5 comments about The Gliding Flight: 20 Excellent Fold and fly Paper Airplanes.

1. I had been searching for a good paper airplane book for a long time looking for plans that involved only paper and folding - no scissors, tape, glue, paper clips, or anything extra. While travelling for work in Arizona several years ago I found this book at a Barnes & Noble - it's the best paper airplane book I have ever run across. Some of the folds can be challenging but the author's use of flip-through animation in the corners of the book help tremendously. I've built and flown every plane in the book and they all perform incredibly - especially "The Plane". Buy this book and you'll be amazed by the looks and performance of your paper airplanes.



2. While some of the folds are origami difficult (there should be difficulty ratings for each plane), the planes really are impressive flyers! The book attempts to demonstrate the more difficult folds with flip-through style animations on the margin of the pages. My 5-year-old son thinks I'm the best paper airplane maker in the world!



3. I could not remember how to make a good plane. I was just looking for one good plane and I found it in this book: The Phoenix (page 25). Easy to build and my five year old can succesfully throw it. I'm glad I bought the book. After the plane crashes a few times, like all paper planes, they no longer fly correctly. But thanks to John's "trimming and flying" trips, I can make the plane fly well again.



4. My nephew is really into making flying rockets out of paper. He's five. Well, I wanted to impress the little devil, not an easy feat as this young man is more proficient on the computer than I'll ever hope to be, so I got this book, decided to learn how to make a couple complicated paper planes.
   
   My plan, learn a couple of these designs, practice them over and over till I could fabricate them blindfolded, do them in my sleep. I wanted to make making these babies as easy as tying shoes.
   
   I skipped the easy stuff, went right to the Trang on page 75. This baby was for me. If I could knock this out, while watching television, you know, as sort of an after thought, well that little booger would really, really be impressed.
   
   First off, let me say, that maybe I should have started slow and worked up, but I didn't. There are seventeen different steps to building this glider and the design assumes that you've at least looked at some that have come before. But after several failed attempts, I got it down. I went through quite a bit of paper, but I mastered this (in between practicing the Trang I was learning how to juggle, a feat my nephew wants to master, but is having trouble with).
   
   So the next time my brother asked me to babysit, I did my juggling bit. My nephew wasn't impressed. But when I built that Trang while watching Wolf Blitzer on CNN, now that impressed him. If you've got kids, or nieces or nephews, this is a good book to have around. Really!
   
   Review submitted by Captain Katie Osborne



5. My 9 year-old gives it two-thumbs up!

5 comments about Complete Guide to Needlework.

1. This volume lives up to the title. It is most definitely a very complete guide to needlework. The instructions are flawless, and the lovely presentation will encourage you to try new things and refresh old skills. The Complete Guide to Needlework would make a perfect gift for the crafter in your life, but be sure to buy another copy for yourself. It's just THAT GOOD!



2. I had to buy this book for a fibers class and i'm glad i did. this book is great! easy to follow instructions. if you can get the older one, the cover is much cuter! it helped me learn lots of embroidery stitches, basics of quilting, and the macrame section is great!



3. An oldie but a goodie...I love it as it has everything. It is for any type of needlework what the "Joy of Cooking" is for cooking...if you want to know how to do something look here.



4. What a deal!!! Has absolutely everything about the basics of almost every kind of stitchery. A real find.



5. If there were more craft books like this one, I wouldn't need so many craft books! This one has it ALL.
   
   Yes, some have pointed out that the projects are somewhat dated. Published in 1979, the Complete Guide to Needlework is 6 years older than I am. However, if you're interested enough in crafting to even read it, you should be creative enough to improvise.
   
   If there's a knit stitch or applique technique you just can't find, maybe it's in here. Trust me, it's all here. And with so many available used for under $1 on this site, it's a fantastic find.

3 comments about Large Origami Paper : 24 9" X 9" Sheets in 12 Colors.

1. I received my paper and ripped open the pack so I could start folding. I was immediately disappointed by the selection of colors. The colors themselves are good enough, however they are boring. They make your creations uninteresting and drab. I prefer patterned color paper. The paper performs well and I recommend this paper for practicing because if you mess up you didn't lose all that much.



2. This paper is bigger than I thought it whoud be.The colors are good.



3. This is a pretty standard set of origami paper, no special bells or whistles, but the large size makes it suitable for very intricate, complex models with many tiny folds. It is also good for beginners who are still learning the art of origami. A word of caution: the dye on the red paper and the other deep colors tends to rub off while you're folding.

