5 comments about Marketing and Selling Your Handmade Jewelry: The Complete Guide to Turning Your Passion into Profit.

1. I have purchased other similar books in the past that I skim, but never really take time to read. This book was not only worth the money, it was worth the time. Concisely written, clearly categorized, useful information. I only wish I had read it seven years ago when I first started selling my jewelry, as some of the lessons I have learned a much harder way!
   My little company is currently turning into something much bigger and I am so glad I have the insight from this book to help me in negotiating and decision making.



2. I received this book really quickly and very pleased with it. I love the book and I couldn't wait to get it. The transaction was effortless.



3. This is a good book if your just starting out. A lot of it is common sense but there are some good pointers. I would recommend it. Easy read. Also has some good resources.



4. if you are a beginner and have absolutely no clue of what you want to do with you jewelry then this book will be helpful....is a great intro guide...if you have some eyars doing jewelry and of course have thought of selling it and have seen other jewelry and how they are market then this will do nothing for you.



5. I was curious to know some of the obstacles that I might hit if I started a jewelry making business,and I was able to find them in this book. Some of the things that I wouldn't have thought of, for example taking into consideration the time spent on finding beads for a project, when pricing an item was a real eye opener. There have been times that I've spent hours looking for the color that was "just right" for the project but didn't take that into consideration when pricing my item.
   Ms. Lareau shares her experience generously to help someone who might be thinking of starting this business.

3 comments about Zakka Sewing: 25 Japanese Projects for the Household.

1. If you are addicted to those adorable Japanese Craft Magazines, but find yourself frustrated by their lack of instructions in English, then you should check out this book. There are 25 projects here - from the very simple such as potholders and book covers to the more complicated such as comfy room shoes.
   
   The book is beginner friendly with a section on simple sewing techniques, and descriptions of tools & materials needed. A person with more advanced skills may find some of the projects too simple. And some may wonder about the necessity of projects like covered tape measures or corsage pincushions. Still, other projects hit home. For me, the slippers are a must-do. These are nearly impossible to make if you have to rely solely on Japanese instructions. Other favorites of mine are the sashiko projects and the bird pillow. There is a list of helpful resources in the back.
   
   Cute! I hope this is the first of many more English language zakka books to come.



2. Full of great sewing projects that are unique, well explained and useful. I found several that I look forward to making, including the bunny wallet and bunny pencil case. Very unique, high quality projects.



3. This book is exactly what I've been looking for. It has simple and cute sewing projects. I bought the book yesterday and I have already started on the bunny wallet today.

5 comments about Charlotte Moss: A Flair for Living.

1. I always purchase design books with some trepidation since I am not a designer and do not own a McMansion. I do have an 1880 square foot ranch home built in the 1980s that deserves to be both beautiful and well preserved. I also have a strong interest in good, functional design that combines beauty and comfort. Although I am certain I could never afford Ms. Moss's services, her book was the next best thing. My mantra is now "your home should reflect who you were, who you are and who you are becoming." The book is a like a wonderful walk through a beautiful park or art gallery that you can take much from in terms of content, concepts and sheer enjoyment. I find myself referring to it often for all three. It was well worth the price. The only reason for the four stars is I am still waiting for someone like Ms. Moss to turn her talents to a home that can be afforded by someone other than the ultra wealthy.



2. This book is filled with beautiful photos of the most superbly arranged and layered rooms that Charlotte Moss has ever done. Each page is loaded with visual ideas and requires careful study in order to see everything.
   The text is very interesting because she discusses her inspirations and philosophies, which are not only interesting, but also a great source of inspiration in and of themselves. It has been one of my evening reads for over two months and I never tire of it. I have also given more than 12 as gifts and all recipients have raved about it.



3. Moss is really good at the visuals (and textures) of interiors, and she has what's clearly a reverence for the history of home and garden design. Both help create the richness of image and inspiration that are this book's primary appeal. Less attractively, she does seem out of touch, not only with ordinary folks but also with ordinary emotions. You'll get some gorgeous visuals for the steep cover price here, but be warned that there's nothing "lived in" about this "flair for living."
   
