The first decade of the 21st century was a time of huge change. As globalization became a day-to-day reality, a small group of people turned away from the ready-made, mass-produced culture that had been so prevalent since the 1950s, and found instead a means of self-expression through handmade and recycled objects. Starting with knitting, the craft revolution revived the dying arts of crochet, embroidery, bricolage and macrame, and slowly gained confidence and momentum, seeping from the fringes of society into the mainstream. VictoriaWoodcock and Ziggy Hanaor collaborated on "Making Stuff", one of the first alternative craft books to hit the shelves back in 2005. "State of Craft" shakes things up once again, taking a glossy, sexy approach to the subject. This book features interviews and contributions from all the hottest craft megastars including Tatty Devine, Urban Cross Stitch, Prick Your Finger and DIY Couture. Clearly explained, step-by-step craft ideas range from homemade underwear to pompom headbands and pincushions made from vintage crockery. Craft has inspired a whole generation of hipsters, and has come a long way in the past ten years. "State of Craft" is here to bring it all up to date.

Reviews

From Tatty Devine's Mega Ping-Pong Hair Bobble - a hair pony made of painted ping-pong balls - to Tana West's Anglepoise Jar Lamp, which uses a jam jar and pieces of plywood to make a crafty twist on classic desk lamps, there's a craft out there for everyone. The projects vary in difficulty, but the ladies make everything from summer sandals to whale-shaped change purses seem doable, with cute illustrations and straight-to-the-point directions.--Shannon Carlin"Bust" (02/01/2012)