5 comments about Elegant Glassware Of The Depression Era: Identification and Value Guide.

1. This is another fave of mine from Gene Florence!He sure knows what he is writing about!!!This book is loaded with color photos of many different types of depression glass.I never realized how many patterns,and companies,there were out there!!!He also is very thorough about listing what pieces were in what colors and the values for each color.
   Overall a fantastic book!



2. Orginally purchased for my mother, I purchased it also after looking through it. The original reason for the book was to attempt to id some etched glass, the glass was not in the book, but it was worth it anyway. Beautiful photos, good writing, I saw pieces I had not known exsited. Who knew that such elegant depression glass was out there! I would not recommend it for the "flea market" or "yard sale" groupie, one of his Collectors Encyclopedias may work better, but it is still a very nice book and well worth it if you collect or deal in higher end depression glass.



3. gene florence , any of his books are concise and show the items in a clear picture . he presents the items along with the current prices . all of genes books as is this one , are lovely to look at and very informative, giving a lot of joy.



4. This book is a little large to be carrying around, however I still do carry it to places that I already know will have the pattern I am looking for.
   The forward describes "Elegant" glassware as handmade and acid etched glassware that was sold by department and jewelry stores during the Depression era through the 1950's, differentiating it from the dime store and giveaway glass that has become known as Depression glass. The word "Elegant" has become "official" nomenclature among today's dealers for designating handmade glass.
   It is well organized with the glass patterns in alphabetical order and the prices in columns by color of glass. Most of the pictures are color and have good enough definition to identify what you are looking at. There are a contents by pattern and a contents by company.



5. The shipment arrived very very fast, the book stinks but that is not the shippers problem.

5 comments about The Fostoria Value Guide.

1. This is the book I've been waiting for. It puts all the patterns into one book I can carry with me. Since it's in ABC order, patterns are easy to find, and there's picture of a piece or design to jog my memory with each pattern. Lot's of good data packed into one book, plus all the color makes it fun. A must have for Fostoria collectors!



2. This beautiful new book is a worthy companion to the other 4 books in the Crystal for America series by Milbra Long and Emily Seate! It is artfully designed and cleverly organized, so you can quickly find updated values for any Fostoria glassware covered in the four preceding books. Colorful page borders and plenty of illustrations, many in color, make this book easy to use, despite all the numerical information it offers. There is even a section of new information on Fostoria tumblers! This book does not replace the other 4 books -- you need them for indepth information on pieces and patterns, but it is a masterful presentation of updated value information.



3. There are those who impulsively and passionately buy books on antique and collectible glassware, those who systematically purchase such books for their usefulness, and those who wait for that rare wonderful book to add to their collection. Milbra and Emily, Mother and Daughter, have written a book for ALL of you. Grab your purse, your wallet, your checkbook, your credit card. We're going shopping!

   Why this book, you ask. The shelves are full of reference books. True enough. There are bigger books, books that have more pictures, books that are hard bound and updated every year. You already have those books. Buying THIS book is like buying a piece of Fostoria- crystal, colorful, wonderful to touch, full of history, something from which you must tear your eyes, something you don't want to put down, something valuable.

   Each of the 206 numbered pages has a treasure for you to find. No where will you find more information on the value of your Fostoria pieces. No where can you find references to the 4 previous books so lovingly and gorgeously produced by this team. With this book you have a way to access all 4 previous books in any way you choose.

   From Acanthus, Etching 282 to York, Cutting 707 (almost A to Z), The Fostoria Value Guide is where you find what you are looking for. One hundred years of production by the greatest glass company this country will ever see. What are you waiting for? Need more information? Okay.

   Worried that THE Guide is organized just by etchings or cuttings? Leave your worries behind you. Categories (alphabetically) are imbedded in the treasures, so if you want to look up "Jugs and Tankards", you'll find them after Jubilee and before Juliet. Got a collection of "Figurals"? Find them after Fifth Avenue and before Finger Bowls. Starting a collection of Centerpieces? You'll find an entry just before Century, which kindly redirects you to "Bowls, Centerpieces, and Console Bowls". Have an unnamed blank? Look under "Blank". Collecting an unnamed etch? Look under "Etch". It doesn't get any better than that.

