5 comments about The Lost Art of Towel Origami.

1. This book contains many fun ways of shaping towels to give as gifts, or to decorate the towels you leave out for guests. While I agree that it's not really origami, it's still a lot of fun and a very cute idea.
   
   All of the projects that I've tried have worked out.
   
   The book itself would make a good gift for any quirky people that you know.



2. Pinson Fulfillment - excellent service and quick delivery of this book ordered from Amazon. Thank You.



3. I was pretty disappointed with this book and cannot really recommend it. First, over half of the designs are pretty boring and not really worth doing (Lips? A plain heart? Boring.) The rest of them seem to all use different sizes and number of towels. To do the palm tree you need FIVE hand towels. I for one don't generally keep *that* many towels of the same color lying around. The other main problem is the directions are not terribly clear. For instance, the instructions for the dog tell me to roll up the long ends into the middle, and after trying this a couple times, and wondering why it wasn't working, I realized it really wanted you to roll the *short* ends into the middle. Clear errors like this make it annoying to use and just not worth paying for when there are other cheap and even free sources out there for this material (try a google search for "towel folding" or "towel origami".)



4. This is just fun - like the towel figures on a cruise ship. I gave this as a gift and will probably order more.



5. I gifted this book to my friend Arthur who moved to Chicago lately. He went on a cruise with his dad and they ended up having a great time!! The folded towels on his bed is what he most recalled about the trip, so I gave him this book so he could do it himself! And it reminds him of the great times with his dad while he's away in Chicago. It was a perfect gift - he LOVED it!!!

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 Custom Cool Jewelry: Create 200+ Personalized Pendants, Charms, and Clasps.

1. This book is worth adding to your jewelry making library. It is well written and beautifully photographed. The projects are clearly explained and I learned some new techniques, especially pertaining to bezels for pendants. Very nice.



2. I was looking forward to receiving this book, what a let down.
   no step by step pictures, pictures are poor.
   Not worth the money and nothing new



3. I bought this book after a quick glance at the cover in the book store. The ideas are great and as someone who already makes jewelry I found it inspirational. As another reader stated not a great book instructionally and it assumes the buyer knows a certain amout about tools and techniques. Even the index of materials/techniques in the back - often items people may not be familiar with - are listed as " picture not shown". Book does have a nice list of suppliers in the back. I would recommend this book just for the pictures !



4. I found this book at the local bookstore, and bought it immediately. It was worth every penny. There is inspiration for almost everyone...Beading, Polymer Clay, Shrink Art, Altered Art....Pop Art. I liked the fact that the book was not really geared toward a total beginner. As an experienced crafter, I prefer to not pay for half of a book full of basic how-to instructions with only a few projects shown. The photos are great, as are the projects themselves. The ideas are fresh and most are quite simple. On the down side, many of the projects featured require the purchase of specialty findings and and bits that could add up to quite a bit of cash. However, the resource guide in the back of the book lead me to many great sites for products I didn't even know I wanted.



5. If you're privy to the booming DIY scene, then you know that "custom" is the new IT word. Turn on any home improvement show or open any craft magazine and you'll see the word being used to denote something a step above the rest. Why? When Big Business cranks out carbon copy style after carbon copy style, individual and personalized imagery and objects are a welcome escape - a breath of fresh air in an often times stagnant pool of overly-recycled ideas and motifs.
   
   Melinda Barta, the managing editor of Beadwork and Stringing magazines, is definitely in touch with the movement away from pre-fab "style" and towards a more distinct design - your own. With her new book from Interweave Press, Custom Cool Jewelry, she empowers the reader with over 200 projects. Not only does she give valuable tips on making your own pendants, charms, and clasps, but she presents several stringing ideas to use your newly created custom pieces. This book is LOADED with useful ideas that spark the imagination and provoke potential.
   
   Melinda has a bevy of knowledge from working on various magazines (including PieceWork magazine), being author of Hip to Stitch: 20 Contemporary Projects Embellished with Thread, having a BFA in Fiber Arts from Colorado State University and being a teacher at schools across the country, including the prestigious Penland School of Crafts. She uses this versatile experience to enrich Custom Cool Jewelry and deliver projects from a truly unique perspective.
   