5 comments about Jim Tolpin's Table Saw Magic, Second Edition.

1. The book was very good a need to have in the shop



2. This book is a more a of brief review of table saw technique and jigs. The chapters are not very detailed and don't actually contain any directions for doing most of cuts or processes. The most frustrating thing is where he will say "just use this very handy jig" and then gives a very crude drawing of the jig with no explanation of how to build it or even a basic layout. A MUCH better book is Kelly Mehler's The Table Saw Book.



3. Several good reviews on this book, all are correct IMO. This book is very thorough.... I thought I knew a LOT about TS's, but this book taught me even more. Some very useful jigs, safe work methods (very critical when cutting small strips), great set up instructions, and, great charts on type of blades to use. If you use a TS, there is something extra you will learn if you buy this book...



4. Tolpin has put together a grand book on the table saw. A little bit of tricks, some jigs, when it's good and possible to use it and things to build for safety. Some things he wrote about I would not use. I believe that it's safe to use, but... I don't think I'll be cutting any circles with my saw, but if anyone asked me if you can, I'll say "Yes", you can do it safely. I'll keep this publication close to my saw for the future.



5. As a new owner of a quality table saw and following the suggestions of a woodshop instructor friend, I purchased this "manual" to better understand the proper and safe use of a powerful table saw.
   Most of my woodworking education has been, "self-taught" and as I age I appreciate the benefits of following safe practises and still having ten fingers.

5 comments about Mixed-Media Collage: An Exploration of Contemporary Artists, Methods, and Materials.

1. Definitely a grab bag of goodies: Nuts, prizes and candy (literally). After reading other reviews, I had to put in my 2 cents. Yes, some of the pieces in this book are more "crafty" than others. The cover of the book makes no claim to presenting art rather than craft. The word "art" covers more ground today than in the past & I would consider most of these pieces works of art. Duchamp's mounted urinal entitled "fountain" was considered art in its day (and probably still is). Art is in the eye of the creater and the beholder. If you're not creating or beholding, then why bother to complain. So what's the matter with the pieces presented in this book? What's the matter with craft anyway? Geez.
   
   The techniques explained might not walk you start to finish and help you achieve the exact works of art presented here. They do provide starting points for the reader to come up with their own artworks. Sorry, there are no step-by-step methods to transfering photos to lampshades. There are loads of insights into how each artist creates. I purchased this book to read each artist's "spark", their methods, and their tools. I also want to look at the beautiful photos again and again.
   
   My only complaint about this book is that there is not enough fiber art.



2. I am not quite sure what I expected from this book. Yes, I did think there would be the same type of collage and craft but what I did not expect was the same old hats on people, heads on other bodies (refer to T.Moores stuff on the cover and inside) techniques that have been done to death to name a few negative points. It was a grave disappointment. It would seem there really has been nothing new from this area of paper arts for an awful long time.
   
   A few good points about the book is that it uses some male artists in a predominately female field. Further, the photography and lay out is very good. It also discusses faux encaustics. Sadly, I bought it and sold it in the same week.



3. After a quick introduction to collage and collage tools, the book is divided into two sections.
   
   Section one features in-depth profiles of five artists. Each artist is interviewed and interesting questions are asked about their creative process, their inspiration and why they choose to use the materials that they do. Multiple pieces of their artwork are shown. One project is featured with stepped-out directions and photos so you can learn their technique.
   
   The five artists profiled and directions for their project are:
   1. Laurinda Bedingfield: 3D collage book sculpture with photographs
   2. Barbara DePirro: using acrylic gel medium to create the look of encaustic
   3. Paula Grasdal: printmaking and collage
   4. Sharon McCartney: mixed-media multi-paneled wall hanging
   5. Teesha Moore: mixed-media journal page
   
   Section two is a gallery of two pieces of artwork from 20 different contemporary mixed-media artists. The information includes brief technique explanation, inspiration, and a list of supplies used.
   
   The strengths of this book are that there is a great variety of type of artwork represented. This is not a book of fads and trends. It was clear to me that each artist is following their own voice and making their own unique kind of art that they enjoy working with. For this reason I treasure the book, because there are other publications on the market which seem to display the `trend of the season'. This book is fresh and unique. Just seeing different types of artwork and seeing these artists using their own inner voices to guide their art (even if I personally didn't love the look of all of it) made me want to go and make some art.
   