   Still not satisfied? Okay, you've got a beautiful pitcher, which your Aunt Wilma left you. She called it Meadow Flower, you're sure. But there is no listing. What to do? Meadow Rose is close, look there, is that it? Page 109 in THE Guide. You know she got it in 1937, when she was married. That's right, it was made then according to THE Guide. Not sure? THE Guide tells you to look closer in Stemware, page 87. Convinced? Now call your insurance man. That pitcher is worth a lot more than what your Aunt paid for it. How about $350.00 today?

   Still need more? Hard to please or just a discriminating book shopper? How about 16 pages of photographs, advertising, and catalogue pages you haven't seen before. How about an alphabetical guide word at the top of each page, just like a dictionary, so you can move around quickly and easily through the pages? Milbra and Emily aim to please, and they've hit the bull's eye.

   I know you're convinced now. You've seen plenty of other value guides- lifeless, cryptic, colorless, limp, incomplete, poorly bound, an after thought. Who needs them? With this choice you'll enjoy a beautiful, friendly book.

   See you at the store. Or if they are sold out (likely), see you online. You won't go wrong. Have Milbra and Emily let you down thus far? Not even close. Love their books, love them, love Fostoria.




4. I found this book very confusing and difficult to use. There are very few colored pictures, and what there are, are not labelled. I would not recommend this book. There has to be a better Fostoria book than this. It also does not have everything that was made in a pattern. You would have a real hard time identifying many Fostoria patterns using this book.



5. Quiz: What is the size difference between a cookie, cracker, pickle, and a pretzel jar?
   
   Don't know? This book won't help. Many of the listings lack physical measurements, cutting the value of the book in half. This is particularly crucial when looking at stemware and bowls. Unless you carry a measuring cup with you, the capacity in liquid ounces in some listings won't help either. Means you'll have to lug around the other books, defeating the purpose of having a separate Value Guide.
   
   The book seems quite complete otherwise, and has clear pictures/drawings of most patterns so you can verify price tag accuracy. No substitute for a pattern identification book, since that is not the purpose of this book.

3 comments about Sidelights, Fanlights and Transoms Stained Glass Pattern Book.

1. There are a lot of clear patterns with around 50 pieces. Many Flowers and a few birds. I am looking for transom and fan light patterns that feature birds and found only one pattern in this book that I could use. However, the flower patterns have really caught my eye.



2. This is one of my favorite source books for designs. I use them in computer application so the line size and clarity are important. Like all Mr. Sibbitt's books, the image quality is high. The designs also lend themselves well to a little adjustment in width or height adjustment. Many of the designs have similar components in them allowing one to use them for matching pieces for both transoms and sidelights.



3. Although this book has few color examples in it the patterns are all top notch. I like it. I will adapt some of the patterns, as I do all book patterns, into something more from my brain. This is a good idea resource book. The piece counts my make it more of intermediate use rather than for beginners.

4 comments about No Green Berries or Leaves: The Creative Journey of an Artist in Glass.

1. The book is a well written collection of autobiographical essays that sometimes include astonishingly honest descriptions of his life and thoughts. It describes his personal journey from a troubled dyslexic schoolboy to an internationally known glass artist. His pathway to success and international recognition was not an easy one - instead, it was marked by his relentless determination, commitment, and an unquenchable desire and pursuit for overall excellence and perfection of his work.
   
   I found the book easy and delightful to read. His stories give a personal insight into this most recognized paperweight artist and leave you feeling that you have personally known and understood him for years. Some of the stories are funny, some are touching and some explain his intellectual and artistic blossoming. His spiritual core values, work ethics and artistic integrity become clearly obvious. In this book, Paul wrote "In the studio, I promote excellence like a holy doctrine."