   What I love best about Custom Cool Jewelry is that it is a spring board for endless creativity. It fundamentally teaches the reader how to open up their personal style toolbox and use what's inside. A lot of craft and jewelry books simply dole out formulas on how to duplicate someone else's ideas. Custom Cool Jewelry is different. It enables the reader to make stunning jewelry of high quality from their own well of inspiration, utilizing the creative and truly cool ideas offered up by Melinda Barta in this must-have book.
   
   I definitely recommend this book!

5 comments about The Unofficial LEGO Builder's Guide.

1. My kids are young enough that the basic building schemes illustrated here are interesting to them. Some are beyond them (ages 5,6,11). They were somewhat disappointed there weren't more "models" or building plans to follow. I like it, though, because it just shows the basics then makes them use their imaginations where anything is possible. So, it's useful, but not an item I'd rave about.



2. An Ok book, but I was hoping that the author would go into greater details.



3. Bedford's book offers everything and anything that one could consider useful to know about building with LEGO. I love the way he describes how to design things using grids and how to organize large collections of LEGO bricks. He's even designed a game in LEGO that others can play! I highly recommend this book to all ages of LEGO builders.



4. THE UNOFFICIAL LEGO BUILDER'S GUIDE is the best "Overview" of the LEGO building system available hands down. The book has been written for beginners as well as more advanced builders. It's a great reference guide with tips, techniques and definitions for users of all ages. Anyone can buy and build a LEGO "set", but this book will give you the tools needed to build your own creations. Once those "sets" are in a hundred pieces and you want to try your hand at your own creation, this is the guide you will reach for to help you do it right.
   
   The chapters are written is a simple easy to understand way and the flow of the material is easy to follow. There seems to be just enough information on each page that the reader does not feel like he/she is always getting lost when following the examples or descriptions. The illustrations are in black and white and are very clear and easy to see. Some might complain that the illustrations are not in color but I personally prefer the black and white. When building your own creation the lack of color is actually less of a distraction than it would be if you were building something blue and white and the illustration was red and yellow.
   
   One of the best features of the book is the Bricktopia, a categorized list of the most commonly used LEGO pieces. It includes an illustration of the piece, a description, size and part number. I personally find it helpful to browse thru this area to get "ideas" for building projects. I have noticed pieces I forgot about that has triggered a "thats the one I could use" thought to help with a project I am working on or have been thinking of building.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning the foundations needed to build projects from simple to the more elaborate. LEGO builders of all ages will benefit from buying this book. Buy this book and leave it out on a coffee table and see how long it takes someone to pick it it up!



5. A true labor of love, this is the most comprehensive guide around! A must-have for LEGO devotees.

5 comments about Renovation: Completely Revised and Updated.

1. This should be required reading for any first time home buyer! Last year we bought our first house.....built in 1912 it has plenty of charm (read: money pit). We fell in love with it! Lots of character (read: money pit). Who do you call? Who do you trust? Who can give you the answers you are looking for? Look no further. This book has helped me TREMENDOUSLY from the first day I got it. It taught me a lot, and just as importantly, it helped me in my dealings with contractors (at least in knowing who did not know what they were talking about or were trying to do things in a cheap manner. The explanations and instructions are very clear and easy to follow. If you know anyone who is buying a house, or is THINKING of buying a house, buy them this book right NOW. They will love you for life. This is probably the only time I would ever say, "This book should get 10 stars."



2. Only buy this book as an overview of what you are going to have to do. If you need specifics you'll need more books.



3. I manage a green building company in Berkeley, California. We don't have money to burn, so before I buy a book for our library, I scope out the competition. Mike Litchfield's RENOVATION: 3rd Edition is by far the best in the category. It's extremely detailed, yet easy to read. Its coverage is broad and deep, it's well illustrated, its photos are clear and helpful and--perhaps most important--it rings true. It's field-tested, full of tips from hundreds of veteran builders. Our guys love it. So much so that I have to replace RENOVATION 3 every three or four months, when it goes missing from the library. By any measure, it's a brilliant book. It was one of the first mainstream building books to champion energy conservation, and Litchfield helped launch Fine Homebuilding magazine. If you buy only one book on home renovation, this is the one to buy.



4. This is THE book that every "handyman" needs to have around the house .
   
   I bought the original when it came out in the middle eighties and I bought this one as a gift for my son in law.
   
   Covers a wide variety of the typical repair and renovation work that you will encounter around any house. Very well illustrated - both photos and drawings.
   
