There’s nothing quite like getting a new craft book – flicking through those beautiful crisp leaves, oohing and aahing over those gorgeous glossy photographs, bookmarking all the pages of the projects you want to make first. Here are our favourite craft bibles out there at the moment – perfect for spreading a little handmade cheer this Christmas.

1. Wreck This Journal, Keri Smith

Inspiration certainly won’t be lacking with Keri Smith’s illustrated book, which gives you prompts on what to do with each page, whether that be colouring outside the lines, painting with coffee, poking holes or simply just making a big old mess. Very inventive, hours of fun to be had!

2. Literary Knits, Nikol Lohr

Any book that combines knitting with literature is a winner as far as we’re concerned. This amazing compendium of 30 patterns from Nikol Lohr will keep you busy well into 2013, with designs inspired by characters from some of our very favourite reads including The Catcher in the Rye, Pride and Prejudice and The Chronicles of Narnia. An absolute must-have for any bookshelf anywhere.

3. Little Stitches, Aneela Hoey

We predict that embroidery will really take off in 2013 and if you want to get in on the trend, Aneela Hoey’s Little Stitches book is the perfect place to start. The original hand-drawn designs are the right combination of modern and retro and there are more than 100 of them for you to choose from, so you’ll never be short of an idea or two. There are also 12 projects included, from tissue boxes and baby quilts to jar cosies and cushion covers, so you probably won’t put your needle back down until Christmas next year!

4. Making an Impression: Designing and Creating Artful Stamps, Gennine Zlatkis

Here’s one for all you papercraft fans out there! Illustrator and stamper Gennine Zlatkis’s book comes with 20 gorgeous projects including decorative wall pieces, cards, a journal and a tote, as well as 50 motifs showcasing her beautiful designs that you can use for collages, stamp designs and image transfers. We love the freedom that making your own stamps can give and once you’ve mastered Gennine’s techniques, there’ll be no stopping you!

5. Noah’s Ark: Sewing, Quilting & Appliqué for You & Your Home, Anne-Pia Godske Rasmussen

Here’s a book everyone will like. You’ll thoroughly enjoy filling your house with Anne-Pia’s quirky little cats, cows, ducks, sheep, giraffes, elephants and mice and the variety of projects will keep you interested as well, whether you’re making a cushion or doing a bit of appliqué. There are also projects for basket liners, wine bottle covers and a recipe as well, so you’ll certainly be kept busy if this makes it into your stocking. Fingers crossed that Father Christmas remembers to leave it!