5 comments about Bead Flowers.

1. This book will gide you step by step with very colorful illustrations and how to acheive the wonderful blooms.



2. Your service is one of the best and fastest without doubts is reliable too . Well done !



3. I buy just about every Beaded Flower book that comes along and have some rare older ones. Also I have been beading florals in tiny beads for about 4 years. While this is a beautifully photographed book and the diagrams for instructions are very well done, I find that the recommendations for wire gauges for these compositions is to light to provide long enduring work. If you want to use this book, substitute her recommended 30 gauge wire for 26 gauge wire and 28 gauge wire depending on the weight and placement of your components. If you are going to spend hours of time creating beautiful beaded work, it should be of a construction that will provide you and your loved ones with many years if not a life time of enjoyment. 30 gauge wire will not do the job.



4. To beading flowers fantasist I recommend this book, because it has got a
   lot of lessons about Flower beading.This is a book that one can't afford
   to miss. Special thanks goes to Amazon.com for the presentation of these
   products,which craft people finds them very useful



5. I really like the book and the instructions look great. My only complaint is that I'm having trouble finding the beads 3-cut and 6-cut beads. Also having a lot of trouble finding the wire she recommends.
   
   If anyone has a suggestion I would really like to know where online or in Oakland I can purchase the supplies for these flowers.
   
   Don

4 comments about Painting with Acrylics (Acrylic Tips & Techniques).

1. I was unsure of buying this book because it was unreviewed and I had not heard of the author. I'm very glad I took the chance. I've been dabbling with acrylic painting for the last year or so (with no other painting or art experience), and I'm still a pretty rank beginner. I have several other books on acrylic painting. Some of them I like very well, but this is the one I was able to follow the most easily and wind up with something approximating "art."
   
   The strenght of the book is the detailed instruction for completing each project. Lowrey approaches things in a step by step manner. Some of my other books are step by step, but they seem like huge steps because I am left wondering, okay, how did you get from this step to that step? Not here. I think any beginner would be very pleased with this book.
   
   As for what the book covers - It has brief sections on materials, color theory, and composition. Most of the book, though, is split up into six projects:
   1. Watercolor technique
   2. Oil (impasto) technique
   3. mixed watercolor/oil technique
   4. glazing with white
   5. glasing with color
   6. using pastes & gels.
   
   Following each project is a number of paintings created with the same technique. And Mr. Lowrey's paintings are very attractive, I think. I very much like his use of color.
   
   At any rate, Mr. Lowrey's book was very helpful to this beginner. He maintains a website, so check out some of his art if you're curious. (an internet search on Arnold Lowrey and acrylic should be sure to turn it up.)



2. "Painting With Acrylics" starts with an informative introduction which discusses the wide variety in styles and uses of acrylic paint. The sections on acrylic mediums, brush strokes, composition and using color were particularly interesting. The author then shows how to paint six scenes using a well-rounded variety of techniques. He shows how to use palette knives, sponges, sand paper, paper towels, razor blades, fingers and of course paint brushes to achieve the look of water color, scumbling, oil paint, and glazes. In addition, he teaches the reader how to use acrylic pastes and gels. I highly recommend this book.



3. After a short introduction about the materials, color, and tips on composition, Arnold Lowrey spends the bulk of this book giving instructions on how he created 6 paintings that use different techniques. These instructions really are step by step and never jump way ahead in the painting in one "step" leaving you thinking, "what, how did he do that?" He always lets you know exactly what colors and instruments he used to create each object in the painting. All in all, incredibly helpful.



4. This book is great, it shows in detail exactly how to do acrylic paintings using all kinds of subjects and mediums... as a newby to painting (I usually draw) I am having a lot of fun. I thoroughly recommend this book

3 comments about Design Your Own Knits in 5 Easy Steps.

1. this book is good in:
   1. it's quite complete for basic designing reference...
   2. it has formulas of some knitting project...
   3. it has grid paper on the bag...so you can scan it and use it..
   4. it gives more knowledge about knitting to newbie...like yarns type, swatching, etc...
   this book is really-really basic for designing...no patterns here...
   
   the paper of this book is thick, plastic like...very good stuff...
   
   hey, this is not a tutorial book, ok?...so, if you expect a tutorial, don't buy this book...this book is a tutorial for knit designing...



