In 2006, she rocked and shocked the best-seller list with I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence, a 304-page (whoa!), post-Martha Stewart guide to throwing the baddest (you know, that's baaad as in cool) parties.
Her crafting book, which she will discuss Friday night at the Free Library, includes such simple-to-make, affordable items as the "unable to make ends meet belt" (rolled plastic wrap); "poor man's toffee" (heated and futher-condensed condensed milk); "tampon ghosts" (just add wings); the Dropout Crab Claw Roach Clip (a roach clip stuck to the non-pincer side of a claw saved from dinner); and an entire series of "Crafting for Jesus" crafts, including Moses' Comb Holder, Jesus Sandals, a matchbook cross, and a clothespin Jesus.
She even explains the best occasions to use her nifty peace pipe: "if one is looking to 'chill', to signify that one is 'chillin',' or as a way to cement, between two parties, an agreement to 'chill'."
Sedaris took some time from her hectic schedule to discuss the hows, wherefores, and whys (I mean, why?) of the book.
Question: Why do you love crafts so?
Answer: I've been doing [crafting] since I was little. I learned how to do it in the Girl Scouts and Junior Achievement. And as a family we'd always get together in the basement and make stuff. I like the idea of making things with my hands and having a hobby.
Q: Why a book about crafting?
A: My first book on entertaining [I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence] had a small part on crafts and I wanted to do more. I thought it would be entertaining. Everything from the costumes and the sets [in the photos] was handmade.
Q: Did you make everything yourself? How long did it take to write the book?
