The Complete Book of Floorcloths: Designs & Techniques for Painting Great-Looking Canvas Rugs [Hardcover]

Kathy Cooper (Author), Jan Hersey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 31, 1999

With complete instructions for a score of techniques; and with ten complete projects, each shown in colour and featuring step-by-step drawings, this book shows you how to make colourful and useful floorcloths, that can be designed to fit any decor.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Cooper, a floorcloth artist, and Hersey, a home furnishings writer, show how decorated floorcloths can be used in today's home. Floorcloths were first used in the 18th century and continued to be popular until the early 20th century, when they were replaced by linoleum. Lavishly illustrated with examples of the works of over 60 floorcloth artists, the clear, easy-to-follow directions describe how to make a basic checkerboard-patterned floorcloth and continue with eight other projects. A directory of mail-order supply sources would have been helpful, since specialty items are recommended that may be unavailable in many areas. A good choice for medium and larger collections.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Rather a lost art these days, floorcloths originated as a cheap floor covering in the 1700s, later mimicking the more expensive floorings such as marquetry and marble. Exported to the US from England they soon became a gentle lady's pastime, enabling them to express their artistry at the same time as ending up with something pretty and practical. Dying out with the advent of linoleum and carpets in the 1920s, it was not until a few decades ago that they were resurrected by artists as a new medium with which to showcase their skills. This fascinating how-to book starts with the floorcloths' history, proceeds to styles and techniques and then explains the basics needed to emulate them. From chequerboard to florals, abstracts to bold, a huge range of different styles are shown accompanied by in-depth instructions on how to create your own heirloom piece. No longer regarded as a poor man's carpet or crumbcatcher, they are now highly regarded, easy-to-make ornamental additions with which to adorn your home. An interesting book for any hobbyist looking for something new. - Lucy Watson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (December 31, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1887374191
• ISBN-13: 978-1887374194
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #731,582 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #16 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Interior Design > Floors

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific book, January 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Book of Floorcloths: Designs & Techniques for Painting Great-Looking Canvas Rugs (Hardcover)

I love this book. In the first place, it's just a beautiful publication--very well written and designed, and loaded with examples of gorgeous floorcloths by many artists. I borrowed it from the library just to look at the pictures, then decided I had to buy a copy for myself! Secondly, the instructions are wonderfully clear and precise (I've written and edited instructional manuals, so I know good instructions when I see them.)

I've made one floorcloth and have started a second. This is practically the first time in my 49 years that I have actually completed a craft project, and I'm thrilled with myself, with my new floorcloth (now on my bathroom floor) and with this book. Anyone who is interested in floorcloths surely would want a copy.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational, August 29, 2000

By 

Jude Lobe (Mebane, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Book of Floorcloths: Designs & Techniques for Painting Great-Looking Canvas Rugs (Hardcover)

I borrowed this book from a friend and had to buy a copy for myself. It gets your right-brain in high gear. If you're looking for the cutesy, folksy arts & crafts flowing out of China these days, forget this one. But if you like to create and like the unique, this is it. Even if you've never did a cloth before, this book will show you step by step and lead you to create a work of art!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It has helped tremendously in constructing a floor cloth!, February 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Book of Floorcloths: Designs & Techniques for Painting Great-Looking Canvas Rugs (Hardcover)

Kathy Cooper has done a great job with step by step instructions on how to measure, sew and prepare the surface for a floor cloth. Very helpful! However; I was a little disapointed in the design examples. They were good designs, but I was looking for something a little more traditional.