Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft, and Design

by Faythe Levine, Cortney Heimerl

Today's crafters are no longer interested in simply cross-stitching samplers or painting floral scrolls on china. Instead,the contemporary craft movement embraces emerging artists, crafters, and designers working in traditional and nontraditional media. Jenny Hart's Sublime Stitching has revolutionized the embroidery industry. Each year Nikki McClure sells thousands of her cut-paper wall calendars. Emily Kircher recycles vintage materials into purses. Stephanie Syjuco manufactures clothing under the tag line "Because Sweatshops Suck." These are just some of the fascinating makers united in the new wave of craft capturing the attention of the nation, the Handmade Nation.

Faythe Levine traveled 19,000 miles to document what has emerged as a marriage between historical technique, punk culture, and the D.I.Y. ethos. For Handmade Nation (along with the documentary film of the same name, coming in 2009) she and Cortney Heimerl have selected 24 makers and 5 essayists who work within different media and have different methodologies to provide a microcosm of the crafting community. Participants in this community share ideas and encouragement through websites, blogs, boutiques, galleries, and craft fairs. Together they have forged a new economy and lifestyle based on creativity, determination, and networking. Twenty-four artists from Olympia, Washington, to Providence, Rhode Island, and everywhere in between show their work and discuss their lives. Texts by Andrew Wagner of American Craft Magazine , Garth Johnson of Extremecraft.com, Callie Janoff of the Church of Craft, Betsy Greer of Craftivism.com, and Susan Beal, author of Super Crafty , supply a critical view of the tight-knit community where ethics can overlap with creativity and art with community. Handmade Nation features photographs of the makers, their work environment, their process, their work, and discussions of how they got their start and what motivates them. Handmade Nation is a fascinating book for those who are a part of the emerging movement or just interested in sampling its wares.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Crafts, Design, Art Design, Feminism, Essays

156 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2008

About the author

Faythe Levine (Born 1977, Minneapolis, Minnesota) is a photographer, businesswoman, and prominent figure in the D.I.Y. Ethic indie craft movement. She grew up in Seattle and currently lives in Milwaukee.

Reviews

[Marianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is hardly a study on the rise of DIY, art or craft. This book is primarily profiles of indie crafters who make money selling their quirky goods. The essays the book contains on indie craft, and DIY, are the most thoughtful portion but still nothing close to a complete picture of why people make things. The book only profiles a few crafters who are skilled enough to be making for money and really says nothing about the millions (ok, thousands?) of us who make for function, expression, creativity, and/or entertainment. They briefly touch on the politics of making, but nothing more profound than "[making things:] is a polite way to give The Man the middle finger" and "because sweatshops suck."

[Penelope · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven't seen the film that goes with this book, so if there is some sort of necessary link between the two, I'm obviously missing out on it.

Overall, I got a warm fuzzy "I can do it!" feeling from this book--which is great! It's very inspirational, and makes you consider how plausible it is to actually make a living off your craft. However, I found the individual profiles became redundant and only a few really stand out in my mind. The "essays" aren't particularly memorable, except for the one about the Church of Craft which is an interesting concept.

And one minor complaint: while the photos for many of the artist profiles look great, some of them seemed arbitrary and even after looking at 5 photos I only have a vague sense of what this person makes (I guess I'm supposed to feel inclined to look at their website?) I enjoy getting a peek into the studio as much as the next person, but when images of the studio outnumber images of the actual crafts...I'm a little confused.

I was hoping for a bit more of what's discussed in the introduction--how craft/DIY is political, how it relates to feminism, etc. So many interesting, critical links to be made, and this book just floats on the surface.

[Amanda Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how all the artists within this book are categorized by the region they are from in the US. it was really well put together and I'll definitely be watching the documentary that the author has a long side with this book!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book is really more of a collection of interviews, it's the sentiment from some of the makers that stays with me. My take on it is that there's value to treating everyday objects made from handcrafts as art. There is something special or sacred about making things to be used, rather than just looking at hangings on museum walls. Perhaps art is art (regardless of the medium), and the separation between high and low art taught isn't as important as some of my professors have tried to make it seem.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is basically a transcript of the film in book form. Which is great if the film doesn't reach a wide distribution, but I was really looking forward to getting some more info after seeing the premier of the movie last week, and other than three or four short essays on topics not explicitly covered in the film, it didn't go much further. It's a pretty book, but I wanted to like it much more than I actually did.

