Kitschy Krafting

If the alt-craft universe had rock stars, one of them would be Leah Kramer. Not only is she founder of one of the most popular craft websites in the world, Craftster, but she is also part owner of Boston indie craft shop Magpie as well as organizer of the Bazaar Bizarre in Boston. Now with her The Craftster Guide to Nifty, Thrifty, and Kitschy Crafts: Fifty Fabulous Projects from the Fifties and Sixties author can be added to the list as well.

In her book Kramer includes actual craft patterns from the Fifties and Sixties with updated material lists, as well new projects with a vintage kitsch asthetic. Each project features full-color and vintage photos as well as a list of tools used. She also provides a resource guide where crafters who want to explore their kitschy side further can find vintage patterns, projects and fabrics.

Several of the crafts may be familiar to readers who perhaps saw them in their own or relative’s houses while growing up—beaded fruit or crocheted poodle toilet paper cozies, anyone? Others like gold macaroni tissue boxes and piggy banks made from bleach bottles may be reminders of summer camp projects.

Although recycling was not a buzzword during the time period the crafts come from, many of them use household items like foil, records, baby food jars, towels and old light bulbs. Kramer is obviously having fun, and it shows. Some projects are wonderfully cringe-worthy items like an egg-carton lantern, popsicle-stick purse and after-shower terry loincloths. So whether you buy the book to make fun of the projects or to actually make them, Nifty, Thrifty and Kitschy Crafts should be a fun addition to your crafting library.

Difficulty: Newbie to advanced beginner.