New books on the blog-o-sphere

Following her home-family-crafts manifesto, The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections mom/crafter/blogger Amanda Soule recently announced the publication next August of her new book.

The new book builds on the previous one, making crafting suggestions for the entire family. It will include thirty-three projects made by reusing and repurposing materials—from vintage feedsacks to old sheets and towels—and including some projects that children can help with, all of the items here offer a practical use in the home.

The book, Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures, adds to a stream of blog-inspired books. Last year Anna-Maria Horner wrote Seams to Me: 24 New Reasons to Love Sewing, Alicia Paulson published Stitched in Time: Memory-Keeping Projects to Sew and Share from the Creator of Posie Gets Cozy.

They all build on the tradition of Jane Brocket and her wonderful book that started the housewife/crafter/blogger/author revolution,The Gentle Art of Domesticity: Stitching, Baking, Nature, Art & the Comforts of Home. It was followed by the uniquely satisfying Cherry Cake and Ginger Beer: A Golden Treasury of Classic Treats.

Ms Brocket's new book, promisingly titled Ripping Things to Do: The Best Games and Ideas from Children's Books is also available for pre-order.

Happy reading for 2009!