This week I'm reviewing Everything Alice: the Wonderland Book of Makes by Hannah Read-Baldrey & Christine Leech. Hannah is a successful props and fashion stylist whose work has appeared in leading international publications such as Vogue, Elle, Red and Cath Kidston magazine. Christine is a trained illustrator with over 15 years experience designing and art directing magazines, including Buzz, New Woman, Marie Claire, Look and ASOS. Three years ago the avid crafters met whilst working on the newly launched HobbyCraft magazine, and they have been working together ever since. I chose to review this book as I love all things Alice, especially the Mad Hatters Tea Party!
Everything Alice is a super stylish, enchanting collection of fifty craft projects to make, bake and decorate all in the theme of Lewis Carroll's novel, Alice in Wonderland.
The book starts by meeting the creative authors: "This book began as a little idea – a little idea hatched within an ordinary conversation over a cup of tea. We were having a chat – standing at the bottom of a staircase in a location house, which was dressed up for Christmas Day, even though it was July – and simultaneously we both exclaimed, 'How we would love to make a craft book with the theme of Alice In Wonderland.' Everything Alice is our first book (one of many, hopefully...) and we couldn’t be prouder!" They then go on to explore Lewis Carroll's past at Oxford University in the fun form of 'On The Trail of Alice'.
After being given a list of essential items in the form of a 'Craft Kit' and a 'Cookery Kit' the real fun starts with...
Time for tea jewellery, which is a cute selection of charm jewellery you can make out of miniature doll's house furniture and accessories, all with clear explanations. Next up is the handsome dandy white rabbit, complete with bow tie and pocket watch. The book then seamlessly leads the reader through a host of projects to decorate your home and garden, from fabric covered furniture, to Wonderland mobiles and lavender mice. All are interspersed with treats you can bake, like the heavenly lavender-scented Duchess Macaroons and Wonderland cookies, complete with how to make your own cookie cutters and decadent looking red velvet cupcakes. For Alice-inspired parties there are tea set invitations, chic Mad Hatter hats and playing card bunting to name a few. Each of the fifty projects are beautifully photographed and styled with accompanying easy to follow clear instructions and photographed instructions, including templates where necessary.
Everything Alice: the Wonderland Book of Makes is a super practical book brimming with highly effective ideas. At a recommended price of £14.99, I think this book is a must for crafters, bakers and lovers of quirky vintage who admire Alice!
Some of my favourite ideas:
The dandy white rabbit
Vintage cake stand
Red Velvet cupcakes
Wonderland mobile
Please note that my opinions are my own and I am not paid for these reviews (apart from receiving a free book, of course!).
To go with this fabulous book the two lovely authors are running Mad Hatter weekends to teach you first-hand how to make many of the creations from the book, all set in the stunning, award winning Bedruthan spa hotel in Cornwall, England. To find out more please visit Everything Alice.
Have a sweet day!