Practical Folk Art

This title shows you how to create beautiful and decorative pieces in the folk art tradition, with 35 projects. It is a historical and practical exploration of folk art, including interior decoration and craft ideas, illustrated with 300 inspirational photographs. It includes projects from traditional quilts and hooked rugs to decorations for walls and furniture, using crafts ranging from wood carving to punched tinware. You can learn how to use original techniques to cut or pierce tin, sew decorative samplers and bed covers, paint fabrics and wooden items, and create stunningly simple pattern motifs for surfaces around the home. You can make a painted sewing box, chair or bridal chest; sew an alphabet cot quilt, an applique cushion cover, a cross stitch pincushion or a sampler; or create a carved wood spoon rack or rocking cradle. Crafters and home decorators have long been delighted by the charming appeal of folk art effects, which are simple to achieve without special materials or training. This book explores and celebrates the pleasure of creating beautiful pieces for the home that have a practical purpose, using traditional craft-making techniques. The book features 35 ideas and functional items, ranging from embroidered or appliqued quilts and cushions, wall and floor coverings with attractive stencil patterns, to carved wooden or metal motifs, such as an Amish Sewing Box or a Pierced and Cut Lampshade. Lavishly illustrated, this book is an inspirational guide to an accessible decorative heritage, which will be treasured by every creative home decorator.