5 comments about The Official Red Book: A Guide Book of United States Coins 2009 (Guide Book of United States Coins (Spiral)) (Guide Book of United States Coins (Spiral)) (Guide Book of United States Coins (Spiral)).

1. #1 Best Selling Price Guide is a MUST:
   
   The official RED BOOK a guide book to United States Coins R.S.Yeoman ed. Kenneth Bressett, 61th edition, Whitman, 2009.
   
   Best in organization, easy of use, pictures, illustrations, & data, also the most popular. Whitman's RED BOOK is an essential guide, indispensable requisite and required handbook with up-to-date numismatic information.
   
   Best of the best in the area of numismatics have contributed to this volume, the most notable, respected, knowledgeable and distinguished numismatist were consulted for the 61th edition.
   
   165 plus prominent coin collectors auctioneers, and museums contributed directly to the 2009 Red Book Guide, Bressett, Jeff Garrett, Tom Hallenbeck, Steve Contursi, Ira & Larry Goldberg, Bill Fivaz, David Akers, Silvano DiGenova, the Smithsonian Institution, Heritage Galleries, the ANA money museum, Stack's Rare Coins, Superior Galleries, the United States Mint, and several dozens more.
   
   The guide has some problems, notable some errors occurred and as I mentioned earlier "All" prices guides without exception are outdated by the time is printed, mainly due to market conditions, collector interest, commodities volatility, speculators, currency value, supply & demand, among others.
   
   Numismatics is a hobby as any other do not expect a handsome return on your investment, at least not a monetary one. Have fun. Good luck.



2. I was having a hard time getting this book till I came here. my husband gets the new one every year will come here next year. thanks so much. !!!!



3. No Complaints. Execatly what I was looking for and more. Price was cheaper than any other place.



4. I purchased this book for my 11yr old son who has just started collecting coins. It is very easy for him to find what he is looking for and has so much information packed into it. I would highly recommend this book to anyone collecting coins.



5. This is the best book for rating your coins and finding the value, you cannot find better.

5 comments about Sock and Glove: Creating Charming Softy Friends from Cast-Off Socks and Gloves.

1. This book was prefect. I was novice sewer with only little sewing knowledge when I bought this book. It was worth a million bucks. The instructions were easy to follow and within two days of buying the book I was sewing each of my friends two or three little sock and glove animals.
   It's great for last second gifts, birthday presents, and Christmas gifts.
   Who doesn't want a cute, little cuddly friend?
   I made myself three.
   I liked the way the book was setup in story format. Instead of just instructions there was colorful photography and a storyline.
   I'd recommend this for anyone from beginners to experts. Even months later, after I've had much more sewing experience I enjoy using the book and making more stuff animals!



2. This book is awesome. The toys are easy to make - some of them have been completed by my children aged 9 and 11 years old. There is only basic equipment required to make the toys and the stitching is easy. Step by step instructions of each toy and clothes to fit are also provided.
   
   A great gift for someone with young children or a baby on the way. I am going to make these for my friends who are expecting. They will make great cheap gifts for all - christmas, birthday etc. My children have enjoyed raiding their old socks to make new friends...



3. I LOVE sock dolls, and now i LOVE glove dolls too!This book is by far my most favorite book ever on making this type of doll. It is a must have for anyone interested in starting this craft.



4. I found this book very helpful in creating stuffed animals. The instructions are simple and easy to follow. There are also many various animals to choose from. I recommend it highly.



5. I love this book! The pictures are so whimsical. I have recommended it to several other crafty people that I know.
   The directions are very clear and the product - well, now I can create my own "folk art"!! At Easter time all the little people that I know got these zany looking rabbbits made from gloves...

5 comments about Blue Book of Gun Values: 29th Edition (Blue Book of Gun Values).

1. Book received fast and as described !! Saved a lot on a brand new book !
   Excellent transaction, don't get any better !!



2. I use this book for reference to find gun values and information on makes and models. This one was not packaged properly and the front cover and first dozen pages were damaged in shipment. Wish you had been more careful in your packaging!!!!!!!



