The minute I saw this book was being released, I SO wanted to see a copy! Martha has long been a favorite of mine, and I love her style. An entire book of craft projects, inspiration and ideas - what fun! Here are my thoughts on the book, having perused it last week.
Title: Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Crafts
Pages: 416
Suggested price: $35
This is a fantastic book! Anyone who loves to craft and needs a little inspiration or know-how, should get themselves a copy of this book. The book is divided into sections, which makes it easy to find the information you are looking for. For example, if you would like to know the basics of etching glass, you can find it on page 122. Or, what about making soap? You’ll find that on page 318. Within each section, aside from the basics of a particular technique, you will also find several projects to inspire you. While browsing through the book, I found several techniques I would like to learn. Not to mention the inspiration I found for new projects using techniques I already know!
If, however, you would like information on needlework, you won’t find much here. The crafts covered are mostly papercrafts, glass, jewelry and botanicals – no fiber crafts or sewing. If knitting, crocheting or quilting are not on your craft wish-list, you will find everything else here.
I think this is a great volume to have on hand for any crafter or artist. It will serve as a great reference guide for your ongoing projects, and offer new ways of creating gifts – whether for yourself or others! The price is very reasonable, considering the size and content of the book – it is a beautifully photographed, hard cover book with a dust jacket. It would look lovely on any bookshelf. No more searching through past issues of Martha Stewart Living magazine to find that project you saw two years ago; it’s probably in this book. Martha also offers readers an array of templates to copy, as well as an extensive product sourcing and buying guide for the products she recommends. Check it out – it will soon be available at your friendly Hammond Library! Enjoy!
