Book Review & Giveaway – Plexi Class: Cutting Edge Projects in Plastic

Book Review & Giveaway – Plexi Class: Cutting Edge Projects in Plastic

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Plexi Class: Cutting-Edge Projects in Plastic by Tonia Davenport
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Learn how to work with plastic from acrylic sheeting, clear vinyl and even shrink plastic to create jewelry and more in the new book, Plexi Class: Cutting Edge Projects in Plastic by Tonia Davenport. I never realized all the cool stuff you can do to plastic to create such beautiful textures from sanding, decoupage, even simple stamping! I also like how she brings in mixed-media techniques with fabric, beads, and paper. The book has 25 step-by-step projects you can make, my favorites pictured above are the Show-and-Tell Box Purse and the Lack of Concentration Necklace. This book is a must have for your craft bookshelf!
And guess what dear readers? Two lucky CRAFT readers will win a signed copy of Plexi Class! Just leave a comment to this post and tell us why you need this book. (Please make sure your email address is in your profile so we can contact you if you win.) All comments will be closed by 9am Thursday, August 28th. The lucky winners will be announced Thursday evening on the CRAFT blog. Good luck!

136 thoughts on “Book Review & Giveaway – Plexi Class: Cutting Edge Projects in Plastic

  1. bladerunner says:

    This is awesome! I never thought much about working with plexiglass before. Why do I need this book? Why the heck not!

  2. bladerunner says:

    This is awesome! I never thought much about working with plexiglass before. Why do I need this book? Why the heck not!

  3. christinacoghill says:

    Wow this sounds like an amazing craft book. Why do I need this?? Why Not!! I think I need to learn how to cut plastic, since I enjoy melting it so much!!

  4. Heather515 says:

    I need this book because it would provide ideas on how I could “upcycle” some of the plastic that goes into the recycle bin into usable and wearable items! Thanks, Craft:Mag!

  5. whitty says:

    I have been eyeballing a sheet of acrylic that was left in our garage by the previous owners. This book would definitely be useful for making that hunk of plastic into something rad!

  6. Heather515 says:

    I need this book because it would provide ideas on how I could “upcycle” some of the plastic that goes into the recycle bin into usable and wearable items! Thanks, Craft:Mag!

  7. Kari says:

    Why??? Because I’ve been dying to make custom sized plexi magazine holders for my Craft: collection!!! It’s quite a growing collection, btw… They have standard sizes over at CB2, but my little Craft:’s would be swimming in them! I NEEED this book!
    (I even thought of trying this thought over at Ponoko, but it was too expensive for both the clear & red plexi design I wianted!)

  8. nullgraph says:

    Why do I need this? Because I don’t believe that plastic is easy to work with. There! It’s a challenge!

  9. luna de chrysalis says:

    I was just looking at this book the other day, trying to justify to myself ANOTHER craft book. Now what should appear on my google home page but a CRAFT entry about this very book, and a chance to WIN it.

  10. nullgraph says:

    Why do I need this? Because I don’t believe that plastic is easy to work with. There! It’s a challenge!

  11. Caroline says:

    Because I don’t have enough hobbies!!

  12. Heidi B says:

    I need this book because the projects on the cover look so awesome!
    Heidi

  13. Smyles says:

    This book has so many great ideas. It will be a challenge to use the samples to create your own unique craft.

  14. Natasha says:

    Because this book looks amazing. I am always looking for new creative outlets!
    Natasha

  15. Lesley says:

    I just moved to a new area and am in desperate need of something new to challenge my brain and occupy my days! Besides it looks absolutely fabulous!

  16. melanie says:

    This is so interesting! Why do I need it? Because it’s unusual and it would make me discover a new craft! So different than knitting, sewing or! The projects on the cover looks awesome!

  17. FieryDebris says:

    I pick up this book every time I’m at my local B&N, but between my recent unemployment and going back to school full-time, I just don’t have the funds to buy crafting books these days. This is on my holiday wishlist, however it would be *very* awesome to win a copy from CRAFT.

  18. Splinterscat says:

    I have had at least a dozen plastic crafts waiting on the back burner while I search madly for information on the techniques I need to complete them. This book must be heaven sent. I absolutely HAVE to have it.

  19. Splinterscat says:

    I have had at least a dozen plastic crafts waiting on the back burner while I search madly for information on the techniques I need to complete them. This book must be heaven sent. I absolutely HAVE to have it.

  20. Chris says:

    I just bought a 60 watt laser and need to make it pay for itself or my wife may give me (or the laser) the boot! All seriousness aside, this would be a great asset as I start to explore the possibilites of my laser.

  21. Sewer-Sewist says:

    I really need another craft book, my bookshelf isn’t quite overflowing yet! Actually, this looks like a very intriguing and versatile craft — my interest has been piqued!

  22. Splinterscat says:

    I have had at least a dozen plastic crafts waiting on the back burner while I search madly for information on the techniques I need to complete them. This book must be heaven sent. I absolutely HAVE to have it.

