5 comments about Art Making, Collections, and Obsessions: An Intimate Exploration of the Mixed-Media Work and Collections of 35 Artists.

1. This is beautifully done and inspirational - the artists featured are wonderful and the information is interesting - I recommend this book for those who love objects and the world of mixed media design. Kartika



2. I found this book to be an emotional book. Although this isn't the type of art I enjoy, I am drawn to look thru it from time to time and usually am stimulated to get going on a project or get something brewing in my brain. You will either love or hate this book. I guess I love it because of what it produces...go figure.



3. Great pictures, just the kind of eclectic stuff I love. The written part seems entirely superfluous--actually, I read every word and all were apt, it's just that I bought the book for the visuals and that's what I remember and go back to and wish there were even many many more of.



4. I have always loved the work of Lynne Perrella, but she has outshone even herself by compiling this book of artists from the same ilk as herself.
   Being a compulsive collecter and an artist myself, this book was irrestible and to see what other artists collect is both engaging and delicious at the same time!
   Congratulations to Lynne Perrella for this wonderful book. I have already researched several of the artists listed and to see their websites unfold is truly a delight...thanks!



5. I recently stated that I shouldn't buy any book without "Look Inside." I did and everyting is beautiful. The description is not deceptive but if you are looking for directions for projects, which I thought would be included but I didn't read closely, you will be disappointed. Perhaps I shouldn't rate the book so low because it is beautiful but I just didn't want another book by all of the greats reflecting. If you love to read reflections you should scoop up this book.

5 comments about Encyclopedia Of Mosaic Techniques: A Step-by-step Visual Directory, With An Inspirational Gallery Of Finished Works (Encyclopedia of Art Techniques).

1. The book has very nice pictures, but I didn't liked the organization and I must say that as a begginer I couldn't start any project with this book. Perhaps for advanced learners...



2. I have been planning mosiac borders for over my sinks in my bathroom. While I had an idea of what I wanted to do, just scanning this book gave me far more ideas to consider than I would have been able to conceive on my own, especially on the flow and arrangement of individual tiles. While I'm a beginner, what I have come up with is a winner.



3. 1. For a novice mosaic artist, the encyclopedic format of techniques might be frustrating. As a resource book, it seems the user would be better served if the info was organized according to categories & sequentially, rather than alphabetically.
   
   2. A more experienced mosaic artist will expect a great deal more content in a book entitled "encyclopedia". I would be willing to pay more for a seriously comprehensive book on this subject.
   
   3. More historical references, with photos of ancient mosaics, would be a logical addition. There were references to these, but only a few examples. In one case, a highly descriptive reference is made to a Roman mosaic of a woman, but no photo? Photos of ancient mosaics are great sources of inspiration for projects.
   
   4.Some of the references to ceramic tile are misleading. This book isn't meant to be a tile encyclopedia, but we should use the correct terms for the tiles used in mosaic art work. For instance; beginning on Types of Tesserae page 28, the mosaic tesserae that are identified throughout the book as Unglazed Ceramic & Glazed Ceramic, are, in fact, Unglazed Porcelain Ceramic and Glazed Porcelain Ceramic, respectively. On the same page, Glazed Ceramic Tile is identified correctly. This could create confusion to those unfamiliar with types of tile and their intended use.
   
   There is a big difference between Porcelain Tile and Ceramic Tile.
   
   Porcelain tile is composed of the same basic elements (clay) as ceramic tile, but has added minerals and slightly different production methods that make it much more dense & durable than ceramic tile. Porcelain tile is produced unglazed or glazed; and is generally used for high traffic and exterior applications because of its durability.
   
   Generally speaking, ceramic tile is made of clay and it is almost always glazed - the "body" of ceramic tile just isn't usually sturdy enough or attractive enough to be left un-glazed. Glazed tiles are often decorative and can be handpainted with glazes, resulting in an endless variety of available designs & colors.
   
   There are misleading statements with regard to the stain resistance of ceramic tile. Glazed Ceramic Tile does not stain (that's one point of the impervious glass glaze), unless the glazed surface is seriously compromised in some manner by age or wear. In this case, staining agents could migrate beneath the glaze through fractures in the glaze and cause staining under the glaze.
   
