This is a fascinating book filled with interesting historical facts about arts, crafts, and cooking in America. There are crafts, recipes, decorating, and gardening projects included. I really enjoyed this book - it's a treasure trove of history and craft projects.

After a couple of trips to DC, I still haven't covered all my Smithsonian museums and I was excited to read through the Makers Workshop (which just made me want to go back and stay until I've seen it all). This book is simply laid out and well organized with just enough information to not feel overwhelmed. Being a crafter, I wasn't surprised to learn that in 2017 the US spend for crafting was nearly $43.9 billion -- and reading how 'everything old is new again', just cemented that fact. While it has a great overview of history, it also includes technology & crafts of the 21st century. It's a great blend of history, inspiration, craft projects (I'm not a fan of sewing but can now make my own work apron thanks to this book), quotes ('art is not a thing -- it is a way') and awesome facts. Who knew Mark Twain was an avid scrapbooker? This is a great gift book for anyone who loves crafts/history. #SmithsonianMakersWorkshop #NetGalley

This is a deep dive into the history of crafts, food, gardening and decorating from the Smithsonian. It's filled with photos of actual museum pieces and the history of each subject, and then offers tutorials to try your hand at these things yourself.

I learned a lot of surprising and interesting information, such as the fact that Mark Twain was an avid scrapbooker and even had a patent for self sticking scrapbook pages. There were a lot of projects that I loved, like the visible denim mending. I have a denim glider rocking chair that I've been looking for just this kind of project to mend.

There were times when I appreciated the honesty in topics that are so frequently whitewashed regarding American history, such as the section acknowledging that there would be no American food as we know it today without the contributions of enslaved cooks who introduced the ingredients, agricultural techniques and recipes that would become traditional American dishes. But too much was still whitewashed, like the section saying that the Wampanoag tribe helped the Plymouth settlers survive but then doesn't mention the rest of that terrible story. Likewise, the section glorifying Jefferson's gardens doesn't mention that enslaved people were wholly responsible for the back breaking work involved in creating and tending them. Most of the focus in the book is the standard white American history, with sections added that talk about immigrants, enslaved people, etc. Still, it's a fascinating book (that still did a lot more acknowledgement than typical) that is absolutely packed with history, projects and photos.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

Smithsonian Makers Worshop is the perfect gift book for yourself or for anyone who loves that wonderful combination of history, culture and domestic art which the folks at the Smithsonian do so well. This title looks at four broad categories, including crafts, cooking & food, design & decorating and gardening. Each category is further broken down to include a simple historical overview, important people in the category, historical and contemporary sidebars, important developments and trends and also DIY projects and recipes. The book also - and not surprisingly - includes fabulous photography and graphics.

I love books like this, books that put everyday objects - things like quilts and hand-knit mittens, graham crackers and tuna noodle casserole, wall hangings, peanuts and heirloom seeds into a historical and cultural context. Like most things the Smithsonian puts out, I feel smarter and more well-rounded having read this book. I've been introduced to and inspired by fellow Americans, I've been challenged to try new projects, activities and foods, and I've been reminded that we are a resilient and creative and beauty-loving people.

Technically, the book is well-written, the material is well-organized and there's plenty of variety, so something for everyone. The projects, instructions and recipes are clear and easy to follow, and the graphics are both simple and helpful, tho I haven't actually tried them out yet.

Again, this would be a wonderful gift, and one I'd love to both give and receive.

This review is based on an advance copy read.