5 comments about The Amazing Page: 650 Scrapbook Page Ideas, Tips and Techniques (Memory Makers).

1. I found this to be a great springboard for scrapbooking ideas. I borrowed this book from the library and just had to have it. It's packed with pages on a huge variety of topics by some of Memory Makers best scrappers. If you're looking for fresh scrapbooking ideas such as you'd get from magazines, you'll like this book. I'm a die hard scrapbooker and have been for several years and I really enjoyed this book.



2. Wonderful ideas to start you off to scrapbooking! Scrapbooking is a wonderful way to say I love you to your family and friends and this book gives you plenty of inspiring ideas.



3. Lots of great ideas for scrapbooks. Comes as a very handy tool when you need a little inspiration for your layouts.



4. This is a fantastic book for the scrapper that likes to visualize what they want a page to look like. I took some new idea's and layouts from this book that are really cool!



5. This is definitely eye candy, loads of lovely colors and the book is laid out beautifully. But when I really looked at the pages and layouts, I found a great deal of repetition, and nothing really new. I walked away and picked it up again. Nope. It did not end up being one of the idea books I return to time and again unfortunately. But it is eye candy. The DVD rom is sort of fluff as the pages are not as good as what's in the book.

5 comments about Make a Quilt in a Day : Log Cabin Pattern (Quilt in a Day) (Quilt in a Day).

1. Great book with step by step instructions, this would be my pick for the first time quilter. It shows at least 100 different layouts for you log cabin blocks. It is wonderful.



2. If you are a quilter and you haven't made this quilt, what are you waiting for? You have to make this quilt pattern at least once in your life. If you are thinking about quilting and can sew a straight line, this is where you want to begin.
   
   It's easy, simple, the results are beautiful. I've made many of these as gifts; I've given the book and fabric as the gift.
   
   This book taught me to be a stripper over 20 years ago. (Read the book you'll understand "stripper".)



3. No way one day!. But... in three days I made a 60x60 lap quilt over New Years. With an unfamiliar sewing machine on a dining room table. I think it could be done in two in my own studio.
   
   What this did was give me confidence to go home and finish my QS Triple Irish Chain.
   
   I recommend this book highly for beginner quilters. Sometimes you read instructions and wonder what the quilter was smoking. Not Ms. Burns.
   
   If a guy like me can do it, anyone can.
   
   t in san jose



4. I am not an experienced quilter, but I have made several quilts. When I came across this book and thumbed through the pages, I was fascinated by her method. When I last made a king-sized quilt, it took me 3-4 years, mostly because I was discouraged by how long it was taking me to assemble it. I started with this pattern recently to make a king-sized quilt as a gift, and I am astounded with how fast I am progressing. With this method, you can work on it in short bursts if you want, but if you have an entire day, you can get a lot done! I highly recommend it! I look forward to using this method to make quick baby quilts in the future!



5. I'm a new quilter and had been intimidated by the Log Cabin pattern. I took a class that taught this method at my local sewing machine center, and was able to complete a wall hanging (which at 68" x 68" is more like a throw) top in an 11 hour class including cutting and chattering time. I'm an Eleanor Burns fan for life now.

5 comments about The Apron Book: Making, Wearing, and Sharing a Bit of Cloth and Comfort.

1. Saw this in my book club at twice the money. I really identify with these, the good old days. Days when aprons were a part of getting dressed each day. I still am an apron person. Love those pockets.



2. I had to make an apron in Home Ec class many (many) years ago. I didn't enjoy it at all. I didn't care for the fabric, didn't really get the hang of using a sewing machine, just felt it was a waste of time. Nobody in my family wore an apron, anyway, somehow they miraclously stayed clean during food prep.
   Flash forward a few decades. I like to cook and bake and I did not inherit the miracle of not getting messy while I cooked. Most aprons you can buy in a store are servicable - but not exactly flashy or pretty. One of my supervisors whipped up aprons as Christmas presents one year. I was amazed because I knew she was a very busy woman. Slowly, I began to gather fabric to make aprons. And when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. That's how I feel about this book. I recommend it highly.