   I don't think it is her wealth in and of itself that is the problem. Many home and garden writers (not to mention personalities in other fields) are wealthy and yet come across on the page as very emotionally present. (Plus, from the evidence within it Moss was already very well off when she created A Passion for Detail, her warmest and most generous book.) For me, the dollars and cents don't really matter.
   
   What does matter is warmth, which this book never really offers. Moss uses the cataloging of antiques, objects, purchases, historic influences, travel, famous inspirations, etc., etc. etc. as a way to wall herself off--it's a lavish fortress of sorts, as is the home itself. It's hard to tell who or what she would be without all this. In the end, the weird part about this book is that even when I loved a particular room or grouping or object, it didn't make me aspire to the lifestyle illustrated ...the formality and elaboration and old fashioned feeling of it all weren't attractive even when the objects themselves were.



4. Visually, this is a beautiful book. The photography is excellent, and it is the pictures that provide value. The narrative has less impact, as little in the way of concrete information is given. In the end, however, the various rooms, inspite of their beautiful contents, leave an impression of emptiness. One cannot imagine people actually living in these rooms, and leaving any human imprint. The rooms are perfect as in a museum, but just as in that setting, no one may sit down.



5. This is a wonderful book for design mavens like myself. Lots of eye candy for inspiration. Even though most of the decor is "over the top", I still never cease to discover lots of very proactical ideas for my home and for my table.
   A lovely book for both the table and for the decorator's library.

5 comments about The Painted Quilt: Paint and Print Techniques for Color on Quilts.

1. Have only recently rec'd this book and am fascinated by it! Inspirational! It's one of those that when I waken at 3 a.m. and can't go back to sleep I slip it off the library shelf, curl up in my favorite chair, and just enjoy. Maybe in a slower, calmer time in my life I'll actually *try* some of these ideas.



2. I have painted on canvas for many years and have been interested in combining this interest with quilting. I have dabbled a bit but now that I have "Painted Quilt", I know and have tried many more techiniques for combining painting and quilting. I am delighted that these ladies wrote this book - it is like they wrote it just for me!



3. This book provides technical expertise in a very well written format and the inspiration to enter into a new phase of the quilting world. I can not say enough good things about this book. The book is easy to tote around and pick up, finding something new every time. With the examples, everything I have tried has come out fantastic. I have even amazed myself. The only downside is that my other projects are not being finished.



4. Informative and well illustrated ideas for using other mediums on fabric surfaces. Good reference for the fabric artist or aspiring fabric artist. Includes photographs documenting various processes. Once read, I really felt as though I could successfully accomplish the ideas presented. Inspiring.



5. First off, all the other reviewers are right on the mark when it comes to this book, yet I wanted to add a few words that might help others choose this book for their library. For one, the page on the subject "Inspired to Design" is just the beginning of the subject covered in detail through the rest of the book, but its place at the beginning is so true - test projects on paper before using fabric and thread. A must do and often ignored when the lovely fabrics, delicate threads, and other embellishments come before us on our creating table. Yet if we do use paper, ink, paint and collage FIRST, we may be able to decrease error in judgement or come up with a more inspiring product. Artists, like me, often just want to dive in, yet this book really provides the information and inspiration to do it right. Excellent words. Plus the subtle reminders of safety when using some products is also extremely important to me and the authors remind us all to keep this knowledge foremost in our minds. The images that go along with the instructions are often more beneficial than the words, often the other way around in other books, but this one does it right. THE PAINTED QUILT is a fascinating read from cover to cover and, YES, fiber/fabric artists will refer to this book over and over again, if not for guidance, for definite inspiration.

5 comments about Foxfire 2.

1. Have enjoyed all the Foxfire Books for years. They are a wonderful peek into the lives of hardy people who survived without a single benefit from the U.S.Government.........and were proud of it.