[Andy]

Editorial Reviews

The Ambassador Of Handmade, The New York Times:
"Their energy is infectious, which is why I call D.I.Y. the punk rock of the craft world." — Penelope Green (September 4, 2008)

Handmade Nation Documentary Begins Screening This Month, Paste Magazine:
"Levine's subjects are independent-minded folks who've taken up DIY mantle passed down from generations gone by, valuing the handmade over mass-produced and craft over convenience. Some members of the crafty crew will also host a number of talks and lectures at colleges and community centers, with a few other stops scheduled to promote the film's companion book, also titled Handmade Nation." — Rachael Maddux (January 16, 2009)

Salt Lake Underground:
"Levine gives us just enough to get your interest peaked and makes you want to blaze your own trail of entrepreneur fame." — Meg Griggs (December, 2008)

Girl On Film, ReadyMade:
"independent artists, crafters, and shop owners of all stripes - from avant-garde embroiderers to designers of books, calendars, and eco-friendly shoes." — Valerie Rains

Community Of Craft, Shepherd Express:
"The tools are familiar: embroidery hoop, needle and thread. Its the concept that rocks.Niftily divided into five geographical segments, the book showcases Milwaukees J.W. – Melissa Buchanan, who pump out punkish silk-screen prints that would make your grandma shriek. " — Judith Ann Moriarty (October 29, 2008)

The Needle And The Damage Undone, I.D. :
"(Handmade Nation) offers a simple message and pleasure. Levine and Heimerl and their makers are saying, in essence, dont stop beading necklaces when you get your first job. Beading is your first job. And while youre at it let your freak flag fly. But do make sure that youve put that flag together yourself, and only out of recycled sweaters." — Alissa Quart (January/February, 2009)

Indie Filmmaker Weaves Creativity And Rebellion, Los Angeles Times:
"The movements effect on mass culture may seem inevitable, but Levine also hopes to capture the intellectually provocative character of the artists and how they use craft to create awareness about social issues." — Valli Herman (July, 2008)

A Nation Of Crafters, Publishers Weekly :
"The community captured in both book and film has played no small part in the expansion of the crafts books category in recent years. Some have questioned whether the demand for such books can remain at current levels, but Levine observes that while fads come and go, the community has a life of its own: I think it is important to acknowledge that DIY may be a trend, but it's also a lifestyle choice for a lot of people, and is not going away anytime soon." — Gwenda Bond (August 11, 2008)

The Morning News:
"In our heavily industrialized civilization, we have rightly placed a great value on handmade, original one- or few-of-a-kind goods. For Handmade Nation: The Rise of D.I.Y., Art, Craft, and Design, which is the textual offshoot of a film project due for release next year, Faythe Levine criss-crossed the U.S.A., racking up 19,000 miles to interview and document dozens of artists, makers, crafters, and designers. In addition to photos of the makers, their work, their workshops, and their processes, the book includes essays by Andrew Wagner of American Craft magazine, Garth Johnson of Extreme Craft, Callie Janoff of The Church of Craft, Betsy Greer of Craftivism, and Susan Beal of Super Crafty.A crafty compendium of original creations, this charming books offers much to admireof both the makers and what they make. I am partial to Stephanie Syjucos clothing line, labeled simply Because Sweatshops Suck." — Robert Birnbaum (October 17, 2008)

Craft Cast :
"This is a must have book for all, whether you craft or not!Faythe traveled 19,000 miles across America documenting the emerging DIY community and the lifestyle they live based on creativity, determination and networking." — Alison Lee (October 16, 2008)

Craft Services , Urban Outfitters :
" #1 Craft Services - Urban Outfitters Interviews Faythe Levine – Courtney Heimerl (click here) " (January, 2008)

