No comments about 2006 International Plumbing Code: Code & Commentary.

4 comments about Painting Murals Fast & Easy.

1. I got this book because it seemed interesting, but I really don't care for it. For me, the paintings aren't detailed enough. You can't get a lot of little detail with a sponge. Sure, sponges can be used for some parts of a painting, but not for the whole thing if you want a lot of detail. It's the little details that make a painting more interesting to look at.



2. This book can be useful for both beginning muralists and those with more experience.
   
   1 - Beginners: For someone wanting to paint a mural in their child's bedroom, for example, the techniques in this book are ideal - and will easily achieve excellent results. It is even possible to involve the child in some of the simpler methods - if say, between age 6 and 13.
   
   2 - Experienced painters: Before seeing this book, I had already used some of the sponging techniques in my own murals, i.e. to create a soft cirrus cloud haze, or the spray from breaking waves. (It is important to note that there are many different sponges, and natural sponges give very different effects depending on which side you use.) Where details are required, these can be added using brushes of various shapes and sizes as well as various media to achieve the desired effect. It was helpful to match the method of application to the effect wanted, and not be limited by traditional tools.
   
   It is not a modern innovation to experiment with materials on hand, including household utensils and ingredients. After all, the old masters tried many different tools and techniques, no doubt raiding the cook's kitchen for their purposes! (From where else did we get egg tempera?)
   
   I can definitely recommend this book, alongside the likes of Jean Dyrsdale Green's "Arteffects" - which includes sponging techniques using other materials (such as crumpled newspaper or a scrunched up length of masking tape.) Painting Murals Fast and Easy can be a great stimulus for the innovative artist.



3. I loved the murals and the book. This book opened my eyes to so many possibilities.



4. The mural examples in this book are really crudely done (as you could expect when using sponges to paint with). I wouldn't want to duplicate any of the paintings shown on this book. If you have any talent for painting at all, stay away from this book. There are many better books on mural painting.

5 comments about How to Design and Build Your Ideal Woodshop (Popular Woodworking).

1. The best advice the author gives in this book is that the concept of the "ideal" workshop is the workshop that works for you. Most of us do not have unlimited space or funds to build a "dream" workshop as illustrated in many books and magazines. What you can afford and what you feel comfortable in is the ideal workshop for you. That is excellent advice.

   The other topics I found interesting in this book were the floorplans of real workshops (and the owner's principal machinery listed in order of importance) and the chapter on workbenches, especially the section about holding devices.

   The rest of the book is kind of thin in content. This book is priced similarly to the other 2 major books on this subject but is about half the size (in page count) which I think makes this book a little on the pricey side.




2. I found this revised version an invaluable reference book while planning my workshop. Bill Stankus writes in a style that is informative and entertaining - an important characteristic of any reference book. The floorplans of various shops, illustrations and photographs of professional shops were both useful and acted as a good tool to begin planning my shop. Information on shop safety, consideration of budgets and vairous tools and skills only increased my appreciation of this book. I have read other books on this subject and found THIS book to be the best read, with valuable and TIME-SAVING (very important!) advice. I would recommend this to any woodworker interested in maximing their workshop potential!



3. I appreciate the Bill Stankus' personal narrative regarding having a workshop. The book was both informative and a pleasure to read. I highly recommend this book.



4. I can not recommend this book to any qualified woodworker. It contains little useful information. The author devotes a lot of space to safety and tools and even spends an entire chapter on workbenches, but the title promises info on designing and building a woodshop. Is this his version of bait and switch? Also, few woodworkers need to be told that a table saw needs space in front and behind for materail handling. And fewer still need to know that a good shop requires adaquate lighting and electrical. Most prospective buyers should get some other book. If you are an absolute novice, then there may be enough ideas here to justify the purchase price.



5. A rehash of old info - neither interesting nor compelling. Many other books on building your woodshop are considerably better.

5 comments about The Ultimate Curtain Book: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating Your Own Window Treatments.

