Crafts & DIY Reviews, June 15, 2011
Jun 15, 2011ART INSTRUCTION
Brunetti, Ivan. Cartooning: Philosophy and Practice. Yale Univ. 2011. 88p. illus. ISBN 9780300170993. pap. $13. ART INSTRUCTION
This thoughtful take on comic art by Brunetti, whose work has appeared in McSweeney’s and The New Yorker , is the condensed version of a course the author teaches on the art of cartooning. He presents a series of assignments designed to help readers express themselves eloquently in words and pictures. One especially clever exercise walks readers through the process of distilling a complete story into a one-panel comic strip using J.D. Salinger’s classic The Catcher in the Rye as an example. Don’t be fooled by the whimsical cover; this book is decidedly aimed at adults.
CRAFTS
Le Van, Marthe. 30-Minute Rings: 60 Quick & Creative Projects for Jewelers. Lark: Sterling. Jun. 2011. 136p. illus. index. ISBN 9781600597909. pap. $21.95. CRAFTS
Lark crafts editor Le Van ( 30-Minute Earrings ) has assembled another collection of quick jewelry projects centered on a particular accessory. This volume gathers 60 different designs for rings, ranging from simple bands to bold statement pieces. While these will be “30-minute rings” for people with jewelry-making experience, they aren’t necessarily beginner’s projects—and some of them aren’t the sort of jewelry to wear every day. The blend of techniques is interesting, though, and experienced jewelry makers may find inspiration here.
Creating Keepsakes: Scrapbook Tips & Techniques. Bk. 2.Leisure Arts. 2011. 288p. illus. ISBN 9781609001636. pap. $19.95. CRAFTS
This second collection of scrapbooking inspiration from the editors of Creating Keepsakes magazine features a variety of clever, creative tips for scrapbook-page and greeting-card design. Most of the ideas don’t require specialized equipment, and a number of them use everyday supplies or leftover scraps in an interesting and innovative way. The full-color collection includes plenty of attractive scrapbook pages, and the lists of prompts and ideas will keep scrapbookers inspired. Scrapbooking continues to be a popular craft, and paper artists of all types will appreciate these suggestions.
DO IT YOURSELF
Davy, Phil & Ben Plewes. Ultimate Woodwork Bible: A Complete Reference with Step-by-Step Techniques. Collins & Brown, dist. by Sterling. Jun. 2011. 288p. illus. index. ISBN 9781843405740. $29.95. DIY
Experienced carpenters Davy ( How To Woodwork ) and Plewes offer a nicely organized manual on a wide range of woodworking basics, from types of tools to techniques. A British book, this guide includes terminology and tool names that may be unfamiliar to U.S. readers. In the large section on tool selection, there are a few items detailed that are not available on this side of the Atlantic. Instructions come with minimal drawings and concise text, but there are no projects to entice readers to put new knowledge to use. A better choice for encyclopedic coverage of woodworking is Woodwork: A Step-by-Step Photographic Guide to Successful Woodworking .
Santos, Brian. Painting and Wallpapering Secrets from Brian Santos, The Wall Wizard. Wiley. 2011. 240p. illus. index. ISBN 9780470593608. pap. $21.99. DIY
Paint and wallpaper guru Santos ( Faux Finish Secrets ) is here to help you save your walls. Cheesy self-promotion aside, this guide contains useful information for wall treatments. The practical and reassuring advice includes important directions on what not to do. This is nitty-gritty do-it-yourself, with outstanding prep instruction, tool selection, well-thought-out tips and tricks, and technique photos. While inspirational wall-treatment photo books abound (e.g., This Old House Weekend Remodels: Paint Ideas & Projects ), this is the guide you’ll need to achieve those looks. Highly recommended.
FIBER CRAFTS
Crowther-Smith, Alison. Lacy Knits: 20 Delicate Projects in Soft, Luxurious Mohair-Silk Yarns. Trafalgar Square. 2011. 120p. illus. ISBN 9781570764639. pap. $24.95. FIBER CRAFTS
Crowther-Smith, a former design consultant with Rowan Yarns, presents a collection of “gently challenging” lace projects knit in Rowan’s silk/mohair blend yarns. True to the Rowan aesthetic, the projects, which range from wraps, shawls, and scarves to pillow covers and accessories, have a romantic look. The fuzzy halo of mohair yarn makes even the simplest pieces look complex and upscale. Knitters looking for patterns suitable for bridal or formal wear will likely find something appealing here, and other yarns of similar weight can be substituted for the mohair if desired.
Lynch, Cheryl. ¡Quilt Fiesta!: Surprising Designs from Mexican Tiles. Martingale. 2011. 95p. illus. ISBN 9781604680034. pap. $26.99. FIBER CRAFTS
On a vacation to Mexico, quilter Lynch was drawn to the beautiful, ornate design of Talavera ceramics. Inspired by both the patterns and the color palettes, she designed a collection of quilts that pay homage to traditional Mexican folk art. For each project, Lynch shows the tile along with the quilt block it inspired, allowing quilters to clearly understand her creative process. The quilts use fusible appliqué (which is fully explained), and full-size cutting templates are provided. The projects are too complex for beginners, but adventurous quilters will enjoy the challenge.
Mornu, Nathalie. Craft Challenge: Dozens of Ways To Repurpose Scarves. Lark: Sterling. Jun. 2011. 132p. illus. ISBN 9781600597770. pap. $19.95. FIBER CRAFTS
In the latest installment in Lark’s series, Mornu ( Craft Challenge: Dozens of Ways To Repurpose a Tea Towel ) focuses on projects crafters can create with scarves. Using basic hand- and machine-sewing techniques, an old, unused scarf can be transformed into something easy to wear. A collection of patterns follows the brief introduction to sewing techniques and the world of scarves (complete with photos of some fabulous pieces). The garment projects are of a certain urban-bohemian style, but the accessories and housewares are often clever and accessible, and many of the projects are suitable for beginners.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Olson, Candice (text) & Brandon Barré (photogs.). Candice Olson Kitchens & Baths. Wiley. 2011. 224p. photogs. index. ISBN 9780470889374. pap. $19.99. INTERIOR DESIGN
Celebrity interior designer Olson revisits some of the projects featured in her HGTV series Divine Design . She discusses the design challenges found in 20 kitchens and ten bathrooms in the United States and Canada and how she has incorporated the owners’ lifestyles and desired functionality with her own inimitable style. Accompanied with a before photograph and a number of color photos of the final result, Olson’s narrative details the process of creating each design. Given the popularity of Divine Design and her new series, Candice Tells All , this book will be in demand.
Packer, Jane. At Home with Flowers: Beautifully Simple Arrangements for Every Room in the House. Ryland Peters & Small. 2011. 144p. photogs. index. ISBN 9781849751193. $29.95. INTERIOR DESIGN
British floral artist Packer ( Jane Packer’s Guide to Flower Arranging ) shares her flower design philosophy with photos of floral arrangements throughout the home. The over 100 color photographs are accompanied by Packer’s recommendations on color, container, arrangement, and flowers, in contrast to her other recent book, Color , which shows fanciful arrangements grouped by color. A list of resources is given for both UK and U.S. firms as well as instructions on the proper care of cut flowers. Recommended to those looking for contemporary ideas for decorating with flowers, which add natural, seasonal touches to interiors.