3. Was able to find just about everything I wanted to look up. Loads of info and pictures!



4. For good or for bad "The Blue Book of Gun Values" still is and will continue to be the bible in the used gun business. They do their best to take as much of the subjectivity as they can out of the grading process, but one person's 98% may still be anothers 90%. Small differences in percentage can mean a big difference in values.
   
   That said it is still "THE" book most used in the business. The reader also needs to be cautioned that prices listed are RETAIL prices and not what you can expect to get from a dealer if you are selling a used firearm. Also understand that while this may be a "National" standard, real values can be dramaticly different for the same gun from one part of the country to the next. Sometimes as little as 50 miles can make a significant difference.
   
   Overall it is a great book with tons of useful information. A must for every gun collector and dealer. Just take the prices with a grain of salt.



5. Great reference document but prices are not near up to date. Book contains about everything in Rifles and Pistols..Recommended for the Hunter or Collector.

5 comments about State Series Quarters Collector Map (State Series).

1. I bought two of these maps for my 9 & 8 yr. old sons who just recently started collecting the state quarters. This map is a perfect way of displaying the quarters and it looks great.
   There is a slot in each state for its quarter (or next to it for the smaller NE states), there are facts about each state, it is pretty durable and it folds for easy storage.
   My boys both love their maps. I could not be happier with my purchase.



2. This one is a good one. Put the quarter into its state. Cool.... But I thought the cover is harder.



3. We loved the quarters collector map. Bought it for a gift and it was nicer than I even expected.



4. I purchased a few of these folders for my kids' quarter collections based on all the positive reviews it was getting. The folder offers a tidbit of information from each state, such as when they became a state, the capital, nicknames, mottoes, state flower and state bird. It also has a big map in which you place your quarters directly into a color-coded state, which helps you see when that quarter was released. Underneath the quarter is a picture of that state's seal. It is educational and a great place for kids to keep their quarters as well as a way for them to learn a little about each state.
   
   There are a few things that I didn't like about the folder. First off, it's size. It does state the dimensions but I neglected to pay attention to that. It is rather large when I was hoping to get something more along the size of a large book. The other thing I didn't like are the 4 extra little spaces at the bottom of the map for you to put extra coins in. At first I was excited, thinking it was a spot to put the 4 new nickels that have recently been released. I thought that was such an ingenious idea to include that so the coin collection could all be in one place. Upon further inspection, I noticed that the holes were too large for nickels to fit. At that point, I was very confused as to what those holes were for so I went to the internet to find my answer. The 4 spaces along the bottom are there for you to put your favorite state quarters in. So you would have one state quarter in the actual state map and an extra on the bottom. I didn't like this, especially after my excitment about thinking they were for the nickels! Plus, how can I select my favorite state quarter when I liked them all just the same?!
   
   That being said, I would still purchase this product. It is a great value for a spot to stick your quarter collection. I would never want to spend more than this ($7.99) for a quarter folder/book, especially when they are for my kids and I needed to buy multiple ones. This price was just right and it is a great tool and quarter holder for the kids.



5. The State Series Quarters Collector Map is just the product I had been looking for. The quarters do not fall out of the holder as they do in some of the other products. The map folds and secures with a velcro closure which is nice. Each quarter is easily removed to view a picture of that state's seal which is an additional educational benefit. My son and daughter are both elementary school teachers (with lots of teacher friends) so I have now collected many sets of the state quarters and have used this product for all of them.

5 comments about Wacky Packages.

1. This is (at least one of) the logical extensions of Warhol, to the extent that the representation and/or the "idea" of the product is theoretically no different than the product itself. Actually, it's more interesting than Warhol; it's satire that is automatic, mass produced, and not the least bit funny.
   
   Yes, the reproductions are unreasonably beautiful, and I'm not just saying that because I had a Wacky Packages fetish when I was a kid. "Hawaiian Punks" has always been my favorite. There is something about the red and green mushed-up glob of a former human being, as he seems to ooze off the sticker, that is just as transfixing to my adult eye as it was to my far less discriminating 10-year-old self.
   
   This is cultural detritus raised to an utterly undeserved level. I feel like tearing all of the pages out and framing them properly. The apocalypse will be arriving when?



