My review of Handmade Living by Lotta Jansdotter is going to be a little bit different than my other book reviews – simply because this is a lifestyle book rather than a project book. When I figured that out, I’m going to be honest. I was worried that this book was going to be a big snooze. The good news is that it’s quite the contrary – after cracking open the binding, I didn’t get up for at least an hour. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Lotta’s life, her design, her work space and her entertaining.
I really enjoyed Handmade Living because it’s fascinating to get the story behind the artist. Lotta’s story and life are inspirational, and she seems like a great person. She’s one of those people that I wouldn’t mind going to lunch with and maybe even shopping for cute, modern goods afterward. I like Lotta because she’s definitely an artist but she’s crafty, too. She also has great taste in shirt colors:
After reading this book, here’s what I love about Lotta. #1, her hair. It’s like mine except messier, and I didn’t even know that was possible. #2, her son’s name: August. I’ve always wanted a son named August that I could call “Gus.” #3, she’s Scandinavian. My great-grandfather was Norwegian, and my family has always appreciated Scandinavian style. Of course I love her design as well, and I know you will too. I’m giving away one copy of Handmade Living so that you can get as engrossed in the words and pictures as I did. Here are the rules.
1. Comment on THIS blog entry. Why would you like to win this book?
2. Only one entry per person.
3. Contest will close this Wednesday, January 12th at midnight (EST).
4. PLEASE leave your e-mail address if it’s not attached in Blogger – I need some way to reach you.
Full contest disclosure here.
Winner of the Paper + Craft book giveaway was Dawn Newsome.
THANK you so much for all of the questions you asked for my New Year’s post. I should have the answers up in the next few weeks. The ten Mod Podge starter pack winners are Reflections from Granny, Two Little Hooligans, Jacobs Family, The Scrapbook Speedway, Vintage Retouche by Mary, Minding Momma, Linda, Twelve Days Old, Elisekayem and Leah Claire.
Blogger who loves the color blue and sock monkeys. You can find me in public easily— I'm wearing glasses and lots of stripes.
I’d love to win this book, I’m always looking for new ideas, things to make, I save it all and recycle anything I can, all inspiration is welcome in my home.
Thank you so much for the winning gift, I’ve become a Mod Podge snob sort of snob lol, you can look but don’t touch my Mod Podge he he.
Enjoy, blessings, Lori m
I would love to win this book- I’m trying to live more simply and that includes handmaking things rather than buying them. This book would be a nice inspiration!
I would LOVE to win this book because I love crafting…my Grandma was/is such a craft-happy person, & as a result, I’m really into crafting too! I would be ecstatic to receive a cool book like this! Thank you for doing such a great giveaway!
This looks like a great read. Would love to win.
sweetiesuzy@aol.com
i would love to win this book as i love to look at other peoples crafts and finding new ideas of things to make.
from
zoenick12@hotmail.com
Oh my! I would really, really, REALLY love to win this book! Lotta Jansdotter’s work has always inspired me, and I would love to learn more about her as a person.
love her designs! hope to win the book.
Why not start the year off with a little inspiration…I need some sent my way.
What a creative and inspiring crafter. I would love to have this great book. Thanks for a chance.
Okay you are so right about her choice in shirt colors. I am moving into a little bitty house that needs some work and I could use some inspiration!
Lotta sounds like someone I’d like to be friends with. I’d definitely love to win her book, as I’m always looking for new things to do with paper! Thanks for the opportunity to learn a “Lotta” new things! (sorry… I couldn’t resist! LOL)
I kinda got myself into a crisis wondering what is the point of my hobby projects, is a handmade style of living really a possibility and then along comes Amy with this book… Maybe it hides some answers for me, I just got to win it, right? Thanks for the opportunity!
Lotta guides you along the path of developing your own creative space that defines you – I would love to have this book
That book looks absolutely fabulous! Hope to win it!
I would love to have a good read and especially about someone that enjoys art and crafts as much as I do! Plus, if you got on to Martha you gotta be GREAT right??? lol Thank you for this giveaway! Brooke
brookedouglass@yahoo.com
Girl Boy Girl Inspired
Lotta is such an inspiration, would love to win this book!
Thank you for the chance to win this book!! It so sounds like a book that I would love to read and then do some projects. Lotta sounds like a fun person and how could she not be when Martha had her on her show!
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to read this book I am Scandinavian as well and I think it would be super inspiring to read her story!
We love Lotta! It would be so great to win this book….please count me in!!!
