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This is a cross-post from my arts blog ...
Two new titles from Lark Crafts are sure to please - and will be welcomed additions to your summer
reading list. By now, some of you have realized that I seldom review
books that don't garner 4 or 5 starts from me. I simply won't waste
precious time reading books that don't please me .. so my star rating
are genuine - it's just the reason that you never see reviews from that
are not worthy of my time and attention! I'm exceedingly grateful to be
able to review some titles from Lark - and, even though these titles
are provided to me, if I review them it means that I would buy them for
myself.
So here we go:
- Paperback: 132 pages
- Publisher: Lark Crafts (June 5, 2012)
- ISBN-13: 978-1454701996
Collage is
definitely not my strong suit - generally I struggle with it and use it
sparingly in my work. That being said, with my keen interest in all
things transparent, I have found a renewed interest in collage and this
book arrived at the right time! The book is beautifully written and,
most important, the instructions are clearly written and illustrated.
The
book covers the basics, of course: supports, adhesives, cutting tools,
paints, how and where to gather images, on-line resources, storage and
organization (did I use that word really?!). Next up are some basics
about designs and composition and a chapter called "Layering 101" which
is excellent!
The
next section, which I love is called "50 Creative Exercises" and these
exercises are are on using certain elements in your collage - like
whites, typography, image pairings, dreams - you get the idea. These
exercises are not specifically instructional, although each presents a
paragraph to get your thought train moving, but rather the idea is
illustrated with examples. Trust me - the images are worth more than
more words would be in the context of the exercises!
An image library
is provided to get your creative juices flowing and a succinct Resource
Guide is included for products, paints, glues, software, imagery and
books. Well thought out. This one is a keeper for certain - and I
actually think I will find renewed interest in using more collage in my
mixed media work because of it !
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- 112 pages
- Publisher: Lark Crafts; Pap/Cdr edition (June 5, 2012)
- ISBN-13: 978-1600597954
I have
to admit that my crewel working days have long been over, but when I saw
this book a quilt design popped into my head - and it won't go away! I
have 'a thing' for circles and these are all circle designs !!
Beautiful, whimsical, perfect circles. The books begins with a chapter
entitles "New Crewel Basics" which I think is a perfect refresher for
those who have done some crewel work before or for beginners who know
nothing of the joy of gliding wool threads through linen or twill
fabrics. Linen types, threads, needle choices, hoops, design tracing,
knotting and supplies are covered in this chapter. Most importantly this
chapter includes detailed diagrams of all of the stitches that you will
use in making the designs contained in the gallery of designs that
follow.
Next up
is my favorite part of this truly wonderful book - the "New Crewel
Design Gallery". Each design includes a border strip that has the
necessary information for making the design; fabric, thread, stitches
used, how to finish and any applicable notes for the pattern are
included here.
A
gallery of projects for the designs follows - pillows, skirts, bags,
etc. Now - here's the thing - this book also contains a CD of all the
motifs in the book. Can you say perfect?! Yes, I'm really happy with
this fab book of inspired circular designs !
