Customer Reviews

Making Shadow Boxes and Shrines

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I regularly teach classes about making art shrines, and this book provides glorious and diverse examples of what you can do with shrines and shadowboxes. If you've enjoyed scrapbooking and two-dimensional art but are ready to explore something with more visual contrast, drama and (literal) depth, this is a tremendous book to own. You'll refer to it often.

Really, I've been teaching shrine-making to other artists for over three years now, and I don't need to buy ho-hum books. I have enough great ideas in my head already. But, when I need a fresh source of inspiration or to broaden my approach to this kind of art, this book is wonderful.

Whether you're new to this form or art, or an experienced assemblage artist, I recommend this book.

I admit it, I bought this book as a whim. But I have always been fascinated with shadow boxes and shrines.

Holy cow! Was I in for a shock! There is so much more to it than I had ever imagined! Cano-Murillo shows such a myriad of shadow boxes and shrines that I had no idea was possible. It really opened the door to my imagination and got my juices flowing. I made a box about my memories of the NJ shore growing up, and one about my desire for a Chinese adoption. I'm now planning one to celebrate my 3 year old daughter.

This book has it all - enchanting shadow boxes that look like something from old England, bright exciting Mardi Gras style boxes, Hispanic style boxes, boxes made from toy cars, boxes made from cough drop cases, you name it - if it's a small hollowed out vessel, it can become a shrine of your hopes and memories. Cano-Murillo will help you develop your creativity and delve into your memories to create a shrine that reflects who you are.

A truly excellent book, with, I'll say it again, inspiring writing and words of wisdom, I truly feel this is an excellent book well worth investing in. Highest recommendation.

I was very impressed with this book. I have been making shrines and collage boxes (for personal, not commerical purposes) in all shapes and sizes for a few years now and have noticed how much this art form has come into the mainstream.
What I liked about this book is that it didn't fall into the usual rubber stamping and gift tag syndrome I see in so many art magazines and books. I like that all the designs and themes shown here are very original and innovative without the use of the entire stock of a scrap book store. I also like how there is a lot of text that goes into the meaning. This is one of those areas where you really have to know the history behind it before you start. First and foremost, shrine making is a way to heal and inspire yourself to better yourself. This showed healing without being hokey. But I have to say my all time favorite is that skeleton French cafe box (from Mexico's Day of the Dead holiday). I wish it would have had directions. Otherwise, I really have to say I picked up on a some new ideas in an area where I thought I had tried everything. I encourage EVERYONE to make a shrine or collage box, you won't regret the experience. This book is a great launchpad.

As a crafter, I am always looking for new and unique ideas. This book was such a great inspiration for me to create so many fantastic projects that I am recomending it to everyone I know, and it makes the perfect gift. Kathy Cano-Murillo has collected exquisite projects for this book, and the most wonderful thing is that anyone, from beginner to craft addict can make each and every one of the examples. I love that you can customize each to your own taste and let your individuality through. This is one of the best craft books--not just on the market now--but that I've ever seen. I'd give it ten stars if I could!!!!

One of my favorite national assemblage artists, Janet Hofacker, has an art piece in this book that is true to her graceful style. I've seen her work in Somerset Studio magazine and was thrilled to see her featured here. This book also turned me on to several other assemblage artists as well. I liked that it was culturally diverse. I am an art teacher who is teaching a segment on this type of art form and plan to share this book with my class because it offers some easy and very inspiring launching pads. One thing that made this book different from many other books on the same topic, was the chapter sections, like on Joseph Cornell. The more people who know about him the better. I'm always happy to see new books on shrines.

Regarding the "mean reviews" - clearly these folks don't know ANYTHING about Latino folk art, or the art of assemblage greats like Joseph Cornell! Mixed media and assemblage are very popular artistic outlets right now and Kathy's book does a great job of covering several different styles - from classic "collections" style assemblages to Day of the Dead shrines and wacky/kitschy pieces.
The book is very well written and the photos are gorgeous. If you are looking for traditional arts and crafts shadow box type art work, you are better off getting idea sheets from the craft store. However, if you are a mixed media artist looking for imaginative inspiration, Kathy delivers!

This book is especially good if you're just starting out in the medium of assemblage (sometimes referred to as "mixed media'). The author provides project examples and instructions for those who don't know where (or how) to begin.

If you've done similar projects before, this book is still worth checking out for inspiration and examples of what other artists are doing. Great photographs.

I couldn't believe that there would actually be a real crafter out there that wouldn't love this book. A true crafter would be able to see all the possiblities this book offers. The stories in this book were very heartwarming and I felt really brought meaning to the alters for me. The Altoids tin alter was great I have many empty Altoid tins and now thanks to this book I know what I am going to make all my sisters and brothers for Christmas this year. It will be a great way to remember my mother that passed away. Thank you Amazon for another great book from another great new author. Keep it up!

hey, all you artsy people out there, you have to get this book. the ideas are so great and original, i just love it. everything is so colorful and full of excitment. the shadow boxes are just beautiful and so cute. anyone out there that needs something good to brighten their homes, this book's for you.

This a truly a very unique and breathtaking book. I am a long time scrap book artist and absolutely adore it. It has so many new ways of memory keeping other than the usual kind we all see in craft magazines and such. I love that each idea has a huge picture to go with it so that you can see all the fine details. Some of the ideas are definately more complex for my skill level, but there are a lot of easy ones that I am looking forward to begin with. I would definately consider the idea of this kind of assemblage art to be a higher, classier, more exciting method to churning out flat scrap book pages (although I still love that too.). I am looking forward to trying some of these ideas.