Handmade Artist Documents A Movement, The Jewish Chronicle :
"Faythe Levines life is all about creativity. Though she doesnt come off as a rebel, the 31-year-old Milwaukee artist, boutique/gallery owner and filmmaker has crafted her life according to her individual vision since she struck out on her own after high school." — Andrea Waxman (December 18, 2008)

Book And Film Spotlight Independent Crafters Across The U.S., Seattle PI:
"Today, Levine is known as "the ambassador of handmade" -- a title bestowed by The New York Times, to her chagrin -- and her DIY sensibilities run more to sock monkeys and craft fairs.Thanks to her upcoming film, "Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft and Design," Levine has become a major voice in the new wave of craft, whose vibrant, break-the-rules sensibility has become a magnet for hip young women." — Cecilia Goodnow (January 8, 2009)

Nylon Magazine:
"If youve ever bought a scarf on Etsy, sold a shirt on Supermarket HQ, or set up shop at a local craft fair, then you are part of what Faythe Levine and Cortney Heimerl would call our handmade nation.And so are they. The crafty duo is behind the book Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft, and Design (and, for Levine, a documentary of the same name to be released in 2009). After travelling the country in search of the ultimate neo-Martha Stewarts, they chatted with NYLON about what it takes to become a master crafter." (November 4, 2008)

Local Filmmaker's Diy Craft Documentary Captures An Exploding Scene, Decider Milwaukee:
"As that model of frenzied economic activity seems to be self-destructing right before our very eyes, Handmade Nation encourages us to think small as we begin to re-imagine our roles as both consumers and producers. " — Michael Carriere (February 6, 2009)

"Handmade Nation" Has Arrived. See It Thursday., On Milwaukee :
"The 65-minute movie documents a movement of artists, crafters and designers that recognize a marriage between historical techniques, punk and DIY (do it yourself) ethos while being influenced by traditional handiwork, modern aesthetics, politics, feminism and art.It includes interviews with more than 50 artists in 15 cities who explain how the new wave of craft, "forges a new economy, lifestyle and burgeoning art community that is based on creativity, determination and networking," says Levine, co-owner of Paper Boat Boutique – Gallery in Bay View and organizer of the yearly indie craft fair Art vs. Craft.A book by the same title, written with Milwaukee artist Cortney Heimerl, was published in October by Princeton Architectural Press." — Julie Lawrence (February 4, 2009)

Journal Sentinel:
"Levine has helped bring attention to the do-it-yourself craft movement through her book and film." — Mary Louise Schumacher (January 30, 2009)

Sewing It Together, The Silhouette:
"The book promotes all forms of art, and creates a sense of inclusivity between all artisans rather than setting divisions and categories. When you choose to make things on your own, Levine explains that you are supporting both creativity and self sufficiency. Handmade Nation succeeds in encouraging people to go out and learn something new, and the stories included are not only interesting, but inspiring as well. The book is informative, comprehensive, entertaining and would make a fantastic gift to anyone with an artistic side. With Levine writing this book as well as making a documentary, this could be the year for crafting. It will be interesting to see just where DIY is heading next." — Sarah El-Hamzawi (January 29, 2009)

Craft – Arts, WNYC – BBC Brian Lehrer Show:
"Faythe Levine, artist, photographer, filmmaker, curator and author of Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft and Design (Princeton Architectural Press, 2008), and Callie Janoff, co-founder and New York City Minister of the Church of Craft, talk about the new craft movement that weds DIY and craft techniques with a punk aesthetic. The documentary Handmade Nation receives its New York debut at the Museum of Arts and Design this week. For more information and flash player you can listen at WNYC by clicking HERE" — Brian Lehrer (February 12, 2009)

