No comments about Sculpture as Experience.

1 comments about Primitive and Folk Jewelry [over 1,900 illustrations].

1. Lots and lots of great ethnic jewelry images - BUT they are very small, and many of the pages are laid out horizonally, making you have to keep rotating the book as you are flipping through it. I would suggest holding out for a used copy.

No comments about Breaking the Rules: Audrey Flack, a Retrospective, 1950-1990.

5 comments about Sandcastles: Great Projects: From Mermaids to Monuments.

1. The pictures that are there are somewhat nice, but most sculptures are only shown from one angle, which doesn't give you much idea of how they were constructed. There are no pictures at all of the sculptures in progress, and not much in the way of pictures of human hands manipulating tools to demonstrate how such things are done.
   
   The instructions are far worse. They are, LITERALLY, as such- "To sculpt a dragon and a castle, pile up a big pile of sand. carve into a castle. pile up more sand. carve into a dragon." I wish I were kidding. "Thank you, Captain Obvious."
   
   I was enticed to buy it by the cover photo of the dragon, and really disappointed there were no pictures of that sculpture in progress. Also, compare the castles in this book to the castles in "sandcastles made simple", and it's no contest. These are not nearly as neat or detailed.
   
   There are a few somewhat useful tips on sand stacking/packing techniques at the beginning, but you can find those same techniques illustrated far better in Sandcastles Made Simple. "Great projects" is a waste of money, and very little help to a novice.



2. Okay - chock full o' instructions. Some nice pictures - but some pretty goofy stretches for sand projects. Recipe guides, equipment lists, yada yada.

   Nice try... but not something I think would be much fun for adults, and too geeky for the kids.




3. Seems to be just another "Hey look what I did" book. When a book has "great projects" in its title, you would expect some useful information about completing such projects. It made me think of a book on weather projects that said "Stick your hand out of the window to see if it's raining." Although this was not as bad as others, it was not all that useful for completing any sand castle project. There were some pretty pictures and a few good tips (that's why I gave the second star). Buy 'The S.o.B. "take me to the beach" Sand Castle Book' instead.



4. After enjoying a similar book for snow sculptures, I have to admit that I thought this book didn't match up to its counterpart. The examples presented here seem to be lacking something in both quality and quantity. Overall I'd say that this book does not seem to be sufficiently "kid-friendly."



5. If you have very little experience of building in the sand, then this book is for you! The size and sturdiness of the book is great for taking on the beach with you. The projects are pretty basic, so even young children can join in on the fun.

   If you have "dabbled" in the sand before and are looking for some new inspirations, then I think this book will be a disappointment. Though there are a few good suggestions, most of what's in it I've learned from experimenting on my own.

   If you want a book for taking to the beach and for the entire family to have fun with, then this is the book! Otherwise, I wouldn't waste my money!! (Even tho I did!! :>)

3 comments about Scroll Saw Art Puzzles.

1. This book has a number of fun and cute scroll saw projects.
   They are all relatively easy to make, and have a lot of appeal.

   I've made over 3/4 of the puzzles in this book since I got it.
   They make great little gifts. They are great ornamentation
   for your desktop.

   Well illustrated with a straightforward introduction to the
   projects. I had no problem, as a beginner scroll sawyer,
   tackling these fun puzzles.

   They are specifically designed to be made out of scrap pieces
   of wood from other projects. They are a great way to use up
   an odd piece here or there.

   I look forward to more designs and books by the same author(s).

   ps - I find the designs much more creative and appealing than
   the ones in the Spielman books.




2. This book has designs for 32 scroll sawn free standing puzzles. For those of you who are familiar with "The Art of the Scroll Saw" by P. Spielman and saw the word "Art" in this book title- there is nothing "art" about it. The puzzles, while cute, and would probably have a place in craft shows, are very basic, typically with only 5 - 7 total pieces. There are a couple of designs that will have some lasting appeal as puzzle art; but most of the designs are much too basic, and lacking in detail. Detail painting or woodburning is required on almost all the puzzles to tell what the pieces are supposed to represent. I would recommend "Scroll Saw Puzzle Patterns" by P. Spielman as a book with many more patterns and varying types. Spielman's book also has patterns ranging from beginner to intermediate, with a smattering of advanced so you can grow with the book. "Scroll Saw Art Puzzles" does not allow you to do this. After a couple of puzzles, you will have learned the techniques necessary to do the projects. "Scroll Saw Puzzle Patterns" costs the same amount. For beginning beginners, this book does go over one puzzle in great detail, showing starting and stopping cuts, where to change to different size blades, and why; and finish sanding and painting. All of these steps are shown in photographs. The rest of the puzzles would utilize the same techniques.



