5 comments about Classic Greenwich Style.

1. The title creates visions' of grandure; however you could probably find a better book at HomeDepot.



2. Good book though photos not so great and the printing above all is not good.



3. Brilliant overview of classic timeless style and decorating. The written excerpts are well worth reading, with excellent tips and information.



4. This is one of the most beautiful books I own. This book is filled with gorgeous pictures of rooms that invite you to linger in order to examine every detail. The homes are elegant and classic but they are also very livable. The book provides examples of ways to use color and texture in new ways to highlight classic furnishings and architecture. Even though I have seen several of the images from this book in other publications, the pictures take on a new feel when mixed with images of previously unseen venues. I particularly like the fact that this book provides a mix of classic styles detailing both formal and relaxed settings. In addition, the images depict a freshness that is appealing. Many books on this topic lead one to believe "classic" styles are only for fuddy-duddies. This book clearly demonstrates that classic styles have a timeless charm that appeals to individuals of all ages. I plan to give copies of this book to friends that appreciate a decorating style with staying power. Another book that I highly recommend is Great Traditional Style (published by Meredith Books, Des Moines, Iowa).You can't go wrong with either of these books.



5. Although there is indeed a style that could be called Classic Greenwich, this is not it. This book is filled with newly-put-together interiors by a local decorator, no doubt married into money, trying to emulate a style of Established Old Money. While the interiors are not horrible, they are not particularly great either. A hint of what is to come is given in the one paragraph Forward by famed decorator Bunny Williams and her peak-of-chic antiques dealer partner John Roselli; it says nothing. Rather than buy the book, just take a flip-through at the bookstore.

3 comments about Chip Carving: with Wayne Barton (Fine Woodworking DVD Workshop).

1. I found this DVD to be an excellent introduction to the craft of chip carving. Instructions and demonstrations are clear, concise and very well photographed.



2. The Chip Carving video with Wayne Barton is photographed well, and Wayne clearly demonstrates the basic chip carving cuts, then follows those with clear examples of numerous carving styles and techniques. He explains each well, and the demonstrations show how each style is done, along with the finished product. A good video for learning what can be accomplished with chip carving; I'd highly recommend if you're interested in learning more about it and how to do it.



3. My grandson is using this gift to learn how to chip carve. No complaints from him yet.

3 comments about Construction Contracting, 6th Edition.

1. This book is a legendary classic in the field of general construction and is a must for personnel involved in construction management, general contracting and professional consulting. It covers all aspects of construction from company organization, estimating, field procedures, cost control, changes, punchlist, claims, labor relations and safety. The appendix contains reference standard documents and contract boilerplate from the AIA, AGC and others. It would take 20 years of work in the construction field to obtain the knowledge that this book can help to provide. This text is a must for all construction professionals.



2. Valueable & Worst for gaining Contractual Knowledge



3. Although not an easy read, this book makes an excellent reference. It covers just about anything you would want to know and in detail. I would recommend it to anyone just starting out in the construction industry.

No comments about Country Living Shoestring Chic: Extraordinary Style for Less (Country Living).

5 comments about The Queen of Clean Conquers Clutter.

1. Most books about clutter boil down to: look at what you've got, decide whether you want what you have, and figure out what to do with what remains. It is in this last category -- figure out what to do with what you keep -- that this book really shines. It contains a pile of suggestions for kitchen organization and some particularly helpful ideas about dealing with bedrooms and closets.

   In addition, there is concise, but thorough coverage of how long to keep everything from condiments to tax returns. This is the longest list I have ever seen of how long foodstuffs keep in the fridge. The material is easy to read and use. Even the best organized person will find something to use in the plethora of information and ideas. We less than well organized folks will find a lot of advice that we will be able to put to use right now, and encouragement to do it. A great buy.




2. Given the glowing ratings by previous reviewers, I expected good things from this book. I kept it aside for my beach reading on our holiday - thank goodness I brought something else. This book cromprises a bunch of no-brainer solutions that my seven-year-old could easily come up with and, rather than prescribing solutions that really conquer clutter, provides tips on ways to stash it out of sight...presumably so the reader has room for more clutter.



