Eco Chic: The Fashion Paradox, by Sandy Black takes a look at the fashionable relevance of sustainable clothing. With beautiful photography, it covers a vast range of eco issues in the fashion world. From the ethics and impacts of certain fibers, to the new eco-friendly trend in fashion, to extreme overconsumption in fashion, the book covers all aspects of eco-conscious fashion. It points to new trends in fashion that are keeping up with environmentally conscious consumers and questions the feasibility of specific environmentally friendly processes.

I really enjoyed the break down of each fiber and it’s environmental impact as well as the section on slowing down fashion – to have pieces that last more than a season. I will continue to come back to this book as a resource as I question my fashion decisions. And I would recommend it as an interesting and educational read.

Making Stuff for Kids is black dog publishing’s follow up to their book Making Stuff. It’s full of crafty projects for kids ranging from very easy to slightly difficult. Nearly every kid’s craft medium is explored from projects like pompom monsters to sparkly play dough to finger knitting to costume making to simple wood working. I had Eden sit down with the book and she wanted to make everything in it.

Things that caught my eye were wall decals made from contact paper, painted stone bugs and knitted bean bag critters. I also really enjoyed the child’s drawing transfered to an embroidery pattern. Perhaps the best part of the book is the division by age. Having small kids, I tend to have a hard time finding crafts that are age appropriate for them. It’s nice to have projects at their level all in one place.

Overall, I thought the book was a good one for kids. Many of the projects included were a fresh take on classic kids projects and the instructions were clear and easy to read. And I know that it’s one that we will be using at our house.

My friend, Tsia, recently came out with a book, Craftivity. I finally got myself a copy. I have to say, it’s amazing.

I really, really love the book. It’s the kind of book that is more and more inspirational with every page turn. And the kind of book that makes me wish I was creative like that. (A real goal I have for myself is to be creative with every aspect of my life – to pour passion into everything I create. And to not be so confined by borders.)

Christina (who works with me and has been so great for Tangle) and I set out today to create this pom pom rug for the store.

Isn’t it amazing? Christina is crocheting the base and then we’ll begin the arduous task of making dozens of colorful pom poms. Well, I’m sure it won’t be too bad. I know it will be so beautiful in the store.

Check out the book at amazon or Urban Outfitters or Barns and Noble (and hopefully soon for sale at Tangle too.) It’s one of those books that just makes you happy to revel in the art and beauty contained in the pages.