2. Mr. Stankard's story, at it's core, resonates with me. As a enthusiast of glass art, I expected to be interested in his journey, but I did not anticipate Mr. Stankard's level of candor and honesty. The combination of his balancing act of family, his struggle with dyslexia, and the pursuit of excellence is more than an inspirational story, it's an affirmation of life as an artist.



3. I found it very inspiring and informative to read about Paul Stankard's path as a glass artist, including his stuggles and triumphs. Not only was this an entertaining read, but I also relate to some of the tribulations Paul has faced along his path and I really connect with his love for nature. As a glass artist myself, I find it comforting to see that with perseverance, one can find the right path and eventually be successful doing what one loves to do. Thank you Paul for sharing so deeply and honestly of your experiences.



4. Paul Stankard, by all accounts one of the most recognized and successful glass artists alive today, has collected his experiences from decades of work with hot glass into a small tome of reminiscences. His memories are organized into a dozen and a half essays, loosely chronological but often overlapping, doubling back upon, and fleshing out earlier episodes. Additional materials include 32 full-color pages of photographs after the Epilogue, and an unexpected but handy Index following that. All of this is bundled within a thoughtfully-designed cover that cradles Mr. Stankard's prose in tones of green and cranberry.
   
   While short in length (183 pages, not including the Foreword and Preface), No Green Berries or Leaves is densely packed with feeling and reflection. Despite the weight of the material, it is a quick and easy read, owing to the fact that the voice which comes through is Paul's. It resembles more a story he might share over a cup of coffee rather than a piece of print. It is this quality, coupled with the way the book is broken down into small bites of his life rather than chronological chapters, that is the underlying strength of the book. No lofty phrasing or clinical assessments are found here, just plain words written with warmth, thought, and honesty.
   
   Paul gives more than just a standard re-telling of how he got here from there. History is interwoven with artistic philosophies, psychological states, and spiritual beliefs, resulting in a story rich with detail and meaning. He relates his youthful dreams, training, and creative yearnings that led to career changes, but also reveals personal struggles with a learning disability, anxiety, and nagging self-esteem issues, all of which culminate in the development of Paul Stankard the artist, family man, friend, mentor, and human being.
   
   Several themes are reinforced throughout: hard work, perseverance, the importance of continually educating one's self, harmony with Nature and its Maker, and gratitude, to name a few. Paul is forthright about the difficulties he endured, but also encourages his readers that if he was able to overcome those to become the acknowledged glass master he is, others can do the same through hard work, dedication, and faith in one's abilities. He strives to be an inspiration to others just as he was mentored throughout his career. His appreciation to all of the people who played a part in his journey flows through the pages, another prominent layer to the book and the person.
   
   For the paperweight enthusiast, this book offers a rare look into the heart of a master craftsman, delving into what originally inspired him to take up the torch to recreate those lovely handfuls of glass, what drives him to push the boundaries of the genre, and how the medium's siren call draws him ever closer into communion with its mysteries.

No comments about Gorgeous Glass: Sparkling Ideas For Painting On Glass & China.

1 comments about Stained Glass in the Garden.

1. This wonderful book on Stained Glass has all types of new and exciting patterns for the garden and patio. Brightly colored pictures and detailed instructions are included.

5 comments about Introduction to Stained Glass: A Step-by-Step Teaching Manual.

1. I found this book great for anyone who wants to start stained glass. Needed supplies, basic techniques reguarding every aspect to get rolling. Cutting angles, and circles, foiling and soldering, much more, I dont think I could of started without it. If your at all interested in stained glass, this book is a must. Any questions you have, this book covers it. Well worth it! Also useful as a referance manual. Good luck!



2. I bought this book as an addition to my stained glass class through the local high school. It is great. It helps fill in the gaps and reminds me of what I forgot.

   This book covers both copper foil and leading. While I can't speak for the leading, it has excellent information on the copper foil method. It's information on equipment is also up to date. Though the cover is in color the rest of the book is in black and white. This is probably why a book so jam packed with information, was so inexpensive. I didn't find the black and while photos to be a negative at all. There are pictures of everything and this is great. So many books just give you patterns and words.