3. I really should not be writing a review of this book yet because I have only read the intro and first two chapters! I'm really excited, though, and want to share. This book is great--and I am seeing results in my home already. The book offers practical suggestions that you can implement right away. As I have said, I just started Chapter 3, but I have already straightened my entryway and family room--the rooms covered in Chapters 1 and 2. I like the fact that you can get up during the middle of a Chapter and make a change, however small. The book is that practical. For the family room, the Queen suggested looking at the room with pen and paper in hand to see exactly what the clutter and disorganization was made up of. I did that and learned that my blankets (you know, the ones you throw over yourself when you are watching a great TV show) had no "home". I immediately followed a tip in the book and put them in a wicker hamper that I already had. Voila! Problem solved. In my entry, the kids backpacks and my purse had no home; they were never in the same place for two days in a row. I placed an old bench I had in there. Now the kids can sit when they put their shoes on and I know where their backpaks and my purse are--on that bench! Again, I am just getting started and these are small steps but they have made me feel good. I'm getting things started and making small but effective changes. I can't wait to read m o r e ! My only regret is that I bought the ebook and it seems that I am unable to print it. I wish I had a hard copy to take with me to read during those few precious moments I have to do so!



4. I was raised to be a packrat. My mom's house was practically unlivable for a time and as I entered adulthood my home slowly was becoming rat's nest. Full of things that "I just might need some day" or "This item reminds me of _____, so it's a keepsake." I'm that type of hoarder who hates to throw out "Perfectly good things that can still be used" even if I'd never use them. When I actually started avoiding going home because I couldn't stand to be there I said ENOUGH IS ENOUGH but I felt so overwhelmed and didn't know where to start!
   
   I picked up this book "The Queen of Clean Conquers Clutter" by Linda Cobb and it saved me from my hoarding. It gave me very practical advice that I could actually use. It didn't judge me "the packrat" it just said "It is what it is and here's how to fix it."
   
   What really made it all click for me was the focusing on small areas. Take one drawer or one counter and tackle it. Once that battle has been won you feel so great that you want to continue. Little by little my entire home became clutter free. This book made me realize that I didn't need these items. That in the grand scheme of life if I didn't save every nice gift bag or old butter container, it doesn't matter one bit. And while having some items as keepsakes are nice and should be kept, my memories are in my head, not in every little thing must be saved for the memory to be cherished.
   
   
   My life is so much better now that I don't hoard. I actually like my home and enjoy being there. Thanks Linda Cobb.



5. The Queenn of Clean books are always a great big help, due to that I am a caregiver for my mother and I am married with three children. This book has helped me out on many ocassions to organize my home and a lot of tips on how to keep your home organized.

1 comments about Electrician's Exam Preparation Guide.

1. Easy to read and understand. A must have study guide for anyone taking the state electrical contractor exam. Covers everything you'll need to know to pass.

3 comments about Lou Manfredini's House Smarts.

1. After we bought our first home, I bought a whole bunch of books so I could tackle various projects. There are books from Readers Digest, Home Depot and Black&Decker and others on my shelf now. They are all wonderful, but I wish I had bought this book first. You'll find a great introduction of the various parts and workings of your home, and how to best use and maintain them. This book helps you decide which project makes sense and which one to do first. Then when it comes to do the work, you may need a more detailed book specific to your project, or perhaps you decide to hire a contractor. Either way, this is a great book to start, and each time I am thinking about a project I turn to this book first.
   
   One word of caution: There is another book available from the same author ("Mr. Fixit introduces you to your home") that appears to be identical to this one, at least judging from the table of contents. So if you already own one, you may not need the other. I bought this one, since it was published more recently.



2. After just purchasing a house and finding some things that needed fixed, I went to the library to borrow some books on home repair. Most of the books concentrate on how to fix specific things like unclogging a sink or installing light fixture wiring. House Smarts gives much more broad lessons, rather than specifics. This is the first book to read, even before buying a house. I have bought the book for myself as well as two of my buddies. Lou educates the reader in a casual, funny and relatable way.



3. His books are serious, straight-forward, and offer tons of tid-bits of information, most of which wasn't over my head. Even if you aren't able to do some of the projects you want to, you will understand what is going on and get some money saving tips throughout. I have the entire series and it's well worth it, though I got all mine used, so it was only about $20 and worth it!

5 comments about The Arts & Crafts Cabin.

1. Being familiar with some of Robbin Obomsawin's other books, I bought this book expecting detailed house plans and handcrafted log architecture. After all, it's called "The Arts and Crafts ***Cabin***," right? And the picture on the front of that beautiful stained-glass door shows logs, doesn't it?
   
   Well, this book is beautiful. You'll drool over the pictures. but a planbook it's not. And a log-building book it's not. And none of the residences here would qualify as a "cabin," most are opulent estates. There's nary a plan in the entire book. And almost none of the houses shown are built with logs as a primary element. Most are timberframes; many pictures show no log elements at all!
   
   If you want to learn a bit about Arts and Crafts architecture or decorating, you may find some ideas here. But if you are designing a floorplan for a handcrafted log home and want it to have an Arts and Crafts feel, unfortunately, this isn't the right book.



