The Books Every Crafter Needs To Own

As a paper crafter, it should be no surprise that I love books!

I used to be able to read tons of novels and biographies, but since Moose & the Bean came along, that time has largely been devoted to other pastimes, like pushing swings at the playground and doling out bowls of crackers and raisins.

 This stage of my life, I spend the most of my book time and money on the types of things that will enhance and grow my creative tendencies.

Today, I’m sharing a list of the books every crafter needs to own!

If you’re looking to up your sketching game, or need a great gift idea, here is a premium sketchbook for wet or dry media. So you can use pencil, charcoal, ink, even watercolor all in the same book! The beautiful, soft green cover gives this book a more professional look, too.

Paper Source has a stunning Floral Spiral Journal right now.  I love the turquoise and pink flowers ( we have a huge, fabric wall hanging in our dining room with almost the same pattern!), and spiral bound journals are a must for me. I just find them easier to write in.  Plus, the edges of the pages in this book are tinted in 4 different colors, so you have 4 separate sections built right in!
Now, this recycled cover notebook is perfect for crafters. It’s cover truly is a blank canvas waiting for you to make it distinctly yours. Grab your markers, your pens and your washi tape so you can make this one completely unique!

Creative Books

Here comes the really fun stuff!

There are tons of books out there devoted to crafts.

Whatever your brushing up on your favorite past time or you’re looking to expand into something new, there is a book for that.

What could be better than a book about making books?!?! Bound Handmade Books by Erica Ekrem is filled with gorgeous photos and easy-to-follow diagrams, perfect for the aspiring bookbinder. She also shares the how-tos for DIY projects using traditional techniques with a vintage vibe.

This is one of my favorites! Anyone who loves drawing and being creative, but thinks there is just not enough time in the day to fit it all in, needs this book. Art Before Breakfast by Danny Gregory is stuffed with little instructional nuggets of inspiration that will have you joining in mini creative exercises for a few minutes everyday! It’s just simple and fun and it really gets your pencil moving, which is the whole point. There are a couple versions, but I like the workbook, because there is space right there to make your sketches.

Art Lab for Kids by Susan Schwake is the ideal book for the little crafters in your life (or those small hands that need to stay busy while you get your crafts finished!).  The lessons are geared towards crafters in elementary school, and in addition to the introduction to technique and materials, Art Lab is all about fostering self-confidence through art. And what little crafter couldn’t use a some of that?

Coloring Books

I know, I know… you’ve been hearing all about adult coloring books for a few years now.

But there must be a reason, right?

It really is a relaxing way to zone out, while making some super-unique art.

I’ve even framed a few funky animal coloring pages for the Bean’s bedroom. She loves them and says “hi” to her bunny and duck print every day!

The Botanicals book from the Just Add Color Series by illustrator Lisa Congdon is incredibly inspiring to me. Her free-form flowers and leaves are bright and happy and make me want to recreate them in paper!

This one is for all those 80’s kids like me who grew up searching for Waldo: Secret Garden by Johanna Basford is part treasure hunt, part coloring book. There is a list of objects towards the front of the book that are hidden in the intricatly detailed drawings.

Becoming Me: A Work in Progress is a coloring book, journal, and art history lesson all wrapped into one colorful book! Written by Andrea Pippins (and You), Becoming Me is meant for teens and young adults who are just beginning to figure themselves out.  It’s an amazing gift idea!

TIP: When you’ve colored your heart out, check out the post 10 Easy Ways to Use Coloring Pages by Hello Little Home. It’s full of ideas for crafts made from crafts!

This list of the books every crafter needs to own is just a smattering of the amazing crafty books out there.

I hope you’re inspired to add to your crafty book collection.

Is there any other books you find is a must have for a craft-lover? Share it in the comments below!