Everything Oz: The Wizard Book of Makes & Bakes [Illustrated] [Paperback]

*Please note this review - with pictures! - is from my blog, [...]*

I am so excited by this book! It contains everything I'd hoped it would, and much much more. It is beautifully and thoughtfully laid out, with loads of quirky bits to read and get the whole Oz feel. And it's absolutely filled with high-quality, well-explained, creative projects.

First, food!

The book includes lots of delicious-looking recipes, from Aunt Em's French Crullers and Uncle Henry's Cherry Pie, via `yellow brick' Coconut Ices and Bran New Brains Muffins, to the spectacular Over the Rainbow Cake... innocent cream cheese frosting on the outside, but cut into it and you have amazing rainbow-coloured layers. I think this is destined to become a birthday party favourite! It's spectacular! Special mention also goes to the genius Squashed Witch Cupcakes - they are truly inspired.

The Emerald City section is a feast in itself, and would make a great themed party menu; the Glow-in-the-Dark Emerald City Jelly is stunning, and would go well with the Pistachio Popcorn (sounds addictive) and refreshing Green Lemonade. To dress for the occasion, you can make Emerald Glasses and the exquisite jewelled Extravagantly Embellished Emerald Hairpieces. For the full pampering experience, you can even take a trip to Ox Apothecary and whip up a Sleepy-time Salt Scrub with Lavender, a Face Mask of Eternal Youth or the `Put a Brave Face on It' Skin Tonic.

There's also a range of craft projects, from sewing, embroidering, paper craft, Raffia Flowers and even candle-making, to suit a range of skills and time dedication.

For sewing, I love the cute Dorothy's Patchwork Apron, and the Sleepy-Time Eye Mask is gorgeous, and would make a lovely gift. And yes, they tell you how to make Ruby Slippers, too!

Also inspired by the field of poppies scene are lovely paper poppies, and the Raggedy Patchwork Poppy T-shirt shows a simple but striking way of upcycling a t-shirt with a garland of fabric flowers.

I love that there are lots of ideas in here that would make wonderful gifts for children too, sharing the magic of Oz with the next generation. The felt Cowardly Lion Hand Puppet is so cute, and I adore the Little Monkey's Babies Bath Towel, which would be very snuggly for your own little monkey.

And last but not least, my favourite character... Toto! You can make a Toto Cushion, Decorated Dog House, Toto's Dog Jacket and even Toto's Treats - special dog biscuits for your own faithful friend.

There's so much in here that I can't wait to make (and I don't think I've even covered half the book in this review...!), for both myself and my friends. All the patterns / templates etc are included at the end of the book - it couldn't be simpler. A fantastically fun book, and highly recommended for all ages!

The second book from the duo that brought us `Everything Alice', `Everything Oz' takes the reader on a magical journey along the yellow brick road. Written by L Frank Baum in 1900 and released as what would become `the most famous film of all time' in 1939, the Wizard of Oz boasts a world of iconic vintage imagery; all of which comes out to play in this amazing craft book.

There is something in this book for everyone. The cook, the crafter, the expert and the novice......even a certain pair of ruby slippers.The book is scattered with Hannah read-Baldrey's charming illustations and excerpts from the original book aswell as innovative craft projects and recipes to delight friends, family and pets!

Although `Everything Oz' gives you all the tools you need to create the ultimate themed party, many of the projects can be used for other things. The Great Wizards Throne Tent would for example make quite an addition to any boudoir or would turn an outdoor seating area into a luxurious hide-away.

Unlike it's predecessor `Everything Alice' which contained some slightly mad (see what we did there) fashion ideas, the clothing and accessory projects in `Everything Oz' are incredibly wearable, especially the beautiful Poppy T-Shirt, great for using up small pieces of fabric.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this book and it's predecessor `Everything Alice' to anyone.

So delighted with this book, it's just as brilliant as 'Everything Alice.' Would make a great present for anyone into crafting. All of the craft ideas are lovely. Hope there will be another book in the 'Everything...' series!!!