Retro Revamp: Funky Projects from Handbags to Housewares [Spiral-bound]

Jennifer Knapp (Author), Teresa Domka (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2000

So the dresser doesn't match the nightstand, the four kitchen chairs are from four different sets, and the bracelet is a thrift store special. Well, it doesn't mean you can't have styleand how! Thanks to Retro Revamp's chic and imaginative ideas, you can turn anything so-so into so, SO fabulous. Filled with full-color photographs, and decorated throughout with sassy collage-art and illustrations, this book is a treasure in itself. The projects inside range from necklaces to nightlights and are made from a variety of materials that are readily accessible at your drugstore, nearest vintage shop, or neighborhood sidewalk sale. For an evening on the town, don't be caught without Holly Golightly's Dream Bag fashioned from ribbon scraps and a made-in-a-minute Chopstick-do hair accessory to keep your tresses intact. Indoors, a nostalgic Mystery Date End Table and some Ugly Chair First Aid will have you entertaining with elan. And the Car Carma Dashboard Shrine and Mr. Potato Head Beach Bag will help you hit the road in style. You don't have to know how to knit and you don't have to be a kooky bottlecap collector. All you need is some extra junk you don't know what to do with, an adventurous spirit, and one copy of Retro Revamp.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jennifer Knapp began her crafty career as the prize crayon-eater of Bay View Kindergarten. She is the author of Go Go Dogs.

Teresa Domka specializes in product photography and lives in Seattle, Washington.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 124 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (February 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081182523X
• ISBN-13: 978-0811825238
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 7.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #468,363 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great source of ideas for making cool stuff out of junk, June 13, 2000

By 

Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Retro Revamp: Funky Projects from Handbags to Housewares (Spiral-bound)

This is a fun book for anyone who fondly remembers wild Sixties style. It is also a valuable source of ideas and techniques for the crafter who enjoys making useful and decorative items from found objects and junk.

There is an introduction on basic techniques followed by 39 projects. There is great variety, including clothing and accessories, jewelry, furniture, décor items and toys. The materials used are just as varied and the style is colorful. Depending on your taste you could call it anything from modern folk art to tacky trash. The beauty of the book is that even if you don't like the style, many of the ideas could be easily adapted to other styles by using different materials.

For each project there is a list of exactly what you will need and step-by-step instructions with diagrams and a color photo of the finished piece. The spiral binding makes it easy to lay the book flat while you are working. This book is a great combination of practicality, whimsy and fun.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars craftiness at it's funkiest, April 9, 2000

By 

Stephanie Heather "UrbanFlowerpot" (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Retro Revamp: Funky Projects from Handbags to Housewares (Spiral-bound)

i was delighted to find this book...i am a chronic thrift store collector with gobs of cutie things i don't know what to do with. but now i have been inspired! **beautiful** pictures & so well written. i highly suggest anyone who's into the funkier side of crafts to buy this book!

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars my new favorite craft book..., March 22, 2000

By 

"soggs74" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Retro Revamp: Funky Projects from Handbags to Housewares (Spiral-bound)

and that's saying a LOT! I've been looking for a book that gave me inspiration in a folk-art, found-art, outsider-art type way, and this is IT! excellent directions, great pictures, great ideas. I can't recommend this book enough, and I hope the author writes more.