Folk Art

This text draws on the inspiration from the diverse cultural heritage of the folk art style. Roughly defined, folk art is a celebration of the skills and artistry of the common people from all over the world. Uprooted from their homelands in earlier centuries, immigrants settled in new lands, forging a better future for themselves and their families. These settlers, with their unsophisticated skills, sought to beautify their surroundings and everyday, household objects, drawing inspiration from the cultural heritage of their homelands. They made tools, utensils and furniture, relying on locally available materials, then decorating them with traditional motifs, such as the heart, birds, flowers and fruit. "Folk Art" contains 20 projects to make using basic materials from around the home. Each project is presented with clear step-by-step instructions and full colour photographs for every stage of the preparation. These practical gift ideas are inspired by different folk cultures, and have a universal, timeless appeal. Many are simple to make: the plaited rug can be made from recycled clothing using only needle and thread, and the tree ornaments are decorated with the aid of a ball-point pen. There are ideas for working with wood, metal, wire, paint, fabric and natural objects.