Crafts & DIY Reviews, October 1, 2011
Oct 1, 2011ART INSTRUCTION
HEATHER HALLIDAY, American Jewish Historical Soc., New York
Bidner, Jenni. Focus on Digital Portrait Photography. Pixiq: Sterling. Oct. 2011. 144p. illus. index. ISBN 9781454701194. pap. $17.95. ART INSTRUCTION
Portraiture is one of the most common photographic pursuits, yet most of us who try to use a camera to capture the essence of our family, friends, and even clients could use a few tips on how to do it really well. This book dispenses rules of thumb on composition, lighting, pose, and working with subjects. There are not many surprises among Bidner’s ( Capture the Portrait) pointers, but they address the most common mistakes made by beginning and advanced amateurs—and even some pros. As digital photography’s popularity continues to grow, this book will have broad appeal. [Authors under the Pixiq imprint, the new incarnation of Lark Photography Books, also blog at www.pixiq.com.—Ed.]
Lawlor, Veronica. One Drawing a Day: A 6-Week Course Exploring Creativity with Illustration and Mixed Media. Quarry: Quayside. Oct. 2011. 128p. illus. ISBN 9781592537242. pap. $22.99. ART INSTRUCTION
Based on the popular One Drawing a Day blog, this book presents 42 short drawing exercises—one per day for six weeks. These simple project ideas address different aspects of drawing including line quality, subject matter, inspiration, and color. Various styles are represented and a wide range of media is covered as Lawlor (Pratt Inst. & Parsons The New School for Design) and seven other professional illustrators explain the exercises. Also included is a gallery section showcasing the contributors’ own work. Beginning and experienced artists alike will find that this highly accessible book can boost motivation, strengthen discipline, or even jump-start creativity during a block.
CRAFTS
NANETTE DONOHUE, Champaign P.L., IL
Nelson-Smith, Rachel. Rachel Nelson-Smith’s Bead Riffs: Jewelry Projects in Peyote & Right Angle Weave. Lark: Sterling. Oct. 2011. 128p. illus. index. ISBN 9781600597831. $27.95. CRAFTS
Professional beader and jazz enthusiast Nelson-Smith combines her two great loves in a collection of jewelry projects influenced by jazz. Each project is named after an iconic artist or song, and Nelson-Smith provides suggestions for how jewelry makers can riff each work by creating variations on the original design. There are a number of bold statement pieces in this collection, including some striking necklaces appropriate for a big night out or a formal occasion, but there is also a variety of attractive bracelets and earrings suitable for everyday wear. Crafters with experience in off-loom bead-weaving techniques and a taste for statement jewelry will enjoy Nelson-Smith’s vision.
DO IT YOURSELF
KAREN ELLIS, Taylor P.L., TX
Cabinet Construction: Straight Talk for Today’s Woodworker. Fox Chapel. (Back to Basics). 2011. 144p. illus. index. ISBN 9781565235298. pap. $19.95. DIY
Part of the “Back to Basics” series, this guide to cabinetry assumes too much previous knowledge to be an introductory volume. There is little detail on wood selection and power tools needed for cutting and construction. Although the book covers a wide range of information, step-by-step instruction is lacking. With clean illustrations, a logical organization, and great shop and tool tips sprinkled throughout. A better choice, featuring a variety of projects, is Ultimate Guide to Cabinets, Shelves, and Home Storage Solutions.
FIBER CRAFTS
NANETTE DONOHUE, Champaign P.L., IL
Pearl-McPhee, Stephanie. All Wound Up: The Yarn Harlot Writes for a Spin. Andrews McMeel. Oct. 2011. c.240p. ISBN 9780740797576. $16.99. FIBER CRAFTS
In her latest collection of humorous anecdotes, Pearl-McPhee ( Yarn Harlot: The Secret Life of a Knitter ) tackles plenty of her usual themes—managing your yarn stash, balancing family and knitting, and coping with nonknitters who don’t understand the compulsive desire to knit. The essays include an amusing look at a much-loved washing machine; a eulogy for an unattractive, half-finished cardigan; and a surprisingly touching story of how a geeky teen has found herself, as an adult, sitting at the “cool table” of knitters. No patterns here—just light humor that will please fans of Pearl-McPhee’s popular blog and her previous books. [Previewed in “Booked Solid: Fall Finds from BEA 2011,” LJ 7/11.]
Simplicity Simply the Best Sewing Book: The Essential Reference for All Home Sewers. Anova, dist. by Trafalgar Square. Nov. 2011. 272p. illus. index. ISBN 9781843405573. $32.95. FIBER CRAFTS
Originally published in 1988, this popular sewing guide from pattern publisher Simplicity has been fully revised and updated to reflect contemporary styles and techniques. Unlike other branded sewing guides, such as the Singer Complete Photo Guide to Sewing, that focus on how to use a sewing machine, this one addresses sewing garments from start to finish using patterns. Advice on interpreting pattern directions, measuring for correct fit, and selecting the correct fabric is provided, as well as guidance on basic and intermediate sewing techniques to ensure a professional look and fit. Best suited for beginning sewers.
INTERIOR DESIGN
GAYLE A. WILLIAMSON, Fashion Inst. of Design & Merchandising, Los Angeles
Gaillard, Emmanuelle (text) & Marc Walter (photogs.). Exotic Taste: Orientalist Interiors. Vendome, dist. by Abrams. Oct. 2011. 240p. tr. from French by Barbara Mellor. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780865652736. $75. INTERIOR DESIGN
Design writer Gaillard relates the history and evolution of Chinese-, Japanese-, and Islamic-influenced decor in 18th- and 19th-century Europe and profiles architects, artists, and artisans who practiced and interpreted the styles. Spurred by their aristocratic, wealthy clients’ desire for the exotic and the influx of imports from Asia and the Middle East, architects turned to those regions for inspiration. Walter’s nearly 200 photographs of extant interiors, exteriors, decorative accessories, and designs show lavish items such as the Porcelain Cabinet in Berlin’s Charlottenburg Palace and the panoply of color exhibited in the Moorish interiors of Castello di Sammezzano in Tuscany. Professional designers and design students will be well served by this tome.
