Art Instruction

HEATHER HALLIDAY, American Jewish Historical Soc., New York

Corfee, Stephanie. Paint Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Painting and Mixed Media for Budding Artists of All Ages. Quarry: Quarto. 2015. 144p. illus. index. ISBN 9781631590788. pap. $24.99; ebk. ISBN 9781627887984. ART INSTRUCTION

Even though “for kids” is included in the title, this guide is actually aimed at adults—primarily parents and teachers—to help them share creative time with their children and students. Painter and graphic designer Corfee (Fashion Design Workshop) offers projects that can help children discover painting, building their imaginations and confidence. After a short introductory section addressing supplies, cleanup, and general tips for making art with children, 52 designs are presented. The projects are step by step, but improvisation and experimentation are highly encouraged. The activities, appropriate for a range of ages, with many including adaptations for both the younger and more advanced set, are arranged in sections: basic technique; ideas and imagination; color interaction and mixing; mixed media; and inspiration. All projects employ painting, with numerous types of paint and other media, such as printmaking and collage, included. ­VERDICT This guide has great potential for educational and parenting crossover appeal.

Schaadt, Susanne. Zendoodle: Meditative Drawing To Calm Your Inner Self. Search. 2015. 80p. illus. index. ISBN 9781782212348. pap. $17.95. ART INSTRUCTION

Creativity and meditation combine in the zendoodle process, which applies a bit of structure and repetition to otherwise free-flowing doodling. Many zendoodle practitioners find it calming to focus their attention on one thing while producing pleasing designs as they go. This simple, slim guide by therapist and artist Schaadt has everything a reader needs to get started on this rewarding and relaxing pastime. A section on basic patterns demonstrates simple instructions, with the aid of sequential drawings, various ink colors, and written descriptions for how to draw various types of patterns, such as area, geometric, scatter, and band patterns. Other chapters illustrate larger zendoodle motifs and show examples of finished works. One includes templates that the reader can scan, photocopy, or trace with tracing paper to use as starting points for their drawings. A clever visual index of pattern types is included at the back of the book. VERDICT Readers of all abilities and ages will be attracted to the meditative and creative qualities of the zendoodle.

Crafts

NANETTE DONOHUE, Champaign P.L., IL

Colman, Natalia. Metal Clay Animal Jewellery: 20 Striking Projects in Silver, Copper and Bronze. Search. 2016. 176p. illus. index. ISBN 9781782210771. pap. $24.95. CRAFTS

Metal clay combines the beauty of precious metals such as silver, copper, and bronze with the ease of working with clay. Metal clays are shapeable in a similar manner as polymer clay, allowing crafters to make beautiful jewelry without investing in metalworking tools. In this guide, Colman (Metal Clay Jewellery) introduces methods for working with metal clay via a series of animal-themed projects. A thorough overview of metal clay properties, tools, and techniques, including guides to firing silver, copper, and bronze clays, starts things out, followed by the projects, which range from simple rolled or sculpted pendants to more involved pieces incorporating a variety of embellishments. Each project includes detailed instructions with numerous photographs. When presenting a new technique, Colman includes a separate tutorial, or “key technique,” which can be referred to outside of the context of the original project. The designs range from simple cats and dogs to fanciful toucans, a copper octopus embellished with silver suckers, and an ornate butterfly. VERDICT Jewelrymakers don’t need to be interested in animal-themed pieces to learn from Colman’s well-designed, in-depth guide. There’s enough information to give beginners a solid foundation, and crafters with metal clay experience will appreciate the tutorials on embellishment techniques.

DIY

KAREN ELLIS, Taylor P.L., TX

Setterberg, Fred. Sam Maloof: 36 Views of a Master Woodworker. Heyday. Apr. 2016. 264p. photos. bibliog. ISBN 9781597143332. $20. DIY

Sam Maloof (1916–2009) was a famed craftsman and furniture designer with a deservedly large following. This book by ­Setterberg (The Roads Taken) is a collection of remembrances of Maloof, a natural woodworker from childhood. His artistic leanings manifested in flowing wood, with strong stokes of Arts & Crafts influence. These are articles explore Maloof’s ­personality, his influence, his history and quirks, shedding light on the nature of this artisan. Collectors of his work are interviewed, including former president Jimmy Carter, as well as his students, friends, and enthusiasts. VERDICT This is not a how-to, and lacks any projects or detailed examples of Maloof’s work. Better sources of his pieces and art include Jeremy Adamson’s The Furniture of Sam Maloof and Maloof’s own Sam Maloof, Woodworker. Only ­recommended for those seeking greater insight into the techniques of master artisans such as Maloof.

