Amy Butler, well-known to crafters and Country Living devotees, may well be one of the most prolific designers without a rep outside her fan base. Her textile and stationery designs, plus kits, crafts, pillows, a line of handbags and patterns make her like Martha Stewart, but with a less saturated media profile.
She notches that level higher with "Amy Butler's Midwest Modern: A Fresh Design Spirit for the Modern Lifestyle" (Stewart Tabori & Chang, $35). The glossy coffee-table book pays homage to her design philosophies, her Midwestern sensibilities and to the items that inspire her from her Ohio home and in nature. From copious photos of Birdie the cat to her work and relaxing spaces to examples of how her fabrics are used for PJs, purses and pillows, the book is rich and visually rewarding. Skeptical readers might find her shared ideas a bit too-too: "Impatience is self-importance." The rest of us, though, will feel as if we've had a relaxing day with our new BFF. See more at www.amybutler design.com.
KIM YEAGER
