Super Crafty: Over 75 Amazing How-To Projects

by Susan Beal, Torie Nguyen, Rachel O'Rourke

The crafts scene is thriving as Gens X and Y embrace hobbies in order to create something beautiful, functional, and unique. With its sleek design and edgy tone, Super Crafty is the ultimate hipster’s craft guide, with a wide array of accessible projects suitable for all skill levels. The book offers dozens of projects for the home (Easy Etched Glass), wardrobe (One-Afternoon Skirt), body (Flirty Floral Pasties), family pet (Greta’s Tail Warmer), and more. Organized by genre, each chapter uses a rating system to indicate difficulty, cost of materials, and age-appropriateness. "101" sections offer basic instruction in sewing, working with vinyl, jewelry making, and other crafts. A resource guide helps locate supplies, tools, and further inspiration. The authors also contribute thoughtful pieces on the underlying aspects of craft, from activism to therapy, as well as lighthearted vignettes on crafting disasters and favorite art supplies.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Art, Sewing, How To

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2005

Reviews

[Lorie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much that's terribly original or exciting, more of a rainy-day crafting book. I have picked this one up when I need to keep my hands busy, but I don't feel like really putting any thought or effort into something. I will say one thing for it- it has an easy sock monkey pattern that got me making little monkey friends for a few months...

[jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is unfortunately not the "ultimate hipster craft book" it's purported to be. out of the 75 projects, i might tackle about 10% of them. lots of use of vintage appliqués & embroidery, which is a nice departure from the usual flood of knitting projects in other alternacrafting books.

[Alex · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, if I ever need to make a hideous dog cape I will know where to look.

[Hybridhopes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of projects and inspiration. Great for beginners for sure, and also for folks who are suffering some sort of "what do I make next" block. Also has enough discussion of the authors' crafty history, but not so much that you're bored with how awesome they think they are. Gets into some of the discussion of why people make things with their hands; the sense of satisfaction of making and the satisfaction you get from saving something from the landfill, but not so much it feels preachy or overly redundant to those of us who have known it for decades (I can say decades now).

There are some minor problems I have with the projects (I don't think there are any warnings of the way craft felt pills up and looks nasty) but they are more than balanced by the enthusiasm and encouragement the authors provide their readers. It's not a super thorough expert craft tome, but it is pretty inspiring when you're stuck.

[Regan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has general instructions for lots of funky, smallish projects. Lots of it has to do with embellishing already-made stuff, but there are instructions for making an A-line skirt based on one you already own and like. I have yet to try any of the projects. They were entertaining to read about, but apparently not inspiring enough to make me want to make 'em myself.

[Sivyu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book with tons of really cool projects. I have a few marked for when I get some more time. I like the sections that they are divided into. I've been in a crafty slump, but can't wait to make a new shrine.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book, though Chris accidentally packed it up... But some of the projects are WAY "out there." Some have too much backstory and explanation, if you're just looking for ideas.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not very crafty, but I wish I were. This is basically craft porn.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just know that if I start making leg warmers for my dog, that I've officially lost it.

[Bayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some unique crafts that are not too kitschy. One that looks particularly intriguing is the coloring book tote, which uses coloring book pages in making a tote bag.

[Lana · Rating 2 out of 5]

The flower covered bike helmet and daisy skates...really?

[Mzfitz]

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[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great craft book. One of the few I've read where I would actually make about 75% of the projects inside. This could be b/c I'm smack-dab in the gen-x generation:)