No comments about Antonio Lopez.

No comments about Chinese Sculpture.

5 comments about Origami Sea Life (Origami).

1. The finished models in this book are great, they are clearly identifiable species, not just generic fish, crabs, etc.
   What really makes the book stand out, however, are the folding sequences. The steps flow with a natural rythm, and every tricky step is clearly explained. Because the authors have created unique bases for each model, the results of a given step are often pleasantly surprising.
   I have a pile of origami books, and this is my favorite so far by a pretty wide margin. When I finish folding everything in it, I will probably fold them all again because they are so much fun.



2. This superb book contains an enormous range of origami models representing various forms of sea life. These range from sea urchins and starfish through to the Blackdevil Angler Fish and the almost impossible to fold Chambered Nautilus Shell. I have in my time folded most of the models and my favourites include the Angler Fish, Goldfish and the Murex shell which is wonderful in a textured foil.
   
   Most of the models will require some folding experience, even the easier ones and the most difficult ones like the Atlantic Purple Sea Urchin and Blackdevil Angler Fish are really for experts only, but most folders of intermediate level and upwards will find something to enjoy. It is definitely a book which will help you to develop your folding skills but be sure to have plenty of paper on hand!
   
   Each section includes an interesting introduction to the natural history of the life forms it is covering and the book is well laid out with clear computerised diagrams. It's an origami book I've come back to again and again over the years and which remains one of my treasures. I recommend it.



3. I've owned this book for a number of years and only recently have I been able to fold most of the creatures in it. This book is definitely not for greenhorns, but if you look closely at every single diagramme in the book, and interpret them exactly and are very careful, every model in the book is foldable. The end result is gorgeous paper sea creatures that can impress basically anyone--yourself included. I've been amazed at how beautiful the things I'm folding from this book turn out.



4. This is one of my favorite Origami books ever. If you are thinking about getting it you should. This book will appeal to any body, from beginner to advanced. I love the models in this book. It contains various models of many genera and cover many of the marine phylums such as variety of gastropods, cephalodops, crustaceans, and many fish from Angler Fish to sharks to Sun fish.



5. This book is well written with easy to understand diagrams. The models range from easy to extremly hard, but most of the animals are high intermediate.Most of the diagrams are so specialized that they can't make other models from the base, but the end result is an elegant model that isn't bulky like other models of this difficulty. I have most of Montroll's and Lang's work,and this is one of the best.The deep sea angler fish is my favorite with a full set of teeth. The binding is breaking apart because I've used it so much. Overall this is a book with the best models!
   (Watch the binding of the Dover books!)

3 comments about Facet Cutters Handbook (Gembooks).

1. The book was interesting but not as informative as I had hoped. Some of the info was too "clinical" and not really what I would expect from a Handbook. When I write a handbook it contains step by step instructions for anyone to pick it up and not be confused. I was hoping for some pointers or where to obtain tools such as dop sticks. It was a good buy though.



2. Informative, you need to be advanced in your craft in order to use this book.



3. This was the first faceting book I obtained, even before owning a faceting machine! From the moment I started reading I understood. This is a (sadly) a fairly unique state of affairs for books relating to crafts and hobbies. Edward Soukup assumes no prior knowledge and explains everything in simple, down-to-earth terminology. He covers all the aspects of faceting that a beginner needs to know from materials & tools to dopping techniques, and from a standard brilliant cut (extremely detailed instructions) to more difficult cuts. Some excellent hints at the end, together with handy tables. So much packed into such a small volume. If you have the Vargas book(s) then this will make your collection complete. Don't start faceting without it!

No comments about Land Art (Basic Art).

5 comments about Modeling in Wax for Jewelry and Sculpture (Jewelry Crafts).

1. A bit disapointed by this book. I guess so many books now have great photos and are put together so well that an old fashioned style manual like this just doesn't inspire. I'm sure it's full of really useful stuff, but the format is so off putting that I can't be bothered to read it. A really good, modern book on wax carving with lots of interesting projects is long overdue..