2. This book is very exciting. It's just what I was looking for. It is extremely well organized and concisely put together. I think that is the most impressive part, for me. Sections include choosing the right fiber, proper swatching, proportion, going from idea to paper, and then paper to pattern. It's true there aren't any patterns included, but that's the point isn't it?
   
   Instead there are frameworks to help you design your own. For example, under Basic Shapes is the Scarf. How to design and knit a scarf. Points to consider for scarves. A template of a scarf. Too easy? How about a Slipover. A drop-shoulder sweater. A sweater with set-in sleeves. Each comes with a "how to design and knit" section and a template to give you an idea of what pieces are involved and how they go together. There's a section on necklines, collars, and sizing charts for men, women, children, and babies.
   
   The book addresses choosing a direction to knit in (top to bottom or vice versa, center out, etc), working with color, and determining how much yarn will be needed. Working with repeating patterns, texture, scale. Sorry, I'm rambling. It's just that cool of a book.



3. Very easy to read and understand and starts from real basics about design and inspiration. It doesn't teach all the fundamentals about knitting itself but that's because this is a design (for knitting) book so it assumes the reader already knows how to knit (otherwise why would you want to be designing something you have no clue about, right?!) I give it 4 stars only because it doesn't go through all the possible stitches you can do for knit design, but then, like I said, this is more about setting up design, rather than how to do the stitching. If you want to learn more about stitch dictionary, other books will be necessary, such as Vogue reference book.
   
   I like the illustrations and photos in it that really help visualize the concepts, the language is simple, and the graph paper is definitely going to be helpful.

5 comments about Creative Cloth Doll Making: New Approaches for Using Fibers, Beads, Dyes, and Other Exciting Techniques.

1. Wonderful book and the dolls are just beautiful. These dolls are unusual with the latest savvy! Not your usual Raggedy Ann's. Includes dolls made by many cloth dollmakers and their perspective of their design which is wonderful reading. Excellent patterns and ideas! I highly recommend this book.



2. This is a great book, for the experienced doll maker, and the new beginner. The instrutions, with illustrations are clear and concise. Very easy to follow, very simple to use, and most of all fun. With a gallery of recognized colth doll makers, show casing what they have done with these patterns!
   
   A perfect starter book, this one should be on any soft cloth doll makers shelf.



3. Purchased this paperback and absolutely had to order ALL of the books of Ms. Medaris Culea. Wonderfully illustrated, easy to follow instructions with patterns provided, I'd say the beginner to expert dollmaker would find something of interest. Can't wait to hit the fabric store and find some fun remnants!



4. This is the second Culea book I've purchased, and I got this one primarily because I really like her first one. I'm new to doll making so I find the patterns and suggestions very helpful to get the creative juices flowing. This book also has a doll pattern as well as instructions for creative embellishments. One caveat: While this book is great for me as a beginning doll "artist", I don't think it's for a beginning sewer since the instructions tend to give you a broad outline of each process (not detailed steps.) On the plus side, the book has lots of illustrations to help you understand the instructions. It's also filled with photos of Culea's pattern interpreted by many "guest" artists. For me, this is definitely one of the more fun doll books in print right now.



5. Creative Cloth Doll Making: New Approaches for Using Fibers, Beads, Dyes, and Other Exciting Techniques
   
   As a accompaniment to my Creative Cloth Doll Faces book, this book is a necessity to help me create beautiful dolls! I am excited and thrilled to have this book and learn about all the wonderful tips and tricks that can be used to create and embellish my dolls and make each doll unique - with her own personality!

No comments about How to Make Polymer Clay Beads: 35 Step-by-step Projects Show How to Make Beautiful Beads and Jewelry.

3 comments about American Wild Flowers Coloring Book (Dover Pictorial Archives).

1. Dover flower coloring books are hard to beat. Inexpensive & accurate, they are ideal for older children & adults & well-suited for a set of colored pencils rather than crayons. American Wild Flowers would please even Ladybird Johnson.
   
   Bob Rixon



2. I purchased this coloring book for my grandmother who has Alzheimer's. It helps her feel as if she is accomplishing something and also she is using her mind and hands to stay in the lines. It's an ideal coloring book for anyone who wishes to color like they use to.



3. I just purchased these Dover COloring Books for my mother and she loves them. The detail is out of this world and the variety of colors you can use are only limited by your inagination. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

4 comments about Quilled Borders & Motifs.

