5 comments about Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Box Making (Complete Illustrated Guide).

1. This book provides great information for box making whether you are a veteran woodworker or a novice. Illustrations and pictures are very useful for conveying information described in written format. Highly recommended!



2. This book is very informative , easy to read & understand.If you know nothing about turning, it might be a little much. I've played with my lathe about 3 months now & wanted to get serious about the hobby.This book hit the nail on the head!



3. Like all the Taunton's Guides, this one is well written with lots of color illustrations. It has sections on all the phases of box making (wood preparation, joinery, finishing, lids, joinery, linings, etc., and it covers multiple ways to accomplish each of these steps. More comprehensive discussion of joinery and finishing, if you want it, can be found in other books from Taunton's dedicated to those topics. This book does not have plans for specific projects, but rather explains the concepts so that you can invent your own box designs. Some of the methods are quite complex and can't be fully understood with a single reading, but the information is all there and if this kind of work appeals to you, this book can teach you to make nice boxes, simple or elaborate.



4. The book gave me several new ideas for design as well as new techniques for creating beautiful boxes. It was well illustrated but could have included some specific plans.



5. I have to agree with some of the other reviewers here. This is a nicely organized book covering a multitude of relevant subjects, but there's very little useful detail in here. I think Taunton made a mistake by trying to stuff too much into too little space. I'm a decent intermediate woodworker and thought this book would help me with some of the things I struggle with in making decorative boxes. But I already knew about 75% of what's in this book. Besides too little detail, the photos, although plentiful, are too small to be of value. Sorry Taunton, a nice effort, but this one misses the mark for me.

5 comments about Japanese Quilt Blocks to Mix and Match.

1. I have given this book to two avid quilters. I don't quilt but have loved reading it--the colors and designs are amazing.



2. I have a ton of book on Sashiko - so you know I love anything Japanese. This books is great. I love all the different blocks you can make to create a Japanese style quilt. It is a welcome addition to my library. Many of the blocks are fairly easy and ones that many people already now how to make. Great buy.



3. Japanese quilt blocks to mix and match takes the simplest of blocks to a much higher level. Simple forms seem to become a standout inspiration with a twist that gives new slants on some traditional blocks. Japanese have an art in making the simple, extraordinary. Love it.



4. An excellent introduction for beginners. Explanations and details are well set out and instructions easy to follow. Well presented and inspiring content. Thank you.



5. This is the best book of Japanese-style blocks I have seen. The author describes various types of Japanese patterns and provides very precise directions for construction of each block, plus ideas for combining different blocks into quilts. The book also contains a variety of interesting patterns for Sashiko stitching. It is an exceptional book for anyone interested in Japanese-style quilts.

5 comments about Crazy Quilting - The Complete Guide.

1. This book is the BEST that I have found on crazy quilting! I have quite a collection of books on this subject and if I could keep only one, this would be it! Beautiful, well illustrated, great explanations. It has all the answers. And to make it even better, it is ring-bound so that it lies flat which makes it so easy to use. This book gets an A+ (from a strict grader)!



2. A lot of information is packed in this compact, spiral-bound book. Its smaller size makes it ideal to pack in a tote. Marsha knows her medium well. Lots of eye-candy, good instructions, lots of useful instruction.
   
   I am a dedicated crazy-quilter, too. Of all the books available on the craft, I would highly recommend this new book. Hers, plus Carole Samples' "Treasury of Crazy Quilt Stitches" are the two must-have books for any serious reference.



3. Excellent book with clear instructions and drawings. I like that the book can lay flat so that one can follow the instructions easily. The size is also great as one can travel with it easily. A great buy, I highly recommend it.



4. I recieved my book promptly and in more than excellent condition. It was securely wrapped and sealed. What more could you ask for? Thank-you so very much for your top notch customer service.



5. THIS BOOK HAS GONE IMMEDIATELY INTO MY TRAVEL-TIME CRAFT BAG!
   IT'S A TERRIFIC RESOURCE AND THE SIZE AND BINDING MAKE IT IDEAL FOR USE ON TRIPS.
   
   THE AUTHOR IS SO KNOWLEDGEABLE AND EXPLAINS THINGS SO WELL THAT I'VE COME TO ADMIRE HER WORK AND USE HER BOOKS FOR REFERENCES WHEN I CRAZY-QUILT, WHICH I LOVE TO DO AT HOME BY MACHINE OR ON THE ROAD BY HAND. THIS IS IDEAL FOR PEOPLE AT EITHER BEGINNER OR INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

5 comments about The Art of Personal Imagery: Expressing Your Life Through Collage.

