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Smithsonian Makers Workshop: Unique American Crafting, Cooking, Gardening, and Decorating Projects
50 DIY crafts, cooking, decorating, and gardening projects from the experts at the Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution presents a uniquely curated collection of lively how-to projects and historical narratives of four realms of American domestic cooking, crafts, decorating, and gardening. Perfect for hobbyists interested in the historical context of what they create for their homes, this beautifully illustrated book contains fifty DIY projects—from a uniquely American quilt pattern to on-trend crafts like terrarium making and pickling—that all offer satisfying ways to bring history and culture to life. For those craving more, features provide rare insights from Smithsonian experts on prominent figures, events, and trends. Readers can learn about influential Americans who've had an impact on each realm; look at visual timelines of significant events that pushed development forward; or stay in the present and see how American arts in contemporary life is being redefined, all while enjoying satisfying and unique projects.
The Smithsonian Institution presents a uniquely curated collection of lively how-to projects and historical narratives of four realms of American domestic cooking, crafts, decorating, and gardening. Perfect for hobbyists interested in the historical context of what they create for their homes, this beautifully illustrated book contains fifty DIY projects—from a uniquely American quilt pattern to on-trend crafts like terrarium making and pickling—that all offer satisfying ways to bring history and culture to life. For those craving more, features provide rare insights from Smithsonian experts on prominent figures, events, and trends. Readers can learn about influential Americans who've had an impact on each realm; look at visual timelines of significant events that pushed development forward; or stay in the present and see how American arts in contemporary life is being redefined, all while enjoying satisfying and unique projects.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published September 8, 2020
2 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Smithsonian Institution
3,791 books39 followersFounded in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution or simply the Smithsonian is a group of museums, education and research centres created by the United States federal government "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge"
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 8, 2020
This is a deep dive into the history of crafts, food, gardening and decorating from the Smithsonian. It's filled with photos of actual museum pieces and the history of each subject, and then offers tutorials to try your hand at these things yourself.
I learned a lot of surprising and interesting information, such as the fact that Mark Twain was an avid scrapbooker and even had a patent for self sticking scrapbook pages. There were a lot of projects that I loved, like the visible denim mending. I have a denim glider rocking chair that I've been looking for just this kind of project to mend.
There were times when I appreciated the honesty in topics that are so frequently whitewashed regarding American history, such as the section acknowledging that there would be no American food as we know it today without the contributions of enslaved cooks who introduced the ingredients, agricultural techniques and recipes that would become traditional American dishes. But too much was still whitewashed, like the section saying that the Wampanoag tribe helped the Plymouth settlers survive but then doesn't mention the rest of that terrible story. Likewise, the section glorifying Jefferson's gardens doesn't mention that enslaved people were wholly responsible for the back breaking work involved in creating and tending them. Most of the focus in the book is the standard white American history, with sections added that talk about immigrants, enslaved people, etc. Still, it's a fascinating book (that still did a lot more acknowledgement than typical) that is absolutely packed with history, projects and photos.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
I learned a lot of surprising and interesting information, such as the fact that Mark Twain was an avid scrapbooker and even had a patent for self sticking scrapbook pages. There were a lot of projects that I loved, like the visible denim mending. I have a denim glider rocking chair that I've been looking for just this kind of project to mend.
There were times when I appreciated the honesty in topics that are so frequently whitewashed regarding American history, such as the section acknowledging that there would be no American food as we know it today without the contributions of enslaved cooks who introduced the ingredients, agricultural techniques and recipes that would become traditional American dishes. But too much was still whitewashed, like the section saying that the Wampanoag tribe helped the Plymouth settlers survive but then doesn't mention the rest of that terrible story. Likewise, the section glorifying Jefferson's gardens doesn't mention that enslaved people were wholly responsible for the back breaking work involved in creating and tending them. Most of the focus in the book is the standard white American history, with sections added that talk about immigrants, enslaved people, etc. Still, it's a fascinating book (that still did a lot more acknowledgement than typical) that is absolutely packed with history, projects and photos.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
August 2, 2021
It's OK.
