5 comments about Making & Installing Handmade Tiles (A Lark Ceramics Book).

1. This is a well written book full of good advice and sound techniques. It provides good step by step photographs of each technique that shows each process clearly. The book also provides a great range of images for inspiration and ideas. An excellent book for beginners through to the experienced.



2. Very good info, and enough of it was unique enough to make it well worth purchasing over some of the other Tile How-to books. Good source for anyone, such as myself, who is interested in delving into a new avocation.



3. Anyone wanting to learn about making clay tiles and tile moulds would enjoy this book. A wealth of information. It gets the big tick.



4. I have been accumulating ceramic tile books for some time, and this one is very good as a beginner volume showing several differing techniques on how to make your own tiles, as well as paint and fire existing tiles. It shows how to make differing shapes, how to glaze & carve, as well as how to properly install what you've created. There is a little bit of everything in this volume, as well as very clear instructions and photographs. I enjoyed reading this very much, and will refer to it more in the future as I work in tiles.



5. Well done. Confidence inspiring for a first time tile maker. Good also for any clay enthusiast wanting to learn new techniques. The method of this author's teaching style is fabulous. You feel as if she is personally teaching you step by step how to custom make tiles. The entire process, not just the painting and glazing. A good value for the price. It is easily worth at least $10-15 more. A bargain. Get your copy before they raise the price!

5 comments about Manual of Traditional Wood Carving.

1. This is one of those rare books written a long time ago (early 1900s) when craftsmen and artists actually made their livings working with their hands (after serving apprenticships under masters). Their art went on to be perfected during a time when such hand-craftsmanship was valued and rewarded albeit simply and honestly. The treasure trove of techniques and historical information in this book is the kind that I typically find only in old books like this one. 'Very applicable to todays professional or recreational woodworker/carver and to those simply interested in historical carved styles evident in todays antiques.



2. If a person could only have one book on woodcarving, this would be THE book. It was written back in 1911, so some of the material is out of date. For example, the section on how to sharpen tools is dated. Some of the "tone" of this large (568 page)book is in the style of stuff written at that time. It can be a bit preachy and it can get a bit philosophical at times. For example it talks about how learning to carve wood makes you a better person. But these points are so minor, when you consider the entire book, that they cannot even be considered as flaws. There is no other book which even tries to cover just about all types of woodcarving. It covers:tools, history, and styles. It provides an almost unlimited (1146 to be exact), and certainly unparalleled set of photos and line drawings of different types of carvings throughout history. He even has a chapter on how to set up training programs for woodcarving for various groups of people.
   Mr. Hasluck does provide some "how to" information. He provides a set of recommended gauges, clamps, sharpening equipment, bench designs, etc. He tells you about and even illustrates the various steps of carving (setting in, grounding, modeling and finishing). He is the only author I have come across who explains why he recommended every tool that he recommends. This is absolutely enlightening!!! It is interesting that his recommended set of tools is much different from the modern authors on this subject (eg Chris Pye, Nora Hall, etc). After researching this topic, I have come to the conclusion that Hasluck selected his set to be most appropriate to highly detailed relief carving, which is the type of carving that he spends the most time on.
   I would bet that if someone wanted to start learning how to carve, and they bought only this book, they would be very disappointed. If you are looking for a "how to" book, which gives you a preselected sequence of five projects, from easy to medium, and tells you which tool to use to make each cut in each project, then this is NOT the book for you. There are other books that do this much better. Go to the website for Chris Pye and check out his books on introductory carving, and check out the videotapes of Nora Hall on her website. These will give you much more of the very specific "how to" information on a sequence of specific graded projects.
   Every really good carver that I know has used this book extensively. Most of the good carvers that I have talked to are mostly self taught. All speak "lovingly" about Hasluck's book. It is the greatest source of carving information and suggestions and illustrations you can find in one place. One of its "drawbacks" is that it is so encyclopedic, that one could not read it from cover to cover. This is more of a reference book that a carver refers to VERY often during his/her development.
   Hasluck's coverage of Chip Carving is an example of how encyclopedic he is. Other authors on this subject only cover one of the many ways that it can be done. He covers many of them in great detail, and he doesn't denigrate any of them. I would buy this book only for the set of chip carving designs that it includes. The rest of the book would be "gravy" to me.
   This book is to woodcarving what the Roman Coliseum is to sports arenas. It is a classic. I doubt it will ever be surpassed.
   Hasluck's book is really for the person who has taken control of his own education in woodworking, and who wants to become VERY good. It is far too much for the casual person who wants to make one or two carvings with inexpensive tools. Of course, if you like to have impressive books on your coffee table, this would be a good one!!!!!
   I am in awe of Paul N. Hasluck, the author of this wonderful book. Having the goal of writing a book of this scope and depth would be like having the goal of climbing Mt. Everest without oxygen. It would not be for the faint of heart. Virtually all serious modern books on woodcarving refer to this 1911 book. It is incomparable, and it is a real bargain. In my humble opinion, you'll get far more out of this book, which will probably cost you less than $20, than you will from a course on woodcarving that will cost you $1000.
   BUY THE BOOK. You'll be glad you did.