1. Maybe I'm just not into this type of art enough. I prefer simpler stuff, probably a poor choice on my part.



2. This book has some very nice "how-to" sections for the beginner, but what really made it work for me was the discussion of the creative process. The author allows some very personal glimpses into her mind and life and how she translates those into her art, and I felt privileged to be witness to the process. Her art therapy background really gives her something unique to add to what's out there. The fact that my own art might be in a very different style didn't bother me at all. The book isn't about any particular style, although her examples may be, but about bringing one's own inner life to art.



3. I've been looking for some ways into returning to art, telling stories, and healing. This book has given me all sorts of ideas of ways I can dive into that work. I found the author's disclosure and use authentic personal images to be refreshing in a glossy-coated, distanced world.



4. As an avid scrapbooker and beginner mixed-media artist, this book has really made me redefine my style. I've reached a point in my art that doing pretty pages was just not enough, and I found myself including more and more symbolic items in my artwork. Being OCD-like, this book has really prompted me to loosen up, experiment and have fun with my artwork. Coreys artwork is so rich in meaning and symbolism. I couldn't put this book down, and even sent my kids early to bed so I could read it. The artwork is breathtaking, the examples are thorough, the supplies are listed, and...she even explains her inspiration and mental process of creating that piece of work. If you are interested in taking your artwork to the next level- out of the cookie-cutter mold- you will find this book a gold-mine of eye-candy and information.



5. First, let me say I have no idea who this author is: I don't read her blog, I don't follow her crafty career, I don't read anything she might be published in. Also, I've never met the woman and harbor no ill will toward her, personally or artistically. Indeed, she seems utterly sincere in her work and she has my respect for that.
   
   Also, let it be known I am not a "scrapper", full-on "collage artist", or maker of any stripe. I'm a writer and I bought this book, among others, to try to tune in to my right brain after decades of hearing from only the left.
   
   All that said, I didn't think this book was as utterly bad as some of the 1 or 2 star reviewers said it was. However, I share the opinion those reviewers who had issues with the autobiographical window the author provides into her life and art. Personally, I found the focus way too personal -- indeed, reading this book was akin to meeting a stranger for the first time, shaking hands, and having them say "Smell my finger." Items of particular distaste include the picture of the author's nude backside on page 30 and the constant reminders throughout the book that she's been twice pregnant, has a darling husband and lovely children. Take-away: Corey is a happy and fulfilled woman. I get it, thanks. Against my will, perhaps, but I do get it.
   
   And if art as such (even collage art) can be construed as a window into the artist's soul, I daresay psychiatrists would have a field day interpreting the art created by the author for this book. I won't presume to analyze it all here, but I question the sensibilities, artistic or not, of anyone with such obvious narcissism and a rampant pre-occupation with birdcages and disjointed body parts. And like some other reviewers, I got really tired really quickly of seeing all the crowns and caps. If that was ever a trend, it needs to die NOW.
   
   I know, I know, the title of the book is "The Art of PERSONAL Imagery," so the focus should naturally be a personal one. In this case, however, it is possible to have too much of a good thing such that all the techniques and tips are lost among the TMI-ness that Moortgat passes off as "art."
   
   And Moortgat is pretty good about sharing tips and techniques. I mean, that's the reason I got this book in the first place. Of course, to get at those nuggets I had to wade through paragraphs of her art-making philosophy, which I found mildly irritating. Still, they are there and as I progress in further opening up the non-techie part of my brain, I shall make liberal use of them. Indeed, I'm finding the creative prompts and exercises helpful as I start my first art journal.
   
   All in all, I can't rate this book very highly because the "Personal Imagery" part of the title overwhelmed the "Art." What art could be gleaned from this book was, in my uneducated opinion, trite and random. As an art-lover I can't relate to Moortgat as an artist -- her art shares no story with me, someone who is wholly unfamiliar with her and who now, after reading this book, wishes never to hear of her again. Luckily, this doesn't stop me from appreciating the kernels of knowledge she embeds at intervals in this book.
   
   Still, if you're looking for collage primers, there are better books out there: Urgent 2nd Class: Creating Curious Collage, Dubious Documents, and Other Art from Ephemera, True Vision: Authentic Art Journaling, and Collage Discovery Workshop. As well, Gwen Diehn's The Decorated Page: Journals, Scrapbooks & Albums Made Simply Beautiful and The Decorated Journal: Creating Beautifully Expressive Journal Pages. I enjoyed all of these books far more, found them all far more useful, and still got the "personal imagery" point across without being so forcibly intimate.

5 comments about Simply Cards: Over 100 Stylish Cards You Can Make in Minutes.

1. I purchased this along with "The big book of handmade cards and gift wrap" - really like both of them. I figure to have lots of fun and save $$ too.



2. I am a beginner to card making, starting when I thought it shouldn't be difficult. But then when I have all of the materials needed, which were ready made blank cards and some stickers, then I realized alot more is needed, and the most importantly: "the know how". This book is awesome, it teaches me in a simple and clear way how to do easy, great and classy cards. It helps me tremendously, as it also explains what tools and accessories to buy. Now I found out that making cards is not simple, and it also expensive.. It's fun though.