1. I found this book to helpful in several ways. It has detailed sewing instructions along with great sketches and photos. I have made several of the projects and have been happy with all of the results. I am an experienced sewer, but even a novice could follow these instructions. Unlike another reviewer I do not think it is outdated at all. It is filled with classic, traditional treatments as well as some unique ones, --not half brained or trash styles like you find on Trading Spaces. I love this book and am glad to have it in my collection.



2. I bought four books in my quest to learn to properly sew curtains and drapes. I have been sewing since girlhood, but simple curtains and throw pillows are the farthest I've gotten into home decorating sewing. (I'm a grandma now).
   
   This book only got 2 stars because of the lack of photos, not of finished window treatments, but of projects in the making. I find the illustrations not too good and in most cases too difficult to follow. Guess what? That leaves a person having to figure it out on her own - guess I could have done that without the book!
   
   In fairness to the author, this book did have something the others did not. This book has fairly extensive sections on fabrics, types, colors, usages, care, colors. Also, the back has yardage calculator charts which no other book has. Unfortunately, I would not buy this book just for that.
   
   I think if this book were to be published with photos instead of difficult to follow illustrations, it would be a must-have for my sewing library. As it is, I cannot recommend it.



3. Nothing "ultimate" about this book. Gives a few general suggestions and directions, but does not offer anything different or unusual. Pictures and ideas are limited and not worth the cost of the book. You're better off with an Architectural Digest magazine if you're looking for ideas.



4. I've ordered 6 books, and this was the BEST of the lot! (published by Reader's Digest) Yes, it's a 1994 copyright, but the looks & styles haven't changed that much in 13-years. There are over 200 photos that lend to a myriad of ideas for each room of your home. Each chapter (there are 5 in this 192-page hardcover book) outlines what one needs to consider when deciding on a style/look for windows. I found the book VERY THOROUGH: advice on considerations for window shapes/sizes, room-by-room inspirational ideas, actual step-by-step instructions for creating each style (with sketches) for all levels of sewing ability, how to measure one's windows, photos & descriptions of all types of fabric, trims, & shades and the why/when/purpose of using them; sewing techniques & fabric care, etc.; I could go on and on! There are so many wonderful window treatments, that I wish I had more windows now! I'm certainly not disappointed with this book -- in fact I'm absolutely THRILLED. Had I received this book first, I wouldn't have ordered the other 5!



5. I wanted to make curtains in our home
   and this book gave me step by step directions
   that I could understand. It also give
   me a variety of window treatments that
   I could use

No comments about Yankee Magazine Vinegar, Duct Tape, Milk Jugs & More: 1,001 Ingenious Ways to Use Common Household Items to Repair, Restore, Revive, or Replace Just about ... in Your Life (Yankee Magazine Guidebook).

4 comments about 65 Birdhouses and Bird Feeders.

1. 65 Birdhouses And Bird Feeders: For All Bird Lovers To Build offers do-it-yourself birdhouse builders a collection of sixty five birdhouses and bird feeder designs that range from the simple to the complex, the traditional to the innovative. Each design is profusely illustrated with detailed dimensioned drawings and an assembly isometric drawing showing the finished project. Even the most novice woodworker will have no difficulty following the easy and methodical step-by-step instructions to achieve their selected birdhouse project. An additional enhancement for the bird fancier are the requirements shown for many species of birds that are the intended "residents" of these bird houses and bird feeders. If you are considering building a bird house or a bird feeder for your yard or garden, then begin with browsing through Ronald Tarjany's 65 Birdhouses And Bird Feeders!



2. Expect to use a Tablesaw or Miter Saw when using this book. There is an acknowledgement at the beginning of the book, but no other text throughout other than the dimensions of each house. No cutting recommendations, etc., just dimensioned drawings. Don't expect too much from this book.



