Plaster Studio by Stephanie Lee & Judy Wise, softback published by North Light. ISBN 978-1-4403-0815-4, price 16.99 available from www.davidandcharles.co.uk

This book truly shows the versatility of plaster. If you have not really considered this as an art medium, this book is full of ideas and creativity. Transfer images to plaster, cast and carve and so much more. This is a book with a difference – it is a feast for the imagination. Use the techniques to come up with your own uses and ideas.

Artist’s Journal Workshop by Cathy Johnson, softback published by North Light Books. ISBN 978-1-4403-0868-0, price 16.99 available from www.davidandcharles.co.uk

Ever wanted to keep an art journal about your day, your week, your life? Here’s your chance. Explore, experiment and release your inner artist by getting your thoughts and ideas onto paper. There are hands-on exercises and professional tips from over 25 international artists. This book will help you to get what you want from your journal and open the door to creativity. This book is filled with visual imagery that will help you get started and guide you through the difficult ‘blocks’ all artists encounter. Try it.

Mixed Media Paintbox ed Tony Davenport, softback published by North Light Books in the USA. Available in the UK, ISBN 978-1-4403-0907-6, price 16.99 available from www.davidandcharles.co.uk

Find ways to incorporate paint into your mixed media by following tips from 45 artists. Try different projects and techniques to add depth to your art – there’s a technique and project for every week of the year. Lots of ideas and inspiration here for budding artists. I have to admit I would not use most of it but I found it interesting.

Jelly Roll Sampler Quilts by Pam and Nicky Lintott, softback published by D&C. ISBN 978-1-7153-3844-5, price 15.99 available from www.davidandcharles.co.uk

Whilst I think the Lintott’s go from strength to strength, I want more than just 10 designs. Ok I know there are 55 quilt blocks, which is a huge plus. As usual excellent, easy to follow clear instructions but we could have seen the designs as a whole and different colourways. I am not fond of all the designs in this book but this is a good mix and match of quilt blocks.

Calligraphy Essentials by Cari Buziak, softback published by D&C. ISBN 978-1-4463-0056-5, price 14.99 available from www.davidandcharles.co.uk

This is one of the clearest and easiest to follow calligraphy books I have seen. It is beautifully laid out with instructions, 15 alphabets, projects and even a section on creating a font using your computer. There are pages at the back to practice on. A lovely book for anyone interested in calligraphy.

200 Crochet Flowers, Embellishments & Trims by Claire Crompton, softback published by D&C. ISBN 978-0-7153-3843-8, price 14.99 available from www.davidandcharles.co.uk

This is an easy to use book with all you need to know about crochet to produce flowers and trims to embellish clothes and more. It talks about different yarns, gauge and making a swatch. It discusses colour. The charts are easy to follow but if you are still doubtful, you can follow the written instructions. I like the Loop Daisy, Dahlia and Trumpet Flower. The trims are really good – these are useful in so many ways – I love the Clover Border, Diagonal Squares and Chain Loop Ruffle. The fabrics section includes lovely Shell fabrics, Large Daisy, lots of Fan fabrics and another real favourite Seafoam fabric. In the motif section I like the Moorish Square. This book made me want to pick up my crochet hooks.  My book has a different cover to that shown here.

More 90 Minute Quilts by Meryl Ann Butler, hardback spiral bound published by Krause in the USA. ISBN 978-1-4402-1407-3, price 16.99 available in the Uk from www.davidandcharles.co.uk

Want to quilt but don’t have time to spare ? These 90 minute quilts using simple geometric shapes for beginner quilters will hit the mark. The 20 quilts have step by step instructions and variations. Quick techniques for cutting and sewing speed up the process. These are not going to win any awards at Quilt Shows, but if you like to keep your quilts simple, this is a good book for you. I could not personally see much for the advanced quilter in this book and believe it is more for the beginner. Includes quilts, pillow and wall hangings.

Your Wildlife Garden Month by Month by Jackie Bennett, softback published by D&C. ISBN 978-0-7153-3820-9, price 12.99 available from www.davidandcharles.co.uk

Create natural habitats in your garden with native hedgerows, meadows and more. There are suggestions for all kinds of wildlife planting including containers on a monthly basis. Find garden plans, plants, projects and tasks for every month of the year. Discover practical projects including making a bat box. This book is well laid out and will keep you going through the seasons. Unfortunately, the photography lets it down but it does have good line drawings.

Flavor For Mixed Media by Mary Beth Shaw, softback published by North Light Books. ISBN 978-1-4403-0317-3, price 16.99 available from www.davidandcharles.co.uk

I think this book really does fulfil its promises. Subtitled ‘A Feast of Techniques For Texture, Color and Layers’ this book encompasses all those things that many of us, as artists, attempt to incorporate in our work. I like the fact that the book also has a sub-plot – food. Feed your inner soul and create. There are recipes sprinkled through the book. Several artists share their method of working and secrets. There are some great ideas here and demonstrations for improving your work. I love the Judy Wise, Katie Kendrick, Elizabeth MacCrellish and Misty Mawn sections. I would recommend this to artists looking to expand their work.

Japanese Quilt Inspirations by Susan Briscoe, paperback published by D&C. ISBN 978-0-7153-3827-8, price 15.99 available from www.davidandcharles.co.uk

Susan Briscoe presents her own inimitable interpretation of Japanese style with patterns featuring fat quarters, strip rolls and more. The book features 10 quilts, floor cushion, tote bag and table runner. I liked some but not all the designs. The instructions are clear, the photography is good and overall this is an excellent book which should lead you on to develop this theme further.