I guess I expected more from The Smithsonian given the quality of their magazine and shows. This is a very broad and brief look at a lot of different crafts. It felt shallow and disjointed. There's not quite enough history in the historical parts to be truly informative, and there's not enough instruction in the "how-to" part to be instructional.
I guess I expected more from The Smithsonian given the quality of their magazine and shows. This is a very broad and brief look at a lot of different crafts. It felt shallow and disjointed. There's not quite enough history in the historical parts to be truly informative, and there's not enough instruction in the "how-to" part to be instructional.
August 21, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Smithsonian Makers Workshop is a history guide with included crafts tutorials from the Smithsonian. Due out 22nd Sept from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, it's 304 pages (print version) and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.
The book has an eclectic layout with short essays about the historical and cultural development of trends and crafts interspersed with short step-by-step project tutorials such as a baby quilt from the depression era, an 1830s ladies' reticule (purse), apple pie, and raised garden beds. There are 50+ tutorials which are grouped roughly thematically: crafts, cooking & food, design & decorating, and gardening.
Interwoven throughout are interesting micro-essays on the history of the Smithsonian, its endowment and development, and other cultural tidbits about American society and culture. I found it accessible and interesting. The tutorials are well delineated in the table of contents with a yellow "MAKE IT" label. Tutorials are illustrated and well photographed with materials listed bullet point in a sidebar (measurements in American standard measures only, no metric equivalents), descriptions, and step by step instructions with photos.
The rest of the book is full of historical photos from adverts, newspapers, and other media of the period. There are pictures from the public knitting efforts during the world wars, ephemera, recipe clippings as well as oral traditions from the more complicated darker periods of American history (slave cooking and West African/American fusion culture).
This would make a superlative selection for library use, makers groups, activity groups, home crafter's library, or for readers who are interested in American culture. It's not in-depth on any one craft or technique, but it does cover a broad range of different crafts and projects.
Four and a half stars. Remarkable collection of historical photos and information. It does include a cross referenced index.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Smithsonian Makers Workshop is a history guide with included crafts tutorials from the Smithsonian. Due out 22nd Sept from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, it's 304 pages (print version) and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.
The book has an eclectic layout with short essays about the historical and cultural development of trends and crafts interspersed with short step-by-step project tutorials such as a baby quilt from the depression era, an 1830s ladies' reticule (purse), apple pie, and raised garden beds. There are 50+ tutorials which are grouped roughly thematically: crafts, cooking & food, design & decorating, and gardening.
Interwoven throughout are interesting micro-essays on the history of the Smithsonian, its endowment and development, and other cultural tidbits about American society and culture. I found it accessible and interesting. The tutorials are well delineated in the table of contents with a yellow "MAKE IT" label. Tutorials are illustrated and well photographed with materials listed bullet point in a sidebar (measurements in American standard measures only, no metric equivalents), descriptions, and step by step instructions with photos.
The rest of the book is full of historical photos from adverts, newspapers, and other media of the period. There are pictures from the public knitting efforts during the world wars, ephemera, recipe clippings as well as oral traditions from the more complicated darker periods of American history (slave cooking and West African/American fusion culture).
This would make a superlative selection for library use, makers groups, activity groups, home crafter's library, or for readers who are interested in American culture. It's not in-depth on any one craft or technique, but it does cover a broad range of different crafts and projects.
Four and a half stars. Remarkable collection of historical photos and information. It does include a cross referenced index.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
July 6, 2020
Smithsonian Makers Workshop
Fascinating History & Essential How-Tos: Gardening, Crafting, Decorating & Food
By Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
50 DIY crafts, cooking, decorating, and gardening projects from the experts at the Smithsonian Institution
Back of the Book: “The Smithsonian Institution presents a uniquely curated collection of lively how-to projects and historical narratives of four realms of American domestic arts: cooking, crafts, decorating, and gardening. Perfect for hobbyists interested in the historical context of what they create for their homes, this beautifully illustrated book contains fifty DIY projects—from a uniquely American quilt pattern to on-trend crafts like terrarium making and pickling—that all offer satisfying ways to bring history and culture to life. For those craving more, features provide rare insights from Smithsonian experts on prominent figures, events, and trends. Readers can learn about influential Americans who've had an impact on each realm; look at visual timelines of significant events that pushed development forward; or stay in the present and see how American arts in contemporary life is being redefined, all while enjoying satisfying and unique projects.”
