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Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts: An A-to-Z Guide with Detailed Instructions and Endless Inspiration
For nearly 20 years, home crafters have turned to the pages of Martha Stewart Living for all kinds of crafts projects, each presented in the magazine’s inimitable style. Now, the best of those projects, including step-by-step instructions and full-color photographs, have been collected into a single encyclopedia. Organized by topic from A to Z, Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Crafts contains complete instructions and brief histories for more than 30 techniques, detailed descriptions of the necessary tools and materials, and easy-to-copy templates. Martha and her team of crafts editors guide readers through each subject, from botanical pressing and decoupage to rubber stamping and wreaths, with characteristic clarity and unparalleled attention to detail. Crafters of all skill and experience levels will appreciate the many variations presented for each technique. For example, candlemaking presents a comprehensive array of poured, rolled, and cutout candles, including instructions for making your own one-of-a-kind rubber candle molds, floating candles, sand candles, and more. Each craft in the book takes on charming new dimensions with innovations that could come only from the team behind Martha Stewart Living . In addition, each entry in Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Crafts is chock-full of tips and advice. Handy glossaries in the entries--such as a comprehensive gem glossary, a glitter glossary, and a color glossary for making tinted wax--are valuable references that crafters will refer to again and again. What’s more, the Tools and Materials section outlines the best essential supplies that every crafter needs to have on hand, and the Sources pages clue readers in to the vendors and suppliers that the magazine’s crafts editors rely on most. Filled with solid technical know-how, and presented with gorgeous color photographs, this handy guide can be read page by page and kept as a lasting reference by crafters and artisans alike.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2009
124 people are currently reading
912 people want to read
About the author
Martha Stewart
437Ìýbooks504ÌýfollowersMartha Helen Stewart is an American retail businesswoman, writer, and television personality. As the founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, focusing on home and hospitality, she gained success through a variety of business ventures, encompassing publishing, broadcasting, merchandising and e-commerce. She has written numerous bestselling books, was the publisher of Martha Stewart Living magazine and hosted two syndicated television programs: Martha Stewart Living, which ran from 1993 to 2004, and The Martha Stewart Show, which ran from 2005 to 2012.
In 2004, Stewart was convicted of felony charges related to the ImClone stock trading case; she served five months in federal prison for fraud and was released in March 2005. There was speculation that the incident would effectively end her media empire, but in 2005 Stewart began a comeback campaign and her company returned to profitability in 2006. Stewart rejoined the board of directors of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia in 2011 and became chairwoman of her namesake company again in 2012. The company was acquired by Sequential Brands in 2015. Sequential Brands Group agreed in April 2019 to sell Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, including the Emeril brand, to Marquee Brands for $175 million with benchmarked additional payments.
In 2004, Stewart was convicted of felony charges related to the ImClone stock trading case; she served five months in federal prison for fraud and was released in March 2005. There was speculation that the incident would effectively end her media empire, but in 2005 Stewart began a comeback campaign and her company returned to profitability in 2006. Stewart rejoined the board of directors of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia in 2011 and became chairwoman of her namesake company again in 2012. The company was acquired by Sequential Brands in 2015. Sequential Brands Group agreed in April 2019 to sell Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, including the Emeril brand, to Marquee Brands for $175 million with benchmarked additional payments.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
November 4, 2010
I have to admit that I am skeptical of Martha Stewart, specifically when it comes to crafts. I have always associated her brand with generic and over-commercialized products. I do admit to using some of her recipes and they turned out wonderfully so when I heard about her forthcoming craft encyclopedia I was curious and of course skeptical.
I picked up a copy at the public library and meticulously poured over it as soon as I got home. The first thing I will say is that I was turned off by the cover. There's Martha pretending to glue a sea shell to a garbage can or maybe a planter. Either way it is exactly the kind of thing I'd expect and exactly the sort of thing I would never in a million years want to make. Once I got over my dislike of the cover and opened the book I was impressed with the photos. Without reading a word, I found the photos inspiring.
Aside from the fact that it is branded as Martha Stewart, the content is wonderful! It is very broad and even though I am not interested in some of the chapters, there is enough content that does interest me that I found myself wishing I had the time for some new projects. Techniques are outlined clearly with wonderful examples. Materials are laid out and the projects are wonderfully diverse. There really is something for everyone. Everything from albums to wreaths is covered. Easy crafts like paper cutting and punching to highly skilled crafts like gilding and silk screening are included. I particularly loved all the craft ideas inspired by nature and the chapter on pom-pom animals is adorable. The back of the book includes a lot of helpful templates for projects and a buyers guide.
