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1st out of 18 books
—
12 voters
The Big-Ass Book of Crafts
by
Mark Montano
The Big-Ass Book of Crafts is packed with ideas for sprucing up your living space; concocting fabulous, all-natural body products; designing your own unique stationery; and creating countless other crafts that will convince your friends and loved ones that you're the secret love child of Martha Stewart (only much, much cooler).
Forget crocheted doilies and itchy knit sweate...more
Forget crocheted doilies and itchy knit sweate...more
Paperback, 384 pages
Published
February 19th 2008
by Gallery Books
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Mark Montano (of TLC’s 10 Years Younger and While You Were Out) just came out with a new book - The Big Ass Book of Crafts and boy is the title fitting because it really is a BIG ass book of crafts! I should have know what to expect since Mark is also the author of another fun book in my library, Dollar Store Decor: 100 Projects for Lush Living That Won't Break the Bank. As far as home decor goes, both books are a little too funky for my personal tastes, but they are still a load of fun and ther...more
I was excited to receive this book as I've seen so many wonderful reviews, but, just a few pages in, my excitement quickly soured. They may as well have called this the Big-Ass Book of Crap. Although there were a handful of projects I could conceivably see constructing and placing in my home (possibly warranting a 1.5 star rating), the vast majority of projects in this book are more suited to dorm-room living (and I'm not even 100% sure I'd use them there)! Admittedly, if you need ideas for fun...more
Basically, the author of this book has never heard the phrase "less is more." I found it ironic that he recounted a conversation with a friend who asserted that crafts should be "home-worthy," or that is, something you would actually put/keep in your house. Many, many, many of the crafts in this book were not only pointless, but also ugly. There's only so many things you can glue onto other things before it gets a little absurd. It was also clear that that Mark Montano had specific fetishes, as...more
Wow, I was quite shocked at how ugly & tacky the vast majority of these crafts were. Especially considering it was written in 2008 (and not 1985) and the Introduction said: "I hope that what you find in this book inspires you to make crafts that are beautiful, functional, fun, and - most important - home worthy."
I was tempted to give it two stars simply because there are a couple of techniques that I will probably try, and in that respect it was a little bit useful. But there is no way I wil...more
I was tempted to give it two stars simply because there are a couple of techniques that I will probably try, and in that respect it was a little bit useful. But there is no way I wil...more
The Big-Ass Book of Crafts by Mark Montano is as awesome and edgy as it’s name! Full of fun, inexpensive, avant-garde arts and crafts, most are incredibly functional and easy-to-make.
My favorite projects are the ones that incorporate old, unusable books for repurposing, such as framed silhouettes (p 9), a laminated chandelier (p. 72), decoupage plates (p.134), placemats (p. 215) and stitched note cards and envelopes (p. 306).
Mr. Montano even shows, with step-by-step instructions, how to make you...more
My favorite projects are the ones that incorporate old, unusable books for repurposing, such as framed silhouettes (p 9), a laminated chandelier (p. 72), decoupage plates (p.134), placemats (p. 215) and stitched note cards and envelopes (p. 306).
Mr. Montano even shows, with step-by-step instructions, how to make you...more
I picked this one up after browsing around the craft section looking for re-usable crafting. Despite the fact that there are "more than 150 crafts to fill your home, give to friends, decorate the yard, or send to Mom," I found most of them to ugly and impractical. The author obviously doesn't have small children or pets, as most of his designs would be destroyed by one or both of these. I did find some good designs/products here, such as the Relaxing Bath Crystal Body Scrub, Foot Balm and homema...more
If I wasn’t looking for a place already, I’d definitely have to since there are so many ideas in my head from this book.
Some of the projects were tacky (I won't be attempting the the crosses, domino or rope projects), but there were also definitely some gems (art cards, wall hangings...). Most of all think this book is good for introducing new techniques on how to create one's own unique items to one's taste (stamping, simple binding, spray painting to make things look bronzed...)
Mark Montano...more
Some of the projects were tacky (I won't be attempting the the crosses, domino or rope projects), but there were also definitely some gems (art cards, wall hangings...). Most of all think this book is good for introducing new techniques on how to create one's own unique items to one's taste (stamping, simple binding, spray painting to make things look bronzed...)
Mark Montano...more
Well...this book is exactly what the title says it is. I checked it out to find some cool project ideas I could use for the Teen Make & Take (DYI crafts) my library has every month.
Here's the verdict:
While this book is filled with some really cool and creative ideas, I'm not sure how many of them would be practical to do in a library (or school) setting. However, this is one of the coolest craft books I've encountered recently, and I'd still recommend it for the fan of Arts & Crafts pr...more
Here's the verdict:
While this book is filled with some really cool and creative ideas, I'm not sure how many of them would be practical to do in a library (or school) setting. However, this is one of the coolest craft books I've encountered recently, and I'd still recommend it for the fan of Arts & Crafts pr...more
Meg Powers Meg Powers said: "okay...i really hated this guy's show..10 years younger...but! he has some pretty great, simple crafts and beauty product ideas presented in a fun and easy-to-read format. I can't fault him for capitalizing on potential fame, DIY media-style...i like...more okay...i really hated this guy's show..10 years younger...but! he has some pretty great, simple crafts and beauty product ideas presented in a fun and easy-to-read format. I can't fault him for capitalizing on pot...more
Lots and lots of things to do, from the very creative to the down right weird! I didn't care for his gold spray painted baby doll, but loved many other crafts. Kind of a recycle/reuse/repurpose theme, and I really like to recycle. Has several old school crafts (popsickle sticks? huh?) but some other really cool crafts. I really like the leaf curtain and some of the hanging things. One of those you have to keep the meat and throw away the bones types of books, but enjoyable to read and use overa...more
The Big-Ass Book Of Crafts is a down-and-dirty, ultra-thrifty, practical book of craft projects that's rimming with enthusiasm. It is filled with great ideas you can alter to reflect your own personal style, affordable techniques that won't break the bank, and practical projects that make this book worth a look. This really is a BIG ASS book and has tons of hip and kitschy projects for the DIY alternacrafter.
