Booklist Review
This hefty compendium of craft techniques seeks to provide an introduction, examples, design notes, tools, instructions, and a beginner-level project for each of 33 crafts. These crafts are divided into four categories, fiber, stitch, surface, and form, and are sometimes distinct, defined techniques such as knitting, embroidery, collage, and origami, while others are broader concepts like zakka, types of materials like clay, or techniques such as gild. The general tool kit recommended for every crafter is described as a starting point but includes a somewhat intimidating 38 items (though no one technique requires all items and some projects require tools not listed in the tool kit). The authors recommend taking whatever approach to the book the crafter feels comfortable with, whether that be reading cover-to-cover or dipping in and out to learn or expand knowledge of a particular craft. They also encourage combining techniques to create unique constructions. The examples of each technique are pieces from contemporary artists from around the world (links to each artist's website are provided), but the projects are designed to be simple, attainable, and often useful items.--Heidemann, Anne Copyright 2016 Booklist
Library Journal Review
This survey of contemporary craft takes a big-picture view of the artistic side of contemporary crafting. Barry and Jobson, who blog at HandMadeLife.com.au, divide craft into four basic categories that share similar materials or techniques: fiber, stitch, surface, and form. Within each category, they present a brief overview of a variety of crafts, from familiar fare (knitting, embroidery, origami) to less typical (gilding, leatherwork, basketry). The authors present a brief history of each craft, followed by a gallery of works by contemporary artists, basic techniques, and a project. Readers won't find exhaustive treatment of any single style or technique, but there's enough information to get a feel for a wide variety of crafts. VERDICT Crafty dabblers, as well as crafters who are interested in fine-art aspects of handwork, will appreciate this overview. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