I would love to win this book! Thanks for the chance
Definitely trying to start the year with a fresh perspective. This would be the perfect inspiration!
Always looking for new crafting ideas!!! I would love this book!
moabjeepgirl@hotmail.com
This is my kind of book! Something I would keep forever and would always have a place to find inspiration when I need a little help. Love your blog too. letsgosew@yahoo.com
Oooh, I would LOVE to win this book! It looks awesome!
I would love this book because I’m always interested in new crafting ideas, and I would love to see what fascinated you. I am half Swedish and also love things Scandinavian.
Yay for new crafy ideas!!!
Looks like a great book. I would love to learn more ways to decor my house because man does it need help.
spunkycrayon at yahoo dot com
I would like to win this book because I became interested in content, after he was given a preview of what it is.
I would LOVE to win this book!! I think with the economy the way it is we should ALL focus more on handmade gifts and decor for our homes…its good for the environment if we recycle things we may normally thro away and of course its good for our wallets too….and home made is o much better anyway!!!
I’ve admired all her books for awhile and just haven’t added any to my collection yet. I’d love to start off with a win!
chelsealexander at hotmail
I would like to have this book for inspiration and a little how-to. I love handmade stuff and want to make new things!
skenaga@gmail.com
I love inspiration from books! Count me in!
Just the name of the book gets my inspiration juices flowing!
We are attempting to live more handmade as well. We went last year without buying anything new!
jgabriel@shaw.ca
sounds like a good book. but i am so not a reader! lol…. good luk to the rest of you!
This book looks great! I love the idea that it’s a way of life–Way cool.. Thanks for the chance to win.
it will be great to have this book..really nice collection
This definitely sounds like a book I need! count me in, please!
Scandinavian style is my latest obsession! Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win.
athosflorides(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to win this book. I just opened a handmade Etsy shop and am very inspired by the Scandinavian style and have been using it for ideas for my projects. Wonderful sounding book. Thanks for the giveaway!
Sherry
I would love to win this book because I am 3/4 Scandinavian (Norwegian, Swedish and Icelandic). I love sharing my heritage with others.
I love Lotta!!! I’m another Norwegian who loves the Scandinavian vibe. I like the fact that it’s handmade living…not just one aspect. Thanks!!
I would love to win this book because I’m striving to move towards that lifestyle, especially with children in the house and don’t know where to begin.
I would love to have this book to inspire me. I have a room full of craft supplies and have lost my inspiration.
would love the inspiration!
thank you!
i love to check out other crafty artist and this book looks so fun!
I would love to have this book so I could envy her whole life! Just kidding…I would love to get more ideas for anything and everything!
I like her books and her style. And I am blond and I live in a predominately Swedish town. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I adore Lotta and would LOVE to learn more about her and her life!! What a great giveaway..thank you!
I would love to add this to my crafty inspiration bookshelf:) She looks like so much fun!
We all need to continue being inspired by others. Lotta is a great source of inspiration. thanks for the giveaway.
k3ll3yb0b at gmail dot com
I would love to learn more about Lotta as well as gain some inspiration for the new year!
danabnsn at gmail dot com
I would love to win this book because I need lot of inspiration!
i would love to win this because i need to leaner how to hand make more stuff because i’m broke
mychancetowin at gmail dot com
What great inspiration! Who couldn’t use that?
Am always up for some new crafts!
acoupongal@gmail.com
I’m always looking for a “modern but not too modern” look for our house, and particularly struggle with finding that balance in crafts. The cover looks like such a promising aesthetic!
Oh my goodness would I love this book. I love to read about people who live a “handmade” life. So inspiring!
Oh I love reading about clever crafty people and their life/space/inspiration.
Thank you for the chance to win and the heads up on a great new book.
I could use some inspiration for the new year. 2010 was a long one.
jdoll at mail dot win dot org
I am always looking for some more inspiration in my life!
Thank you for this opportunity to win Handmade Living.
I would love to have this book because:
a) I’ve never heard of Lotta
b) I love to craft…anything!
c) I love to read…especially about crafters/crafting
d) I love the blue shirt she’s wearing on Martha
e) The cover is intriguing: the designs on the left, the sweater she’s wearing on the right
Thanks, again, for your FUN and informative blog.
Teri “Terrific”
I would love this book because I love handmade things and I am always looking for more ways to incorporate them into my life. Thanks!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE to win this book. I’m a student and I borrow craft books from the library every week and work on all their projects. Craft books inspire my creativity. I have started making a collection of all the craft books that I can afford so that I can attach my own adjustments and the pictures of my creations to the original tutorials. I can mostly afford used and outdated books and I’d love to have a new book in my collection. I hope that I win this book.