   I am a professional handyman and this book has helped me immeasurably over the years. Can't say enough good things about it. This edition is better than the original.



5. I've been in the renovation business for 20+ years and this is without a doubt the most valued tool in my collection. The writing is clear and concise with ample graphics to reinforce the wide range of disciplines.

5 comments about Jewelry Studio: Silver Wire Fusing (Jewelry Studio).

1. Not a lot of projects, but some nice ones, all with color illustrations. Good coverage on use of tools.



2. Got this for my creative mother for mother's day (she requested it) and want to buy one for myself now! Really neat book for beginners to learn techniques to begin this phase of jewelry-creating and several CUTE (not cheezy) projects to get started with!



3. I have been wanting to take a class on fine silver wire fusing, but haven't been able to. After recieving this book, I just may not have to! A wonderful beginner's book, the directions are clear, accompanied by lots of color step-by-step photos. The explanation of tools needed, and work area set up, is well done, and can perhaps alleviate some of the fear of using a torch. The designs are beautiful, some simple, some a bit more advanced. I can see anyone use this book not only to learn fusing, but to improve on your skills. As one of my favorites, I would recommed this book to anyone. Well worth the money!



4. This is a AWESOME BOOK for the beginner silver fuser. It is very easy to understand, the illustrations are very well done, and the finished projects are beautiful! If you are a intermediate or experienced silver fuser... this may not be the book for you. It is definitely a great "beginners" book. As a beginner...I love, love, love this book!!! It has inspired me and I am getting rave reviews on the projects I have made using the ideas and techniques in this book!



5. First of all, the price was very good! Second, the information was great to get me going on fusing fine silver wire, it is so fun! The color pictures were clear and consise, it helped me gain the knowledge I needed to start fusing! I would recommend this book for any fusing beginner!

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

No comments about Continuous Cables: An Exploration of Knitted Cabled Knots, Rings, Swirls, and Curlicues.

5 comments about Pyrography Workbook: A Complete Guide to the Art of Woodburning.

1. A wonderful book that teaches a beginner so many things! I cannot wait to start working with it!!!



2. I only did some pyrography when I was very young, and the patterns were already on the boards.
   
   I found the beginner patterns to be more advanced, in my opinion. (However, I haven't burned the copied one on my board, as yet. If I find time, it's ready to go!)
   
   I think I need something even more beginner oriented, as far as patterns go.
   
   Overall, there is a LOT of GREAT information in this book that's helped me decide on a burner, wood types to use, etc.
   
   I'm happy with the book.



3. Great book for beginners and experts with many ideas and tips Highly recommend it to others



4. A complete and detailed book, with a lot of necessary technical info and tutoring for beginners and advanced. Nice touch are the beautifull step by step examples you can make at the end of the book. If you plan to buy only one book on pyrography, this is it!



5. This book is excellent for someone starting in the art of pyrography. It covers all you need to know about techniques and the art and gives great examples of each . Deloy Robert Moore Artist

5 comments about Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book.

1. so my wife says. but she's the knitter - not me. she says this is THE book to have.



2. This beautifully presented book is a minefield of wonderful illustrations and photos to help and guide you through almost any queries you might have. The relative sections I wanted information on, were very easy to find. An absolute treasure of a book.



3. I just recently got back into knitting. I understand some of the basics (knit, purl, casting off), but I am still just a novice. The illustrations are excellent! I have found these to be very helpful. I used to go to the internet for help and would waste time searching through site after site. No more, this is the first place that I go to now. In many cases this book will show you how to do techniques in more than just one way. A must for every knitter!Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book



4. Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book has helped me MUCH more than any other how to book. I think it's a must have learn how to knit and reference book for any knitter - whether you're just learning or are an expert. The illustrations are thoughtfully presented in multiple colors and unlike many other books, it's actually very very easy to understand. Illustrations as well as verbal descriptions work for people that learn both ways. Fabulous book - I highly recommend.



5. I've only been knitting for over a year and a friend who started the same time as I did has been doing so much better than I. She told me her secret...she uses this book. I purchased a month ago and LOVE it. My knitting has already gotten better and I discovered that the reason my pieces weren't going together well was because the instruction I received in another book was poor. This made it so easy for me...you can't even see the seam on the latest baby sweater I knit. It also helped me figure out what things meant - has a great reference section. I feel like I can do anything now with help from this book. A must have for anyone learning to knit.