5 comments about Designer's Guide to Furniture Styles (2nd Edition).

1. I found the book to be a good overall reference and extremely
   useful in explaining period furniture to my design clients. I would like to have seen more coverage of Mid-century Modern, especially the work of Edward Wormley and DUNBAR.

   Definitely worth the money - should be all designers reference
   libraries...




2. This book has brief history lessons on furniture from the begining of time! It's a great reference when you need an answer about a design period- quick! A must for every Interior Designer!



3. I was not impressed when I received this book, with the quality of the paper or the overall presentation. I thought some of the photography left much to be desired quality-wise. However, it is quite a comprehensive book and I leaned on it considerably in my studies of furniture and design. So don't let me put you off. I just think that, with all the research and hard work involved, and considering the price, a better quality might have been forthcoming.



4. Based on the reviews of this book I decided to buy it! To my absolute shock, I dont understand who wrote these great reviews??? They were probably written by the publisher or author of this book.
   What a waste of time and money. Being a designer myself, i ve got every possible book on interior design, and furniture styles that are out on the market. Based on the price of this book, and good reveiws, I figured it would be a great addition to my collection of books and references. Its poorly printed, very bad paper quality, no detailed shots of the furniture pieces, and not worth the price whatsoever. I mean if the publisher is charging this price, then the least they could do is print it on good paper and have clearer pictures.
   I am extremely dissapointed and returning the book asap.
   If u enjoy throwing your money away on a small book with poorly printed pictures(aside from the info, which is fine)then this is the book to buy . But if you are looking for details of furniture, including the background and history, and worth every penny, then i suggest you buy (Furniture: World Styles From Classical to Contemporary by Judith Miller )



5. This book is wonderfully educational. It takes you back to the beginning of furniture and walks you through the centuries providing you with the intial inspiration through Modern design. Great pictures too.

5 comments about Clean and Green: The Complete Guide to Non-Toxic and Environmentally Safe Housekeeping.

1. I've had this book for quite awhile, actually for a year now and find that it is an excellent reference for green cleaning. Annie provides not only home-made recipes but recommendations for ready-made green products that you can find either online or at your health food store; as well as references to ingredients and resources for additional reading. This was actually the first book that I read about green cleaning and it spurred me on to seek more information and change my house-keeping and cleaning products and habits entirely. For the beginner, though, I would recommend "Clean House, Clean Planet" as it is more instructional as to how to properly mix the ingredients to get the best results.
   
   This small book tends to be overwhelming in its amount of information and sometimes the recipes can be hard to find when you're in a hurry and looking for a particular item. But all in all, like her other book "Better Basics For The Home", it is a gem that would be a wonderful addition to anyone's green clean library.



2. This was a big help and had everything I needed answers to.



3. This is a good book but none of the companies she mentions have web addresses which would be very helpful.



4. This is a great book, with lots of helpful ideas on ways to clean naturally (and effectively--always important!). She has a more recent book, but this one beats all for its long listing of ways to treat various stains. My only complaint is that sometimes her definition of toxic varies from mine (for instance, she acknowledges that an ounce of borax may be toxic for a 150-lb. person, but then calls for that in many recipes anyway, and she recommends alum in a place or two even though it contains aluminum), and that she's lacking in common sense in a couple of places. A prime example of the latter was one of her recommendations for treating berry stains: from a height of three feet, pour boiling water onto fabric that's stretched tight. Aiaiai! That recipe is almost guaranteed to cause burns, and I'm surprised she lists it, since she also says that MILK will remove berry stains. So it's a great resource, but remember to bring your own common sense to the table when using it.



5. I got this book as a gift for my stepfather. He loved it so much he ordered copies for all his friends.

5 comments about Step-by-Step Knifemaking: You Can Do It!.

1. I got this book out of my local library and I can't wait to get started making a knife. I've recently ordered a copy for myself. It will be edgeworn soon. This book is an excellent place to start making knives for the beginner, since Boye uses recycled steel. His explanations and diagrams and photos of the process are invaluable for this endeavor. I only wish he wrote one on folding knives.