1. What great ideas for cards, frames, scrapbooking and many other uses this book presents for those of us who enjoy not only the art of quilling, but paper crafting in general. My granddaughter who is only 10 is now trying out some of the projects and is quite excited about how they are coming out even tho she needs more practice this is a great hobby to develope for children of all ages and proficiency levels.



2. Great for ideas to embelishments for scrapbooks using quilling. From Baby, animals, flowers, and some pretty borders ideas.



3. If you scrap and enjoy doing quilling, this book has some really good ideas. From borders to babies, toys, weddings, flowers. Easy to understand.



4. This is the best book on Quilling i have seen in a long time.
   It has loads of different things to make. Great for greeting cards for all occasions.
   Happy Quilling

5 comments about Spinning in the Old Way: How (and Why) To Make Your Own Yarn With A High-Whorl Handspindle.

1. I'm a spinning newbie, so I've been collecting books on the subject. This one I know I'll go back to for review, charts, and because I seem to learn something new everytime I read it. The best starter book I've seen.



2. Great Beginner's book. Patricia G-Roberts instructions and history of spinning is engaging and very easy to understand. There are line drawings to help you visualize the drop whorl spinning process. She also explains the differences between High an Low whorl spindles and is an excellent teacher. Very much worth the investment for a Beginner High Whorl hand spinner or a wanna be.



3. I have several books on hand-spinning and this is THE best. My only complaint is lack of photos but that would jack up the price and isn't really necessary. The illustrations do a good job as is. I learned to spin on a high-whorl spindle by buying one and doing the spinny thing with my fingers - this book shows how you get WAY more spin by spinning it (in the old way!) up or down your thigh. At first this sounded hokey. I thought I had a good spin using my fingers. I was wrong. Now I'm a convert to thigh-spinning! (I know it sounds weird, but this author knows what she is talking about!)
   
   The book also talks about how you can use cheap and inexpensive things as spinning tools. I like the author's idea of keeping it simple and portable. I also like the section on plying - lacking in a lot of books. The author actually tried a bunch of ways and rated them for ease, and then tells how to do it in the easiest way. That's useful.
   
   I love the book and would recommend it to anyone. If you don't have a drop spindle yet, BUY THE BOOK FIRST, then shop for your spindle when you know something about the difference between a good, useful one and a bad one. I had to get rid of my first "beginner" spindle - it wobbled, had a bad hook, and no notch.



4. Gave a wonderful overview of hand spinning, making a strong case for the top whorl spindle. I had been trying to learn by myself, with a starter spindle a friend gave me, and found myself spinning better within hours of reading! I love the drawings, the connections to tradition, and her helpful sharing of various techniques.



5. I am new to spinning with a top whorl spindle, and got this on a whim. I found it fully digestible, with loads of well-written information. The illustrations are clear and useful, covering types of spindles, preparation of purchased fiber, woolen vs. worsted preparation and spinning, direction of spin, plying, cabling, and finishing. It also covers using a nostepinne as a tool for plying.
   
   Ms. Gibson-Roberts is clear, concise and logical about her preferences, but adds other alternatives so that the reader can choose her methods or alternatives, understanding why each might be useful or problematic. She is thrifty, encouraging a minimalistic approach. A list of suppliers is provided at the end, many of whom can be found on the web.
   
   This is an excellent introduction for the novice "spindler".

4 comments about Pretty Knits: 30 Designs from Loop in London.

1. Reviewed by Janelle Martin
   
   For many years customers have been asking for patterns for the garments displayed in Loop, a hugely popular yarn store in London, England filled with more than 130 different yarns. Usually the clerks have had to disappoint customers, telling them that the designs came from independent designers and no pattern is available. With the publication of Pretty Knits: 30 designs from Loop in London. edited by Loop owner Susan Cropper, many of these coveted designs are available for knitters to enjoy.
   
   The designs in Pretty Knits are divided into four chapters: Flirty Fashionista (garments); Divine Accessories; Beautiful Boudoirs (items for the bedroom); and Feminine Fripperies (accessories for the rest of your home).
   
