Summer 10
At first I thought why on earth would anyone want to work entirely on an inch x inch scale and what would you do with these Inchies when finished? But I was pleasantly surprised with the versatility of the embroideries in this book. The Inchies can be put together to make hangings and lengths of fabric, which in turn can be made into bags, boxes, key fobs etc. Different textile effects are used with silk papers, felting and fused threads. I was impressed with the author's painterly attitude to colour, giving tips on how to use colour and illustrating her ideas with actual embroideries. The section on using natural objects is inspirational for those wary of being 'creative'. A very good book for those starting out on experimental embroidery. (Sheila Rabbetts)
* West Country Embroiderers *
Jan 2010
Inchies: Create Miniature Works of Art Using Textiles and Mixed Media Techniques packs a lot into a relatively short book. The book is strong on ideas and inspiration, however some of the projects assume at least a basic experience of general crafting. However, someone with a experience of sewing or other textile crafts will be able to approach the projects with ease. This is a delightful book, with clear illustrations and lots of ideas and inspiration for people who want to learn more about making these tiny works of art.
* Suite101.com *
Feb 10
Inchies are, as the subtitle explains in a nutshell miniature works of art using textiles and mixed media techniques. Just one inch square, they can contain anything and have a multitude of uses. How I do love it when somebody comes up with a brand new idea like this for using the space-eating stashes that every textile crafter ends up with. This is the sort of thing that makes recycling fun, and these tiny works of art really do have a lot of uses. Make them into pictures, keyrings, jewelry, Christmas tree decorations, swap them with people like ATCs (Artist Trading Cards), even put them onto ATCs. How do you make them? This is largely up to you. You will need some stabilising material to act as a base, such as pelmet Vilene, and of course any other type of material. As to what you adorn them with, this can be anything you can imagine. This is a book of composite authorship, and thus there are many ideas to use. Make natural ones from found items, illustrate the four seasons, pick one color and show how versatile it can be, make boxes, use felt, experiment with new media such as Tyvek and Angelina Fibers and more. This is easy to do-or as complex as you wish-and a whole lot of fun that will shrink your stashes. Trouble is, just looking at this book gave me ideas for more things to hoard... one for the keeper shelf.
* Myshelf.com *
Feb/Mar 10
Inchies takes the creation of art down to an even smaller size in measurement and, at first glance, it is easy to think that nothing much can be done with an inch size of fabric. This book is intended to prove us all wrong! Impressive inchies can be made with minimal quantities of materials, a lot of which can be found in nature, in the kitchen or in your workbox. The projects illustrate the many ways in which inchies can be used in lots of decorative and practical ways. Combined as multiples they would make a stunning collage and what better way to use up those miniscule but precious scraps than in this way? Viewed as single items, they are small but I have always understood that small is beautiful and this book definitely proves that theory.
* Fabrications *
May 10
Inchies are taking the world by storm and this book provides a great introduction to this addictive new craft. One-inch-square works of art, they're perfect for toppers and for decorating all kinds of papercraft projects. This book has loads of ideas for how to make inchies from fabric and paper, as well as instructions on making some of the examples included. You can decorate everything from Christmas trees to handbags, using all kinds of techniques. You can even create your own gift boxes.
* Papercraft Inspirations *
Apr/May 10
If you want to try out some new techniques, think small - because size certainly matters when you're making inchies. These tiny, creative one-inch squares (2.54cm squares doesn't sound quite the same) are a growing trend in the world of mixed media as their tiny size makes them perfect for experimenting; they can be used singly (to make brooches, key fobs, on greetings cards and Christmas tree decorations), or a themed collection or series can be displayed together, made into tiny boxes or unique items of jewellery or used to decorate bags, purses and books. The instructions for making them are clear and simple - and every inchie is a tiny jewel.
* Stitch *
May 10
Inchies are exquisite miniature textile works of art that are fun to make and can be used in all sorts of imaginative ways to add interest to projects. Four leading artists show how mixed media techniques can be used to create these dainty masterpieces and provide a selection of practical projects to display their beauty. Ideas include grouping them together by theme or colour to make artistic pictures or stitching them together to make boxes, jewellery and decorative charms. Because they are literally an inch in size they are perfect for trying out new techniques and the book provides a wealth of ideas for materials to experiment with including silk, felt, Tyvek, Angelina fibres and paper in addition to found objects such as shells and leaves. Inchies are highly collectible and as no precious scrap is too small to use they are another great way to creatively recycle leftover materials.
* SEWING WORLD *