I would be ecstatic to win this book! I’m pretty sure anything featured on Martha’s show is going to be fantastic. Beyond that, I’m always up for new crafting ideas and tips. I’m also curious to see how a crafty book can also be about lifestyle… Fingers crossed!
Email:
carrie1200@gmail.com
Wow I saw her on Martha and would absolutely love to read her book. I could use alittle lift to my January blues, right now
Thanks for the giveaway!
I love reading other people’s stories and backgrounds. It helps me to see where people are coming from. And it doesn’t hurt that she has great taste and is super crafty!
Thanks for the give away! avalon.marsh (@) gmail.com
I would love to win this because so far I have loved all of her books! Also my daughter’s name is August
need new inspiration to get creative..
fingers crossed!! Sounds awesome!
Ooh…this looks like such a great book. I saw it on amazon awhile back and thought it looked so cool! I actually have it on hold at the library right now, but it would be so much nicer to have my own copy…(:
I would love to win this book to use as inspiration for future crafting. Thanks for the chance to win!
Would love to win. I love reading about what inspires and influences craft from other countries. Sounds like a good read!!
I would love to own that book … it sounds inspiring. Plus, if Martha likes her, I like her.
I found your blog a few days ago. I go thru mod podge as much as you!! And I just printed Lottas pic so I can do my hair like that in the morning! FUN FUN FUN
I’ve been trying to add more handmade items to my home. This books looks like it would be a fantastic read. Thanks for the giveaway!
This winter has been an uneventful one, just dreary and gray. We haven’t even gotten any snow to speak of. I new book with new inspiration would really give me a lift. Thanks!
the book looks great!
I would love to have a new read! I live in an “IKEA” home and would love to read a book about scandanavian style with personality. Have a wonderful week!
Ashlee
I would LOVE to win this book because I am always looking for inspiration and ideas on things that I can do myself and I’d love to get a look into her way of doing things. Also, well, honestly, winning anything is just AWESOME!!
speckledkat@gmail.com
I would love to win this book! I love her style, so simple and so awesome. My main resolution for this year was to be more creative, and to do that I am trying to incorporate creativity into my daily life. This book sounds like it would give me some inspiration to achieve that.
jhutch732@gmail.com
Since I am Scandinavian, it would be great to embrace the styles of my heritage.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Would love to have this book as a good reference on Scandinavian design. The simplicity is beautiful.
Well, it just sounds like a good read! She has such a simple style that I would love to learn more about!
Oh my gosh…I could really use this book!
I would love this book because I am a fan of her work and other books. She is stellar!
I would love to read this book to give me a little insight into her work/life and inspire me in the new year.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com
Besides having a life-long commitment to reading anything by a Scandinavian who not only has great hair by also has a son named August . . .
I cleaned my sewing/craft room and I feel that I need a little reward!
Thanks!
I would like to know more about her and how her creativity began…Thanks for the chance to win!!
I’m always looking for new inspiration. So great!
i would love to win this book as i am so committed to spending as much time as possible making and creating this year.
i plan to shop and spend less and make more, this book looks like it will help me achieve my goal.
thanks for the opportunity!
Wish I win this book! It will motivate me to do more creative projects for home!
I love sewing with Lotte–she really helped me get over my initial fears of it. I lived in Denmark for ten months and fell in love with their style. If I won this book, I would be the most stylin’ Texas Dane out there.
Ooh, I’d love this book if only because her awesome hair could finally convince me to chop mine off! I’m always afraid to go too short, but I’d love to!
The cover of this book alone piques
your interest. Winning this inspirational book would be a lovely way to start 2011!
This book seems amazing and of course I would love to have it. I am big on making as much as you can at home rather than buy it. I would love to read more about her.
I forgot to leave my e-mail! It’s http://www.soapy_joes@yahoo.com. Sorry, and Thanks!
I would love to read the book simply because of your review. You make it seem like a must read book.
I would love to own this book! A lot of inspiration in one book!
If the “Great One” recommends the book it might be worth reading. Thanks for the chance to win!
I definitely need some inspiration to start off this New Year!! Thanks for a chance to win this great book!!
Instead of standing next to the Great One, she is the great one. I have another of her books and I love her handmade style. Having been to Sweden and Denmark, I have fallen in love with Scandinavian style sensibilities. The sneak peek I took at the book has me excited about the inspiration she packed into her book. Can’t wait to read it.
