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Hippie Crafts: Creating a Hip New Look Using Groovy '60s Crafts
They’re so far out! These fab projects take 60s cool and update them to New Millennium funky. What a blast from the macramé, crochet, and lots of flower power to tap into nostalgia for the Age of Aquarius. Modern-day hippies will proudly handcraft and show off a back-in-style suede fringe vest, woven belt, and beaded headband. Want a crash pad where everyone will let it all hang out? Light it up with sand and rainbow layer candles, add some tie-dyed throw pillows, and invite guests to get cozy under a granny-square afghan in tasteful contemporary hues. Easy-to-
follow instructions detail every technique, and sidebars cover everything from hippie fashion, music, and art to the politics and big events that defined the era.
follow instructions detail every technique, and sidebars cover everything from hippie fashion, music, and art to the politics and big events that defined the era.
- GenresNonfictionCrafts
144 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2004
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 19, 2017
3.5 stars
This book was exactly what it said it was. Everything is straight out of Wiodstick with very little fresh or new anywhere to be seen although the majority wouldn't look particularly out of place now as they've become a little retro.
The instructions varied but were mostly not good. This is definitely not a beginner book as it presupposes some knowledge of the techniques. The only general instructions with illustrations are the macrame and crochet "refresher"s.
Those skills made up the majority of the book with a little batik, patchwork, leatherwork, candle making, and beading thrown in. Interestingly, there were only two tie dye projects that didn't even look it. Those were the ones that looked fresh and new to me. Oddly, one technique had you wrapping starting around a piece of popcorn (I hope air popped) and only using one color and the other used muted colors in diagonal stripes. I kind of liked both and I hate tie dye usually.
The projects were bags, hair accessories, vests, belts, etc., mostly in styles common to the era. I have met people who still dress like that, though, and they would probably love this book.
What makes this book interesting is the history and photos that filled the book. I'd say there's almost as much of that as patterns, definitely more photos. The text tried to be unbiased and didn't fail horribly. Some negative stuff was included. It was fascinating and amusing at the same time.
I don't recommend this as a how-to book unless you really dig string belts and think headbands are groovy (I might be a little harsh since it's not my favorite era) , but as a look into the social life of hippies and their fashions sort of in context, this is a very interesting book.
2.5 stars as a craft book, 4 stars for the history equals 3.25 stars plus .25 for the plethora and variety of era photos. I'm rounding up to allow for my biases resulting from personal experiences in college. (If you're interested, just ask. I don't think such things need to be in my review, though.)
This book was exactly what it said it was. Everything is straight out of Wiodstick with very little fresh or new anywhere to be seen although the majority wouldn't look particularly out of place now as they've become a little retro.
The instructions varied but were mostly not good. This is definitely not a beginner book as it presupposes some knowledge of the techniques. The only general instructions with illustrations are the macrame and crochet "refresher"s.
Those skills made up the majority of the book with a little batik, patchwork, leatherwork, candle making, and beading thrown in. Interestingly, there were only two tie dye projects that didn't even look it. Those were the ones that looked fresh and new to me. Oddly, one technique had you wrapping starting around a piece of popcorn (I hope air popped) and only using one color and the other used muted colors in diagonal stripes. I kind of liked both and I hate tie dye usually.
The projects were bags, hair accessories, vests, belts, etc., mostly in styles common to the era. I have met people who still dress like that, though, and they would probably love this book.
What makes this book interesting is the history and photos that filled the book. I'd say there's almost as much of that as patterns, definitely more photos. The text tried to be unbiased and didn't fail horribly. Some negative stuff was included. It was fascinating and amusing at the same time.
I don't recommend this as a how-to book unless you really dig string belts and think headbands are groovy (I might be a little harsh since it's not my favorite era) , but as a look into the social life of hippies and their fashions sort of in context, this is a very interesting book.
2.5 stars as a craft book, 4 stars for the history equals 3.25 stars plus .25 for the plethora and variety of era photos. I'm rounding up to allow for my biases resulting from personal experiences in college. (If you're interested, just ask. I don't think such things need to be in my review, though.)
June 22, 2008
Not only a book full of beautiful and fun crafts to make, it includes a history or social study of the Hippie time. Totally enjoyed this.
April 21, 2023
A lot of historical photos and descriptions of the late sixties as well as instructions and patterns for making a ton of authentic art and wearable designs.
January 9, 2010
My boyfriend bought this for me, because it's just that thoughtful :)
It's a good basic introduction to some of the crafts reminiscent of the hippie era, with some very good historical articles for context, and some very nice photography. The craft instruction is good. I like that the authors assume that just about anyone can do just about any handcraft - not every craft book is that reassuring.
The craft instructions are a bit too basic for me - but I've been crocheting, sewing, etc for decades. I enjoyed the designs, and am tempted to make a few. The macramed Market Bag looks like fun, as do the beading patterns.
It's a good basic introduction to some of the crafts reminiscent of the hippie era, with some very good historical articles for context, and some very nice photography. The craft instruction is good. I like that the authors assume that just about anyone can do just about any handcraft - not every craft book is that reassuring.
The craft instructions are a bit too basic for me - but I've been crocheting, sewing, etc for decades. I enjoyed the designs, and am tempted to make a few. The macramed Market Bag looks like fun, as do the beading patterns.
November 7, 2014
Quite a few of these crafts were awesome, my Mother is quite scared of what I shall be making in the near future XD
May 4, 2016
Fun historical pics, but the projects are a bit lacking.
June 23, 2013
I need to own this book. So many projects I want to try!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews