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Member Reviews

Thank you so much to Chronicle Books for the eARC of Nifty Gifty!

This book is a crafting dream! I’ve been wanting to get into air dry clay & this book has so many projects to try along with helpful tips on working with clay! There are also other fun and creative projects to try that don’t involve clay & all projects have very easy to follow and clear instructions.

I’ve already tried a couple projects and can’t wait to make more!

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There were a variety of crafts with well detailed instructions. Pictures were very helpful. The audience that would enjoy these crafts would be middle schoolers. The variety of materials used could help users to create other crafts as well.
Thanks to Chronicle books for allowing me to preview and comment on the book

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I thought I might find some useful tips for air dry clay in here, but it turns out there wasn't anything I didn't already know. None of the projects (except the cake gift box) appealed to me so I didn't find much inspiration either.

There are a lot of good tips and tricks for air dry clay for those who are new to the medium, but for experienced crafters this book doesn't offer much.

The projects were cute, even if they didn't appeal to me, and I'm sure some people would enjoy their whimisical and cute style.

I thought the instructions and photos were really well done and would made following along easy.

*Thanks to Chronicle Books for providing an early copy for review.

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Nifty Gifty by is a sweet and fun guide to making tiny, handmade presents that are big on charm. With 20 beginner-friendly projects—like trinket dishes, matchbox crafts, and bag charms—it’s perfect for gifting or keeping just for yourself. The book includes step-by-step photos, supply tips, and ideas for hosting craft nights or starting your own crafty side hustle. It’s great for all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re new to DIY or a longtime maker, this book is packed with joyful inspiration.

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me being a certified crafty gal, i absolutely LOVED every idea in this book! it was also bright and colorful with stunning photos! i cant wait to do some of the crafts!

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Such an aesthetically pleasing and fun read! As a crafter; I have always been shy of using air dry clay and spackle. I really appreciate that no polymer clay was used, because it adds so many steps. I feel confident in trying my hand at the air dry clay crafts and the others that are super easy fun! I know these are supposed to be gifts, but they will be gifts for myself 🤣

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Heavily reliant on air dry clay, the book features cutesy crafts with easy to understand instructions.

I’d recommend this for children interested in crafting (adult assistance may be required) and gifting their friends with small trinkets, and adults who appreciate whimsy..



Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the PDF

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This was a really cute book of clay crafts and how to get started making and selling crafts that make you and everyone else happy.

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Reading this book felt like going back in time to what instagram used to be like, and that’s not a bad thing! Some of the ideas were cute and they all seemed very doable and accessible. I think this would make a good birthday gift for tweens.

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This book is mostly clay crafts with a sprinkling of collage and painting, all fairly basic with nothing really unique.

The title is misleading as the majority of the crafts aren't enough to be stand alone gifts but more embellishments or stocking stuffer type gifts.

The materials list explanation had too much white space and could have been condensed.

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This book has lots of cute craft project ideas. Each project has pictures and instructions. I've never used air dry clay before, but this book makes me want to try. I think this would be a fun addition to any library's craft book section.

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As a Public Youth Service Librarian, I LOVED THIS. A lot of these crafts I do as passive programs and have gotten from bot Pinterest + TikTok. I would have been able to figure out the logistics on my own but having it in this short and neat format helped to much! There weren't too many words, and the crafts and terminology was up to date. "Trinket Shelf" made my scream. My kids know what a trinket shelf is. The pictures were also very aesthetically pleasing. The entire book was both inspirational and easy to follow.

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Very colorful and fun! This feels like an updated/on-trend version of the craft books popular in the late 90s and early 2000s. I go through phases of craftiness, and looking through this book was good for getting some ideas moving. The instructions are clear and the crafts approachable with varying levels of difficulty. A lot of what is presented can be changed up to suit your own interests, or to make a more personalized gift. Will definitely be trying some of these out!

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It's a cute book. Handful of ready crafts, though more for kids and teenagers. Simple steps and simple list of items needed to do them.

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I truly truly love this so much! It is bright and fun and beginner friendly. I love hosting craft parties and this would be the perfect gift for someone like me. Love the personalized tidbits. All of the crafts seem incredibly accessible and make it easy to dive in without breaking the bank. Personalized gifts are my absolute favorite and I’m so excited to make some of these!

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This book is perfect for Pinterest and TikTok loving crafters. It has so many viral clay projects that I have seen on TikTok and Pinterest and have been dying to do. Finally, I have through step by steps instructions for these projects so I can finally start making them!

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This is the perfect book for beginners and advanced crafters who are looking for some new ideas. There is excellent advice on selling or gifting crafts as well as hosting your very own craft parties with friends. The instructions are easy to follow and include great details of working with clay that I have usually overlooked. The crafts are so cute and unique, my favorite is the matchbook shrine!

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What a cute book! I loved all the little crafts they present. These look like easy crafts that would make excellent gifts. The pictures and instructions were easy to follow and made all the projects look like anyone could do them.

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This was such a fun crafty book! Full of so many different projects. I absolutely loved the little pool with the duck, so stinking cute! Very easy to follow and projects any age will love.

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The projects were very cute, and the instructions were clear and well written. A solid add on purchase for libraries where crafting, particularly clay work is popular.

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