Review by Booklist Review
Oldham, a big name in the fashion and design worlds, brings his enthusiasm for mid-century modernism to kids in this appealing, hip title that is part crafts book, part introduction to design history. In each of the book's sections, Oldham celebrates well-known designers (George Nelson, Isamu Noguchi, and Ray and Charles Eames, for example) through brief introductions followed by hands-on projects that are entirely kid-friendly, including scarves, paper lanterns, patterned bulletin boards, jewelry, book covers, pillows, and pet accessories. Using everyday materials, from potatoes to bubble wrap to aluminum foil, the activities are explained in clear language; but most young people will still need some adult help to puzzle out all the steps, illustrated in bright color photos that include a cast of multicultural kids. The occasional rhymes in Oldham's text sometimes fall flat, but his encouraging words about creativity, fun projects, and extensive resource sections will inspire a wide age range to learn more about both the world of design and their own crafty talents.--Engberg, Gillian Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
This activity book from renowned designer Oldham uses the work of Mid-Century modern visual artists-including Isamu Noguchi, Alexander Calder, and Charles and Ray Eames-as springboards for 52 hands-on creative projects. Brief tutorials introduce skills and techniques, paired with full-color photos of kids and the various processes. Some are simple, like Alexander Girard-inspired dolls made from wooden spoons and Luis Barragan-style cardboard houses, while others are more challenging (making a felt laptop case with a monster face requires machine stitching). But, regardless of ability, there's much here to capture the eye of ambitious, crafty readers. Ages 8-up. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-7-There are fresh ideas aplenty in this beautifully designed craft book, ranging from a fort-construction set based on Ray and Charles Eames's House of Cards, to crushed-foil beads inspired by Anni Albers's jewelry. Readers will learn to make a Calderesque mobile and printed textiles inspired by Marimekko patterns. Most youngsters would probably benefit from more examples of work by the designers cited, who are introduced in spreads featuring rather terrible rhymes ("Isamu Noguchi, who hails from Japan/also made rice paper lamps on a scale that was grand."). Interstitial pages introducing various types of art supplies and techniques, while labeled "All about.," seem superfluous. However, the projects themselves are appealing, their processes clearly documented, and, except in a few cases, the results pictured are not so perfect as to create unrealistic expectations. There are projects here simple enough for primary grades, while others that require the use of a sewing machine are more suitable for older children. Most materials are inexpensive and/or easily obtainable, but some are more specialized (e.g., a blank natural wood skateboard deck). Extremely good back matter includes lists of museums to visit; artist Web sites to explore; arts and crafts stores; blogs; and a reading list of craft books, art books, and those devoted to design philosophy. Inspiring and appealing, for art aficionados or dedicated crafters.-Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