2. This is an incredible book! This book reminded me of my trip to the Canadian Rockies - but not because of the architecture. There, every time I drove around a curve, the scenery was more beautiful than before. The same is true about this book. Every time I turned the page, the photos were more inspiring. And it wasn't just the photos. The book itself captured the spirit of the Arts & Crafts style. The quality of the photos, the layout of the pages, the selection of fonts, even the binding of the book showed craftsman-level attention to detail.
   
   The book begins with the history and concepts of the Arts & Crafts movement and then shows and discusses new interpretations of the philosophy. The next section discusses ideas for incorporating key elements of the style such as sheltered porches, built-ins, and much more.
   
   Note that this book does differ from some of Robbin Obomsawin's other books. Most notably, she does not fully explore a single house in each chapter. You will not find floor plans of the houses discussed - something I missed but that didn't fit this layout. Also, remember this book is titled The Arts & Crafts CABIN. That does not necessarily mean log cabin. There are several examples of log homes but with a stronger focus on log-element homes with more of a timber-frame feel. But many of the ideas can work in a pure log home - at least we hope to incorporate many of them in our log home.



3. Great photos and alot of great info ; I don't want to blow my own horn , but, toot, toot!!!!
   I have two of my stained glass creations in this publication. I was very surprized my work was included in this great book. Thanks to all involved .
   David Fjeld . Big Sky Stained Glass Art Inc.



4. I purchased The Arts & Crafts Cabin for my wife for Christmas, as we are building a new home this year. The book is chock-full of beautiful photographs by Roger Wade, who is the preeminent "log cabin" photographer, whose work graces most of the timber-frame and log-cabin oriented publications. The text is well-written but not particularly memorable. You buy this book because it looks lovely, and it is a favorite flipper on our coffee-table this summer.
   
   There are a great many more interior images than exterior elevations -- a minor disappointment because we were at least as interested in gleening good ideas for exterior design. This book has many more yellow stickies marking pages than any other in our collection, so that tells you something.



5. Beautiful pictures of a variety of houses that offer ideas for decorating for log cabins. It helps to allow thinking outside of the box. It shows that the feel of a log cabin does not just have to be the typical rustic decor.

2 comments about A Treehouse of Your Own: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building an Amazing Treetop Retreat.

1. This book outlines the stages, techniques, and materials to build one particular, very complex treehouse. While it does attempt to use the specific example to provide general guidelines and recommendations for treehouse building, there are other books out there which do a better job at this. That said, the author of "A Treehouse of Your Own" is obviously an incredibly talented guy, and it is cool just looking at the photographs of the featured treehouse as well as some of his other projects. The intricacy of design is truly incredible, and there are some cool features which might actually be practical to a backyard treehouse. Basically, I think there are very few people out there who will be building the treehouse described in this book or anything even close to it, as it would require the right tree, lots of expensive tools and materials, a huge amount of time, and a reasonably high level of expertise. But, if you want to challenge your conception of what is possible, this book will certainly do it.



2. This is basically detailed manual for building (expensive) treehouse. I think you should have it if you want to build seriously.
   Lot's of photos, explanations, ideas.

5 comments about Decorating Gourds: Carving, Burning, Painting.

1. I have Sue Waters newer book which is done very well. I was very disappointed when I got this, her older book, to discover that the projects were very amaturish. There was not much substance to the book for the price so therefore I will be returning the book to Amazon (alas this is the price you pay for buying a book when you cannot see the contents).



2. I have been working with gourds for quite a few years now, something like over thirty. There was very little in this work I found to be useful. I am sorry to say I agree fully with another reviewer here who was less delighted with this particular work that probably I am. I did give it two stars simply for effort though. I strongly suggest you search further as there are quite a large number of books out there that are of better quality and certainly more worth the money spent.



3. I was very disapointed by this book. I have been working with pyrography & gourds for many many years now, & always look for a technique I might like better than what I am using. I wish I had seen the reviews first before buying, I am VERY sorry I bought this & will hold my other thoughts to myself. I DO recommend an excellent book for wood burning, PYROGRAPHY WORKBOOK: A Complete Guide to the Art of Woodburning, by SUE WALTERS. For growing gourds: GOURDS IN YOUR GARDEN, by Ginger Summit. For many beautiful techniques to enhance your gourd art: THE DECORATED GOURD: Beautiful Projects & New Techniques, by Dyan Mai Peterson.



4. Excellent stimulation to be creative. Illustrated techniques provide creative ideas for all level of gourders.



5. Very disappointed that this book did not have a actual gourd that was pictured on the cover "inside" the book! What a disappointment. I purchased this book for the eagle that was pictured on the cover. There was no pattern for such project.