Kanzashi in Bloom: 20 Simple Fold-and-Sew Projects to Wear and Give

Kanzashi- beautiful flowers made from relatively small pieces of folded fabric and a few stitches. Meditative, a bite size craft- uses up the boxes full of fabric labelled "scraps too small to keep" (you have one too, admit it)- instant gifts or embellishments, instant creative satisfaction. In this beautifully produced book, Diane Gilleland takes the reader step by step through the process of creating lovely kanzashi. If you are familiar with Gilleland's instructional style from her blog and podcast ([...]), you will be as happy as I was to find the same kind of clear, unambiguous written instructions, and accompanying images. One of the biggest attributes that sets this author's instruction apart from many others is her ability to explain things in a way that can't be misinterpreted, and to choose photographs or diagrams that show exactly what they need to show. This is actually harder than it sounds, and so many publications fall short. Too many craft books are really about the author. They showcase the work of the author and their friends, and the teaching aspect seems really secondary- even unto leaving key points out of the instructions, like a cook who gives you her special family recipe, but you KNOW she left something out because you can never get it to taste quite the same. That is NOT the case here- you will be whipping up your own beautiful flowers in no time, and there is no reason why they won't be as perfect as the ones in the book. The other big unique strength of this book, as in all Gilleland's work, is her casual, sisterly way of empowering the reader to take the skills she shares, and then go and make them their own. For many of us, the first step in creativity is a 'baby step' of trying the same thing in a slightly different colour or material, and Gilleland always leaves me feeling like it was my own idea. Her almost offhand suggestions like 'these would also look great as a..." really are the first push many of us got in the direction of daring to think creatively ourselves.

I purchased this book so I could especially find applications to use the finished flowers on, as well as ones I have made with the Clover Kanzashi flower makers, of which I have several. I like Diane Gilleland's ideas and photos and will try some of these. The instructions and hints are easy to follow, and her way of assembling the flowers seems easier than Clover's. In fact, I finished up some Clover Kanzashi flowers using some of her methods, and it was easier and more secure. Haven't tried the glues yet, but that is next. I appreciate the fact that she gave some history, as well as websites of other people's Kanzashi flowers. In fact, with her measurement guide of the size of the square one starts out with being the size of the finished flower, one is not limited to the size of the Clover flower makers. Don't get me wrong - I still will use those - but there are only 2 sizes for each type of flower. It's also cheaper to buy the book than buying so many kits.

I happened on this art by accident and searched out a book to learn it. The instructions are crystal clear, I would venture to say a child over 12 could make these lovely creations. It also gives ideas for different uses for the flowers, many different types, 20 I believe, flowers as well as ideas of mixing the styles and fabric color for different looks. MANY, MANY different looks. Decorate purses, hair clips, pins, just fire up your imagination and with a minimum of items to purchase, you're good to go. These work for everyday wear or something as elaborate as a wedding depending on what you choose or your soon to be married girlfriend talks you into. I cannot imagine a better book for learning and getting off to a running start on some stunning creations. They are absolutely beautiful and instructs you in the three basic types of petals. There may be more but I'm happy with these *so far*. I have only made one to try but having done that. I can understand how the others are done. I could not recommend this book any highly if you love fabric flowers. If you're not sure, take a look inside and see some of the gorgeous flowers. BRAVO, this is a fabulous book. Being able to see inside the book sold me. I wish more were available for a peek inside, you really know what you're getting. This could truly be addictive.

This is a very nice craft book. Although Kanzashi are a bit fiddly at first, once you've made a couple of these lovely fabric blooms it's a surprisingly simple and soothing craft. This is also a great craft that you can break down into steps and the unfinished project can be set aside in each stage. The author has laid out the steps very clearly and included history on the craft. If you enjoy origami and fabric, chances are good that you'll like this book.

The book is beautifully photographed, designed and basically covers color variations of that shown on the cover. I think it is an excellent representation of a ancient pastime. (This deserves 5 stars for the presentation and quality) The directions were clear, and the process to make one of the blooms seemed to require a great deal of dexterity (small, nimble fingers) and time. The term Simple in the title is a misnomer, as in the craft world usually means quick and/or pleasant to do. I didn't even attempt to make one of these blooms because of the anxiety and headache I developed from all the steps prevented me from doing so. Crafts are supposed to be therapeutic and this book may be for someone who has nothing to do but make heirloom-type baubles for something. It was not for me.