2. I was born in Philadelphia and when I was growing up in the 60's, one of my vices was.......Wacky Packages! These fun sticker trading cards were like "crack" to kids in my neighborhood! The twisted parodies were all done by some very famous artist and today the stickers can empty your wallet faster than you can chew bubble gum!
   
   I am a collector of many things and I am also a complete-ist! Which would make collecting these stickers very expensive! I collect Monster and Super Hero statues, figures, magazines, trading cards, films, and way too much more! I also collect other items from my youth and I was going to venture into Wacky packages, but after some research, I found it would be too costly to complete the collection.
   
   There is also a lot you need to know before you start buying/collecting these cards, spotting counterfeits and re-released versions is just part of the chaos and then finding them in good condition from reputable sellers is another.
   
   This book will solve the problem for most nostalgia hunters and definitely for me! The book is laid out so that every sticker is presented on it's own page. The pictures are beautiful and clear and are in order of release separating each series with a divider page. It's a sweeeet little book that measures 7 1/2" tall and 5 3/4" wide and the dust jacket looks like a Wacky Packages wrapper to boot!
   
   This book has very little text and only covers the first 8 series of cards, but it's well worth the price if you like these stickers. I can only hope that there will be a second volume with series 9 through 16 included! I'll buy it and I'm sure anyone who bought this volume will too!



3. This book may be one of the most pointless things I ever needed to have. The production is gorgeous, down to the waxy Topps paper the dustcover is printed on. If you're looking for a lot of scholarly insight it's not here. Art Speigelman's brief intro tells you everything you need to know, the rest is pictures of the stickers. For a designer, this book is pure inspiration - wacky wordplay, pastiche, essence of package design, etc. And the price is terrific.



4. Wacky Packages
   
   This is a great book. It's the next best thing to having a Wacky Packages sticker collection, the image quality is very good. Everything from the creative hardcover design to the wax paper cover and the package of rare stickers...Awesome!



5. This well-executed book has excellent large-size reproductions of the first seven classic Wacky Pack series'. Shot from the original Topps film in most cases, the great artwork by artists Norm Saunders, Jay Lynch et al. is sharp and stunning. If you collected these as a kid, the rush of nostalgia is overwhelming. The intro by Art Speigelman and afterword by Lynch are nice bookends to the cards reproduced within. The only slight disappointment I felt was at the lack of further information on the series' creation and subsequent success. This is only hinted at in the intro and ending essays. I would have found it fascinating to see more rough sketches and at least a few more pages with Topps' insider history and staff anecdotes about these classic cards. That small complaint aside, this is an outstanding pop-culture book.

3 comments about The Official Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide #38 (Official Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide).

1. I have been a comic book collector for over 50 years. During that time I've looked at every price guide ever published. While I get an occasional insight from other sources, I consistently find that the Overstreet annual guides are by far the best source. I also find that collectors of all ages and sophistications rely on this guide so it tells me what the market will be for comics I might want to buy or sell.
   
   Some people feel like they don't need to buy these every year. I disagree!
   
   Even the advertisements are valuable . . . I've found many helpful, low-cost suppliers through these pages over the years.
   
   I especially enjoyed the updated versions of articles about much older comics in this edition. Don't miss them.



2. And I rarely even look at the prices. This is THE reference book for what was published, when, the actual title, which issues feature notable artists, guest appearances, first appearances, origins, major events like weddings and deaths, etc. If you collect comics you need this.



3. A must have for serious comic book collectors. Whether you collect as a hobby or for investment, this is the major authority on comic prices. Overstreet sets a guide line for you to go by when purchasing and selling comic books. I've been a collector for 40 years. Could'nt do without my Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide!

2 comments about 500 Pendants & Lockets: Contemporary Interpretations of Classic Adornments (500 Series).

1. What a pleasure to open a book and be awed by its quality and content, delighted



2. With few exceptions, I enjoy the Lark "500" series of books, Pendants and Lockets is no different. Sticking to the photos only with minimal wording publication concept, this is not a "how to" book it simply showcases a veritable smorgasboard of amazing contemporary designs. The enormous range of materials used to create these pieces is appreciated, nothing seems to have been left out. Of course all the to be expected precious and non precious metals and stones are there, now add plastics, textiles, papers, glass, all the clays, resins and found objects.
   
