4 comments about 4000 Animal, Bird and Fish Motifs: A Sourcebook.

1. This is an excellent publication for craftspeople, artists and teachers of all artforms. The beautifully presented fauna motifs of all our major art "epochs" will not fail to inspire. I have recommended this book to other artist friends who have also purchased it.



2. There is, indeed, an encyclopedic amount of creatures in this book, all arranged ark-like by kind; that is, fish are together, birds together, and etc. The images are in black and white making them very usable for a variety of arts and crafts. The images also come from many sources, both historical and geographic. This is a useful collection for artists and a great reference for those interested in the history of image. The only improvement I can think of is in terms of usability: a spiral binding would have been welcome. Recommended.



3. This book is amazing. It is very organized and full of various types of animals from different cultures. A lot of them are recognizable and some are new to me. This a book any artist should have.



4. My wife asked for this for her birthday. She absolutely loves it. So much so that we recently purchased 6 more as gifts for her friends in different crafting groups. She insists that 4000 Animal, Bird and Fish Motifs has inspired her with tons of quilting/craft ideas. This book is a great gift. We also purchased the other 4000 book of Flowers.
   
   Sam Hendricks, author of "Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comrehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football" and "Fantasy Football Almanac"

5 comments about Bountiful Baskets: Creating Perfect Gifts for Any Occasion.

1. If you are interested in constructing beautiful gift baskets with attention to both form and function, then clearly, this book is a must have. The author's approach to gift selection is both practical and savvy. She encourages the reader to personalize every basket by keeping in mind the recipients likes, dislikes and lifestyle. Her baskets are classy, unique and smart.
   If you're interested in the business end of the gift basket industry (and who wouldn't be after viewing her storefront - at the back of the book), she offers great tips and advice on getting started. More importantly, she offers a short quiz for readers who might be "on the fence" about self-employment" and she candidly explains that it is not a choice for everyone.
   All in all, I would have to rate this, by far, my favorite book in this genre. I own 7 books related to gift baksets. This is the one that had me drooling from the first flip of the pages. I'm not sure the author ever sleeps (read her bio). Her style is impeccable, right down to her tags and letterhead.



2. The author, Sara Toliver, is a Genius!
   This book is so beautiful that it is a gift itself. Beautiful color photos show how to make wonderful gift baskets using everyday items from baskets to tool boxes. It teaches how to create gifts with a personal touch. It's changed the way I give gifts.
   
   Bountiful Baskets is a gift that keeps giving & giving.



3. This is a great book of ideas! The pictures are great and really helped me think of ways to do my own baskets. There is a wonderful section about starting your own business that I found helpful as well. The pictures were great and very creative and professional looking. This book was just what I needed!



4. Excellent book, well worth the money spent. The photos of the finished baskets are lovely and directions clear.



5. Lots of really great ideas, wish it was a thicker book, but it gets the creative juices flowing.

3 comments about Get It Scrapped!: Organize, Visualize, Create.

1. I found this book to be very helpful. The writing is clear and the pictures supported the themes beautifully.



2. Heard great things about author from a friend. She's a professional writer for lots of the papercraft magazines and knows her stuff. Worth it!



3. I loved the idea of this book. The layouts in the book. The artist in the book. Just everything was great. I read a lot of scrapbook idea books and this is one of the best!

5 comments about The Soap Book: Simple Herbal Recipes.

1. This is a really beautiful book -- the photography is gorgeous and I like Sandy Maine's style of writing. She is very readable.

   But...

   There is one recipe in this book, dressed up with different fragrance/essential oils and "fillers". I think this shows a total and complete lack of imagination, considering the WORLD full of God's beautiful, healing oils He put here for us to enjoy. But all it is is olive oil, coconut oil, Crisco...olive oil, coconut oil, Crisco...olive oil, coconu-- well, you get the picture.

   I also think that adding 3 ounces of lavender to that baby soap is going to just about knock the baby across the room. That is an awful lot of scent for a baby soap.

