3 comments about Indian Basket Weaving.

1. This book is great for someone who has a little experience with baskets already. Someone with no experience can follow as well, but some of the techniques are a little bit harder than in standard basket weaving. The instructions are pretty clear, and if you thouroughly read them, then you shouldn't have any trouble. Overall, this book makes a great addition to a basketweaver's library, and I'm glad that I bought it.



2. This book is a reprint of the original 1903 version. The writing and comments are charmingly dated. The photos are clear, even though in black and white. The instructional drawings are easy to follow.
   This will be my reference book for great designs for years to come.
   Great buy.



3. The book was orginally published in the early 1900's this is apparent by the dialect of the text. The information about the different styles of baskets is very interesting, however the photographs as an aid in constructing them leave something to be desired.

2 comments about Lightship Baskets of Nantucket.

1. I took a class by Martha Two yrs. ago that was great to. It was at the MBA in Grand Rapids MI. The book is just as good if not better. The history is something I always wanted to know about . Thank You Martha for such a wonderful book . C. M. Miller Bay City MI.



2. I bought this book after taking classes in making lightship baskets locally, and must admit that without it I would not have been able to continue making them at home. The history of the baskets is excellent, and colored photographs of baskets as well as the island of Nantucket are numerous throughout the book. If you are at all interested in baskets, this book is a must!

1 comments about The Weekend Crafter: Basketry: 18 Easy & Beautiful Baskets to Make (Weekend Crafter).

1. This book has very precise instructions which the beginning weaver can easily follow. The pictures are large and very well presented. The author takes the weaver thru each step as it occurs-for example,gathering the needed materials,measuring and cutting the material,and finally each step in the weaving process as it occurs. The decorative accents that are either woven in or added after the basket is completed are easily accomplished and add to the appeal of the basket.
   I wish the author had included names of suppliers for the reeds,seagrass etc.
   Although we are intermediate weavers,everyone in our group ordered the book simply because of the way it was written and illustrated.

5 comments about Fast, Fun and Easy Fabric Boxes: Eight Great Designs -- Unlimited Possibilities.

1. I saw a demo by the author on HGTV's "Simply Quilts" and downloaded those instructions from that site which were vague, at best. I managed to cobble-together a box using different brands and types of fusibles as those recommended by the author; it wasn't a rousing success. After reading these reviews, I'm still going to buy the book but now know to read it ALL before attempting another box. Perhaps if we write to the AUTHOR and publisher of the book with our concerns the revised edition (if there IS one) will be more clear. I feel it would be extremely helpful to note in the book alternative brands/types of fusibles because I couldn't find what was recommended at my local fabric store. I agree that some amount of experience with fusing fabrics is helpful...I had to draw on my experience to figure out how to get my fabrics to stick together. A lot of sewing experience isn't necessarily needed or even usable...you literally have to "think outside the box" (no pun intended) in order to parse out the instructions. I think now that I have made one, I've seen the mistakes I made...and how the box could be improved over what the author suggested, so I'm still going to buy the book.



2. I didn't think the boxes were that hard to make. I am no expert sewer, but I have been sewing for 15 years. This was my first foray into craft sewing. The book is a bit confusing. There are two sets of instructions- one general set, and one specific set for each of the boxes, so you have to flip back and forth. My suggestion is to make a practice box first, to get the technique down. I used Fast 2 Fuse interfacing- stiff interfacing with the fusible web alreading incorporated. I'm sure there are other similar products out there. I also used regular multipurpose thread. I needed to do the satin stiching twice, and I found while the topstiching thread looked very shiny and nice, it was way too thick and jammed under my foot the second time around. Buy plenty of thread per box- each box uses about 150-200 yards of thread. I used a rotary cutter- not all the fancy scissors they suggested. I also made a quick tailor's ham by gluing together two same size scraps of 2x4 lumber and covering it with scraps of fabric. It really helps in pressing the edges and corners. So, practice a lot, have patience and good luck!



3. I am looking forward to making many of these projects. With the holidays past there are fun times to be had.



4. I gave this book 4 starts vs 5 because, well, the instructions have to be read several times to discover the "style" of the author. Once you've read the instructions several times and gather your materials, which are discussed in the very front of the book, you can make lots of cool boxes. My very first box turned out great. I do have a lot of sewing and quilting experience,so that helped. But, I think that with a bit of attention to detail, this book would be fine for most crafters.