*Special Edition* Interview, Design*Sponge:
"In 2006 faythe levine traveled the country, putting 19,000 miles under her belt and visiting 15 cities to document the new wave of craft in the usa. in 2007 the trailer hit the web and the buzz built around this film. in 2008 the companion book (co-authored with cortney heimerl), handmade nation: the rise of diy, art, craft and design hit shelves. on thursday handmade nation premiers stateside in milwaukee, wisconsin (home base for faythe and cortney) and next week makes its way to the museum of art and design in nyc. while one chapter ends, the next is just beginning. we couldnt let this labor of love go un-noticed, so lucky for us faythe and cortney agreed to take the time out of their incredibly busy schedules for an interview and insider look at the film and how it came to be. CLICK HERE for the full interview and behind the scenes images." — Anna Wolf (February 3rd, 2009)

The Morning Blend, TMJ4 Television:
"Handmade Nation documents the new wave of craft that is capturing the attention of the nation. Click HERE to watch the full interview." (February 4, 2009)

WITI-FOX Channel 6:
"(Handmade Nation) really looks at an artistic community in this country and in Milwaukee that is truly exploding. click HERE to watch the full interview with Courney Heimerl" (February 4, 2009)

Watch This, Pink of Perfection Blog:
"I could not resist posting the opening credits to Handmade Nation, it fills me with so much glee. The opening credits alone will make you so proud to be a creative, crafty person alive today. Doesnt it just make you want to create something? " — Sarah McColl (October 7, 2008)

20 x 200 Newsletter:
"Last week's New York City premiere of Handmade Nation, artist Faythe Levine's directorial debut, brought the fabulous Kate Bingaman-Burt to town for an all-too-brief visit. (She hand-drew the lettering for the documentary's awesome title sequence.) She saved me a seat at the screening, which was held at Museum of Arts – Design...Faythe, Kate and Megan have more in common than the fact that they're all totally badass, awesome, inspiring and intelligent women. They're also all involved in expanding the definition of what art is by employing and/or championing styles, subjects and techniques that we're more accustomed to seeing anywhere but a museum." — Jen Bekman (February 17, 2009)

American Craft:
"This past week, Faythe Levine, the creator of the much talked about Handmade Nation film blew through New York with her co-author Cortney Heimerl for the New York premiere of the movie. The accompanying book of the same name, published by Princeton Architectural Press, was released in November and had led to an air of anxiousness surrounding the film..." — Andrew Wagner (February 16, 2009)

Best Art – Design Books 2008, Readings :
"(Handmade Nation) looks at the current diversity and growth of making things by hand. The book profiles a range of American artists, crafters and designers who have embraced the traditional techniques with creative/radical new approaches, suitable to our times." — Margaret Snowdon (December, 2008)

Label Networks:
"Pool successfully tapped into the indie craft movement. For example, Faythe Levine, the legendary author of the book Handmade Nation was on site selling her book and showing previews of her new documentary on the subject. Other crafters from the felt world such as Ryn Rina, plus jewelry, scarves, and knitted apparel created an entirely new space at Pool that completely connected not only with the indie vibe of Pool, but the growing movement of crafting in general. " — Kathleen Gasperini (March 3, 2009)

Common Threads, PBS:
"C'mon, break out those knitting needles your grandma gave you. Across the country, resurgent interest in things handmade is redefining craft-making for the 21st century. Quilts are cutting-edge outlets for self-expression, and samplers carry messages of anti-consumerism, environmentalism and feminism. The work is not just beautiful: it's hip, it's political and it's a little punk rock. Click HERE to read the full feature on PBS online." — Molly Finnegan (March 3, 2009)

I Spy D.I.Y., Thread Banger Video Blog:
"A video interview from threadbanger video blog." (March 4, 2009)

Flavor Pill:
"First-time documentarian Faythe Levine traipsed across the US to stitch together insights into America's DIY community." — Tanya Feldman (March 3, 2009)

Handmade Nation And The Rise Of Diy, Juxtapoz Magazine:
"C'mon, break out those knitting needles your grandma gave you. Across the country, resurgent interest in things handmade is redefining craft-making for the 21st century, writes Molly Finnegan for PBS. Quilts are cutting-edge outlets for self-expression, and samplers carry messages of anti-consumerism, environmentalism and feminism. The work is not just beautiful: it's hip, it's political and it's a little punk rock.What is she talking about? The wildly popular film, Handmade Nation by Faythe Levine. click HERE to read the full review and watch an exclusive video clip" (March 9, 2009)

Dane 101:
"Madison isn't exactly a stranger to the DIY craft movement. Especially around the winter holidays, it's nearly impossible not to stumble across one craft fair or another, and several shops have come (and a few gone strictly online) onto the scene bearing a wide array of goods created by local artists.

