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The Big-Ass Book of Crafts
The Big-Ass Book of Crafts is packed with ideas for sprucing up your living space; concocting fabulous, all-natural body products; designing your own unique stationery; and creating countless other crafts that will convince your friends and loved ones that you're the secret love child of Martha Stewart (only much, much cooler).
Forget crocheted doilies and itchy knit sweaters--TLC's While You Were Out top designer Mark Montano has created stylish and imaginative projects that range from a Warhol-esque Ultrasuede iPod case to photo-adorned boxer shorts to African mask patio chairs to wooden night-light boxes. Divided into sections that include Outdoorsy (ideas to enhance your backyard), Dishing It Out (decorating plates using different techniques), You've Been Framed (innovative picture framing ideas), and Can I Have a Light? (creating and decorating lamps, lanterns, and chandeliers), it's as entertaining to read as it is endlessly inspiring.
With more than one hundred and fifty inventive and fun projects, The Big-Ass Book of Crafts is the perfect activity book for readers of every mood, budget, and skill level.
Forget crocheted doilies and itchy knit sweaters--TLC's While You Were Out top designer Mark Montano has created stylish and imaginative projects that range from a Warhol-esque Ultrasuede iPod case to photo-adorned boxer shorts to African mask patio chairs to wooden night-light boxes. Divided into sections that include Outdoorsy (ideas to enhance your backyard), Dishing It Out (decorating plates using different techniques), You've Been Framed (innovative picture framing ideas), and Can I Have a Light? (creating and decorating lamps, lanterns, and chandeliers), it's as entertaining to read as it is endlessly inspiring.
With more than one hundred and fifty inventive and fun projects, The Big-Ass Book of Crafts is the perfect activity book for readers of every mood, budget, and skill level.
377 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2008
43 people are currently reading
1112 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
February 27, 2009
I was excited to receive this book as I've seen so many wonderful reviews, but, just a few pages in, my excitement quickly soured. They may as well have called this the Big-Ass Book of Crap. Although there were a handful of projects I could conceivably see constructing and placing in my home (possibly warranting a 1.5 star rating), the vast majority of projects in this book are more suited to dorm-room living (and I'm not even 100% sure I'd use them there)! Admittedly, if you need ideas for fun things to do with kids, this book has some merit.....Additionally, a few of the projects could inspire the very crafty to create better results than the ones Montano presents in the book. However, if you're looking for a book that will show you great projects for the home from start to finish, this is not the one for you......unless, of course, you enjoy decorating with plastic baby doll heads coated in plaster and gold paint, drinking straw chandeliers, and crosses made of alphabet building blocks.
By the way, by far the weirdest and tackiest thing in the book is something called a "Two-Liter Sea-Creature Lamp" -- I'm still not entirely sure what on earth this is supposed to be or how "it's like having a lamp and a pet in one." I like to think I'm at least somewhat imaginative and creative, but this really just looks like exactly what it is: A couple of cut up plastic soda bottles hanging from a light cord. Why anyone, even a child, would find this fascinating or want it in their living space is beyond me.
By the way, by far the weirdest and tackiest thing in the book is something called a "Two-Liter Sea-Creature Lamp" -- I'm still not entirely sure what on earth this is supposed to be or how "it's like having a lamp and a pet in one." I like to think I'm at least somewhat imaginative and creative, but this really just looks like exactly what it is: A couple of cut up plastic soda bottles hanging from a light cord. Why anyone, even a child, would find this fascinating or want it in their living space is beyond me.
January 12, 2010
Wow, I was quite shocked at how ugly & tacky the vast majority of these crafts were. Especially considering it was written in 2008 (and not 1985) and the Introduction said: "I hope that what you find in this book inspires you to make crafts that are beautiful, functional, fun, and - most important - home worthy."
