Classic Crafts: A Practical Compendium of Traditional Skills

Surveys the work of some of today's finest craftsmen and women. It also shows the reader how to be part of this movement.

This book is in no way a "practical compendium" but instead a gorgeous photographic tribute to the artistry of the traditional craftsperson. Thirty-five handicrafts are showcased, including many that are virtually unknown today (e.g., stick dressing, goat cheese making, and passementerie, the trimming of braid, cord, etc.) and others thoroughly documented elsewhere (e.g., quilting, paper making, and stained glass). Included are brief introductory essays on each craft, photographs of artisans at work, and suggested projects designed to introduce the reader to the tools and methods of each craft. Unfortunately, the projects are of such difficulty and so sketchily presented that the novice would be ill advised to attempt them, especially without a bibliography or resource guide to further sources of information. Recommended as an inspirational but not a practical source of information.
- Janice Zlendich, California State Univ. Lib., Fullerton
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.