   Continue with every possible technique you can think of, and then some, with design concepts that for the most part are also extremely wearable ( and yes there are some that leave you with a what the?? feeling )and you have a great book. Make no mistake here, this is contemporary jewellery, don't look here for the traditional or you will be disappointed.
   
   Everypage is a highlight, with Jacqueline Ryans Untitled ( pg 14) gold and enamel pod looking so real it was stunning, Jin a Jung's - A dot of Illusion was incredible, visual illusion of geometric patterns done so well and Karen McCreary's Geode Pendant in Acrylic, gold leaf and silver were both elegant and fluid with stunning colours. These may have stood out for me personally, and I am sure everyone who views this will have favourites too.
   
   Whilst there were some well known artists showcased it was great to see so many new names and better still I had not seen over 95% of the photos before.
   
   I have been left in awe of the designers who have created pieces that challenge your thinking, delight with their interpretations, playful and serious and leave you knowing you have just witnessed Pure Magic. Well done to both Lark and the exceptional job the jurors Mike Holmes and Elizabeth Shypertt have done. This is a book that will be my night time reading for many days ahead.

5 comments about Handbook of United States Coins 2009: The Official Blue Book (Handbook of United States Coins (Paper)) (Handbook of United States Coins (Paper)) (Handbook of United States Coins (Paper)).

1. This handbook (The Blue Book)provides a good target price representing dealer's cost for all the US Coins listed in the corresponding retail value Red Book. Invaluable reference tool for quick evaluation of a seller's coin price markups for the casual collector who doesn't need up to the minute price changes. Use it with the Red Book to establish a range for buying and selling.



2. The Bluebook is an invaluable reference when you are selling coins (along with the Redbook when buying) since it tracks what coin dealers pay for coins. You need to keep in mind that in a "hot" market prices change rapidly which can make the Bluebook "dated" fairly quickly. In any case it does provide a baseline indicating what others have received for coins in specific grades over the past several months giving some indication of what you should receive from a coin dealer.
   
   If you are interested in what you can expect to pay for a coin you want to buy then use the Redbook which tracks the amount dealers charge for coins in specific grades.
   
   The difference between the Redbook and Bluebook indicates the monies retained by dealers for the value they add to collector's trades. So, if you are trading collector-to-collector with no dealer involved, the two references can serve as the high and low bar for the negotiation process.



3. This book is nice to use when you are wanting to sell one of your coins. It would be a better book if it would come in spiral bound so that it is easier to use.



4. While useful and informative and, indeed, a must if you buy coins, this book is quite outdated. Since the price of gold and silver have gone up considerably and change daily, the effect on coins is intense in many cases.
   
   There are several sites online where you can get more up-to-date information. Yet having this handy is a good idea. I like having something near my work area and in my hands so I can quickly look up the information I want. Then I can follow that up by going to one of the Web sites.
   
   -Susanna K. Hutcheson



5. Easy to use
   Contains all information you need to assess any coin
   A wise purchase

5 comments about Bead Romantique: Elegant Beadweaving Designs.

1. I usually like to browse jewelry books at the store before purchasing them, but I couldn't find this one at Barnes and Noble, so I decided to take a chance on it. I'm definitely not disappointed!!! The designs run the gamut from a beaded rivoli Y necklace to a more contemporary lariat to a gorgeous pearl and crystal cuff based around a diamond motif. I would agree with other reviewers that this probably isn't the best book for beginners. I enjoy that the designs incorporate basic wirework, chain, filigree, and wire mesh, in addition to the typical beading. The designs also utilize a variety of stitches (right-angle weave, Ndebele, circular peyote, and so forth), making it a great way to expand your beading skills.



2. As a designer I judge a book by two criteria. First, does it inspire me to think of my own jewelry designs in a new way? Secondly, does it offer enough new techniques to help me further my knowledge and spur me on to add some new tricks to my design repertoire. Lisa's book offers both.
   
   You may be new to the world of beading, nary a thread and bead to hand or you might know every beading stitch under the sun. I believe Bead Romantique has something for every level. The designs range from basic stringing and wire wrapping to complicated right-angle weave.
   
