Collecting Vintage Craft Books

by Julie Oreskovich

Hobby Dyeing Books for Young People From Six to Sixty

by Miss Rit (1953)What's old is new again and this certainly applies to these fabulous vintage craft books. Some may think kitsch when looking at this selection, but I say they're downright crafty. There's something sweet and nostalgic about these covers, and it makes me want to get out my glue stick and scissors.

How-to crafting books are very common and with the multitude of crafting blogs popping up each day, one can't help but feel bombarded by craft projects and ideas. To get a better understanding of vintage craft books, an excellent source is Cathy Callahan's Vintage Craft Workshop: Fresh Takes on Twenty-Four Classic Projects from the 60s and 70s. Not only does Callahan bring a fresh look to old crafts from the 1960s and 1970s, but she provides a historical insight into the crafting world and profiles some of the most influential women in crafting during this era.
One of my favourite books in this selection is 838 Ways to Amuse a Child by June Johnson. I'm not sure if I really need 838 suggestions on how to keep my kids happy but I'm sure a little crafty inspiration - found in anyone of these vintage, collectable books - will go a long way.

Let's Get Crafting

You Can Make It: Things to Do With Scissors and Paste
by Louis Newkirk (1944)

Making Things: A Handbook of Creative Discovery
by Ann Wiseman (1973)

How to Make Flibbers, Etc.
by Robert Lopshire (1964)

Make it Yourself! Handicraft for Boys and Girls
by Bernice Wells Carlson (1950)

Fashion Sewing by the Bishop Method
by Edna Bishop & Marjorie Arch (1962)

How to Make Slipcovers
by Ruth B. Comstock (1939)

838 Ways to Amuse a Child
by June Johnson (1960)

Coloured Paper Craft for Schools
by Frederick T. Day (1956)

How to Build Games and Toys
by B.W. Pelton (1951)

Toymaker’s Book
by C.J. Maginley (1948)

The See and Do Book of Boxes, Cartons and Containers
by Helen Jill Fletcher (1959)

Mon-Kiri: Japanese Art of Paper Cut-Out
by Isao Honda (1959)

Wood Carving for Beginners
by Charles H. Hayward (1950)

Let’s Make Something
by Harry Zarchy (1941)

Weaving with Paper Rope
by Dennison Manufacturing Co. (1922)

Making Nursery Toys
by Nancy Catford (1944)

Pot Holders to the Rescue
(1941)

Crafts for All – A Natural Approach to Crafts
by Karl Hils (1960)

Your Craft Book
by Louis Newkirk (1946)

Creative Crafts for Children
by Kenneth R. Benson (1958)

Fun-Time Puppets
by Carrie Rasmussen (1952)

Contemporary Embroidery Design
by Joan Nicholson (1954)

The Kindergarten Arts and Crafts Book
by Arthur S. Green (1962)

101 Toys Children Can Make
by Robert & Katharine Kunz (1959)

Doll Making at Home
by Grace Lovat Fraser (1940)