I’d love to win this book. I love the title and want to see firsthand all the things you described about the author!
anne @ rajklaushouse1@att.net
I like Lotta, simple and cute designs. I have borrowed and read this book from my library and love it!
This sounds like an amazing book! I would love to incorporate her ideas into my crafty life! sounds like a wonderful addition to my library!
i am looking to start my own business where i can work from home and raise my daughter at the same time. am collecting from resources as inspiration and this would help guide me in the right direction. thanks for the opportunity.
Why would I LOVE to win this book…….. INSPIRATION I can use all the help I can get. I love to do crafts but am not creative, this book could get the juices flowing.
i’d love to win this book to learn from lotta’s own inspirational journey, as mentioned from the review. i look up to designers and artists alike, lotta is a testimony of self-taught and living a fun life. it will be great to participate in this giveaway.
pringlespalo(at)gmail(dot)com
I would LOVE some great inspiration of craftiness for the new year!
kksewell@cableone.net
I love knowing more about the person behind the crafts, regardless of who it is. The book sounds inspirational and informative. Thanks for the chance to win!
I’d love to win this book as it would give me so much inspiration and motivation to get crafty!
Oooh! I love books like this. I imagine that it must be overflowing with inspiration~
I love the idea of handmade living and would love to read about how others embrace it and explain it to others who may think it’s crazy.
I have recently become enthralled in blogs by crafty people & I absolutly can’t seem to stop reading the “about me” section. I hope I win this book to get more ideas and inspirations & so much “about me” stuff:)
I love learning new things. What an awesome book.
The book cover looks so cute! I really want to read it.
I want to win this because I love handmade and I love making things myself and I love winning things
hypersky5 at hotmail dot com
Would love to win this book for so many reasons, but let me try to sum them up:1. I love to read 2. Anything Martha recommends is worth buying 3. Ditto goes for you!! 4. I made it my 2011 Resolution to become more “crafty”, “artsy” and “homey”! No more taking the pants to the dry cleaner to fix the hem or buying someone else’s beautiful Christmas craft that I know I can make myself and put my heart and soul into. 5. I would love to win something – I don’t ever remember winning anything!
Love your blog so much. thanks
Wendy
wendy.hamm@comcast.net
I’d love to get some new ideas from someone so creative!
I have always read inspirational books all my life because I am a bi-polar person. The more I read about other people or about ways to fix myself I do. I have alot of craft stuff but I need a kick in the bottom to get going and I just love home made items. So yes I really need a book like this. If I don”t win it I will go buy it. So thank you alot for the chance to win the book.
This book looks so very cool!
I would love to win it so I can further organize my house & craft space. And, decorating tips are always useful!
Thanks for the opportunity, Amy!
Shoni
shonijunk (at) yahoo (dot) com
I was just recently introduced to the wonderful world of Lotta and her books. I received Simple Sewing, and can’t wait to test it out. I would love to learn what inspires her and take a peek at her world.
Thanks!
Barb
barbemiller(at)yahoo(dot)ca
I would love to win this book! I’m so visual it would be a great way help encourage my own creativity
I already have one of her books and really like it. This would be a nice addition to my collection of craft inspiration books.
This sounds like it would be a great resource. I find it interesting that there are recipes and stencils in the back- a different type of book all together.
I love anything Lotta. I would love to have her new book.
I think it could be a great source of inspiration for me as a crafter.
Please count me in. Thanks.
avalonne83 [at] yahoo [dot] it
count me in…always looking for new biz ideas!!!
XOXOX
I love to gift homemade items
thanks!
terraljones at gmail dot com
I would like to be able to add this book to my (small) library of design and crafting books as it sounds inspirational, informative and entertaining. What more can you ask of a book? Great giveaway. Thanks.
marguerito at comcast dot net
two reasons i would love to win this book: like you, i LOVE Scandinavian design and i’ve heard nothing but good things about it
I would love to win this book because I am always looking for new and different crafts. Plus I LOVE the Scandinavian store downtown, but I can’t afford anything in it!
Hannah
hanibee8@hotmail.com
Has the winner been posted yet, I can’t seem to find it
I am obsessed with Scandinavian clothing, decor … anything! I would love to win this book! Thank you so much for this incredible giveaway!
ceevegnashville [at] gmail [dot] com
I would love to win this book! I have just retired from my job and I am so excited about being able to craft when I want to! There are so many ideas just waiting for me to try!!! Thanks for the opportunity.
Hi folks! I typically announce giveaway winners on Sunday. Pattie Cordova won – thanks to all for entering!! xo