Heather Ross Prints: 50+ Designs and 20 Projects to Get You Started [Tapa blanda]

First of all, let me just say that the CD-rom, which includes some of Heather's most popular patterns, is worth the price of this book alone (and then some).

If that's not enough, there are also NUMEROUS tear-out pages of her prints that you can use to get started crafting right away.

Next, there is a great tutorial on how to make your own prints using Adobe Photoshop, as Heather generously shares her techniques.

Finally, the cornerstone of this book is the long list of inspired projects. I found the paper-based projects to be my favorite, and I can't wait to get started making journals, stationary, notepads, and sketchbooks. The wrapping paper is nice but I am going to take it a step further and print the patterns on heavier cardstock to make fold-together boxes, or use it on printer paper to cover a pre-made box. I also wish there were a template for postcards, which I think would be super cute.

The sewing patterns seem oddly out of place, and I don't think the swim cover-up, apron, chemise or napkins really add anything to the book. You can find these patterns anywhere. The dishtowels work though because Heather sets them up for you to print out a coordinating set of four with monograms- all you have to do is hem- that are perfect for gift-giving! I have to confess though I wouldn't have minded a pattern for the cute skirt she wears in the Introduction.

The book also includes a bamboo tray, wallpaper (lots of possibilities for this when you find out how easy it is to make your own peel-and-stick contact paper), toddler cover and duvet (for boys, but you can make one for girls- Princess and the Pea, perhaps?), rice paper lanterns, shower curtain, childrens' stool, house of cards, votive holders, wall hanging and vinyl-wrapped tablecloth. From some of her earlier blog posts, I thought Heather might include instructions for a belt buckle and t-shirt, but you won't find those here- maybe in the next book?

I literally cannot wait to get started on the book's ideas and the ones that are swimming around in my head. The stationary templates are something I will probably use again and again. Can I use her prints to make mugs? Calendars? I don't know yet but I can't wait to try.

This is the most generous book I have ever seen published. I am only giving it 5 stars because a rating for 100 stars is not available.

Not only does this book contain very highly prized images made available in formats and with permissions that allow for uploading and printing onto multiple substrates, the beautifully presented materials are really inspiring and I am already thinking of ways of designing my own patterns and projects drawing on these materials. The book is a paperback but that is a little misleading -- it's actually a very thick, luxurious cardstock and a large, magazine-sized book. It's more like a heavyweight cousin of a fine art/culture magazine like Cabinet than it is like a regular paperback book. Gorgeous stuff, wonderfully presented, unbeatable price.

I am in love with this book. Heather graciously offers up her most prized prints for readers to use as they see fit. I adore her artwork and this is such a wonderful gift to the crafting community.