5 comments about Pretty Little Things: Collage Jewelry, Trinkets and Keepsakes.

1. I love this book! The photos, illustrations & layout are so pleasing that you forget that it is an instructural book. I love the pages of artwork at the end of the book that I can use in my own creations. I'll have to make color copies since I wouldn't dare cut this pretty little book! Thank you Sally Jean!



2. I am SO surprised by the negative reviews surrounding this book. Are there typographical errors? Sure. Do they detract from the book? Not at all.
   
   The projects are lovely, whimsical, and much copied in the altered art/charm makers world of today. The author is an absolute inspirational delight. Sally Jean was new to me with the purchase of this book... I must admit I was hesitant to purchase Pretty Little Things when I read the scathing reviews left by some here. All of the projects presented are absolutely delightful. The instructions for soldering do leave some "fill in the blank" spaces for me - but I am completely new to this type of art. I'm sure there are those of you who will find them perfectly clear. I would not let my lack of knowledge deter you from purchasing this delightful book.
   
   Uplifting, inspiring, encouraging, and a ray of sunshine for those artists who may sometimes find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer daunting task of creating... this author deserves an A+ for being not only an inspiration but providing everyone with a bit of much needed whimsy in a world full of overwhelming seriousness. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!



3. I checked this out from the library before buying it - and was very happy I had. There are some very good books on creating charms and other trinkets using soldering irons, glass and ephemera - buy one of those. I thought this book was not very entertaining, and even less enlightening about how to do the projects. I don't usually mind books that feature great photos of fun stuff - sometimes I get ideas and that will satisfy me. However, this book seems almost narcissistic and way too cutesy. And this review is written by someone - me - who bought a book about stuffed animals called "The Cute Book" and love it. The finished stuff looks good, but I suspect what you would make using the instructions would be pretty amateur hour looking.



4. Honestly...this is the BEST book I have ever seen. It is perfect and I wish there was a book called More Pretty Little Things!!!!! Even if you don't want to make any of beautiful things in it...buy it!!!! QUICK!!!!! I felt like Sally Jean was writing it just to me..it is magical!!!!!



5. I'm taking her class this June in Portland, Or. and can't wait! Her style is so great and she is an amazing artist with glass, soldering and style. This would be a great book for someone who likes glass arts.

5 comments about 500 Animals in Clay: Contemporary Expressions of the Animal Form (A Lark Ceramics Book).

1. I bought this on a whim and really ended up enjoying the book. I flip back through it often for inspiration.



2. I thought this book did an excellent job providing me with examples of what it title says the book is about: 500 animals in clay. From traditional examples to more modern interpretations, this book contains beautiful single-view photos. I would have appreciated a central photo with a couple alternate views in the sidebars simple because the works are 3-D and should be presented as such. But, I didn't mark them down for that oversight. Oh, and BTW, this is NOT a how-to book. You'll need to look elsewhere for such a reference.
   
   Overall, I was looking for examples that would inspire me with project ideas as I teach an introductory-level ceramics class for high school students. Obviously, some of the techniques aren't possible in my school but I'm not looking to copy what is depicted in the book; merely to show off what is possible in a sculptural presentation.
   
   The photography sells the book. Kudos!



3. I love contemporary art and animal sculptures so I thought that this book would be a great source of inspiration, but it was an absolute disappointment based upon its content. I now understand why the publisher doesn't allow you to preview the book... The cover has a cute rabbit on the cover and that is probably the best piece of art in the book if you are looking for whimsical. I give the publisher credit for great photos and for divulging what was used to create the piece (clay body type, firing range, techniques, glazes, stains). There are a few animals that are magnificent, but the majority did nothing for me... I found the art to be too rustic (lacking detail and form) or too modern (looked contrived as if the artist was trying to mesh subject matter that just do not go together).



4. Just like the title indicates--it is a great selection of ceramic animals by contemporary artists. There is everything from realistic to bizarre interpretations of domestic, wild and farm animals, even includes a few bees. Like other books in the Lark ceramic "500" series, it is not a "how-to" book but rather a varied collection that inspires. A great buy!



5. A good assortment of animals in clay but somewhat disappointing in its scope and styles.
   Good reproduction, but just misses that elusive "something" to make it a really great book for reference.
   Still a good addition to the serious ceramic artist's library.

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

1. Great book - great price. Gave me lots of ideas for my own projects. I was able to create original works using similar ideas to those others had made.



2. 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"...



3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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 comments about Semiprecious Salvage: Creating Found Art Jewelry.

1. This is a great book for ideas on how to do some womderful found art jewelry. It's most entertaining in spite of the sometimes flaky prose incorporated into a story lesson book. If you like to do out of the ordinary pieces. This book is for you.