3. This book is somewhat outdated. Don't purhcase it if you are planning to learn wood carving from it.
   It is however an interesting reading and will provide some usefull information.



4. maybe in the 1700's it was a good book, but now it s not. i read about half of it, put it where it belongs, in the trash. save your money, go on line, alot better info on the web,for free. tim



5. This book is full of information, with a catch. It is like a hundred years old! and has never been updated. To sharpen chisels, it recommends a three foot diameter grinding wheel set in the ground. good for traditionalists.

2 comments about Home Staging For Dummies (For Dummies (Home & Garden)).

1. "Home Staging for Dummies" is a brilliantly written guide which explains the benefits of home staging in addition to giving real solutions to homeowners who are embarking on the process of selling property.
   This practical guide is so easy to read and understand that you will be able to apply the principals on your own; or if you don't have the time or the creativity to do it the book provides you with every resource needed, in order to get the professional assistance to get the job done.
   The Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) is proud to FULLY endorse Home Staging for Dummies.



2. This is a GREAT book. Actually it is helpful in that it guides you through the steps and the process of home staging. That is the part that most people find a mystery, the magic happens in 4 hours...NO there is alot of preparation and work that goes on before the fact. This is helpful so that when people are thinking of putting their homes on the market they know what to expect. A GREAT resource.

3 comments about The Complete Manual of Wood Bending: Milled, Laminated, and Steambent Work.

1. After getting in over my head, I bought three wood bending books: this one (Schleining), Zachary Taylor's "Wood Bender's Handbook" and "Fine Woodworking on Bending Wood." Taylor is slightly more recent, but it omits many pertinent aspects. For example, he doesn't cover milling (cutting) or coopering (low-angle joints) wood as a way to obtain curves, and he gives little attention to some practical aspects, such as drawing plans. Taylor is relatively superficial and focused on making musical instruments. The Fine Woodworking book is spotty (magazine articles from 1975-1984) and covers many advanced topics (e.g. Lapstrake boatbuilding, tapered laminations, violin making). Schleining is by far the best choice for the intermediate-level amateur that needs advice from someone with a lot of practical experience. His sidebars and outlines really help a woodworker make good decisions. He gives extremely helpful details on glueing, jigs, and routing. He shies away from steam-bending, because it gives such variable results, but he finds that it can often be combined profitably with follow-up milling or laminating. He gives superb practical advice on which machine to use in what combination, he has excellent jig plans, and many hard-won safety recommendations. He does not provide project plans (Taylor does for oval boxes, walking sticks, boat ribs, and chair backs). Luthiers will enjoy this book, but also find more detail in the other two.



2. I purchased this book as a gift for my husband who works with wood for a hobby. He says it is an excellent book and easy to understand.
   I liked the prompt and reliable shipping from Amazon. The book was a birthday gift and arrived well before the time I needed it.



3. My Boyfriend loved this book. he has been reading since i got it for him. He says that it has the answers that he's been want ing regarding the art of woodbending

5 comments about The Emotional House: How Redesigning Your Home Can Change Your Life.

1. A reviewer expressed disappointment in this book's lack of new content, and commented that the author had discussed something about creating an "altar." The altar reference did actually belong to another book (see page 79) called Creating a Charmed Life by Victoria Moran. The Emotional House is a very different book in idea and style. Hope this helped clarify.



2. Great book. Well worth the money. Has saved me from buying new decor and furniture and storage without thinking through what I really need. Gets to the heart, your heart, of what you need out of your house and guides you there. I am half way through the book and already am more comfortable in my house with the changes I have made. I have plans for the house and am looking forward to them. Don't hesitate ordering this. This is not a 'decorate your house' book, but is so... much more. Very well written and hands-on. Loving it!



3. This book has been indispensible for my husband and I. We used it to find and decorate our house. I recommend it to all of my friends and relatives. When's the next book coming?