3. THIS WAS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE BOUGHT - WONDERFUL - EVEN HAD A FRIEND ASK ME WHERE I GOT IT BECAUSE SHE WANTED TO ORDER ONE. THANK YOU.



4. I'm just beginning to make cards so when I read the reviews I thought this sounded like a good book to start. It's so much better than I expected. With these cards no one will know I'm a beginner! It also has very helpful pointers about supplies and techniques. It was an excellent choice & I imagine I will use it for a long time to come.



5. This book is one of the best I have purchased. I am enjoying the variety of cards and projects!

No comments about Greenberg's Guides Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 2009 (Greenberg's Pocket Price Guide Lionel Trains, 1901 - 2009 (Greenberg's Pocket Price Guide Lionel Trains).

5 comments about Simply Elegant Flowers With Michael George.

1. I really enjoyed this book. The photography is fabulous, and I learned so much about the different flowers. I bought it as a coffee-table book and put it out in the living room. Then I saw my 12-year-old daughter reading it, completely fascinated. We went to the Korean market to buy flowers and started to arrange a bouquet back home--which is actually something Michael George recommends doing with the family. Our simple arrangement of tulips is holding up and continues to make us smile when we pass by it. We're already planning on doing more. A very nice book, which isn't in the living room anymore!



2. My mother ordered this book after she and I went to see a Michael George lecture at a local museum. To begin with, we really liked Michael George as a person and that made ordering his book an easy decision. He has a great sense of humor and, despite having celebrity clientèle, is down to earth and without pretense.
   
   The book itself is stunning. Each glossy page features pictures full of color and life and the arrangements are truly inspiring. Michael's philosophy is to "keep things simple." He feels that, the more natural, the more beautiful and therefore one does not need to go crazy when arranging their flowers.
   
   The book is divided in the following manner:
   
   Foreword by Martha Stewart
   Introduction by Michael George (in which he explains his philosophy)
   
   PART 1: Floral Design
   Chapter 1: Flowers in Today's World
   Chapter 2: Tools & Tricks of the Trade
   Chapter 3: Signature Flower Arranging Techniques
   
   PART 2: Four Seasons
   Chapter 4: Spring
   Chapter 5: Summer
   Chapter 6: Autumn
   Chapter 7: Winter
   
   Index
   
   One of the best features of the book is Michael's explanation of his "Hybrid Tabletop" technique. He shows the reader how to do it (step-by-step) with classic and miniature calla lilies. The result is a gorgeous arrangement with stems that appear twisted (I'm not doing the way it looks justice with that explanation but I don't know how else to describe it). Michael uses all glass containers which really show-case the bright green stems. He gives instruction on stacking the flowers, before cutting, how to cut (and what tools to use), how to gently manipulate the stems of certain flowers to achieve varying looks, how to use clear rubber bands to hold your arrangements together, what temperature water to use in your arrangements and many other helpful hints.
   
   In conclusion, this book is perfect for a coffee table but it is also so much more, given that it offers loads of instruction. Do not hesitate to purchase this for yourself or as a gift for someone else (this would be a great Mother's Day gift for any mother who enjoys flowers).



3. Not what I expected. Just ok but not enough to hold my attention. I prefer really cutting edge arrangements and this was a little to pedestrian for me. I wanted latest, greatest, hottest. It was none of these things. Simply Elegant was too simple.



4. I was surprised to see another reviewer calling the book pedestrian and not cutting-edge. I would say quite the opposite. I have a few other flower arranging books and I think this one is by far the most modern and stylish. The arrangements are very minimalist but that's what makes them so stunning and impactful. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in flowers and flower arranging.



5. This book is fantastic! Informative, step by step instruction, -- too many wonderful things about the book to list here!

5 comments about Clay Art for All Seasons: A Guide to Soft Clay Art.

1. This book is a very nice book with beautiful photos throughout. Received the book quickly as described.



2. Everything that could have been said about this stunning little book has pretty much been said, however I felt so compelled to write something positive about this book. I work with all three contemporary clays, Metal clay, Polymer Clay and Air Dry clay. The projects in this book are based on Air Dry clay and whilst it is a type of Polymer clay it should not be confused with Polymer Clay such as Fimo and Premo. No baking required. Makins Air Dry clay is my choice of clays, and I could not wait to sit down to create some of the magnificent flower creations. It is beautifully photographed and whilst the written text occassionally falls short, the step by step photos or drawings more than make up for it. Thank you Yukiko for this wonderful book, your exquisite talent in capturing the essence of the flowers is remarkable.



3. This book is an excellent book for using Air Dry clay. Probably my favorite feature about this book is the way it's bound--hard back for durability, but spiral inside so that the book lays flat when you're working.
   