2. This was the first book I bought on knifemaking, and my copy is falling apart (it's 28 years old!) I absolutely love David Boye's sense of design, and his work has inspired my own considerably. That said, I learned a great deal about knifemaking from other sources, and I use few of his methods. Specifically, I would never use a wheel grinder on knife steel, it generates a great deal more heat than a belt grinder, isn't nearly as accurate, and the cutting surface is smaller. I would NEVER cut out blades with a cutting torch, unless you wanted to grind away at least 1/4 in from the cut edge, you're messing up your steel's microstructure doing this (see p. 111 under grain growth!) I appreciate the lengths he's gone to to describe heat treating, but had little luck with it myself; I would strongly advise against trying to heat-treat complex steels like D2, 440C, or 154CM yourself, unless you like throwing your work away. Finally, though I absolutely love the acid etchwork in the book, the beeswax/asphaltum etching ground recommended here is a very tempermental one, I would use commercial etching ground if I were doing this. Since messing with aqua regia at home is not the safest thing, I'd suggest looking into some of the other methods, such as electrochemical etching. So, I would say to the beginning knifemaker that I'd use this book for inspiration, but go elsewhere for methods. If at all possible, talk to someone who's been doing it a while.



3. This is a great book for the beginner to someone who has built some knives
   But needs help in refining their technique
   This will be a great reference for years to come



4. This is a good and quality written book. I have used the information as a beginner and have started my knifemaking hobby successfully. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in bladesmithing.



5. David Boye writes as an old friend might write to you via e-mail, describing his hobby and how he makes knives, soon infecting you with this 'disease'. By the time you've finished your subconscious will be telling you "I've got to become a knifemaker!". The book covers tools, knife types, stock removal, grinding, building the handle, heat treatment, regrinding and polishing, handle materials, buffing, sharpening and maintenance, etching and even how to make the sheath. For a beginner like me who has recently rediscovered the world of knife collecting and knifemaking, this book is simply amazing. I've got no regrets buying this. You should add it to your library.

3 comments about Don't Throw It Out: Recycle, Renew and Reuse to Make Things Last.

1. Landfills in the US are full to bursting, and the economy is heading into a recession. How can one person make a difference? Lori Baird and the editors of Yankee Magazine have the answers in Don't Throw It Out: Recycle, Renew, and Reuse to Make Things Last.
   
   This comprehensive book addresses the items in every room in the house, plus outdoors. Want to make your appliances last longer? Tips and tricks help you keep them running in top shape for as long as possible. Has something reached the end of its useful life? Then re-purpose it. With a little creativity, you can find many more ways it can be used.
   
   Proper wood cleaning techniques and solutions are explained, designed to keep your furniture in great condition. And if your wood furniture has already suffered neglect, don't despair. It can be given new life with some nifty cosmetic touch-ups.
   
   There are times when an item is simply beyond repair, or has become too expensive to operate. "Fix-it or Forget-it" tips show you when it's time to simply let go. And fun quizzes test your domestic know-how.
   
   Don't Throw It Out has changed the way I look at my home. It's so easy to implement the suggestions, and it feels great to know I'm conserving energy and creating less waste. One person really can make a difference. Pick up a copy and you can, too. The planet will thank you.
   
   Reviewer: Alice Berger



2. Lori Baird and the editors of Yankee Magazine have compiled a helpful and informative guide for 'planet friendly' use of common household items. I remember reading a similar earlier publication by the company and appreciated this updated book. I did, however, find a few of the 'Domestic Challenge' sections, included at the end of each chapter, annoying and confusing. Having to consider a few fictitious ideas interspersed among many worthwhile ones doesn't work at all for me. Originally, I had almost decided not to read the book any further, having, by chance, come across one of these sections when I first opened the book. But Baird's inclusion of so many unique, interesting, and tried and true ideas kept me reading to the end, after I started at the beginning. The book is nicely formatted and contains a wealth of suggestions and directives, an appendix with many resources, and an easy-to-use index.



