Handmade Style: Mexico: Simple Projects and Inspiration for the Home

Being a Latina artist, I was very impressed at the uniqueness of these projects. Each one is a twist on a traditional method. They are easy to read and follow and offer a bit of history about where they came from. If I had any complaint it would be that I didn't have time to finish all the projects in one weekend! That's a good thing though, because now I can stay busy for quite a while ;-)

This book takes me back to the time I spent in Mexico a few years ago. It features a variety of decorative home accessory projects for people with different skills from sewing to woodworking. I love the vibrant colors and variety of designs offered here. The book is in full-color and there are step-by-step instructions, accompanied by photos, for each of the 20 projects. Conveniently there are templates and a resource list in back.Some of my favorite projects include brightly colored circular woven table mats, a copper wire fruit basket, a decorative hot chocolate whisk, cactus pots, a tin wall border, beautiful cut paper candles, an Aztec floor runner and a mosaic heart and spiral pattern table top. Three projects requiring basic sewing skills and a sewing machine are a cross-stitch table cloth (cross-stitches are painted), appliqued bath towels and drawn-thread curtain. Two others including pillowcases decorated with roses and a butterfly blanket require basic embroidery skill. If you wish to make a lime waxed shelf or a beautiful suede covered stool you will also need basic woodworking skills and power tools such as a jigsaw and an electric drill. These projects require a little time and effort but none of them are too difficult and the instructions are great. They will make some spectacular and unique accent pieces for your home.