Shahin, Christine (text) & Melinda DiMauro (photos). Natural Hair Coloring: How To Use Henna and Other Pure Herbal Pigments for Chemical-Free Beauty. Storey. Apr. 2016. 184p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781612125985. pap. $18.95; ebk. ISBN 9781612125992. DIY

There is a long history of using plants and other natural pigments to change hair color according to the fashion of the time. Drawing from her years of experience using natural colorants in her eco-salon, first-time author Shahin explains the benefits of herbal products to color hair. The author’s approach encompasses the basics of human hair, properties of chemical dyes vs. natural pigments, and the properties and uses of four natural colorants—henna, indigo, amla, and cassia. Technique and mixes of colorants are carefully explained, making the process accessible to beginners. A fantastic collection of case studies highlights particular hair issues and how the natural dyeing process addresses those problems, with clear and insightful illustrations throughout. Tips, troubleshooting, and cautions are well placed and extremely useful. There’s even a section on how to wrap turbans to cover your hair while the color sets. ­VERDICT This highly recommended, comprehensive guide ties together fine instruction and great illustrations to create a distinct offering for readers interested in alternative hair-dyeing techniques.

Fiber Crafts

NANETTE DONOHUE, Champaign P.L., IL

Higuchi, Yumiko. Simply Stitched: Beautiful Embroidery Motifs and Projects with Wool and Cotton. Zakka Workshop. Mar. 2016. 80p. tr. from Japanese. illus. ISBN 9781940552224. pap. $16.99. FIBER CRAFTS

First published in Japan in 2014, ­Higuchi’s latest embroidery collection (her first published in English) combines the soft, fuzzy texture of wool thread with the sleek glossiness of familiar cotton embroidery floss. The motifs are small in scale and predominantly botanical—lots of leaves, flowers, and trees, some in a pseudo-Jacobean style—but there are a few animals, including miniature roosters, bees, and pigeons, as well as a wrapped-candy motif ideal for little girls’ garments and accessories. Close-up photography highlights Higuchi’s embroidery skills—her stitches are precise and even, making the contrast in texture and style between the cotton and wool threads even more striking. Most of the motifs are presented on their own and as part of a finished project, such as a small bag, pillow, or pouch. Traceable templates with call outs describing the stitch to be used are included, as are full directions for completing any of the suggested projects. A brief guide to the stitches used in the book is provided. VERDICT Stitchers interested in experimenting with different fibers, and fans of crewel embroidery (including Jacobean embroidery) will enjoy Higuchi’s streamlined, classic style.

Hirsch, Gretchen (text) & Karen Pearson (photos). Gertie’s Ultimate Dress Book: A Modern Guide to Sewing Fabulous Vintage Styles. STC Craft. Mar. 2016. 236p. illus. index. ISBN 9781617690754. $35. FIBER CRAFTS

Hirsch (­Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing) is best known for her vintage-inspired designs. Her latest book focuses on dressmaking, and since dresses are a staple of retro-chic wardrobes, it’s a good fit. As with her previous books, there’s an extensive section on dressmaking skills, including choosing appropriate fabrics, finishing seams, adding structure (including boning and skirt support), and working with special fabrics such as sheers and lace. Fitting is an essential element of making retro garments work, and Hirsch outlines the basics of taking measurements, making adjustments, and creating a muslin. The patterns are presented mix-and-match style, with seven bodice styles (including a variety of necklines as well as a strapless bodice), six skirt styles, and a variety of add-ons, including both long and short sleeves, a peplum, cuffs, collars, and pockets. Hirsch includes 23 designs that combine these elements, with complete instructions for garment construction. The patterns are included on pull-out sheets; sizes range from two to 16. VERDICT Though these garments are less suitable for everyday wear than the ones featured in her previous book, Gertie Sews Vintage Casual, the retro-style dresses will appeal to sewists interested in customizing their own 1950s style frock. Hirsch gives clear explanations of dressmaking techniques, but this book is most appropriate for sewists with basic dressmaking experience.

Lam, Che. Learn How To Knit with 50 Squares: For Beginners and Up, a Unique Approach to Learning To Knit. Griffin: St. Martin’s. 2016. 144p. illus. index. ISBN 9781250069955. pap. $22.99. FIBER CRAFTS

Freelance knitting designer Lam takes a different approach to knitting instruction in her first book. Rather than the traditional method of introducing a skill or technique followed by a project, she uses sampler squares to teach an array of stitch patterns, techniques, and skills. The two-page spread for each square contains a wealth of information, including a photo-based, step-by-step tutorial, a close-up picture of the square, a chart (even for simple patterns such as garter stitch or stockinette), and a written pattern. New stitches or techniques are clearly explained. The consistency is ideal for building beginners’ confidence, and Lam expands upon the basics slowly but effectively, taking the intimidation out of skills such as lace and cable knitting, colorwork, and chart reading. Sampler squares are not a new concept—the Knitting Guild Association uses them as the core of their Master Knitter Program, and there are numerous sampler afghan books available—but the use of sampler squares to teach knitting is a novel approach that will appeal to knitters who want to try out techniques without committing to a larger project that may go unused. VERDICT Knitters looking to move on from basic knit and purl will find a wealth of information here—and they’ll end up with enough squares for a nice-sized blanket if they work their way through the book.

