Click by Charlie Styr with Maria Wakem, softback published by Amphoto Books (Watson Guptill) in the USA. Available in the UK, ISBS 978-0-8230-9237-6, price 10.99 from www.thegmcgroup.com

An interesting photography book taking a fresh look at the subject. This book is written by teens for teens. It has a basic introduction of the usual techniques then goes on to look at many styles of photography from landscape to underwater, portrait to night photography and everything in between. Good photographs with appropriate text that offers tips and techniques from professionals to improve your photography. An accessible guide to photography for all ages.

Shaped beadwork by Diane Fitzgerald, hardback published by Lark/Sterling in the USA. Available in the UK, ISBN 978-1-60059-277-5, price 16.99 from www.thegmcgroup.com

Subtitled ‘dimensional jewelry with peyote stitch’ (American spelling retained, and the fact that this is a beadweaving masterclass book, gives some idea of the contents of this fabulous book. However ti does not perhaps prepare you for the wonderful, intricate work in this book. If ever a book made me want to take up beadweaving, this is it.

This book takes you through the process step by step. The publishers have done justice to Diane Fitzgerald’s work by showcasing it in a beautifully produced book. The drawings and illustrations clearly show what you are meant to do and guide you effortlessly through the process.

From basic processes, this book shows you to create two-dimensional, open and three-dimensional shapes, giving clear instructions for many examples of beads. It then goes on to give instructions for necklaces, bracelets and brooches in themes such as Art Deco, Ethnic including Celtic and Moroccan influences and Contemporary, which includes instructions for tiny purses and lockets.

This book is terrific and is without doubt the best book I have seen on beading. I would highly recommend anyone interested in the subject, no matter what their skill level, to buy this book. Even though the book is American, the tools and beading supplies used are available in the UK.

Coastal Gardening by John Bickerton and Graham Clarke, softback published by GMC. ISBN 978-1-86108-636-5, price 16.99 from www.thegmcgroup.com

Graham Clarke is a well-known and respected name in gardening. Coastal gardening has a reputation for being one of the tricker sites in gardening circles. This book shows you how to overcome any obstacles and how to make a beautiful coastal garden.

This 192 colour book features the best plants for coastal gardens. It has design ideas for desert, rainforest and water gardens. Discover how to grow fruit in your coastal garden, what use to make of stunning containers, how to make the best of a view. This is a very comprehensive book.

This sweet little book will teach children to sew. It includes 20 fun-to-make and play with items. The very clear instructions include stitches, using pins and how to applique. Make a draughty dog, hanging hearts or birds, a zip case, bag or book cover, egg cosies – or the love of my life – a teddy bear complete with clothes.

Easy to use, fun and practical. 80 pages full of stuff the kids will want to make.

Blogging for Bliss by Tara Frey, softback published by Lark/Sterling available in the Uk from the GMC Group. ISBN 978-1-60059-511-0, price tba.

Everyone’s doing it and if you wish to join them by creating your own blog – look no further than this book. More than 50 blogs are featured to inspire you to start your own. Interspersed between the bloggers is the nitty gritty of creating your own site. Find information of adding information to, or updating your blog site. How to blog profitably and how to understand the technical terminology.

This is a useful 156 page colourful book brimming with ideas for those who want to blog and is especially aimed at crafters.

Granny Squares Now by Susan Cottrell, softback published by Lark/Sterling, available through GMC Group in the UK. ISBN 978-1-60059-479-3, price 9.99 from www.thegmcgroup.com

This is real value for money for anyone who wants an up-to-date crochet book. Inventive use of a crochet hook to design garments with a fashionable twist. From flowers and corsages to scarves tops and skirts, this book takes a fresh look at crochet.

The book begins with a directory of stitches and ends with many examples of how to use them to create garments and accessories. Well photographed and laid out, this 164 page book is in full colour.

Stencil Me In by Marthe le Van, hardback, spiral-bound, published by Lark/Sterling Books in the USA. ISBN 978-1-60059-252-2, price 18.99 from www.thegmcgroup.com in the UK.

At first glance this might seem a bit pricey. However, you do get a few perks with this book in the shape of 28 stencils. The book features over 100 projects using the stencils and will spark off numerous ideas of your own.

It lies flat, always a handy feature that ticks the right box for me. The book also includes instructions for different ways of stencilling including some where you don’t even have to paint. A handy 128-page introduction to stencilling with the bonus of a zippered pouch of useful stencils.

Creative Paper Quilts by Terri Stegmiller, softback published by Lark//Sterling in the USA. Available in the UK, ISBN 978-1-60059-312-3, price 12.99 from www.thegmcgroup.com

Quilts made with paper, a novel idea but I find the projects and ideas in this book a little naive on the whole, not very attractive, interesting and they certainly don’t make me want to have a go. I’d give this one a miss.

Taunton’s Building a Shed by Joe Truini, softback published by Taunton Press in the USA. ISBN 978-1-56158-966-1, price 14.99 from www.thegmcgroup.com

Part of Taunton’s Build Like a Pro series, this book is the definitive guide to building a shed. It includes planning, foundations, designs and much more. This book guides you from start to finish, enabling you to avoid pitfalls and finish your shed like a professional. This 218 page book is full of instructions and photographs as well as drawings providing step-by-step information at your fingertips.

Spirit of Color by Connie Smith Siegel, softback published by Watson-Guptill Publications in the USA. Available in the UK, ISBN 978-0-8230-9911-5, price 16.99 from www.thegmcgroup.com

Inspired by the painting of masters, this book aims to enable the reader to grasp the use of colour in art through the means of several creative processes. It is subtitled ‘A Sensory Meditation Guide to Creative Expression’. Understand the language, energy and rhythm of colour with this fascinating book. Discover how to use colour for effect and much more besides.