   If you are new to beading, don't fear. There are earring projects to start out with that will help you with the basics. You can build up your skills as you work through the projects in this book. I love that many of the beading projects are small components that repeat and build together to create larger and more complex designs. The mix of chain and brass filigree add depth to the construction of some of the simpler beaded pieces, which is oh so clever!
   
   I'd also recommend this book to someone who is an advanced beader. I could see this adding some creative sparks to those who have seen it all in the world of seed beads. I see quite a few projects that call for size 15 seed beads. (Those are the tiny ones smaller than regular seed beads!) In the beginning of the book Lisa says she wanted to create projects for the intermediate to advanced beaders who are looking for new inspiration.
   
   Another bonus is the historic inspiration behind the jewelry, from the Renaissance period to Art Deco, along with a generous sprinkling of Victorian and Art Nouveau styles, Lisa covers 400 years of art history with style and grace!



3. Well worth the money. Lots of projects to work on. Can't figure out which one I want to start with.



4. Lisa Kan has a wonderful sense of color and design. She brings a lot of elegance to her designs and at the same time makes them very wearable. The enthusiastic beginner can follow her directions and create exactly what's pictured, while the experienced beader can use the pieces as a starting point for their own work. I'm looking forward to making at least half of the items in the book! And as one of those beaders that has a HUGE variety of beads, I really enjoy the different types of beads in the projects.



5. I'll echo the previous lady's comments on it being for a more intermediate / experienced beading person. Designs are great, lots of step by step pictures, I'm sure I'll try at least 5 of the projects in here. This is a wonderful find, not a book you'll pick up for just 1 thing.
   
   In particular, I'd like to let others know that her designs bring together a wide variety of beads. You'll need a few of these, a few a those, 2 colors in size A, 2 colors in size B, some pearls, some crystals, etc. A variety of components bring a much classier and refined look to the overall piece. Love it! Personally I get a sense of accomplishment just pulling together the RIGHT colors and combinations to assemble my "kit" before I begin with material lists like these!
   
   This book is next to my Laura McCabe book on beading with crystals, these two together have a big ol' smile on my face and I'll be happily referring to these two books for many months to come!
   
   She does use some unique findings, a lot of brass/bronze filigree pieces not easy to find. As a silver fan, I'll have to do some reworking of the findings/closures to adapt these patterns to my preferences.

5 comments about 500 Tiles: An Inspiring Collection of International Work (500 Series).

1. EXCELLENT review of many techniques, styles and approaches to clay tiles. Well presented with very good reproduction. A great addition to any potter or artists library. Expanded technical data would make this edition even better, but I still rate it a "9"...



2. This book is a bounty of styles and artistic ideas for what tiles could and may become, with an open mind and some creative techniques. As a beginning ceramicist, this is exactly the sort of thing I was looking for; as I wanted to break out of the traditional 4x4 square and make something wholly unconventional. I wasn't sure if my ideas would work, but after seeing what others have done I am inspired to make my dreams a reality. Thanks to books like these, I can let my imagination run wild and my only limit will be time and creativity.



3. Among the very best of the Lark Books "500" series. Brilliant color and design, not limited to traditional tiles and encouraging to the artist craftsman.



4. I must agree with the previous reviewers, the work in this volume certainly merits "Inspiring" being in the title.
   
   As the juror states in the book's introduction, so much of the fun of this book is seeing the widely varied approaches the artists have taken with this format: figurative, abstract, painterly, sculptural, small-scale, architectural.
   
   Full disclosure: my work is also included (p 409), and I am honored to have been selected and published next to so many visionary artists.
   
   What a pleasure it has been to explore the works contained here, some by artists I know personally, or by reputation, and still others I am encountering for the first time. Highly recommended!



5. At the risk of being self serving (my work is featured on page 411) I have to say as a clay artist in general and more particularly as a tilemaker this collection is inspiring. The depth of styles and techniques used here is incredible; as someone who has to date been primarily using glazes and underglazes, the examples in this book have immediately sent me back to my local clay supplier in search of new ways to express myself in clay. A must have for anyone who aspires to create art through the medium of tile.