5 comments about The Secrets of Fashioning Ribbon Flowers: Heirlooms for the Next Generation.

1. Wow, what can I say? I love this book. There's a great introduction to crafting ribbon flowers which includes a history as well. The instructions are so easy to follow it's a wonder that this hobby/craft is on the brink of vanishing for good! Not only that, but it's such a beautiful craft, too. I've used the book's techniques to embellish pillows, curtains, dresses, purses... you name it! Here's the great thing: I'm usually not even good at crafts! All it takes is to buy a cute little unadorned girls' dress from, say, Target, make a few ribbon flowers to attach to the dress and you have an instant artful creation. The things I have made (or embellished) have been such a hit with my family and friends. Also, Helen Gibb is an amazing person. I've seen her a few times on HGTV (which inspired me to get this book). I went to her website and sent an e-mail saying I enjoyed her segments on HGTV and she wrote me back a letter of thanks! It wasn't a canned response, either. Great lady, great book, great craft, so go get it!



2. I have to say I was very interested in this book, but it was not exactly what I wanted. I have yet to find a ribbonwork book that is set up as clearly as possible and is really designed for a beginner. The Artful Ribbon, by Candace Kling is a treasure for those seeking old fashioned ribbonwork and is still the best reference I have found. Overall, if you are looking for how to make very realistic Roses (esp. Tea Roses) you will be absolutely thrilled with Helen Gibbs's book. Also, if you are looking for a book to teach you how to make flowers that look as realistic as possible, this is for you. Bear in mind that you are only taught how to make the flowers in the book (Pansies, violets, sweet peas, poppies, canterbury bells, bluebells, hollyhocks, fuchias, chrysanthemums, delphiniums, carnations, peonies, and gardenias). Actually, the gardenias alone may be worth the price of the book! Spectacular! You will also be taught to make only specific sizes and flowers are mostly done on stems, which makes them hard to use as embellishments on clothing. The projects in the book are not as appealing to me as playing on my own. I am still seeking the definitive book on using silk bias ribbon and, while Helen uses it when she's on the Carol Duvall show, she doesn't have many examples in this book. This is a crying shame, since I have a bunch I bought from The Store on the Corner in San Diego. I've also seen Helen's last two books and they seem to contain basically the same material. Another book to check would be A Passion for Ribbonry by Camela Nitschke.



3. I've had this book for about 4 weeks and have tried making a couple types of roses and, just last night, tried making a pansy. The directions are easy to follow and, after some practice, the reader is able to make some nice looking flowers. The particular projects in the book don't appeal to me, but I could see that they would be of interest to those who like the frills and complexity of Victorian-inspired objects. The author does provide a variety of ideas for using ribbon flowers that the reader can adjust to her or his taste.



4. This is a great book on ribbon flowers. The author explains how to make the flowers so it is easy to follow and you have a flower like hers when you finish. I highly recommend this book.



5. The instructions in this book on making beautiful flowers out of ribbon, are clear and easy to follow. I have other similar books, but this one is by far the best! Truly worth the money!

5 comments about More French-Beaded Flowers: 38 Patterns for Making Blossoms, Leaves, Insects, and More.

1. Dalene's second book of French Beaded Flowers is a welcome addition to her first. I've already made several of the flowers! Her instructions are clear, and the flowers are just beautiful. Good work, Dalene!



2. I bought Dalene's first French Beaded Flowers book and used it extensively. I was happy to add the second one to my collection. It is a very project-based book like the first one. I have made a number of the flowers already. The instructions are clear and concise. A good book for beginners.



3. I've been working with beads for many years, and creating french beaded flowers for at least 20 years, and I STILL was very impressed with this book (which isn't easy to do!) The instructions are clear and the designs are wonderful! It's hard to say if a beginner would view it the same since I have been working with this art form for so long, but I believe it would be an excellent instructional guide, and a fantastic addition to every beading artist & hobbyist's library.



