Kanzashi in Bloom, by Diane Gilleland, is a great, all-around book about the art of fabric folding, kanzashi. Kanzashi has been getting public attention lately, with it's positive exposure by Kanzashi-fan Michele Obama. She has been seen at numerous events wearing fabric flowered pins styled in the art. While such pins can go for hundreds of dollars, Gilleland shows in her book how to make these delicate adornments with nothing more than scrap fabric, thread, a button and a hot glue gun.

The book does a wonderful job explaining the history of Kanzashi, then explaining the tips and tricks of kanzashi before getting into any projects (such as what fabrics are good and which fabric patterns are bad). It's organized in a clean layout making what is probably a difficult craft seem simple and soothing to do. The thorough step-by-step photos show all the petal techniques before the project section as well, which is particularly helpful.

The last half of the book is made up of 20 projects based off the basic kanzashi design. While I don't think all of the projects were cute or appealing (like the flowered belt buckle) overall I was impressed that Gilleland was able to come up with as many delightful uses for kanzashi as she did. I particularly liked the stretch and bloom headband, tiny blossom earrings, back-to-back ornament, and the I heart tea cozy.

Kanzashi in Bloom will be available July 21st, at your nearby bookstore or online.