I was tempted to give it two stars simply because there are a couple of techniques that I will probably try, and in that respect it was a little bit useful. But there is no way I will make any of the projects look like the sample projects in the book. Also, most of the projects were extremely uninspired and consisted of simply gluing embellishments onto other things, something that anyone who shops at Michaels or Hobby Lobby already knows how to do.
I recommend you flip through it at a bookstore or the library, and then leave it on the shelf.
I was tempted to give it two stars simply because there are a couple of techniques that I will probably try, and in that respect it was a little bit useful. But there is no way I will make any of the projects look like the sample projects in the book. Also, most of the projects were extremely uninspired and consisted of simply gluing embellishments onto other things, something that anyone who shops at Michaels or Hobby Lobby already knows how to do.
I recommend you flip through it at a bookstore or the library, and then leave it on the shelf.
January 30, 2010
this is a fabulous book with great ideas and easy to follow instructions. Tons of pictures of the finished products too.
the stuff in here is mostly colorful, whimsical, and kinda out there but I love looking thru it and have done a few of the items and plan on doing more.
it's also very inspiring to just look thru and get ideas for other things you are working on.
the stuff in here is mostly colorful, whimsical, and kinda out there but I love looking thru it and have done a few of the items and plan on doing more.
it's also very inspiring to just look thru and get ideas for other things you are working on.
February 16, 2014
More like the Big Ass Book of Crap. There are better crafts with more useful instructions and illustrations on DIY craft websites like Instructables. I thought this was pretty unimpressive and would not recommend it even as a library check-out.
September 20, 2018
Some thoughts I had while reading this:
Could Elmer’s and Krylon have sponsored this book? Possibly.
I feel like the best projects in this big ass craft book are in the beginning of it, which is helpful for those of us who can’t make it through a whole book (me sometimes).
I’m hoping there are better photographs of the crafts in book number two. Some of the pictures here just aren’t fully showing the gloriousness of these crafts.
I’d love to see a Halloween craft book done by Mantano! I’m sure he’d have some new and interesting craft ideas for the season.
“When I worked at a desk job (let’s not talk about it too much; I try to forget that time in my life), I was always in the copy room, doing things I should not have been doing. No, not copying my butt...”
Mark writes, “I have always considered a table to be a blank canvas that I can cover in any way possible.”
My mother obviously felt the same way; when my brother, sister, and I were younger, we had such a junky table that my mom painted it white and we kids were allowed to color, draw, even carve all over it. Ah, memories ;D
“Before you get rid of a table, make sure you have exhausted every option for it. Otherwise, you will want it back after you see it reincarnated in my house. Finders keepers, I say!”
I feel a kinship with Mark’s trash picking spirit.
Could Elmer’s and Krylon have sponsored this book? Possibly.
I feel like the best projects in this big ass craft book are in the beginning of it, which is helpful for those of us who can’t make it through a whole book (me sometimes).
I’m hoping there are better photographs of the crafts in book number two. Some of the pictures here just aren’t fully showing the gloriousness of these crafts.
I’d love to see a Halloween craft book done by Mantano! I’m sure he’d have some new and interesting craft ideas for the season.
“When I worked at a desk job (let’s not talk about it too much; I try to forget that time in my life), I was always in the copy room, doing things I should not have been doing. No, not copying my butt...”
Mark writes, “I have always considered a table to be a blank canvas that I can cover in any way possible.”
My mother obviously felt the same way; when my brother, sister, and I were younger, we had such a junky table that my mom painted it white and we kids were allowed to color, draw, even carve all over it. Ah, memories ;D
“Before you get rid of a table, make sure you have exhausted every option for it. Otherwise, you will want it back after you see it reincarnated in my house. Finders keepers, I say!”
I feel a kinship with Mark’s trash picking spirit.
February 16, 2010
The Big-Ass Book Of Crafts is a down-and-dirty, ultra-thrifty, practical book of craft projects that's rimming with enthusiasm. It is filled with great ideas you can alter to reflect your own personal style, affordable techniques that won't break the bank, and practical projects that make this book worth a look. This really is a BIG ASS book and has tons of hip and kitschy projects for the DIY alternacrafter.