3. Plenty of ideas to choose from with lots of illustrations. Some building skills would be helpful. Simple kits to build can be found at houses4birds.com



4. This book was a huge disappointment. It offers nothing but some drawings with dimensions. There are no hints, no instructions, nothing. If I weren't fairly skilled at figuring these things out, this book would be a total waste to me.

3 comments about Singer Reference Library Sewing Lingerie.

1. Comprehensive coverage of techniques makes sewing lingerie easy. Each chapter covers a wonderful selection of either knowledge or technique that leaves you wanting to start sewing. If you can sew a straight line, with practice and this book you can easily sew your own lingerie. The photography is both beautiful and inspiring. I highly recommend this book. The hard glossy cover on the book ensures it will last.

   Detailed and clear photographs of how to do or use different items are an absolute blessing, and the finished articles set you to dreaming of future projects. This book is worth what you pay for it, with a clear and detailed content page and index at the back. Definitely a good investment.




2. I am impressed. The pictures make following the instructions easy. Applying elastic and lace edgings is no longer a mystery. Will recommend.



3. I absolutely love this book because the pictures clearly detail each step of the instructions given for a particular technique. This book is very good for those who are new to lingerie sewing...the techniques that will be used for sewing lingerie are well explained and shown in the photographs. The techniques outlined include seams, edge finishes, applying lace and elastic. Then, instructions are given for altering commercial patterns for items like camisoles, panties, tap pants, teddies, sports bras and leggings. To make full use of this book, you will need to have your own patterns for the lingerie items listed. However, easy-to-follow instructions are given for making half-slips. Overall, I highly recommend this book for the clear instructions and photos!

5 comments about Mrs. Clean Jean's Housekeeping with Kids: Family Pickup Lines (and Household Routines) That Work with Less Work from You.

1. Thank you, Tara Aronson! As the mother of a four-year-old, who is on the cusp of being able to do so many things for himself -- but who doesn't -- your book was immensely empowering for me to take control of the situation. It gave me the tools to teach my child how to take reponsibility for himself and help keep this house running smoothly. Your book is so easy to read and spells things out succintly -- and with wit. Your book is now my new gift to all my mommy friends. Thank you!



2. I'm one of those moms who found it easier and faster to do all the housework myself. Now with teens in the house who won't lift a finger, I wish I'd read this book 10 years ago!
   What's best about this book?
   * Chore lists broken down by age brackets that make cleaning fun, even for toddlers.
   * Surprising storage ideas for my always-cluttered garage.
   * Smart ways to reorganize your kitchen to cut cooking time in half.
   If you're starting a family, buy this book first. You'll thank yourself some day in the not-too-distant future when your kids not only take part, but have fun, sharing housework.



3. She has some good chore charts that are organized by the age of the child. Some very good room ideas too, but they're not always easy to find in the chapters.
   
   However, some of her ideas on things other than cleaning are just bizarre.
   
   For instance, she discusses carpools in great detail, even going so far as to say you should inquire about insurance levels of all the drivers. Well, gee, if you're going to do that, shouldn't you go as far as getting driving records from DMV too? And if you're really that worried about it, should you be doing the carpool thing at all?
   
   And, be forewarned, this author has apparently never lived outside of a large metropolitan city, because for her, cell phones are a fact of life--she apparently has never lived nor traveled where there is no coverage. She is so dependent upon them, that when there was a minor injury to a friend's child, had practically a panic attack when she couldn't reach the parents (either didn't have the phone with them or turned it off). Cell phones are not foolproof, folks--they stop working, there are areas with no coverage, people turn them off, people leave them behind in the car or at home, people actually choose to ignore the ring, really! For someone so "organized", in this situation she came across as fairly helpless. Hopefully she learned her lesson and has a signed medical release form for her friend's kids somewhere, or better yet, taken a Red Cross First Aid class.
   
   If she stuck to the cleaning issues only, the book is okay, although she seems very into disposable anti-bacterial wipes. Her other advice, well, it's good for a laugh. Buy used, after checking it out of the library first.



