Book Review: The Big Ass Book of Bling

Book Review 
The Big Ass Book of Bling 
Mark Montano 
Gallery Books
November 2012 
(Caveat: Mark is my BFF and he sent me this book to peruse.  If I didn't love it, I'd never have written this review.  If I didn't love it, I'd have shoved it in a drawer and pretended I never saw it.   I really, really love this book, almost as much as I really, really love Mark.)

Mark Montano does it again with his latest BIG ASS book bursting at the seams with creative inspiration for craftinistas and fashionistas of all ages! Using everything but the kitchen sink, Mark turns ho hom, hum drum everyday items into show stopping runway ready wearables with techniques absolutely anyone can master. The book is so big, so bold, so beautiful, I will be perusing it for months before I fully digest all of the crafty goodness inside! Mark sees the world in a totally unique way and his vision is reflected in every quirky, creative, one-of-a-kind design in this book filled with ideas that are sure to launch a million 'pins!'



Often copied, but never surpassed, Mark's creativity is so prolific his books offer ten times as many DIY design ideas as any other books on the market. They're the kind of books that you find yourself returning to over and over again. No one does it like Mark and no one does it better. Not to mention, his personality shines through every aspect of his books down to the cheeky text that will literally have you laughing out loud.

I could not possibly pick a favorite design, but a few worth a mention include The Rainforest Necklace which features oversize iridescent fringed leather leaves and, speaking of feathers, his safety pin embellished Feather Fantastique jacket is to die for fabulous. I would wear the Tin is In Necklace in a heartbeat, it looks like a piece straight off of the Paris runways and it's made of spray painted aluminum flashing, sheer genius! The upcycled Shruffle has me gleefully kerfuffled! The Waterfall Chain Choker is breathtaking in it's powerful simplicity. Giant plastic chain is layered with wild bits of neon cord to make the chic Twine and Twine Again necklace. Fused glass is artfully caged in wire and layered on hammered metal in the stunning Caged Gems necklace. I have to admit I gasped out loud at the Wood and Gold Leaf cuffs, just wow. There is so much to love in this book, I could wax poetic about every single page.

If you're looking for the ultimate gift for a crafty friend or a reference guide for outside of the box jewelry making ideas, this is it. Everyone from the novice to the seasoned jewelry maker will find something of value here. I can't recommend this book enough. It's absolutely fabulous, just like Mark Montano.

Margot Potter
The Impatient Crafter
www.margotpotter.com