December 26, 2009
Blech. Life size paper mache Day of the Dead Devil. 'Nuf said.
May 17, 2012
Not one project in here that I would think of making for myself or a gift.
Awesome premise, cheap looking products.
Awesome premise, cheap looking products.
February 12, 2017
Very helpful papier-mache paste recipe (minus the fact they didn't include to actually add water), but the recipe itself work well.
The projects are hit or miss in terms of usefulness for my purposes, but it's an interesting reference guide.
The projects are hit or miss in terms of usefulness for my purposes, but it's an interesting reference guide.
January 31, 2015
I'm not sure what some of the reviewers here were expecting as the title and cover do a great job of telling you this isn't your average crafts book.
There is something here for every budget and skill level and most of the projects can be updated or personalised with alternative materials and themes. So what if you think you're above making things out of lolly sticks and straws? Just give those projects a miss or take inspiration from them to make something on a larger scale.
I found it refreshing and will certainly try a few projects, and maybe use others as a starting point for future workshops.
There is something here for every budget and skill level and most of the projects can be updated or personalised with alternative materials and themes. So what if you think you're above making things out of lolly sticks and straws? Just give those projects a miss or take inspiration from them to make something on a larger scale.
I found it refreshing and will certainly try a few projects, and maybe use others as a starting point for future workshops.
October 19, 2009
Tons and tons of crafts I'd love to make in this book!
July 1, 2015
Some projects look pretty damn cool.
July 23, 2025
I was gifted this book back in college, and recently decided to revisit it to see if it still sparked any creative inspiration. Unfortunately, it didn’t. Most of the projects feel geared toward a younger crowd, and what once may have felt fun and zany now just reads as clutter waiting to happen.
At nearly 400 pages, it’s a hefty book—and not one I can justify keeping on anymore. One chapter in particular, titled “More Stuff to Dust,” really lost me. The author casually mentions tossing objects into a storage closet when he’s tired of them, which feels at odds with how I approach creativity and the inventory in my home now these days. This book clearly celebrates maximalism.
That being said, the instructions are clearly written, and many of the projects include helpful templates for wooden and fabric-based items. The chapters are organized mostly by décor type or specific rooms, which I’m sure will be useful for the next person who picks this up. It just wasn’t the right fit for me anymore.
At nearly 400 pages, it’s a hefty book—and not one I can justify keeping on anymore. One chapter in particular, titled “More Stuff to Dust,” really lost me. The author casually mentions tossing objects into a storage closet when he’s tired of them, which feels at odds with how I approach creativity and the inventory in my home now these days. This book clearly celebrates maximalism.
That being said, the instructions are clearly written, and many of the projects include helpful templates for wooden and fabric-based items. The chapters are organized mostly by décor type or specific rooms, which I’m sure will be useful for the next person who picks this up. It just wasn’t the right fit for me anymore.
February 15, 2020
Perhaps this should be re-named The Big Ass Book of Impractical Projects
I flipped through this today in search of future craft projects to do with the teens who visit the library. And while there were a maybe couple cool ideas in here, I didn't really see anything that could be carried out easily or practically in this sort of setting or with the age group in question. Most projects were complicated, multi-step endeavors, and there's no way the kiddos would have the patience for them (and neither would I). Some even involved the use of expensive tools (like sewing machines and power drills), which is, of course, an automatic disqualification.
But most of all, I just didn't much care for anything I saw. It was all kind of ugly and reminded me of the sort of dumpster-dive items you'd find at a garage sale or flea market...and I'm not talking the nice, upscale ones either. This is a personal opinion, though, and others will feel differently.