I hate to admit it, but I think I'm going to buy this book for my very own bookshelf! It is a super useful resource and a great way to get your creative juices flowing.
I have given it 4 instead of 5 stars mostly because some of the projects require a large investment just to get the supplies and probably isn't super practical for those just starting out or just looking for a fun activity.
I picked up a copy at the public library and meticulously poured over it as soon as I got home. The first thing I will say is that I was turned off by the cover. There's Martha pretending to glue a sea shell to a garbage can or maybe a planter. Either way it is exactly the kind of thing I'd expect and exactly the sort of thing I would never in a million years want to make. Once I got over my dislike of the cover and opened the book I was impressed with the photos. Without reading a word, I found the photos inspiring.
Aside from the fact that it is branded as Martha Stewart, the content is wonderful! It is very broad and even though I am not interested in some of the chapters, there is enough content that does interest me that I found myself wishing I had the time for some new projects. Techniques are outlined clearly with wonderful examples. Materials are laid out and the projects are wonderfully diverse. There really is something for everyone. Everything from albums to wreaths is covered. Easy crafts like paper cutting and punching to highly skilled crafts like gilding and silk screening are included. I particularly loved all the craft ideas inspired by nature and the chapter on pom-pom animals is adorable. The back of the book includes a lot of helpful templates for projects and a buyers guide.
I hate to admit it, but I think I'm going to buy this book for my very own bookshelf! It is a super useful resource and a great way to get your creative juices flowing.
I have given it 4 instead of 5 stars mostly because some of the projects require a large investment just to get the supplies and probably isn't super practical for those just starting out or just looking for a fun activity.
November 26, 2015
Oh! Tons of good ideas in this book!
1. Beaded flowers
2. Leaf printing
3. Teacup candles
4.(I love etched glass)
5. Fabric flowers - perfect for a book cover
6. Glittered Easter eggs
7. Glittered birds (normal decorative bird that you cover in glitter)
8.Acorns glued on top of a box (as a "lid")
9.Dementibulating a pinecone and making a flower with the pieces
10.Making a candlestick decoration with those pinecone pieces
11.Rubber stamping on fabric (makes a lovely book cover!)
12. Rubber stamping on shells, Easter eggs, feathers (?)
13. Wreaths made out of dried fruits
1. Beaded flowers
2. Leaf printing
3. Teacup candles
4.(I love etched glass)
5. Fabric flowers - perfect for a book cover
6. Glittered Easter eggs
7. Glittered birds (normal decorative bird that you cover in glitter)
8.Acorns glued on top of a box (as a "lid")
9.Dementibulating a pinecone and making a flower with the pieces
10.Making a candlestick decoration with those pinecone pieces
11.Rubber stamping on fabric (makes a lovely book cover!)
12. Rubber stamping on shells, Easter eggs, feathers (?)
13. Wreaths made out of dried fruits
June 19, 2010
I love this book! Any craft or art, you found it in this encyclopedia. Well-explained and meant for all levels, I have referred to this book numerous times. It is a book that also keeps in mind cost and helps you find ways to enjoy arts and crafts without breaking your budget.
March 5, 2022
Fantastic.
Though macrame should have been in the rope section.
Going to purchase this book for my home library.
Though macrame should have been in the rope section.
Going to purchase this book for my home library.
September 15, 2009
If you have read Martha Stewart's magazine, then a lot of these projects will look familiar. I don't get the magazine very regularly but always enjoy her crafts. So having many of those crafts from the magazines in one place is extremely convenient.
This book is a comprehensive book on crafting with a wide range of difficulty levels so even someone new to crafting would be able to find plenty of projects. I really enjoyed the appendix of tools for crafting. It has full color photos and then descriptions of every crafting tool you could need for the projects in the book. It is very helpful, especially if you've never used something before. Looking there will let you know what to look for. The book also includes a resource list, buyers guide and many useful templates.
A few of the types of crafts that are included:
Albums, Scrapbooks, and Memory Boxes
Beading
Block Printing
Botanical Pressing
Calligraphy
Candlemaking
Decoupage
Etching Glass
Fabric Flowers
Glittering
Jewelry Making
Marbleizing
Mosaics
Nature Crafts
Origami and Paper Folding
Painting China and Glass
Paper Flowers and Birds
Photo Crafts
Quilling
Rubber Stamping
Silkscreening
Soap Making
Tin Punching
Wreaths
and MANY MANY MORE projects.
