Design Books

I wish there had been more photos of the contents of this book online as the range covered is diverse and better than I expected. I especially love the MacIntosh designs

I didn't know much about Art Nouveau, other than it is ascribed to Frank Lloyd Wright and Tiffany-stained glass. The projects in the book are beautiful and sophisticated-looking. The charts are also large and easy enough to read. The colors suggested are listed by the DMC brand. Artists featured include Mucha, Renee Mackintosh, Klimt, and Walter Crane. (Don't count on a full picture by Klimt though, just a mirror piece that incorporates some of the same colors as in "The Kiss.") The bamboo "stained glass" wooden box on the cover is my favorite, although I will have to special order the light green aida fabric. However, the Mackintosh rose women pieces are also very stunning and unique. The piece by Mucha is a poster lady holding a glass of champaigne. It looks almost like it's almost entirely done in blackwork, with black and gold thread on white. All of the pieces have a crisp, clean look.

I'm pleased to have just discovered some of Mackintosh's beautiful work. His Mackintosh "rose women" have a sophisticated, yet subdued stained glass-y appearance. I wasn't very fond of Walter Crane's "flower lady" (faery-airy looking) pictures, but if your'e into that kind of thing, you'll love those, because there are three them, the daffodil lady, red posy lady, and purple iris lady. They are each about 12 inches square, once completed.

There is also a pretty picture, I think it is called "Wysteria," which resembles a seaside scene framed by wysteria, which looks kind of "stained glass-y." It also kind of reminds me of a French Impressionist painting. It is a manageable size to do, and would look lovely in one's livingroom or bedroom.

The Mackintosh rose women pieces and the bamboo stained glass piece on the cover are my favorites. I was a little bit surprised that there weren't any pieces resembling Frank Lloyd Wright's work. However, the designs in this book are "strong" and interesting to look at, yet the colors in them are soft and subdued like watercolors, so they don't appear too "busy."

All of the pieces can be done on white or ivory Aida cloth, although the book suggests many other lovely colors to coordinate with the designs, like blush peach, light yellow, and barely blue. If you are lucky enough to be able obtain those, they would give your work a special touch. The only thing I was disappointed in, was a project by Renee MacIntosh. It is a picture of two rose lady's with a big, abstract yellow dress. In order to get that effect, you will need some gold gauze fabric, which I cannot find anywhere. It's possible to stitch the entire area in yellow, but that would take forever (and a lot of thread) to do.

I have been looking for art nouveau projects, and I'm so happy I found this book! The designs reflect art in the style of Tiffany, Mackintosh, and other artists of the art nouveau period.

1) The charts are clear and easy to use.
2) The designs seem authentic and are used imaginatively to make a variety of projects.
3) The book is well layed out and attractive.

This is really a very nice book for stitchers looking for art nouveau projects.

Another source for such projects is Ross Designs, who make cross-stitch charts for Alphonse Mucha prints.

This is a beautiful book! I've been inspired to incorporate some of the design suggestions into other works and I'm keen to stitch at least three of the projects from this book. Art Nouveau lends itself to counted work: the use of borders and both asymmetrical and symmetrical designs translate beautifully.

The book includes information about the designers (including Tiffany, Crane and Makintosh) who've inspired Ms Hammet's counted designs. Many of the smaller designs will lend themselves to gifts such as bookmarks, box lids and motifs on napery while many of the larger pictures will make works of art in their own right.

Highly recommended for stitchers who like Art Nouveau work.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

This is a fabulous book, very representational of Art Nouveau style (don't look for Frank Lloyd Wright here, his work is considered its own style). Many projects from a variety of artists. Check out the table of contents page link in the book description to get a better idea of the types of projects and artists.

Clear diagrams with both color and symbols make projects a joy to work on - I'm doing the two Rose Pillows (Charles Rennie Mackintosh style) which will be two framed pieces - one is done and one WIP right now.

I'm going to do the flowering box top on the cover (reminiscent of Tiffany's stained glass pieces) next - you can find evenweave or aida fabric in all sorts of colors at your local needlework shop, craft shop, or online with cross stitch retailers and on EBay.

I like that the patterns use almost no beads, ribbons, "treasures" or specialty fibers -- just metallics in a very few designs. All you need is the fabric and either DMC or Anchor floss (design keys are labeled in both) to complete your own work of art.

