Garden Crafts Book

Garden Crafts does it exactly as its title suggests. The book combines two increasingly popular disciplines: gardening and crafts, including mosaic, wood, glass and metal, to unique effect. Author Geraldine Rudge is editor of Crafts, the Crafts Council's magazine devoted to contemporary decorative arts and her enthusiasm for creating beautifully made pieces is obvious. The book is positioned very much at the cutting edge of contemporary craft, but gives an interesting historical background on each of the garden crafts addressed and draws on modern techniques to update traditional skills. Rudge has researched her subject thoroughly. In the chapter on metal and wire, for example, the historical perspective includes references to notable architects and buildings and periods ranging from the Bronze Age to Modernist architecture. She goes on to discuss the practicalities: when introducing metal features outdoors it is important to consider the following, says Rudge: style, scale, situation and function. These tips make the book accessible to all levels of craft enthusiast, from amateur to experienced. Garden Crafts caters for every taste. In addition to metal and wire the book has chapters on glass, wood, willow and coppice wood, mosaic and slate, pebble and shell. Each chapter concludes with two projects commissioned from contemporary designers, including a web of glass by Myrna Gray, an outdoor cupboard by Kristy Wyatt-Smith and mosaic figures by Cleo Mussi. Every project is explained step by step with detailed instructions and a list of materials and equipment required. A glossary of suppliers and other useful addresses is included. This book blends innovative ideas with a pragmatic approach, and with photographs by Jacqui Hurst, it has a glossy-magazine appeal that cannot fail to inspire. --Karen HomerRead More