I flipped through this today in search of future craft projects to do with the teens who visit the library. And while there were a maybe couple cool ideas in here, I didn't really see anything that could be carried out easily or practically in this sort of setting or with the age group in question. Most projects were complicated, multi-step endeavors, and there's no way the kiddos would have the patience for them (and neither would I). Some even involved the use of expensive tools (like sewing machines and power drills), which is, of course, an automatic disqualification.
But most of all, I just didn't much care for anything I saw. It was all kind of ugly and reminded me of the sort of dumpster-dive items you'd find at a garage sale or flea market...and I'm not talking the nice, upscale ones either. This is a personal opinion, though, and others will feel differently.
July 27, 2017
I've read his other "Big-Ass" titles and expected more of the same, which is what I got - mostly bad craft. Most egregious, not knowing the difference between knit and crochet. Second, not saying to use unsanded grout on a mirror table top. (THAT'S gonna look pretty!) This book so totally reminded me of my Mom's Better Homes and Gardens magazines $101 Looks Under $101 projects - except more tacky. My college-age kids would neither allow this stuff in their rooms nor want to attempt most of these projects themselves - maybe their elementary-age selves... Flip through this for inspiration, as there IS some, but mostly a pass.
December 25, 2019
There was a lot of good ideas in here, but also a lot of junk too. I made the face scrub as gifts for Christmas and everyone enjoyed it; also used the kids' art projects as gifts for the grandparents. I think this is a good place to jumpstart creativity if you're looking to start crafting.
September 11, 2017
This book has fun and silly crafts. Great ideas I had never considered.
July 27, 2019
I used to own and adore this craft book. Inspiring and funky and weird projects abound in this collection, which includes humorous, personalized intros and lots of full-color photos.
May 13, 2020
These are part of my essential library of arts and crafts.
Read
August 17, 2020Discos
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2020
Lots of good crafts
February 4, 2010
If I wasn’t looking for a place already, I’d definitely have to since there are so many ideas in my head from this book.
Some of the projects were tacky (I won't be attempting the the crosses, domino or rope projects), but there were also definitely some gems (art cards, wall hangings...). Most of all think this book is good for introducing new techniques on how to create one's own unique items to one's taste (stamping, simple binding, spray painting to make things look bronzed...)
Mark Montano (and his friends and mom, who probably receive some of these crafts as gifts) must not need to dust, that's what I aspire to as well. When I run out of shelf space, I'll just have to make my own paper-mache end table (page 121).
Will definitely have to re-read once I have the space for these projects.
Some of the projects were tacky (I won't be attempting the the crosses, domino or rope projects), but there were also definitely some gems (art cards, wall hangings...). Most of all think this book is good for introducing new techniques on how to create one's own unique items to one's taste (stamping, simple binding, spray painting to make things look bronzed...)
Mark Montano (and his friends and mom, who probably receive some of these crafts as gifts) must not need to dust, that's what I aspire to as well. When I run out of shelf space, I'll just have to make my own paper-mache end table (page 121).
Will definitely have to re-read once I have the space for these projects.
April 22, 2011
The Big-Ass Book of Crafts by Mark Montano is as awesome and edgy as it’s name! Full of fun, inexpensive, avant-garde arts and crafts, most are incredibly functional and easy-to-make.
My favorite projects are the ones that incorporate old, unusable books for repurposing, such as framed silhouettes (p 9), a laminated chandelier (p. 72), decoupage plates (p.134), placemats (p. 215) and stitched note cards and envelopes (p. 306).
Mr. Montano even shows, with step-by-step instructions, how to make your own beautiful, personalized bound journal/notebook (p. 53).
Using this book as inspiration, I made a recycled rolled-book basket (p. 281) that I donated to my local library for their “monthly auction” -- it’s a fundraiser to help pay for a new, larger location and I thought that it would be a creative way to show my support.
My favorite projects are the ones that incorporate old, unusable books for repurposing, such as framed silhouettes (p 9), a laminated chandelier (p. 72), decoupage plates (p.134), placemats (p. 215) and stitched note cards and envelopes (p. 306).
