Book excerpt: CRAFTS Craft shops have a bewildering array of unfinished items made of wood, plaster, ceramics, and other materials all intended for decorative painting. The problem for many craftspeople is in getting started. This handbook, compiled by the editors of Decorative Artist's Workbook magazine, supplies the answers in the form of a variety of material from past issues. Brush strokes, surface preparation, painting techniques, and finishes are covered in the first part. The articles provide the basics for using modern paints and brushes in folk decoration such as Scandinavian rosemaling and Pennsylvania Dutch designs, as well as other popular styles. The second part deals with supplies and resources. There are step-by-step instructions with excellent color illustrations throughout. For all collections.-