   Garments range from 30" to 44" (76cm to 112cm) with most falling in the 34" to 40" range (86cm to 102cm). Knitters from every skill level will find something in this volume. Beginners will be tempted by basic patterns with special extras such as the "Bliss" Empire-Line Top by Debbie Bliss which features silk ribbon threaded through eyelet ridge. More experienced knitters will be drawn to patterns such as Kristen Griffin-Grimes "Anisette" Wrap that uses three different lace patterns and highlights the beauty of luxurious Rowan Kidsilk Haze.
   
   Unusual and luxury yarns fill the pages of Pretty Knits. An evening out bag is made with Leigh Radford/Lantern Moon Silk Gelato (a Vietnamese silk cut into strips); bed socks created from Jade Sapphire Mongolian Cashmere; or a runner from Be Sweet Bamboo all contribute to a decadent knitting experience. Yardage requirements are not provided in the instructions so knitters wishing to work these projects in more economical options will need to do a bit of investigation.
   
   The final section of the book provides instructions in knitting techniques: three different cast-ons, knitting with beads, working cables, and various finishing methods. As many of these patterns use notions, Cropper has included sources for these as well as the yarns suggested in the patterns. While a trip to London and Loop is not in the cards for most knitters, "this book is a little extension of Loop and those who make it special."
   
   Armchair Interviews says: Book that gives knitters some neat ideas.



2. I have just received this book and am delighted with it. It has beautiful projects, scrumptious yarns, nice photography and there are projects I want to make. The projects are just a bit different and you can get the yarn from the writers shop on-line if you find it difficult to source near you.
   
   I am very happy with this book.



3. I bought this book, first because I just love the cape on the front of the book, and when I found out that it was done with Louisa Harding's yarn, it made it even more appealing. After going through it and seeing more of Louisa's yarn used, I decided that I had to have it.
   Now, I am a book lover. And I go into overkill when it comes to yarn pattern books. But I am picky and I go home and I go through the book very carefully and decide if it is worth keeping. This definitely is a keeper. Sometimes I keep a book just for the inspiration.
   Not this one, I already have the beautiful cape started on the front cover and just love knitting with Louisa's yarns.
   The instructions are easy to follow, I love looking at all of the pictures and Loop I doubt I will ever get to, I have plenty of yarn shops here in the US that i will spend my money on first. But having this pattern book is well worth it. It is a classic and I highly recommend this book to every knitter.



4. There are so many pretty things to make in this book, and my fingers are itching to start making them. I love the designs, and there are projects for many skill levels. Any of these would make a beautiful gift. The colors and textures are good, and there are lots of ideas for my projects.
   I'm glad I got this book, and it will be a good addition to my collection of knitting books.

5 comments about Building Beautiful Boxes with Your Band Saw.

1. The book is well written, the photos are fine. I did not expect the step by step, cookie-cutter directions that this book is. I wanted a more general approach to making ANY box on the bandsaw. For example, since she incorporates the cuts through the frame of the box to make the drawers into her design (and I want to minimize and conceal those cuts) I found no good info on how best to hide those cuts. Her boxes are beautiful, and if all you want to do is duplicate those specific boxes, this book is for you.



2. As a beginner with the bandsaw, I loved the approach Ventura took with this book. From the beginning she presents the building of these boxes in a logical and well described manner. I have made several of the boxes in the last month and have learned a bunch. I will continue to make these boxes since everyone loves them and have asked for them as gifts.
   The only drawback I would like to point out is the chapter on finishing. Ventura is a little locked into the finishing products she uses. There is little in the way of recommendations on finishing with other than those particular products. I don't use those so was left a little to search on my own.
   Aside from that one minor issue with the finishing I found this a great book to help the beginner jump in and make some very successful designs.



3. I enjoyed this book. It has interesting designs and careful plans on how to execute the designs.



4. I purchased this book to try something different for gifts. The boxes that I have made came out great! I have only made five so far, but will make more. I used walnut oil on four of the boxes, rather than the products that she mentions, and tried spray lacquer on one. I followed her suggestion for flocking the inside of the drawers. They require quite a bit of sanding, but are lots of fun to make. You'll really want a spindle sander or 6" X 48" belt sander or similar for the curved surfaces. You won't be disapointed with this book.



5. I got this book along with several other box books. I love this book. It is simple, and easy to make these boxes. I have made seven boxes and everyone wants to buy them. I have to make a lot more for Christmas. You will be suprised how nice these boxes come out and how easy they are to make.