3. I love this book - it brings back great memories. Very interesting information, photos, patterns, a great book to add to one's library.



4. Love this book!
   I am always recommending it to others who love Aprons and apron stories.
   It even has a user friendly pattern in the back of the book.
   A must have as well as a great gift to send to friends who are apronistas!



5. I decided I was going to make aprons for my female family and friends for Christmas and ordered this book hoping it would give me lots of different ideas. It is actually more of a history lesson on aprons but did have lots of pictures and patterns and instructions. There does not seem to be a glut of books on Aprons so this was a good choice. If you are the least bit creative you can go with some of their general ideas and expand on them. Makes a nice coffee table book too.

5 comments about Judy Martin's Log Cabin Quilt Book.

1. This book is a great inspirational tool to create beautiful log cabin quilts. Being able to see layouts is a great help. The instructions are very helpful. Wonderful book!



2. Anyone that enjoys piecing log cabin quilts will love this book. The quilts are absolutely beautiful and an inspiration. I have already started on my first one.



3. The log cabin has turned into my favorite block and what a book to have in my collection. There are so many new ideas I haven't seen. I have since purchased other "Judy Martin" books and just love them. The instructions are written for both templates and rotary cutting...



4. After seeing references to this book, I decided I had to buy it. Was very pleased with the patterns and instruction. It definately pays to buy through Amazon.



5. A lovely book with lots of informative information and I can't wait to get piecing

5 comments about Encyclopedia Of Scrapbooking (Creating Keepsakes).

1. I recently purchaced this book, and i was very disappointed. I have some of the other Creating Keepsakes books, such as the "Scrapbooks tips" and "Scrapbooking Family heritage" (I'd give all of them 5 stars). But, the Creating Keepsakes Encyclopedia has half the images and examples as the other books. After about 1/2 an hour of reading through it I was done for good; whereas with the other books every time I open them I see something new that I didn't notice before. I was extremely disappointed with this book. I would not recommend it to anyone. And it shouldn't be called an "encyclopedia"-it only explains the MOST BASIC of scrapbooking techniques. I mean, it takes 4 pages just to show you how to tear paper!!! PLEASE don't waist your money on this-instead, try some of the other "Creating Keepsakes" books. This one is the worst of the bunch. All the other "Keepsakes" books I own or have read are terrific.



2. This book provides great ideas for a beginner, I really like this book. When I'm stuck I can just flip through the book and find some good inspirations. I also picked up several new techniques that I didn't know before. Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who is just picking up scrapbooking.



3. Just started scrapbooking and it was very confusing to try and decide what I needed and how you go about it. This book explains in detail and gives great ideas and examples. Each sample scrapbook page tells exactly what was used to create the page and has given me lots of ideas!



4. This book tells you all the materials you can use, and how to creat some very unique designs. This book is excellent for beginners to scrapping, especially if they need ideas. I just got this book today and so far it is the most helpful book I've gotten on the subject.



5. This scrapbook information is good. I can understand more on how to use some of the tool and other items. Great.

5 comments about Visual Chronicles: The No-Fear Guide to Creating Art Journals, Creative Manifestos and Altered Books.

1. This book contains NO interesting ideas, NO beautiful pictures, NO inspiration, and NO meaningful journal writing. However, it does contain techniques you probably learned in kindergarten. So unless you are under six, you do not need to buy this book. These authors presumably have created beautiful art at some point, considering their profession as art journal writers and instructors, yet they withhold any and all information on this topic throughout the book. I feel completely betrayed -- I gave them money and they gave me none of their knowledge. I wish I would have considered the advice of those who rated this book poorly prior to my purchase. Although this book was not expensive and I enjoy having a large reference library, I refuse to keep this book as part of my collection because I know I will never gain anything from these pages, now or in the future.