2. Informative book with many photographic examples of the instructions.
   I enjoyed putting some of the methods into practice. Was well laid out with a broad choosing of projects.
   A good intro to medium level instruction book.



3. Complete and easy read a great place to start.



4. I wish I had this book when I first started to sculpt figures in wax. I would have saved myself a lot of time and agrivation. I would have also saved myself quite a bit of money by using good tequniques, and in that respect alone this book would pay for itself. If you are just getting into wax sculpture, this book would lay a very strong foundation from which to build your skills.



5. I got this book after making jewelry for 3 years and lost wax casting for 6 months. Boy, did I learn a lot! The projects are truly outstanding. They show a wide variety of techniques and styles. Try each one even if it's not a style you're really big on - I did and found neat ways to do things I wanted to do that I hadn't managed before. I require this as a text for all my apprentices who do casting.

5 comments about Woodcarving: Tools, Material & Equipment, Volume 1.

1. This book is well written and easy to read. A lot of books by woodworkers or contractors are hard to read but this one is an easy read. Its' very informative but its' not enough for a beginner to read and start carving. It only covers information about the materials needed to start carving. It is still good for a beginner to read as it has a lot of good material about the tools and materials. It really opened my eyes to a lot of possibilities.



2. This ought to be within reach if you love to carve in wood. Plenty of illustrations and easy to understand text. Having this book would keep you from having to own a lot of other related material. It covers it all, especially with vol.2.



3. Very comprehensive set about carving tools equipment etc.
   Both books tohether really gives you all you will need to know to get started and going the rest of your life...
   Chris Pye is very thorough in his writing with high attention to detail, as can be witnessed in his other books also.



4. i have both of chris pye's books, and i belong to his web page. his books are well written and illustrated, and are well worth the money. not only do you have the advantage of his writtings, but he is one of the few pros that you can send an email to and get a response. pro woodcarvers can be snobs. whether you are an experienced carver or a beginner his books are great and he is always very helpful.



5. THIS BOOK IS A TRUUE MUST HAVE. I DID NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE CARVING PART OF WOODWORKING. BEING THIS MY FIRST BOOK I TRULY KNEW WHAT TO GO AFTER, WHAT I WANTED AND HOW TO GET THE BEST OF IT. WILL HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS READ BEFORE VENTURING.

No comments about Wangechi Mutu: A Shady Promise.

2 comments about Form Emphasis for Metalsmiths.

1. I have to say that this book isn't for everyone. It is for the person that enjoys learning some new info on things that one takes for granted. In conjunction with their avocation. Since it was published in 1978 some of the information at first glance may seem a rehash of the basics. That is far from the truth, The author does go over the things like the role of the formal shells, soldering,raising, planishing, layouts, tubing, hinges and linkages. In each of the sections or chapters he does go into things in somewhat more detail than the more modern books.Having been in metalsmithing off and on for over 40 years. Since high school I learned more from this book than I have from some classes I have taken over the years. The surface enrichment,refinement and finishing chapter and the one on the spout. Were of interest if for no other reason it pointed out things I never thought of in regards to the design of the opening in the spout. Having only made items with a spout for general shop work. No tea services ect. But the info will still work.
   The art work is done by the author and are numerous. Since he was doing the drawing they reflect what he was thinking to a fine point. The pictures are in the style of the 70's brightly lit black and white. Each chapter has definitions of all things described. The glossary at the end of the book is illustrated with the drawings of the author ,the generic terminology,alternative terminology and etymological origins.
   Having heard,and read all the artsy,2 dollars words thrown about by people that have no idea what they mean in relationship to the forms they are describing. It was a enjoyable read and I do own it.



2. it was a good book to read through but not buy alltogether

1 comments about The Way Toys Work: The Science Behind the Magic 8 Ball, Etch A Sketch, Boomerang, and More.

1. This book is excellent. I'd like to think my grandson will grow up to be an engineer based on his love of how things are put together and what makes them work. The Way Toys Work is easy to understand while providing lessons in an enjoyable atmosphere.