4. This is the book I have been looking for. I have been trying to make my house work better for my family and me for years and it was almost there, but something was missing. The exercises and suggestions in this book were exactly what was needed to transform my house into my emotional home.
   
   This book is not about "decorating". It's about reassessing your needs and making your house work better to fulfill them. In the process you certainly end up with a more beautiful, nurturing environment, but you also end up with much more.
   
   I can't recommend it highly enough.



5. I am a designer, and I loved this book. It gets to the heart of what a home should be- even for pets and children. No nonsense writing, straight to the point, sage and timeless advise for making your home or apartment into your own castle without major renovations. I would change the title, though-since the word "emotional" can have negative connotations for this most positive book.

5 comments about Confident Parenting.

1. Jim Burns writes with a passion to come alongside parents who are looking for a strategy of parenting that offers practical advice with God honoring principles. "Confident Parenting" is the result of Jim's passion.
   
   Burns introduces the concept and challenge of becoming "A Transitional Generation Parent." He draws from his own life experiences and illustrations from the lives of other hurting and frustrated parents. He addresses the question of how to overcome negative family patterns learned and carried over from childhood.
   
   Another important word Jim uses in describing confident parenting is "intentionality." This implies being intentional in putting God first in priorities, relationships, and in the parenting role. Jim encourages the reader to find replenishment for their overcrowded lives. He recommends this as another "intentionality."
   
   Important sidebars in the narrative remind the reader of some basic principles. "The first layer of influence for spirituality is the parent, and then the church." And "When it comes to discipleship, life lessons are more caught than taught." An alarming sidebar warns, "The pace of life is killing the soul of families." I found the chapter on discipline and grace, as well as the one on passing on the legacy of faith to the next generation to be especially helpful.
   
   The questions for study, and evaluation make this book a valuable resource for counseling or for parenting class curriculum.
   
   "Confident Parenting" provides solid Biblical concepts and offers hope and healing to troubled parents. Jim Burns, writing at his best.



2. All too often we worry about teaching our children becoming bullies or arrogant or hard so we teach them to be passive, compliant, and perhaps whimpy. Confident Parenting is about showing parents how to raise their children to be confident, compassionate, strong human beings and it's about time! Very good book. Full of great insight and lessons we can take home and use.



3. Wonderful advice on raising children who love God in this crazy world. Very real world. Excellent planning & goal setting tools.



4. Book arrived in perfect condition and quicly. Excellent service.
   And a terrific book recommended by Psychologist John Rosemond.



5. Children don't come with an instruction manual. "Confident Parenting" is a guide for parents to deal with that. Admitting that the parenting process is more of a feel thing than anything else, "Confident Parenting" gives the best advice it can - to be confident. With practical tips to help parents get by, and guidelines to make one's home as harmonious as possible, "Confident Parenting" is a must for parents striving to do the best they can.

4 comments about Incredible Years: A Troubleshooting Guide for Parents of Children Aged 3 to 8.

1. As a psychologist currently in training at a Family Therapy agency, I have found this book invaluable for its clarity and accessibility. Its presentation is simple and pleasing (there are fun illustrations too!) but never simplistic. In addition, I know that everything the author recommends and explains has been scientifically and rigorously tested over many years on large groups of children. The book is divided into 3 parts you can dip into separately. Both the index and the table of contents are excellent, so you can easily and quickly consult it as needed. Its first part explains effective and efficient parenting techniques and their rationales. The second part focuses on how parents can deal with some of their own troubling feelings and behaviors related to parenting issues. The third part outlines coping techniques for 13 common behavior problems. The advice is thus easy to retrieve, and the author does a good job avoiding jargon and sticking to everyday language. In sum, an instructive and fun book that has been eminently useful for the parents I have worked with.



2. I was given a copy of this book after attending a 20+ week parenting program that was designed and overseen by Dr. Webster-Stratton. The advice in the book is taken directly from program. At the time, my son was a very challenging, out-of-control six years old.

   The information contained in the book proved to be invaluable in turning around my son's behavior and also in building positive interaction between us.

   I highly recommend this book.




3. I am a child clinical psychologist and I have been using this book with parents for many years. The book is straightforward and full of knowledge that has been tested through much research. I highly recommend that parents of children with behavior challenges read and follow Dr. Webster-Stratton's advice verbatim. It really works. Trust me.
   
