Poking around Leanne Prain’s website, I happened upon a blog post titled Embroidered Covers. How gorgeous is this? (and it’s only one of many…)
Now that I have your attention (or did I just distract you entirely?), take a look at the website for Hoopla, or the author’s website. On the former you can find links to the work of several of the artists included in Hoopla. Prain is also the co-author of Yarn Bombing: The Art of Crochet and Knit Graffiti (Arsenal Pulp, 2009), which sounds like another natural for teens.
PRAIN, Leanne. Hoopla: The Art of Unexpected Embroidery. 400p. diags. photos. index. Arsenal Pulp. Oct. 2011. pap. $29.95. ISBN 978-1-551152-4061. LC number unavailable.
Adult/High School–Hoopla covers everything anyone would want to know about embroidery and more. The history of embroidery is briefly introduced, followed by well-organized chapters that discuss tools and materials, basic stitches, finishing techniques and include a helpful range of resources. The bulk of the book is filled with interviews and full-color photos of more than 25 unconventional contemporary artists who have taken embroidery to a whole new dimension. These artists specialize in freeform designs that very often have profound political or social messages. The hours and detail involved in each piece are astounding, yet many of the artists speak of the calming and meditative nature of embroidery. Also included are more than 25 projects with many photos and detailed instructions. PUSH Stitchery: 30 Artists Explore the Boundaries of Stitched Art (Lark, 2011) features many additional artists passionate about needlework. While a few designs encompassing war scenes, gun, and-body part imagery might be unsettling for some, teens who are interested in starting a new art form or those who already embroider will find much inspiration here.–Jane Ritter, Mill Valley School District, CA
Susan Beal is well-known in the craft world, and is the author of five books. She is active at craft events and online, writer of the popular blog West Coast Crafty.
Beal has also created a blog for this book specifically — the World of Geekcraft includes photographs of people making her designs, including what appear to be actual teenagers!
BEAL, Susan. World of Geekcraft: Step-by-Step Instructions for 25 Super-Cool Craft Projects. 155p. Chronicle. 2011. pap. $19.95. ISBN 978-0-8118-7461-8. LC number unavailable.
Adult/High School–Beal’s introduction declares, “We’ve come a long way since ‘geek’ meant a carnival sideshow freak,” which sets the playful tone of this book. To celebrate the geek in all of us, the author has pulled together 25 projects from a variety of crafters organized by difficulty starting with “Not a Jedi Yet” (easy) to “Warp Speed” (advanced). Each contributor includes a “best geeky memory” that often highlights a video game, Star Wars or Star Trek, or an early computer memory. Each project lists the necessary items and includes clear, detailed instructions. Accompanying photos add to the fun. Many techniques are used in the projects, including beading, appliqué, and felting. An extensive list of books, resources, and websites along with easily copied templates are included. Teens may be interested in using this book to make gifts, including a pendant made of watch parts (intermediate) or the “Secret Message Quilt”, which has Morse Code hidden in the block layout (advanced). It could also provide the impetus for a geek crafting party. Just geeky enough for plenty of smiles.–Jane Ritter, Mill Valley School District, CA
Today we review a gorgeous book that introduces the best of paper cutting artistry today. This is not a how-to manual, but it may well inspire teens to take it up.
If they do, they will find information, instruction and examples on the internet. In her introduction, Natalie Avella offers a piece on the current state of paper cutting, including the fact that the internet has significantly increased its visibility and popularity.
HEYENGA, Laura. Paper Cutting: Contemporary Artists, Timeless Craft. 176p. photos. bibliog. notes. Chronicle. 2011. pap. $27.50. ISBN 978-0811874526. LC number unavailable.
Adult/High School– Interest in paper crafts is on the rise as evidenced by the plethora of blogs, exhibitions, and online shops that showcase this medium. This book provides a stunning look at the work of 26 contemporary cut-paper artists. In Natalie Avella’s introduction, readers learn about the rich history of this ancient art that began in China more than a thousand years before most Europeans had ever seen paper and explains how it eventually reached North America. Each artist has 5-to-10 photos of his/her work that showcase elaborate and unbelievable detail. Some take old books and cut new life into them, some use everyday objects and transform them to reflect contemporary culture, some use color and pattern while others use a single color of paper. Included are brief biographies of each artist as well as a selected list of resources about paper and the art of paper cutting. This jaw-dropping book is a feast for the eyes that will appeal to a wide spectrum of readers, from professional paper cutters to casual observers of the art. The book begs to be pored over repeatedly. Teens may very likely want to take up scissors and paper.–Jane Ritter, Mill Valley School District, CA
“Arnold Grummer has been making paper for more than 30 years, first as a faculty member of the Institute of Paper Chemistry, then as curator of the Dard Hunter Paper Museum, and currently as the President of Greg Markim Inc. He has written four books and dozens of articles on paper science and paper crafting. He teaches preschoolers, FBI forensic scientists, printers, artists, and corporate executives about the miracles of fibers and hydrogen bonding in paper.”–from his website. Such an interesting bio!