   I'm not sorry I bought the book. The pictures alone gave me some great ideas for packaging and displays. But buy another book if you want some REAL recipes. Save the money you would have spent on buying the enormous quantities of essential oils for these soaps and spend it on a gorgeous bottle of avocado oil. Let your imagination soar. Soapmaking is, in my opinion, an art form. It doesn't have to be as plodding and pedestrian as this book makes it seem.




2. The photos are wonderful. The recipes are only varied according to the eo's that are used. The amounts of eo's would not apply for pure eo's. Soapmakers beware! Start with a small amount of eo, find out how it effects your skin and those using your soap, you can always adjust.
   non tallow soap is too soft to make for everyday use. I use my soap for everything, including the laundry. I would not be able to do this with a vegetable soap. Tallow also cuts the cost, and last a lot longer.



3. I bought this book several years ago--and just got around to making soap for Christmas presents this year. This book was inspiring since it was short, simple, straight-forward . . . recipe was same--just different blends of essential oils.
   
   DON'T USE 4 OUNCES OF ESSENTIAL OILS per batch--WAY TOO MUCH: 1) pool of excess essential oils sits on top of soap, 2) soap never hardens up quite right (according to Cavitch's book), 3) Essential oils are EXPENSIVE, 4) Scent is TOO STRONG, 5) Some essential oils (like cinnamon) used in called-for amounts actually too concentrated for skin (read other reviews!)
   
   This book is a great starter for novices if you do the following: 1) cut the recipes by 1/4 to learn on smaller batches since the ingredients can be costly--in case your batch does not turn out during your learning stage; 2) invest in a good digital scale that allows you to "zero out" after adding each successive ingredient to the same container (accurate to 1/4 ounce and much faster--many initial mistakes attributed to measuring errors); 3) buy coconut oil at Walmart (under $3 for 31.5 oz); 4) obtain reasonably priced essential oils via internet at A Garden Eastward (http://addy.com/brinkley/); 5) Buy one of Susan Cavitch's soapmaking books next to learn from your mistakes and/or take your soapmaking to the next level--by then, you'll be motivated to absorb more complex information that seemed overwhelming/initimidating at first--which will make so much more sense once you've made a couple of batches.



4. Not tons of info and the recipes are pretty basic but if your just starting with soap making its a nice lil book and doesnt take up a ton of room. I would pair this with the book by Anne Watson called "Smart Soapmaking" and a good aromatherapy book to help figure out scenting and what goes well and what each oils properties are.



5. This was my first soap making book. That said, it turned me off to soap making for a good 7 years until my excess of goat milk motivated me to find a better resource for learning to make soap. Sandy Maine includes only 1 recipe in this book, which is difficult to get to work, with no discussion about lye calculators, stirring with a blender, proper superfatting, etc. The approach to mixing the lye and oils is antiquated- never do you need to mix at EXACTLY the same temperature as her book states. You might learn how to follow a recipe from this book, but if you really want to learn how to make and formulate your own soaps, research the web and communicate with others in the business.

5 comments about Origami Flowers: Popular Blossoms and Creative Bouquets.

1. Well, I shouldve done more research on this book, but I don't like it because it requires too many other things to be used other than oragami paper. And sometimes the images of the pictures didnt seem very accurate, so i got confused a lot.



2. It is refreshing to look at the reviews and find that others have had the same frustrations with this book as I have. Yes, I agree the color photographs are absolutely beautiful and inspiring. They sure suck you in and are a powerful tool to entice you into buying the book. The artist is wonderfully creative with her use of the pentagon, hexigon and out-of-the-mainstreem starting shapes which makes this book so unique.
   
   It is definitely NOT for the beginner. The first flower I tried was the pansy. I have been a paper sculptress for years. I love origami, tea bag folding and just about anything having to do with paper. I had to seek the help of my Mensa member father in order to get this one right! I was ready to hold a book burning party and roast marshmallows over this one!
   
   If you do not use a thin enough paper you will have problems with some of the folding. Some areas get folded so many times that the piece becomes almost too thick to fold and I was using plain old printer paper.
   
   If you love a challenge, go for it! I certainly do not regret buying this book and I still pick it up from time to time just to see if my mind is more open to the techniques it presents. Hats off to those who found the instructions "easy to follow." I certainly was not one of them. If you need a reason to slit your wrists I highly recommend this book (hehehehehe - just kidding). Good luck!



