Inspirations

I like making things and this magazine combines home decorating ideas and craft ideas quite well. It features articles on readers’ homes, decorating ideas, gardening and other stuff found in most home magazines. However, it also give really good, clear instructions as to how you can make and recreate these ideas. The items you will need are listed and it shows you where you can buy them and their cost. It shows you how to make stuff that is actually useful in decorating your home, not things that will end up in a cupboard somewhere. Often there is a free gift associated with some of the articles and they have special readers’ offers. ...

I have been an avid reader of Inspirations for a few years now and it is one of the few magazines that I never throw away. Each monthly issue is packed full of ideas for the home along with loads of step by step instructions for many projects. The photography is excellent and the magazine offers excellent value for money (not too many ads, occasional free gifts). I find that the design ideas tend to be more traditional and are therefore timeless although there are occasional more contempary features, but nearly all ideas will work in any home. Many of the projects I have used in my home used stencilling, decoupage, mosiac techniques, creative painting ...

Having read several home magazines lately, I was dubious to say the least as to the quality of this one. They seem to be an endless patronising parade of plastic people in phony poses (try saying that really quickly!). However, I’m happy to report that this is the best of the crop, and I will definitely be buying it again. Yes, it did have a freebie (stamping kit and silver paint) – those who’ve read other magazine reviews by me may notice my predilection for free stuff… I know it’s sad and I should know better, but I am transported back to the days when Jackie magazine for Girls would have a free awful lipstick or flimsy bracelet ...