   Unglazed porcelain mosaic tiles can stain if left unsealed, because they are not protected by a kiln fired glass glaze.
   
   Perhaps some of the confusion is related to cultural differences between the American English and British English languages. British & American terminology on the subject of tile does seem to differ slightly. An American reader could misinterpret.
   
   Always research the tile you plan to use for your projects, especially on commissioned projects. Don't rely on craft "how to" books for your information. Ask the dealer/distributor or manufacturer for product specifications and ask what the features & limitations are for the tile - areas of concern: frost resistance (exterior), water absorption (pools/spas), glazed or unglazed (dirt & oil resistance). This information is available in product brochures and on mfr websites - look for technical data.
   
   5. There is an over abundance of projects using glass - perhaps the authors favorite medium.
   
   6. Photos of finished projects (making templates, etc) in addition to the small step by step photos, would be very useful to help visualize the objective of the project.



4. This book is one that should be on the shelf of any and all mosaic artists. More likely, they will be found in use on desktops and workshops. From some basic history of mosaic art to actual technique and fundamental information for creating your own mosaic masterpiece, this book has it all. I loved the many images that were inspirational and informative. Overall, I loved this book and would recommend to artists interested in mosaic.



5. I found this book to be an excellent primer for the person getting started in mosaics. The various techniques are well illustrated with easy to understand text. I found the designs interesting, colorful, and the type I could put to use. All of this is laid out in a spiral bound book that lays flat for easy reading and reference. I own several books on mosaics, but this one is my favorite.

4 comments about Clean Cartoonists' Dirty Drawings.

1. Very mild compared to todays porn. Mostly female nudes done tastefully and very few males. I saw more naked people at Seattle's Fremont Parade than I saw in this book. It was a great book for learning about clean cartoonists.



2. This book is just what the title offers; a very nice collection of early 1900's era dirty cartoons from some of the worlds most famous cartoonists including surprises from creators like Charles Schulz (creator of Peanuts) and Jack Kirby (creator of the X-Men, Fantastic Four, Hulk, Thor, etc.). As a self-proclaimed pervert I thoroughly enjoyed the drawings in this book, my only complaint, and thus the 4 out of 5 stars, is that each cartoonist features only a page at most of their work. While this allows the book to collect a prolific number of creators, I would have liked to see a full strip or story; I guess I'm just a sucker for a plot.



3. A book of cartoonists offbeat drawings-including risque, and glamour drawings by such artists as milton caniff(terry and the pirates), chuck jones(bugs bunny),ham fisher(joe palooka) and al capp(li'l abner among others. A good book if you are interested in cartoons or comic book art.



4. I'd been waiting for this book for a long time, reading about it on the web site, and anticipating it anxiously. I wasn't disappointed.
   
   It's a tricky topic and I can see how it could easily have been mishandled. Make it too dirty and people are offended. Make it too clean and they're disappointed. I think Craig has achieve the perfect balance of showing the work of familiar cartoonists whom we know from the funny pages and the comic books, and giving us just a peek at what they draw for themselves in their private moments.
   
   Art schools are full of nude models in life drawing classes, so it should come as no surprise that most artists have drawn an unclad female at one time or another. The fun is in seeing drawings like this from the pen of well-known cartoonists who specialize in family-friendly material. It's a novelty that in no way detracts from their vast body of work but shows them as rather human.
   
   I also have to mention the beautiful production. You don't usually find such high-quality paper and printing in a book at this price point. The cover alone is impressive, gorgeously printed with embossing and spot varnish. A real art book kind of treatment, nicely designed and executed.
   
   I'm looking forward to the next volume!

5 comments about Collage Techniques: A Guide for Artists and Illustrators.

1. I was very disapointed in this book. I was under the impression that it would not only be instructive but that all of the work in it would be Gerald Brommer's. It was neither.



2. This is a good book for beginner and intermediate collage artists. It contains basic historical and theoretical information, as well as basic application techniques. You may also consider Nita Leland and Virginia Lee Williams' book CREATIVE COLLAGE TECHNIQUES. The techniques are challenging and open ended, so they truly encourage you to be creative.