It wasn't the most awesome craft book I've read but it was ok. A lot of the art was strange and clutter-like. I guess I assumed they would have more variety in tastes. None of it was very "elegant". Most crafts were either very bold and audacious or closer to the cheesy and tacky side. I did think the craft from page 200 was cool though and I enjoyed most of the crafts in the nature section.
I had borrowed this book from the library and truly wish I'd had a bit more time with it. So many great projects. Some of them I was quite familiar with but needed those extra tips. Some of the projects I had seen but wouldn't have known how to do. I was a bit surprised by the use of popsicle sticks for some of the projects but I suppose some people may find them very interesting.
If you have a knack for craft this is your book my friend. It has so many great ideas. I'll just mention a few of my personal favorites: Laminated Chandelier, Photo Collage, Tissue-Paper-Covered industrial hanging Lamp, the Punk Paper Lantern, the Art Switch Plates, Tomatoe Cage Chandelier, Tin Candle Alley, Spray-Painted Envelopes, and...well... much, much more:)
this is a fabulous book with great ideas and easy to follow instructions. Tons of pictures of the finished products too.
the stuff in here is mostly colorful, whimsical, and kinda out there but I love looking thru it and have done a few of the items and plan on doing more.
it's also very inspiring to just look thru and get ideas for other things you are working on.
the stuff in here is mostly colorful, whimsical, and kinda out there but I love looking thru it and have done a few of the items and plan on doing more.
it's also very inspiring to just look thru and get ideas for other things you are working on.
actually a pretty cool craft book, some of the stuff is goofy and hippie and well, I'm not very hippie, actually I'm about as opposite of hippie as you can get but some of it is very cool, I'd love to try the photo collage idea or the 3D blossom box with origami flowers or the poe tree. Some very good ideas for recycling items around your house as well.
Pros: Book has tons of ideas. Every project could be done in a different print, altered style or with a different form. Projects aren't handyman required and can be finished in an afternoon. Creativity is huge - lamps made out of sieves and straws, trees made out of books, frames made of a variety of items. Not all items are sitting around the house just begging to be used but most are easy to find.
Cons: The harlequin designs and use of cards aren't my style.
As you can see, the pros outnumber t...more
Cons: The harlequin designs and use of cards aren't my style.
As you can see, the pros outnumber t...more
I bought this book one winter when I was extremely bored without cable or internet and it served me well on my days off from work. Funky designs that will tickle any creative heart, I couldn't wait to decorate my house with the ideas in it. The only drawback was the full retail price tag. Art & craft books seem to always be so expensive.
Browsed @ a bookstore. There were probably half a dozen that I actually looked into (read the steps) and probably three or so that I would actually take the time to make. But I can probably just find those instructions on the internet.
Didn't care for the artsy-fartsy section - too complex for someone like me.
Didn't care for the artsy-fartsy section - too complex for someone like me.
I wanted to find some neat presents to make for people, but most of the stuff in here is just kitschy junk. Seriously, a spray painted babydoll head? No thanks. These are things you'd find in a child's or a hippie's room, except the crafts are too complicated and time consuming for a child to complete.
Crafty goodness in here, but nothing earth shattering or new. Picked it up at the craft show and it was worth what I paid for it. I left my copy with my aunt in California and will borrow one my girlfriend got. I did like the fabric covered table and will be doing my own version.
This book totally lives up to its name! It is a really fun romp through about a gazillion projects. Even though I didn't find many that I wanted to make, as my tastes run differently from Mark's, I completely admire his creativity. I do want to make the flower vase pen holder!
I love this book! So far I have made the living doll the cable tie door beads the flower pens and the flower clips. I really want to make the giant octopus. It looks so comfy and big and cozy and fluffy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, just enough craftiness to get the creative juices flowing. Crafts of every make and description, using every sort of material. and up to date, hip and trendy. Good instructions, too! Very fun, for a craft book.
It doesn't lack in content, but the quality of the crafts are something else. Some of them are just not practical in an everyday setting. It has very tacky crafts but there are a few nuggets of inspiration in it.
This was on a list of new craft books of interest, so I checked it out of the library. There isn't one thing I would use my mind making. I have no interest in popsicle stick lamp shades or domino pencil holders.
I always thought that I wasn't a very crafty person. Then I found this book, and now I have hope. Use this book as inspiration and practice though, because some of the crafts are a bit tacky.
So fun! We've been having "Crafty Sundays" and using this book as our starting point for projects. Arts and Crafts fun even for folks who don't consider themselves artsy or crafty.
I LOOOOVED this book it's the best craft book I've ever looked at. I only have one complaint and that's the title.... Was that truly necessary?
This is the best craft book ever. TONS of easy not sucky stuff, just enough retro to be cool and useful ideas for everything under the sun.
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Feb 26, 2010 11:24pm