But these aren't your grandma's designs. Though most newly minted crafters will readily pay their respects to those who came before--people have been making things by hand since they first created tools, after all--this new generation of sewers, welders, gluers, collage makers, weavers, paper artists, and jewelers are all blazing trails uniquely their own, applying a sort of punk, indie ethos to it all." — Emily Mills (March 16, 2009)

MX Magazine:
"Being crafty has paid off for Faythe Levine. Her book Handmade Nation has become a cult indie film in the US..." (March 5, 2009)

Hollywood, Politics And Popularity: The New Craft Scene, Capital City Weekly:
"(Levine – Heimerl) tracked crafting in the U.S. to compile a visual and mental indulgence in all that is hip and new in the world of craft - although they somehow missed Alaska. Nonetheless, by page 2, I was hooked. Lime pages covered in childlike scribbles track the rise of this handmade scene, which rooted itself in the early 90s mostly through fairs, blogs, and political craft movements. Politics, you wonder? I did too. But the movement is entrenched in groups like the Church of Craft, whose members find higher aspirations in handmade creation and Craftivists, who dedicate their daily lives to making a statement through craft." — Tanna Peters (March 25, 2009)

ADD TO CART

[Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hm. I really wanted to read this book and, don't get me wrong, it's a neat book and I'd really like to see the documentary that inspired it, but it just further reminds me that whatever "it" is, I'm not an it girl.

And there IS an "it" when it comes to being this kind of crafter. I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to explain this very well...but there's something about the crafter movement that requires one to be hip, at least semi-urban, and a particular kind of aesthetic.

I'm happy that this movement exists and that it's political, educated, quirky, and fun. I just...don't fit in, I guess. And this book makes it clear.

I will say that I have a total and utter love affair with Knitta (www.knittaplease.com). They do these yarn "installations" or tags or...I don't know...SOMETHINGS that just make me squee with joy. They knit stuff and wrap it around things. Trees. Parking meters. Whatever. And it's just joyful and happy-making. Also inspiring.

So. I don't know. I can't say it left me more than just "meh" when it came right down to it. I think creative folks want to see something of themselves in a book like this. I was disappointed on that front.

[Ellie Winthrop · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book falls a little flat -- both of expectations and what it claims to do. Everything about Handmade Nation gave the impression that it was going to talk about the subversive nature of crafting, but it didn't quite do that. Instead, it simply stated it as fact and moved on. It seemed like it was going to talk about various craftspeople and how they've been impacted by the emerging craft scene, but it didn't quite do that either. It provided more of a brief snapshot of their shops. This book isn't sure which it's meant for -- coffee table or commentary -- so it ends up being neither. It's just a book that exists without seeming to serve any purpose but for people who are featured in the book to have a cool thing to show their friends when they come over to visit.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring!

[Bookish Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Years ago, if you would have asked me to go to a craft fair, I would have laughed. Why would I want to go to a craft fair? Weren’t craft fairs filled with crocheted toilet cozies and gingham-clad rag dolls made by blue-haired grannies? That wasn’t my scene. Well, my attitude changed when I attended my first Art vs. Craft Fair here in Milwaukee in 2006. I was overwhelmed by the multitude of interesting and creative crafts made by young men and women (some with blue hair). I was so impressed by the T-shirts, candles, jewelry, toys, journals, knitwear and assorted artistic items. I bought a few things, and talked to the crafters about their wares. Crafting to them wasn’t just a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon; it was a calling.

