5 comments about Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish.

1. This book along with Teri Masaschi's book saved a 3 month project. Bob's is technical and Teri's is "how to" so they compliment each other. Get both. If you have never finished a large expensive project before, this is mandatory reading. My first piece was a queen bed, Stickley style, out of cherry. Thanks to them it turned out beautiful.



2. a waste of time if you are actually looking for constructive finishing of a specific wood. This guy is more interested in impressing you with what he knows rather than helping you understand how to finish your project.



3. This book is not a list of grandma recipes, it explains wood finishes to enable you to create your recipes.



4. I checked the hardcover version out from the library and enjoyed the detailed instructions for specific finishing techniques, as well as the general information on the types of wood finished and illustrative photos. A received the paperback version as a Christmas present only to be thoroughly disappointed that the beautiful photos had all been converted to sepia tones. That eliminated all of the detail! Save yourself the disappointment and go straight to hardcover.



5. Excellent book on the fundamentals of finishing wood, including detailed description of the three major categories of finishes and their characteristics. You must do some interpretation to make it work for you, as Flexner does not give extensive details and options for each wood species. Instead, he explores the functional properties of finishes, dyes, stains, fillers, etc.

5 comments about School Years: A Family Keepsake of School Memories.

1. This is a great photo album especially concidering it cover grades K through 12 the only issue I have found is that it is not a hard cover it is kind of like cardboard and bends very easily. Otherwise excellent keepsake



2. I had something similar when I was in the school and I enjoyed being able to fill out the pages every school year. So when my daughter started Kindergarten this year the search was on! She was so excited and she wrote her friend's names in it.



3. I like the questions asked in the book, but would like to have more free space to write about other events during the year. The pockets definately need to be bigger, after the report card, school picture a few papers it was overstuffed. Overall it is a good memories book.



4. i was trying to find my son something like i have from my school years. i found a lot of scrapbooking type memory keepers, but this was the closest i could find to what i had when i was little. a great place to store class pictures and report cards.



5. This product is good, it has lots of space for information but the pockets are not big enough. In order to put your kids stuff in you have to fold it in half (8-1/2 x 11" still has to be folded in half). So if you are looking to put in art work, report cards etc and don't want to fold it, this book is not for you.
   
   I found the price to be fair for this book.

5 comments about Origami Zoo: An Amazing Collection of Folded Paper Animals.

1. Even though the final models are *extremely* complex, the book begins with very interesting texts about origami origins, evolution and approaches to creation; and the models go in progression from the very simplest ones. So actually this is an excellent "transition" book - if you have some experience with origami and have the ambition to try more complex stuff, there cannot be a better book than this one to guide you. The diagrams are crystal clear, and so are the indications. I got this book when I was 11 (I'm 24 now), and it is still every bit as amazing an enjoyable as back then!!



2. There is a great selection of animals to make in this book. Some are very advanced and complicated. Others are easier and more familiar. If you are a beginner, but are familiar with folds and instructions, it is worth giving it a try for a challenge.



3. This is the first origami book I have bought,Origami Zoo. Before I got this book I had to print heaps of stuff off the internet, and before long I had a huge collection of stuff I put in a folder. I soon found out that all the models I had printed out were way too hard for me, even though I'm around the intermediate to advanced level!! As cool as they may sound, the Biplane always confused me, the Bee always ripped and the Alien always became too small and thick.
   But then I discovered Amazon.com. Here there were millions of choices of origami books, but I chose to get "Origami Zoo, an Amazing Collection of folded paper animals." This book was at my level exactly!!
   My fav models are, so far:
   - The Penguin. Even though this is one of the easiest, it still looks lifelike side-on.
   - The Owl. This model is also 2D, but it perches on a thin rod, and looks lifelike as well.
   - The Duck. This model is a particularly cute 3D one!
   - The Sea Turtle. This model is both fun to make and cool to look at!!
   - The Fox. This model is rather easy, 3D, and lifelike!
   None of the models in this book are very easy. Most of them are at the intermediate level, but the last 10 or so models are complex. I still haven't gotten to the real complex models yet, but when I do, I hope I have a lot of large origami paper on hand!!
   This book contains info at the start, about folds, paper, designing models and so on.
   I would recommend this book to people who like to make a variety of animals, not just plain four legged animals, but insects and sea creatures as well!!



4. Lang's book on Origami is a good buy for anyone interested in this ancient art of paper folding. It covers models that are simple to fold all the way to models that require more skill. It also includes quite a large variety of animals to explore.



5. This is harder than it looks. Patience is a requirement. My swan was all right, but I decided not to do any more. It just wasn't for me. Others may find it fun.

5 comments about The Bandsaw Book.

