Kayte Terry is a good friend of mine from way back in the pink-and-brown getcrafty days, and I have always loved her work. Her new book, Complete Embellishing, is outstanding and lovely! I had a chance to write a review at CraftStylish, focusing more on the jewelry and beading-centric ideas (since that is my angle over there). But there is so much more to try in her collection of projects! Potato printing, bias tape-making, yo-yo-ing, pleats, embroidery, felting, applique, image transfer… she includes a fantastic array of methods to charm plain or boring things into instant favorites.

I love this clever trompe l’oeil lampshade project — I’m planning to fancy up our guest room lamp soon! I think it would look fantastic with a beaded embellishment and an applique or two.

Some of my other instant-want-tos are the patchwork pocket tote, the woodland creatures etched glasses, the romance skirt, and the pearl button purse (love, love, love that one). I have a stash of regular stuff all ready to embellish… so after holidays, I think a crafty get-together is definitely in order to chip away at my list of Kayte’s projects to try!

But with all that goodness to choose from, I do have one absolute favorite. Kayte made a lovely bunny for Pearl when she was born, and it’s such a sweet cuddly thing. Julian took this picture of her with it… he arranged the animals all around her just so, and Bunny was definitely the star of the afternoon.

…and now, Kayte has shared the how-to to make your own woolen bunny from sweaters on page 168, the cutest cousin of Pearl’s!

You can find Complete Embellishing on Amazon, in your local bookstores, and if you’d like a signed copy, she has generously donated one to Linda’s Hope for Jasenn shop, too. Kayte also writes regularly for lots of places, including CraftStylish, and her own blog, Love Forever.