Impressions: Wow on the info. This is not just an arts and craft book this is a thorough history of the arts with instructions.
Liked: I enjoy history and the chosen projects were interesting.
Disliked: The book was heavy in history and light in craft instruction.
Learned: It is not so much what I learned but I appreciated seeing how the elements of art have been viewed and used throughout the ages.
Quotes: Not so many quotes for this book.
Fascinating History & Essential How-Tos: Gardening, Crafting, Decorating & Food
By Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
50 DIY crafts, cooking, decorating, and gardening projects from the experts at the Smithsonian Institution
Back of the Book: “The Smithsonian Institution presents a uniquely curated collection of lively how-to projects and historical narratives of four realms of American domestic arts: cooking, crafts, decorating, and gardening. Perfect for hobbyists interested in the historical context of what they create for their homes, this beautifully illustrated book contains fifty DIY projects—from a uniquely American quilt pattern to on-trend crafts like terrarium making and pickling—that all offer satisfying ways to bring history and culture to life. For those craving more, features provide rare insights from Smithsonian experts on prominent figures, events, and trends. Readers can learn about influential Americans who've had an impact on each realm; look at visual timelines of significant events that pushed development forward; or stay in the present and see how American arts in contemporary life is being redefined, all while enjoying satisfying and unique projects.”
Impressions: Wow on the info. This is not just an arts and craft book this is a thorough history of the arts with instructions.
Liked: I enjoy history and the chosen projects were interesting.
Disliked: The book was heavy in history and light in craft instruction.
Learned: It is not so much what I learned but I appreciated seeing how the elements of art have been viewed and used throughout the ages.
Quotes: Not so many quotes for this book.
May 23, 2020
Smithsonian Makers Worshop is the perfect gift book for yourself or for anyone who loves that wonderful combination of history, culture and domestic art which the folks at the Smithsonian do so well. This title looks at four broad categories, including crafts, cooking & food, design & decorating and gardening. Each category is further broken down to include a simple historical overview, important people in the category, historical and contemporary sidebars, important developments and trends and also DIY projects and recipes. The book also - and not surprisingly - includes fabulous photography and graphics.
I love books like this, books that put everyday objects - things like quilts and hand-knit mittens, graham crackers and tuna noodle casserole, wall hangings, peanuts and heirloom seeds into a historical and cultural context. Like most things the Smithsonian puts out, I feel smarter and more well-rounded having read this book. I've been introduced to and inspired by fellow Americans, I've been challenged to try new projects, activities and foods, and I've been reminded that we are a resilient and creative and beauty-loving people.
Technically, the book is well-written, the material is well-organized and there's plenty of variety, so something for everyone. The projects, instructions and recipes are clear and easy to follow, and the graphics are both simple and helpful, tho I haven't actually tried them out yet.
Again, this would be a wonderful gift, and one I'd love to both give and receive.
This review is based on an advance copy read.
I love books like this, books that put everyday objects - things like quilts and hand-knit mittens, graham crackers and tuna noodle casserole, wall hangings, peanuts and heirloom seeds into a historical and cultural context. Like most things the Smithsonian puts out, I feel smarter and more well-rounded having read this book. I've been introduced to and inspired by fellow Americans, I've been challenged to try new projects, activities and foods, and I've been reminded that we are a resilient and creative and beauty-loving people.
Technically, the book is well-written, the material is well-organized and there's plenty of variety, so something for everyone. The projects, instructions and recipes are clear and easy to follow, and the graphics are both simple and helpful, tho I haven't actually tried them out yet.
Again, this would be a wonderful gift, and one I'd love to both give and receive.
This review is based on an advance copy read.
July 30, 2021
This book is organized along themes of history, key figures, and tutorials for various kinds of "making" activities--arts, crafts, domestic goods, etc. The recurring categories are:
An American Chronology -- historical overview of a particular category.
Who’s Who -- famous and influential figures.
Hidden History -- largely unknown people or events who had great influence on some aspect of everyday American life.
A Moment in Time -- historical/ landmark developments in American craft, design and decorating, gardening, or food and cooking.