4. I've had Kelly's first book (as a section of a larger beading book) for a while and have had great fun with it. The flowers in this second book are just as beautiful. The instructions are clear and relatively easy to follow. I've already done a couple of the projects and they've turned out well.
   
   Now for the caution flag. Kelly's first book is titled 'French-Beaded Flowers: New Millennium Collection'. This second book is titled 'More French Beaded Flowers: 38 Patterns for Blossoms, Leaves, Bugs & More'.
   
   However, there is another Kelly book that you may see, titled 'French Beaded Flowers'. Be aware that this seemingly THIRD Kelly book is the UK's version of the second book. The only differences between the two books are the cover, the longer title and the publisher. The project content is exactly the same. Judging from the dates of the reviews written for the UK version, it seems to have been published first. Maybe the publishers of the U.S. version decided to add the word 'MORE' to the title just to be different. Or maybe it was some type of legal thing. The one thing it IS, is confusing to the consumer.
   
   So, please don't be fooled by the cover, like I was and buy both of them. As far as I know, there are only two books by Dalene Kelly on French Beaded Flowers, not three.



5. The book is beautifully presented with exceptional diagrams and step by step instructions. There are many different varieties of flowers not found in other books, exotic orchics and beautiful butterflies. I love it.
   
   I received my book very quickly, Amazon kept me informed via email that the order was received and when the book was sent. Great service.

2 comments about The Judith Blacklock Encyclopedia of Flower Design.

1. An absolute must-have for any aspiring floral artist. Contains all the information you could ever need, with clear text and great colour photos.



2. I am a flower-arranging novice and this book was recommended to me by someone who has run (for a couple of decades) one of the many NAFAS branches dedicated to flower arranging, after I complained that all the flower books from my library basically just had many pretty pictures that didn't really support me in creating good arrangements for myself, based on bunches I could get at the supermarket. I wanted a flower arranging book with principles and theories, a really good teaching book.
   
   I was more than impressed with this one: over two dozen classic and modern design principles for bigger arrangements plus easy-to-follow smaller ideas, examples of show-work, equipment and techniques, how to condition the plant material (vital if you want your arrangement to continue looking good for more than a couple of days), and much more. If you only want one book on flower arranging, this is it. For a collection, this is a must-add or a wonderful starting point.

4 comments about Great American Wreaths: The Best of Martha Stewart Living.

1. This book is the easiest I have ever read on wreath making! They have several gorgeous wreaths that are truly amazing! I recommend this book to anyone who loves wreaths, Martha, or easy crafts.



2. Just as Martha's magazine is a joy of visual delights, this book get's the creative juices flowing. Divided into wreath making by types: wire wreaths, living wreaths, gathered wreaths etc. it is also written with a focus of wreaths presented by the 50 States with the bounties of each state proudly displayed in stunning wreath form. Maybe because it is fall and the beautiful changing leaves in Minnesota make me feel all homey, I am stirred to actual creation. Unlike some of Martha's projects when I say to myself, "yeah, sure...." I truly believe I can do these! This would make a wonderful birthday or Holiday gift to anyone who loves visual delight or poking in nature. "It's a good thing."



3. I am not from the United States and still adored this book. The photographs are amazing and the ideas are astonishing and so symbolic. Martha and one of her staff members embarked to create a wreath for each of the states, and each wreath reflects some natural element of the state in question. Whether it's wheat, moss, succulents, palm leaves, pinecones, tumble weeds, sunflowers, grasses, pine branches or sea shells the ideas will inspire you. Martha's introduction shows a photo of Martha on the balcony of the White House where she writes about her exhilerating experience decorating the White House with Hilary Clinton for Christmas one year and how that very American event inspired the idea for the series of wreaths and the book. This is a must-have for any Martha fan!!



4. I bought 4 other books on wreaths by other authors, and this one is the most inspirational one with clear directions. Not fussy. We turn to it every year when it is time to decorate the house for Christmas.