There are a lot of crafts to make as gifts or make with kids. I think having it on my shelf just for when I need to make a gift - would make it worth having it.
Although the photographs are great, my only complaint is that some of the directions aren't detailed enough for me. But over all it is a great comprehensive craft book.
This book is a comprehensive book on crafting with a wide range of difficulty levels so even someone new to crafting would be able to find plenty of projects. I really enjoyed the appendix of tools for crafting. It has full color photos and then descriptions of every crafting tool you could need for the projects in the book. It is very helpful, especially if you've never used something before. Looking there will let you know what to look for. The book also includes a resource list, buyers guide and many useful templates.
A few of the types of crafts that are included:
Albums, Scrapbooks, and Memory Boxes
Beading
Block Printing
Botanical Pressing
Calligraphy
Candlemaking
Decoupage
Etching Glass
Fabric Flowers
Glittering
Jewelry Making
Marbleizing
Mosaics
Nature Crafts
Origami and Paper Folding
Painting China and Glass
Paper Flowers and Birds
Photo Crafts
Quilling
Rubber Stamping
Silkscreening
Soap Making
Tin Punching
Wreaths
and MANY MANY MORE projects.
There are a lot of crafts to make as gifts or make with kids. I think having it on my shelf just for when I need to make a gift - would make it worth having it.
Although the photographs are great, my only complaint is that some of the directions aren't detailed enough for me. But over all it is a great comprehensive craft book.
February 25, 2010
I have to admit to being a real admirer of almost all things Martha Stewart-ish. I am no champion house-keeper nor am I a crafting wizard but I do always enjoy the Martha Stewart Magazine and website. In this age of wonderful craft & sewing books -I think that any book that would dare to call istself a 'crafting encyclopedia' would have to be pretty darn sure of itself and this encyclopedia does not disappoint. As always with Martha Stewart products, the instructions are well written & beautifully illustrated. You can find information and "how-to's" about a wonderful, very wide, variety of crafts. General sewing, specialty sewing, embroidery of all kinds,quilting ,applique, printing, dyeing, and many, many other types of craft projects are included in this very well done book. In addition to the book a CD included that contains many templates and patterns that can be printed out . ALso included is an extensive reference guide for all kinds of great sewing and crafting suppliers, equipment and fun things.
This book is, I believe, an excellent addition for any sewer, crafter or "Martha wannabe". Well done, clear, colorful and highly informative!
This book is, I believe, an excellent addition for any sewer, crafter or "Martha wannabe". Well done, clear, colorful and highly informative!
July 18, 2011
One doesn't so much "read" this hefty volume as browse it for ideas. There are wonderful pictures and wonderful ideas for ways to spend time and means in creating really lovely items, but there is also the typically "Martha Stewart" touch of making everything seem like you have to do it only with her brand-name supplies for it to work as shown. In a similar vein, I have a couple of Martha Stewart cookbooks I enjoy perusing on occasion, but I've yet to make anything from them. There's that not so subtle feeling of intimidation (you can't possibly make it better than Martha, or more perfect than Martha). This probably speaks more about my insecurities than any evil intent by the author, but it's something I can't quite pin down, but that I feel nonetheless. For all that, though, there are some really cool things in here (for example, making marbled papers and other items. Love that! And candlemaking tips and ideas that look really fun too). I may take note of one or two things to try in the future.
October 22, 2024
This is great for inspiration, but lacking in the promised detailed instructions. I can specifically point to the soapmaking which tells you to follow the basic directions, then "add extra ingredients to make... honey-ginger... cinnamon-clove... oatmeal-honey..." I've just started making soap and the recipes always seem fairly firm on liquid additions. I'd be hesitant to add honey without checking other recipes for proportions.
I didn't read all the craft instructions, but felt like some others had equally vague wording. They are excellent for ideas if you already know what you are doing, but not the best if you are brand new to a craft.
I didn't read all the craft instructions, but felt like some others had equally vague wording. They are excellent for ideas if you already know what you are doing, but not the best if you are brand new to a craft.
