let your creativity flow
"A Year of Creativity. A Craft Date Planner to Meet, Share, and Create" compiled by Petra Hoeksema, Lidy Nooij, Miriam Catshoek, and Bregje Konings and published by Quarto Publishing - Quarry is a book that wants to bring friends together to recreate a project prepared by one of the participants. This approach is different than a workshop where one might know or might not know the other participants. The goal of those craft dates is to meet, share, and create.
The book starts with basic information such as "How it All Began", "How Does a Craft Date Work?", or "Craft Date - Materials", that will help readers to set up their own craft dates with their friends. It also includes five recipes that can be enjoyed as snacks while crafting and some information about the techniques used.
The book contains 25 projects, e.g. cards, bags, scarfs, and decorations, which are color-coded in the table of content according to the amount of time needed (short projects, longer projects, and weekend or cooperative projects). These projects use various techniques such as crocheting, sewing, or knitting and include ideas how to pack the craft supplies.
I appreciated this creative approach of working together where the invitees can put their own spin on the proposed project and so individualize it. The book contains inspirational photographs and is presented in a great design. Even the packaging of the project provides inspirations to the readers. The book can be recommended for readers with basic skills since the projects are not too complicated but can be used also by advanced crafters.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#AYearofCreativity #NetGalley

[Anjana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never been a very social person, but I like the idea that this book encourages. It is something that was born out of the very idea that it talks about so it is tried and tested. 

It is an odd collection of crochet ideas, food, and other craft ideas to keep the rest of the ideas in order. It gives an approximate method of how (once you have a group of like-minded individuals who are willing to set time aside to help each other sustain the good habits of crochet or the like) to work together in a group in a seamless fashion. It has suggestions of how to record ideas as and when you have them and then to distribute it among the group and work simultaneously on a project all the while working individually. For example, a project could be deciding on an object and colour but the shape and style would be a personal touch. It has the instructions for all four of the authors' input in some of the projects while a few others seem to be specialties of individual authors. None of the food recipes were for me, but some of the crochet ideas are appealing, especially since I recently bought a lot of random yarns.

It is not for uninitiated and only applies to those who like working with their hands and are on the lookout to streamline this habit.

I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but this review is completely based on my own reading experience (and plans for crochet in the future)

[Jason Muckley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Year of Creativity" by crafters Petra Hoeksema, Lidy Nooij, Miriam Catshoek, Bregje Konings presents the ideas of "craft dates," getting together with a group of close friends to do something creative with friends and treats. These dates are filled with lots of laughter, deeper connection and everyone gets a lovely creation they made out of it.

The book is chock full of projects, more than 20 different ideas to follow, requiring varying amounts of time with relative degrees of difficulty. Some projects have little instruction and are fairly straightforward, while other are meticulously outlined. The book is full of helpful photos to guide the reader through steps and to capture the "look" the makers intended.

There are even some tasty treats and comfort foods that are sprinkled throughout the book for the craft dates. This is book is perfect for a tight-knit group of crafter friends looking for some new ideas and challenges to tackle together.

I received this eBook free of charge from Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry Books via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I did not receive any fiscal compensation from either company for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via Netgalley.

What an interesting book! The general idea is that a group of like-minded people plan regular craft get-togethers. That's not really a new idea, but the authors have taken it up a notch by adding custom-made craft kits for each participant. They suggest that each time, one person is in charge of making kits for all the others, with everything each person will need to complete the craft project. To me, this is one step too far, but it may be right up other people's alley.

Pre-planned, identical craft supply kits would be a great idea for a one-off event, such as a party or baby shower, maybe, but for my tastes, it would be too much overplanning for regular craft meetups. Not only is it a lot of work for someone to make all the kits, it could be a little stifling to control what every group member is going to make. This book does have some great project suggestions, though, so I can see using it for ideas, but letting everyone in the group decide on their own particulars. Recommended mainly for the project ideas and inspiration.

[Lyndsey Asgard · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.*

The title instantly made me interested in this book, and where I feel the creativity was more limited to the thread-and-needle type of stuff instead of the broad creativity as a whole as I was expecting, it was still a very enjoyable book for me.

It read very much like multiple blog posts to me. I'm not sure if that's where the book is entirely from, but it would make a lot of sense. From the layouts, to the anecdotes, to the 'how to invite others to your craft date,' and even to the picture quotes with fancy fonts. This isn't necessarily a bad thing either. Just different. It made for a very put together, simple, and easy to read book. It's also quite short, but it has plenty of content in its pages.

Not only are there crafts, but the authors also include some recipes to go along with these craft dates.

Overall, while I feel the title is a little misleading, when you understand what the book is really about, you're in for a different yet very pleasant read.

[Kaitlin Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Year of Creativity: A Craft Planner to Meet, Share and Create by Petra Hoeksema, Lidy Nooij, Miriam Catshoek, Bregje Konings


I was given an advanced reader copy of this by Quarry Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.



I love the whole idea behind this book and I loved how it was executed. There is a great variety of projects in different craft types including: crochet, sewing, inspiration boards, recipes, knitting, painting, inspiration books, embroidery, and yarn dyeing.