5 comments about The Knot Book of Wedding Flowers.

1. I found this book useful in that it was simple, straight forward guide to the most common flowers used in weddings. The first half is essentially a glossary of flowers. It provides basic information that made it easy to compare flowers: photo, meaning, colors available, when in season, and price range. The book also provides information on bouquet styles, color schemes, and flower arrangments, but I found the single flower photos most educational.
   
   This book enabled me to have an intelligent conversation with my florist and narrow down which flowers I wanted for my wedding. I even took it along with me to discuss specific flowers with my florist.
   
   I plan to lend it to all my friends for their wedding planning!



2. I bought the book used, but it looked brand new. I was pleased.



3. If you are looking for some floral tips and arrangement ideas, this book will help you with those ideas. However, if you are looking for an instructional book on how to make arrangements yourself, this book doesn't give enough information on this. (Yes, there is a small section in the book about making them yourself--but does not tell you how to make certain ones shown in the book). I would like a more informational--how-to-make boquet book. I might just have to write one myself!



4. I didn't find this book very exciting. I looked through it and there's really nothing in it that I can use. I was looking for ideas for my wedding bouquet and I really got NONE.



5. The first part of the book provides a list of favoured wedding flowers (with photos), and it gives a basic summary on their characteristics, seasonal availability and cost. The second part of the book contains a few DIY tips (not a lot) and a small gallery of centerpiece/bouquet designs, grouped by colors and themes.
   
   The information in this book can be helpful for brides-to-be who are unfamiliar with the names of flowers, or what certain flowers look like. I personally think that the design examples are quite simple and unintimidating (ie. not flashy or over the top), and thus this book will be useful for brides who are looking for inspirations along those lines.
   
   I recommend this book as a preliminary reference and it's a good start before meeting with your florist to discuss wedding flowers.

5 comments about Creative Wedding Florals You Can Make.

1. I am a florist and I am always looking for new and exciting ideas. I was looking forward to some "Creative Wedding Florals" and I got a book that is a throwback to the 70's. The Material is very outdated and shows nothing new. I was very disappointed. If you are looking for "Creative
   ", this is not the book for you.



2. I am VERY pleased with this book. Each arrangement shows a complete "recipe" for making it along with step by step instructions AND pictures. I will save hundreds of dollars on my wedding flowers thanks in part to this book.



3. This book provides good basic information and instructions on the how-tos of wedding floral arranging. Offers info on fresh flower and silk flower arrangements. Generally the instructions are quite good- however the author did not provide enough information on attaching the boutineers and corsages.



4. This is a very good book if you were shocked by the price estimates at the florist. The instructions in the book were very simple to follow. I would agree that the designs are very traditional but after you get the technique down you can change things up. With this book I was able to have over 400 roses at my wedding for under $400. There was no way I could afford even the corsages for each special person in my large family without this book, flowers from the grower, and doing the arrangements myself.



5. If you are going to make your own wedding bouquets, corsages, etc,. this is a truly useful book. Most books hint at possible usefulness, but when you look at them, they really aren't. This has step by step instructions and they are clear. I think most other do it yourself wedding flower books are written by professional florists whose true purpose is to discourage people from making their own wedding flowers, not to help them. Another good book is: "Creating Beautiful Wedding Flowers: Gorgeous Ideas and 20 Step-by-step Projects for Your Big Day (Paperback) by Nancy Ursell and Antonia Swinson"

5 comments about To Have & To Hold: Magical Wedding Bouquets.

1. this book is as good as anything i have seen on this subject[and probably better than most]



2. Es una estupenda referencia sobre las ideas que buscan las personas cuando de solicitar ramos para boda se refieren... incluso algunas quinceañeras lo han tomando como referencia para escoger el ramo que llevarán a la iglesia.



3. I bought this book for my sister who is getting married soon. She loved the book! It has given her great ideas and pictures for her to express to her florist what she wants. Most of the bouquets are unique and the wrappings around the flowers are a wide variety and have great ideas. I would recommend the book.