Everything Old Is New Again -- objects, movements, or trends that had or are having a resurgence in modern times.
Contemporaries --current influential figures.
Make It --tutorials and projects, such as a needlework sampler, stenciling a dresser, planting a succulent terrarium, or baking a loaf of sourdough bread.
So as you can see, the history and profiles cover a broad base and there aren't quite as many tutorials and patterns as I would have thought "workshop" indicated. But still, really interesting and inspiring!
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
An American Chronology -- historical overview of a particular category.
Who’s Who -- famous and influential figures.
Hidden History -- largely unknown people or events who had great influence on some aspect of everyday American life.
A Moment in Time -- historical/ landmark developments in American craft, design and decorating, gardening, or food and cooking.
Everything Old Is New Again -- objects, movements, or trends that had or are having a resurgence in modern times.
Contemporaries --current influential figures.
Make It --tutorials and projects, such as a needlework sampler, stenciling a dresser, planting a succulent terrarium, or baking a loaf of sourdough bread.
So as you can see, the history and profiles cover a broad base and there aren't quite as many tutorials and patterns as I would have thought "workshop" indicated. But still, really interesting and inspiring!
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 5, 2020
The Smithsonian Makers Workshop is a wonderful book. I have always been a huge fan of the Smithsonian in general, so it was an unexpected pleasure to be able to read this book. As we know the Smithsonian is the keeper of American History.
There are four major areas discussed in this book. They are referred to as 'Domestic Arts'. The areas covered are crafts, design and decorating, gardening,and cooking. The features of each area are who is who, the hidden history, a moment in time ( what was happening in the world) what was old is new again (re-emergence), contemporaries (people today who are in the field) and finally actual projects the reader can make.
I really enjoyed the book. It shows how we as humans/artisans help express ourselves, how our making provides comfort, how our making helps mark important milestones, pass the time, and finally to keep tradition alive. These 'domestic arts' fill our lives with meaning. and allow us to leave a piece of ourselves and leave our mark on history.
I would like to thank the authors, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There are four major areas discussed in this book. They are referred to as 'Domestic Arts'. The areas covered are crafts, design and decorating, gardening,and cooking. The features of each area are who is who, the hidden history, a moment in time ( what was happening in the world) what was old is new again (re-emergence), contemporaries (people today who are in the field) and finally actual projects the reader can make.
I really enjoyed the book. It shows how we as humans/artisans help express ourselves, how our making provides comfort, how our making helps mark important milestones, pass the time, and finally to keep tradition alive. These 'domestic arts' fill our lives with meaning. and allow us to leave a piece of ourselves and leave our mark on history.
I would like to thank the authors, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2020
"Smithsonian Makers Workshop" provides an overview of the Smithsonian collection in several areas: crafts, cooking, interior decoration throughout history, and gardening. Each section talked about different types of crafts, for example, providing an overall history of that craft, profiles of notable people who promoted the craft, how some old craft is now popular again, a closer look a technological development that has changed how the craft is done, etc. They also provided several step-by-step projects related to the things under discussion, like how to cook a pound cake or directions on how to decoratively mend some jeans. This book was not very in-depth on any specific topic, but it was an informative overview. There were many pictures showing different quilt styles throughout American history, for example, or a style of furniture popular in a certain time period. Overall, I'd recommend this book to those interested in a brief overview of these topics.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
June 24, 2020
After a couple of trips to DC, I still haven't covered all my Smithsonian museums and I was excited to read through the Makers Workshop (which just made me want to go back and stay until I've seen it all). This book is simply laid out and well organized with just enough information to not feel overwhelmed. Being a crafter, I wasn't surprised to learn that in 2017 the US spend for crafting was nearly $43.9 billion -- and reading how 'everything old is new again', just cemented that fact. While it has a great overview of history, it also includes technology & crafts of the 21st century. It's a great blend of history, inspiration, craft projects (I'm not a fan of sewing but can now make my own work apron thanks to this book), quotes ('art is not a thing -- it is a way') and awesome facts. Who knew Mark Twain was an avid scrapbooker? This is a great gift book for anyone who loves crafts/history. #SmithsonianMakersWorkshop #NetGalley
August 26, 2020
A beautifully designed book which has something for everyone. Drawing on the deep reserves of the Smithsonian's collection, this book features beautiful images of handmade items, food, decor, and gardens. It also includes 50 projects of all sorts, and at a variety of levels.
