This book has been on my shelf for a while now (I bought it myself) and the only reason I’ve ever taken it off is to look at the pictures for inspiration – and now to review it. That is, I’ve not used it specifically to make anything. I’ve not followed any instructions or ‘recipes’ from it. But that’s only because I’m still using techniques read loads of times in other books over the years. This book firmly falls into the category of ‘creativity booster’, and maybe one day I’ll get the time to actually follow some of the instructions.

In the meantime, I do love looking through this book by Teena Flanner. (It says on the book ‘with’ Teena Flanner – I don’t know why. Why doesn’t it say ‘by’ TF?) Anyway, the sub-title is ‘Creating Your Own Vintage-Style collectibles’ because her creations are vintage-inspired and nostalgic. The use of glitter as a finishing touch on her pieces makes her work quite distinctive, too.

There’s the usual ‘getting started’ chapter about materials and methods with a fair bit of information about making and using molds. I don’t think the lack of a mold, or the lack of the inclination to make one, should stop you making something you fancy making, though. Take inspiration from what you see and go for it, I reckon. Anything you can make in a mold you can also model from somewhat drier papier mache pulp (even if it doesn’t end up looking quite so ‘perfect’).

This book is specifically about making your pieces look vintage. Again, you don’t have to if you don’t want to – but a lot of the techniques can be used for effect in many other ways using many other materials.

The book then goes on to give instruction on how to make pieces that chime with the four seasons of the year and I found myself smiling at them as I leafed through. Anything that makes you smile has got to be good!

Of course, I smiled even more when I reached ‘Faithful Companion Named Joey’. What a fab dog! And then there’s ‘Jake the Cocker Spaniel’ as well! (No worries, cat lovers – a bit further on there’s ‘Mama Cat and Her Baby’.)

When I reached the Winter chapter with all the things to make for Christmas I was nearly overwhelmed with the need to actually read the instructions and grab some papier mache mix. Lots of lovely things to make in there.

It all combines to give me that feeling you get when you’re thinking to yourself: ‘One day I’m going to have time to make all these fab things,’ – it’s like riches in the bank ie lovely things to do in the future.

This book is definitely a creativity booster; this book is a keeper. (I don’t keep books that I don’t like on my shelf. There’s not enough room.)

Yours creatively

Susan