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Austrias Culture Vibrant Austrian Patterns Perfect for Gift Wrapping, Decoupage, Crafting, and DIY Creations by Viola P...

by Viola Peters

Book Details

Publisher:Sally Milner Pub
Published:1999
Pages:80
Language:English
ISBN:186351225X

Reading Info

Age Range:3-7

About This Book

# **Austria's Culture by Viola Peters: A Vibrant Celebration of Austrian Artistry for Craft Lovers** ## **Introduction: A Feast for the Eyes and Imagination** If you’ve ever admired the intrica...

Our Review

If you’ve ever admired the intricate beauty of Austrian folk art—its swirling floral motifs, delicate filigree, and rich historical patterns—then Austria's Culture: Vibrant Austrian Patterns Perfect for Gift Wrapping, Decoupage, Crafting, and DIY Creations by Viola Peters is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. This isn’t just a book; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the visual splendor of Austria’s artistic heritage while sparking your own creative projects.

As someone who loves both history and hands-on crafting, I was immediately drawn to this book. But does it live up to its promise of being a versatile resource for artists, DIY enthusiasts, and cultural appreciators alike? Let’s dive in.


Austria's Culture is a beautifully curated collection of traditional and contemporary Austrian designs, meticulously compiled for crafters, scrapbookers, and decorators. Unlike a typical art book, this is a practical guide—each page offers high-quality, reproducible patterns inspired by:

  • Alpine folk art (think charming edelweiss flowers and rustic woodcarvings)
  • Baroque and Rococo influences (ornate gold detailing, opulent swirls)
  • Viennese Secessionist motifs (think Gustav Klimt’s geometric elegance)
  • Modern Austrian textile and ceramic designs

The book is divided into thematic sections, making it easy to find patterns suited for different projects—whether you’re wrapping gifts, decorating journals, or upcycling furniture.

  • Over 100 unique patterns (both color and black-and-white for versatility)
  • High-resolution images (perfect for printing and tracing)
  • Historical context (brief but insightful notes on the origins of each design)
  • Project ideas (inspiration for using the patterns in real-world applications)

In a book like this, the "characters" are the designs—and they each have their own personality. Some standout motifs include:

  • The Whimsical Edelweiss Cluster – A delicate, floral arrangement that feels like a love letter to Alpine meadows.
  • Imperial Habsburg Flourishes – Grand, symmetrical designs reminiscent of Vienna’s royal palaces.
  • Bauhaus-Meets-Tradition Geometrics – A surprising but delightful fusion of old-world charm and modernist simplicity.

What makes these patterns special is their adaptability—they can be scaled, recolored, or layered to fit any project.


Viola Peters’ writing is clear, concise, and informative without being overly academic. The book avoids dense historical lectures, instead offering bite-sized cultural insights that enrich the crafting experience.

The layout is intuitive:

  • Each pattern is labeled with its cultural significance.
  • The print quality is excellent—no pixelation or blurry edges.
  • The digital version (available on Amazon) allows for easy zooming and printing.

At its core, Austria's Culture is about preservation through creativity. By incorporating these designs into modern crafts, Peters subtly encourages readers to:

  • Appreciate cultural heritage in a hands-on way.
  • Blend tradition with innovation—these patterns aren’t stuck in the past; they’re meant to be reimagined.
  • Find mindfulness in crafting—repetitive, detail-oriented work can be meditative.

As someone who dabbles in decoupage, I tested a few patterns on wooden boxes and was thrilled with the results. The intricate detailing held up beautifully when resized, and the historical tidbits made the process feel more meaningful.

One minor critique? I wish there were a few step-by-step tutorials for beginners. While the book assumes some crafting knowledge, a complete novice might need supplemental guidance.


Compared to other pattern books like The Complete Book of Traditional Scandinavian Knitting or Japanese Washi Tape Crafts, Austria's Culture stands out for its visual diversity and cultural specificity. It’s less instructional and more inspirational, making it ideal for those who already have a crafting foundation.


✅ Crafters & DIYers – Perfect for scrapbooking, decoupage, textile printing, and more.
✅ History & Art Lovers – A visually stunning deep dive into Austrian aesthetics.
✅ Gift-Givers – The patterns make for unique, personalized wrapping paper.
❌ Absolute Beginners – Some prior crafting experience helps.


"Austrian art is where grandeur meets coziness—where a single floral motif can whisper both imperial elegance and rustic simplicity."

"Crafting is not just about making; it’s about connecting—to history, to culture, to the quiet joy of creation."


Austria's Culture is a visually breathtaking, thoughtfully curated collection that bridges art history and hands-on creativity. While it could benefit from more beginner-friendly instructions, its sheer beauty and versatility make it a standout addition to any crafter’s library.

Pros: Stunning patterns, high-quality printing, rich cultural context.
Cons: Lacks step-by-step guides for absolute beginners.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon


  • Have you ever used cultural patterns in your crafts? Which ones?
  • What’s your favorite Austrian art style—folk, Baroque, or Secessionist?
  • If you’ve read this book, which pattern was your favorite to work with?

Let’s chat in the comments! 🎨✨

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