2. A wonderful book that provides tools for anyone who wants to start journaling. And even for those who are experienced there is a lot to read, see and laugh about. The essence of what Karen and Linda want to tell you is that only you can tell your story. No one else can do that for you. The sisters show you that you only need limited supplies to make a start and that you definitely do not need an education in art to do it. Anyone can do it! That is by far the biggest message the sisters give you. It is well written, with a great sense of humor. The layout of this book is beautiful. The examples and explanations of the various techniques are breathtaking. This book invites you to get started right away. It gives you enough inspiration to take notice of and to journal about the humor, the special occasions and the everyday. And to do this in a way that is especially worth while to you.



3. I read Journal Revolution first, and loved this just as much! This book is full of inspiration and ideas for art and life. It is not just a scrapping book or a journaling book. Its really about how you approach art and life. There are fun and unusual projects, cool techniques, and the best philosophies ever. LOVED IT!



4. The title of the book and the reviews here are really misleading. This book has nothing to do with art journalling. Art is art, scrapbooking is craft.
   
   I didn't believe the other negative reviews here because they all went on about how they were artists and they already knew the stuff here. But their reviews were much more accurate than the 5 star reviews.
   
   If you want to collage a little book together about your life, the things you love etc, then this, and every other book by this publisher is for you. There are hundreds of books out there and i'd say this one is a little thin on ideas to be worth choosing over other scrapbooking books.
   
   Basically this book talks about painting the background, using rubber stamps and rub-on letters, colouring in photocopies, and cutting up paint sample sheets from the hardware store, as though they were new ideas.
   
   There are cute ideas in here, and the book talks you through how to inspire yourself. But i honestly can't see any difference between this an all the other books out there trying to cash in on the scrapbook industry. of which i am not interested.
   
   If you want to make an art journal, something that an artist uses to develop their work and ideas, then you're going to be let down. You wont be given ideas for drawing materials, or how to combine materials to accentuate your own drawings, how to develop ideas further and present them thoughtfully.
   
   This book actually assumes you have no drawing or creative ability at all, suitable for some, but not for those wishing to create an art journal/sketchbook. I suspect the author/publisher put the word art in the title to purposely mislead people like me. I'm seriously tempted to return this book since the title is so misleading.



5. This isn't a bad book, but for me it didn't prove to be a very good one either. I will admit to getting some ideas from it, but found it pretty basic for the most part. I really didn't like any of the pages the authors did and wasn't really inspired by any of it. I have to agree with the other reviewers who said this is more like cut and paste scrapbooking and not art journaling. If you want a book about doing crafts, this is a good one. If you want a book about doing art, then save your money.

5 comments about Construction Drawings and Details for Interiors: Basic Skills.

1. I have many years of architectural drafting experience. Although this book says "Basic Skills" on the cover, it is much more than basic. It's an excellent reference book, covering everything that is needed for interior design drafting: from line weights to scale, dimensioning, plans, elevations, sections, checklists, furniture and finish schedules, contract documents, and the list goes on. I highly recommend this book for students of interior design and practising designers alike.



2. This is a handy reference tool that goes over the basics and more, covering equipment, title blocks, various tags and elevation markers, material representation, and graphic representation of everything from doors and windows to wall sections. There are separate chapters on Floor Plans, Elevations, and Sections. Later chapters go ino Reflected Ceiling Plans, Electrical Plans, Furniture Plans, Finishes, and Schedules. There is a checklist of things to remember following every type of construction drawing discussed; this serves to reinforce the most important information in any given chapter. I found the check lists to be a great learning tool, and used them to double-check my class assignments before turning them in.
   
   One of the things that I appreciate about this book is that it was written clearly and was easy to understand the first time through, but with additional readings I continue to get more out of it. It is the book I find myself returning to when I need answers. Some of the more complex information is formatted into tables and these tables can be particularly helpful--there is a terrific section on paraline and axometric drawings, for instance. There are even step-by-step instructions on how to create one- and two-point perspective grids.
   
