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bookhoarding's review
4.0
Art history meets DIY in this well-curated book. The author concisely discusses a certain art movement or trend and then segues into a cute DIY project that would work in a modern home. She ranges from Bauhaus and Rococo and everything else in-between to give a variety of activities that appeal to any history nerd.
opticflow's review
4.0
I love this book! The 24 decorative arts movements the author chose are really intriguing, the key players and design elements concisely outlined in 2-page spreads, and delightfully embellished by simple line drawings.
I can't believe other reviewers hated the crafts so much. The projects are really different, both from other books and from each other. Each one employed unique materials and techniques, many I've never attempted (starched fabric, cast metal, wood burning, macramé, water slide paper). Not all the projects were to my liking, but the basic ideas are good and the variety really refreshing.
I would love to make Empire-inspired monogrammed ceramics, tassel covered everything, and drying branch/flower chandeliers straight from the book, but the idea is to take established styles and adapt them for modern use, so I also didn't feel limited or pigeonholed to make these exact crafts.
Todd Oldham, I love you, but your Chinoiserie pedestal looks much too juvenile. However, I have used this contact paper cutout technique to make faux inlaid wood boxes and faux marble countertops.
And with so many types of Victorian crafts to update, I was disappointed by the corrugated cardboard candle. This seems like a storefront prop rather than a home décor item. Let's bring back crafts made from human hair, alright?
My only warning is that all the instructions are written in a list with no details that might make execution a bit easier. This is a book for advanced and adventurous crafters. And I'd love to see a sequel that includes decorative arts movements that didn't originate in Europe.
I can't believe other reviewers hated the crafts so much. The projects are really different, both from other books and from each other. Each one employed unique materials and techniques, many I've never attempted (starched fabric, cast metal, wood burning, macramé, water slide paper). Not all the projects were to my liking, but the basic ideas are good and the variety really refreshing.
I would love to make Empire-inspired monogrammed ceramics, tassel covered everything, and drying branch/flower chandeliers straight from the book, but the idea is to take established styles and adapt them for modern use, so I also didn't feel limited or pigeonholed to make these exact crafts.
Todd Oldham, I love you, but your Chinoiserie pedestal looks much too juvenile. However, I have used this contact paper cutout technique to make faux inlaid wood boxes and faux marble countertops.
And with so many types of Victorian crafts to update, I was disappointed by the corrugated cardboard candle. This seems like a storefront prop rather than a home décor item. Let's bring back crafts made from human hair, alright?
My only warning is that all the instructions are written in a list with no details that might make execution a bit easier. This is a book for advanced and adventurous crafters. And I'd love to see a sequel that includes decorative arts movements that didn't originate in Europe.
aristeegan's review
3.0
I really enjoyed this book's brief histories. They were fascinating and informative. I wish I could say the projects were as good.
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