3. This is the best reference available as at this date on collage. It is also one of the most inspiring art books I have read. I cannot recommend it more highly. The artworks provided as examples are of the highest quaility. Thank you, Gerald Brommer.



4. What I particularly liked was that all the illustrations were of first rate work.So many different approaches. An excellent text and motivational advice on materials and the object of collage as a genuine artistc outlet.



5. Brommer approaches collage from an fine art point of view. Most other books I have looked at tend more toward the scrapbook and/or kitchy altered art genre. He has an excellent section on art paper preparations and basic design.

4 comments about The Artful Storybook: Mixed-Media Artists Create Handmade Tales.

1. I bought this book on the premise that I would see a couple of good interpretations of the Princess and the Pea fairytale plus other innovative arty book ideas based on popular tales. Instead I got what seems to be an overworked trend : no new illustrative/modern design qualities but loads of overcrowded ephemera collage and vintage bits and pieces.Somehow the concept of storybook and fairytale has shifted to personalised journaling ("Hunter's 10th Birthday")which has the same appeal as being made to sit through someone else's holiday slide night or scrapbooking projects, unless,in this case,you are Hunter's owner.Been there, seen that.These are not children's storybooks or tales. It's a pity that some really great ideas in this book are sacrificed by the
   paste/stamping/photo album presentations that are as old and tired as the images used in them. There are some original items in here that do depart from this -Knitting is the passion of Sarah Flocks, Hansel and Gretel.Does everything else have to look worn or vintage or recycled? It's time to move on!



2. The first thing that drew me to this book was the project on the cover. Already having other books by Terry Taylor, and especially loving Artful Paper Dolls: New Ways to Play with a Traditional Form I was curious what projects lay inside this book. Already having mixed media and home book binding experience I didn't find any truely new techniques but there are many pages of inspiration.
   
   The project on the cover, The Queen of Tarts, has already got me thinking, as well as the retelling of Hansel and Gretel. Seeing how the artists worked has helped me give direction to one of my projects.
   
   If you have other books by Terry Taylor this will go nicely with them. Looking for a gift for an artist old or young combine this book with the paper doll book or Altered Art: Techniques for Creating Altered Books, Boxes, Cards & More and let the creative juices flow!



3. This is a MUST HAVE in your art library! Many well known artists come together to show you there own kick of well known story books. I am a long time follower of Catherine Moore and Sandra Evertson and both have rose to the occasion as expected! This book shows you some simple book making techniques as well as ideas for your own books to make. LOTS of eye candy as well as how to's and ins and outs of book making. I made my first hand made book following the simple instructions and am truely pleased with the results! Next i am going to try my own style doll book! This is a good book to sit and relax and take your time and read and get inspired!!! WELL DONE! Buy this book then go make your own to cherish!



4. I Love Catherine Moore's stamp and art paper collection, I own them all and I am not even a doll person. She has a fresh look and an incredible imagination. The book met up with the cover. All the artists books in there are fantastic! Catherine and Terry Taylor(author) live up to there expertise they are known for.
   This book is a look at many artists and how everyone constructed a childrens fairy tale book. Their lay out, plans,color choice, etc. You get a great glimpse on how they all completed their books.
   As Terry says curl up for a nice bed time story, you get that as well as an an important art book that one must have for technique. I found as a quilter this was really good for me on balance, value and colors. You don't often see that in all the "art books" being made. These people are experts at their craft. They are all wonderful. The stories they chose and fantastic display of simple book making looking difficult.

5 comments about Magic Eye: A New Way of Looking at the World.

1. I really love these books. I am fascinated by the technique used to get the 3-d affect. I have everyone out.



2. Images with an embedded three-dimensional image fascinate me. For a long time, I was unable to discern the interior image, but when I was finally able to do so, I was hooked. This collection of 22 images kept me busy for several hours as I went stared at each page until the image appeared. When you look at these pages from a distance, the colors appear to be ordered, but not structured. It is only when you look at it the right way that the true image appears. If you enjoy figures with embedded three-dimensional images, then this is a book that you will appreciate.



