Who knew taking care of the planet could look so good?Eco Craft shows how, with 30 truly beautiful home décor projects that elevate environmental consciousness to stylish new heights. Every idea is amazingly clever: who wouldever have imagined that plastic six-pack can holders could become a chic Moorish-inspired filigree tri-fold screen? Or that glass baby food jars would make a charming candle chandelier? Every project features at least one beauty shot in a modern home setting, easy-to-follow instructions, and step-by-step color photos, while handy icons spotlight the key techniques, materials, and the estimated time to complete each project.
*Starred Review* So many so-called green books are littered with sage statistics and alarmist statements but contain little to no practical, everyday ecological ideas. Colorado-based designer and Natural Home editor Wasinger quietly promotes her own brand of sustainability, starting with the materials (recycled paper with agri-based ink) used to fashion her 30-item craft collection. Everything here is fresh in terms of style, dynamic, and fairly easy to complete, thanks to the step-by-step color photographs, well-labeled directions, and notes to ensure a quality finished product. Skills are not difficult to acquire, whether it is simple cutting and taping or carpentry. Plus, the designs are impressive: bamboo trays, an old-suitcase given new life in “tray jolie,”and a six-pack screen that separates rooms, among many other items. Finally, the layout not only complements the author’s eco-theme but also calls attention to the important elements of the different crafts to make. Doing good was never so satisfying. --Barbara Jacobs