   Some of the illustrations are a little dated, and some information is not as complete as I think it should be. The information on lettering, for instance, is particularly light, and I found myself needing to purchase another book to really understand how to develop my lettering technique. The information on material representation is also not as complete as it probably should be. Still, this is a very worthy reference book. It is the only required textbook in at least five classes and with good reason: it provides the basics and more, enabling it to continue to earn its place on the bookshelf well after one has completed Drafting 101.



3. This book has been very helpful for me. It reviews perspective drawings, elevations, and sections before leading into the construction documents. It provides sufficient examples to match the text explanations. I consider this a good buy. It has served as a great reference/instruction guide for me.



4. This book made all the difference for me in my Interior Design studies. The course that I took was intensive, and if I had not discovered and utilized this book, I would have probably scored much lower on my desk-crits, and my practical exams. Because of it's wonderfully portable size, I take it with me everywhere. It is easily carried, yet filled with pertinent information from cover to cover. Construction Drawings and Details for Interiors contains a wealth of information, and I am grateful to the author for having written this book. It is, and will remain a cornerstone of my Design library.



5. This a great book for the basics of how to create Construction Drawings. It has everything you could have questions about as an Interior Designer learning how to create Documentation for a project. I highly recommend this book. It lays everything out in an easy to understand format and has great pictorial examples.

3 comments about Gooseberry Patch Christmas, Book 10 (Gooseberry Patch).

1. I was a little disappointed with this years Christmas book. The format had changed and there weren't as many simple crafts as before. I saw some crocheted dishcloths on one of the pages and searched for the instructions only to find out it was just a picture, no instructions.
   
   The recipe section looks good and I have already made one of the recipes and it turned out great.
   
   I don't know, just not up to the usual Gooseberry Patch standard.



2. I have been collecting these books since they first came out. Every year there are lots of things to see and make and do. Some things I will never do, like crocheting. Everything turns out wrong when I do it, but I like to look at the projects anyway. They give me ideas for other things. I have been a professional crafter for 19 years, and these books help keep my imagination churning out new ideas! Even if you are not a pro, these books help you develop your own style. They talk about Christmas memories, and you can't help but remember your own experiences. It's part of what makes Christmas warm and fun. My kids are grown up now, and my 22 year old daughter says they are part of her Christmas memories, going to the stores to hunt down the latest copy, going shopping then out to lunch afterwards. Maybe Im biased, but I think this book is wonderful. I think eveyone will find something to love about it too!



3. I look forward to getting my Gooseberry Patch Christmas books every year around September. It really gets me excited about getting ready for the holidays. I have to say though the excitement has been going down a bit the past couple years with this series of books. I just have not found as much use out of them as I did my first years of collecting them. In the first years I felt there we more mixes and gifts from the kitchen ideas. The crafts are great, but I'm one for buying crafts already made. I'm not very talented when it comes to sewing and I don't know how to knit or crochet. Luckily that section is relatively small and I know there are many women who enjoy that part of the book as much as I enjoy the recipes.
   I do use these books and mainly go back to my first few years when I started collecting and make many gifts from the kitchen. A favorite around our neighborhood is Mom's Hot Chocolate(book 1 or 2). It's a jar mix and it's delicious. I often put it in a big mason jar and include a baggy of marshmallows and skinny peppermint sticks dipped in chocolate for stirring in a gift bag. This is always a welcome gift to my neighbors. I also make many of the coffee mixes from the first years collections. These are a great hit with my kids teachers. I'm often asked for the recipes. When you are on a budget it's a good budget friendly way to give from your heart.
   If you like Christmas books I think you will enjoy this book and there are some wonderful looking recipes. If you are just now starting to collect these books I would look into some of the older books particularly 1-3 are my favorites.

5 comments about Encyclopedia of Classic Quilt Patterns.

1. This book is a keeper. I use mine for identifing quilts seen and
   possibly purchased at yard sales, estate auctions, and where ever I
   see them - mostly handed down through the family. This book has paid off several times the cost of the book. I also use it for recreating period quilts.



2. Book was received in top condition and unbelievably in timely manner even considering the holidays !



3. I have GOT to make some of these quilts! What a lovely book! I can't wait!!!



4. This book takes you step by step through making each quilt (and include all of the templates for each quilt). I have now made 6 quilts out of this book and they are fantastic!



