★ Gift Ideas for Creative Teenagers | Best Craft Presents for Arty Teens ★

The Art and Craft of Whirligig Construction

by: Gabriel R. Zuckerman

Amazon Price: $12.70 (as of 06/01/2012)

A fun book for keen crafters and woodworkers, this book contains 12 mechanical whirligig projects which are not only enjoyable to make, but they also teach you about different mechanisms.

There are over 50 color photos, 80 patterns and mechanical drawings, and step-by-step how-tos for each project and mechanism. There are tips to ensure your whirligig spins in minimal wind, plus information on bearings, woodworking techniques, metalworking and decorating.

Jacquard Tie Dye Kit

Amazon Price: $12.79 (as of 06/01/2012)

Groovy tie dye kit which allows the dying of upto 15 t-shirts with high quality precision dyes.

Very fun technique to have a go at, with so many different paterns that you can reproduce. Great for any artistic teen. The technique is versatile too because any natural fabric or clothing can be used - whether it's shirts, lengths of material, cotton tote bags, table runners, etc.
An instructional DVD is included.

Paper Models That Move: 14 Ingenious Automata, and More (Dover Origami Papercraft) (English and English Edition)

by: Walter Ruffler

Amazon Price: $13.03 (as of 06/01/2012)

I am personally a huge fan of paper automata because it is very satisfying to produce animated paper models with just card, a craft knife and glue.

This book provides 14 whimsical projects which can be assembled without previous papercrafting skill or experience, and the book also teaches you about levers, gears, cranks and other mechanical devices.

Make Animal Sculptures with Paper Mache Clay: How to Create Stunning Wildlife Art Using Patterns and My Easy-to-Make, No-Mess Paper Mache Recipe

by: Jonni Good

Amazon Price: $15.56 (as of 06/01/2012)

Paper mache is one of the most versatile craft techniques to learn because you can really let your creativity go wild and produce whatever shape or design you like. So if you know a crafter, I'm sure this book would appeal to them.

A recipe for mess-free paper mache clay is provided so you can produce your own sculpture whether you're a beginner or experienced artist. The book contains over 250 photos and step-by-step instructions for making your own life-like animal sculptures in an inexpensive, fun and easy way.

Airfix A01071 1:72 Scale Scale Supermarine Spitfire Mk1A Military Aircraft Classic Kit Series 1

Amazon Price: $4.23 (as of 06/01/2012)

A classic model making kit by Airfix for a scale model of a Spitfire plane.

These kits have been around for a long time and this particular one is perfect for a beginner. It has 29 separate plastic parts to glue together, then the model is painted, and then the supplied decals can be added too. A fun little project for those who like to build or craft, and there are many different kits of different skill levels to choose from.

Filmmaking for Teens: Pulling Off Your Shorts

by: Troy Lanier, Clay Nichols

Amazon Price: $11.88 (as of 06/01/2012)

A popular and inspiring book about the art of film making and how teenagers can get started.

A lot of people love movies and dream about making their own film, and this book makes it a realistic ambition. Why not recruit your friends to produce a short film? Apart from being a brilliant creative outlet, it would be a lot of fun! This book is all about making it happen.

The Confident Creative: Drawing to Free the Hand and Mind

by: Cat Bennett

Amazon Price: $8.87 (as of 06/01/2012)

A great book for any creative (whether an artist, writer, musician, etc.), for inspiring to create art without fear or procrastination.

This unique guide focuses on drawing as a way to overcome creative blocks, develop drawing skills and create artisitic confidence. There are drawing exercises contained within the book, plus plenty of full-color drawings by professional artists and 3 different drawing methods.

The Creative License: Giving Yourself Permission to Be The Artist You Truly Are

by: Danny Gregory

Amazon Price: $8.49 (as of 06/01/2012)

A gorgeous and inspiring book which I personally own and recommend for any creative person, especially if your interest is in illustration.

In handwritten chapters full of his colorful watercolor illustrations, the author, Danny Gregory, uses drawing as an example of expressing your creativity. Whether you're an artist or not, I'm sure any reader will find inspiration in this unique and beautiful book.

Design Your Own Tees: Techniques and Inspiration to Stitch, Stamp, Stencil, and Silk-Screen Your Very Own T-Shirts

by: Jennifer Cooke

Amazon Price: $4.83 (as of 06/01/2012)

A fab book for any crafty teen, it provides quick and fun DIY projects for turning your t-shirts into bold personal fashion statements.

The techniques introduced include basic sewing, hand printing, embroidery, screen printing, block printing and stenciling, which are combined to produce products which are unique to you. Each tutorial includes color photographs, diagrams and step-by-step instructions.

The Craft of Bookbinding

by: Manly Banister

Amazon Price: $4.68 (as of 06/01/2012)

Bookbinding is a great skill for anyone to learn because it is so satifying to be able to bind your own books and put together your own journals, diaries and notebooks.

This book provides illustrated step-by-step instructions for rebinding books, leather covering, multiple sewing methods, split covers, cording, and finishing amongst other topics. A brilliant starter book for an impressive craft.