2. This is a great book. I often buy books for the information and techniques rather than the projects. However, this book has great information and techniques, and great and interesting projects. The little stories before the projects are also a lot of fun to read. I would highly recommend this book!



3. Anyone who loves mixed media art jewelry will thoroughly enjoy this book. Foremost, the projects are spectacular. The instructions are clear and concise with excellent photographs. The inspiration alone, is well worth the cost of the book itself! That's because Ms. Lee takes you on a virtual "expedition" with her as she moves from one project to the next. The overall experience of this book is absolutely fabulous!



4. Inspiring book with great instructions~can't wait to get started on one of the many projects!



5. I found the ideas and projects presented in this book to be fun. While I have not done any of the projects as yet, my metal group is planning a fun day workshop with this book as our inspiration.

5 comments about Mixed-Media Mosaics: Techniques and Projects Using Polymer Clay Tiles, Beads & Other Embellishments.

1. I was very pleased with this book and so was my husband. Very interesting to read, lots of helpful information, and not cutesy girly stuff either. My husband took up mosaics and was really disgusted with the painfully cheap designs and projects in most of the mosaic books, much less the obscure directions. You could put this book in the category of home remodeling or fine arts, and it would stand well - the technical information was that good. We both really appreciated the format and the quality. Great pictures, too.



2. I absolutely love this artist and her book - the photos and instructions are beautiful and clearly detailed - I am embarking on a new journey into the art of making clay tile and assemblages, and the ideas presented in this book have been fantastic - I have already started ordering supplies from the recommended vendors and am so excited about incorporating these ideas and techniques into my own creations!



3. This is one of the few inspiring and how-to books I've come across in a while. Many have claims and teasers on the outside but this one actually gives the reader the complete background and foundation with which to springboard the techniques for use in the artist's work. Highly recommended!



4. I purchased this book to make a mirror for a 6th grade class project. I've never worked with polymer clay before so I was a little nervous. The directions were easy to follow and the end result was amazing. Our family plans on doing a mirror at our next family reunion for the grandparents. It was fun, easy and once you start you'll want to keep making more and trying different techniques.



5. This book will make you smile at every page. So many fun ideas that it gives you the inspiration to get going.

5 comments about Alternative Kilns & Firing Techniques: Raku * Saggar * Pit * Barrel (A Lark Ceramics Book).

1. I am so glad I bought this book! It has so many illustrations and gives clear and easy to understand directions on how to build different types of kilns. I hope we will build our own raku kiln! The other techniques in the book were so interesting, I can't wait to try them!



2. I was very glad to get this book for several reasons. Jan Lee had some illustrations, and directions included and I am a big fan of her work. Also, I plan to do some of the Pit firing this summer in the mountains and the directions were clear and exciting.



3. I really like this book. The directions are clear and easy to understand. The pictures are great! I borrowed this book from a friend and immediately ordered it for myself.



4. As I perused this book, I got excited to build my own kiln, to use unique kinds of firing techniques and experiment. It will be like Christmas with each try. I love the ideas and encouragement.



5. This is a great book on raku. it gives different views from different artists. The photography is good and shows many alternative ways to finish one's pottery other then the traditional glazing and firing. This book is a must for a potters reference bookcase.

5 comments about Collage Discovery Workshop.

1. I am in a collage class at school and found this book a perfect supplement for all my collage projects. There is a variety of tricks- everything from different techniques for backgrounds and ways to transfer images to your collage. Plus the book itself is beautifully done. Nothing makes my heart twitter more than a fantastic collage...



2. . . . . there was paper and glue. This book is a "must" buy for the beginning artist who has decided to explore the world of collage. It has very simple explanations of incredible techniques that you can learn quickly and use over and over. You will find your favorites, but don't be afraid to try all of them.
   
   I also recommend this for "young" budding artists.



3. I just so love this book. It gets straight to the point, It is incredibly detailed plus for beginners like myself who are new to collage it makes perfect sense.



4. Book was in great conditon, but I purchased the book for a project and by the time it came... we were done with the project.



5. Without a question Claudine gives great advice and instruction in this book. Lots of ideas for scrapbooking, collage and just crafty folks. I would definitely recommend her other book "Beyond the Unexpected" as well. She also has DVDs that are awesome for those of us who learn by watching. She's a hoot!

5 comments about Perspective Without Pain.

1. Great reference for learning the art of perspectives. Gave detailed illustrations, step by step, in addition to the background and details of what goes into developing art in perspective.



2. Took a college class on perspective and bought this book to help. Found I got more help and understanding from the book than the class. Highly recommend you buy a copy. Makes you want to go out and draw in perspective. Can't give higher praise than that!