3. Don't Throw It Out: Recycle, Renew and Reuse to Make Things Last, by Lori Baird, is terrific! I imagine anyone who is environmentally aware knows of the three R's--reduce, reuse, recycle--this book adds renew for a twist.
   
   The book covers virtually everything inside and outside the home. For example, the kitchen, chapter one, addresses everything from how to get the most efficient life out of your appliances to elongating the life of food. That's the practical side of the book.
   
   Then there are the creative aspects--the renewing. Have an old wood table that is beyond fixing the marred surface? No problem--make a tile top!
   
   Baird recommends purchasing only well made furniture, because good quality furniture will last forever, thus keeping it out of landfill. There are great tips on the signs to look for in quality furniture. For example,"5 signs a chair will wear well."
   
   In the lawn and garden accessories, "15 Ways to Reuse an Old Garden Hose" is a winner! who knew? (Next time, buy a quality hose, is the sage advice.)
   
   This book is just loaded with practical and creative tips, projects and advice. For those new to the environmentally-friendly lifestyle, this book could change your life. For those seasoned tree-huggers, Don't Throw it Out will still provide tons of new and useful information.
   
   A winner!
   
   By the author of the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planet.

1 comments about At Home With White (At Home With...).

1. I am a passionate lover of white and shades of white in interior spaces. This book is both elegant and accessible.

1 comments about Residential Repair & Remodeling Costs 2008: Contractor's Pricing Guide (Means Residential Repair & Remodeling Costs).

1. Very well put together. The book is very easy to navigate and the material is assembled in a very easy format. Golad I now haqve my own copy of the book where I won't have to borrow my friend's copy. I use it every day.

2 comments about Graphic Guide to Site Construction: Over 325 Details for Builders and Designers.

1. i am so thankful to the authors of this book! they explained everything with such clarity and attention to detail. i am recommending this book to a lot of fellow landscape designers. this book has clear and well drawn details on a lot of landcape structures. it is far far better than a lot of text books on the same subject, and it's worth ten times more than its price.



2. What an excellent little book! As a landscape designer (who provides the aethetic overview for the contractor to install), this book has proven extremely helpful in answering my never-ending questions, "how will ____ be built?" As such, it is invaluable in the design process as well.
   
   Aimed at residential design, every hardscape element I need is explained and illustrated in a professional, thorough, easy-to-understand way. Examples of what's covered: retaining walls, steps, drainage, railings, irrigation, lighting, septic systems, paving systems, deck structures, built-in fireplaces, built-in kitchens, water, pools, spas....etc, etc, etc.
   Of the more complicated things (built-in kitchens, swimming pools), the authors kept the details simple, describing the overall concepts, so that a designer can show them, but a skilled contractor would need to fill in. Of the things a do-it-yourselfer can do (e.g. fences, simple paving), there is a more thorough covering.
   
   This book is NOT among the comprehensive construction standards references that must (by necessity of their content) be priced in the $100 to $200 range. This one is focused and kept to-the-point as a quick but thorough reference for all manner of outdoor construction used in residential landscapes.
   
   For landscapers, landscape designers, homeowners, artists--anyone needing professional construction information edited down to the essentials-- I highly recommend this book!

5 comments about Making Mad Toys & Mechanical Marvels in Wood.

1. As others have said, this book is identical to his 2002, "Whacky Toys, Whirligigs, and Whatchamacallits", word for word. Either book is terrific, you just don't need to buy both.



2. First of all if you already have Rodney Frost's book, "Whirligigs and Whatchamacallets" don't bother buying this book. This is just the revision title. I ordered it, because I lost my last copy. No matter what title it's called, this is a great beginner-friendly automata project book. Each project is well explained and you get traceable template patterns for each project. I've made 3 of them and it was fun. If you're looking for an artistic way to impress your friends or wanting to enter the world of Automata and don't want technical terms no avergae joe can understand, this is the book for you.



3. Great book but as noted below, exactly the same as the other book still being sold here. 5 stars if you don't have the other book, one star if you do.



4. Although this book has lots of intersting ideas it is difficult to follow the plans to complese these projects. Other than that is is a good resource.