4. Excellent Book! A lot of great ideas to get the house in order. One of the things I especially like are her suggestions for including kids of all ages in practical matters around the house. Get your two year old to clean?! She offers many idea on how to do it. From that angle, her ideas are rather "Montessoriesque", giving kids a challenge and a sense of accomplishment when their task is acheived.
   
   I do agree, however, that some of her idea will not work with every house and family. (She really does like those disinfectant clothes. Not very economical.) But, if you take what you need and adapt if for your own needs, this book offers much.



5. By nature I am an organized person but for some reason I have had trouble translating that organization to my home and specifically with my children. This book lays out very practical steps in guiding your kids in being a part of keeping your house clean and orderly. There are some excellent lists of 'age appropriate' chore suggestions as well as many ideas for implementing and encouraging your kids to be a part without whining and complaing.

5 comments about ManSpace: A Primal Guide to Marking Your Territory.

1. A cool book to get ideas from. Fun to read. A lot of cats in the book obviously have much more disposable income than the average joe looking for a place to call their own but it has some cool ideas. Worth checking out!



2. This book makes a great gift for the man who has everything. Great ideas for men to carve out their own space in a home usually decorated by women.



3. An excellent book, long overdue. I highly recommend; you will enjoy.



4. ManSpace is a call to action for men: a call to build a 'personal space' outside of the usual woman-controlled home, where you can keep your stuff without fear of its being converted to a 'more useful' nursery or sewing room. MANSPACE: A PRIMAL GUIDE TO MARKING YOUR TERRITORY can be a recording studio, a workshop, or more. Men are invited to view sample houses and homes which reflect 'manspaces', from music rooms to campy man-oriented gadget-filled abodes. Samples from all types of 'manspaces' appear in full color and offer inspiration, insights and a range of options, making MANSPACE perfect for any general-interest lending collection.



5. This book is very enjoyable. I purchased it for my husband. He likes it a lot. It has tons of photos and interesting stories about each man's space. The only complaint is that many of the man spaces belong to men with money to spend. Still, it is a very good book.

5 comments about Change Your Home, Change Your Life.

1. Before reading this book, I was so hesitant about what do buy, or how to decorate. After reading the book, I had a different outlook on my home as well as my life. Through decorating I learned who I was, and what made me happy. Now my decor selections bring me much more happiness and comfort. I look forward to coming home every evening!



2. This book is pretty inspirational. What hit home most for me is to not wait until I own a dream home before I start to put effort into my apartment. You forget that seeing eyesores and being disorganized affects your mood, as does having flowers on the dining table and a made up bed for the opposite mood! The cons of the book is that it is pretty repetitive and probably would've been better off with less text and more picture ideas. It seemed the author just kept saying the same things in every chapter. But overall a really good book and it inspired me to fix up my place more and to always have flowers around!



3. Pretty pictures of pretty houses and the author is certainly more photogenic than Martha Stewart but from an informational standpoint, there's nothing here you haven't seen or heard dozens of times before in women's magazines or on daytime TV talk shows.
   
   If a compilation of timeworn tips on how you might rearrange your furniture, jazz up a delivered pizza with a smattering of your own spices or select a new color scheme for your breakfast nook really constitutes a life-changing moment in your life, well, color you shallow.



4. I found this book to be helpful because the workbook-type layout helps you discover your personal style and preferences. It's not the ideas and pics (though good) that I liked so much, it was the questions. For someone who's not comfortable expressing their personal style (or has yet to discover it) this is a great book to bring those things out in the open.
   I liked the motivational style and the fresh, personal writing. The layout is beautiful. The book did sort of naggingly remind me of Bill Phillip's book...even the slogan "Change your (home/body) Change your life," the journal questions, the motivational style...but if it works, why not use it. Kudos to Moll for helping us discover our motivation for creating beautiful surroundings and our unique style.



5. This book is a feast for my eyes. The photos and the colors are the true inspiration.