  23. betsy moore says:

    i should win the book because i guarantee that it will not sit idly by on the shelf – it will be used – some might even say abused – and at the end, i’ll make some really cool stuff.

  24. Kelly says:

    I love simple pleasures and clean lines – who knew that plexiglass could be so elegant and exquisite? I’m a craftster but I’ve never crafted in plastic – I am eager to try a new medium!

  25. milkcan says:

    How cool! Definitely a medium I’ve wanted to learn more about!

  26. jeanine says:

    i have not tried my hand at any plastics yet. well that isn’t true. i mildly tried to make a few plastic beads but it didn’t work out as well as i thought. it seems like an interesting medium to get into.

  27. milkcan says:

    How cool! Definitely a medium I’ve wanted to learn more about!

  28. Malinda says:

    oh – I’ve always wanted to work more with plastic! It just seems like I can never make things look like I want – it would be great to use a reference.

  29. Amanda says:

    This would be perfect to use up all the plastic scraps from my husbands “DIY” projects around the house that never seen to get finished. lol

  30. tanyBUG says:

    I have recently started experimenting with different mediums and would love to start creating with some plastic. The part about mixed-media techniques has really peaked my interest and i would LOVE to have this book! The picture on the cover looks so lovely!

  31. ConnieC says:

    I need a copy because who doesn’t need more ways to use plastic in their life?

  32. Sleep Goblin says:

    I’ve recently discovered plastic shrinking, and have purchased a tiny toaster oven for it. There are so many things I want to learn to back up all the ideas I have. This books sounds perfect!

  33. Fanny says:

    I have always wanted to incorporate plexi-glass in my craft projects. It would be awesome if I had this book to use as a reference. =) Thanks!

  34. Caroline says:

    Why do I need it? The experiments I’ve tried with shrink plastic in the past have failed pretty miserably, so I’ve definitely got a lot to learn and I LOVE that box, I know my daughters would too!

  35. evelyn says:

    would love to be able to make my own size album covers, inserts, and custom pieces to be used in jewelry and mixed media art. Evelyn – ehoward@si.rr.com

  36. Dodi says:

    The more materials and techniques I have available the better the costume can be. I’ve worked with fiberglass, paper, foam, pvc, fabric, paint, electronic and anything I can upcycle. It would be great to add another potential material into the mix.

  37. samiam says:

    I’m at a creative block and yearning a new direction! A book like this will inspire me, energize me and get me out of a rut!!!!!!!!

  38. Pati Woodard says:

    o-o-o-o-o-pick-me-o-o-o-pick-me. I been wantin it forever!
    Pati Woodard
    patipinz.etsy.com

  39. nikkie says:

    As the curator of a small museum I often have to do plexi fab and I’m not that good at it. I can make simple mounts and cut pieces to use for framing but I’ve seen the specialty mounts that are out there and I want those in my museum. This book will give me the skills to transform busted picture frames into innovative object mounts.

  40. ChickMistress says:

    I need this book because I’ve got sheets of plexiglass that were given to me by a neighbor who didn’t want to carry them with him on a move. I’m going to use some for quilting templates but how cool would it be to make something pretty out of them that can be gifted out to people. Besides, I love making things out of pieces of other things.

  41. Gadgetgirlnz says:

    I’ve been dying to find a good excuse for buying some shrink plastic and it looks like this book would provide it. Plus I love that it uses other materials. Hmmm, maybe I can find a way to make jewellery that combines plastic and crochet… see, haven’t even seen the inside of the book yet and I’m having ideas already!

  42. gadgetgirl says:

    I’ve been dying to find a good excuse for buying some shrink plastic and it looks like this book would provide it. Plus I love that it uses other materials. Hmmm, maybe I can find a way to make jewellery that combines plastic and crochet… see, haven’t even seen the inside of the book yet and I’m having ideas already!

  43. Rhina says:

    I would love to have this book! I’m a teacher and I’ve always wanted to learn more about plexi to work with things to make crafts for my students – like name tags and cubby tags and more! Besides the fact that I could make great gifts for friends and family then as well. I could also see using it to make stamps for myself and other crafters as well as mounting art and photos in new and unusual ways.
    Thanks! – rhinahime@gmail.com

  44. Rhina says:

    I would love to have this book! I’m a teacher and I’ve always wanted to learn more about plexi to work with things to make crafts for my students – like name tags and cubby tags and more! Besides the fact that I could make great gifts for friends and family then as well. I could also see using it to make stamps for myself and other crafters as well as mounting art and photos in new and unusual ways.
    Thanks! – rhinahime@gmail.com

  45. Rhina says:

    I would love to have this book! I’m a teacher and I’ve always wanted to learn more about plexi to work with things to make crafts for my students – like name tags and cubby tags and more! Besides the fact that I could make great gifts for friends and family then as well. I could also see using it to make stamps for myself and other crafters as well as mounting art and photos in new and unusual ways.
    Thanks! – rhinahime@gmail.com

  46. amber says:

    Why o why do i need this??????? Because:
    1) the book looks fabtastic
    2) plexiglass as a medium seems very interesting
    3) i’m a devoted craftzine.com blog reader. I check the blog like i check my email.
    4) i never win things :) lets change that!
    those are my reasons!