February 4, 2021
Wish for better templates
Good and useful ideas and tips. This book was a lot longer than i had expected it to be but it informative
Good and useful ideas and tips. This book was a lot longer than i had expected it to be but it informative
August 10, 2009
How could Martha not get 5 stars? I'm pretty sure this is the only Encyclopedia I have ever read, and probably the only one I would find so inspirational. This lady (and her large team) does it all- who ever heard of Quilling? I made the mistake of finishing it right before bed and had a hard time sleeping because of all my crafty ideas I was worried I'd forget about if I didn't write them down immediately. Anyway, this book will most definitely be added to my permanent craft collection and I'm pretty sure it's still at Costco, so anyone mildly interested should probably just go get it while it's still there.
September 14, 2009
the library wants me to give this back tomorrow. :(
i read through it again, marking a few projects that I want to come back to in the future.
pg. 111 polymer clay. I love polymer clay and want to practice playing with it more.
pg. 75 calligraphy (a step by step chart)
pg. 123 glass etching (looks addictive)
pg 150 glittering gift tags and cards
pg. 213 origami shades for twinkle lights! CUTE!
pg. 219 making envelopes
pg. 222 painting on glass, ceramics, china
pg. 298 rubberstamping (LOVED the picture of the stamped river rocks)
pg. 351 gumdrop wreath (for Annabelle maybe?)
pg 120-121 decoupaged furniture (the birdie dresser was too cute)
i read through it again, marking a few projects that I want to come back to in the future.
pg. 111 polymer clay. I love polymer clay and want to practice playing with it more.
pg. 75 calligraphy (a step by step chart)
pg. 123 glass etching (looks addictive)
pg 150 glittering gift tags and cards
pg. 213 origami shades for twinkle lights! CUTE!
pg. 219 making envelopes
pg. 222 painting on glass, ceramics, china
pg. 298 rubberstamping (LOVED the picture of the stamped river rocks)
pg. 351 gumdrop wreath (for Annabelle maybe?)
pg 120-121 decoupaged furniture (the birdie dresser was too cute)
May 8, 2009
Some great ideas, great illustrations, great to own as a reference. For future reference, I would like to do some stuff with/for the kids: bottle cap frames, pom poms, quilling, silk screening, sand candles, decoupage furniture, sun prints (not necessarily all of those!). I also think I would like one of those linen table runners with botanical print, glass etching (it's been awhile), matting and framing, and maybe gilding (although isn't metallic paint cheaper?). I wish she wasn't so dowdy, because I think I will have to create my own templates.
March 29, 2010
Wow! Awesome visuals and lots of great crafting ideas. As usual with Martha Stewart, the crafts are all clean and more simplistic in style. The instructions are straight-forward and easy to understand with photos to go along with all the steps.
The only thing that kept me from giving the book 5 stars, and this is purely a personal preference, is that the book contains soooo many different crafts instead of focusing on just one craft type that I went into overload. The book made me want to try out all the different types of crafts, and say, "Whoa, what should I try first?"
The only thing that kept me from giving the book 5 stars, and this is purely a personal preference, is that the book contains soooo many different crafts instead of focusing on just one craft type that I went into overload. The book made me want to try out all the different types of crafts, and say, "Whoa, what should I try first?"
June 28, 2012
I wanted this book for a long time before I finally realized I could check it out of the library. After going through it I did come away with several interesting projects I wanted to do and a helpful CD at the back with templates. I can't say that the directions were particularly detailed or helpful -- more than anything it was a book of good photographs of craft projects. Does this sound familiar? -- that's right, Pinterest almost makes this book obsolete. I'm glad I checked it out and didn't buy it.
June 28, 2009
I didn't read this book word for word as it would have taken DAYS! Instead I looked at each and every picture and read the instructions for the crafts I am planning on doing sometime soon.
This is a great resource. I like that there are patterns in the back of the book. There are also great resource and supply lists in the back.
I think this is a book I will come back to over and over as a reference for most things crafty.
This is a great resource. I like that there are patterns in the back of the book. There are also great resource and supply lists in the back.
I think this is a book I will come back to over and over as a reference for most things crafty.
May 9, 2010
While most of the projects (if not all) have already been featured in Martha Stewart Living, it's really fabulous to have them compiled in one handy volume. The visual "dictionary" at the back is helpful -- there are great tips included throughout including sources for harder-to-find items.
I love to hate you, Martha. You make it all look so easy! This book, with the gorgeous photography and (mostly) clear instructions is inspiring.
I love to hate you, Martha. You make it all look so easy! This book, with the gorgeous photography and (mostly) clear instructions is inspiring.
