Making Art From Maps

November 1, 2016

Thankfully, the sources mentioned by noted map artist Berry for finding the main raw material for these gorgeous crafts--maps--don't include libraries. Rather, the author recommends secondhand bookstores, thrift stores, and yard sales, and offers a list of suppliers. The other items needed can be found at art supply shops or at home, in the case of things such as yarn. The 75-plus crafts featured include paper dolls, jewelry, boxes made of maps, kusudama flowers (think origami) and sculpture. Armchair crafters who never get around to making anything will enjoy the crisp, colorful photos here, which are simply delicious, as well as the author's notes on maps and her love for them; those who do pick up some tools will find that the instructions are easy to follow and the projects doable and impressive. The instructions and commentary alone make this book worth purchasing for your library. Adding more to the presentation are inspiring gallery sections that offer interviews with map artists, showcasing their vivid, exquisite works. VERDICT A beautiful title that offers something different for both crafters and cartophiles.--Henrietta Verma, National Information Standards Organization, Baltimore

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