I was so excited to get the new Mark Montano book, The Big-Ass Book of Bling, that I read the whole thing in one sitting (and had a great time doing it!). I consider myself a Mark Montano book collector now, since he always has great ideas that use normal supplies you can easily get your hands on (like, say, at the dollar store!). I love making jewelry and accessories, so I was very pleased that Mark’s new book is all about the bling. Mark’s books are must-haves in my collection because he is such a creative thinker, a funny writer, and all around inspiring guy. Oh, and did I mention the crafts?
If you aren’t familiar with Mark, we’ve reviewed several of his books before.
Title: The Big-Ass Book of Bling
Author: Mark Montano
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
List Price: $19.99 (Currently selling at Amazon for about $12.12)
I’m giving away a copy of the book, so scroll down to the bottom of the post for information on how to enter.
Here are some of the projects that caught my eye:
One of the most intriguing things in the book to me was this imitation turquoise – you can actually make it yourself with stuff you already have in your kitchen. It’s so easy a kid could do it — I can’t wait to make some real-looking faux turquoise with my kids!
I wanted to share this starburst bracelet with you because it uses some dollar store stuff… can you spot what the starburst is made of?
This crown is fun (who doesn’t love a crown?), but the way Mark created it out of a regular dollar store headband is the part that blew my mind.
This wood rounds purse is kitschy, but very fun. It would be right at home in my hometown of Portland, Oregon. Plus, you can use branches that fall from your trees to make it.
These are just four of the more than 150 projects in this book! Want to see more?
- Mark Montano’s Blog
- Buy at Amazon: The Big-Ass Book of Bling
Enter to win a copy of The Big-Ass Book of Bling below:[UPDATE:] Winner is Maureen! Congratulations!
87 Comments
Beth Fedorko
I have the Big Ass Book of Crafts and am thrilled there’s the new Big Ass Book of Bling! I would love a chance to win a copy!~~~XXOO, Beth
Carrie B
A-ha! I knew I kept my wood-burning pen for something. ;-) That purse is sweet. Mark Montano makes me smile.
On a related note: Could you imagine giving your seven-year-old a wood burner with several hot, metal tips and saying “Have fun?” ;) Times have changed!
Clarice
Absolutely love all his crafts.
Vie
What a neat book. I live in a senior complex and we are always looking for new things to make. This would be great as they are easy and fun and not expensive to make,
Stephanie
I have one of Mark’s books, my sister bought it for me for Christmas. And this one looks fun and frugal! Who doesn’t love bling?! All bling is good bling :)
Maureem
Mark is awesome, I visit his blog and yours often for inspiration!
Andrea
Glitter and rhinestones make everything better! This book looks awesome!
Maria Largaespada
The book looks great! I love my bling!
lynaeve
My favorite is the kind that is really pretty but cheap either because I made it or because I got it at a second hand shop. thanks for the chance!
Sara D.
Love homemade bling!
AmyC
I love rings! I wish I had a different set of rings for every day of the year!
Shelley T.
I can’t believe I didn’t know about this. I have all the others. I’m excited about the rings!
Angi Mullis
My fav kind of bling is Swar. Crystals! There are sooooo my colors and styles, I just can’t get enough!
I would love to win this book, so pretty please count me in! Thanks!
Angi Mullis [email protected]
donna grant-walker
I adore Mark’s blog and his books. It is so nice to make gifts and have them be fun and stylish!
Shannon
I would love to win this book :)
Shannon
My favorite kind of bling is handmade upcycled bling like paper beads for example.
Donna Ingalls
I love the bracelet. So cute. I would love to win this book -great giveaway.
Donna Ingalls
My favorite kind of bling is anything gold.
morena
My favorite bling is vintage.
Reina
Personally, I love bracelets as my bling!
Samantha
I like the way Mr. Montano thinks.
Evelyn R
Thanks for the book give-a-way!
Katie B.
I like any kind of bling as long as it’s different. I like to stand out! :)
rebecca
earrings!
rwvanvoorhis at gmaild ot com
ACB
My favorite kind of blind is subtle :)
Glenda
I love the subtle minimalist kind of bling. It’s hard, because I love me some pretty and shiny, but I’m not five years old anymore either….
Amie
I love bling! If it sparkles, I am drawn to it! lol
Linda Smith
This book looks like it has some fun crafts to do with my girls.
jeanne fitzgerald
Love it!
ann casey
My kind of budget – and one of my favorite places to shop!
Crystal
Rings are my favorite! Especially my spoon ring :)
Crystal
I’m a Fan on Facebook!