   Steve Curtis, Ph.D., author, Understanding Your Child's Puzzling Behavior: A Guide for Parents of Children with Behavioral, Social, and Learning Challenges



4. I received this book while taking a parenting class based on it. The ideas the book gives you are so down to earth and USABLE!!! Most importantly they work! The book shows you how to do totally new techniques, and also how to make the techniques you already use more effective (time outs, etc.). This book is my new baby shower/new baby gift. It is absolutely invaluable!

5 comments about How to Build and Furnish a Log Cabin.

1. This 'older' book shows you in simple diagrams how to build rustic log structures and furniture the original way. I have used the methods to build a fantastic fence from trees harvested from my own property. I have also built most of the birdhouses. This book is not really for building a log cabin. It is the greatest book of folk art for rustic log furniture and structures I've ever seen.



2. great book for beginners easy to read information lots of step by step details



3. I built a log cabin in the 1980's using this book and two others. The cabin is still dry and clean and will probably stand for another 100 years, especially after adding a steel roof 8 years ago.
   
   There is some very good information on various parts of the cabin. The book falls short in a few areas, however, because of newer technologies and available materials that can help keep a cabin strong and insect free for much longer. For instance, the use of "oakem" and mud for chinking which would always need replacing, perhaps yearly. A much better lifetime product would be PermaChink which you can find on the internet. Another example would be the building of cement piers without instructing about the use of a termite shield. A simple piece of angled flashing will keep termites from ever touching any wood of the cabin as long as the sill is at least 2 inches from the soil.
   
   But these are things that COULD be added in an update. The info that was used looks like something from the 50s, so it's no surprise that the book is dated. However most of the log construction methods are solid. The tools may have changed but the concepts are basically the same.
   
   If you are truly interested in the grueling-yet-fun experience of building a log cabin, I would also seek out "How to Build Your Home in the Woods" by Bradford Angier, as well as "Building a Log Cabin From Scratch" by Dan Ramsey. Each of these would help round out your education and the latter is the most modern and complete of these.
   
   NOTE: Be prepared for HARD WORK over several months. This is not something to be attempted by lazy people!



4. I got this for my 12 year old son who was fasinated with the PBS special showing the man who built a cabin in Alaska. It was a big hit! He has been reading it ever since Christmas morning. He says it really tells you how to build and furnish a Log cabin - and what tools you need.
   Anything that gets a 12 year old excited about reading is good in my book.



5. One dream of mine & my boyfriend is to pull up stakes & move to a serene, remote area of the country. This book tells us everything we need to know to handle the housing portion of that dream.

5 comments about The Modular Home.

1. I bought the book for my husband for a Christmas present. He is raving about the book, telling me how useful it is in planning for our retirement home, to be built in the near future. He reads parts of it to me as he finds especially good ideas. He plans to re-read and make notes for future use. It is one of the best Christmas gifts I have given him, and will be invaluable in dealing with the people and materials involved in assembling our future home.



2. Before there were modular homes, there were Sears kit homes (which were pre-cut, NOT prefab). And while I was gladdened to see that Sears kit homes got an honorable mention in "The Modular Home", I was disappointed to see an erroneous fact.
   
   Sears did NOT sell 100,000 of their kit homes, as is mentioned on page eight, but less than 75,000. And of these 75,000 (or less), many have already been torn down or ruined through insensitive remodeling.
   
   All that aside, I do believe that modular homes are the wave of the future. And Sears (and others) started that trend in the early 1900s with their pre-fabricated Simplex Sectionals (very different from their pre-cut homes). These Simplex Sections were sold and shipped in sections, to be bolted together at the job site.
   
   Rose Thornton
   author, The Houses That Sears Built



3. This is a useful book on modular building with lots of practical advice.



4. Every detail is covered in this book. I wanted to know as much detail as I could get my hands on so I knew what questions to pose to my builder. My builder told me everything he would do and it matched all that I read in this book I like the fact that the author shares his mistakes to illustrate how complex the process is but also to show how he learned. I think it also shows a great degree of honesty.
   
   I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone who wants to build a modular home.



5. This book is great for anyone who wants to learn the basics of investing in a Modular Home. I would recommend this to anyone who thinks they may be interested in purchasing a Modular. The book will educate you on everything you will need before you meet with a builder. If money and quality is a concern, don't sit down with a builder before you read this.

5 comments about Do It for Less! Parties: Tricks of the Trade from Professional Caterers' Kitchens.

1. This has got EVERYTHING in it, no joke. From locations to amounts of food you need per persong at any party....budget pages... SO USEFUL! i am never going to let this book go! if you are thinking about getting it...don't bother...JUST DO IT!



2. I love this book, it has a wealth of useful information with an excellent format. If you purchase this book, you will not be dissapointed.



