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Book Review – Dream On Amber

April 26, 2016 by Shellie Wilson

DreamOnAmberbookreview

Dream on Amber is a fun, inspirational book aimed at kids growing up without a father, but really, anyone can read this fantastic book by Emma Shevah.

Here is a quick preview of the blurb! ( the back of the book)

“As if her name isn’t bad enough. Ambra Alessandra Leola Kimiko Miyamoto. Seriously. Then there’s starting a new school, which is tough if you’re tiny and half Japanese and half Italian. But the other half is missing. Her dad has left…..”


Kids from the age of 10 will find Amber and her life irresistible.  With 34 chapters, this is one of the best books to travel with anywhere! If you are travelling to Japan or Italy, take this book with you to learn numbers and easy phrases……….

Another review by Thearabellashow

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Have you read?

Bird Embroidery Blank Laser Cut Pattern

This is one of those craft files that feels a little different from the usual embroidery download, and honestly, that is exactly why it stands out. While it may have originally been listed with an Easter angle, I actually think this bird embroidery blank laser cut pattern has far more year-round appeal. Birds are one of those motifs that never really go out of style. They work in spring, they work in summer, and they still look lovely hanging in a craft room or tucked into seasonal décor long after the Easter baskets have been packed away.

This design is a free digital download on Design Bundles and comes as a laser-cut style project rather than a standard machine embroidery file. That means it is really aimed at makers who enjoy mixing techniques a bit, especially laser cutting with hand-stitched embellishment. It has that neat hybrid feel that makes a project look extra thoughtful, like you spent more time on it than you probably want to admit.

What I like most about this kind of design is how flexible it is. A bird-themed blank can be turned into a hanging ornament, a personalised plaque, a nursery decoration, a handmade gift, or even a small sign for a craft space. It has a softer, more timeless look than a clearly seasonal Easter design, which makes it much easier to justify making outside of one holiday window. And let’s be honest, that always feels like a crafting win.

It also suits crafters who enjoy projects that look polished and a little bit boutique without feeling too complicated. The laser-cut base gives the piece structure, while the embroidered details add warmth and texture. That combination works beautifully for home décor because it feels handmade without looking messy. Well, assuming we all resist the urge to pull the thread too tight and pretend we meant to do that.

Another nice thing about downloads like this is that they often come from smaller independent designers and creative marketplaces, which means you get to support people making fresh, niche craft files rather than only buying from big commercial design houses. I always think that matters, especially in the craft world where the interesting ideas often come from smaller creators.

The main thing to note is that this is best suited to crafters who already enjoy laser cut projects or mixed-media makes. If someone is expecting a traditional embroidery machine file, they might be caught off guard. But if you love decorative projects with a handmade finish, this kind of bird blank has a lot of charm and far more versatility than something tied too tightly to Easter.

Overall, I think this works much better as a year-round bird décor project than as a one-season make. It has a clean, decorative style, plenty of gifting potential, and that lovely handmade look that makes it feel special whether you display it in spring or keep it out all year.

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