2. THis work, Volume II, is like the others. A wonderful history of how it was. In this day and age of having most needs meet and something for everyone on the Wal-mart shelf, we tend to forget just what it was like in our not too distant past. These books, the Foxfire books, brings to light skills, attitudes and a way of life that is all but forgotten. This is a good thing. When a people lose their history, they lose part of their soul. As the title of this work states, Ghost Stories, Wild Plant Foods, Spinning, Weaving, Midwifing, Corn Shucking, and there is so much more. The editors have done a wonderful job. They have made a very honest effort to replicate the dialect of those places and times and I feel that this is a big part of the charm of these books. I am old enough to have known many of the kinds of folks featured in these books, being only one generation past them, and have a great appreciation for what and how they did all the little things we take so for granted now. I might also suggest that you actually try some of the things mentioned in these volumes. It will give you even more of an appreciation for what they did, and hey, who knows, the skill you develope just might come in handy one of these days! Recommend this and the other Foxfire books highly.



3. I love the Foxfire books. I don't have the entire set, but each one is fun to read. It's interesting how today the world keeps talking about "going green" when it was not than long ago that most everyone living outside the city was "going green". Those of us who lived that life don't find it so tough getting back to the simpler life.
   Great books! Wish I had the entire set.



4. Ghost Stories, Spring Plant Foods, Spinning and Weaving, Midwifing, Burial Customs, Corn Shuckin's, and Wagon Making are an integral part of Southern mountain culture. This volume of the Foxfire series should be on any author's shelf who writes or plans to write a best selling historical (COLD MOUNTAIN), a mystery (THE DEVILS HEARTH), or a literary novel (PRODIGAL SUMMER), because these traditions add spice and authenticity to a work.
   The FOXFIRE series is a place to begin research. They are well illustrated with photographs and line drawings. We've dog-eared this volume for several short stories and our novels.
   Writing as a Small BusinessSins of the Fathers: A Brewster County NovelUnder the Liberty OakThe Bluegrass Dream: A Wilderness Adventure of Early SettlersGuns Across the Rio: A Texas Ranger in Old Mexico



5. I received within a week, it was well packaged and in as expected new condition. Feel safe buying here!

5 comments about French Braid Quilts: 14 Quick Quilts with Dramatic Results.

1. I have read through this book and have found that the patterns are beautiful and have had to tab the heck out of the book in order to do any of the patterns. You have to make sure you have thouroughly read through the pattern that you want to make as the author keeps refering you to a different page in order to cut the pieces needed. It is very easy to make a mistake if you do not read through the entire directions. These are very pretty patterns and I am in the process of making a table runner and am loving the outcome!



2. I order this book because my quilt group wanted to may a French Braid Quilt. I will try making one soon.



3. This well written how-to book provides good instruciton in color blending, planning and fabric choice for maximum impact. It is also helpful in breaking down the steps in timing of purchasing of the fabric to help avoid costly mistakes. There are good visuals to aid the written instructions for planning, cutting & construction. A powerfully visual book!



4. The quilt designs are wonderful. It's difficult to decide which style make. Maybe I will make them all? I did have to read thru several times to really grasp the cutting instructions (and then reread to make the size adjustments I wanted to make). The piecing is a breeze. It's one of those patterns you can use again and again.
   
   It is well written and pictures are terrific. So much inspiration. I think it was a great buy.



5. I love this book, it is informative and has great ideas for making french braid quilts. A great buy!!

5 comments about Jewelry Studio: Wire Wrapping (Jewelry Studio).

1. This book is excellent - I am an experienced wire artist and I was looking for some simple projects to teach others. This book has wonderful detail and pictures and all of the projects are great.



2. This is the best wire wrapping book that I have seen. Great ideas for the beginner and advanced student. You will love this book.



3. Great starter book for any wire wrap "nut". Nice photography, great projects, nice source sites.



4. The step-by-step's are excellent. If you're looking to learn traditional wire wrapped bracelet, this is the place to start. Even if you're not into this style of bracelets, the techniques can be easily applied to other projects. The author tells it like it is when you just have to practice, practice, she's right, and it does get better. A side benefit: you'll build muscles on your arms fast.