5. I ordered two of these book and they both came sooner than I expected and were in great shape. I had no problem with this purchase and would buy from this seller again.

2 comments about Rib Baskets.

1. Best instructional book for making ribbed baskets that I've seen. Great diagrams and picture tutorials.



2. This book started my basketry library. It jumps right in by listing the tools and materials you will need and then goes on to describe the 4 basic parts of a rib basket: hoops, ears, ribs and weavers. General directions for making a rib basket then follow. I have many basketry books and what distinguishes this book from the others is the amount of time and space it spends on beginning a basket. In beginning a basket you are making the basket's foundation and it is where your hands can get "tongue-tied". To make this process as clear as possible the author loaded this section with photos and drawn illustrations as well as clear written instructions. After you go thru the general directions, the book describes some decorative options (i.e. "woven handle"). The remainder of the book contains individual instructions and supply lists for different types of rib baskets (i.e. Scottish Yarn Basket). Sprinkled throughout the book are color photos of completed baskets. I have been making baskets for 11 years and I still use this as a reference.

No comments about Earth Basketry.

1 comments about Weaving Country Baskets.

1. It's been years and years since I've made baskets. When I decided that I missed making them, I chose this book to help remind me "how-to" again! It's just what I needed!

5 comments about Jazzy Gift Baskets: Making & Decorating Glorious Presents.

1. I would have to say this book, unlike so many others, offers great ideas for modifying ordinary containers to create beautiful, unique receptacles for gift items. The author seems to be a jack-of-all-trades as she takes gifting to a whole new level. She not only enhances the baskets with paint, embellishments, weaving, floral design...etc., but she makes some of the gift products herself. The reader is offered a plethora of information from whitewashing baskets to manufacturing homemade soaps to be used as basket fillers. Her baskets are lovely and inspiring. My disappointment lies in the roadblocks I encountered in my attempt to purchase some of the items needed to re-create her baskets. I searched far and wide for a product she calls "floral foam," which will serve as an adhesive for the application of dried or silk flowers to a basket without that messy glue-gun string effect. I believe the author resides in the UK and her resource list suggests that her products originate there. My web resources came up short and I have yet to put her directions to the test.
   All in all, this book is a great purchase if you are looking for basket ideas. She certainly motivates the reader to take basket design one step further.



2. Great Ideas for outstanding gifts. This book has wonderful gift presentations. Thanks



3. I first saw this book at the public library and fell in love. The photos are wonderful and illustrate the process of creating beautiful gift baskets. Extensive directions are given and supply lists. I think that I could even replicate some of the gift baskets, and I am not that creative.



4. "Eye candy" was my initial impression as I slowly consumed this book. Like me, you'll be pleased with the visuals that encourage you to start making gift baskets right away.
   
   Browning introduces you to the "tools of the trade" and then shares ideas for different touches to add to the basket before filling it with gifts and snacks. This is mainly a technique for hobbyists, as professional gift basket designers have little time to embellish each vessel. The bowmaking tutorial is also a plus.
   
   There are many recipes found throughout the book. Most of us enjoy adding homemade items when making gift baskets for fun, rather than just adding products found through wholesale sources, the main focus when making them for profit.
   
   You'll love the designs -- especially pamper, baby bath, and housewarming -- three regularly-requested themes in the gift basket industry.
   
   Shirley George Frazier
   www.GiftBasketBusiness.com
   Author, The Gift Basket Design Book
   The Gift Basket Design Book, 2nd: Everything You Need to Know to Create Beautiful, Professional-Looking Gift Baskets for All Occasions



5. I really enjoyed this book, there we great ideas and beautiful photos of the completed basket. My only complaint (if I should call it that) is that there is so much homemade things. As A new business I am concerned about putting homemade items such as cookies, breads, soaps and bath stuff due to legal issues.

No comments about Basic Basket Making: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started (Stackpole Basics).

1 comments about Handmade Baskets.

1. Vaughan's book emphasizes collecting natural materials for basketry, with neat color pictures of appropriate vegetation. The last part of the book explains simple basket-making. Great enthusiasm builder and very useful guide for collecting. If you want more on weaving patterns as well as materials, look at Jensen's book "Baskets from Nature's Bounty."