A little disappointing | John Loecke's Grosgrain Style: Quick and Creative Projects for Accessorizing and...

Leslie S "aging preppie" | John Loecke's Grosgrain Style: Quick and Creative Projects for Accessorizing and Decorating with Grosgrain ... | John Loecke

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	• John Loecke's Grosgrain Style: Quick and Creative Projects for Accessorizing and Decorating with Grosgrain ... John Loecke Potter Craft, 2007 - 128 pages average customer review:based on 6 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Fresh, fun--and I'll actually make these projects!

I collect all sorts of "aspirational" reading: beautiful cookbooks and guides to making luxurious knits and other crafts. Mostly, I read these books in bed, dreaming up all of the projects that I'll make... someday. But the vast majority these books stay on my nightstand, as entertainment (eventually, they'll move into our guestroom, to entertain visitors).

But a few of the best emerge as my "go-to" guides--books that I return to, again and again. I'm talking The Candle Cafe (cookbook), Stitch 'n Bitch (knitting) and, most recently, "John Loecke's Grossgrain Style."

Admittedly, I did judge this book by its cover... the pretty photographs of the whimsical preppy projects drew me in. But then I discovered that this book not only has style; it has substance too. I love John Loecke's descriptions--his personality really shines through and you feel like a friend is talking you through the projects. And he not only offers clear directions; he tells you EVERYTHING you need to make the project AND where to find these items.

There's something for everyone in this book, but my favorites are the small home accents that, I think, make ideal hostess gifts: votives, napkins and placemats, dishtowels. I'm also a big fan of the cotton hats and belts.

I've already bought this book for a couple of friends... and I'll continue to give it--as well as gifts that I make from it--to others. Definitely buy this book. You won't be disappointed.

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A little disappointing

I had heard a lot about this book on the HGTV design shows, and love decorating with ribbon. However, I didn't find a lot of designs that I would care to try, and most of them were just unattractive -- lots of lime green. All in all, the book was just ok. I just expected more.

Leslie S "aging preppie"

John Loecke's grosgrain style takes me back to my youth in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Ribbons, color, pattern....it's all re-incarnated in fun, fresh, achievable ways! As nostalgic as Loeck's book makes me feel, he also offers some sophisticated, fresh takes that could work beautifully into my life today. This book is a must-have for trend-setting students or even aging preppies! Stock up for Christmas.

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Great Ideas for Smart Spruce ups

I first learned of this book on Martha Stewart's morning show and being a fan of grosgrain ribbon (you know, that durable, brightly colored ribbon with a crosswise rib) I had to check it out. Wow! In all my years of buying grosgrain for wrapping packages it never occurred to me that this colorful embellishment was also an ideal decorative treatment for my living room sofa or bedroom drapes.

Then I read the book. And there, in 128 photo-filled pages, Designer John Loecke demonstrated just that--how this wonderfully inexpensive craft store staple could be used to dress up everything from pillows to picture frames... from chandeliers to slipcovers...

The book's 35 projects are divided into chapters by room, but as Loecke is quick to point out there's room for plenty of crossover once your imagination hits overdrive. Mine did. I took the perky ribbon daisies he used on an apron and reworked them to fit pillows for my bed.

And if you need any more convincing, all of these ideas come from a designer whose own closet boasts a rainbow of ribbon belts, grosgrain ribbon watch bands, key fobs, you name it... So of course there's a chapter devoted to creating your own personal accessories -- necklaces, bangles, canvas sneakers, totes, and of course those classic D-ring grosgrain ribbon belts.

"Grosgrain Style" is not only beautifully photographed it's also packed with lots of useful information. The last chapter, appropriately titled "Ribbon Notes and Resources," is full of interesting, off-beat places for purchasing ribbon, furnishings, and craft supplies. It's also where I learned that grosgrain is machine washable, so I'm following Loecke's suggestion and using it to make a rug for my kitchen.

Happy designing!

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Renowned designer John Loecke offers 36 projects that combine the rich color, texture, and shape of grosgrain ribbon to create delightful living spaces and accessories that burst with personality.
Durable, pliable, machine washable, and available in a wide assortment of colors and patterns, grosgrain ribbon is the ultimate embellishment. Award-winning designer John Loecke shows you how to use this accessible, inexpensive trim to create unique accents for your home and wardrobe.

John Loecke?s Grosgrain Style offers 36 elegant, quick-to-create projects, including:

· a practical and pretty ribbon rug for the living room
· bedding bedecked with grosgrain for a one-of-a-kind look
· grosgrain wall treatments that add whimsy to a child?s bedroom
· dressed-up dish towels that bring color to the kitchen
· table linens enhanced with stylish trim for the dining room
· cheerful grosgrain-inspired makeovers for canvas sneakers, cotton tote bags, and more

John also shares tips for choosing colors, patterns, and top-notch tools for working with ribbon. John Loecke?s Grosgrain Style shows you how to use the simple beauty and texture of grosgrain to add color to your life.

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