If we had to sum up Gina in one word, it would be "crafty." One of our few full-time staff, Gina is easy to recognize...she's the one with style! We asked Gina to pick a few of her favorite recommendations from our craft section so that you, too, can become a crafty person. Here they are, in no particular order:

Retro Revamp Jennifer Knapp Chronicle Books © Apr. 2000 $17.95 hardcover Order now		If you love all that is kooky and kitch, get this book! It is filled with funky projects, like the Car Carma Dashboard Shrine and Bizarre Bustier. From Elvis to the Eiffel Tower to Mr. Potato Head and back again, Retro Revamp will have you gathering your buttons, beads, fabric scraps, ric-rak & knick knacks together for some crafty adventures.

Instant Gratification Cards Carol Endler Sterbenz Chronicle Books © Nov. 2000 $15.95 paperback Order now		Both beginner and advanced crafters will enjoy the fast, simple projects detailed in Instant Gratification. The author shows how easily accessible materials, such as ribbon, paper, and glue, can be brought together to create unique & elegant cards for all occasions. Voila! Instant art for the time-pressed crafter.

Handmade Soap Hearst Books Country Living © Mar. 1998 $19.95 paperback Order now		The editors of Country Living magazine remind us that by making your own soaps you can customize them to your specific skin type. Exfoliate with oatmeal or moisturize dry winter skin with milk. Handmade soap shows us how all-natural ingredients can be combined to cleanse even the most delicate of complexions. The book contains wonderful recipes for a variety of soaps and skillful tips on how to create your own unique fragrances.

Origami Extravaganza Tuttle Publishers Tuttle Pubishing © Oct. 2000 $22.95 paperback Order now		This origami kit is great for novices and the more experienced, containing a book and 160 sheets of colorful origami paper. You too can learn the Japanese art of paper - folding and create beautiful, graceful works of art.

Making Soaps & Scents Catherine Bardey Black Dog & Leventhal Pub. © Sept. 1999 $10.98 hardcover Order now		There is nothing quite like the sensuality of homemade soaps & fragrances. Bardey's book has fabulous recipes for a variety of soaps, shampoos, perfumes and splashes. Luxuries such as Provence Perfume Oil, Lavender Key Lime Soap and Lemon Lime Coconut Hair Bar make thoughtful gifts for your loved ones.

A Gift For Giving: Making the Most of the Present Donna Lang Clarkson Potter © Nov. 2000 $25.00 hardcover Order now		A Gift for the Giving explores wonderfully clever ideas for the presentation and personalization of your presents. Whether you are looking for a distinct way to give money as a gift, a unique way to present old gift ideas like flowers or food, or a way to stretch your gift so that it lasts throughout the year, Lang reminds us that gift-giving is about the thought behind the gift and not the gift itself.

Country Baskets Paola Romanelli Sterling Publishing Co. © Oct. 2000 $17.95 paperback Order now		Create attractive and functional baskets with your own two hands! And don't forget...traditional handmade baskets make great gifts. With the techniques detailed in this book you will learn how to make a picnic hamper, breadbasket, hanging baskets and more.

Sewing for Dummies Jan Saunders Hungry Minds © July 1999 $19.99 paperback Order now		The title says it all! This book contains all the information you need to be able to sew. Even if you cannot thread a needle today, tomorrow you will be sewing like a pro.

Snowmen Peter Cole Chronicle Books © Nov. 1999 $14.95 hardcover Order now		This book has so many hilarious and clever winter projects you will actually want it to snow like mad! Learn how to create goofy snow characters like "Medusnow" or an actual burning, beautiful "Arctic Hearth." After all the snow fun, dry off and warm up with some luscious & almost too-cute-to-eat "Macaroon Men." I am eagerly awaiting our next blizzard.

Painting Glass Paula Desimone Rockport Publishers © Sept. 2000 $17.00 paperback Order now		Decorating glass with paints can be as elegant or as dramatic as you desire. Create an art nouveau candle holder, a festive pitcher, perfume bottles and wine decanters. Through color and pattern you can create several different styles on a variety of items. Glassware painted with your individual touch can make unique and beautiful gifts.

The Encyclopedia of Knitting Lesley Stanfield Running Press © Oct. 2000 $24.95 hardcover Order now		I don't know how to knit yet, but when I finally learn I know this book will become my all-purpose resource. Several stitches are described in detail, such as lace and bobbles and leaves. There is also an informative section on how to design your own projects.

The Crafters Project Book Mary Ann Hall Rockport Pub. © June 1999 $24.99 paperback Order now		More than 80 distinctive projects are detailed in this remarkable book. Crafts range from simple to advanced, so you will find many challenges within these pages. The projects are also in a variety of mediums, like paper, glass or fabric and even metal.

Roses For the Scented Room Barbara Milo Ohrbach Clarkson Potter © Mar. 2000 $25.00 hardcover Order now		Roses are definitive in their elegance and delicate beauty. This book will indulge all your rose fantasies - from drying roses to making rose-flavored honey and strawberry-rose sorbet, or creating charming rose ice cubes. And many other simple, yet exquisite and luxurious rose ideas.