1 comments about Color Your Own Impressionist Paintings (Dover Pictorial Archives).

1. I thoroughly enjoy this book. It was just as described and came in a timely fashion.

5 comments about Cigar Companion (Connoisseur's Guides).

1. Excellent book for beginners and people who wants to know more of the world of cigars



2. I bought this thinking it would be a good reference and tell me something about all the different brands of cigars, but I don't find any value in it whatsoever. I feel like the author wanted a quick buck so he cut and pasted alot of crap from back issues of his magazine into this book so he could sell the same opinions twice. In addition to that, the brands discussed are very limited and only a few examples from each are featured. Take my advice: I realized that it is dumb to buy any book that claims to lists different types /brands/shapes of cigars because the information is always changing - look on the internet at cigar sellers' websites and cigar makers' websites, where you will find everything you need.



3. Great book with loads of info. Great for the beginner just getting into cigars for the first time. Very helpful backround info on the brands as well as tips on storing, buying, and lighting. A great book all around.



4. I bought this book to replace one by the same title and was dissapointed that it bears no resemblance to the 3rd edition that I had lost. While it is a handsome book, I was ultimately disappointed. What was a clear and concise review of many cigars widely available has become a very limited survey of a few cigars many of which are not easily obtainable. Most frustratingly, the reviewers will describe a certain stick as "the best of this manufacturer" and then go on to review a different offering from the same company without further reference to the cigar they deemed the most desireable. While the section on rare cigars makes for an interesting read, this seems more like a book for cigar admirers rather than one for buyers and smokers. I had hoped to find a book to help me make informed buying decisions. I plan to buy the 3rd edition-used!



5. I was disappointed as it was just like reading Cigar Aficionado, which I feel is not the best cigar mag out there.

5 comments about The Colouring, Bronzing and Patination of Metals.

1. More than pleased with this purchase. These guys put serious time and energy into relaying info about patination. They leave no questions unanswered, as well as, they give tons of formulas to create with. The amazon price is the best out there!



2. Very nicely done, but I concur with those who believe additional photos are a must. A CD-ROM with high resolution images to go with each of the authors' experiments would be a useful upgrade to an otherwise astonishing book.
   
   I do feel that this book flags the hazardous materials very well, in fact, included are recipes which are subsequently not recommended by the authors based on the total risk or risk/reward ratio. The authors do assume some basic intelligence on the part of the reader.
   
   There are in addition examples of some very effective patinations, as evidenced in the color plates, which are achieved with relatively benign chemicals and methods; these should appeal to those who are not willing or prepared to work with more hazardous materials. Know your limits.
   
   The techniques employed are described clearly. To cap it off, recipes which give consistently good results are highlighted by an asterisk, a very thoughtful feature to help navigate through the abundance of esoteric and useful formulae.
   
   Bravo!



3. I could read for hours and hours about the different colors that are discussed is this book. I would consider this book an excellent source for information on just about any color patina you are looking for on silver, bronze, brass or copper. There are several beautiful color plates, but not nearly as many as there are colors that are given. I am also very interested in specifics and would have like to have seen some color photos of the processes in action, but, I am now just making my own. Anyway, it is a great book and I am glad to have it in my collection.



4. The only thing I can say against this book is it should have more chemical explanations about the corrosion products formed as patinas, everything else is good.



5. Get this book. Not only does it contain all the recepies you could ask for, it is actually possible to ask the more artistically oriented suppliers of chemicals for a liter of, say, nr. 314 and they'll mix it for you.

5 comments about Baltimore Elegance: A New Approach to Classic Album Quilts.

1. As a seasoned quilter, I had always avoided applique. There were too many conflicting methods floating around, and none of them seemed to work for me. Elly's book clarified everything! She explains all of the methods in easy to understand steps. She explains the hows and the whys, and tells you what to look for to avoid problems down the road. The lessons are terrific, and presented in clear, concise steps with good illustrations. Her patterns advance in skill level as the lessons progress. My projects were a success, thanks to Elly, and I now feel comfortable with applique.



2. Elly has done it again for all her fans and is sure to gain new ones with this simplified approach to a classic style. Her "voice" can be heard in every written line for those of us lucky enough to have attended her academy classes. Add this to your collection, or start a collection with this wonderful book. Keep them coming, Elly!



3. Elly has written many books on Baltimore album quilts, but this is one of my favorites. It has 8" block patterns, rather than the more traditional 12". It's full of instructions for applique, stitching, transferring designs, and lots of color pictures. Plenty of ideas to work from. The only applique method she doesn't explain is the Templar Starch method, which I think is a good way to do applique, but I won't mark down her score for this.



4. Elly has outdone herself with this book...the techniques she teaches is invaluable to anyone who wants to learn to applique. And the patterns are among her best yet. Plus it has projects that are fun to make too! This is a 'must-have' for every quilter who likes applique....whether you applique now or you want to learn!



5. Baltimore Elegance
   I have taken classes with Ely. I own just about all her books. This is the best out of all! Easy to read, great pictures for visual understanding. Great information and explainations. Must have book for applique...

