The lovely folks over at Crafty Magazine asked me if I would join in with their blog tour and review Girls Night In, the new multi-craft book by stylist and blogger Hannah Read-Baldrey. It’s always a treat to sit down with a cuppa and peruse the latest craft book, so naturally I said yes.
Girls Night In shows what happens when crafternoons meet cocktail parties! Hannah Read-Baldrey explains how to plan the ultimate ‘girls night in’, beginning with invitations and decorations and moving on to food, drink, games, beauty treatments and of course craft activities. This funkily styled book would be invaluable for anyone planning a hen do, baby shower or similar girly party.
When it comes to craft, there are plenty of ideas to choose from, with a range of skill levels required. I was particularly drawn to the bunting necklace, the clutch bag and the sparkly, hand-embellished cosmos tights. If you were looking for projects for a baby shower, a fabric-covered book or mini-me doll could be a sweet keepsake. For a hen do, you might want to have a go at the pin up girl teatowel or even the saucy showgirl tassels! Whatever the event, I loved the idea of a DIY photo-booth using a variety of props to create memorable souvenir pictures.
Hannah also has the party food and drink covered, with recipes for all manner of sweet and savoury treats. Being a keen baker, I rather fancied trying my hand at the extravagant ruffle cake and the cupcakes in a jar. There is also a comprehensive cocktail section full of tempting-sounding tipples. Mine’s a flora fizz, or a ginger driver served in a jam jar!
You can read more about the book, including free tutorials for some of the craft projects here on the website, and you can find out more about Hannah on her blog, Couture Craft. Also, do pop over to Sam’s blog, sjmwell to read yesterday’s instalment in the blog tour.
Crafty have kindly provided me with a copy of the book to give away. For a chance to win, just leave a comment on this post, making sure that you have included an email address so that I can contact you. I will close the giveaway on Friday 17th May.
EDITED TO ADD:
The random number generator has done its work, and the winner is Kate Blandford. Congratulations, Kate! An email is on its way to you… (17.5.2013)
This sounds a great book – I’d love to win a copy!
this looks like my kind of book! the photography looks great too.
my email is hello@cardboardcities.co.uk 🙂
The book looks fantastic – I’d love to win 🙂
This looks like a perfectly gorgeous crafty book, great review and thanks for chance of winning x Penny
I have a birthday party to plan for my big little girl who is about to leave primary school. The photo booth idea would work really well for that – and perhaps there are some simple but grown up projects the girls could try. Hmmmm. You have sparked some thoughts for me!
What a lovely book L, my fingers and toes are crossed! nataliejt@yahoo.co.uk
What a fab book for original girls nights! I particularly love the idea of the DIY photo-booth too. Would love to win a copy of this gorgeous book for more great inspirations 🙂
I love the look of this book Laura, please include me in the compition. Thanks xx
The book looks amazing – my fingers and toes are crossed x
Looks like a great book. Something a bit different to the usual at least.
Thanks for sharing!
x Elena @ Randomly Happy
It looks awesome!
Craft-tastic!! Lovely review and I so would love to flick through that craftyness! 😉 x
Great review and the book looks lovely … I would love to enter … thanks for the chance … Bee xx
I would love a copy of this book on the arm of my sofa to flick through in those few precious ‘me’ moments! So many lovely ideas 🙂 xx
I would love to have a girls night in with my friends and the ideas from this fun book!
As a first time mum whose birthday is at the end of this month, I’m having my first “proper” girly night with the ladies then. I could get some great inspiration from this book!
what a great book!
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
This book looks amazing. Myself and a couple of friends are thinking about starting a craft night…this book would be perfect for inspiration!
Sounds like a great book – I particularly like the look of the bunting necklace!