Member Reviews
What. A. Delight.
Has anyone else wandered the woods picking up random pieces of nature, taken them home to make a fairy garden, and then totally panicked when they realized they had no idea what to do next (and might have maybe possibly brought a ton of bugs home with them)? You'd think I'd learn, but I've done this <i>more than once</i>. So when I say that this is exactly the book I needed, I am in no way exaggerating.
Honestly, the first few pages, overviewing materials and techniques, make the whole book worth it on their own. Just having the craft simplified into the most helpful materials (and some tips and tricks for actually <i>successfully</i> creating fairy garden components) is so inspirational in itself! I felt like I could trot off and build something amazing before I had gotten to any instructions.
As for the instructions themselves? Fantastic. Some do get a little repetitive from craft to craft, but that's actually helpful—you can open up to any individual project and do it as a standalone without needing to rely on techniques learned in past projects (though the authors thoughtfully organized certain sections from easiest craft to most difficult—great for completionists or those who aren't sure where to start!). The book is also beautifully illustrated with images of completed crafts, intermediary steps, <i>and</i> other projects not included in the book, which is great for additional creative inspiration.
I only have one quibble, and that's that personally, I felt that I steamrolled through the techniques section because I was so excited to get to the crafts—I would have loved to have seen that section placed at the end as a resource that could be referenced as needed. But that's absolutely personal preference!
All in all, a total 10/10. I finally feel like I'll be capable of building a fairy house I'm proud of—once the snow melts enough for me to go hunt for some materials. :)
**Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy! Opinions are always my own 😊**
Fairy gardens are a DIY craft that I've been very interested in lately, mainly because I love the look, and like to believe it would be a great alternative to insect hotels. When I had the opportunity to review this book, I immediately jumped to the occassion.
This book reminded me a lot of the craft books my mum used to have when I was a kid. I still have a few, mostly on polymer clay, and they're as kitchy as they are practical. And although I absolutely like the nostalgia linked to it, this book does feel somewhat dated.
The DIYs themselves are good, not mind-blowing, but somewhat repetitive. I do like how elaborate the instructions are, with images along the pages as you read them. I also appreciate the extra tips on how to make it slightly different, according to your taste, and enjoyed the pages of inspiration as well.
This book is a perfect beginner's guide to starting a fairy garden, making it cute and rustic, and accessorizing it in such a way that is irresistible! The book starts by walking through potential materials and techniques that can be used to craft fairy homes and landscapes. I love that they include free item suggestions in addition to the classic construction items you can purchase at the craft stores. They demonstrate techniques to stain wood and hide glue. I appreciated the mention on how to better weather proof the creations since I know many people would want to display their creations outside (myself included!)
The creations themselves appear straight forward enough that it made me feel like I could just pick up the supplies and start creating. I had a confidence from the instructions that there really aren't mistakes, as it just adds to the charm (similar to a Bob Ross mentality of only happy accidents). The instructions and blueprints themselves did start to feel repetitive as many of the same techniques were used with very small variations. So if you are looking for lots of ideas, this may not scratch the itch but if you are looking at ways to get started, this is a great beginning book.
I look forward to trying my hand at building a fairy house this summer. This book made it look so simple that I am sure to embarrass myself in my efforts.
*I would like to thank the publisher, author, and NetGalley for providing an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This is such an adorable book, and very easy to follow. I will be purchasing this in hard copy as I will be making more for my garden (which my daughters will be thrilled about) so thank you
I looked at this with my son and it’s a beautiful book, we can’t wait to get started on these projects!!! All of the instructions are easy to follow, and the photography of finished pieces is beautiful to look at!!
What a fun craft book! This would be great for kids (under adult supervision) who can use "cutting" tools and adults that want to add whimsy to their outdoor areas. Most of the crafting items are found out in nature or items you already have. The directions are straight forward. The objects would be easy to improvise. From making cute objects for your garden gnomes or tree doors for your woodland faeries, this books is a handy primer.
Kudos to these authors and the creative people who do this hobby. It takes a lot of patience and materials but it is so very cute. I enjoyed seeing how some of the little fairy house features are made, step by step.
