
Hobby Dyeing Books for Young People From Six to Sixty
by Miss Rit (1953)
What's old is new again and this certainly applies to these fabulous vintage craft books. Some may think kitsch when looking at this selection, but I say they're downright crafty. There's something sweet and nostalgic about these covers, and it makes me want to get out my glue stick and scissors.
How-to crafting books are a dime a dozen and with the multitude of crafting blogs popping up each day, one can't help but feel bombarded by craft projects and ideas. To get a better understanding of vintage craft books, an excellent source is Cathy Callahan's Vintage Craft Workshop: Fresh Takes on Twenty-Four Classic Projects from the 60s and 70s. Not only does Callahan bring a fresh look to old crafts from the 1960s and 1970s, but she provides a historical insight into the crafting world and profiles some of the most influential women in crafting during this era.
One of my favorite books in this selection is 838 Ways to Amuse a Child by June Johnson. I'm not sure if I really need 838 suggestions on how to keep my kids happy but I'm sure a little crafty inspiration - found in anyone of these vintage, collectible books - will go a long way.
AbeBooks Review: What To Make For Children by Popular Mechanics › Play Video