5. This is an excelent book for advanced toymakers.
   I have made several of the mechanisms.
   
   For old timers be aware trhis is just a reprint of his pevious book
   "Whacky Toys,.Whirligigs & Whatchamacallits."with a new cover.

5 comments about Shell Chic: The Ultimate Guide to Decorating Your Home With Seashells.

1. Whether you craft or only crave shells, this book will do it for you. This book provides inspiration whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or merely an admirer of shelled creations. The range is from the extraordinary to the amusing to the out of this world.



2. usuful hints but not possible for me.who lives in Iceland and our shells are not so exotic.Still I try to buy some,when I am abroud. I got lots og useful hints from and ideas his beautiful, which is really sweet for the eyes elvasigvalda@hotmail.com



3. I saw this book at my aunt's house and from the time I started flipping through the pages, I knew I had to buy this one. There are the most beautiful shell flower projects with easy to follow instructions that I have come across to date. The color photos are spectacular and provide so many ideas for what to do with the buckets of shells that some of us have collected! I have already purchased my floral wire and plan on doing some group projects out of this book with family and friends.
   
   Joni Chew



4. thisbook is pearl for every shell lovers .There are a lot of projects i cannot wait to do .It got me so excited .As well i had already a lot of ideas and this book make them possible.the bathtub is the best >
   truly BOOK TO GET .The pictures are amazing



5. This is a book written by a professional with a passion for shells and design. I loved it... read it cover to cover, and studied each photo. Great attention to detail throughout this book.
   
   There is a great deal of content here. Why not 5 stars? I would have preferred more how-to information and technique.. like maybe 5 more pages worth. I think it was in the scope of the book, but they chose to leave it out... so for that you must look elsewhere.
   
   Be warned... if you are looking for googly eyed shell animal kinda shell craft, you won't find it here, and may be disappointed.

5 comments about Build Your Dream Home for Less.

1. I DID FIND THE BOOK TO BE HELPFUL AND IT GOT ME STARTED IN CONSTRUCTING MY OWN HOUSE. I DID FIND ANOTHER BOOK CALLED "EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO ABOUT BUILDING THE CUSTOM HOME, HOW TO BE YOUR OWN CONTRACTOR" BY JOHN FOLDS AND ROY HOOPES THE PUBLISHER IS TAYLOR PUBLISHING CO. THAT BOOK
   WAS A GREAT COMPANINON TO THIS BOOK. BOTH TOGETHER WAS VERY HELPFUL.
   
   WHAT REALLY COULD HELP HOMEOWNERS BEST IS HOW TO COST ESTIMATE AND A PROCESS FOR GETTING AND COMPARING BIDS FOR EACH DISCIPLINE, AND A WAY TO RECORD IT EASILY.



2. The book is very good it provided me with the information that I needed and even more.



3. We are planning to general contract our own home, and I found this book to be a good resource. I'm a woman and have generally left "trade" stuff to my husband, but as he is working FT and I'm not, I'll be largely managing the project and I wanted to do a lot of homework. Woodson seems very knowledgeable and shares the information in an easy to follow format. He also explains many trade terms (certain types of joints, wiring etc.) that other books assume you already know - nice for us non-handy folks. One thing that this book could use is an update to include newer construction items such as insulated concrete forms, geo-thermal energy systems, and radiant floor heating. Also beware that Woodson, like all the other authors I've read on this subject, has his opinions on certain things (like you don't need air conditioning in Maine - it doesn't get hot often, but boy does it get humid and AC is really helpful). Take the opinions with a big grain of salt and read other books/articles to cross check things that you aren't sure about...however this book was a good foundation. Would recommend.



4. While this book has some useful tips for dealing with subcontractors, the book is outdated. There are other books available that will be of better value.



5. I bought a few books on home construction. This one is the absolute worst in my opinion. The one I like because it is full of information for a novice is Robert Irwin's "Tips & Traps When Building Your Home". As for this "Dream..." is not a nightmare either, just a few dollars waisted. I did not find any usefull information and after a while I just dumped it in the garbage.