Art vs. Craft was the brain child of Milwaukee crafter, musician, documentary film maker and boutique owner, Faythe Levine. And along with Cortney Heimerl, Ms. Levine has written the book Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft and Design. In Handmade Nation, Levine and Heimerl interviewed various crafters throughout the United States and tells their stories in the crafters’ own words. The crafters make everything from jewelry to toys to clothing. Some of the crafters are able to support themselves through their work while others have regular day jobs and work on their projects in their spare time. In the essays, the crafters explain how they came to crafting and why they create. And they don’t just describe the nuts and bolts of crafting, they describe the philosophy behind their work. Many of the crafters profiled said they got into crafts not only for the creative aspect, but because its also an escape from the generic and mass-produced. There is more joy in purchasing something unique at a craft fair than the same-old thing at the mall.

Crafting is also a community, with many crafters talking about the support they receive from other crafters, sharing ideas and advice about all aspects of crafting. The crafters profiled aren’t just funky artistic types; they’re also business people, organizing craft fairs and setting up their own shops on Etsy.com. And I’m happy to say that I know two of the people profiled in Handmade Nation, JW and Melissa Buchanan from Little Friends of Printmaking. JW and Melissa have been designing art posters for years and they also teach how to create silk screen prints. I was fortunate to work with them at Milwaukee’s Discovery World where they ran the print lab and I was a copywriter. To see two such talented people profiled in Handmade Nation is quite a thrill.

Aesthetically, Handmade Nation is wonderfully designed. The photographs lovingly capture the crafters’ themselves, their work and their workspaces. The words give life to what each person profiled creates. I also liked the hand-drawn timeline of the DIY crafting scene. Not only is the timeline charmingly drawn, it’s also very informative. Even after I was finished with this book, I found myself looking through it again and again. Sure, I was jealous of the huge workspace some of the crafters had. It can be a bit toiling and trying to make my soap and other bath products in my tiny kitchen. But mostly I felt inspired to do more crafting, and not just making bath soap. Now I just have to get some of my crafting supplies more organized and figure out what I want to create. My brain is filled with possibilities.

Still, Handmade Nation left me wanting more. I wanted to learn more about the crafters and other crafters throughout the United States. And Handmade Nation isn’t just a book; it’s also a documentary. *

In the end, Handmade Nation is an excellent primer on the world of crafting and DIY projects, and an interesting read for both crafting veterans and crafting novices.

* I was fortunate to see this documentary when it was shown at the Milwaukee Art Museum a few years ago, and I will post a review of it shortly.

Originally Published at The Book Self:
https://thebookselfblog.wordpress.com...

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a beautifully designed accompaniment to Faythe Levine’s documentary of the same name, with a simple clean layout, colourful photos and titles, maps and an amazing timeline of the indie craft emergence in a more playful, hand drawn style.

Handmade Nation features profiles of various artists, crafters and “makers”, as many of them refer to themselves, from around the US and are divided into chapters by the regions in which they and their crafty endeavours are based. I’m not sure why this geographical division is really necessary however I assume it’s to reflect the title, showing that this movement is taking place all across the United States. Each maker gives an insight either into their views on the recent re-emergence of craft and things handmade, or tells how they became interested and involved in their own work. While each of these profiles is perhaps a bit brief and they don’t really go into as much depth as I would have hoped in some cases they are accompanied by some great photos of the crafters, their studios and creative spaces, and inspiring full-page images of their work.

In this respect the layout and concept of Handmade Nation is rather similar to that of The Crafter's Companion: Tips Tales and Patterns from a Community of Creative Minds however there aren’t any projects in this book for readers to make. Instead the profiles are interspersed with a series of short essays on the topics of the concept of craft, the internet’s role in the modern craft community, politics in craft and the new wave of craft fairs being held around America.

The other difference between this book and The Crafter’s Companion is that all the featured crafters are based in the US. Perhaps it’s just my bias in being from a different nation, but it would be great to see a similar project that could show this movement is not just confined to a single nation, but is happening in countries all over the world with the internet enabling crafters from different nations to create an international community which shares not only a value and appreciation of creating, but also their skills and support with each other.

This is of course not a just criticism given that intention of this book, obvious from the title and logo, is clearly to focus on the indie craft movement across just this one nation. This I think it does well, showing in a very nicely presented format how many Americans, both creators and consumers, are rejecting mass-produced and rediscovering the joys in producing and purchasing something made by hand.