Rinda
My favorite kind of bling is super shiny, preferably in a bracelet or necklace, handmade/vintage.
Ana Marcela Herrera
My favorite kind of bling are glitter and rhinestones.
Virginia Burnett
Vintage Jewelry and Rhinestones, are my fave to use for crafting and I wear nothing but silver.. Thanks for the chance to win..
Patti N
Bling me baby! This looks like it will be awesome :)
Ardelle Gotcher
This looks like a fun book. would love to win it!
Liz Morton
Looking forward to getting this hopefully I will win.
Dawn Bush
I love rings!
Amanda
My favorite bling is big, silver earrings. I love super dangly, shiny ones. :) They dress up my jeans and t-shirt. A very close second favorite would be big turquoise rings. I’m from New Mexico, so I have a soft spot for it.
Jixolet
This book looks amazing!
Kim
weird statement jewelery.
Sandra C
Currently, my favorite kind of bling is glitter. I’ve been using a lot of it in my Christmas decorations.
Thanks for the chance!
ReFashioned by Llisa
My favorite type of bling is anything that sparkles. I love to make things to give a way or to bling it up for our school. I’m in the PTO.
The school love easy on the pocket bling.
Carmen Crane
Awsome book, I would love to have a copy.
Jaci lucht
Love your blog! Would be awesome to win!
Randall W. (Debbie)
Wow…looks like it will be an amazing book! I’m excited for the chance to win it…’cause in crafting, uyou can never have enough BLING! lol ~ Debbie
Randall W. (Debbie)
My favorite bling … hmmm, I love using anything shiney… rhinestones, charms, beads…. :) I hope to be picked to win thia amazing book…thank-you! ~ Debbie
Mirandarama
I love it! Any excuse to make something big and sparkley!! Hopefully there are some things in there that are straight-up gangsta!
Jennifer Garnick
Any…the sparklier the better.
charlotte sparks
Would love to win this book!
Susan Nutting
This book looks fabulous! Would love to win a copy!
Katie Nolan
I never knew about these books and would love to own it and try out these adorable projects.
Katie Nolan
My favorite bling is one of a kind pieces.
Tanja
Love jewelry and accessories that are different and definitely make statements!!!!
SmilynStef
Adhesive Pearls … especially flourishes … thanks for the chance to win.
Ronda
My favorite bling? The shiny kind, of course!
Tobi Drabczyk
Jewelry is my favorite bling.
michelle
his books are awesome,great to keep ur mind open to anything
julie
love this site AND Mark! any bling that makes people ask where i got it and i can say i made it with Mark Montano’s help :) Have his other Bad Ass Craft books. Need to add this to my collection.
Kathryn
I love rhinestones and glitter
Sara
It sounds like this book would be right up my alley too! I love your blog!
Heather
I love anklets and foot jewelry. And I really love yellow gold.
Kathy
I love bracelets and earrings! Can never have too many!
Erin from Long Island
I love anything glittery or silver
Beth
Have all of Mark Montano’s Big Ass books. Now a new one?! Yes please.
Aimee Lyman-Vingless
My favorite kind of bling is the shiny cheap stuff! And if it’s DIY its even better!
maggie planer
I love anything chunky and funky on my wrist!
Carrie Balaban
Glittery bling :)
Emily
I love any type of bling I make myself but glitter is where it’s at ;)
Michelle S
Yay! I hope I win! This book looks amazing!
Jess D
Lots and lots of glitter!! Hope to win.. :)
megan turner
bling, bling, bling!! i love it all! color me glittered!
megan turner
bling, bling, bling!! i love it all! color me glittered!
Becca
This book looks awesome! I love the purse with the wood medallions.
Vanessa
I love anything glittery!
Savannah
That book looks amazing! I want to win it!
Savannah
My favorite kind of bling is in necklaces
Katie
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Sally Perdifull
I love Mark Montano books.
Jessica Carlson
I’m not sure, I’m just starting out and this would be AWESOME!!
Jessica Carlson
I’m just starting out and this would be AWESOME!!
Tasha
My favorite kind of bling is jewelry…of course!! Haha
Serena
My favorite type of bling is jewelry – the bigger, the better!
Debe
Wow, this is a fab book! I am feeling humble.. I thought I was the queen of bling and I MUST get this to get more ideas!
Hope I win it!
Sandy
I love me some rings – but I love making necklaces and belts.
Sheri
My favorite type of bling is the kind that cost minimal $$$$, but looks like maximum $$$$!