March is National Craft Month and the La Mesa Branch Library is a great place to look into what kinds of craft or handiwork might be worth giving a shot.
Keep in mind that the term “craft” includes far more than just scrapbooking and yarn. The possibilities are endless: woodworking, textiles, pottery, models, and more. Stop by and borrow a book for free and find out if the investment will be worthwhile before buying instruction manuals, supplies, etc.
Following is a sample of some of the new craft books that the San Diego County Library has acquired.
Craft: an American History does not offer instruction on any particular skill, but examines how creating objects has shaped our country. Glen Adamson explores the skills of Benjamin Franklin, Frederick Douglass, as well as many lesser-known names; all the way up through the crafting “empire” of Martha Stewart. Woodworking, basketry, pottery, 3D printing and more are covered. Pick this one up if you want to see how America’s handiwork movements, both the physical and social, affected our country.
If you do not feel that you have enough inspiration to create, Get Messy Art by Caylee Grey, may be what you need. Although there are 15 different projects included in this book, there are no set list of materials or instructions for them. Grey focuses on play and experimentation so that you can express yourself any way you want. Included is a project that helps you create a visual journal. Also provided are techniques to combat the dreaded blank page.
For those looking for a traditional craft with a healthy dose of whimsy try The Compendium of Wooden Wand Making Techniques. This book will be useful to anyone interested in woodworking or cosplay. An expert artisan woodworker goes over the skills needed to create a wand. It includes clear, detailed photographs. Also included is the history of wands in different ancient cultures up to its use in pop culture. Although this is not an advanced level of woodworking, some basic skills knowledge is recommended.
When we hear the word “wreath”, most people think of Christmas. However, Stephanie Petrak’s Elegant Handcrafted Wreaths opens up the entire year for beautifying a home with wreaths. Twenty different projects are split into three different sections: “From the Garden,” “From the Woods,” and “From the Fields.” Petrak covers shopping tips on how to obtain supplies from craft stores, creating the wreaths, and the upkeep of the finished product.
Are you hoping to make a statement with your handiwork; not interested in just making something look nice? Then pick up a copy of Rebel Crafts by Hester van Overbeek. The 12 different projects, ranging in skills from beginner to experienced, will “teach you how to stitch your way to freedom, screen-print for equality, letter-write for the people” and more. Projects include making banners, shirts, badges, capes, and jewelry, all with a message to inspire change.
Come see us at the library and get more book recommendations in person. We are open Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, and 24/7 online at www.SDCL.org with eBooks, downloadable audio, streamable StoryTimes, and much more.