October 24, 2013
Quite literally a crafting bible. I have checked this book out from the library so many times to try new things that I am finally going to just buy it. Seriously, it has everything. I am the kind of person who wants to dabble in lots of different crafts, especially around the holidays. This is a great and easy to follow book that gives me ideas of what to try next and gives detailed instructions to help me be successful in my new adventures. I definitely recommend it.
September 28, 2014
I have come to the conclusion that all Martha Stewart books are absolutely incredible (especially the ones that have been published in the last 10 years). Her book "Crafts for Kids" that was released last year is absolutely spectacular, and this one is as well. I guess if you have an awesome team of people working for you, anything less that amazing is not acceptable. ALWAYS a good bet to go with Martha. I am happy my local library carries this! I highly recommend this for any crafty person!
April 5, 2009
I did not read the text of this book, but I read all the titles, the subtitles and the pictures�.and I don’t think I’ll ever read all of it at once. To me, it’s a reference I’ll use when making art project.
My favorites?
Botanical Pressing
Botanical Printing
Decoupage
Mosaics
Paper Cutting and Punching
Paper Flowers and Birds
Just looking at the projects, makes me happy!
My favorites?
Botanical Pressing
Botanical Printing
Decoupage
Mosaics
Paper Cutting and Punching
Paper Flowers and Birds
Just looking at the projects, makes me happy!
May 12, 2009
I would have given it more stars if it had info on some crafts I thought could have been included, like needle-felting, or maybe even some embroidery or sewing-type craft. I'm still loving this book, though, and was pleased to see screen-printing in it, which is something I've been wanting to do ages and might give it a try if I can manage to re-borrow this from my library again! :)
May 27, 2009
Okay, the shell-covered trash can on the cover is truly hideous. But the rest of the book is magnificent. There is an entire chapter on paper birds and flowers. You may think you have better things to do with your time than press flowers and practice your calligraphy. But you are wrong. If you need me, I'll be at home, sharpening my pinking shears.
June 15, 2009
If I could only own one craft how-to book, this would be a top contender. That woman covers everything (as usual) and has nice pictures to demonstrate just how talented we can all be if we would only try. I'm not sure I would have room for such a large book, but it was fun to read through it and I'll be using it in the future as a reference. I love my library!
August 14, 2009
I checked this out of the library on a whim, to take a look at it, and...wow. If this wasn't Martha (who I really can't stand, and whose aesthetic bothers me a good deal) it might well go on my buy list. As it is, it will come back out of the library again, for excellent sections on Beadwork, Wirework, Botanical Prints, and others...
November 23, 2009
I checked this out from the library with an eye towards purchasing it as a gift for friends with children. I was sorely disappointed to find though that these are not cute and do-able crafts for children. These are highly sophisticated and intimidating crafts engineered to challenge only the most bored of housewives.
Good Luck to any who manages to do one of these horrors.
Good Luck to any who manages to do one of these horrors.
February 23, 2010
I'm not usually a fan of Martha Stweart's stuff, it's just not that appealing to me, but this is a good general reference on a whole lot of different types of crafts, some really well knowns ones, and some lesser-known crafts. I found the chapter on decoupage particularly helpful, and that is what I am most likely to use it for in the future.
March 12, 2010
This book was a new book in our library and I snatched it up before it got onto the shelves. I now Martha is a nut but her ideas are amazing....salt and pepper holder and soap dishes out of shells?...oh yes. I made alot of copies but may have to purchase this. Everything is in this from tissue paper crafts, pom pom balls, beads, marbelizing paper to wire crafts.
October 31, 2011
I want to like you, Martha. Really I do. But in the age of craft blogs, pinterest, and any other craft how-to at my finger tips, this book seemed outdated. It also felt dull next to the more creative and edgier crafts I see displayed all over pinterest. My Great-Grandmother would have loved this book- for me, not so much!
October 15, 2011
It's a very "Martha" book--which may be good or bad, depending on your view of her, I suppose. Unlike her Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts, this one didn't have anything in it that I'd actually do, so it was more of a skim-through to see what was there than an actual sit-down-and-read-each-page kind of thing.
June 19, 2015
This is a good book to have if you want to know the basics about a plethora of crafts. There are very few ideas and if you want to do anything other than the very basics, you need to look elsewhere. Since those are the two functions of a craft book for me--finding ideas or learning more in depth about how to do something--this book wasn't very useful to me and I gave it away.
Want to read
March 26, 2009I am not a big Martha fan in the way of food, but some of the craft ideas in here are fantastic. The page I opened to was a picture of a craft I did for a friend's son's wedding...I made a paper cherry blossom tree.
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