Retro Revamp: Funky Projects from Handbags to Housewares

By Jennifer Knapp

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 081182523X
• ISBN13: 9780811825238
• Release Date: February 2000
• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Length: 124 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 1.0" x 1.0"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Kitchy Crafty

O love this book! Its got a lot of cool things that you can make from stuff you find dumpster diving for you first apt! This book is great for kitchy crafty type people!

SUCH a cool book...

Tired of all those books that look like they're going to give you some concrete information on how YOU can redecorate, refinish, refurbish, redo or re-anything, but then deliver only complicated and expensive projects? Retro Revamp is here for you. This little book presents lots of easy, affordable, and adaptable projects that almost anyone can do with a little time and patience. It also nudges you towards seeing the possibilities inherent in so much of the stuff we all have lying around the house. This one is worth every penny; you will love it!

Great source of ideas for making cool stuff out of junk

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.

craftiness at it's funkiest

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!

my new favorite craft book...

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.