Anyone else remember these Family Creative Workshop books? If so, how awesome are they? When we found this vintage set hiding in the garage, we were blown away by how crafty the 70s were! Building kids furnituire out of cardboard? A desk out of a door and milk crates? Batiking in the backyard? Hells yeah! Michael's Crafts has nothing on these books!
Bookmarked, is an opportunity for ATLA and our readers to revisit some of the triumphs, follies and ideas from decor publications and books from the past. If you've got a great decor photo/image or design idea from an out-of-print source, please send it to la(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com, including the title and publication information.
Each volume in this 24-book set ranges from crafty to decor to toys to science. The way these books are written is a bit cheerleaderish ("People may THINK this is difficult; but really, anyone with two thumbs can make their own poured-acrylic coffee table!"), but it did inspire us to try a few workshop ideas. The big hits were: learning how to make out own root beer (and ginger beer), rolling beeswax candles, and stitching together portrait pillows (with felt and a can-do attitude). You can sometimes find these books on Craigslist or eBay, so if you are of a crafty mind, check em out.
I love these books! I have the set my mother purchased in the 70"s. I used to look at them for hours as a child, dreaming of projects to do! They are an amazing DIY resource and with a few design modifications you can create contemporary things that don't smack of the 1970s. From a graphic standpoint, I also have to say how much i love the cover designs that use blown up photographs of the different projects, creating almost abstract patterns out of candles, quilts and paint!
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So cool...I totally want a set now!
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I have a set from my childhood and I love them too! If you want them I recommend http://www.alibris.com for all your used book needs!
view Monica's profile
My grandmother has those books at her house! I was just looking at them over Labor Day weekend!
When I was 8 I made a beadloom that was in one of the books! I was so proud of myself! :)
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