Grummer’s new book releases tomorrow. For teens who enjoy the creative process, this is a high-interest title. The book is a an attractive size and shape, with a terrific variety of page layouts, bright color on every page, and plenty of clear instruction.
Amazon.com mistakenly lists this as a title published for ages 9-12. It is an adult publication. (I called the publisher to confirm.) The level is not appropriate for children (as the review also makes clear).
GRUMMER, Arnold E. Trash-to-Treasure Papermaking. 208p. Storey. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-60342-547-6. LC number unavailable.
Adult/High School–Written by an expert with three prior books on papermaking (Tin Can Papermaking, 1992; Arnold Grummer’s Complete Guide to Easy Papermaking, 1999; Arnold Grummer’s Complete Guide to Paper Casting, 2002), this book promotes recycling with a variety of ideas for creating and crafting with homemade paper. In addition to creating paper, texturing, casting, embossing, and watermarking are a few of the processes detailed. A blender is required along with such materials as tin cans, sponges, various screens, and plenty of paper towels. Detailed explanations provide concrete steps to complete the projects. It is the sophisticated vocabulary, and the use of terms specific to papermaking, although defined initially, coupled with directions that are relatively complex that make this an adult book. Certainly the projects are ones that kids would enjoy with direction and supervision, but they are not ones a young person could easily understand or follow on their own. Photographs visually document the step-by-step instructions, depict the projects, or chronicle how to create materials such as a paper press or a pour hand mold. FAQs anticipate challenges and issues. Templates and pictures of numerous creations such as cards, critters and puppets, mobiles, ornaments, coasters, and more demonstrate the artistic potential of papermaking. Grummer’s enthusiasm for the craft and broad knowledge of the subject is evident throughout. A thoughtful list of resources, paper museums, and related books complete the package.–Janet Thompson, Chicago Public Library
When the SLJ Adult Books for High School Students print column came to an end, there was an outcry from librarians lamenting (among other things) the loss of a review source for craft and cookbooks for teens.
Today we continue the tradition with Sew! by Cath Kidston, widely recognized for her floral prints. Sew! is the follow-up to Make! (St. Martin’s/Griffin, 2010).
KIDSTON, Cath. Sew! photos by Pia Tryde. 160p. St. Martin’s/Griffin. 2010. pap. $24.99. ISBN 978-0-312-65294-4. LC number unavailable.
Adult/High School–Kidston, a successful British designer with a vintage flair, has put together 43 projects using her signature bright-colored floral fabrics. The first pages cover the basics: essential equipment, hems and edges, appliqué, and quilting. Some projects might take an hour, while others are more long-term, such as a patchwork crib quilt. Potential gift ideas include a wide variety of bags, an iPod case, and floor cushions. Most projects span two pages and include an eye-catching, close-up photograph, the skill level, necessary supplies, and clear step–by-step instructions. The layout is friendly to beginners, and a “top tip” will help those who are new to sewing. Four concluding pages provide addresses for finding all kinds of fabrics and notions, sewing classes, and Cath Kidston products. Potential management issues are the full-size pattern sheet tucked in the back of the book and the templates that users will need to trace. With the current DIY trend, this visually appealing book is sure to hit the mark with teens who are interested in learning to sew or those who already have experience.–Jane Ritter, Mill Valley School District, CA
Angela Carstensen is Head Librarian and an Upper School Librarian at Convent of the Sacred Heart in New York City. Angela served on the Alex Awards committee for four years, chairing the 2008 committee, and chaired the first YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adult committee in 2009. Recently, she edited Outstanding Books for the College Bound: Titles and Programs for a New Generation (ALA Editions, 2011). Contact her via Twitter @AngeReads.
