The Craft Companion

The complete guide to craft: 33 techniques, from embroidery and clay to collage and baskets, more than 150 contemporary artists and inspirational project ideas

Craft has now infiltrated every creative sphere – including food, fashion, fine art and architecture. If this craft renaissance is indicative of a new wave of keen creatives, then The Craft Companion is the ultimate guide to navigating the new craft frontiers.

From appliqué and baskets to weaving and zakka, The Craft Companion features over 30 new and old crafting techniques. Each chapter includes a historical overview of the craft, with design notes and explanations of key techniques to help beginners to get started. Tools and methods are explored through a combination of hand-drawn illustrations and photography. A range of project ideas, including one basic project for each craft and a further Top 5 selection, will kickstart the reader’s creativity, while examples of inspirational work from contemporary artisans display the possibilities of each medium.

With over 20 years in the craft and design industries, Ramona Barry and Rebecca Jobson are bona fide craft gurus. Everyone from beginners to experienced crafters will love Ramona and Rebecca’s witty voice, and will be inspired to experiment and dip their toes into new crafts.

• Fibre: felt; knit; crochet; weave; tapestry; macramé; yarn; baskets; leather; rugs
• Stitch: embroidery; cross stitch; needlepoint; sew; appliqué; quilt and patch; haberdashery
• Surface: marble; indigo; print; dye; collage; gild
• Form: clay; beads; books; jewelry; origami; paper; mobiles; upcycle; veneer/wood; zakka

Ramona Barry is the former Chair of Craft Victoria, Australia’s leading contemporary craft organization. Rebecca Jobson is a textile designer, artist, writer and curator with 20 years’ experience in the craft and design industry. Together, Barry and Jobson co-write their blog handmadelife and present a specialist craft programme on Australian radio station Triple R.