Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts

February 2, 2009
Stewart leaves no craft behind in this extensive compilation covering every craft for the DIY set, from albums and scrapbooks to wreaths. With more than 1,000 photos and 100 line drawings, Stewart provides step-by-step instructions for something as simple as making a shell soap dish to the more complicated marbleizing paper. Fans of Stewart, from kids to adults, will not be disappointed with the range of crafts, from folded-paper projects, photo-printed pillows, quilting and candle making to oldies-but-goodies like tissue paper flowers, rubber stamping and decoupage. Each subject is arranged in alphabetical order, and begins with an overview of the craft and the supplies needed, then continues with variations on the featured craft and tips for success: for example, with the chapter “Nature Crafts,” Stewart focuses on acorns, pinecones and shells, then within the chapter shows the reader how to whipstitch, how to make an acorn pin cushion, pinecone flowers, shell-covered pots, etc. With its spring publication, this must-have book will be sure to make its way into the hands of many lucky crafters in time for Mother's Day.

February 15, 2009
Martha Stewart and the editors of "Martha Stewart Living" have compiled this collection of basic instructions for over two dozen currently popular crafts. Similar to "The Michaels Book of Arts & Crafts", this book was designed to take advantage of materials available in large craft stores. Each entry includes a list of supplies, a paragraph of instructions, and photos of the finished project.

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2008
The queen of domesticity marshals all she knows about crafts ina truly encyclopedic treatment of how to do basic crafts. In alphabeticalorder, from albums to wreaths, with intermediate stops at beading, jewelry making, mosaics, quilling, soap making, and more, Stewart presents easily absorbed directions for 200 projects; in each project profile, sumptuous illustrations arepartnered with rich, full, stimulating discussion of materials, techniques, and tips. The last chapters are given over to a broad view of crafting materials, tools, and techniques; these concluding chapters prove, actually, to bethe best place to start. Of primary importance to all crafts collections.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)