1 comments about A Master Guide to the Art of Floral Design.

1. This book is truly gorgeous with beautiful illustrations and excellent instructive text. Filled with insider techniques, the book is clear on the elements of principles of design. Cutting edge and European in feel. Alisa de Jong-Stout is the owner of It Blommenhûs, a floral design and teaching studio, and is internationally acclaimed as a floral designer and horticulturist.

4 comments about Flowers By Jeff Leatham.

1. I purchased this to give as a gift to someone who loves flower
   arranging. I was shocked at how repetative this book is with
   two very simple design concepts. One; clear vase, fill inside with same flower, cover with water to rim. Two; take all leaves off the same flower, bundle, rest on the edge of a vase. That's it in the nut shell ! Do yourself a favor and skip this one.



2. I visited Paris in spring, and George V, the Four Seasons Hotel is one stop for me. Just to see the flower arrangement. I bought the book in French Version. I am glad to see the english version is coming. So I can share with more friends. Jeff is a amazing florist!!!



3. As a floral desinger for several years, I highly recommend this book to provide inspiration and visual stimulation. The photographs are beautiful and artistic and the quality of the book itself is superb. Let it inspire your home or event decorating needs and you will not be disappointed.



4. The photos are lovely as is the quality of the flowers themselves, but the ultra-minimalist design approach gets very old very quickly.
   
   I visited the George V as well and was disppointed when the compositions changed very infrequntly over the course of two weeks. To top it all off, one night, while dining in the restaurant, a loud crash could be heard when a luggage cart collided with one of the huge glass cylinder displays in the lobby. It was a mess. The funny part was that I had just mentioned to my companion that I thought the location was dangerous and impractical.
   
   Floral design shouldn't be dangerous.
   
   Flip thorugh this book in a library or bookstore, but don't buy it. Choose one by Paula Pryke instead.

1 comments about Fabulous Faux Florals: 50 Easy, Extraordinary Projects with Silk Flowers and Permanent Botanicals.

1. I am very impressed with the Faux Floral book. It gives great suggestions and is easy to understand. Since I design my own floral arrangments I do not use some of the information. But if you are a beginner, it's an awesome addition to your library.

1 comments about International Annual of Floral Art 06/07.

1. This book is inspiring! It set my mind reeling with the possibilities in this medium! I like it so much I have ordered last year's book and can't wait for it to arrive. I was also delighted to see a sense of humor emerge in some of the designs! Floral art can express more than love, apologies and sympathy. This book is eye-opening!

5 comments about The Center of Attention.

1. Aside from a brief text forward, The Center Of Attention is a splendor-filled book that eschews mere words and devotes itself entirely to photographs of eye-catching and heart-stopping tablescapes using flowers, vegetables, and other plant themes as created by master floral designer Ron Morgan. Powerfully enhanced with a wealth of full-color photographs by Pamela J. (works of art in and of themselves), The Center Of Attention fully captures Morgan's beautiful floral design masterpieces ranging in a wide variety of moods from fresh spring morning to somber candlelight evening. The Center Of Attention is enthusiastically recommended for serious and dedicated students of floral design, as well as the non-specialist general reader with an appreciation of skilled and artistic flower arrangements.



2. WOW! I was just given "The Center of Attention" as a holiday gift and was stunned as I opened each page. The cover did not do the contents justice. Some of his concepts seem simple enough for someone like me to replicate. The photograpahy and lighting was beautiful. This is a book to keep out for others to enjoy as well as a perfect gift for anyone with an eye for beauty.



3. This is a long awaited book by Ron.This is as wonderful as the classes he has given on floral design.I would put him in the same catogory as Kenneth Turner.



4. This is a stunning book!! It is a treat to sit down and get lost in the creative genious of Ron Morgan and the sensitivity of the photographer. I purchased this as a present for a friend, but will be purchasing another for myself.



5. I have actually met this very talented, classy, funny, " crazy about the color green " ( his quote ) . A very interesting and beautiful book that sits on my coffee table for all to see... Worth every penny ( especially autographed ) As a floral designer I am so glad that I got this book !!
   Enjoy looking through it...

1 comments about Wreathmaking for the first time (For the First Time).

1. This book contains some of the most extraordinary weaths I have seen! The projects are fun and easy to create.

4 comments about Fresh Felt Flowers: 17 Stunning Flowers to Sew + Display.

1. Reviewed by Lauren Segelbaum
   
   Craft and home décor expert Lynne Farris brings a lifetime of experience in fabric arts to her new book Fresh Felt Flowers.
   
   Lynne is a fabric artist best known for her botanical soft sculpture art. Lynne's designs are often on HGTV on "The Carol Duvall Show" as well as "Lynette Jennings Design" on the Discovery Channel. Her new book showcases seventeen stunning felt flowers to sew and display.
   