   Its tips on glass cutting I found very useful, since you don't always run into everything in class. It saved me some broken glass. Its troubleshooting hints on soldering were handy as well.

   Also there are some projects in the back. I haven't made any but they have complete instructions (pictures too) and the patterns included.

   The contents since ... does not provide it, is as follows:

   1. HISTORY - GLASS Glass making, Stained glass, Jewels, Nuggets and Bevels, Color selection,

   2. TOOLS OF THE TRADE Glass cutters, Pliers, Soldering Irons and Accessories, Lead tools, Miscellaneous Equipment, Safety Equipment, Grinding Equipment,

   3. SUPPLIES Supplies, Work Surface, Lead Supplies, Copper Foil Supplies, Shopping list,

   4. GLASS CUTTING Theory,

   Holding the Glass Cutter, Scoring the Glass, Breaking out the score, Scoring using a straight edge, Grozing, Cutting inside curves, Cutting Circles, Semi-circles or ovals, Cutting large sheets,

   5. WORKING WITH PATTERNS Pattern Making, Using a Pattern for Glass cutting, Photocopying your patterns,

   6. CONSTRUCTING A LEADED PANEL Introduction, Step by Step Instructions, Lead Soldering, Cementing,

   7. CONSTRUCTING A COPPER FOILED PANEL Introduction, Step by step instructions, Soldering copper foil, Solder Troubleshooting Hints,

   8. CONSTRUCTING A COPPER FOILED LAMPSHADE Step by step instructions, Alternate Assembly method, Special Construction, Joiner pieces, Square corner construction,

   9. FINISHING YOUR PROJECT Hanging hardware, Spider, Vase caps, Frames, Antique Patina, Polishing or Waxing, Overlay Details, Cleaning your project, Reinforcing your window, Replacing a cracked foil piece,

   10. FULL SIZE PROJECTS Diamond panel (Bevels), Sunburst panel, Butterfly, Rainbow and Cloud, Standing Angel, Dove, Fruit Cluster, Six Sided Flower pot, Eight Sided Flower pot, Traditional cone lamp, Classic Lamp, Floral Lamp, Floral Tray with Dividers, Floral Lidded Box, Sailboat Panel, Cattail Panel, Floral Panel,




3. My biggest complaint about this book is it's design; the gutter width (the "blank' area between facing pages) is far too narrow for the columns of text closest to the binding of the book to be read with any ease whatsoever. One would literally have to tear the pages out of this book to read them without wrestling with the binding. Forget about having this book lay open as you work.

   The black and white photos are of poor quality, disapointing in a book about a medium charecterized by it's vibrant colors. The designs provided with the book are, well- ugly.

   The author is vague in his recomendations regarding tools and supplies, suggesting (infuriatingly) that one consult their "intructor or supplier". Step up to the plate, name names! I bought your book you weenie. What kind of soldering iron did YOU shell out your hard-earned money for?

   I wouldn't have bought this book if I had seen it in a bookstore where I could pick it up and leaf through it. Ugh.

   Do yourself a favor. Do a "Google" search for "stained glass instruction" there are guys willing to part with all the info in this book for free. Save eleven bucks.




4. If you've never touched stained glass, this book is great. Its got accurate info on leaded and copper foil glass, and projects that progress from easy to difficult.
   However the book feels a bit thin, and as mentioned already the inside margin along the book spine is less than 1/4", meaning you absolutely have to cut all the patterns out of the book with a razorblade very carefully.
   
   If you've been doing glass a while, I would look for a different book.



5. The book was in good shape and new condition. The instructions are precise and informative.

3 comments about Fostoria American Line 2056 (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. This book is wonderful to look at and browse through! It has a great deal of information and MANY full color pictures. It is a delight to be able to see so many well photographed pieces in one volume. The price ranges are listed right with the picture and descriptions, so it is a quick and easy reference. This is a good book for those that are in search of a moderately priced volume for their personal reference, as well as for the dealer.

