Description:
As the computer becomes more entrenched in everything we do, so too has it invaded the crafting domain. Yet beginning crafters and experts alike who may have a working knowledge of the more practical aspects of their computer's capabilities often have barely begun to explore its creative potential. Computer expert and self-described "computer mom" Kay Hall knows exactly how to teach such things to the computer novice eager to use that expensive piece of equipment for more than paying bills and sending e-mail. With extremely readable text and dozens of diagrams (actually, black-and-white photos of the computer screen illustrating exactly what she's describing), she walks us carefully through the basics of printer hardware, crafting software (everything from simple greeting card and calendar programs to Sierra's Print Artist and Adobe PhotoDeluxe), design elements (layout templates, fonts, clip art, scanning), and various printable materials for ink-jet printers. She offers good general coverage on paper-craft materials like decorative scissors and punches, embossing powder, and glitter pens, and she does not neglect the finishing steps of sealing, laminating, and binding. The 40 projects are reasonably well explained; as Hall points out, the step-by-step instructions presume understandably that you've at least a nodding acquaintance with your software, computer, and printer, and that you've read the first half of the book, which explains all the details. An eight-page section shows each finished item in color. The projects themselves, unfortunately, are on the juvenile, cutesy side, but for anyone wishing to learn how to apply their own creativity to this virtually limitless medium, the book is probably still a wise investment. There's a lot of background information here, as well as great at-a-glance tips and excellent item-by-item listings of all the materials and where to find each one (computer/office stores, craft stores, specialty suppliers/catalogs); a directory of vendors with full contact information; a good bibliography that includes publishers' Web addresses; a printer information worksheet so you can document all of your own printer's handling of each type of project; and even ideas on how to market your computer crafts. Note: Hall works on the graphics-friendly Macintosh and most of the diagrams show a Mac screen, but she does explain general settings and how to access them on a PC. --Amy Handy
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