Mr. Montano even shows, with step-by-step instructions, how to make your own beautiful, personalized bound journal/notebook (p. 53).
Using this book as inspiration, I made a recycled rolled-book basket (p. 281) that I donated to my local library for their “monthly auction” -- it’s a fundraiser to help pay for a new, larger location and I thought that it would be a creative way to show my support.
June 7, 2010
Meg Powers Meg Powers said: "okay...i really hated this guy's show..10 years younger...but! he has some pretty great, simple crafts and beauty product ideas presented in a fun and easy-to-read format. I can't fault him for capitalizing on potential fame, DIY media-style...i like...more okay...i really hated this guy's show..10 years younger...but! he has some pretty great, simple crafts and beauty product ideas presented in a fun and easy-to-read format. I can't fault him for capitalizing on potential fame, DIY media-style...i like this book...i want this book...fun...fun...fun...'nuff said.(less) "
April 6, 2012
Pros: Book has tons of ideas. Every project could be done in a different print, altered style or with a different form. Projects aren't handyman required and can be finished in an afternoon. Creativity is huge - lamps made out of sieves and straws, trees made out of books, frames made of a variety of items. Not all items are sitting around the house just begging to be used but most are easy to find.
Cons: The harlequin designs and use of cards aren't my style.
As you can see, the pros outnumber the cons. My daughter and I have several projects planned, some directly from the book and others inspired by its ideas.
Cons: The harlequin designs and use of cards aren't my style.
As you can see, the pros outnumber the cons. My daughter and I have several projects planned, some directly from the book and others inspired by its ideas.
September 16, 2012
I picked this one up after browsing around the craft section looking for re-usable crafting. Despite the fact that there are "more than 150 crafts to fill your home, give to friends, decorate the yard, or send to Mom," I found most of them to ugly and impractical. The author obviously doesn't have small children or pets, as most of his designs would be destroyed by one or both of these. I did find some good designs/products here, such as the Relaxing Bath Crystal Body Scrub, Foot Balm and homemade Toothpaste, Bound Journals, Marble Mason Jar Lamp, Domino Side Table, Glass-Chip Magnets, and the Wineglass Candleholders or Vases. 2 stars.
March 28, 2008
This book is awesome. The writer gives you simple instruction for creating some pretty cool thinks. I like that most things only have 1-2 pages of instructions and that most of the materials are fairly common and easy to find. He does not attempt to over-explain things but gives the reader just enough information. Even if you don't like his exact designs, most things would be easy to suite to your specific taste or style. There are a few cheesy things in there (like things made with Popsicle sticks) but what is cheesy to me is someone else's cup of tea.
August 27, 2008
This book takes a few simple projects, and offers several variations - 5 decorative lamps. 5 decorated plates. 6 kinds of window treatments. Some of the projects are a little different from the usual indie-craft book, but don't expect anything too ground-breaking. There's some innovation in material use, like the duct tape arm chair. Alternately, there's some mind-numbing material use, like the repeated references to Avery T-shirt Transfers. YMMV. The pictures are big and bright, generally, there's that at least.
February 2, 2011
Lots and lots of things to do, from the very creative to the down right weird! I didn't care for his gold spray painted baby doll, but loved many other crafts. Kind of a recycle/reuse/repurpose theme, and I really like to recycle. Has several old school crafts (popsickle sticks? huh?) but some other really cool crafts. I really like the leaf curtain and some of the hanging things. One of those you have to keep the meat and throw away the bones types of books, but enjoyable to read and use overall.
October 7, 2008
My sister gave me this book for my birthday, and it is fantastic. I looked through it last night and marked all the crafts I want to do. The style of the crafts generally matches my own, and the writer gets specific about materials, which is helpful. Perhaps there's a little too much tin stuff or day-of-the-dead-type stuff, but each craft has a main idea that is simple and useful, and you can create any number of your own riffs on these basic ideas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews