Crafts & Hobbies

Origami becomes a form of art therapy in these 15 projects that will calm your mind and soothe the soul. In recent years, interest in mindfulness has exploded and it is now a part of popular culture. Increasingly, creative pursuits such as origami are being used as a way for people to focus and enter a mindful state. Each project includes a brief history of the tradition of the model, such as the Japanese tradition of folding a thousand cranes to be granted one wish. Subsequent pages give instructions for folding the particular model. For difficult exercises, the book details ways of staying focused and calm and using mindfulness to deal with frustration or distraction. This is an important part of mindfulness and leads to a range of benefits for well-being and performance. Once each model is folded, the book then outlines various related exercises that can help to further develop mindfulness. For example, after folding the paper boat, readers are encouraged to lie down and place the boat on their belly and watch it rock up and down on the “waves” as they breathe. This helps them develop mindful breathing, which is a powerful tool for relaxation and focus. Beautiful, high-quality patterned origami paper and colouring sheets can be torn out and used to make the designs even more splendid. The Art of Mindful Origami is the perfect gift for anyone wanting a calmer, happier more stress-free life.

All Buttons Great and Small is an exploration of the craftsmanship and peculiar history of buttons. From antiques to contemporary design and production, it will inspire a new era of button-makers and enthusiasts, who have an exciting challenge ahead with emerging technologies and pressures on sustainability. Full of fascinating facts and crafty inspiration, this is the perfect gift for designers, sewers, collectors, and anyone else who shares an interest in the humble button.