5 comments about Beads in Bloom: The Art of Making French Beaded Flowers (Beadwork How-To series).

1. Well I have looked into different books on beaded flowers and saw reviews of this book so I went to my local library and requested it. Well when I got it I sat and looked through it while I did like how the instructions were simple and clear I did find it was lacking in projects I got a few of the other books out there and feel they are much better. I did love the galeray of flowers in the middle of the book and would have rather had the patterns for some of those flowers instead. I will say if you really want this book find it at the library and copy the first few pages in techniques and return it. Don't buy it.



2. I thought that the structure of the book was very unbalanced. The instructions are nice, but they are all in the front part of the book, and are hand-drawn. Color photos of finished projects are in the second part of the book. I prefer a book that has step-by-step instructions included with each project. Also, not very many projects are included. I hate to say it, but I've seen better books on french beaded flowers. To be fair, there are some very nice arrangement that provide inspiration.
   
   Nice to look through, but I wouldn't recommend buying it to keep.



3. Arlene Baker has obviously been hitting eBay pretty hard, because this book seems to show the fruits of auctions won. It is at best a collection of photos of vintage French Beaded Flowers. She gives mediocre directions for learning the basic techniques and throws in a few patterns for making trite blossoms into brooches.
   
   
   
   But this book doesn't seem to know what it wants to be: basic guide, jewelry pattern book or Coffee Table Book? And It fails at all three. Better guides are available with the dover reprints (check out the Nathanson books.) Actually, any other beaded flower book seems to cover the basics better. There are Jewelry patterns out there for French Beaded Flowers, and anyone can take a pattern for a single bloom from any book and attach the flower to a barrette. Granted, had Baker given good clear directions on how to do this, I would give her credit for that. But alas, she fails to do so. And as a Coffee Table Book, well the photography is unremarkable, some of the actual flowers are pretty, especially the ones made by her friends who seem to be accomplished artists. But the majority of this book is a "show off". It is used to document a personal collection of vintage flowers. Great for insurance documentation. Unfortunately, there are no museum pieces here, no spectacular work. Nothing you can't find on eBay, that is if Arlene doesn't get to it first.
   
   I am serious, if you want to look at pretty pictures of French Beaded Flowers, do a Google search.



4. The instructions are sketchy. You can't really MAKE anything with this book...no projects...but the pictures of the finished pieces are pretty. I'd definitely go with a Dalene Kelly book before this one.



5. I have been creating French Beaded work for 4 years. This was my first book. It is true that there aren't a lot of projects layed out, but basic technique is thoroughly explained and illustrated which is an excellent place to begin. With the basic technique taught in this book it is quite easy to move forward into floral self expression. Advanced techniques may be found in other books and a number of project books are available on the market, but I have always held this first book in high regard for helping me master the fundamentals. Pictures of contemporary as well as vintage work provide inspiration. I feel that the combination of good sound basic technique and inspiring photos is a great launching pad for supporting a newbie to explore creating French beaded florals.

4 comments about How to Do Wreaths If You Think You Can't (How to Arrange Florals If You Think You Can't) (How to Arrange Florals If You Think You Can't).

1. How To Do Wreaths gives you good ideas. And the easy to follow step by step instructions are very helpful. Also included are the tools needed to get yourself atarted. Overall a very useful book.



2. How To Do Wreaths gives you good ideas. And the easy to follow step by step instructions are very helpful. Also included are the tools needed to get yourself atarted. Overall a very useful book.



3. I was very disappointed in the wreaths that the author was going to help me make, because as many as there were (a lot) I found them overloaded with decorations, unbalanced and nothing I would make to give or sell. The step by step "recipes" for each wreath did have some helpful tips for the novice.



4. This is a wonderful book! It has been in my collection for several years now and I have used it a countless number of times for inspiration and as a valuable reference guide in creating my own floral designs.

