Dec 08
Personally speaking, a book by Angie Hughes has not come a moment too soon. In this one, Angie demystifies the whole notion of what 'mixed media' is, and produces some fantastic pieces of work from simple beginnings. There is a comprehensive introductory section detailing materials you will need, followed by Techniques, where you are show how to prepare Angie's 'magic' base fabric, curtain interlining, as well as machine stitching, and making embellishments, which are an inspiration in themselves. You get general instructions on the process from a plain background to colourful wonderment, which will form the basis of the projects that follow. There are three projects in the book (a sunflower bookwrap, an Indian artefact and a Sundial Diptych), and it may not seem like a lot, but they are beautiful pieces, using the techniques described, and increasing in complexity with each one. Each project is explained in simple terms and you have a huge amount of detail (70 pictures each), so you would have no problem keeping track of where you need to be. The planning, detail and colour in all these pieces are fantastic, and it is supported throughout by colour photos of other works using these techniques and showing the variety of inspiration you can get from them. My favourite piece was 'My Blue Place' and it will have you looking at your craft paper punches with new found respect.
Samantha Packer
* Workshop On The Web *
Jan 09
If you enjoyed doing collages at school and have lots of bits and pieces left over from paper and/or fabric crafting hobbies then this is the book for you. Make all sorts of items from book covers to cards using whatever you can lay your hands on - it is a lot of fun.
Well, it is, isn't it? Release your inner child (and inner artist) with this inspiring book, which has lots of large and lush photographs guaranteed to inspire you. There are only three projects, but these are designed with lots of illustrated steps to show you many of the techniques involved. You need to amass fabric, paper, card as well as things like air drying clays, paints, embellishments and a sewing machine first and then work through at least one of the projects. I liked the way it gives an ordinary sewing machine a real workout (I'd buy a spare bobbin case before altering yours if you want to use it again for everyday sewing). I also like the gallery for once, because this is so much a book about expressing yourself rather than copying the work of others. It is all about technique and using materials in interesting ways, a method that transcends categorization as being for a particular skill level.
* Myshelf.com *
Jan/Feb 09
Angie Hughes' rich and multi-faceted mixed-media art looks astonishingly complicated. In reality, the finished pieces are the result of layering simple techniques on top of one another. In this book, Hughes shows readers all of her methods in detail, and then puts those techniques together in three luscious projects.
She starts out with reassuring words ("There is no right or wrong way of working with mixed media") and a thorough description of the materials and tools in her repertoire, with many colorful photos. Then she takes you through her techniques, step by step. It's magical to see her transform a bit of lace, some paper, and paint into artistic gold, using simple tools. Just apply your own imagination, and you'll be adding depth and luster to your own art in no time.
* Cloth Paper Scissors *
Feb 09
Create some artistic masterpieces using the humble sewing machine and a variety of media ranging from fabric and acrylic paints through to kitchen paper and chocolate wrappers! There are endless ideas in this fabulous book for creating interesting surfaces for stitch that can be made into all sorts of useful and decorative items. Fully illustrated throughout with step-by-step photos, the book provides a detailed guide to preparing the surface of the background fabric with textured layers that can then be sealed, stitched and painted. The results items are colourful and tactile and the book contains three detailed projects to get the reader started with a book cover, Indian artefact and sundial diptych. Following an introduction to the materials and techniques used, the section on machine stitching is particularly good and shows how to use special threads and bobbin work to achieve a variety of effects. Additional embellishment ideas using paper and clay are demonstratred to add further dimension and texture. Illustrated with many inspiring pieces from the author's own collection.
* SEWING WORLD *
Jun 10
Stitch, Cloth, Paper and Paint is a useful source of both information and inspiration. The effects of combining a rich mix of different media are liberally demonstrated throughout the book as the author, Angie Hughes, explains her techniques. This is not a project book, although there are three projects included. Instead this is a book that presents techniques, inspiration and ideas allowing readers to develop their own style and skills. Stitch, Cloth, Paper and Paint is a visual treat and ideal for someone wanting to know more about mixed media work. Readers who are looking to learn more about mixed media textile art and who want to go on to produce their own projects will find this book an excellent choice.
* Suite101.com *
Feb/Mar 09
Textured, interesting or totally sumptuous - mixed-media techniques can be used to build up surfaces and create wonderful effects. Building up and painting a surface, making embellishments and hand stitching to add extra texture are all part of Angie's repertoire and she uses a combination of the methods to create the projects in the book. A wide range of materials are shown and working methods are clearly explained with instructions and step-by-step photos, but all of the techniques and ideas can be used in many ways and there's plenty of scope to experiment and push the boundaries.
* Stitch *
Mar 09
A comprehensive guide to making mixed media artefacts, which will delight both beginners and advanced crafters. Includes an extensive techniques section that leads into three beautiful projects. Step-by-step photographs and accompanying text take even a novice through to producing wonderful works of art. Numerous variations and alternative designs will provide inspiration for even veteran crafters.
* Machine Knitting Monthly *
Oct 10
I am very fortunate that Search Press sent this book to me for review. I say fortunate because I get to drool over the book but also because, when I stopped to look at my own library, I was astounded at how many books I own that are from Search Press. Their books are lushly illustrated and always so well done.
"Stitch, Cloth, Paper and Paint" could not have arrived at a better time for me personally. I was feeling somehow 'unfaithful' to my quilting roots by becoming so enamored with paper lately - this book happily combines all of the things I love working with.....cloth, paint and paper.
Angie Hughes is a name I have known - she writes often for a favorite magazine - Cloth, Paper Scissors. Her work is dynamic, colorful and terribly well executed. She describes herself as an embroiderer. The book opens with a thorough description (with photos) of the material selection that she utilizes most frequently - both what she calls 'base' fabrics and 'decorative'. Next up are great descriptions, that I especially appreciated, about paper and cardstock. A section that is chock full of information about her use of embellishments and paints is included as well. I really enjoy reading about Angie Hughes process - a section that is well illustrated and contains a full of description of her techniques for reparing the base fabric, and then layering tissues and other fabrics round out the first part of the book.
Other sections of the book - all equally well done include:
machine stitching
hand stitching
adding paints
making your own embellishments from many varied materials
Detailed instructions are provided for several really good projects that combine all of the techniques covered in the book. They include a "Sunflower" book wrap, fabulous "Indian Artifact" and one of my favorites a "Sundial Triptych" that I want to try making soon - and it somewhat unusual for me to want to make something directly from a process sort of book.
If you get the idea that I really liked this book, you are correct. It is worthy of the 5 stars I gave it and it is a book that I don't think any artist or mixed media aficionado would regret adding to their library.
* booksbythewillowtree.blogspot.com *
Summer 09
An excellentbook and ideal for anyone wanting to try out new techniques or a new slant on traditional ones. The illustrations are very clear and the instructions easy to follow, showing all sorts of different textures and embellishments using cloth, paper, clay and paint. The stitching used is both by hand and machine. Everything is very clearly explained from the materials used through to the delightful finished projects. The book really inspires the reader to try out these fascinating techniques. Sue Thorpe, Wadebridge
* West Country Embroiderers *
