The Complete Book of Retro Crafts: Collecting, Displaying & Making Crafts of the Past Paperback – January 1, 2008

This book is interesting, well-written, unique, and instructs a variety of AUTHENTICALLY RETRO projects. It's 2/3 craft guide, 1/3 (fun) textbook on crafts of the 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. If you are new to "crafting" there are thousands of books for beginners on the market- this isn't necessarily one of them (not because it's too difficult, but because it's not general enough). If you believe the definition of "Retro" is: Things produced and distributed by Urban Outfitters- this book will probably disappoint you. However, if you are looking for a GENUINE guide to RETRO crafting and/or if you are looking for a book to inspire you in a TRULY UNIQUE AND INTERESTING way (both authentic and inspired by the authentic... something that you can't find in the "Big Ass Book of Crafts" <-- also a very good book), then THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!P.S.- I almost didn't buy this book due to negative reviews. I now find it has inspired me more than most I've read.

Our foremothers had the same helpless inability to throw things away that we have today, only they didn't have recycling bins. This book shows what they made with tin cans, matchsticks and the like: craft items, some beautiful and some really, really ugly. Suzie Millions has been collecting these thingies for a lifetime -- she has an artist's eye for the good stuff and the really good bad stuff. This book shows you things you never knew existed, and what's worse, how to make them. As an added bonus we get photos of her amazing house, which gives new meaning to the word clutter.My highest recommendation! A funny, soothing, yet oddly practical book.

A better title for this book would be "Kitschy Crafts". If you are expecting retro crafts in the sense that these will be crafts that people made in the 1940's through say, 1970's, this is not the book to have. Most of the projects listed in the book use techniques that a moderately experienced crafter will have known about before they bought this book. I haven't noticed much content on displaying or collecting the crafts, it's just a compilation of projects, similar to any other craft book. The cover is very attractive, but the content is a bit of a let-down. It would have been helpful to take a look inside the book to see at least the Table of Contents before making the decision to purchase.

Here is a journey back in time, when folks found a use for everything, never throwing anything away, knowing there was bound to be a use for it somewhere, sometime, in some form. Very cleverly written, the Complete Book of Retro Crafts has pictures of the finished product along with complete instructions of how to assemble it. Even if the craft urge has left you, this book is an enjoyable look back at the past and an amusing and entertaining read.

I got this title from the library and intend to buy my own copy v. soon. Suzie Millions has included wonderful pictures and history on scrap-crafts and the kitsch that often results. I found the pictures of her own workspace and craft collection inspiring. I immediately started working on several projects after reading the book. If you like kitschy crafts, I think you will find this book inspirational, comical and worth the $10.

You are trying to describe it as though it was a story & it's not. It just shows some vintage crafts that you can make.

And that it was!! I enjoy retro reading of any sort, actually, but this was a fun book to read! Remember the dresses and pearls?Pam

I was excited about this book, and was excited for some ideas to make my kitchen a little more "retro" This was kind of a let down. Dont get me wrong The book is fun to look at, but most of the ideas are a little strange.

I love this book so much! I bought it for a friend's Christmas present and loved it so much I had to buy my own copy.I can't honestly say I've made anything from it's wonderfully kitsch pages but I love looking at it. It's a snapshot of pure Americana.

This book is amazing and a real joy to read. The book arrived on time, as usual thank you. I got straight down to reading it through, marvellous thank you.