3. by Judy Bart Kancigor, author of Cooking Jewish: 532 Great Recipes from the Rabinowitz Family
   
   from The Orange County Register
   January 25, 2007
   
   I am not a football fan. My idea of a super bowl is my mother's Val St. Lambert. But I do love a party, so if my centerpiece has to be the TV, hey, think of what I'm saving on flowers!
   
   My Superbowl guest list is growing each day, and I'm getting nervous. Just how much food do I need for a crowd? And then there's the expense. Not to worry. With Denise Vivaldo's cookbook and catering guide "Do It For Less! Parties" I know I can throw a bash that won't stress me out and won't break the bank.
   
   "People are not used to cooking in quantities," said Vivaldo, a classically trained chef and caterer, whose company, Food Fanatics, specializes in recipe development, consulting, and food styling for print, film and television. "It freaks them out to see how much food they've got. Is it enough? It is too much?" This book eliminates the guesswork with recipes given in chart form for 12, 25, 50 or 75 guests. "Remember, the more things you have on the menu, the smaller the portions you need to serve," Vivaldo advised.
   
   But how much will this party cost, I wonder. "When people entertain, they spend a lot of money instead of keeping it simple," Vivaldo noted. "If you're having a lot of people, you don't have to offer a complete bar. Why not make one kind of drink, say Cosmopolitans, and add something non-alcoholic and some water and you've got it."
   
   This seasoned professional, who has catered 10,000 parties (serving the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bette Midler and Prince Charles), reveals her tricks of the trade for everything from planning the menu to napkin folding.
   
   "When we're entertaining, we're all our own harshest critics," she said. "But if someone else has set the table, the simplest meal is divine."
   
   Vivaldo offers nine complete party themes, each with a menu, shopping list, decorating ideas (including invitations, table linens, favors and entertainment), time- and money-saving tips, an equipment list and a menu countdown, so you're not doing everything at the last minute.
   
   "You don't need to spend a lot of money on matching linens," Vivaldo advised. "Look around your house. Everything doesn't have to match. Be creative. You can use a Mexican serape or even $10 sheets from Target. People don't come to your home to see your couch. They come for the company and a glass of wine."
   
   For Superbowl I'll score with the Toscana menu: Classic Caesar Salad, Chilled Penne Pasta with Pesto and Pine Nuts, Italian Meatball Lasagna, Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce, Tiramisu, and Chocolate Almond Biscotti. Touchdown!
   
   Vivaldo's game plan makes it all simple, starting with shopping for non-perishables the week before. I see two days before the game I can prepare the gnocchi dough and biscotti, with the bulk of the cooking the following day. On party day I have only to cook the gnocchi, reheat the lasagna and gnocchi sauce, toss the salad and brew coffee. Then I can relax and enjoy the game. Or you enjoy the game and I'll enjoy you!
   
   "People make themselves crazy when they entertain," Vivaldo reflected. "If you could enjoy yourself more, you would do it more often."
   
   CHILLED PENNE PASTA WITH PESTO AND PINE NUTS
   from "Do It For Less! Parties" (Terrace) by Denise Vivaldo
   
   1 1/2 pounds penne pasta (uncooked)
   1 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
   4 cups fresh basil leaves
   1/3 cup walnuts
   4 garlic cloves, peeled
   4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
   1/2 teaspoon salt
   1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
   3/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
   
   1. Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta in batches until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes, being careful not to overcook. Drain. Drizzle with a little olive oil if needed to keep from sticking.
   2. Process basil leaves, olive oil, walnuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper with a food processor until mixture forms a coarse paste. Taste and adjust seasonings.
   3. Toss cooked pasta and pesto together in a large mixing bowl (in batches if needed for manageability). Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts.
   3. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Serves 12 (options for 25, 50 and 75 in the book)



4. Denise Vivaldo has done it again with a party book that actually gives practical, step-by-step directions. So many books look great, but when you read through them, they are just fluff. Not Denise. Her book spells everything out in detail--even to the point of telling you how to fix burned food, overcooked vegetables, lumpy gravy, etc. Let's face it--mistakes happen. What can we do now??
   
   I also really appreciated her correct table layouts for those of us, like myself, who are "table setting challenged." Oh, so that's where the bread plate goes!
   
   I am looking forward to trying out her recipes. They look wonderful.



5. I first rented this book from the library, it was such a help and packed with so much information that I decided to purchase a copy to have at my finger tips at all times. It's filled with all kinds of information for any cook not just party information. Excellent book.