   The book closes with some essays on the topic of the artist on the Internet. Directions on how to do photo transfers and how to do encaustic collage are provided.
   
   The book has a products resource guide, a vendor listing and a directory of all the artists featured in the book.
   
   The paper in the book is high quality glossy paper. The layout is very nice and the photographs are in full-color. This was very nicely put together.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in mixed-media collage. If you love to read about what inspires artists and about people's creative process you will really enjoy this book.
   
   On a more personal note...
   My personal take-away from this book is a feeling of freedom of expression and a desire to go make my own personal style of art. In the past I have felt uncomfortable when I was creating art that was not the current trend, especially after reading certain books or a certain art magazine. Also while doing mail art swaps I have been criticized for making art that is not the hot fad of the day, for using different colors or materials than some people were. I personally don't plan to copy the work of these artists even though there are stepped out directions for five projects. What each of us takes away from a book is unique and that is alright.
   
   I also really enjoy reading about what inspires artists and what their creative process is like. I smiled when I read that one artist creates while sitting on her living room floor with images all around her. I prefer more talk of the creative process and inspiration rather than the books that only feature the finished art piece yet leave me wondering, "What was the artist thinking, why did they make that?".



4. I have many, many books in my mixed media, collage library. This one is awesome. I go back and look at it time and time again for new inspiration.



5. This book is not just a collection of pictures of interesting projects, but each artist includes what inspired them, materials used and tips on creating similar works. You can get ideas from each artist to use in your own work or just enjoy getting in to the head of the artist. There are lots of different styles, techniques and ideas and they are all well illustrated with great photography. This is one book I'll be sure to keep around.

3 comments about Stitch Graffiti: Unexpected Cross-Stitch (Unexpected Cross Stitch).

1. I've been waiting for Stitch Graffiti for a while, and I certainly wasn't disappointed! I love Heather Holland-Daly's designs, and if you haven't seen them before, check out her website: www.monsterbubbles.com (and no I'm not getting royalties for talking her up). She uses brilliant colors and eclectic designs, often quoting poetry or music in her peices. Her patterns are funky, youthful, and fresh - without being tacky.
   
   The book has an obligatory cross stitch lesson in the beginning, but further on, she assumes that if you're buying a book about cross stitch you're either going to know a little bit about it or refer back to the guide in the beginning if you don't - she doesn't talk down to the experienced stitcher. The majority of the book is patterns, both small and large, and ideas about where to stitch. Not everything has to go into a frame. Her patterns are relatively simple, but still beautiful. There are a few that could be done in a few hours, and a few that would take me more than a month. She doesn't cram her book with piddly little projects that just take up space!
   
   One of the things I probably appreciated the most in Holland-Daly's book was the DMC conversion on each of her patterns. She uses hand-dyed and threads and cloth (and gives some good advice on how to finish and care for work using these materials) and recommends her favorites for each pattern, but also gives DMC thread "equivalents" for those of us who might not have access to special materials.
   
   This is a very accessible book for the beginning stitcher and a breath of fresh air for the stitcher who's tired of making the same old samplers. Get brave with your cross stitch!



2. I'll be honest, I ordered this by mistake. I had been looking at a few embroidery books and ditzily clicked on the wrong one.
   
   I'm rather glad I did. The book is put together well, with a nice overview of the basics of cross-stitch before heading into the patterns. Colors and placement are suggested... but the idea seems to be take Heather's initial plans and run with them. Some of the patterns are not in my own taste (frankly, I don't see myself making a cross-stitched flyswatter, but hey, that's just me.) but others will be motifs I'll be using for years (her wind design is already going onto a well loved denim jacket for this spring). In addition to well written directions and clear cut graphs, the book has a ton of unique placement suggestions and even some MP3 playlists to keep you in tune with your stitching.
   
   If you aren't looking for cutesy sampler patterns (there are a few... but she does avoid the old standbys and tries for some new ground) and want to go beyond wall art needlepoint, this is a pretty good place to start. Patches, buttons, and hidden suprises for your favorite old pair of jeans are all supplied.
   
