Sam Reece
[isbn]
I’m obsessed with this hilarious, feel-good craft book! Crafters are often perfectionists, and it’s good to be reminded why we got into craft in the first place — the pure joy of making (shitty) things! Any crafter you know will get a huge kick out of this delightful book.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Len Prince and Matt Tyrnauer and Brian Wallis
[isbn]
Joan Archibald is being called “the California Vivian Maier.” Her work was locked in a shed for over 40 years, and only discovered recently after her death. Archibald abandoned her life as a 1960s Long Island housewife to start over in in Malibu as Kali. Once there, she created an enormous body of work — primarily photographic prints and polaroids that she altered and transformed into what I can only call psychedelic visions. Saturated in color,... (read more)
Recommended by Leah B.
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Gestalten and Grace Banks
[isbn]
I want to step into the cover of this book. What you’re
looking at is one of Yayoi Kusama’s iconic pumpkins sitting serenely at the end
of a dock in Japan. Seeing this object in the conventional space of the museum is
one thing, but encountering it outside those walls, in nature, the experience
becomes something completely different. Art
Escapes features pieces from all from all over the world, and is indeed a
wonderful escape for art... (read more)
Recommended by Leah B.
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Arounna Khounnoraj
[isbn]
I’m something of a Arounna Khounnoraj fangirl. Her first two books, Punch Needle and Invisible Mending, were exquisite. The projects, the photography, the book design, and her straightforward directions are fantastic. So, when I saw she had a third book coming out about embroidery, you can imagine my excitement. There are plenty of embroidery books out there, but Khounnoraj’s promises to be something special.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Maryanne Moodie
[isbn]
My book-buyer senses started tingling when I saw the cover of this book, and the more I learned about it, the more I knew my instincts were correct. This is the most fun small loom weaving book I’ve seen in some time. The bright colors, the accessible projects, and the sheer joy of craft that this book radiates makes it a must-have for beginner weavers and anyone looking to add some chunky wool roving to their weaving projects.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Terri Watson
[isbn]
Wow, if you’ve never tried macramé, but want to make really polished looking projects relatively quickly, pick up this book. The projects are made up almost entirely from one knot: the vertical clove hitch. It’s a fairly simple knot to learn, and once you’ve got the hang of it, the variety of designs you can make is only limited by the colors of cord you have. And if you’re more experienced with macramé, I don’t have to tell you these are perfect... (read more)
Recommended by Leah B.
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Daniel Clay
[isbn]
If you feel a little intimidated by woodworking, chip carving is an excellent way to dip your toes in. Using just a few simple tools, you’ll learn the basics of carving and be able to complete a number of projects. Despite the use of the words “classic” and “traditional” in the subtitle, nothing about the projects in this book feel old-fashioned. The geometric designs are very contemporary, and I can’t stop looking at them.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Olga Prinku
[isbn]
Gosh, this book is pretty. There are a lot of embroidery books out there, but this is the first one I’ve seen that incorporates dried flowers and tulle. What an ethereal and dreamy combination. If you’re an experienced embroiderer, trying these new materials is a fun way to switch things up, and if you’re a beginner, the projects are still within reach. They range from wall hangings to wearables, each more lovely than the last.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Qian Julie Wang
[isbn]
Beautiful Country left me in tears. It's a heartbreaking, powerful, and ultimately hopeful memoir. The hardships Qian Julie Wang went through as such a young child living as an undocumented immigrant in the United States can be painful to read, but it's something many Americans need to hear. The author's clear voice and astonishing self-awareness keep you turning the pages, even as she unearths trauma after trauma. If you have any doubt... (read more)
Recommended by Leah B.
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Angela Y. Davis
[isbn]
Reading Women, Race, and Class changed my understanding of feminism forever. The book opened my eyes to the deeply racist and classist history of feminism in America, and introduced me to the concept of intersectionality. Angela Davis gave me a history lesson like none I’d ever received in school. (How had none of my teachers ever even mentioned these things about Susan B. Anthony?!) The book spans from abolition to the publication date... (read more)
Recommended by Leah B.
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Bill Watterson
[isbn]
I whiled away many happy hours reading Calvin and Hobbes as a child. The comics are hilarious and delightful, but also something more. In retrospect, they were my first literary introduction to the absurdity of existence and the humor that makes that knowledge tolerable. I know that sounds like a bit much, but hear me out. There’s Calvin’s anguished snowman sculpture entitled, “The Torment of Existence Weighed Against the Horror of... (read more)
Recommended by Leah B.
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Michael Duncan and Scott Shields and Ilene Fort and MaLin Wilson-Powell and Catherine Whitney
[isbn]
The Transcendental Painting Group was founded in New Mexico in 1938, a time in American art that is mostly known for social realism in painting. This little-known group focused on abstract work with the goal of spiritual enlightenment. The work is luminous, airy, and feels reminiscent of Hilma af Klint.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Heidi Helyard
[isbn]
Polymer clay (aka Sculpey) jewelry is having a moment right now, and it's easy to see why. It's colorful, low-key, playful, and accessible. There are so many great projects in this book, and you can make them even as a complete beginner. I wish I'd had this book during my polymer clay phase of quarantine.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Andy Weir and Sarah Andersen
[isbn]
I love the idea of these three characters joining forces, especially since they’ve all grown into total badasses! Together they go on an exciting adventure, jumping between Wonderland, Neverland, and Oz. It’s a truly delightful story, often very funny, and the illustration style charmed me completely. Highly recommended!
Recommended by Leah B.
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Simon Garfield
[isbn]
Whether it’s tiny towns, tiny portraits, tiny food, or flea circuses, this book takes a closer look at why miniatures intrigue so many people and become obsessions for some. It’s a true microhistory in every sense of the word.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Jori Finkel, Phil Mariani
[isbn]
Sometimes it’s difficult to know what exactly it is about a work of art that moves you. In this book, 50 contemporary artists were asked to talk about a piece of art that
inspires them. Their answers were varied and fascinating. This book is really a
joy for anyone interested in art.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Sally Coulthard, Louise Lockhart
[isbn]
Don’t trust the bland cover on this one. Crafted is a beautifully illustrated book with information on over 60 crafts, including some you’ve probably never heard of. It’s a wonderful reference book for someone interested in the history of craft, and great inspiration for someone looking to try something new.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Elena Vilar
[isbn]
Written by a
popular French blogger, this book includes detailed instructions for beginners, and a number of charming projects. It also has some information you might not
find in other weaving books, such as how to make a loom out of cardboard.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Ross Gay
[isbn]
Never was a book so aptly titled. Ross Gay brings small wonders and beautiful memories to life, while also meditating on race, class, and gender. In these times of nearly constant bad news, reading this book was, well, a delight!
Recommended by Leah B.
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Louise Erdrich
[isbn]
Evolution is moving backwards. Pregnant women’s rights are being revoked. Everything is chaos. Louise Erdrich imagines a dystopian world just similar enough to our own that it will make you shiver. It’s a gripping story that examines some of the most pressing issues of our time, and some of the biggest questions humans have ever asked.
Recommended by Leah B.
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