Retro Revamp: Funky Projects from Handbags to Housewares

by Jennifer Knapp, Teresa Domka (Photographs)

So the dresser doesn't match the nightstand, the four kitchen chairs are from four different sets, and the bracelet is a thrift store special. Well, it doesn't mean you can't have styleand how! Thanks to Retro Revamp's chic and imaginative ideas, you can turn anything so-so into so, SO fabulous. Filled with full-color photographs, and decorated throughout with sassy collage-art and illustrations, this book is a treasure in itself. The projects inside range from necklaces to nightlights and are made from a variety of materials that are readily accessible at your drugstore, nearest vintage shop, or neighborhood sidewalk sale. For an evening on the town, don't be caught without Holly Golightly's Dream Bag fashioned from ribbon scraps and a made-in-a-minute Chopstick-do hair accessory to keep your tresses intact. Indoors, a nostalgic Mystery Date End Table and some Ugly Chair First Aid will have you entertaining with elan. And the Car Carma Dashboard Shrine and Mr. Potato Head Beach Bag will help you hit the road in style. You don't have to know how to knit and you don't have to be a kooky bottlecap collector. All you need is some extra junk you don't know what to do with, an adventurous spirit, and one copy of Retro Revamp.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction

124 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Sarah Wu]

Hilarious and fun. Got it on sale years ago and got a copy for my sister.

[Haleigh Kopinski]

i really love most of the ideas in this book, however a lot of them are very timely and not as easy to do. when i think of revamping i think of quick and easy ways to give something old and worn a face lift or makeover. these are near total transformations. cute ideas, but not exactly tasks for even a rainy day.

[Emily]

I think my problem with this one is that I'm just not in the target demographic. Nothing jumped out at me. Seems to me I've looked at the book before, as I remember thinking that making a table out of an old game board is a cool idea. Other than that, just not my style. Too kitschy.

[C]

I didn't like most of the crafts in here, but I may not be the target audience. Most of it looked junky to me, but a funky young adult might like it.