   Whether you are a novice or have been making floral crafts for years, this is the ultimate book on creating beautiful wreaths for your home. It outlines everything you need to know to get started: identifying and explaining in detail the different types of tools, supplies and floral materials commonly used in floral crafting, as well as providing step-by-step instructions for basic floral techniques and bow making. Once you get a feel for the basics, there are 94 beautifully illustrated projects to create or to be inspired by, including some neat alternatives to the basic wreath. I highly recommend this book.

5 comments about Flowers: The Book of Floral Design.

1. This is a gorgeous book, with gorgeous flowers. However, it's less of a learning tool, then a recipe book. While it does grace upon a few floral design basics, it doesn't spend a great deal of time on it. The raw information it conveys is pretty light, having more to do with warm, neutral, and stark colors, as well as a few techniques on drying flowers and taping them (etc). The bulk of the book is taken up by pictures of arrangements, and little "recipes" on how to make them. A good book for someone who doesn't want to learn the mechanics of floral design, a good book for the coffee table -- but ultimately, not a good book for someone who wants to study design on a more advanced or technical level.



2. This is a very wonderful book, which the Floral Design Institute uses as a supplement "textbook" to their syllabus. It is rather heavy but well worth every page as the book is packed with beautiful arrangements and spilling with creative ideas. There aren't a lot of step-by-step instructions on mechanics, but the book gets the point of selecting different material colors and textures across - which, in my opinion, is a significant factor to consider when it comes to floral arranging.



3. The plant directory was extensive, but I would have liked a little more information on the growth cycle of the plants or the zones in which they grow. The basics are all there and I would suggest to anyone buying the book that they do read the introductory chapters. The floral arrangements are absolutely beautiful and the author also gives alternatives to the arrangements to suit your taste. Very nice.



4. This book is simply a must have in your library. Malcolm Hillier is one of the most talented in the industry. beautiful book!



5. I've been working as a flower designer for a while and decided to get this book mostly because it looked pretty and comprehensive. I was not disappointed. The book is fabulous and it has a little bit of everything, including tools. I like it a lot and highly recommend it for anyone interested in Flower Design.

No comments about Judith Blacklock's Flower Recipes for Autumn.

3 comments about Treasury of Floral Designs and Initials for Artists and Craftspeople (Dover Pictorial Archive Series).

1. This book had TONS of inspiration for embroidery and silk ribbon embroidery. Lots of monograms and designs that can be adapted easily. I use it all the time! I've also noticed a few Anna Griffin designs seem to be inspired from this book as well!



2. I was excited when I discovered this book and I knew I had to have this for my library. I am a calligrapher and I am always looking for designs that will enhance my work. I was not at all disappointed when my package arrived! The work is very detailed and the book has plenty to offer. not to mention the embellishments are just to die for!!! The script/lettering is fantastic and it was well worth the investment. I know this book will never be found on the shelf or coffee table because it will be well used and always on my work table. Just sign me as "ONE HAPPY CALLIGRAPHER"!!!



3. This book is just full of gorgeous decorative monograms and floral motifs. Highly recommended for anyone looking for inspiration in the lost art of embroidered monograms such as what you'd find on beautiful linens and items found in antique shops and flea markets.

No comments about Flower Arranging in French Style.

No comments about Judith Blacklock's Flower Recipes for Spring (Judith Blacklocks Flower Recip).

1 comments about Classic Floral Designs.

1. 
   I recentley signed this book out at my local libray and just had to add it to my own collection.
   the book gives easy to follow instuctions on how to create a number of different arrangements using
   various materails. It even has a section on basic design tools. this book is a must have for the beginner as well
   as a pro.

2 comments about International Annual of Floral Art 05/06.

1. The flower arrangements are really spectacular. A beautiful collection to stimulate your own creativity.



2. Floral Designer must have.... absolutely love this book. What a collection of ideas in Floral Art.
   
   Thank you ...

No comments about Willow Weaving.