1. Every chapter is filled with knowledgeable experience gained from using many different types of bandsaws. Lonnie Bird has taught woodworking and the use of power tools such as the band saw for many years. Having used a bandsaw in the past and getting ready to do so again after a 15 year hiatus, I thought I should bone up on the facts. Lonnie had information I never even considered before. His treatment of bandsaw blades and their use is invaluable and complete. This book will be readily available in my shop for quick reference whenever I need it on bandsaw tuning or blade selection.



2. I bought the bandsaw and figured I better have a book to help me along. I bought this book with the hopes it would help. It has and will some more in the future.
   
   I did find some of the information redundant as to what was written in the owners manual. But, there are great sections on how to tune up your saw, jigs, projects and a whole lot more. This book is in my shop with me and I find myself referring to it.
   
   I would recommend for both novice and seasoned woodworkers. There is just a lot of good useful information.



3. I bought this book because I've been in the market for my first bandsaw for a few months. I've been researching the topic a lot and came across a recommendation for this book in a forum somewhere. Given Amazon's great price I thought what they heck. I found this book to be very informative and pointed out a lot of things I should be looking at when determining which saw to buy that I had not though of. It did this without knocking any brands or given slanted praise to any brand either which I really liked. I don't really like taking a recommendation from an author who recommends a brands that sponsors him. Definitely worth the money and the time.



4. If you are thinking about buying a bandsaw or are new to them, get this book! This book is packed with information that is helpful for buying new or used saws. It explains the differences in blades and what you need for different uses.
   
   This book will save you money and guide you to the right saw for your needs. Well worth the price!



5. I knew I wanted to buy a 14" bandsaw, but knew nothing about bandsaws and wanted a good overview. It accomplished that.
   
   I get the impression that the author expected the reader to select the topics of interest and just read those. As a novice, I read the entire book straight through and as a result, got a bit tired of the repetition I went through.
   
   It is an easy read and I learned effectively. I still have a couple questions, but was able to narrow my saw selection to two.

5 comments about Hand Building Techniques (Ceramics Class) (Ceramics Class).

1. Joaquim Chavarria has produced a well presented book with clear instructions for hand building techniques.The robust hard back cover makes is particularly suitable to a craft envirnoment. The projects suggested and examples shown are inspirational. I bought the book to use with a beginners class but feel that it is more suited for people with a basic familiarity with clay. I wouldn't recommend it to an absolute beginner or hobbiest, but have found it suitable for intermiediate classes and for my own use.



2. Hi
   I got this book to help me to refresh my clay work. I have done work for yours and have been away from it for a long time now. With grand kids wanting to do the clay now I wanted a book help with the small things I have forgot. It is a great book for that and lot more. All of my tips I knew came rushing back after going though it. I even plan on getting all of his books on Clay.
   They really well done and full of great info on clay work. Some I did not even know from back years ago when I was doing clay a lot.
   I would say if you want to work with clay this would be the book for you.



3. I am just beginning to explore clay and so I got this book for myself and for the students in my store who take classes. The techniques are illustrated very well. The directions very clear and photos are great. The only complaint I have is that the projects are a bit out there for me. I mean I'd like to build a great mug, a plate, maybe some platters or something, but some of the wild sculptures are not for me.



4. Opens the door to endless possabilities, limitied only by the mind. With a few basic procedures of building, anything is possable.



5. This is a great book for ideas for unusual and creative items to build. Is is NOT a great book for techniques for the average beginner. There is not enough detail as to the actual techiniques. It is a better book for an experienced artisan than for beginners.

5 comments about 500 Wedding Rings: Celebrating a Classic Symbol of Commitment (500 Series).

1. The title for this book almost made me hesitate to purchase this, to say I am ecstatic I did is an understatement. The tag line of celebrating commitment also does not do justice. Whilst the intent is to focus on the arena of weddings, the vast majority of the rings shown could be worn by anyone at anytime, certainly not "restricted" to weddings.
   
   A wonderful array of styles and techniques are showcased, I especially loved the use of non precious metals such as iron, set between gold - fabulous contrasts of raw, uncut stones alongside the sparkle of brilliant cut gems. All the precious metals are here of course as are the precious and semi precious gems. It was good to see a small number of non traditional materials being used such as rubber, acrylics, resins etc.
   
   There are indeed a couple of pieces that stretch the imagination in this field, a few that are in my opion hard to be classified in the wedding/commitment category, but who are we to judge another artists vision? Simply marvel at the construction of this wonderful adornment.
   
   Folded, Formed, Inlaid, Fabricated, Mokume Gane, Forged, Etched, the list goes on and on, every technique and style imaginable seems to be represented, best still - 95% of them are wearable.
   