No comments about Origami Paper Bright 6" 49 Sheets.

5 comments about The Pen Turner's Workbook: Making Pens from Simple to Stunning.

1. I recently bought this book. I has good examples that cover from the easiest pens to more complex ones (segmented for example). It's really good in showing step by step pictures on how to turn and finish pens. I covers all of the materials available in the market and it provides instructions for one finishing technique that seems to be reliable. It does not cover CA finishing, which is a common practice as well. It has a nice chapter about FAQ's and troubleshooting. It also has a few pages on how to market your products. It is not complete but it has more information than other books. If you are going to buy just one book, this is the one of choice!



2. I Have just bought a Rikon mini lathe and am very much a beginner. This book is perfect to help the beginner set up shop, select the correct tools, explains how to use them, and the basic steps to making pens. Several specific projects are also given at the end, some basic, and a few that are very advanced. Very good illustrations, and easy to read. This book was extremely helpful to me.



3. I'm new to pen turning and this book was all I needed to get started. It also had some great ideas for more advanced pens. Well illustrated and clearly written.



4. This is a great book, it will answer many of your pen turning questions. It will also inspire you to go on to bigger and better projects.



5. Can't beat the advice and instructions, step by step with a world of expert suggestions and photos. Shows how to make many pens I never thought I could, {not that I have yet}, but I've been at a few and can see the HOW at least now..! Thanks. G-G

5 comments about ReadyMade: How to Make [Almost] Everything: A Do-It-Yourself Primer.

1. I'd never read their magazine before, but I was hoping to find some serious projects. The only decent content was the history of the materials (paper, wood, metal, glass, plastic) examined. And that was far from worth the price.



2. I've purchased a few copies of ReadyMade magazine at the newsstand and enjoyed some of the ideas in those issues, so I went ahead and ordered this book, thinking it would contain more of the same. Big mistake.
   
   I feel confident advising everyone reading this review that there is nothing (yes, I mean not one thing) in this book that you will want to display in your home. A stack of empty laundry detergent bottles (totally undisguised) as a coat rack, anyone? When you picture your dream home, does it have cardboard FedEx shipping boxes (again, totally undisguised) hanging on the wall to hold your CD collection? Didn't think so.
   
   I will say that the book's copy is quirky and entertaining, and there's a lot of great trivia in here about the history of various materials, but I didn't buy the book because I wanted to know the history of paper-making; I bought it thinking it contained good project ideas.
   
   Bottom line: If you're living in a homeless encampment, there are things in here that will look great in your place. If not, don't waste your money on this dog!



3. This book appears to provoke profound ambivalence. However, for me, it was pee-in-your-pants funny and extremely inspiring, in the creative sense. In my review of the magazine by the same name, I said that it leads one to view the built environment in new and wonderful ways. The same holds in this case. In the reduce-reuse-recycle scheme, it makes an absolutely compelling case for creative reuse. This has two major benefits: (1) it helps overcome mindless consumerism and (2) it makes one a more appreciative and thoughtful person. Excellent outcomes. I recommend it highly.



4. As a reader of ReadyMade magazine, I was expecting similar projects in this book. I borrowed this from the library instead of buying it. I'm glad I did. I won't bother mentioning the same things other reviewers did, most statements I agree with.
   
   If I were still in college living in that dorm room or even in my first apartment, I do not doubt this book would provide endless ideas for my decor. I can guarantee the beer can wall divider would've amused me and my roommate to no end had we thought of making one for our dorm room.
   
   Aesthetically speaking, the book design and layout are perfect, but the contents... are kind of "ghetto". If your dorm/ apartment/ home has that edgy, rebel, ultra modern, youthful look, the items would probably fit in just fine.
   
   The projects are relatively inexpensive and most parts can be acquired by cruising down the streets or at the thrift store to pick up homeless furniture and materials.
   
   For those of use with slightly more permanent, quasi-furnished dwellings, the projects might not blend in as well. I don't see a TIDE bottle coat rack looking great next to... well.... any of my furniture.
   
   Since Amazon didn't list the projects, I will. They are as follows:
   
   Hardcover photo frame
   FedEx (triangular) Cardboard Mailer CD rack
   Poster-Tube Magazine tree
   Phone Book coffee table
   Shopping Bag woven rug
   Shoe box Shoji Screen
   Jewel Case wall mural (this is a pretty nifty idea for those pesky cases)
   Take-out Chandelier (colander plus clear plastic silverware)
   Water bottle chaise lounger
   No-sew messenger bag (featured everywhere)
   Stacked TIDE bottle coat rack
   Clothespin Doormat
   Pallet Bike Rack
   Chopstick Clock
   Drawer unit storage
   Door Mirror
   Veneer Lampshade
   Hubcap fountain
   Coat hanger wine rack
   Wall of beer cans room divider
   Ladder shelving
   Water bottle chandelier (glass bottles)
   Plexi Post-it board
   Window Frame light box
   Martini glass bird feeder
   Lampshade from old sweaters
   Denim dog bed
   Lace doily fruit bowl,
   Carpet kid chair
   And loads of other small projects...
   
