No comments about Simply Amazing Spiral Quilts.

5 comments about 200 Braids to Twist, Knot, Loop, or Weave.

1. A book with lots of ideas and clear instructions. However, I would have been happier if they had shown more applications for the various braids as well as instructions on how to apply the braids. Overall I am happy I made the purchase and will use the book for finishing needlepoint projects.



2. Interesting book, a lot of interesting projects, with instructions. Do not think it is really suitable for a beginner, but some projects are possible for early projects. Recommend this simply for research and familiarity with possiblities of creative weaving.



3. A book like this can be used for decades. It's rich textures and colors make you want to create the braids. I love experimenting with designs like this to see how I can apply them. Wonderful.



4. I was really astonished at how many different ways to briad was presented in this book. I wanted it for just 1 braid, but it shows you how to make trim and everything. It is much more useful than I had expected.



5. This is without doubt the best braiding book I've ever found, though admittedly the title is slightly misleading. When it says "200" there are actually about 50 different types of braids and the rest are variations based on color/color position in the braid. While this may sound disappointing it is actually incredibly helpful. Every braid has detailed instructions and diagrams, helpful tips and colored pictures showing what the finished product will look like when different colors are used in different positions. This book not only shows you how to braid but makes it quick and easy to find the perfect braid for your project. The book also includes detailed sections on starting and ending your braid, as well as making tassles. I purchased this book to make my own handfasting chord and it is PERFECT, but I will also be using it to make my own trim and curtain tiebacks. I recommend getting the spiral copy of this book so you can have it open for reference while you braid.

5 comments about The Jeweler's Directory of Gemstones: A Complete Guide to Appraising and Using Precious Stones From Cut and Color to Shape and Settings.

1. Good for what it is, this book offers an ABC look at some gemstones. There is no depth to the material, but it makes a nice starting point and gives a position to make further research decisions on. The section on setting options for different kinds of stones is valuable & interesting, but could have been a lot larger/in-depth, as from a 'Jeweler's' perspective (as the title implies)this is critical info.
   All in all I am happy I bought this book & look forward to finding some serious/heavy duty books that delve right into this important subject.



2. "The Jeweller's Directory of Gemstones" provides a good introduction to the world of gemstones for both jewellers and those interested in purchasing gemstone jewellery. This full color book complements the existing gemstone directories. I also own copies of Gemstones (Smithsonian Handbooks) and Gemstones of the World: Newly Revised & Expanded Third Edition and I consider all three of these books to be of equal value (I recommend that you purchase all three of them, if you can afford it). However, unlike the other two books I mentioned, this book discusses gemstone jewellery, as well as providing geological information about the gems (most gemstone guides simply focus on the geological detail). This book also has a good glossary and index.
   
   This book is a valuable addition to any gemstone library and it is well worth the price of purchase.



3. As a gemologist, I have an extensive library of gem books. This book is one of the best guides written that is germain to professionals and novices alike. Easy to follow and very well edited. High marks!!



4. This is a great book. Well written and great pictures to go with the breakdowns of each gem. Recommended.



5. I've been a hobbyist jewelry studeng for some little while now, and what sets this book apart is the section on using each gemstone... this is the part that tells you how to approach setting the stone into jewelry, how hard or brittle the stone is and what features of the stone might make setting it easier or harder. Other books may give you more scientific/ gemological detail, a greater range of stones, and a better idea of price ranges. If you want to know what your stone is, whether it's a good specimen of its kind and if you paid a good price for it, this book may or may not tell you that. BUT... if you know what stone you have, this book will tell you how to care for it, and, if you're crazy enough to want to set it yourself, this book might just tell you how best to do that, and give you some idea whether, just this once, you should hire it done by someone who's already gone around that learning curve...

5 comments about Pretty Little Things: Collage Jewelry, Trinkets and Keepsakes.

1. I'm taking her class this June in Portland, Or. and can't wait! Her style is so great and she is an amazing artist with glass, soldering and style. This would be a great book for someone who likes glass arts.



2. Honestly...this is the BEST book I have ever seen. It is perfect and I wish there was a book called More Pretty Little Things!!!!! Even if you don't want to make any of beautiful things in it...buy it!!!! QUICK!!!!! I felt like Sally Jean was writing it just to me..it is magical!!!!!