3. for some one like me who have no experience in scroll sawing, after reading this book, I can start with a simple project.

2 comments about Jewelry & Gems at Auction: The Definitive Guide to Buying & Selling at the Auction House & on Internet Auction Sites.

1. Antoinette Marlins has many other gemstone guides to her name and is an expect on gem identification and sales, making Jewelry & Gems At Auction: The Definitive Guide To Buying & Selling At The Auction House & On Internet Auction Sites a 'must' for any serious collector. From distinguishing auction buying techniques from other types of gem purchasing to bidding on different types of gems, understanding jewelry periods and designs, and avoiding common auction pitfalls, Jewelry & Gems At Auction is simply packed with valuable tips.



2. There are more in-depth books on buying and selling at auctions and online auctions that readers will want to consult. This briefs you on gemstones at auction. The publisher, Gemstone Press, has comprehensive guides on diamonds, pearls, etc. that are more in-depth as well. Convenient to have it all in one book, but keep in mind these limitations.
   Excellent color photo section, helpful drawings, great charts. Probably a good starting title for this area, but I'd want to read more books before venturing into buying and selling gems at auction.

No comments about Folk Art Designs from Polish Wycinanki and Swiss and German Scherenschnitte (International Design Library).

2 comments about The Sculpture Reference: Contemporary Techniques, Terms, Tools, Materials And Sculpture.

1. This hefty volume is an indispensable addition to any sculptor's reference shelf. With what seems like over a hundred fascinating color photos of sculptors at work, work in progress in all sculpting media, excellent finished pieces, this book is a joy to have. As a sculptor and art educator, I have accumulated an extensive library of books in this area. This is one that I had to squeeze into its rightful place on my most used shelf. Whether you are starting out or are a professional sculptor, you'll want to own this volume. And don't loan it out to just anyone, if you want to see it again!



2. The Sculpture Reference by Arthur Williams is a phenomenal achievement. An enjoyable and educational book that I find quite inspiring. Living, contemporary, working - sculptors; what an excellent set of criteria for the inclusion of the over 280 artist whose work is displayed in the over 1,100 color images within this hefty 512 page book.
   
   The quality of the photography is excellent in every case. The alphabetical structure of the work lends a nice rhythm between materials, techniques and the results that can be achieved with them, in another words it is a good read for the serious sculptor.
   
   The most impressive aspect is his selection of unique sculpts; the diversity of which is almost unbelievable. This handsome book already has a few scares from knocking around my studio. Almost every person that has opened it has ended up going from page one to the back cover one page at a time. Most of these people not sculptors mind you, just everyday Jane and Joes that are drawn in. I have many instructional videos and books on sculpting and sculpture, but this one book could replace half of them as an effective educational tool.

2 comments about Isamu Noguchi (Modern Masters Series).

1. Greatest Hoosier artist ever? ... is a leading question. The sadly neglected tale of a shy 13 year-old boy traveling alone across the sea and the landscape to LaPorte, Indiana for early schooling and known there as "Sam Gilmour", was later to become universally known as one of the world's greatest artists -- Isamu Noguchi (a future Jeopardy question?).
   
   Accessible, significant, colorful, inexpensive, the Modern Masters volume by Bruce Altshuler is easily the most accessible guide to Noguchi's works of a lifetime. This edition is distinguished by large illustrations, many in color and stylishly presented, yet in a less expensive paperback format. It is perhaps the best primer for recognizing the historic significance of the wide ranging yet simple, spiritual aesthetic gifts from this complex soul to the rest of us.



2. This book is filled with examples of Noguchi's artwork, mostly sculpture. I am currently enrolled in a Sculpture Class and found viewing the pictures a helpful reference for the sculptures I produced. It is most important as an artist to be influenced by other artists, and I feel that this book was successful in doing just that.

1 comments about Ron Mueck.

1. This is the book to get if you want the behide the sences look in to the live of a great artist it gives you a studio look at how Ron Mueck does it great book and great price.