   Any of those sound appealing to you? I'd suggest borrowing the book from your library first if you're not 100% sure the projects are for you.



5. This book is not a how to book. The beginning of the book tells you more that it is a way to get YOU to think about how to reuse materials. It has sections for each type of material, paper, plastic, metals.
   So if you are looking for a huge how to do-something, this book is not for you. But if you want to see some ways to reuse stuff and stimulate your own creative mind, this book definitely would be interesting to you.

5 comments about More Sensational Knitted Socks.

1. I dislike that the stitch patterns are all at the back of the book and that the print is smaller than the original. Although the creativity of sock construction is still evident and the stitch patterns take sock making to a higher level, I much preferred the first book. Overall, I will use this one sometimes, but the first book is the one I will pull out again and again



2. Although it took me a while to figure out the layout of this book, I absolutely love it. HOWEVER!!!! Watch out for errors in the patterns. If you check the errata pages at the publisher's website, you will find several important errata in the previous book, "Sensational Knitted Socks." So far, though, there are only a few reported errata in "More Sensational Knitted Socks." I know for a fact that there are more. Especially when knitting from the color work charts, BE CAREFUL; there are errors in at least two of the instep patterns. I am going to report one myself this week, so I figure there are probably more out there that are unreported.
   
   Also, I wish there were more than one technique described for working a short-row heel.
   
   All things considered, though, I do love the book, love the layout (now that I understand it), and recommend it.



3. What a great sock knitting primer. I especially appreciate the sections that pertain to your favorite method of knitting. The pattern selection chapters are so inspirational! I highly recommend this book to the beginning sock knitter but I also recommend it to an experienced sock knitter. I've been knitting socks for years and this book has inspired me to a new level!



4. This book takes care of my main gripe about most sock patterns, i.e. that they specify a brand name yarn, and don't even tell you what weight it is, so it's hard to use something else. Yarn names come and go, but with this book you can knit up a swatch for guage, and follow the charts to the right number of stitches and the pattern you like. Also, it gives instructions for whatever needles you like to use (I like two circulars).



5. Even if I knitted and learned for a year this book would be beyond me. I can barely tell its written in English--E=mc2???. For me this was money wasted.

4 comments about Build Your Own Treehouse: A Practical Guide.

1. Build it and they will come! After having visited Mr. Barkley's truly amazing backyard of creations, we had to buy a copy of his book as a keepsake. The photographs are wonderful...so much better than ours. My husband is currently building a clubhouse on stilts for our daughter and will undoubtedly reference this book for ideas and instructions. You don't have to be a child to fall in love with the tree houses, various swings, many collectibles and gorgeous gardens. Everyone who has looked at our copy of the book has been impressed. If you are ever near Rochester, NY, I recommend a visit to the tree houses and a souvenir copy of his book.



2. I had the joy of climbing in and around the treehouses built by Mr Barkley with 4 of my grandchildren. His book is practical and contains lots of "how to" information with close up pictures and diagrams. His tree houses are a delight, and Mr & Mrs Barkley are friendly and generous hosts to their treehouse neighborhood. Lots of thought and planning went into the book, to make it a pleasant read and useable reference.



3. This is the fourth treehouse book I've bought. If it had been the first, it would probably have been the last. There isn't much he doesn't cover from site evaluation and preparation to safety gear. I like following in detail a single project to completion through the book.



4. The background information is fascinating. The directions are detailed and helpful. Most importantly, the advice and reccomendations regarding safety and use were exceptionally good.

5 comments about From the Neck Up: An Illustrated Guide to Hatmaking.

1. This is the best book on millinery available. It is very thorough on many aspects of millinery, from wire whimsys to hats. There is alot of information in this book. I can only give it my best recomendations as it will answer many of your questions plus provide much more information that you didn't know you need. A great reference book. I can't applaud it enough.



2. This is one of those books that costumers always talk about and tell you you must have a copy. Well, I'm another telling you to get this book. When I found a copy at a used book store I pounced! The instructions are clear and concise, the pictures are great and you can go to the website [...] for hat making supplies!



3. From the Neck Up is the ultimate "how to" book for anyone interested in making her own hats or making costume headgear. Step-by-step instructions, lists of materials needed and directory of sources make this the most practical book I have ever seen on the subject of millinery.
   
   Susan Donahue



4. Since telling others I purchased this book, I have discovered it to be somewhat of a Milliner's "Bible" and is greatly in demand. This is with good reason as it is a highly comprehensive text book for the craft of millinery - with a particular emphasis on hat-making for costume, theatre and film. The book is set out intelligently and the beautiful period drawings are a delight. All facets of millinery are in here - from design, materials, techniques and construction of a variety of hats. Line drawings of construction and techniques are supported by b/w photographs and clear written instructions. Highly recommended for beginners and more experienced milliners.



5. I wanted a book were I could learn how to create a hat, I didn't knew nothing about hats, I think this will help a lot!