3. I checked this out from the library before buying it - and was very happy I had. There are some very good books on creating charms and other trinkets using soldering irons, glass and ephemera - buy one of those. I thought this book was not very entertaining, and even less enlightening about how to do the projects. I don't usually mind books that feature great photos of fun stuff - sometimes I get ideas and that will satisfy me. However, this book seems almost narcissistic and way too cutesy. And this review is written by someone - me - who bought a book about stuffed animals called "The Cute Book" and love it. The finished stuff looks good, but I suspect what you would make using the instructions would be pretty amateur hour looking.



4. I am SO surprised by the negative reviews surrounding this book. Are there typographical errors? Sure. Do they detract from the book? Not at all.
   
   The projects are lovely, whimsical, and much copied in the altered art/charm makers world of today. The author is an absolute inspirational delight. Sally Jean was new to me with the purchase of this book... I must admit I was hesitant to purchase Pretty Little Things when I read the scathing reviews left by some here. All of the projects presented are absolutely delightful. The instructions for soldering do leave some "fill in the blank" spaces for me - but I am completely new to this type of art. I'm sure there are those of you who will find them perfectly clear. I would not let my lack of knowledge deter you from purchasing this delightful book.
   
   Uplifting, inspiring, encouraging, and a ray of sunshine for those artists who may sometimes find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer daunting task of creating... this author deserves an A+ for being not only an inspiration but providing everyone with a bit of much needed whimsy in a world full of overwhelming seriousness. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!



5. I love this book! The photos, illustrations & layout are so pleasing that you forget that it is an instructural book. I love the pages of artwork at the end of the book that I can use in my own creations. I'll have to make color copies since I wouldn't dare cut this pretty little book! Thank you Sally Jean!

5 comments about Modern Mark Making: From Classical Calligraphy to Hip Hand-Lettering.

1. This is a fresh voice in Calligraphy books, noting what works for todays scribe and showing pictures of tools and suggestions for writing mediums. Loved the examples and I think that teens thru adults will gather inspiration from all the fantastic ideas for taking that next step away from the old letterforms!



2. If you have EVER had the pleasure of seeing Lisa's work in person or taken a workshop from this MEGA TALENTED artist you would not walk BUT RUN to purchase this book. Her vision is always fresh and her style is timeless!



3. Calligraphers buy lots of books. Most of us own a copy of Johnston's Writing and Illuminating and Lettering. We look wistfully in our bank accounts and decide we can't really justify the facsimile edition of the St. John's Bible, a unique calligraphic wonder of our time. I have over two shelves just with calligraphy books. Some of them are straightforward how-to manuals (a boon for people who live far away from good personal instruction); others are more exemplars.
   
   Then along comes Mark Making... It has been years since I've been so bowled over by this kind of audacity. Placing graffiti artists somehow on a par with medieval scribes, and exhorting us all to bust out and have more fun (check out the section on fabric!), without ever bypassing the need to get a firm foundation, Engelbrecht gives us the new "must-have" for our shelves. It's a bit like Danny Gregory's Creative License for calligraphers. Bravo to Lisa Engelbrecht, and thanks for the permission. I might just go and roll up my sleeves...



4. What a magnificent book! It isn't often I get lost in a book. Call it an occupational hazard, but when you handle hundreds of books a month, you have a tendency to become immune/jaded/whatever, but this book is so rich in color and content and visual stimulation, I actually put it down so I could digest the yumminess taken in thus far, picking it up later to continue. The overload was fabulous, but it overheated my brain, and the poor thing needed time to cool while the images swirled about before I began reading again. I still have not absorbed it all (dare I hope that will happen?) as I see it as a delightful meal or vacation to be savored for as long as possible. It is also a book I will return to again and again and again. It is like sitting in Lisa's classroom or having a conversation with her. Absolutely delightful and totally stimulating! It gives one wings, just as she hoped!