[Princeton Architectural]

Today's crafters are no longer interested in simply cross-stitching samplers or painting floral scrolls on china. Instead, the contemporary craft movement embraces emerging artists, crafters, and designers working in traditional and nontraditional media. Jenny Hart's Sublime Stitching has revolutionized the embroidery industry. Each year Nikki McClure sells thousands of her cut-paper wall calendars. Emily Kircher recycles vintage materials into purses. Stephanie Syjuco manufactures clothing under the tag line "Because Sweatshops Suck." These are just some of the fascinating makers united in the new wave of craft capturing the attention of the nation, the Handmade Nation.

Faythe Levine traveled 19,000 miles to document what has emerged as a marriage between historical technique, punk culture, and the D.I.Y. ethos. For Handmade Nation (along with the documentary film of the same name, coming in 2009) she and Cortney Heimerl have selected 24 makers and 5 essayists who work within different media and have different methodologies to provide a microcosm of the crafting community. Participants in this community share ideas and encouragement through websites, blogs, boutiques, galleries, and craft fairs. Together they have forged a new economy and lifestyle based on creativity, determination, and networking. Twenty-four artists from Olympia, Washington, to Providence, Rhode Island, and everywhere in between show their work and discuss their lives. Texts by Andrew Wagner of American Craft Magazine, Garth Johnson of Extremecraft.com, Callie Janoff of the Church of Craft, Betsy Greer of Craftivism.com, and Susan Beal, author of Super Crafty, supply a critical view of the tight-knit community where ethics can overlap with creativity and art with community. Handmade Nation features photographs of the makers, their work environment, their process, their work, and discussions of how they got their start and what motivates them. Handmade Nation is a fascinating book for those who are a part of the emerging movement or just interested in sampling its wares.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a charming sample of American craftsmanship striving to gain respect. It was nice to see how some people were doing it, what and where they sold it. It's a little window into an aspect of homegrown early 21-st century capitalism in action.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mini-profiles of different well-known craftsters from throughout the country, broken up by region. This is insterspersed with essays about the current craft movement and its significance in a society known for its bloated consumerism. Some of these people come from fine art backgrounds, some do not. Some politicise their actions, some do not. While I believe that this was meant to show diversity within this movement I can't help but wonder whether we are really all so white. I know: this is a perennial criticism for anyone with a liberal arts degree, but it remains so for a reason.

Overall I thought the book was uplifting, if not quite meaty enough. I also thought the West was sadly under-represented and I take issue with the way the book is broken up by region. Can Austen, TX really represent a whole multistate region almost completely on its own?

The last curious thing I noticed was how often those profiled refer to themselves as "makers" rather than crafters, craftspeople, artisans or artists. While I can't really fault anyone for being unhappy with the term "crafter" when it so often seems to be applied to people making a different kind of craft (ie those who are, shall we say, aesthetically challenged), labeling oneself a maker rather than a crafter does seem... well, hoity-toity and just the tiniest bit twee. But if that's what this movement is doing, well, who am I to argue?

[Rachel Smalter Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this even more than I thought I would. Apropos for a book about crafts and crafters, the format is very visual without dense text, which worked fabulously.

Faythe Levine trekked across the country in the mid 2000s interviewing and documenting some of the nation's most brilliant creative people. Each subject gets about a page of text to tell their story and three pages of gorgeous full-color photographs. My jaw dropped several times. Interspersed are slightly longer, headier musings on the politics of DIY and making. Nothing too arcane or erudite, but super interesting nevertheless.

I read this in tandem with my laptop so I could look up the websites of each of the featured crafters. I loved this book for cracking open the more weird, more wonderful world of the online DIY ethos.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great, inspiring read into how the handmade phenomenon grew and evolved into a massive movement for independent artists and designers to encourage creativity, resilience and networking/business. There are some truly fascinating and unique items that people create. The photography in this book is also excellent, with insight into artist's studios and work ethics.