5. I wish all jewelry making books had such beautiful picture and easy to follow instructions. The book is a keeper!

1 comments about Link It!: Colorful Chain Mail Jewelry with Rubber O-Rings (A Lark Jewelry Book).

1. I just got this book today and I love it. Beautiful pictures, well explained projects, new and innovative. I wanted to start right away but the book doesnt give resources to buy supplies. Instead it recommends going to the lark website for up to date resources but the website say they are updating the database. I cant wait that long. I need to craft NOW! I have begun my search for o rings, wish me luck. - RPM

4 comments about Origami Paper: 24 7" x 7" Sheets in 12 Colors (Origami).

1. As a beginner, this was a nice set of paper to work with. Lot's of colors to start and easy to fold..



2. This set of origami paper was very convenient and my 8 year old daughter had a lot of fun using it. Not to mention the convenience of having it shipped right to our mailbox. She loves to get mail and packages. The price was very reasonable too.



3. The paper was fine. I used it with a basic origami book. My group of 7 kids went through it all in about an hour. It probably would have been a better value if I bought it at the local craft store.



4. I thought the paper would be thiner, but it has a substantial feel to it.

5 comments about Knit to Be Square: Domino Designs to Knit and Felt.

1. If you have Hoxbro's book on Domino Knitting, this won't be an irresistible purchase, but if you missed that book, this fills a void. The items in the book are all based off of modular knit squares and include pillows, wraps, slippers, bags and hats. Lots of hats.
   
   The allure of the book is how to assemble these squares. If you look at the top left hand picture on the cover, you see a little triangular looking shape--that's actually a trapezoidal shaped pillow. That sort of ingenuity is what fuels this book.
   
   Something new to her repertoire is open meshes, which are basically the same as her usual squares, but cast off after only a few rows, creating L shaped pieces which can be combined into really neat grid like combinations. They look impressive but are so easy to actually *do*!
   
   She offers a goodly number of patterns, well broken down by category, and the instructions are clear. The reason this isn't a 5 star in my book is that it really doesn't bring much NEW to the table beyond her previous book or other modular knitting books that were all the rage, what? five years ago? Still, it's a great way to get into modular knitting, and her patterns look impressive and are easy to execute.



2. This book is a seguel to her original book on Domino Knitting. This technique involves knitting individual squares and assembling them together in novel ways. The first part of the book shows how to make and assemble the squares. The squares are knitting together as you make them, a method that avoids lengthy construction at the end of the project.
   
   The book covers much of the same material in the same book but it also includes new techniques like knitting partial modular squares in an L shape to make an open square and assembling squares to leave open areas.
   
   Projects include slippers, hats, a trapezoidal pillow, bags, an open shawl with L-shaped squares, a colorful shawl, a tea cozy with marimekko styling, (similar to a design from her first book), a caplet or poncho, a rainbow afghan, a pillow made open squares, a backpack and a scarf, also with an open square design.
   
   The designs have a modern feel and are attractive and well-designed. If you are a fan of modular knitting or want to learn more this is a great book to purchase.



3. I am new to modular knitting and liked what I saw of this book, so I bought it. The projects are nice, but my biggest disappointment is that all of the projects are done with 'fine fingering weight' yarn. I have a lot of worsted weight wool yarn left over from various projects and would have liked to use it up, but I am not interested in converting the patterns (if that would even be successful). I wish at least some of the projects would have been done in different weights of yarn. I would expect a book from a yarn company to be all about 1 kind of yarn, but I didn't expect that in a book from an individual.



4. Frankly, I was a bit disappointed in the book. Hoxbro is the queen of mitered knitting, and the information in the book was stellar. But I wasn't impressed with the patterns.
   
   Lyn in NC



5. I bought this book for the last chapter in it on the abstract stole. I'm having a go at making a cardigan with this technique. I was pleasantly surprised that there were several patterns I would like to make, the felted slippers I have just finished. I found it easy to understand. I would have liked to see more wearable garments in it, unfortunately like many other modular knitting books it lacked in this department. Overall, pretty good.