Inside the Creative Studio

November 21, 2011
The subtitle of this gorgeously photographed book ought to be "Inspiring Envy and Longing Among Amateur Artists Everywhere" for its lush layout and behind-the-scenes studio tours of prominent working artists and craftspersons both here and overseas. Between artist profiles and studio descriptions, Prato, former editor of the quarterly Studios magazine, and several contributors offer helpful information artists of all levels must consider for their own spacesâtypes of light, qualities of wall color, and principles of organization and storage. Chapters that focus on specific aspects of designing a studioâstorage and layout, personalization of space, etc.âmake the content easily digestible without being overwhelming. The book's chief pleasure lies in its photographs, which, with their peeks into cozy corners filled with yarn, tidy closets bursting with fabric, drawers stocked with paints, and well-lit tabletops with clear spaces, make this book what might be called "craft porn." It excites and inspires the reader, making it seem that a studio of her own is within her reach. Whether it will be as well-organized, well-stocked and lusciously inviting as these studios is beyond the book's ability to promise. Photos.

January 1, 2012

Prato (editor, Cloth Paper Scissors Studios) visits 27 craftspeople--quilters, painters, fabric artists, and jewelry makers--who describe how they designed their space to suit their needs, whether it is a separate structure or just a nook in the home. Over 200 photographs depict the various studios; some are accompanied by a floor plan. Organization and storage of materials and lighting considerations are discussed in detail. This collection of practical, inspiring ideas for setting up an area reserved exclusively for crafting will appeal to weekend scrapbookers and professional quilters alike.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.