Craft Critique Articles

Some of you might not know that I also write reviews for a fabulous website called Craft Critique.

"What is Craft Critique? We are a collective of experienced crafters (some professional, most not) with strong opinions to share on the craft supplies you want to learn more about."

These are some of the reviews I've written so far:

Martha Stewart vs. Tsukineko Essential: Glue Pad Wars

Enchanted Adornments Book Review

Canvas Concepts

Vendor Spotlight: Copic Marker Tutorials (a compilation of tutorials on the web)

Vendor Spotlight: Copic Markers

Strands Book Review and Giveaway

Vendor Spolight: Shimmerz, Blingz, and Spritz

Vendor Spotlight - Kitschy Digitals Embroidery Patterns

Around the Block Tape Writer

Re-Bound by Jeannine Stein Review and Author Interview

I recently received a copy of Jeannine Stein's Re-Bound: Creating Handmade Books from Recycled and Repurposed Materials. Most bookbinding instructional books are quite a bit past my skill level. I was happy to see several projects in this book that, not only were at a skill level I was comfortable with, but felt new and exciting. The book on the front cover is made from, believe it or not, Starbucks gift cards. There a couple that I'm not so sure about but the majority of them feel like nice solid projects. This one made from cabinet cards with a stab binding is one of my favorites.


I was lucky enough to score an interview with the author as well.

What is your book about?
This is a how-to book on making books from new and vintage recycled and repurposed materials such as potato chip bags, sweaters, cabinet cards, record albums, hot water bottles and gift cards. There are 16 projects in the book that all have step-by-step instructions with illustrations, and 14 more books by other artists in the gallery. Each project features a different binding that even beginners can do. “Re-Bound” also includes tips and variations for each project.

How long have you been doing this type of craft or art?
I’ve been making books for more than 15 years, including photo albums, journals, sketch books, guest books, and notebooks. I’ve been crafting all my life, ever since I could hold a pair of scissors.

What inspired you to write this book?
I love to do fine bindings and work in traditional leather and bookboard, but while doing that I began to discover that exploring other mateirals offered a different challenge and satisfaction. I became inspired by flea makret finds such as vintage textiles and photographs, and started making books with them several years ago—it took my work to an entirely new level. I also love modern graphics on things like food and product packaging, and found they’re great for making books as well. At the same time I was doing this, I began to see fantastic work being done by other designers and artists who were turning existing items into furniture, clothes, accessories and lighting. I knew I wasn’t the only one who was crazy about working with recyclables.

What makes your book different?
All of the projects use recycled materials, which hasn’t been done before in a book on bookbinding. Although the projects are easy enough for a beginner to do, experienced binders and book artists will definitely find some challenges. Also, the text offers a lot of information on how and where to find materials, plus tips on how to work with them.

Who would enjoy or benefit most from this book?
Bookbinders and artists for sure, but also people who like working with recycled materials and found objects. Scrapbookers will really enjoy the projects, many of which can be used as albums. Photographers and artists are always looking for places to feature their work, and there are several books that are perfect for that.

Where will your book be available?
Sold: Barnes and Noble, Borders, Amazon, and a number of craft stores

Were there contributors to this book? If so, who were they?
The gallery contributors are: Norman Dixon, Charlene Matthews, Richard Troncone, Bee Shay, Dennis Yuen, Jennifer Kaiser, Susan Reardon, Holly Sar Dye, Andrew Borloz, Judi Delgado, Elaine Nishizu, Leslie C. Herger, Rhonda Miller, and Marcia Moore.

Pattern and Palette Sourcebook 3 Review

Several days ago I received Pattern and Palette Sourcebook 3: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Color and Pattern in Design by Gillian Blease. I was totally blown away by what was contained between these two covers.

At first glance you might think it’s no big deal. There’s no text beyond one introductory page. There’s just page after page of rectangles, each with a different pattern and/or color grouping. But upon looking closer you see the genius of it. How the colors play off each other. How the lines and shapes work together to form distinctly modern patterns, some simple and some complex.
As the introduction says:

“… Color can be used to demonstrate many things: mood and tension, warm and cold, density and space. We engage with and respond to color signals in our everyday lives both on a basic level and on a much more subtle and complex level in relation to such factors as environment, activity, or food. It plays an enormous role in how we interpret meaning and function, and for the designer is a powerful tool for communication.

The origins of the patterns in the book can be found in the details of the world around us, from the mundane to the sublime. The palettes for each of the six chapters – Botanics, Mechanics, Utility, Sugar and Spice, Ancient and Modern, and Maritime – reflect color associations both inherent to the subject and as applied by society…


Each of the patterns in the following chapters is reworked a number of times using one or more colors from the palette at the top of the page (author note: CMYK), allowing you to compare different color schemes for each pattern…”


I immediately painted a canvas in which my design was influenced by one of the patterns in the book and my colors were definitely inspired by those in the Sugar and Spice section. I also can see myself using several of these patterns as the basis for doodles in my journal. In fact, that is the real reason I wanted the book. I love other people’s journal doodles but have never really felt comfortable with my skill in that area. There are so many in here I can’t wait to try. Really the painting was just a very happy accident! Because I also sew I’m sure this will help me put together colors and fabrics in a more striking way as well.





As you can see I was incredibly taken with this book. I highly recommend it for artists of all types – illustrators, painters, and fiber artists.

Collaborative Art Journals and Shared Visions in Mixed Media by LK Ludwig

As soon as I saw this book hit the blogosphere I knew I was going to have to get my grubby mitts on a copy. Something about knowing several of the contributing artists really makes it mean that much more. But just looking at all the pictures was enough to make me drool anyway. So I tapped my toe and watched the street for a week. The poor UPS man probably thought I was going to tackle him when it came in. But it was well worth the wait.




And if you’ve ever taken part in an art collaboration, you might be thinking to yourself that it’s quite fitting, as well. Every few weeks you send off your contribution and wait for the next package to arrive for you to add your personal touch to it. That’s what this book is all about. Collaborative Art Journals and Shared Visions in Mixed Media by LK Ludwig features details of past collaborations, Inner-views with artists, projects to do (!!!), and even a Flickr group with a reader invitation.




I found the photos inspiring – not the same old thing we’ve seen before. I liked the fact that there were actually projects in addition to the eye-candy. Oh, and there aren’t just journals, either. There are postcards, fatbooks, altered books, inchies, art dolls, and more. And having hosted and stitched my little fingers to shreds on the very first Fiberfest Fatbooks, I was tickled pink to see them still alive and well and in print. :)




I've chosen just a few of my favorite pages from the book to show you. Go to the Amazon listing to see several more.

This book will join my permanent art library as one of those books to take down time and again for a creative shot in the arm. I give it two paint-stained thumbs up.