This might not be a book you pick up and read cover to cover, but every time you open it you'll learn something new (Mark Twain was an avid scrapbooker?!) and be entranced by the images.
The text is well written, straightforward, and informative - this does come from a museum after all. Each section has its own feeling - the Cooking and Food section had my mouth watering - but all are linked by a common organization tactic.
This book will make an excellent gift for the maker in your life. Even if they're expert at their craft, they'll find something new in this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This might not be a book you pick up and read cover to cover, but every time you open it you'll learn something new (Mark Twain was an avid scrapbooker?!) and be entranced by the images.
The text is well written, straightforward, and informative - this does come from a museum after all. Each section has its own feeling - the Cooking and Food section had my mouth watering - but all are linked by a common organization tactic.
This book will make an excellent gift for the maker in your life. Even if they're expert at their craft, they'll find something new in this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 31, 2020
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book and I was pleasantly surprised at both the beauty and detail this book spans. It is a wonderful look at the history that the Smithsonian records and I feel it has something for everyone. This book wonderfully showcases some of the Smithsonian's collection and features a fantastic mix of handmade items, recipes, home decor, and gardening. It also includes about 50 projects at a variety of skill levels and covers an assortment of choices featuring the subjects covered in the book.
The book is well written and organized and it is truly fascinating! If you love history you will truly enjoy this book.
This book will make an excellent gift for any history lover.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
The book is well written and organized and it is truly fascinating! If you love history you will truly enjoy this book.
This book will make an excellent gift for any history lover.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
December 1, 2020
Gorgeous book, just so interesting and engaging to look through! This is not strictly a craft book; there are craft projects in each section, but they aren't the focus of the book. The focus is on the arts and crafts themselves- the histories, how society and culture shaped them, the effects they had on people's lives. It was fascinating to me to learn about all this, and while nothing is gone into extensively, the reader gets a good overview in each area covered. This is the sort of book one can read straight through, or pick up now and then as the mood hits (or both). Get this book when you want to learn why we make, not just how to make.
#SmithsonianMakersWorkshop #NetGalley
#SmithsonianMakersWorkshop #NetGalley
August 23, 2020
The ultimate coffee table book! It's a unique and well curated mix of history, art, and instructional guide in an easy to read format. The pages are filled with interesting facts, quotes, photos, and text that grab your attention and add visual interest. I’d liken it to a visual museum tour with interspersed hands-on classes resulting in an immersive experience. I very much enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
* I received an ARC copy from NetGalley, all opinions expressed are my own.
* I received an ARC copy from NetGalley, all opinions expressed are my own.
August 23, 2020
Smithsonian – Makers Workshop Ꙭ
I found Smithsonian – Makers Workshop to be very interesting. Obviously with Smithsonian in the title, you know it will be historical…but I still found it interesting and timely. There were a lot of things that I didn’t realize…such as Mark Twain being an inventor…and how TV dinners came to be. There were several crafts listed that you can make that go along with the chapters. All in all, a good book…and I can’t wait to try out a few of those crafts.
I found Smithsonian – Makers Workshop to be very interesting. Obviously with Smithsonian in the title, you know it will be historical…but I still found it interesting and timely. There were a lot of things that I didn’t realize…such as Mark Twain being an inventor…and how TV dinners came to be. There were several crafts listed that you can make that go along with the chapters. All in all, a good book…and I can’t wait to try out a few of those crafts.
October 8, 2020
Enjoyable history!
January 3, 2023
Great retrospective of various skills
January 14, 2024
This is my favorite book I ever read in my whole life.
October 19, 2020
The Smithsonian is one of my favorite groups of museums. The amount of history that they have is mind blowing. Lovely images from their collections, informative narrative along with them. Like the variety of craft projects that are included throughout the book
* I received an ARC copy from NetGalley, all opinions expressed are my own.
* I received an ARC copy from NetGalley, all opinions expressed are my own.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews