2 comments about Fences, Walls & Gates.

1. This book was more or less a waster of money for me. It had some (really only a few) good pictures of wooden fences and gates that I was looking for, and the rest were more artsy metal and masonry. The instructions on building were for very simple fences and gates, which I already knew and found for free on the internet. I was really looking for pictures or instructions on building an outstanding fence and gate.



2. Has a variety of creative ideas; BEAUTIFUL photos. About half is pictures of fences of different materials, and combinations of materials, often including other landscaping/hardscaping ideas and concepts, with narratives. The other half is Building Basics, which includes the basics of building different types of fences (wood; masonary; ETC) and gates. Altho the instructions have some detail, they are basic. If you are a total novice (like me), you'll probably need some additional help. Another part of the second section is about available materials: lumber; metal and vinyl fencing; fasteners; blocks, bricks, and stone; gate material and hardware. I got a lot of information and ideas from this book and would recommend this book to others.

No comments about How to Design & Build Fences & Gates.

2 comments about Beehives, Barbecues, Fireplaces, and More: How to Build an Inviting Outdoor Entertainment Area : 15 Spectacular Plans, Complete Material Lists, Basic Instructions.

1. I was on the waiting list for this book for months before it was published and cannot say that I was let down at all.

   The book has many pages of detailed pictures for outdoor beehive fireplaces, outdoor traditional fireplaces, barbeques and fire pits. The author also provides full and complete design plans that can be used to obtain building permits. It reviews the construction process and the masonry diagrams in laman's terms so they can be easily followed. Each project also has step by step instructions.

   I have not come across another book that is as comprehensive as this for building outdoor entertaining structures. I would highly recommend this book to anyone!




2. This book is a must have! I was on a waiting list for months. I was so determined to get this book that I even called the publisher, who just happened to be in my state. I was told that the book was currently not being printed, but that if I really wanted a copy I should go to Home Depot. I went to Home Depot and found the book. Man am I glad I went through the trouble! This book is full of beautiful ideas! Every project is thoroughly detailed, down to the material list. If you've ever dreamed of having an outdoor fireplace then this book is for you.!

5 comments about Coventry Pool and Garden House Plans : Including summerhouses from England.

1. I was looking for design ideas/plans. This one has nice ideas but it is a book in which you can then proceed to order plans. Not what I was looking for. I was looking for ideas, measurements, planning etc..that sort of thing. If that is what you are looking for this book would not be the right fit for you.



2. I was looking for design ideas/plans. This one has nice ideas but it is a book in which you can then proceed to order plans. Not what I was looking for. I was looking for ideas, measurements, planning etc..that sort of thing. If that is what you are looking for this book would not be the right fit for you.



3. The book is nice but didn't have what we needed. We are looking for a plan for a corner pool house big enough to accomodate a billiard table and there is nothing like that in the book. Also, the exteriors are mostly too contemporary, nothing that would blend with our brick Georgian home. In a word, DISSAPOINTED. Had I seen the book at a bookstore, I would not have bought it.



4. I will be returning this book. As a licensed professional landscape architect, I find the proportions and design qualities lacking in most of the proposed designs. The designs depict what I would expect to buy from a mass merchandising home center, not such a highly acclaimed book. I was very disappointed. Content aside, the book was nice. I believe actual photographs might have helped tremendously.



5. This book was a total rip off! The title does not lend way to the contents. It had nothing I was looking for. It was poorly bound and it fell apart at the spine the 2nd day I had it!!! Huge Waste Of Money!!!

No comments about How to Build & Repair Fences & Gates.

No comments about Fences & Gates (Better Homes & Gardens).

1 comments about The Decorated Porch: Creative Projects from Leslie Beck.

1. Having done tole painting, and having worked in a fabric store for years, I was well acquainted with Leslie Beck's designs. I have always loved them!

   When I discovered this book, I was thrilled. The patterns and illustrations are gorgeous. Definitely a more contemporized country, which is more my style. The surprise came when I realized there were more craft projects than I had expected.

   There's some gorgeous patterns for quilted pet pillows, a variety of beautiful pillows and quilts, plus some cute garden accents to paint. Being a crafter, for longer than I can remember, it was abit of a surprise as I was expecting just quilting and sewing. But there are some cute craft ideas in this book, for instance a painted watering can with a flower and bees, a couple planters and a lampshade with leaves and acorns painted.

   My favorites are illustrated on the front cover, the 'Weather Outside' wallhanging, coordinating quilt and throw cushion, and even a pet cushion. My next favorite would be the 'summer' lap quilt and pillows, done in red, cream and navy stripes (like a basketweave pattern).

   If you're looking strictly for patchwork, or more traditional quilting, this book probably would disappoint. If you're more like me and enjoy a more contemporary version of country or americana, you'll truly enjoy the book. Just remember that about a third of the book has painting/crafting projects.

2 comments about Build Your Own Birdhouses and Feeders: From Simple, Natural Designs to Spectacular, Customized Houses and Feeders.

1. Perkins begins the book with some backround bird and woodworking information that will be useful for the beginner. He then gets into plans for 19 houses and 7 feeders.

   Each project includes color photos of the completed house or feeder - these are not just the figments of a writer's imagination. There are detailed, measured, exploded color drawings of each house. His designs include several different methods of access for cleaning out the houses after each nesting period. I particularly like the "slide" designs - no tools or dropped screws to worry about.

   Some of these houses are so pretty, I don't know if I would want to put them out in the yard. I suppose with a little imagination, you could scale his designs to meet the needs of a variety of species. He has a breif, one page chart showing entrance sizes for some birds. He also show "slot" as well as round entrance options on some of his designs. I still keep referring back to Scott D. Campbell's "The Complete Book of Birdhouse Construction for Woodworkers" as a more complete technical reference. (See that review on Amazon.)

   Overall, this is a very good book on birdhouses, very inspirational for the imaginative bird "landlord." This book is profusely illustrated with color photos and drawings; it could be a "coffee table" book if you don't get it filled with sawdust!




2. No place in this book gives hole sizes for the birds you want to attract. Birds are very fussy about the size of the hole and also the size of the nesting cavity. I would consider this the worst book I have ever read on building bird house and feeders. I am glad I looked at it before I gave it to a friend. Not one practical bird feeder for wet and inclement weather. Beautiful bird houses, but no birds!

No comments about At Home Pasadena.

No comments about Cottage Essentials: The Everything Guide for Your Cottage, Cabin or Camp.