5. If you're a Letter Geek ( and you know who you are) then this book is for you! Lisa takes you from basic calligraphic lettering to this awesome, modern,funky, fresh and down right liberating lettering! You will not be able to put this book down! She offers sections on Tools:Surfaces and Materials for Lettering, The Basics:Techinques and Getting Started, Old School:Classical Italic and New Variations, Scripty:Vintage Copperplate Writing and Variations Using a Pointed Pen, Raw Brush:Pointed Brush Letters,Scrawly:Rough and Edgy Letters from Everyday Pens and Brushes, Tricky & Funk-tional:Play with Your Letters, Stitched:Lettering with Fabric and Stitchery, Street:Breaking the Rules with Urban Style and Cool Tools, Flourish:Swirls, Twirls and Sparkly Things, Gothic: Basic Blackletter, Mixed Media and Letterforms:Design Techniques Explorations. The book is filled with spectacular samples from a variety of artists and also offers a brief bio about each one and thier work. Included is a Resource section with tons of helpful web addresses and telephone numbers. Lisa also has an instructional DVD ( Hand Lettering on Fabric - A Bali Latern Workshop) from Creative Catayst Productions (www.ccpvideos.com) that is AWESOME! You will learn how to hand letter AND apply it to a wonderfully festive Bali Latern. A true must have for the calligraphy loving fiber artist! Lisa also has a cool blog (www.lisaeletters.blogspot.com)that you can visit as well. I highly recommend this wonderfully written book...you will not regret this purchase!

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

1. Wire Wrapping, by Linda Chandler and Christine Ritchey, is a fantastic introduction to all things beautiful in the world of wire! These two friendly authors make what might appear to be daunting accessible to anyone who wishes to learn to wire wrap beautiful bracelets, earrings, necklaces and pendants. They even have a guest appearance by a wire artist, Russ Sperring, who teaches how to wrap a lovely ring with a stone at its center.
   
   The book begins with a list of tools and materials needed to create the pieces you will admire and soon be making yourself. Then there is a suggested "first project" bracelet which will help anyone who is taking this seriously to understand all the ins and outs of what will be coming up later on. The authors strongly recommend making this design before proceeding further. I loved the design (I am betting that you will too!), so that seemed like a good idea to me anyway!
   I had several favorites, including the first project. One was a stunning "Bow Tie" bracelet, and one was a "Celtic Knot". I loved the look of both of these.
   
   Most of the wire wrapping is done with half hard wire, something I have never used in my work. Many of the tools are strangers to me, although I own a few of certain ones required (like step-nose pliers and a mandrel) and have not used them yet. However, now I am raring to go, thanks to Linda and Christine, who infuse their creations and writing style with joy, charm, humor and beauty!
   Yes! I want to make this type of jewelry! All of these great looks are so beautiful! And when I am done following their clear instructions, I will have one or many brilliant creations. I know I will love it when people ask, "Where did you GET that?" and I can say, "I made it, MYSELF! With a little help from my friends, Linda and Chris!"



2. A well written book showing precise details for step by step procedure for many new and different projects, along with the basic techniques.
   An excellent book suitable for beginner or advanced wirewrappers.



3. 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.



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



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

4 comments about More Elm Creek Quilts: 30+ Traditional Block - 11 Projects - Favorite Character Sketches.

1. I really like the book. It gives you the patterns that you read about in the novel.



2. I love to sit and read the books while I am looking at the pattern books. It gives me a better visual of what I am reading. I love this series by Janet Chiaverini. I hope the adventure continues.



3. It is a verry good book with plassent story's about the ladies that are the quilsters of the paterns.



4. I just had to have the entire Elm Creek series and the coordinating books to make the quilts.

5 comments about More Fabric Savvy: A Quick Resource Guide to Selecting and Sewing Fabric Completely Revised and Updated.

1. Being very hesitatant at first about the book and the people telling me to get this book it's the greatest; well I've head that before. I have to state clearly "I WAS WRONG" this is the greatest book for sewing usage, but also, anytime you want to purchase material for any project whatever it may be you have to have this book. It gives you information such as; tells you the fabric, washing instructions, thread to use, needles, pressing, what foot to use on machine, and much more. This was for every type of fabric it's a "must have book".



