Book Review
What I like about the projects in this is that they don’t
fit the traditional look one might attribute to crafts made of dried
materials. The flowers are bright, look very attractive and a wide
variety of natural dried materials (including flowers, moss and
fungi, foliage, herbs, berries, spices, eucalyptus, cones, pods,
seedheads, nuts, cattails, raffia, vegetables, fruit and popcorn)
are used to make up these arrangements. Before you start drying
any natural materials it is essential to read the chapter on Microwaving
Natural Materials because it breaks down the drying process, informs
you what to expect, what natural materials dry best and how to dry
them. As you are following the basic instructions for making a project
from this book you will need to refer back to this chapter to prepare
the natural materials required.
The types of projects in Natural Crafts with a Microwave include
centrepieces, decorations, baskets, curtain tiebacks, wreaths, tea,
potpourri, a shadow picture, frames, ornaments, a swag, a birdhouse,
bath products, lip balm, wall hangings, pet collars, sachets, garlands,
jewellery, candle holders, fabric dyeing, herb butters and gourd
crafts. I really like the twist on tie-dye by using natural dyes
you make yourself as opposed to store bought ones. The colors are
different but the effect is the same. Tie-dye is a fun activity
for people of all ages. I did make the recommendation that this
book is for beginners and it is with the exception of the projects
involving the use of gourds. They are slightly more complicated
and require more advanced techniques such as carving, drilling and
painting which some people including myself aren’t able to
do. There is a useful basic craft tools and techniques appendix
at the back of the book that further details the use of floral wire,
picks, pins and tape as well as glue guns for those who have never
worked with any of them. |