I have been trying to make the flowers like the ladies in brasil make and put on everything and finally I saw this book and a short article about it in Woman's Day magazine with a website. I watched a video of the technique and decided to order the book. It is exactly what I have been looking for with all the details and tips and tricks. For me it is perfect. I would highly recommend this book. I have made 4 flowers so far with the rounded petals and carried a bag traveling with one on it and people stopped me and commented on the bag and the flower.

I would rate this review higher, if I would have had a chance to get started on making these flowers. However, I have not yet had an opportunity to do anything more than glance through the book. The instructions are clear, with detailed photographs so you can see how each step is done. I am anxious to start making these great little flowers soon. I love making things for friends and family and I am certain, once I get going, I will LOVE this new craft. I am excited to start decorating my handbags and other items.

I was so excited when I received this book, Having never attempted these techniques I was initially worried it would be too complicated. Me and my nine year old daughter have been making flower after flower, enjoying some time together and following the easy clear cut directions. The instructions were so easy, she didn't even need my help! We have made a few of the projects and all the petal designs. Now we are having fun creating new looks with different embellishments for the flower centers. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone interested in learning beginning Kanzashi!! Just eb careful.... it's addictive! :D

First saw this book at my library. It was so good I knew I had to have my own copy. Everything is clearly explained and different shapes are given with recommendations about where to use them. The projects are attractive and realistic. Wonderful inspiration!

This book arrived this morning and I have already made several flowers. Not perfect, but certainly more than acceptable. I had read through/watched a number of tutorials on-line, but this book has excellent instructions and step-by-step photographs that provide close-ups, so you can see EXACTLY where you have to fold, insert pins, stitch, etc. What's more, the author provides invaluable advice on what kinds of glues, fabrics and embellishments to use for various types of flowers. The 20 projects included are cute and wide-ranging, but for my money, the real value of this book is as a starting point for your own creativity. Full marks.

This is a brilliant book. I had been looking at some kanzashi tutorials online but the how-to pages in this book are better than all of them. Very clear photos of each stage make it so easy to get going. Plus there is a special section on what to do if a petal goes wonky or your flower is floppy (no sniggering - this is serious stuff!). I made my first one in about half an hour and it might not be perfect but it's pretty adorable and perfectly presentable. One thing to note - you don;t need to be able to sew to make these. Although they are fabric most of the putting together is done with glue. You do need needle and thread at one point but it is only one small step. There is also a website and a Flickr Group of what other readers have made to lots of additional inspiration is available.

tous les détails sont là pour réaliser les fleurs soi même -très bonnes descriptions -les images vous détaillent toutes les opérations avec un très bon enchainement. Merci de tout nous donner

Habe mir, nachdem ich mir bereits das deutsche Kanzashi-Buch bestellt habe und mir unter "gefaltete Stoffblumen" etwas anderes vorgestellt hatte, als zweites Buch dieses hier bestellt. Die Anleitungen sind mit tollen Schritt-für-Schritt-Fotos und dazugehörigem Text wunderbar verständlich. Es werden drei verschiedene Blütenblattformen gezeigt, die ich alle beim ersten Anlauf problemlos nacharbeiten konnte. Zudem werden viele kleine Tricks beschrieben, die dazu führen, dass die Fertigung bis zum Ende auch wirklich klappt (auch "Was tun bei Fehlern"). Auch eine Variante für Schmetterlinge ist zu finden. Die gezeigten Varianten, wie man die Blümchen verwenden kann, sind recht breitgefächert (als Schmuck, Applikation für Kleidung und Taschen, Gürtelschnallendeko, Haarschmuck, Flip-Flop-Deko...) - auch als Anregung für eigene Ideen super. Zur Kritik am geschichtlichen Abriss: Klar, der ist nicht so detailliert, auch kann man die dort gezeigten Projekte nicht nacharbeiten. Es wird aber auch erwähnt, dass diese Projekte von japanischen Kanzashi-Spezialisten gemacht wurden und die hier gezeigte Variante vereinfacht ist. Fazit: Wie das Buch für jemanden mit Vorkenntnissen ist, kann ich nicht beurteilen, mir als Anfänger dient es sehr.