4. I'm marrying in November and went to the library to look up books on wedding flowers; this one came out to be my favorite so far. Although some of the advice is a little too frou-frou for my tastes (if you want Spring flowers in December, then have at it!), the bouquets and flowers are gorgeous. I actually read the captions for the photos more than anything else.
   
   The book is quite inspiring with several flower types that you never thought to use, plus interesting wrapping of the stems.
   
   My biggest cheer is for the size and quality of the photos. You can search online all you like for beautiful bouquets, and most of the time you get pixelated crap with colors that don't match the flowers at all.



5. When looking for something fresh and new for my wedding flowers, I sifted through dozens of books that showed the same old arrangements and nothing new or creative. I own another of Stark and Adler's books, and was pleased to see they had written a wedding flower book. I was over the moon after ordering the book. The designs are simply beautiful! The flower choices are artistic, simple and help a bride to choose the right flowers for the growing season in which her wedding takes place. I carried this book to my florist and we recreated several of the arrangements for my bridal bouquets and table arrangements. Everyone was impressed with the floral arrangements and the vibrant color choices. This is the one book you need, if you are looking for a fresh, vibrant and artistic look for your wedding.

5 comments about Ribbonwork The Complete Guide: Technique Guide for Making Ribbon Flowers and Trimmings.

1. This is the 3rd book I've bought on making ribbon flowers and it is certainly the one to make it easier for you. Her flower directons make your ribbon flowers look like the ones you buy.



2. This book is all you need to know - materials, techniques, inspiration for projects. If you'd like to learn ribbonwork, this is the only book you need.



3. Excellent. Very easy instructions and easy projects. I was immediately able to make beautiful flowers out of ribbon. Highly recommended.



4. when you want to make a gift special this book will have your flowers very creative and lets you pick those special colors with out a lot of mess. great book



5. highly recommended. beautiful photos - clear instructions - gorgeous designs. As a vintage ribbon work lover, this book has it all.

4 comments about Simple Stunning Wedding Flowers.

1. Nice pictures, good ideas, I really enjoyed this book and will use it in my business with clients



2. Great book, definately an eye catcher, beautiful photos, well detailed pages, very informative for anyone creating the perfect bouquets and arrangements for that most perfect day. The book is full of ideas, well worth getting for your collection.



3. After reading Bussen's "Simple Stunning Weddings", which was full of wonderful ideas and beautiful floral designs, I decided to get this book as well. On it's own, I probably would have really enjoyed it and found it to be useful. However, after reading the other, I found it to be filled with more or less the same suggestions and not nearly as informative or inspiring. I'd recommend getting her "Simple Stunning Weddings" instead.



4. Beautiful contemporary designs -really helpful book. I am a wedding planner and my clients really like it.

5 comments about Flowers: The Complete Book of Floral Design.

1. I love the book, and there is some great advice in it but I was looking for abit more of a "how-to" type of book. The book is mostly photos of her work with a black and white section of some instructional aspects of making bouquets, etc. There is also a small encyclopedia-like section of flowers which explains some aspects to the flowers but does not include general price range. I was hoping it would be the only book I needed to buy to do my wedding flowers, but I don't think it will be.



2. This is a great book for visual pictures of different arrangements and ideas you may want to put together!! Lots of pretty pictures!



3. This book is a good tool for anyone interested in learning how to arrange flowers. It has beautiful pictures and good explanations on mechanics and how to do most of the arrangements, however, the most difficult and therefore prettier do not have much instructions, so you also need to use a little imagination.



4. I sent this to a florist friend as a gift !! It is a huge hit. They love the photos and are recreating many of the arrangements. I highly recommend this book for flower lovers and florists alike.



5. Paula, what a wonderful book! I have it on hand in my store for customers to peruse though. I would recommend this book to all who appreciate flowers, and the art of floristry.
   
   Magnolia Village Florist, Inc.
   Seattle, WA