Also, besides all of the complete designs, the book ends with a pattern library of borders and motifs for you to use in endless variation. Want to decorate some towels? use waste canvas to put a motif on a shirt? make your own spot sampler of Art Nouveau motifs? You have plenty of source material here!

I recommend this book for all levels of stitchers, from the beginner on up, since basic stitching instructions as well as finishing instructions for the projects are included.


Definition:
art nouveau (?r' nūvō') , decorative-art movement centered in Western Europe. It began in the 1880s. In general it was most successfully practiced in the decorative arts: furniture, jewelry, and book design and illustration. The style was richly ornamental and asymmetrical, characterized by a whiplash linearity reminiscent of twining plant tendrils. Its exponents chose themes fraught with symbolism, frequently of an erotic nature. They imbued their designs with dreamlike and exotic forms. The outstanding designers of art nouveau in England include the graphic artist Aubrey Beardsley, A. H. Mackmurdo, Charles Ricketts, Walter Crane, and the Scottish architect Charles R. Mackintosh; in Belgium the architects Henry Van de Velde and Victor Horta; in France the architect and designer of the Paris m?tro entrances, Hector Guimard, and the jewelry designer Ren? Lalique; in Austria the painter Gustav Klimt; in Spain the architect Antonio Gaud?; in Germany the illustrator Otto Eckmann and the architect Peter Behrens; in Italy the originator of the ornamental Floreale style, Giuseppe Sommaruga; and in the United States Louis Sullivan, whose architecture was dressed with art nouveau detail, and the designer of elegant glassware Louis C. Tiffany.

Having found myself a little out of depth as regards people needing release from pain and stress, I have found the practicality of this book invaluable. It has opened my eyes to understand a lot more of the history of art therapy, and the exercises are helpful. I found the pictures included also enable one to grasp some of the concepts within the text and the layout of the book makes it exciting reading.

I just got done with my first year at college and I got interested in art therapy. I wasn't to sure what exactly it was, and I was recommended this book from my school counselor. It was very informative, and it helped me decide to pursue my study in art therapy.

Usually these types of books are theoritical (for example why art therapy works) while this one is practical with many activities to work with.

After reading a lot of *same old, same old* art therapy books, I was absolutely thrilled to discover THE ART THERAPY SOURCEBOOK. There are so many art therapy books that are dense and poorly written; Malchiodi is a clear and articulate writer who provides a savvy overview of the field of art therapy in a style that is inviting and exciting. Even if you have never heard of art therapy before, this book will inspire you to want to try your hand at art and will encourage your creative process. As a teacher of art therapy, I require all my first year art therapy and counseling students to read this book and as a therapist, I encourage my clients to read it too. Bravo! I look forward to more books by this author!

This book is very useful for the beginner of art therapy.

As a struggling illuminator and scribe for the SCA, I find this book to be a teacher when I need one and a great beginner to advanced book for callig and especially illumination. Due to time constraints and the fact that I am a willing, but poor (in talent) paint and ink artist, I haven't spent much time in art classes. This book has helped me get through more than a few hurdles I have had and inspires me to do more. This book was well worth the money and I would highly recommend it to others.

This is my favorite illumination book and I have many. As a scribe in training in the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism), I am learning all the facets of calligraphy and illumination. This book is the one I refer to the most. I have purchased copies for friends and recommend it highly. It has detailed step by step instructions from painting to gilding. It is easy to read and has beautifully illustrated images.

I adore this book. It is full of detailed information and plenty of illustrations for the examples. It is binded on a spring which makes it easy to keep open.
There are many hours of work in the preparation of this book.

THIS IS A COMPREHENSIVE, BEAUTIFULLY LAYED OUT BOOK WITH STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO CREATE ILLUMINATED LETTERS. IT IS QUITE DETAILED & HAS MANY COLORFUL ILLUSTRATIONS THAT IMPEL ONE TO START DRAWING THESE BREATHTAKING LETTERS RIGHT AWAY. I THINK THE PRICE IS LOW & I WOULD'VE PAID MORE FOR SUCH A HIGH QUALITY BOOK. IT'S A GREAT ADDITION TO ANY LIBRARY. A+

I wish I could recommend this book for complete beginners, but I can't. Some of the techniques in this book will require lots and lots of practice (as it did me) to get up to speed. You can't just jump right in and turn out a beautiful illuminated manuscript on the level of "The Book of Hours".

