Mark Montano

Montano's gives many ideas for vision boxes, depending on the purpose of the crafter. This makes the book applicable to all--whatever the crafter's purpose, he will find a suggestion for crafting a box. Photographs and step-by-step instructions make crafting easy, though they also seem to suggest a lack of flexibility--what if the crafter doesn't want to use a statue in this box, or likes the idea of the box but not the layout? If crafters take the ideas the book presents and uses them to create their own layouts and details, this book and the projects it suggests would be fun and inspiring for any reader!… (más)

This book is as awesome and as 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, unwanted 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.… (más)