   I was disappointed to see that the large white flower that is featured in the front cover bouquet was not laid out in the book instructions. I'm still giving the book 5 stars, though, because the book itself is pretty much perfect in the floral instructin section.
   
   As far as the seasonal crafts, I found them somewhat hokey and silly. But they'd be great for kids. They DO give some information on how to do a ribbon tied bouquet, which I thought was great. One of my friends already says that I have to make her a bouquet of my flowers when she gets married.



4. Have never tried the air-dried clay...used the techniques/ideas shown in this book with polymer clay...and it worked just dandy!! There are loads of great ideas here.



5. This book shows you how to make the most realistic flowers. You will want to start right away! I didn't know when I bought it that it was for air dry clay, but I used the polymer I have, and the rose I made didn't turn out too bad.
   
   I did buy porcelain white air dry clay to try it that way too. I made the Cala Lily. With only having white, I used yellow polymer clay for the stamin, and green for the stem. It turned out REALLY nice! I was very pleased.
   
   The shadow box bride's gown would make the perfect shower or wedding gift.
   
   The pictures of the final product are awesome, the instructions are both read and visual. Simple too.
   
   Another thing I like, the book is fun to read. Not boring instructional kind.
   
   The book will get you very excited to create with clay.

5 comments about Sew the Contemporary Wardrobe for 18-Inch Dolls: Complete Instructions & Full-Size Patterns for 35 Clothing and Accessory Items.

1. Joan Hinds provides an excellent choice of patterns with which to create indoor outdoor fashions for 18" dolls. The patterns are timeless. They can easily be modified to reflect most style periods from the mid 20th century forward.



2. I have made most of the clothes presented in Hinds "Sew the Contemporary Wardrobe" and been very pleased with the results. Her instructions are clear and complete and allow for personal variation. My granddaughters and neighbor girls have been happy with their gifts of doll clothes!
   
   Because I liked "Contemporary" so much, I recently ordered (via Amazon)and received promptly 3 more Hinds books.



3. My daughter (who is 10 years old) got her American Girl doll for Christmas this year...and after spending all that money on an 18" doll, I wasn't about to pay $24 per outfit.
   I have some sewing experience. I can hem up jeans, sew pillows, fix a seam or button if need be...but that's about it. I've never used a pattern before.
   The hardest part was finding the pattern pieces. There are two large tissue papers tucked away in the back of the book. Each piece appears to have hundreds of little patterns. Once you find the pieces for what you are making, it is a breeze.
   I will warn you, there are some things that just can't be sewn with a machine. Invest in a thimble and proceed.
   Half the fun is teaching my daughter how to sew. She loves her doll and wants it to have a wardrobe exactly like hers. I warned her that the deal was if she got the doll, she would have to help make the clothes. She agreed and we've been able to sew many outfits that closely resemble hers.
   This book, in my opinion, contains the most modern clothing patterns. It also has very easy to follow instructions. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an American Girl doll.



4. This book contains full size patterns that sew beautifully. Great selection of outfits and complete insructions that are very easy to follow.



5. This book was great for ideas and general instructions. However, I found the patterns to be way too large for the 18" dolls, and I found several errors in the construction directions. As a seasoned sewist, I knew how to work around this misdirection, but newer sewists may not.
   
   I can still recommend the book though just for the inspiration.

5 comments about Flowers A to Z with Donna Dewberry.

1. This book is awesome! I have many of Donna's books but this is my favorite. I've been painting using the One Stroke method for about 5 months and I'm HOOKED! I've taken 13 classes with my local OSCI since then, which is the best way to improve your OS painting skills, but this book is a great compliment to those classes. Donna uses about 15 pages in the beginning of the book to go over materials, techniques and colors. Then she covers 50 flowers/blooms using 2 pages for each. The picture of her finished piece is a full page and of course very colorful. Then on the opposite page it lists the brushes and paints you'll need and a step by step guide on how to paint the flower(s). But it doesn't stop there. She uses 14 pages at the end to cover filler flowers and floral composition. Finally the last 2 pages are a gallery of floral project ideas. This is an invaluable resource! Enjoy!



2. I enjoyed the instructions in this book. First, a detailed explanation of how to complete each type of stroke is given. Then, the book has detailed information on how to paint many different types of flowers and arrangements. And finally,(this is the best part) it goes on to explain how to create original arrangements depending on the surface space the painter has to work with. This book was well written and easy to follow



3. The product was in excellent condition when I received. I will buy more books from this seller. Very pleased



4. Good solid book, but nothing really stellar. It has some good techniques, but not the Wow factor in many of the other books



5. Great book for anybody whos intrested in learning one stroke painting because it teaches you how to paint different kind of flowers and the instructions are easy to follow.