   Whether you are a novice or an accomplished sewer, you will find the perfect project Start with the simple African violet and finish the book with the more challenging Bird of Paradise. The book is beautifully photographed with very clear instructions. At first intimidating because the felt flowers look so magnificent, once you dive in you will be amazed by how successful you can be.
   
   Before sitting down at your craft table, you will need to run to your local craft store and pick up a few necessary items. These essentials are clearly spelled out in the beginning of the book. Most items are relatively inexpensive except for the required sewing machine.
   
   The stitching and cutting techniques used for most of these floral projects are carefully explained in the basic techniques section of the book. The author suggests you read this chapter thoroughly before starting on any of the projects.
   
   I started with the Gerbera Daisy, my favorite flower, and I am glad to say it is displayed prominently on my dining room table.
   
   Armchair Interviews says: Wonderful craft project for people who like to create with their hands.



2. I was hesitant to order this book as I am not really into felt flowers (until now!), but with my interest in hand and machine felting lately, I thought that I would give it a try and use it with my personal art. After reading the book thoroughly I became extremely impressed with the author's finished products. The author provides clear details in all production aspects of these beauties. First she begins with her methods that apply to all flowers in one degree or another and then for each type of flower she describes how to make them referring back to the methods in the first part of the book. These flowers are the most realistic looking felt flowers I have seen and the sizes make them all the more striking. A must-have book for those interested in botanical fiber artwork...practice with a few of these and then develop your own preferred flowers using the techniques learned by the author...you can't go wrong!



3. Fresh felt flowers was a great book! The instructions were easy and the results were fabulous. I made the lilies and when I posted a picture to my blog, people thought they were real. Will definitely be making more. These flowers stay beautiful forever!



4. I found the title of this book very misleading. I expected the book to give directions for handmade felt flowers. I should have read the full title. I do not sew and although this book would be very good for someone who purchases pre-made craft felt and sews it into flowers it is not a book for a felt maker.

5 comments about Carolyne Roehm's Winter Notebook.

1. This was the first of Ms. Roehm's seasonal notebooks that I purchased. I have since bought the other two, and am anticipating the Spring notebook due out soon. While the photos are exquisite, I feel that the book lacks content. I couldn't help wishing there was more of everything in this book - more pictures, recipes, etc. I enjoy a good "picture book" and that's most likely the reason I'm awaiting the last book to the series. I couldn't help comparing her to Martha Stewart, and I'd gladly welcome a new face in that field, but it just doesn't come close to Martha's myriad of ideas. The bottom line is: if you like to look at pretty pictures and get some inspiration for decorating your own home, then you'd probably like this book.



2. I found this third book in the series as inspirational as the others. I don't need step-by-step instruction to develop something beautiful. A little inspiration goes a long way with a naturally creative audience. For those who have time to glue flowers on boxes, I leave you Martha. From a busy professional's point of view, I'll take the Roehm way, any day.



3. WHAT A TERRIFIC BOOK! This is"la creme de la creme" and i find it very difficult when other reviewers compare her product with Martha Stewart's line!It is as if we compare Opera with Andrea Bocelli,this collection of notebooks are so refined and so classic at the same time that i rediscover them each time i need them. The winter notebook gives wonderful ideas of presents for the guests and the flower arrangments are one of a kind. The level of artistry is demonstrated in each pages and places Carolyne Roehm as one of the most elegant designer of all. I also appreciate the fact that Carolyne Roehm understands the need of elegance in the day-to-day life and that it doesn't have to be expensive. I'm a young Opera singer and in my field you receive a lot of flowers and with this book i was able to create wonderful bouquets and appreciate another form of art. I admire her flair and her sense of style, for me Carolyne Roehm is not only a designer but a real artist who search for the very best in every detail.



4. Roehm makes pretty things and to do that she relies upon items such as hellebores (a winter-blooming flower) which are quite hard for the average person to find. If her projects were less work or so dazzling that you didn't mind running all over East Overcoat to find the necessary components, then I'd be more enthusiastic about this book. As it stands, it's kind of a pricey picture book. I'd recommend Tracy Porter or Martha Stewart for a more hands-on experience.



5. Exactly the book I was looking for - great photos, good hints, clear explanations. A pleasure for the eyes!

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!

2 comments about Ikebana: The Art of Arranging Flowers.

1. I love this series of books for my classroom. They've been wonderful for me to read and review and also for my students to read. The illustrations are great, the information is comprehensive and at a child's level, making it great for adults who don't know anything about it to pick up.



2. What a great book! Shozo Sato has rewritten, remodeled, and recreated his amazing book from the 60's on Ikebana! Such a new, fresh, and updated take on his still-popular masterpiece on Japanese floral design. As a member of the Ikenobo school, this book is not only informative but also pictoresque of this long appreciated Japanese art. And, had the pleasure of meeting in person, Mr. Shozo Sato, and had him sign this soon to be collected piece. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves floral design with an artistic and Asian flavor.