3. The featured flowers are beautiful, but be forwarned: the process involves much more beyond folding. Scissors, glue... that's a given in almost all the patterns. For some, that's not pure origami, more paper craft. In addition, there are a few missing steps in some of the instructions. In fact, for 2 of the flowers, there seems to be chunks of instructions missing. Other than that, the usual project takes about 30-40 minutes for an intermediate paper crafter.



4. Origami flowers is a FANTASTIC book, but it is not for the novice, or for one that does not want to spend some quality time constructing the flowers. The flowers do in fact look like the real ones, but they are complicated. One flower took me several hours to complete. I would say this is a book for the advanced-intermediate to advanced origami artist.
   
   Beautiful flowers though!



5. I agree with some of the other reviewers- this is a great book for someone experienced- the diagrams are very easy to follow, the folds come out looking great, and so on. I highly recommend it. However- if you're just starting out, I think a lot of the folds are a little tricky and might not come out right. Definitely not a book for an absolute beginner, but otherwise it's a fantastic book- I loved it.

5 comments about Creative Embellishments: For Paper, Jewelry, Fabric and More.

1. I bought this book on the recommendation of a friend, and I was not disappointed. I have worked on mixed media backgrounds, but this book took me to another level of using embellishments with my backgrounds.



2. Very well written, descriptive, and illustrated. Each subject has it's one descriptions and "gallery" so that you can see various applications and results. Plan on using many of the techniques, now that I have the visuals.



3. I love the book and the colors! There are organized chapters on Tools, Supplies, Techniques, Embellishments etc. Beautiful, wonderful pictures and galleries; Great instructions.
   I would recommend this book to all levels of expertise. There are so many of the techniques I can't wait to try.



4. As Visionary of The Blessing Project I'm always looking for new ideas for our gift products. When I got this magical book I immediately sat down and went through it page by page until the wee hours of the morning--I couldn't put it down. Her ideas are not only creative and beautiful but extensive. I was so impressed by her work that our Creative Director and I went to her next workshop and look forward to continuing work with her. Sherrill is very generous with her ideas and we were delighted to be able to show her how we have used her Angels in our art products. Now we still have the detailed instructions in the book to refer to back at home. Many blessings, Debra Aaron, CEO of The Blessing Project



5. Absolutely love this book. Great ideas, instruction and illustration. For all of us creatives who want to expand our use of multi media.

5 comments about Simple Gifts to Stitch: 30 Elegant and Easy Projects.

1. I consider myself an intermediate sewer. I find the instructions poorly written. This book is okay, a few good projects. I 'Bend the Rules Sewing' by Amy Karol is a much better book with a better variety of projects.



2. I'm havinga really good time with this book, and tha ideas are really great!



3. I was really disappointed with this book. Some of the gifts are simple and easy but most of the patterns are the same old patterns just rehashed a bit. New sewers may like it since some patterns really are simple and good for beginners. I do like the fact that there are patterns in the back of the book. So often we have to 'wing it' on the patterns in sewing books. Good book for someone but not me.



4. I ordered this book almost as an afterthought - thinking that I had pretty much seen every idea for making stylish gifts. Boy, was I wrong! This is a great book that even beginner sewers could use. Great ideas including making your own decorative wrapping paper. If you don't sew or craft - this is a perfect book to give as a gift.



5. This is a good book. Great pictures and nice edition but not all the projects are so elegant or interesting as the bag in the cover, although there are 5 or 6 quite nice and easy to do. I've liked specially the purse and bags and the child's stuff. Quite good, I'll try some of the projects sure.

5 comments about The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking.