3. Yep, the first time those seemingly random sqiggles of color in Magic Eye leap into formation and you're staring down at an object under all that chaotic visual mess...it's a magic moment for sure. These books are a lot of fun and worth the effort it takes to get the knack of how to do it. It took me a few tries before I saw anything here, so if at first you don't succeed, stay with it because it's worth it.



4. If humans were truly telepathic, there would be little need to explore the ruminations of impressions that identify and create the discourse that produces harmony, vision, and processes that enable man to live together. What we think we see in another's actions is often unrelated to their actual thinking, and hence, the value of interaction is of great importance to humans. By having multiple options of movement, to be influenced by impressions, experiences, and by learning means that the quality and quantity of interactions always carries different meanings to different people, being measured or scrutinized by subjective means as they always are. Therefore, contextual science is inherent in achieving progress, the slow laborious process of acquiring common ground of meaning, objective, and resolution in any interaction, however brief. Since that requires a good bit of reading people's behavior, and processing intent, from the perspective of the "other" external to oneself, conjecture and breath of conjecture provides ample opportunity for success or mistake. The chipping away process of illusions to reach the depth of meaning and significance is a large part of what makes the content of human life. As if the graph existed that placed everyone upon a spectrum of spacial plots, some would be expected to be closer than others, which may or may not reflect the ideal, but may be more related to any given point in time, and attention.



5. This visual manipulation is sort of fun to engage in with youngsters who seem to have more enthusiasim for this 3-D -eye-foolery. When I read this book with my children years ago I didn't seem to have the patience to sit and stare at a bunch of randomly placed dots and come up with the correct image. I used to look at these things and start hallucinating and concocting images that were NOT there! If I waited long enough a younger, brighter mind would correct me and show me the real image. It got to be more fun than the book to see what I thought I saw. I swear sometimes I just never saw what I was supposed to see. Luckily they give you the "answers" on another page so you can cheat and look for what is supposed to just jump out at you. Maybe my eye was untrainable? This book is sort of fun for a break in activities with children but watch out for the dots before your eyes, you just might see them after the pages are removed from your vision. Fun at a certain level(and frustrating) but there are many more entertaining books out there.

5 comments about 1000 Journals Project.

1. If you have ever kept a visual journal or are thinking of starting one this book is a real inspiration



2. This was seriously a huge disappointment. I was hoping to see interesting art journal pages, but instead I found uninspiring, un-interesting journal pages. If you want to see what other average (mostly non-artistic) peoples' art journals look like, then read this book. But if you want to look at cool, exciting, interesting, artistic pages, then keep on looking...you won't want to see these more than once. I read this book once and immediately knew I would never look at it again. It's going on eBay sometime soon.



3. This is a very interesting piece, and an even better conversation piece. Leave it out at a party for your friends and family to view and then discuss. My girlfriend has a couple pages in this book. T.Z. Take a look!
   Enjoy!



4. After seeing the film doc I was excited to order the book to see many other entries that were made in the many journals.
   A simple little image book...lovely, I was surprised by the added feature of stitching on many pages...really made it feel like more of a homemade piece.
   
   If you're in to visual journals, buy this book! (It's priced way under value too.) Love it! So many ideas form so many people.
   
   Thanks "some guy"!



5. A wonderful book for those who think they have nothing to say, be it written or visual. All beginner journalist should take a good look at this book and take heart that you too can add to the conversation of art.
   If you wanted to say something to yourself and didn't know where to start, a journal is a great place to begin. You can look at this book and think, this is just someone elses ramblings, but it is the structure of someones unique thoughts on paper. Jump around inside 1000 Journals Project and elevate your own mind. Grab a pen, paint, crayons, whatever, and using this book start on your own journey. Many happy enteries.

5 comments about Mosaic Techniques & Traditions: Projects & Designs from Around the World.

1. This book creates instant inspiration the moment you open it. When I need the "Juices" to get going, I take 20 minutes to browse through this wonderful book and I'm ready to start a new project!