To get going, I'd purchase a learning book on the art of calligraphy (which is plenty of fun on its own, and beautiful to boot!) with lessons, otherwise you'll wind up in the position of creating a nicely illuminated letter and the botch the calligraphic text, losing all your hard work. By all means, get this book to add the beautiful finishing touch of illumination to your work once you're happy with your writing.

In all, this book covers what you'll need to start illuminating, the techniques and pitfalls you'll meet along the way, some calligraphy techniques, and the styles of illumination from Gothic to contemporary.

The author of this book has a lovely way with words and weaves a spell in her book about French Style living. The experience that this American lady acquires during her lengthy stay in France is beautifully executed in her descriptions of French Decor, dining, traditions, and the lifestyle of the French in general. This book is one of the favorites in my collection.

I was afraid that this book would be too over the top for an average decorator like me---but it wasn't!

The author has done a wonderful job at showing the reader all the various FRENCH styles:.... not only the more classic French styles, but also the more natural (Cottage) French style of decorating.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I will certainly refer to this book over and over again.

Twelve years after its first publication, Cheryl MacLachlan's Bringing It Home: France is still engaging and reassuringly practical. Not only does she provide detailed instructions on how to achieve authentic French interiors for all budgets--not just chateaux or upscale "French country"--her book also contains a wealth of information about related topics, such as four common fabrics (toile, jacquard, petit point, and provencal prints) and how to set a French table.

In researching the design and decoration of French houses, I've found this book to be far and away the most useful reference.

I've had this book for a few years now and it has regularly provided me with inspiration. I bought it when I moved into my first apartment and was obsessed with french country style. I referred to it a year or two later for recipes when I learned the importance and the pleasure of foods made with seasonal, organic, whole ingredients. And this evening I am referring to it for tips on my upcoming country wedding and am reading about how to serve dinner and the art of receiving. And perhaps in a few more years (or several more!) I will re-read the section on children and family with yet another new outlook. This book has been a wonderful resource!

I have a lot of decorating books, and I am not a huge fan of french interior, but this book is great! It is full of photos of classy decorated rooms, the colors are so tastefull and it makes you wanna go and redecorate your place until it looks like the rooms in this book. It is worth having it and I still go back and look at it, beacause it is sooo cool.

I bought this product because one of the reviews of the other deck books said that this was the best book. My husband has learned a lot from it, and hopefully one day, we will actually have a deck in our yard :) Seriously, this is a good book, it is very thorough from beginning to end of the project. Highly recommended.

This is a good book for beginners. Wish there was a little more variety of design style. Haven't built my deck yet, but either way if you follow this books suggestions I imagine it will be a very good deck.

My wife and I successfully built a deck using this book 2 years ago. Planned, submitted plans to village got building permit and final inspection. It felt good to accomplish such a large task with only 2 people who are not carpenters and haven't built a deck before. The deck is around 300 sq. ft. so it is not small. The book has all the information you need to build a solid deck. It also includes information on problems you could run into and ideas for customizing the deck. We are now building a smaller 100 sq. ft. deck for the front of our house. Believe me, we could not have done this without this great book.

I am a firm believer in the KISS method of doing things. (Keep It Simple Stupid") Every step is covered in this book so that anyone can learn from it. The "Build Like A Pro" series of books are all laid out like this one. The "Expert Tips" are great. They show you short cuts to help you do the jobs right, but in less time. This is stuff you only learn by doing the job everyday. They are trade secrets.

Building a Deck (Build Like A Pro)

My construction experience includes home additions, house remodeling/renovation, and many indoor upgrades, but only one deck. So, when we decided to replace our own old deck with one using the latest materials, a how-to book was in order. After reviewing deck books at local stores, this one stood out as the most useful.

Cons:

- This book was written in 2002 and needs revision to incorporate current building materials. For example, the deck railing chapter talks mostly about building railings out of wood. The same is true for decking, where almost the entire focus is on wood. The author devotes a page or so to Trex and a few other materials available in 2002, but a host of newer products, such as reinforced vinyl or PVC, perma-cast balusters, AZEK trim, etc., are now widely available.

- The book explains attaching the top of a staircase to the deck and methods for anchoring the stairs bottom to a concrete pad; without addressing the frost heave issue. In my area, outside concrete pads frequently frost-heave upwards about an inch by mid-January. If the author's approach was used here, heaving would jack up the stair bottom, weakening or destroying stairs-to-deck connections. This was inexplicable since the author addresses the frost issue in other places.