1. I love all of Krenov's books. It's easy to find better books on tools or techniques but nowhere will you find books that breathe a love for wood and craft more than Krenov's (Nakashima's "The Soul of a Tree" comes closest.) I've read through each of his books several times and always pick up on something new. "The Fine Art of Cabinet Making" is a bit more advanced than his earlier works in that he covers coopered doors and frame-and-panel work but his philosophy is always evident. Krevnov's love for wood is infectious. After reading his books you find yourself `playing' more with wood. Wondering how things will work if you move this one way and that another. Instead of churning out furniture I instead start to think about the piece I want to make: what wood would look nice? What kind of pulls will fit? How will it sound when the door closes? Somehow all of this combines to make the journey (the making) as nice as the end product. Frankly I think most furniture makers will go broke trying to work like this unless you have a whole lot of cash behind you or can charge very expensively for your work. I really think, though, that these books should be on every woodworker's shelf.



2. James Krenov is one of woodworking's treasures - an acknowledged master craftsman who is open about both his aesthetics and his techniques. For many of us he is a role model who started out on a shoe string in Sweden and has gone on to create a whole style all his own. He is as devoted to teaching as he is to his work and has a gift for inspiration and straightforward exposition.
   
   Unlike A Cabinet Maker's Notebook, The Fine Art of Cabinet Making spends most of its time talking about technique. The first 50 pages is a vast, rambling essay on wood and how to relate to it. His point, an important on, is that the process of selecting and using wood is every bit as important and any other creative process. If you pay attention you will get a deep dive into the way Krenov's designs come to be - a whole new level beyond buying some dimensioned lumber and whipping up a cabinet.
   
   Then he introduces you to his workshop and tools. Krenov actually does use power tools, but sparingly. Many of us have been taught to value the clean, sharp edged work that a modern power woodshop can produce. Krenov is just the opposite, to him the marks of craftsmanship are part of the harmony of the work. Krenov makes his own planes, and spends a great deal of time explaining how to do the same yourself. I have to admit I'm quite happy with my Lie-Nielson's, but one has to admire the intensity of a man who wants everything 'just so.'
   
   The remainder of the book covers details of Krenov's cabinetmaking, and it is here that you discover the extent of his quality. Whether it be dovetails, delicately curved doors, or cabinet backs, Krenov never settles for less than the best he can do. I admit to a few moments of extreme jealousy when he explains that he never clamps dovetail joints, but, as his discussion demonstrates, his attention to detail is such that he shouldn't have to use clamps. I just wonder how many years of practive it will take to accomplish the same thing.
   
   For all that this is a technically focused book, it is also an inspiring one. A book that will have you eyeing potential lumber completely differently, and making yourself take the time to get things right.



3. Mr. Krenov's work speaks for itself. What is great about this book is he shares with us his feel for wood , and it's spirit. He is a wood fanatic. He is excited by its touch, look and feel. How long should I keep a piece of wood before I use it? Moisture content? Integrating the wood and the piece I am making?
   
   Each persons experience of wood and woodworking is different. I have technical books, written well, and some poorly.
   
   This could be called "Zen and the art of woodworking."
   
   When I need inspiration I look to the masters. Mr. Kenov connects me to the wood.



4. Some people just call it furniture - author and craftsman James Krenov, however, believes it be an art form. "The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking" is a guide to turn what's nothing more than storage space to some into a work of art that can be appreciated for something far more than just a place to put things. Going over everything readers need to make a masterpiece of a cabinet, such as wood quality, good hinges, and more, "The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking" leaves nothing to guesswork, making it highly recommended to any woodworking enthusiast and community library woodworking shelves.



5. A must read for all new woodworkers before accumulating all the power tools they think they need.
   More than a great instructional book; it is also a philosophy.

5 comments about The Art of Polymer Clay: Designs and Techniques for Creating Jewelry, Pottery, and Decorative Artwork (Updated Edition).

1. This book,in my opinion, is one of Donna's best. It has all the basics for beginners without the unnecessary "this is clay" boredom. After what I believe to be HONEST reviews of the top clays on the market today, she has READABLE instructions for many techniques. And if that is not enough, her projects are user /reader friendly. Her projects are nice, not like so many books with their "way out" ideas. If you are a beginner...This is the book to get you started. If you are intermediate, this is the book with new & fun lessons. If you are advanced, this is a good reference book and teaching manual. This is now my #1 reference book.
   Life is too short not to have fun!



