One of the perks of being a creative lifestyle/craft blogger is that sometimes you get asked to review wonderful, lovely things. Today’s review is no exception.
I have been mildly obsessed with craft books for some time, but recently I have found many of them feel a bit “samey”. I think it’s the fact that they tend to follow a similar format. They are usually tutorial based featuring great photographs and clear, step-by-step instructions… but they lack something. The ability to genuinely inspire me creatively, perhaps?
At last, there is a new craft book set to break this trend, and I have a copy (hurrah!) It’s Material World: The Modern Craft Bible, by Perri Lewis. I love it.
Perri explains…
“I like to think of this as the Jamie Oliver approach to craft. Whack in a bit of what you fancy, cut back on the elements you don’t like, or don’t have handy. Don’t fret too much about the rules along the way, so long as you end up with what is perfect for you”.
The book covers 15 techniques, including cross stitch, applique, millinery, leatherwork and printing. Each technique is explained in detail (“the technique”), then an expert in the technique is introduced (“the masterclass”). After that, the expert shares a project tutorial (“the project”). The book also includes article-style sections on crafty topics such as man craft, yarn bombing and craft businesses (“the extras”).
This could be a book you dip in and out of from time-to-time for inspiration, but it’s also a book you could happily read from cover to cover (that’s what I did). Perri’s writing style is friendly and fun, everything is clearly explained but not patronising in any way. The book includes lots of helpful, hand-drawn diagrams to illustrate techniques, as well as full page photographs of finished projects.
I love that this book is technique-focused rather than project-focused. I love the expert sections (featuring some serious fashion and craft royalty such as Kaffee Fassett, Amy Butler, Liberty and Lisa Stickley). I also love the nod to 80′s Madonna… in fact, I have had Material World stuck in my head for days now!
This is definitely a “go out and buy it now” book for all creative, crafty types. Enjoy!
PS: Because I am an enabler, I have included Amazon links for the book below. Go on, treat yourself…
Reblogged this on girlwhoknitsandpurls and commented:
Don’t you just love a great craft book?
I knew that name sounded familiar… http://boroughbelleswi.wordpress.com/2012/02/27/march-21st-meet-craft-with-perri-lewis/
Turns out Ms Perri herself is coming to the next Borough Belles meeting. Hmph… too bad I’ll be in the Canaries!
oops, that was 2012. i’m getting my years mixed up.
Hee hee – shame – she seems pretty cool, based on her book
I love reading reviews of crafty books! You’re right – lots of them ARE a bit samey. So it’s great to read what other crafters think of a book before you go ahead and part with your hard-earned cash! Thanks for sharing!!!
Carly
x
No worries Carly – I really do rate this one, it’s fab! X