The revolution is coming! - Rated 
This book is incredible. Packed with a mix of both super-easy Sunday afternoon ideas and some more ambitious projects. Opens up lots of new possibilities with interesting and inventive techniques. Only problem is I can no longer sleep as my mind is racing with ideas! Thank you Danielle - this is truly marvelous.
Veering towards Shoddy Chic, rather than Shabby - Rated 
First off I must admit that I have not seen Danielle Proud on TV, or even heard of her before I picked up her book, therefore am unsure whether the book works better as accompanying notes to previous demonstrations. I flicked through and a few of the projects grabbed my attention so I thought I'd give it a go. On closer inspection I am quite disappointed, the instructions seem a little haphazard and some of the projects are just a bit too, well, shonky.
I like her style and what she is trying to encourage, I am concerned though that the projects could go all too easily wrong for novices [especially the sewing projects] and that there isn't really much new for anyone with a bit of experience under their belt. Good styling and colour ideas, a few novel touches [I especially like the fabric covered lampstand and the 'crazy' restrung chair] but all in all I would have got better bang for my buck if I had bought a few old seventies craft books from a charity shop as that is the era she has plundered for inspiration. I think better go straight to the source, the instructions are likelier to be more thorough and solid than Proud's version.
This is a really lovely book. - Rated 
This is a really beautifully designed book inside. Printed on lovely paper, the photography and layout and the projects are very stylish.
Nothing is too difficult and the instructions are very thorough. For this reason you might look at it and think it maybe a little 'easy' for your already crafty-oriented person but it's such eye-candy that you shouldn't overlook it just because the projects borrow quite heavily from 70's-era craft standards. Some of the stuff we think of as quite naff (ie macrame!) are sort of updated in the book and it makes you go, hey, actually that could look quite spesh...
It makes an absolutely PERFECT gift for the kind of person who says things like "Oh, I wish I was creative!" but they lack the confidence to pick up and try making something from scratch cos they think they wouldn't know where to start. I have bought this book as a Christmas present for a friend who matches the above description and I haven't wrapped it yet because I love leafing through it!
I also really like the author's promoting the creative reuse of old stuff. It's not going to cost you a lot to make the projects and it's lovely to turn something worn out into something beautiful instead of having it go to landfill. Don't get the wrong idea,this is NOT make-do-and-mend stuff, it has a very boho-chic, vintage vibe. I had not heard of Danielle Proud previous to seeing the book in the shop but I will be keeping an eye out for more from this "Nigella of crafting"!
how to make your home look cool - Rated
This is a brilliant and inspirational book packed full of great - and easy - ideas to funk up your home. Danielle Proud is clearly a genuis when it comes to craft. I've barely touched a needle and thread since school but after being given this book I have great plans for my new flat - thanks Danielle. This book makes a fab gift!
Inspiration for modern living - Rated
If you want your home to showcase your own individual, funky style, and don't want to spend a fortune - THIS IS THE BOOK TO BUY. Practical, accessible and a total inspiration for any modern housebuyer. I've been bored to tears with my current Ikea-one-size-fits-all flat for ages, and this has given me SOOOO many ideas to get started on.
Loved this so much I've already pre-ordered it for my mum for Christmas! The perfect present.
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