2. I love anything Donna Kato does. She is so knowledgeable about Polymer Clay and how to use it. I am amazed at how great this book is as a reference and an inspiration. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves Polymer Clay.



3. This polymer clay book is an updated version of one Donna Kato did several years ago. This book is a wonderfully written and illustrated book about how to use polymer clay to make many things around your house. The steps are clearly explained with photos clearly showing each step. I wish all craft books were as well written and illustrated as this leading founder in the polymer clay industry is. 5 gold stars for Donna Kato!!!!



4. Without a doubt the meduim I use most and have the most fun with. This book has enabled me to get to a whole new level. Beautiful pictures, easy to follow directions and the finished products are nice enough to give as gifts. WELL worth the purchase.



5. The Art of Polymer Clay: Designs and Techniques for Creating Jewelry, Pottery, and Decorative Artwork (Updated Edition)
   
   I have learned so much from this book an I don't want to put it down. There isn't one wasted word and the photos are outstanding. If you have any interest at all in polymer clay, Donna Kato, is, if you don't already know, one of the best!!! Donna, thank you for this book. I can now take myself to another level of polymer clay work.
   
   Madeline Faiella

5 comments about Making Marks: Discovering the Ceramic Surface.

1. While I'm relatively new to the art and craft of pottery, I beginning to find my own voice in my work. This book is helping me to think about differnet ways to express myself in my work. While I will probably never go out and buy a sand blaster or work with lusters, I know I have the inital reference source I need should I decide to go that way.
   
   Possibly one of the most valuable (but not necessarily exciting sections) is his intial discussion of drawing and line. I come from a background of hard science (chemistry) and know little of formal art or the principles of "line." He explains why this is important and how to start thinking about it.
   
   Finally, the book is a visual orgy. My husband (non potter) and I frequently sit and flip through the book to look at the examples of the various works. It becomes intoxicating. We can sit and discuss what makes one peice have that "come hither" look while another, while technically excellent, has little or no appeal to us. It has become a spring board for me in terms of astectics.
   
   While this book will not teach you how to sand blast or give you important clues about the proper layering of airbrushed glazes, it will help you think about all of the different types of marks you can make on clay and choose the ones that call to you.



2. This is an exciting book, it is not just about painting marks on surfaces. The list of options is quite comprehensive from liquid slips, clay colour modifications, carving, underglazes, slip-trailing, lustre-ware and of course impressions and incisions made by tools. Robin Hopper is a master of clay due to the years he has be absorbed by it. He has used good quality work by various potters to display the different forms of decoration.
   
   Surface decoration is always something you need to think in advance about before making the piece. You need to be clear what you want to see in the end, these choices will affect how smooth you want the surface to be and of course the decoration needs to be a custom-fit aesthetically for each piece. Discourse about these matters is found throughout the book.
   
   Glaze technology is discussed in this book, though not to the depth a total beginner would like - total knowledge could be gained in a technical course.
   
   This is one of those books that you can keep using as your understanding grows depending on where you are. Always interesting and inspiring to read about other surace decoration forms gaining knowledge all the way.
   
   This book would also be good as a guide in a set course, chapter by chapter you could do projects eg Chapt 1: Drawing, Chapt 2: Sign & Symbol, Chapt 3: Pattern & Space, Chapt 6: Marks of Slash, Scratch, Carve & Cut etc.
   
   All in all, a wonderful storehouse of so many ideas to have at hand !



3. Making Marks is an excellent reference book that both beginners and advanced potters can benefit from. It delves into all aspects of potting, and not only illustrates the results that can be achieved, it provides the "how to" for many of the processes. Any potter who has this book in their library will never run out of ideas for creating unique pieces.



4. Hi,
   I am the author of this book. The first review in the list of five gives a glowing report and yet rates only one star! I feel that this is a mistake. All the other reviews give the book five stars. This might be detrimentally affecting sales. I feel sure that the reviewer did not intend the single star rating with the review that he or she has given.
   
   Perhaps you can check this out. Thanks



5. I purchased this book as a gift and it was absolutely perfect for an up and coming potter who has the building techniques down but would like to move to the next stage of creative pottery design.