   I would go so far as to say I prefer this book to 1000 Rings, and I liked 1000 Rings a great deal. I have this book in my studio where students are free to browse through the library, to date no one has made any comment other than "I need this book"...



2. This book gives you a fascinating tour throughout a huge variety of amazing and creative rings. Either if you are a jewelry afficionado or are going to get married, this compilation is a must-have.



3. This is an amazing collection of work. I own all the lark 500 books - apart from 500 bracelets, which dissapointed me and 500 brooches, which I haven't seen yet. One of my fave's was 1000 rings because of its combination of outlandish and imaginative ideas, I found it very inspiring even though at that point I wasn't really constructing rings myself. However, this one is better, in my humble opinion. The wearability is much higher and more realistic and you can take this book to be 500 "wedding" rings or 500 just plain awesome rings - it doesn't matter, they are still stunning. Quite a lot more precious too.
   This is, like the others, not an instruction book, there are no projects. Its a collection of inspiring works to inspire and appreciate for both jewellers and collectors. If you liked any of the 500 books, I'd be quite confident that you would really like this one - the standard seems to have leapt up a few notches.
   Another lark series to look out for is the new "Masters" series. So far I have only got one, masters in gemstones. Because of the quality of this I am eagerly awaiting any others! Its amazing and goes a step further than the 500 series. Instead of just submission after submission a group of master jewellers has been selected and each chapter showcases thier work and writes a little bit about them and thier process, so in some instances this can be quite insightful into the process and methods used. Really really stunning.
   (Two reviews in one here!!)



4. As usual with Lark books, gorgeous photos of incredible jewelry. My one complaint, and it is the same as all the other Lark jewelry books, is the inclusion of "non-wearable" and "exhibition" type pieces. Wedding rings made out of plastic or felt with weird tangly things off them is not worthy of inclusion in such a collection. I feel as if the pages taken up by the craft hour projects is such a waste. For the people out there who think completely unwearable and some, downright painful, jewelry is worthy of admiration, please Lark, save those pieces for their own volume. Other than that, the Lark books, particularly the Rings books, are my fav source of design inspiration.



5. I love ALL of the 500 books from Lark. They are great for inspiration and for learning new artists. I have almost the whole series!

5 comments about How to Make Books: Fold, Cut & Stitch Your Way to a One-of-a-Kind Book.

1. Came in good shape and in good time. Wish it had more information on the coptic stich, but oh well. My friend enjoyed it.



2. I had never made a book and needed to learn how, fast, for a class project. This book did the trick. The author clearly describes how to make several simple types of books (accordion, pamphlet, etc.) and also gets into more complicated techniques like Coptic binding. Her examples are creative and inspiring.



3. Full disclosure alert: I haven't seen every book-making craft book out there, but I have a few of the big ones, and this is the book I like best. Why? Simple: clarity and ease of instructions. I don't know about you, but a little too often I find myself reading through the instructions in a craft book going, "Okay, but how do I DO that?" Not so with this book. That really set it apart.
   
   Plus, the author is just so charming! She packs plenty of stories from a full life as an artist into these pages; they're a fun read and very inspiring too. I was delighted to discover that she gives classes at Cooper Union in NYC. Her class is now on my to-do list.
   
   With a bulging shelf and a hard drive full of patterns, I'm on a craft book diet right now, but I had to make an exception for this one because it's so good.



4. Esther Smith's "How to Make Books," which combines warmly written narratives with clearly written instructions, has shown me how to bring my love of reading into the third dimension. I love that active reading forces self-reflection; however, bare words, in that they can always be contradicted, often confuse more than they help. Through folding and cutting Instant Books, and quickly filling them with compiled words and images, I can instinctively react to an author's idea without second guessing away from myself. Esther Smith's examples, alongside her encouragement to experiment, have helped me see myself more clearly. My eyes and hands are involved with words in a wonderful new way, and I highly recommend this book to other readers.



5. I'll pull out this book every time I want to make a book or journal. With this book in my library I'll never forget how.
   
   Bev in Arizona

5 comments about Origami Jewelry: More Than 40 Exquisite Designs to Fold and Wear.

1. If - like me - you have long waited for a book that tells you how to make origami jewellery this is it. Look no further. You will not be disappointed.



2. Origami Jewelry: More Than 40 Exquisite Designs to Fold and Wear Very nice presentation. Instructions and diagrams are fairly easy to understand. The pictures of the finished fold are nicely shown. I've been doing origami for 30 yrs and never thought of making jewelry. You always learn new things.



3. I am relatively new to Origami so I found this book a welcome addition to the library, it covers the obligatory choosing of papers, tools to use and importantly for newbies a good solid instructional section on the "basic folds". The jewellery created was quiet nice, a little kitsch for my personal taste, but easily accomplished with a bit of practice.
   