   If you are looking for complicated color patterns however, I'd give it a miss. The author relies more on varigated threads and multi-hued backgrounds to add sparkle to her designs. A good way for begingers to get some extra bang for their buck when first stepping into the cross-stitch world.



3. Heather is inspiring for a stitcher of any age. Her designs are new and innovative, some small enough to be finished in one sitting. She sees cross stitch in places where no one else has and she opens her mind - and yours - to possibilities. Worth every penny! I have been stitching for over 20 years and just love this book,a new stitcher will, too.

5 comments about Beading with Crystals: Beautiful Jewelry, Simple Techniques.

1. The book is well put together with wonderful pictured examples of the pieces. There is alot of wire work which I am not particularly interested in as I am a bead weaver.



2. I was SO looking forward to this book and start beading. I struggled with the Denim Lace necklace pattern and had to rip it out 3 times because of bad directions. One important omitted step is to make picots in between the drop crystals. Another one is when you come up the crystals you go through that B bead before adding on the 5A. When you're netting it is so important to have all the steps correct or it all becomes crooked. I'll practice first before I try another project.



3. Great for the intermediate beader. Some really nice projects and colour combinations in this book. Clear and consice instruction and great photos. The front cover does not do this book justice as there are better quality pojects inside. I would not recommend for beginners though.



4. I tend to be partial to more simple, clean designs, so I was a little disappointed in this book. There are some simple designs which are nice, but some are just downright gaudy. Unless you're going the Oscars, I don't know where you'd wear them. This book has quite a bit of stitching work in the projects (which I'm not very good at).
   
   I much prefer M.T. Ryan's book, Glamorous Beaded Jewelry, which has very simple, elegant designs that are more wearable, and more stringing/wire wrapping designs, rather than stitching.



5. This book was well worth it. The photos were incredible and the instructions easy to understand. I LOVE this book!

3 comments about 500 Metal Vessels: Contemporary Explorations of Containment (500 Series).

1. I really like this book, there is a lot of good work. For those of you who had a fit about the unwearable jewelry in the various 500 jewelry books: many of these vessels are non functional. So I don't want to hear your complaints like, "I don't see how anyone could use that teapot..."



2. I love ALL of the 500 books from Lark. They are great for inspiration and for learning new artists. I have almost the whole series!



3. I got this book for my husband, a blacksmith, to inspire him. Even though he may not always be creating vessels, the variety of forms, surface treatments, and overall concepts is fabulous. We both loved looking through it. We wished there was more description of process by the artists (there were quotes from them just sporadically), so that we could further investigate!

5 comments about The Kiln Book: Materials, Specifications & Construction (Kiln Book).

1. This book was recomended by a college instructor who worked directly with author. I highly recomend this book if you want to build your own kiln.



2. Between this book and Kiln Construction by Joe Finch you can build a very succesful pottery kiln. The information within is nothing less than outstanding in understanding the various kiln options being used around the world. This is a must have book for those with an interest in kilns or in building their own pottery kiln.



3. I doubt there is a better resource for learning about kilns, aside from buiding one yourself. The book is very comprhensive and leaves nothing out. If you want to know everything about the construction of kilns, this book is a must read. Fredrick Olsen is one guy who knows what he is talking about.



4. I love this book! It makes you think about how to make a kiln that is just right for you and your tastes. I can't wait to start building my kiln.



5. I had a problem building my gas kiln. I didnt understand how it works. This book helped me understand the mechanisms of it. Excelent purchase!

5 comments about Presentations: A Passion for Gift Wrapping.

1. This is a beautiful book with very clear instructions for each beautiful project and with wonderful pictures. It gets the creative juices flowing. However, it is expensive for a one-time read.



2. I enjoyed looking at the beautiful presentations.... but I would have enjoyed it better if it had shown how to do the beautiful ribbons...



3. I enjoyed this book. I have no regrets about my purchase. The ideas and inspirations can be further developed to suite one's taste.



4. This another example of how great her books are! Gives wonderful ideas for beautiful packages and lots of pictures.



5. There are beautiful things in this book, just like there are beautiful things in Tiffany's. The materials used in this book are absolutely extravagant, and if you have the time to find them and the money to buy them, I say do it! But most of us do not have the means to buy outrageously expensive paper and fabric to wrap stuff in. To be fair, anything looks good in swathed in luxurious material. But it would have been more helpful to have a book that used simple items to create spectacular wrapping. That's creativity.