2. More Fabric Savvy: A Quick Resource Guide to Selecting and Sewing Fabric Completely Revised and Updated
   
   This is a must have book for anyone who sews. If you are starting out, it will save you a lot of frustration, money and fabric/supplies. If you are more advanced or a serious seamstress, it will help you to know the answers to all the questions that come up when handling multiple types of textiles. Each page on a fabric gives you all the information you need to know about that fabric, including what needle to use, what pressure foot to sew with, whether to wash or dryclean, line, how to hem, etc.
   
   If I had this book when I was starting out over 30 years ago, I could have saved a lot of money. This is a great gift for someone who loves to sew.



3. I received this book quicker than I expected and was extremely happy with the condition of this used book. It was almost like new. The seller certainly ensured that I received exactly what I wanted as quickly as possible. Just excellent customer service to this international buyer.
   I will keep on trying to source those difficult to find books from this seller.
   With grateful thanks



4. I really like this book. It covers many fabrics, including many I've been hesitant to use or nervous about when I did. I recently bought a new electronic sewing machine and this has been a real help. The recommendations about the right foot to use and when were a boon in selecting which accessories to buy. I also really like the sections in the back. There are illustrations on different seams, closures, and hems, plus information on stain removal, linings, and sources. Great!



5. This contains everything you would ever want to find out before purchasing fabric. It tells you what the fabric should be used for, if it should be washed and how before sewing, the thread, needle and stitch size that would work best. It will save you both time and money in the end.

5 comments about Start Spinning: Everything You Need to Know to Make Great Yarn.

1. Great book. I just need to get a wheel so I can try everything.



2. The photos were helpful, although when I began spindle spinning, I did not have a top whorl as pictured in the book. I then purchased a spinning wheel and the photos and descriptions in the book were very adequate.



3. I feel like there is enough information in this book to actually begin spinning. It is very well illustrated, and explains many things that a beginner needs to know. The tone is not patronizing, and the book is easy to read. I am still a beginner, so I have read very few spinning books, but so far I think this is the one I will have by my side as I start.



4. I'm a new spinner and felt overwhelmed with the technical aspects of it when I decided to learn. What I needed was a "just the facts" kind of guide that would let me get started and not overwhelm me with nerdy technical stuff that passionate and experienced practitioners love to talk about. Start Spinning is definitely it!
   
   Based on the reviews here, I bought a copy and agree completely with the 5-stars that most of the reviewers gave it.
   
   It's like a teacher in a box. Great illustrations. Clear definitions of terms that you really need to know Does not overwhelm you with jargon that you will pick up later if you get seduced by the craft. Covers everything from basic spinning, plying and using your handspun to choosing a wheel, planning a project, buying and evaluating fleece for spinning. SIMPLE and CLEAR. And not too much information.
   
   I love this book and would recommend it to anyone curious about the craft of spinning and wanting a good reference guide.



5. Loved this book as a new spinner. Lots of photos and how to find a wheel thats right for you was very helpful, This book is informative with out talking down to the reader and also helped me with my overspinning problem and how to trouble shoot difficulties. Photos were great and it covers all the bases. A+++

5 comments about Tree Houses You Can Actually Build: A Weekend Project Book (Stiles, David R. Weekend Project Book Series.).

1. What a fantastic book! My kids and I have had so much fun browsing through and getting ideas for their tree house. From the basic tree house to more elaborate designs, it's in here. With the help of this book, you can actually build one affordably.



2. Excellent guide for treehouse construction. We used the book as a basis for our treehouse and modified one of the designs. This book was extremely valuable for us and guided us through alot of potential pitfalls. Highly recommend!



3. Color pictures of some fantastic tree house ideas. No limits on imagination here. One caution: Don't let the kids see it first! Can't wait to start one of these ideas.



4. I think you have to be a master carpenter to actually do any of them in a week-end but the detail is pretty good.....odd thing is, I bought this book and already had it at home! I must have really liked it!



5. Works for kids, works for adults, very clear and very helpful. Very graphics oriented and the sketches make the text very clear.
   Unfortunately does not even mention escalating tree houses beyond the backyard project - if this were a full-revalation book, you would see the new engineering miracle, the Garnier Limb.
   
   We were quite pleased - PS we are hard graders, hardly anything gets a 5.