This book is a cute, fun way to make things for your fairy garden and personalize them. It would also be a great resource for activities to do with kids who want to do some fun crafts outdoors. The instructions are pretty clear, and most of the supplies are easily obtainable. Definitely a fun gift for any fairy garden enthusiasts in your life.
This is a fun and adorable guide to creating little outdoor wonderlands for visiting mythical creatures. Authors Anna-Marie and Andrew Fahmy combine their two passions, the outdoors and crafts, providing step-by-step instructions on how to create one of a kind fairy garden accessories. These projects are beginner friendly with only one requirement: imagination. The book includes an inspirational gallery of fairy gardens, houses and hand-made accessories plus sections on different techniques and materials like working with twigs and sticks, rough and polished rocks, types of moss, acorn caps, pinecones and seed pods, working with glue guns and miniature accessories available at your local craft and hobby stores. Create an oasis in your own backyard for your visiting mythical friends.
I read a cozy mystery series that is about fairies and making fairy gardens and this book allows me to get my own creativity flowing and create my own real life fairy gardens. These accessories are fun to make and will keep you smiling as you wait for your fairy friends to come for a visit.
I just adored this book! such sweet and whimsy ideas for the Garden.... I love the pictures, and the ideas. I especially like that these are easy to make, and dont use expensive stuff... actually a lot of stuff I have at home can be reused. And at the end, it is a fun afternoon activity and one ends up with a little fairy magic in the garden - totally fun!
This is such a creative guide for anyone who wants to add a touch of magic to their home. The directions are easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners or experienced crafters. The pictures are really inspiring and there's a good range of projects. I really loved the designs and am looking forward to making ones of my own.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book.
This is a fun book with nice illustrations. The accessories look easy to make with easy to find lists of supplies.
This is a book to buy for the young artist in your life. The designs are hokey, as all fairy garden designs seem to be, and some of the writing is lame, in particular the "tips", but the instructions are clear and well written and the photos are good (although in the hilarious digital ARC I was sent, the photos are all upside down). You and your artist can have a great time with the projects. I found the sections on adding lights to the project particularly interesting but I wonder if it would get tedious lifting the whole project every night to turn the battery-operated lights on.
The sample projects in this book are too sweet for me but the HOW TO will get you through any design you want to try.
*Making Fairy Garden Accessories* is an enchanting guide that invites readers into the whimsical world of fairy gardens, where imagination knows no bounds. Authors Anna-Marie and Andrew Fahmy seamlessly blend their love for the outdoors and crafting, creating a delightful resource for anyone looking to build magical miniature landscapes in their own backyards.
From the outset, the book feels inviting and accessible. The step-by-step instructions are beginner-friendly, ensuring that even those new to crafting can dive in with confidence. The only requirement? A sprinkle of creativity. This emphasis on imagination encourages readers to personalize their projects, making each fairy garden uniquely their own.
The book is beautifully organized, starting with an inspirational gallery that showcases stunning fairy gardens, charming houses, and delightful handmade accessories. This visual feast sparks creativity and sets the tone for the projects that follow. Each chapter is thoughtfully structured, covering various techniques and materials—such as twigs, stones, moss, and natural elements like acorn caps and pinecones. The authors also provide helpful tips on using glue guns and sourcing miniature accessories from local craft stores, making it easy for readers to gather everything they need.
One of the standout features of this guide is its ability to inspire. The authors share their own passion for creating outdoor wonderlands while providing practical advice that encourages experimentation. Whether you're crafting a cozy fairy home or designing a whimsical garden path, the book serves as a springboard for creativity, inviting readers to explore their own ideas and visions.
*Making Fairy Garden Accessories* is more than just a craft book; it’s a celebration of nature, creativity, and the joy of making. It offers a perfect opportunity for families to bond over crafting or for individuals to unwind and tap into their artistic side. This delightful guide is a must-have for anyone looking to cultivate a little magic in their outdoor space and create an oasis for visiting mythical friends. Get ready to transform your backyard into a captivating fairy wonderland!
An absolutely gorgeous book jam packed with projects and beautiful photographs to complement them.
