I was sent a review copy* of
The Big-Ass Book Of Crafts from the publisher.
This is the point where I have to admit that I'm TV illiterate ... even more than I usually am since we canceled our cable almost a year ago. So, when I got an email from
Mark Montano himself, I wasn't star-struck until I wikipedia'd him. Could he be on more shows? Even though I haven't seen his design-y exploits in action, after reading this book, I have a great sense of his infectious enthusiasm.
Although you've gotta question using "Big-Ass" in the title of a book marketed to women ... tee hee .. the book really *is* big-ass. There are over 150 projects packed in this book. Mark uses a wide variety of techniques and mediums. Although some of the projects weren't my style, there were many projects that stunned me with their beauty, such as:
3-D Blossom Box on page 18. I love the turquoise background and the tiny dollop of glitter in the center of each bloom.
Round-Mirror Tiled Mosaic Table on page 112. I *love* the idea of using circle mirrors as tiles. And look how beautiful the reflections are.
Bubble Stationery and Envelopes on page 316. As beautiful as marbleizing, plus you get to blow bubbles with a straw.
My two absolute favorite projects are:
Baby Head Paperweight on page 56. He says, "Yes, people will think you are weird for making this, but that's okay!" Right on! I'm imagining a
film noir scenario where I need to knock someone out by conking them on the head with something heavy. Why not a gold baby head?
Everything in the plate section, Dishing it Out, starting on page 124. There are some awesome techniques in there. I know my dollar store sells clear glass plates that would be perfect for these projects.
My only criticism is that the instructions kind of have you winging it a lot of the time, but I'm a control freak (see my tutorials for proof) so take that with a grain of salt. I don't want "glue wood to board" ... I want a schematic. ;)
The Big-Ass Book Of Crafts is a down-and-dirty, super-thrifty, practical book of craft projects that's brimming with enthusiasm. It is filled with great ideas you can alter to reflect your own personal style, super-thrifty techniques that won't break the bank, and practical projects (like making your own dryer sheets!) that make this book worth a look.
*** Edit ***
Mark let me know that they photographed all the projects from start to finish, but they just couldn't fit all the projects and all the step-by-step photos into the book and keep it reasonably priced ... *and* under 200 pounds, I imagine. I never thought of that. I'm sure when you're publishing a book you have to make all sorts of decisions like that. Personally, I'm glad he opted to put in more projects than more instructions. I'd also like to say, Mark is a super nice guy!