3. Very good and to the point.
   Use it as explained and you will really learn a lot and in a fun way.
   Enjoy!



4. although this book was helpful, it does teach and give lessons, i found i got more out of learning perspective from a book called vanishing point by jason cheeseman-meyer.



5. This book is quite useful in its simplicity. I can almost use it as a direct guide while I draw.

5 comments about The Complete Guide to High-Fire Glazes: Glazing & Firing at Cone 10 (A Lark Ceramics Book).

1. I bought this book at the request of my sister-in-law who is a potter. It was recommended to her by another potter. She loves it.



2. I found that this book it is very useful and cohomprensive in parts of firing and recipes. There are beutiful pictures; but i find it is not so fluing in the exposition it could be more astonoshing with all the new about the recipes.
   If are a novice I think you could also buy another books to introduce you better in the world of making your own glazes more satifing( it is the The Ceramic Spectrum: A Simplified Approach to Glaze and Color DevelopmentHopper book on glazes spectrumThe Ceramic Spectrum: A Simplified Approach to Glaze and Color Development).



3. Very happy with this purchase. The recipes are all laid out and organized very well. Easy to find what you're looking for and lots of good pictures.



4. The Complete Guide to High-Fire Glazes: Glazing & Firing at Cone 10 (A Lark Ceramics Book) (Purchased on 01/02/2008)
   
   The book has tons of information very useful for a beginner potter and or a professional. Simple to use and has a variety of exercises to follow. Explains very well and has lots of images that makes it easy to comprehend, a must have as a text book.



5. This is a brilliant book with great technical information and fabulous pictures. Most importantly for me though is getting good glaze recipes that have materials that are easily found or can be adapted to what I have. I have trialled many recipes in this book and have found good success. John Britt writes well and gives good firing information. Also most helpful is where he shows the same glaze used on different types of clay, this is a critical factor in the success of any glaze so a most important point that needs to be shown.
   If you are wanting to learn about glazing, then this book is a must for you. If you follow through each section and test as many of the glazes as possible, and follow the different firing methods, you will at the end have a comprehensive understanding of glazes and firing.

5 comments about The Complete Guide to Altered Imagery : Mixed-Media Techniques for Collage, Altered Books, Artist Journals, and More.

1. When I get the book it was a little bit different than what I though it would be. But I really like it, it's very artistic.



2. This book is fabulous! And, it has some really easy and fast creative journaling and collage techniques. It made me jump up and begin making stuff. I've had fun experimenting with the ideas, and love the beautiful pictures. I just had to have it in my collection and I was truly pleased!



3. I truly enjoyed this book. It has a number of mixed media types of collage exercises that were a lot of fun, and very different from other books of this type. I highly recommend this book to all levels of ability. It's fun.



4. I have wanted to try my hand at altered art for awhile, so I bought this book and let me tell you I have already tried several of the techniques and love the results. It made the process less intimadating. There are great photos and ideas.



5. A single image naturally gives birth to a variety of amended, reworked and even wholly dissimilar creations, all dependent upon the mind of the viewer. This is the mechanism that propels creativity. Along side the ability to absorb and value artwork for it's its existence alone, the art watcher's analytical process is a reflex, an autonomic firing of synapses that creates a compare/contrast session: what is it - why is it - how did it come about - is there a message or messages here - am I comfortable with the execution of the idea - do I need to be comfortable - what would I have done differently - on what level do I interact with this piece - what will it mean tomorrow or next year - do I want to use this idea as a piece of foundation for my own work - do I want to run screaming - is it o.k. to hate this - how can I have this kind of experience, and so on. Because the human mind so naturally filters, interprets, alters and uses the information it gathers with a unique series of parameters, it seems quite natural that someone (or many someones) would recognize this fact and write it all down in a user friendly format for the rest of us to admire. Conventionally, these authors have something to do with the psychology and sociology world. Mixed-media artist, teacher and entrepreneur Karen Michel has thrown her two cents into the fray by writing the relevant, interesting and non-intimidating reference The Complete Guide to Altered Imagery.
   
   
   Books like Michel's allow people to do what few artists race to admit - namely, to "cheat.". It is for this very reason that I bought her book. Like millions of other folks, I hate to be caught tracing, copying, recycling or borrowing material. When I pick up a ruler to draw a straight line I can sense the immense and crushing disapproval of real artists, alive or otherwise, as they curl a collective purist lip in my direction. Paranoia perhaps, but we all know that one person who will insist on collecting wild wode and nettles from a rainy mountainside because using azure and turquoise ink from a bottle is lowering one's standards. In particular I found the author's chapters on the versatility of transparencies helpful. Her suggestions for making negatives from acetate and processing them with photo developers is one I will incorporate into my own work.