It goes through how to organize different types of craft dates as well as how to create tool stations for the day's project. It also goes through how to package the completed project.


I want to make several of the projects from this book including Bregje's Apron, Miriam's Crochet Scarf, and Petra's Oilskin Project Bag.


This is a great book for anyone that like to craft in groups and like to have themed projects.

[April Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun look at how to create craft play dates to enjoy with friends. The book first describes how the four women who wrote it got started in crafting, and how their craft dates first got going. Then we have suggestions for wrapping the materials for the projects, and lots of fun project ideas. Keep in mind, this isn't really a how-to book; you'll need to bring your own knowledge of basic skills with you, or be prepared to research how to do them. The projects included are a place to start, but they lead to many other ideas that would make for a good afternoon or day-long craft date. Also included are recipes for snacks and light meals, because all that work requires sustenance! There are lovely photos throughout, guaranteed to spark your creativity. I have a friend that I get together with for craft dates, it really is a lot of fun!

#AyearOfCreativity #NetGalley

[Marvy Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Quarto Publishing Group- Quarry via NetGalley, this review is my personal opinion.


I must say when I first heard about craft date I was intrigued, I like crafts and this book represents an opportunity on sharing and bonding with loved ones. With a colorful picture and fullied with different types of projects this books has a bit for everyone. This four authors did a great job, and in the introduction, they explain how they are not just presenting a pretty book with step by steps crafts, but a chance to make something new, and since on each date, the idea is to bring a different project. I think is perfect for those that want ideas and also learn all type of crafts while also building a friendship.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about A Year of Creativity! A beautifully photographed book full of crafting ideas to do with your friends on craft dates, it comes complete with supply lists, detailed and easy to understand instructions, packaging ideas and even recipes to make when it's your turn to host!

What can be better than being with your friends, creating something unique and beautiful? If you're a crafter of any sort, you will enjoy this book!

Many thanks to NetGalley and to Quarry Books for allowing me the privilege of reading an ARC of this wonderful book in exchange for an unbiased opinion. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this crafting idea book, but it is adorable- a series of suggestions of projects and ideas to turn crafternoon (or any small crafting group) into a more fun and formalized plan. The projects mainly look doable for moderately experienced crafters, and the hints of foods to serve and ways to package the materials are well considered and precious. I’m not sure my crafting friends are up for the ideas, but I’d love to try! I think the oilskin project bag or the same color/different pattern cushions would be a great place to start.

Five crafty stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC in return for this unbiased opinion.

[Nicolet Groen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The crafting is all related to knitting, crocheting, and sewing. There are some other projects, but even those are aimed towards these crafts. The title is somewhat misleading; In my opinion, crafting is much more diverse and the book is certainly not filled with projects for a year as I expected. The book contains about 20 project ideas for craft parties: Crafting with friends.

The book is certainly not for beginners! Techniques are not explained in detail. If you don't know how to knit or crochet, you need other sources.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great craft book filled with a wide variety of two to three hour crafts, along with suggestion on how to hold a craft date with friends. Filled with little gems of suggestions, from recipes to how to decorate for the date. The crafts are modern and look like fun. In particular I liked the slow stitch hoop and the craft planner book. Some of the ingredients/supplies are specific to Europe, but I think American crafters can easily find substitutes.

Advance digital copy from #netgalley but all opinions are my own #ayearofcreativity

[Leyla Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a nice idea these four ladies have come up with. I belong to a fibre group and each meeting we bring our own individual projects, but this idea is that everyone one makes or contributes to one same item, either for themselves or as a group project. There are kits to make up to swap around, done up as beautiful gifts, ready for each recipient. Lunch is share whilst making the one of a kind project.
The patterns and ideas in this book are really beautiful, useful and varied and include, crotchet, sewing, printing, and woodwork
A lovely idea and a lovely book

[Lizbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance digital copy of this book from the author, publisher and Netgalley.com. Thanks to all for the opportunity to read and review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A Year of Creativity is a good resource book for anyone who has a basic knowledge of different craft techniques and wants new projects to make with friends. #craftdates have been trending on Instagram for awhile now and here is your launch pad to craft with friends. Clear instructions and beautifully illustrations will get all of your juices flowing!

5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended.

[CC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is everything you want in a craft book- the pictures are brightly coloured and eye catching, the directions are clear and concise plus none of them made me feel intimidated at all. I love the idea of a craft date but would be happy trying any of these projects solo. Like real MVPs the authors have even included delicious recipes. I found plenty of interesting ideas that I never would have considered. Recommended.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful idea for crafters: get together with friends, have pre-packaged (and, of course, color-coordinated) materials ready for each attendee, and spend time making a craft together. This is a beautiful book with lots of terrific ideas. I especially liked the usefulness and practicality of the crafts featured. All of the crafts can be done in the space of a couple of hours. A few recipes are featured, as well. I hope this idea catches on!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received this book from NetGalley in return for a honest review*

This is one of my most beautiful books about crafting that I have ever seen. I love all of the pictures that were included both of finished products and of the step by step process of making the items. I also loved the different crafts that were in the book, including recipes. This is a beautiful book and I am sure many people will enjoy getting together and crafting with this book.