Introduction
Modern Bargello by Tina Francis, published by Search Press. Bargello is a simple technique that can create colourful patterns to brighten up any space. Tina Francis’ book shows how easy is it to master bargello and how it can be done at a quick rate. It is a great book for these modern times, particularly if you love a bit of that retro aesthetic!
About The Author
Tina Francis is funnily enough a lover of the 1970s style décor (we so couldn’t tell!). This type of work is her favourite because it is easy to repeat once you get into the rhythm of it.
She is most famous for kits over books, however she has now a published author and due to her teaching experience she is one to trust on this subject of Modern Bargello.
Who Is This Book Aimed At?
Due to the fact that this technique is quite easy to master, it is focused towards a wide audience; those who wish to get into textile art who have little experience and those who are more experienced yet fancy a new idea and some colourful fun.
Content
Lets begin with the Contents page:
The layout of the book is very user friendly, making it a relaxed read. We didn’t pick it up and feel overwhelmed!
The tools and materials section really showcases how simple this technique is from a materials point of view. There are no complex items – thus all the time we are driven to conclude that this is an achievable method to learn.
Discussing this section further, we liked how after the list, each item is explained in detail, leaving no room for questions. Tina Francis even has a note on use of plastic and its environmental impact – this book is modern in every way.
There is a variety of project types within this publication, some are designed to be framed. This is a skill in itself, so Tina Francis again works with this, explaining the key formula around this dilemma.
It is worth noting that there are fifteen projects within this publication.
Each one has an easy to follow pattern.
Photography
It is so important to be able to visualise the projects once finished. This book illustrates how Modern Bargello can have a place in our homes, gift lists or for ourselves.
The capturing of finished projects within interior settings lends itself to the whole home furnishing, interior design vibe.
Images taken to feed our ideas help us to complete the projects, we want to see the works in our own homes.
In order to complete the projects, it is vital to be able to understand how they come about. Tina Francis has captured each stage visually, not just via a drawn diagram, but by small key hole images, each at a developmental stage, leading on from each other. This is married with finished images, so that they connect well.
Anything Wrong With The Book?
This book is laboured with bold and bright patterns. So if 1970s colour and style isn’t you, it may lack appeal.
What Makes The Book Special?
The photography is actually quite achievable and has an Instagram vibe, making it current and not impossible for us ourselves to replicate. This may seem like a random point within a book review; however in this day and age of the digital, it actually counts for something! As modern artists and textile designers, we are obligated to conform and have an online presence; Tina will feel that too.
So when we have finished our own projects from this book, why not try the ideas illustrated to capture the pieces we have made?
Conclusion
Bargello is a simple technique that can create colourful patterns to brighten up any space. Tina Francis’ book shows how easy is it to master bargello and how it can be done at a quick rate. It is a great book for these modern times, particularly if you love a bit of that retro aesthetic!
Modern Bargello by Tina Francis is published by Search Press.
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