5. I didn't find the cover appealing, but picked it up in a hobby store, opened it and immediately decided I had to have it. It has 101 patterns with beautiful photographs of every quilt. There were a number of applique quilts that I had not seen before. This is a treasured book in my quilting library.

5 comments about AntiCraft: Knitting, Beading and Stitching for the Slightly Sinister.

1. I have tons of craft books and this one probably has the wittiest style of any. In fact, I think the sidebar commentary is the book's greatest feature for me.
   
   The authors also did a good job of introducing the reader to a variety of crafts; I think it would be a good resource for beginning crafters (of a certain sensibility) who are looking to try out some new skills.
   
   I'm not sure if I want to make a crocheted bull whip or two-headed fetal rat thing, but I'm sure somebody out there does.



2. The title of the book caught my eye... I *LOVE*LOVE*LOVE* this book! I am frusterated that 95% of the knitting/crochet books are compiled of cutesy baby booties, doilies, afghans etc. It seems that in today's world, handcrafted items (other than beer) are not appreciated; unless one knows the time it takes to craft such items. This book does have 1 token baby sweater (skulls & crossbones), but I will be crafting the rest of the patterns. I have already finished the Chain Maille earrings and can't wait to make the 2 headded rat for my cat. This book is truly for the "closet Martha Stewarts" that like "dark & edgier" crafting patterns. I've brought the book to work, and 1 gal is excited to be making the duct tape corset and the wheel of the year skirt. Next year, everybody is getting a be-headded bunny egg for Easter!



3. Truely for the slightly sinister, the book will make you chuckle. Gorgeous pictures of Gothic Waifs, plenty of web references to help you search for more like-content online but I leave a 5th star off because although it puts a twist on traditional crafting materials (knitting pirate hats and stuffed rats) other than the one corset duct-tape project which a lovely corset fanatic had already posted a to-do about online five years ago.
   
   You're not going to find anything new as far as material is concerned (yarn, beads and cloth) or any new ways to manipulate them. It's still just macrame, crochet and sewing but presented in a way more appealing than the 1980's Vogue patterns or your grandma's Heart quick projects.



4. I bought this book a few weeks ago. I really love knitting books that are different and edgy. I must say too I like trendier looking clothes. I got it mainly for the crochet and knitting patterns. There is some good info in the book and even a few recipes and random quips. I like the fact it gives you a bio on the designers. I haven't made anything yet but I am fairly new to knitting, although, I would feel pretty comfy with most of the projects. I also think that even though I wouldn't wear the most of the things in the book (real short skirts or low cut tanks), I feel like they provide good guidelines to tinker with your own projects and just get the feel of doing things differently. My favorite being the mohair sweater which I will make for sure. There are many numerous good reasons to buy this book and the creators seem really informed on their craft and witty to boot.
   On a more personal level I was a bit uncomfy with the fact it has a small pagan event calendar in it. But, that was my only reasoning for not giving it 4 stars, and that may not be an issue for most folks interested in these types of patterns.
   That being said, I feel it was a worthwhile purchase.



5. My sister-in-law doesn't knit. She does do much craft but knitting and crochet are not things she has mastered. I bought this book for her thinking that even if it was just knitting the background stories and nonsense would make up for it and maybe inspire her to learn. I am so glad I did. This book would probably be Emo-lite - the crafts are not confronting and place a humourous twist on standard images. And it is not just for knitters.
   - 8 knitting projects (including long socks, cushions, hats)
   - 7 crochet projects (including scarves, gloves, bags)
   - 3 sewing projects (Halloween-style Easter eggs, palm-sized owls, a skirt)
   - 6 miscellaneous projects (including duct-tape bodice, beaded bag and cross-stitch graffiti)
   Included is the standard "how-to knit" and "how-to make chain-mail" pages.
   But you don't buy it for the projects. You get it for the humour, the anti-parenting, the lies and tales told to de-mystify.
   What a hoot!