   Note: the author, Leslie Pina, has many other volumes on glass that may be of interest to you.




2. Fostoria AAmerican Line 2056 is a real neat book and I have really enjoyed looking it over for the idea of finding the pieces that I have and looking for additional pieces and the price listed for the pieces is a real help.
   The pictures are fantastic and the descriptions are good. I only wish that I knew how to measure the pieces of glass to match their measurements.It's great to have the individuals to share by allowing photographs of their collections to help us beginners. Such treasures!Thanks for a job well done to the author, Leslie Pina, Ohio.



3. Book was in pristine condition and helped me find what I was missing from this pattern

4 comments about Authentic Art Nouveau Stained Glass Designs in Full Color (Dover Pictorial Archive Series).

1. I absolutely love this book. It's definitely not for beginning stained glass crafters, though - lots of curves and intricacies. I'm looking forward to when I have the expertise to use some of the patterns.

   There are 30 pages of some of the best art nouveau patterns I have ever seen. I've already used one of the patterns to create a needlepoint pattern, and I plan on using many more. Even better than I anticipated!




2. Although the designs in this book may not be for the beginning stained glass artist, the color combinations and whimsy incorporated in them will most certainly get your creative juices flowing! I spent several hours just thinking of how I might take just small segments of some of these masterpieces of glasswork to create my own projects. Although Art Nouveau as a whole "look" may be too much for some people, there are certain aspects of these works that are timeless and would fit with nearly any other design genre. Great book for any artisan or craftsperson in search of marvelous design ideas.



3. This collection of windows has inspired my creative juices. I have already
   used the book to design sidelights and rakehead windows for my front entrance.



4. A very nice book of art nouveau patterns...many of the patterns are large/complicated, but it does have some patterns that are doable for less experienced crafters. The only flaw in the book is that it doesn't have black/white images to accompany the full-color images, which means you'll have to scan it into Photoshop and fuss with it a bit to get a simple/crisp printable pattern.

5 comments about Chihuly.

1. From the front page to the end this book you will be mesmorized. For those familiar with Maestro Chihuly's work this is a bible, for those that just come to learn about his creations this book is a must have. I feel that Dale Chihuly is one of the most talented artists of this century. His vision and creativity are so outstanding in a world of modern art sometimes too bare and conceptual. The book is an array of picture after picture of Chihuly's work. Splendid details can inspire from a decorator to a fashion designer, every page is a microcosmo of creativity. If I had to travel the universe with just a suitcase full of books, this is absolutly one of them.



2. Among the thousands of art books on the market, Kuspit's exhaustive look at Dale Chihuly's career in glass is a bargain for the Amazon price. Filled with gorgeous color photos of Chihuly's unique work, and intelligently written, this book will grace any art lover's shelf.



3. I was introduced to Chihuly through a special on my local PBS station many years ago. I couldn't remember his name, but I always remembered that he was the brilliant man with the unorthodox style. His vision and his artistic talents are immense. This book is absolutely mesmerizing and gorgeous with page after page of color photos. From the "Chihuly Over Venice" project to his designs for the set of the opera "Pelléas et Mélisande" for the Seattle Opera. This book truly is a feast for the eyes and the soul. Chihuly is a master of glass and this book proves it.



4. This book is beautiful! I visited the botanical gardens in St. Louis and saw some of Dale Chihuly's work close up. I've never seen anything like it. What an incredible art form this is. This book brings back the same feelings I had while looking at his work in person. The pictures in this book are breathtaking. The great thing about this particular book is that it has pictures of his work located all over the world. Many of the pictures have a location listed and some of them have Mr. Chihuly's comments on the piece and how he felt about creating it. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a general book on his work. I have it on my coffee table in the family room and everyone who opens it up, can't put it down. Every turn of the page brings a "WOW" or "Incredible". Truly a `must have' book for your collection.



5. I gave this book to my mom for her birthday. She is a big Chihuly fan and loved the book. It came quickly and in good condition. The pictures are beautiful and the introduction tells all about Chihuly's life and work as an artist.