2. I had the good fortune to take a class with Sonia King. She is very talented and has a wealth of informaton which she shares very effectively in her book. Not quite like taking the class - but the next best thing if you can't meet her in person. The book is very inspirational and informative.



3. Para una autodidacta como yo, ha sido fantástico poder contar con este libro, en el cual la autora entrega todos sus conocimientos, tanto de historia, materiales y técnicas. Es un libro completo y didáctico.



4. Great book with wonderful pictures. While techniques and methods are shown, the projects are a bit advanced, so I wouldn't recommend it for complete beginners. Other than that, a very good book.



5. This is a very complete book about mosaics. Contains historic and up to date information about the world of mosaics. Contains advices, projects and recommendations. If you are interested in this art you shouldn't missed it.

5 comments about Metal Clay In A Day.

1. The artist covers aspects of metal clay from beginner to advanced, with tips that reveal secrets that often are left out by other authors or instructors. If your looking for a metal clay book that will allow you to create objects of art and explain the details, then this is the book for you. The artist is well known for her work in PMC and uses this book to explain in detail (visuals are also GREAT) the techniques used to create jewelry from an elementary level to an advanced level. I highly recommend this book for every artist interested in creating metal clay jewelry and art objects.



2. Techniques are wonderfully written in a step by step visual instruction format. Easy to understand from beginning metal clay through detailed finished jewelry. Persons of all levels of skill will find this book helpful.



3. Having already had the fortune to attend one of Tammy Garner's Metal Clay classes in person, I can say that reading her book "Metal Clay in a Day" is just like having her in the room with you, passing on helpful tips and techniques to create fantastic metal clay jewelry! The book takes away any intimidation a beginner might have about working with metal clay, because the projects are well laid out, don't take very long to do, and look great when they're done. I was particularly impressed with her tips on everything from where to buy practical yet inexpensive tools, to finding unusual textures for clay stamping all over your house (she made a beautiful pendant simply using the texture of a toothpaste cap!). This book will leave you eager to get your hands on some metal clay to try her projects out yourself.



4. Whether you are a first time user of precious metal clay or
   familiar with the medium; you will enjoy this book. The projects are well
   illustrated and clearly presented. Tammy's insistence on finding what's around the house to use in her work will have you looking at your surroundings in a whole new way!
   The "Tips" were overall my favorite part of the book. Tammy shares tips and hints to make your work better. Everyone will learn something new.
   Projects, tips, a fun writing style all make this a great introduction to precious metal clay the no muss, no fuss way. Good Job!



5. The 27 clever projects in Garner's book will definitely inspire you to give metal clay a try. Even someone (like myself) who doesn't have a lot of experience working with this material won't feel intimidated to give these projects a try. The step-by-step photos are large and easy to follow along with the well-written instructions. Another plus, the projects in this book are beautifully designed and don't require a lot of special tools, etc. to complete. After reading the basics section, I feel comfortable with torch-firing some pieces and skipping the purchase of a kiln for now. Although the bracelet on the cover is wonderful, I would have to say my favorite project is the "totally tubular necklace", which I can't wait to try. If you're interested in metal clay but are a little unsure about how to get started, this is the book for you!
   
   Kim Cavender, author of "Polymer Clay For the Fun of It"

5 comments about Celebrate Your Creative Self.

1. Book recommended by my art teacher. Good for artists wanting different ideas on how to use acrylics. Jackie



2. I love this book! I am a "self taught" painter. I'd been struggling with new ideas...didnt know how to acheive what I wanted. I saw this book and decided to give it a looksee. I am extemely happy with it. It answered many of my questions and I am back on the creative road.



3. Celebrate Your Creative Self: Over 25 Exercises to Unleash the Artist Within
   Have not had time to use a lot of the activities, but there seems to be some really creative acitivies that interest me.



4. I really like this book. I own it and have given it as a gift to many of my artist friends and students. It has great idea starters that are open ended enough to allow for creative license. I also really like the spiral binding that allows the book to lay flat while refering to some of the techniques.



5. It was a very inspiring book. Lot's of great photos of artist work. I am an oil painter and still found it helpful and inspiring.