  47. Niku Arbabi says:

    I met Tonia at last year’s Maker Faire in Austin, Texas and was fascinated by what she was doing with plexiglass. She demo’d some cool techniques for me and it got me so excited to try to make some of the tiny dioramas that I’ve dreamed of making. This book would take me farther with these experiments and other projects with plexi and shrink plastic. I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long!!
    thanks for the opportunity!
    Niku

  48. Smiruz says:

    Mr. McGuire: I want to say one word to you. Just one word.
    Benjamin: Yes, sir.
    Mr. McGuire: Are you listening?
    Benjamin: Yes, I am.
    Mr. McGuire: Plastics.
    It’s the future! and I want to be in on it!

  49. Wendy says:

    I would love this book because I use a lot of things that allow light through in my artwork (like shrinky dink in my last big project) and you can always use new ideas. Not to mention, being able to make jewelry, etc to go with my art would be fun!

  50. TRACIE LAMPE says:

    I NEED THIS BOOK BECAUSE I NEED ONE MORE FUN OBSESSION!

  51. Amanda says:

    This would be perfect to use up all the plastic scraps from my husbands “DIY” projects around the house that never seen to get finished. lol

  52. Leigh says:

    I need one as I usually am not impressed with crafts using plastic. They generally are just tacky. I like the items shown in the pictures, and I’d like to see the rest so I can possibly be converted!

  53. Kelly says:

    This book would surely give me yet another use for my Dremel tool.

  54. Kate says:

    I need this book because I’m already impressed just from what I see on its cover! And it’d be fun to have yet another hobby; this was one I hadn’t considered until now.

  55. Elizabeth says:

    I just bought Fashioning Technology to use with my students – Plexi Class would be a perfect complement – imagine what middle school girls will be able to create when they can combine plexiglass with electronics.

  56. sew-brilliant.myopenid.com says:

    I would love to have this book. I love plexiglass. I also run a FREE stitch and craft lounge. After looking over my newest books, my buddies get totally energized, go get their own books and materials, then come back to the lounge and stay til way late. I love turning people on to new fabrics, funky projects, Threadbanger, Craft:, and all the many blogs I love. Tonia Davenport’s book on plexiglass would raise the Brilliant lounge repertoire to an entirely new level.

  57. arghc says:

    About 8 years ago, while at an auction for used office furniture, there happened to be a lot of plexiglass (probably 20 cubic feet of the stuff) up for bid. I bid $30 or so for the lot and won. I have since received unending grief for my packrat, why-buy-that-if-you-don’t-know-what-you-are-going-to-do-with-it ways. I have used some since, but masses remain. Help me silence the voices (and use up some of this plexiglass)!

  58. Liz says:

    I haven’t ‘worked’ with plastics since surreptiousy melting biros in the bunsen buners at school. Meanwhile I continue to stub my toes on the see-through sheets of plexiglass currently propped up in my hall. Please. Help me.

  59. Liz says:

    I haven’t ‘worked’ with plastics since surreptiously melting biros in bunsen burners during high school chemistry lessons. Meanwhile I continue to stub my toes on the sheets of transparent plexi-glass currently propped up in my hall. Please. Help me.

  60. Maclizzie says:

    I haven’t ‘worked’ with plastics since surreptiously melting biros in bunsen burners during high school chemistry lessons. Meanwhile I continue to stub my toes on the sheets of transparent plexi-glass currently propped up in my hall. Please. Help me.

  61. heidi says:

    I need this book because… well i just do! I have never worked with plexi – but gosh, i’d like to!
    Thanks!
    Heidi

  62. heidi says:

    I need this book because… well i just do! I have never worked with plexi – but gosh, i’d like to!
    Thanks!
    Heidi

  63. heidi says:

    I need this book because… well i just do! I have never worked with plexi – but gosh, i’d like to!
    Thanks!
    Heidi

  64. HeatherA says:

    I need this because I am making every effort possible to break the chains of Corporate America, reducing my stress level and increasing my crafting happiness!

  65. identityseven says:

    I’ve been seeing plexi more and more in the mixed media arena and I love it! I see this as a compatible skill to manipulating transparencies and would love to learn more. I have Tonia’s book on framing your art with handmade frames and love it!
    Can’t wait to read this book and learn more about plexi art!

  66. Angry Chix says:

    I need this book because there is an empty space on my crafty shelf, also I have just been reminiscing about those home ec days when I first learned to play with power tools and made several keychains. And I just need this book!

  67. conniereed56 says:

    March 2007 I had 2 discs herniate in my back. I was unable to move for 3 weeks, and then slowly began to be able to walk a few steps. A year and a half later, I have progressed to the point that I can get up and make myself a sandwich. Being upright is very painful. Crafts and the internet have become my sanity. Please send me a copy of this book-my mental health is at stake!

  68. MikeDeuce says:

    I need this book because my local Tap Plastics store knows me by name. Fact.

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