BKCRCMCR.RVW   20061206

"Creative Computer Crafts", Marcelle Costanza, 2006, 1-59327-068-2,
U$24.95/C$32.95
%A   Marcelle Costanza computercrafts@patmedia.net www.thecraftypc.com
%C   555 De Haro Street, Suite 250, San Francisco, CA   94107
%D   2006
%G   1-59327-068-2
%I   No Starch Press
%O   U$24.95/C$32.95 415-863-9900 fax 415-863-9950 info@nostarch.com
%O  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1593270682/robsladesinterne
  http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1593270682/robsladesinte-21
%O   http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/1593270682/robsladesin03-20
%O   Audience n- Tech 1 Writing 1 (see revfaq.htm for explanation)
%P   160 p.
%T   "Creative Computer Crafts"

In the introduction we learn that the author has been a crafter for a
long time, that she started doing crafty-type things with a computer
when she had access to one, that she has developed a business around
computer crafts, and then wrote this book.

Part one is the book itself, such as it is.  In chapter one we learn
the stuff from the introduction again, with more details.  The tools
of the computer crafter's trade are covered in chapter two.  This
material should be useful, and it is, in isolated sections.  For
example, there are a number of details about different types of inkjet
inks, including edible inks.  This material would have been more
useful had there been more information about the makes and models of
printers that would accept specialty inks.  There is some content in
regard to different paper paths in printers, but it is not related to
text elsewhere about different types of print media.  The advice in
regard to the computer itself boils down to "more is better."  Some of
the information is related only to crafting and has nothing to do with
the computer, while other facts appertain only to computers (and MS
Windows, at that) and have no bearing on crafts.  Starting your own
craft business is the topic of chapter three, and while the advice on
subjects to research would be handy for those with no business
background, it probably wouldn't be of much help to those wanting to
get started.  (It reminds me of "Don't Get Burned on eBay" [cf.
BKDGBOEB.RVW]: if you are already involved the tips can help you stay
out of trouble, but if you aren't already there, the possible horror
stories will keep you out of the activity altogether.)  (One other
factor: neither in this section nor in chapter two is there any
discussion of the rather horrific prices for inkjet inks and specialty
media, nor any suggestions for reducing those costs.)

Part two lists fifty craft projects.  Many of these would seem to be
possible with a colour photocopier.

If you use a computer and want something else to do with it, you might
find some ideas in the book, but maybe not with the equipment that you
have.  If you are a crafter and want to do something interesting with
the family PC, you might be more inclined to favour the ideas found in
this volume.  If you want to set up your own business creating
trinkets and specialty items ... watch your costs.

copyright Robert M. Slade, 2006   BKCRCMCR.RVW   20061206