   The big thing for me though came with Metal Clay "paper", I am primarily a jewellery artist and use Metal clay a lot, I love the product of silver sheet clay or paper clay as some people call it as I can fold this like paper in origami styles and then fire it to produce minature fine silver jewellery. Good ideas in the book for me to transfer to silver replicas.
   
   The diagrams were clear, easy to understand and photographed well. Thank you Ayako for a good book.



4. As someone who is a novice I found this book relatively easy to follow. I have been doing origami for a long time, but I am not consistent with it. It is something I love and I know basics, but not something I am constantly working to excel at, even though I wish I had the time to. With a stressful job I needed an outlet and so have taken origami up again to relax and have a creative outlet. I saw this book and thought, wow how cool. I really want to try this. I am more than happy with my impulse purchase. The pictures are clear and concise. She gives you all the basic folds in the front so you don't have to go looking in other materials for them. The author also allows your creative juices to flow. She shows many different project pictures with the same origami shape. This allowed me to take her projects one step further and really make them my own. I have never made jewelry before (other than macaroni necklaces in kindergarten) and she details all the tools and materials you need. Really, if this peeks your interest, the take the plunge and buy it. You won't be disappointed.



5. I ordered this book without high hopes and was pleasantly surprised. Finally, an origami jewelry book that goes through the process step by step with clear photos as a guide. All the questions I had regarding origami jewelry making were answered. In the past, much of my paper jewelry making was based on guesswork.

5 comments about The Complete Book of Origami: Step-by Step Instructions in Over 1000 Diagrams (Origami).

1. The author of "The Complete Book of Origami" has become notorious for producing some of the most advanced origami models in the literature and this book contains a range of models which cannot be considered anything but difficult. Most of the pieces will not be possible from ordinary paper but will require either foil or very thin bank weight paper to work well. Wet folding would also be suitable for some of the models though the diagrams for the elephant sail into a patch of fog when making its behind!
   
   Be prepared to spend some hours making each piece and you may well find yourself starting over again several times until a series of folding procedures becomes clear.
   
   That said the book contains some excellent models - I have always liked the Cuckoo Clock and the Viking Ship, and can confirm that the action pieces really do work.
   
   The diagrams are hand drawn rather than computerised which may explain the level of verbal instruction; however some of the sets of folds are very complex and the verbal instructions provide that much needed extra to understand what is going on.
   
   This is a book for the seasoned folder and most paper folders who have reached the high intermediate to advanced skill level will enjoy it.



2. I agree with several of the reviewers here. As a "purist" I object to models that don't start with a square, of which there are many here. I am also bothered by measurements that do not arise from the creases themselves (eg "fold into thirds".) Finally, Lang jumps from very easy to very advanced, with virtually nothing in-between (and uses harder folding sequences than neccessary IMO, Montroll achieves similar complexity in his finished models with far less difficulty.)
   If you are willing to look past these objections, the finished models themselves are frequently amazing.



3. this book would fit nicely on a shelf in bill gates mansion. If you're a hardcore nerd and grew up within the 80s and 70s, played with erector sets and studied quantum physics at the age of 2 then you may be able to decode the rocket science behind the drawings and instructions given in this book. nay on the origamay



4. An excellent book for beginners and continuing students of origami. Many color photo step-by-step illustrations of simple and more complicated models. Well worth buying.



5. This book has some of the most original models I've seen among origami books (including a particularly impressive clock). However, many of the instructions are vague or extremely difficult to fold as described. Some of the more advanced models will take lots of experimentation to figure out what the intended fold is.

5 comments about Quilting 101: A beginners guide to quilting.

1. I first bought Sewing 101 by the same publisher and was impressed by the easy-to-read and follow directions as well as the patterns at the end. This book gave me confidence to try different types of project. I highly recommend it!



2. So far seems to be a good basic book for the beginner



3. A friend bought this book for my 13 year old daughter. She is new to quilting and using a sewing machine, and has found this book so easy to follow.



4. I have a good amount of sewing experience so I was hesitant about purchasing this book thinking it might be too basic. Also, I wondered if I would be interested in actually completing many of the projects. I am glad I made the purchase! I have no experience in machine quilting so I appreciate the detailed, simple instructions. Most of the projects are ones I actually want to make and use or could give as gifts. I would say more except that I would just be echoing all the positive things previously written. If you would rather learn machine quilting from a book rather than a in a quilting class, this is the book for you!



5. This is a wonderful how-to book for beginning quilters. It has step-by-step instructions for many different projects and includes many of the most popular quilting patterns. The projects are modest (squares, runners, placemats, totes, wall hangings, etc.) and well matched to a beginner's skill progression. The price is very reasonable also. All in all, it is a very good buy.