Being a miniaturist myself from a very young age, I found this book really easy to follow. The projects range from accessories to doors to whole houses and each decorated really sweetly. As the authors said early on in the introduction, fairy houses don't have to be very strict with scale as the wee folk might find bits for their houses out of many things found in nature or repurposed into mini things. That is one thing reassuring to know. The other being that fairy houses can take on many forms and however it turns out is exactly what it was meant to be!
There is a really comprehensive list of materials, tools and techniques in the front of the book and each section is a wealth of knowledge. More than just a list of materials and tools, it has explanations for what object is best used with what and where they can be found. The technique section is golden because you'll find these not only needed for the projects in the book but for others as commonly necessary.
The projects are very well explained in a step by step way with photos to accompany each step. They also allow for variation in designs and putting your own spin on things. My personal favourites being the door with steps and the hobbit door, secret staircase house, and the fairy desk, bookcase, swing and firepit! Oh my goodness how cute was the firepit!! The Gnome frame is a definite make for me as I haven't ever seen anything quite like it before.
All in all, I loved it and think this would be a wonderful addition to my library.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Fox Chapel Publishing and Anna-Marie and Andrew Fahmy for allowing me to read a copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Absolutely adorable! My daughter and I have already started stockpiling supplies to start making these this fall! I can't wait to make perfect little gnome homes to hide in the garden. Thanks so much for this ARC read!
Wow, there is only one word for this book, and it is "ADORABLE"! I don't even own a garden right now, but this book still makes me want to head outside and hide little fairy homes all over the area where I live - and this is saying something, since I suffer from chronic illnesses that make the outside world seem quite off-putting to me.
I love that "Making Fairy Garden Accessories" is less like an instruction manual, and more like a suggestion on what to build. The authors make sure to remind the reader that the best part of building fairy houses is giving them your personal touch, and using what you can find, rather than exactly what the book tells you to. This creates freedom and room for creativity - which is what crafting is all about, after all.
One of my favourite parts of this book was actually the Materials section, where the authors present stuff you can find anywhere in nature and then proceed to give advice for what each material can be used as. An acorn cap? How about a bird bath? An L-shaped twig? Perfect floor lamp! In short, it opens one's eyes to the potential in everyday objects. There is also a section on how to make your finished items weather-resistant, which is genius!
I've saved the best for last - namely, the pictures! This book is full of adorable and inspiring photographs of fairy homes and their accessories, and even a quick scroll through the pages makes me want to start gluing random tiny things together. More than that, they make me want to run away and become a fairy myself - if only for the chance to live in one of these houses!
I can't wait to flip through this book over and over and over again, and start my own fairy village. Since I'm also a fan of everything dark and spooky, I myself plan to incorporate the bones I find in nature, and build a witch hut in time for Halloween. "Making Fairy Garden Accessories" is a book for pretty much anyone and reminds us to let our imagination flow.
Huge thank you to Fox Chapel Publishing for making this book available through NetGalley.
All opinions are my own.
Making Fairy Garden Accessories by Anna-Marie Fahmy and Andrew Fahmy is a delightful and beautifully laid-out guide that offers everything you need to create whimsical fairy garden accessories. The book is meticulously organized and provides clear how-to instructions along with helpful information on where to source the necessary supplies.
Each project is rich in detail, reflecting the author's evident passion for fairy crafts. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and as a reader, I found myself eager to gather materials and start crafting these charming accessories. The projects are creative and practical, making it easy to add a touch of magic and whimsy to any home, library, or garden.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter looking to enhance your fairy garden with unique handmade pieces, this book is an excellent resource. The authors guide you through each step with clarity, ensuring that even those new to the craft can create beautiful and enchanting items.
I highly recommend Making Fairy Garden Accessories to anyone interested in starting or expanding their journey into fairy furniture crafting. It's a perfect blend of inspiration and instruction, making it a must-have for both novice and experienced crafters alike.
Thank you to NetGalley and Fox Chapel Publishing for gifting me an e-book in exchange for my honest review.
This is an adorable, DIY book of fairy garden ideas. All sorts of furniture tutorials using some basic items from Mother Nature and our cabinets of curiosities. The directions come with step-by-step photos to follow along with the written directions. I'm looking forward to making my very own fairy garden using many of these ideas in the book!
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