One of the things I like about traveling is the inspirations I find along the way that I get to take home with me to remember the experience. Turning those memories into crafty projects or furniture is one of my loves and dreams for this blog…which I’m still working on…
Book Release: Around the USA in 50 Craft Projects
By: Cut Out and Keep
But Cat Morely and Tom Waddington from Cut Out and Keep have been living the dream (my dream, that is) when they took a road trip across all 50 U.S. states, recently.
And then they went back home to the UK, put the whole road trip experience together into a book with one of the most exciting twists that a crafty person with a touch of wanderlust could imagine:
A book that features a travel inspired craft or recipe from their travels,
in this case the 50 states of the USA!
They documented the whole trip with photos, keepsakes and a travelogue.
While in the USA, they sought out and sampled the signature dishes and beverages from all the different regions. They visited some of the United States most popular travel destinations and veered off the beaten path to some of the most unique and quirky places, as well.
Cat and Tom slumbered one night in a tree house while in Oregon, a retired railroad car while in California, and a hot air balloon-themed hotel room in Wisconsin.
They cooled off with a pie shake in Iowa City and hillbilly tea in Kentucky and got their crunch on with specialties like deep fried pickles in New Jersey and fried catfish in Mississippi.
One of my favorite Cut Out and Keep recipe creations is the Vemontipolitan Ice Cream inspired by their travels through New England. The ingredients include bacon and maple syrup, need I say more?
The book is full of pretty pictures of landmarks and must-see places from every state. Their travelogue notes are full of interesting regional tidbits like the state animal, the best time of the year to visit or the national parks and forests that help keep safe the state’s natural beauty.
As promised with each state chapter, there are photos and directions for a craft or recipe that highlight the state. A few of my favorite crafts from this book are:
The Bottle Cap Ring
The Route 66 Vintage Tee
The Hollywood (skyline) Lampshade
The License Plate Notebook
The Plant Me Greeting Cards
You can see full details on Around the USA in 50 Craft Projects, here.
I was really excited to check out this book. The whole concept is right up my alley. I love the easy way Cat and Tom shared their travel experience and then crossed that over into a craft of recipe.
I’m kinda thinking that making a small travelogue and creating a few fun projects after any vacation would be a lot fun and a creative way to keep the memory of the vacation afloat.
And if kids are involved, that’s even better because crafting with little people and helping them create vacation memories is A#1, if you ask me, or even if you didn’t!! 😉
Announcement: The official winner of the Speed-Sew giveaway is Meena R.
Congratulations, Meena, and thank you everyone who took a chance!!
Hope you’re having a great weekend!! ~ Amy
Disclaimer: I have partnered with Cut Out + Keep to review this book. Although I received free merchandise in exchange my review, the opinions stated are entirely my own. See full disclosure.
chris aka monkey says
amy i can see you ohhhing and awwing over that book ha ha maybe even a little drooling too, maybe someday you too will write a book about your travels, your writing and pictures would make it awesome xx
Bliss says
I’m with you….. a dream to travel all of the states, and then write a book besides.
Danni@SiloHillFarm says
What a perfectly wonderful idea! Wish I’d thought of it! LOL! When you get to Missouri, we’ll do a craft!
Feral Turtle says
That looks like an awesome read. I definitely think this is something you should do Amy!!
Sherry says
What a cool book Amy! You have some crafting to do!