It would have been even better to find out more about what exactly motivates the creators to do what they do, or what materials or methods they use. Still, if you're feeling a little down in the dumps about how bland and banal the mass market is today, take a look at this book and feel refreshed at the amazing talent that's out there.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book form to the documentary. However, I have not seen the documentary so I cannot make a proper comparison. This book is great to learn more about how young women are turning their passions into art and creating a business out of it. It's a great peak into the indie craft network in the States. The graphics are lovely and there are several essays on a bit of the history of what they call the indie craft movement. I wish it had more history and criticism but perhaps it wasn't really the right platform seeing as it was the companion book to the documentary. So, I hope they come out with another anthology with more interviews with artists/crafters, more history lessons and more criticism. Yes, please.

[Anda · Rating 2 out of 5]

there was so much potential for this book. the photos and names were nice because it's good to see what people are doing in the craft/art/DIY scene around the country. but the biographies were too short and fluffy. it would have been nice to read about how these crafters became successful and perhaps more about the inspiration behind their work etc. i don't know -- anything more than 200 words of practically nothingness on each artist. at least the photos and the physical book itself were nice. i hate being down on the indie craft/art scene and something it produced -- but man, this book lacked major substance.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that I knew was coming because a local crafter is featured in the book! A few years back I hired a woman to present a program at my library about how to make books. Deb Dormody of If'n Books was so great! Since that program I've been to her studio for a program sponsored by the RI Center for the Book. Not only does she make journals and photo albums but she makes cool bookmarks. So not only is Deb featured as a crafter from the Northeast but there are loads more with lots of photos of their crafts and a bio on the person or people. This is a great book if you want to read about various crafters from around the country.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting topic, but I was disappointed that the book itself consisted more of eye candy than actual content - the interviews are too brief to glean anything interesting from. It also seems to me that the "Design" portion was almost nonexistent, as there was only one design-based entry. My impression is that the authors wanted to draw attention to the so-called craft revolution, but it came across as fluff to me. Attractive fluff, but fluff nonetheless. Maybe the movie itself will be better?

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected more of this book than what it ended up being. While I enjoyed seeing pictures of the artists' workspaces, the tiny blurbs they were given to define why they began handcrafting were too brief. Moreover, only five or six artists were chosen from each "region" of America. I have no way of knowing how or why these specific artists were chosen out of the hundreds more... but I get the feeling the internet would have given more information - and that is not the sort of feeling that I like to get from a book.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and I now have at least a dozen new places to go shopping online when I'm too lazy to finish my own craft projects. This book also confirmed my suspicion that craft people are control freaks.

[Wendi WDM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad - interesting to see what people are creating across the US. Not a book I'd buy however...although I should since I'm a DIYer myself and I want to support my fellow DIYers...but it wasn't as good as I had hoped. More crafts, maybe some patterns. Maybe some more advice to get your stuff out there. But it was a neat book.

[Bendte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book. Great design and great photos. However, I agree with many of the other reviewers. The individual profiles fell short for me and all started to sound the same after a while. Perhaps the documentary is more interesting.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

a really good glimpse at some fun and funky crafters and how they got started. It's peppered with interesting essays about craft & religion, craft & politics and a really cool time line of craft organizations, publications, blogs and websites that have popped up over the years.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just received my copy and have torn through it. It just makes me antsy about the documentary coming out. A great source for the backgrounds of the artists involved with Handmade Nation - the documentary. Very colorful and informative read and very well done. Kudos!!!

[Aline Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty cool little book on the crafting world. It has a lot of little bios on various "makers" across the country and what they've ingested from the current DIY trend that is more about liberating your sense of self than going for the big bucks. Nice pictures and well put together.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wanted more, but I'm not sure what. Maybe more inspiration? Maybe more about what inspires the artists? It was encouraging to hear how many of the featured artists had creative homes and parents growing up.

[Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an interesting overview of the handmade movement in the U.S.A. IThe description of the featured artisans needed to be given more depth. For instance, sometimes it was not clearly explained what type of craft the individual produced.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reviewed Handmade Nation on the guest blog at Indiefixx. Check it out here:
http://indiefixx.com/2008/10/14/guest...