Mullett-Bowlsby, Shannon. Crochet Geometry: Geometric Patterns To Fit and Flatter. Lark: Sterling. Mar. 2016. 128p. illus. index. ISBN 9781454709190. pap. $17.95. FIBER CRAFTS

Mullett-Bowlsby (Designer Crochet) specializes in intricate, stylish crocheted garments, and his latest collection is inspired both by the draping and folding common to Japanese garment construction and his personal interest in mathematics and geometry. The focus here is on tops, including shrugs, cardigans, pullovers, and wraps, most featuring intricate, all-over lace or cabled designs. While the author is clearly inspired by forward-thinking modern fashion, he’s able to translate his avant-garde tastes into wearable garments, allowing women the chance to bring something new to their wardrobes without stepping too far out of their comfort zones. Standouts include the eye-catching T-Top, which features an all-over basketweave-style woven stitch pattern; the Split Circle Wrap, which highlights a neckline that flatters most body types; and the Five Easy Pieces cardigan, constructed from five panels featuring cable and lace patterns. Many of the garments are modeled in both a size small and a size 3X, allowing crocheters to see how the finished piece looks on the body from a variety of angles (sizes range from small to 5X). Written and charted instructions are provided, and while there are a few easier projects, the majority are best suited to crocheters with intermediate to advanced skills, including knowledge of garment shaping techniques and the ability to work with complex stitch patterns. ­VERDICT Skilled crocheters with an interest in garment making will find flattering and attractive options in this stylish collection.

Owen, Cheryl. Quilting for the Absolute Beginner. rev. ed. Search. 2016. 192p. illus. index. ISBN 9781782212638. $21.95. FIBER CRAFTS

There’s a typical logic to beginners’ quilting books: start with tools and supplies, then patchwork basics, followed by basting, quilting, and finishing. This revised edition of Owen’s 2007 guide begins with supplies, followed by quilting—as in, the act of fastening the three layers of the quilt together by sewing or tying. It’s an odd choice, since a beginner wouldn’t have anything to quilt other than whole cloth, and the descriptions are fairly brief, with both hand and machine quilting each occupying a two-page spread. This is followed by a short tutorial on binding and a couple of small projects, then more methods for quilting, including trapunto, corded quilting, and quilt tying. By this point, the assumption is that this is a book about literal quilting rather than ­quiltmaking—but the next topic is patchwork and appliqué. Once again, the basics that novices need are not provided up-front. If your guide to quiltmaking presents yo-yo quilting before rotary cutters get a mention, there’s something seriously off. VERDICT Though the tutorials are nicely illustrated, and there’s a delightful assortment of projects, it’s hard to get past the book’s illogical presentation, accompanied by the unusual topics that aren’t necessarily beginner-friendly (e.g., corded quilting, Seminole patchwork). While the index helps mitigate the odd organization, beginners may find other works, such as Elizabeth ­Hartman’s The Practical Guide to Patchwork or ­Harriet Hargrave and ­Carrie Hargrave-Jones’s “Quilter’s ­Academy” ­series much more useful.

INTERIOR DESIGN

GAYLE A. WILLIAMSON, Fashion Inst. of Design & Merchandising, Los Angeles

DeGeneres, Ellen. Home. Grand Central Life & Style. 2015. 304p. photos. ISBN 9781455533565. $35; ebk. ISBN 9781455533558. INTERIOR DESIGN

Over the years, comedian and talk-show host ­DeGeneres, who is the executive producer of HGTV’s Ellen’s Design ­Challenge, has lived in and renovated close to a dozen homes in Southern California. Here, in more than 200 color photographs, she shares seven of her domiciles, including her Beverly Hills home that was featured in Architectural Digest. She provides a tour of each, which range from adjoining apartments to a ranch house, explaining her approach to the design and concluding with a list of what she learned from each space. The homes of the professional interior designers with whom DeGeneres has worked are included and show a decor that reflects her own style of neutral-colored, light-filled interiors that combine modern furniture with traditional pieces. The businesses the author visits for inspiration and furnishings are also mentioned. VERDICT Written with ­DeGeneres’s typical candor and wit, this book will spark interest with her fans.