- There were a few techniques described that, lacking a diagram or photograph, were too ambiguous to be useful.

- One book can't cover every construction scenario, but it was frustrating that it didn't cover some of the things I needed. E.g., in the section on how to flash the ledger board, the examples show houses with siding above and below the ledger. There were no examples of having siding above the ledger and a masonry wall below.

- If a ledger is bolted against the house sheathing (through to a rim joist), our county building code requires flashing (metal, butyl rubber, etc.) between that sheathing and the ledger. Following the book's approach of having nothing at all there wouldn't pass inspection.

Pros:

- The main focus is teaching the reader how to build a deck, rather than how to deal with a contractor that will build your deck.

- Intelligently organized, with excellent "pro-tips", details, safety tips, building codes, diagrams, and photographs throughout.

- I didn't want a deck book for the novice. Not to worry; the author uses a writing style that worked for me, and should also work for a novice. The book may be too basic for a decking contractor, but it should work for anyone else.

- Multiple approaches are described for most aspects of a deck project, versus having one this-is-the-way-to-do-it, approach.

- Occasional mention of the applicable building code (e.g., balusters can be spaced no farther than 4" apart), with advice of how to exceed standards, when the code is too lax.

- Every aspect of a deck project is well discussed, except for financing. It starts with deck planning, and things you should consider, and progresses logically through foundations, ledgers, posts, and beams, joists, decking, railings, stairs, and custom details.

Summary:

This book was clearly worth its small cost, even though it didn't [adequately] cover newer materials or all construction issues. I improved several aspects of our planned deck, based on ideas in this book, and, found out most of what I needed to know to do the detail plans required by our county building inspections department.

I agree with everyone else, if you are a grad student or new researcher you need to buy and read this book. BUT BEWARE: This book refers to turbo pumps as a new innovation, and ignores magnetic charged particle optics. Discussions of topics are fairly through but lack the depth of schematics, however many of the references are now considered seminal letters on their topics. The references alone will save you a lot of time.

The physics covered is accurate and usable, and the references, clear presentations of topics, and lists of suppliers make this book essential for any serious experimental scientist to be.

Buy it! :)

This book is an invaluable reference source for anyone whose work requires them to become involved in unfamiliar (physical science related) technologies. Though it would certainly be useful to laboratory researchers, it is equally valuable for the scientist or engineer who needs to apply these disciplines. As a physicist involved in design of commercial instrumentation, I have often had to become involved in various disciplines which were outside of my area of formal training and this book has commonly been my point of entry into unfamiliar terrain. This isn't just a "how to do it" book, but also provides a solid grounding in the basic theory. Over the years I have used this book as a primer/refresher for: (a) vacuum technology; (b) light optics; (c) charged-particle optics; and (d) mechanical drawing. In each case, this book provided me with the fundamental concepts, equations, and techniques to become productive, often without access to any other source of expertise. Though I do, of course, employ other sources as my knowledge advances, I still find myself regularly referring back to this book.

I know of no other reference that manages to pack so much useful information into so few pages. And yet, it remains easy and enjoyable to read. Part of this may be due to the abundant drawings which have a certain charm of their own -- echoing the style of the famous C.S. Stong illustrations in the "Amateur Scientist" section of Scientific American.

This book is so good that I own two copies: one for my office at work and the second for reference at home.

Have never seen a book which was able to pack so much practical information into so few pages, and able to explain complex concepts so simply.

If you have to work with any type of laboratory equipment you would be insane to NOT have this book on your shelf.

I would like to cast a somewhat dissenting view of this book. It is certainly a good place to start for information on various projects but comes up short on construction techniques. Perhaps an older source, Procedures in Experimental Physics (Lindsay Pubs), is better. Of course, it was written in 1938, so materials cited might be out of date, but the construction techniques aren't bad. I recently decided to build a good sized water tank (40" by 6" by 3") of acrylic and found nothing about construction tips. I was thinking of building something that probably required casting, and found a paltry two pages on the subject.

It would be good to see it updated every 5 years or so. I see the pub date is 1991. Things have changed a bit. It has a very good list of references, but with the advent of the web, it would be good to see some the reference material cite the web.

This is a _great_ book! I buy a copy of this for every student who starts work for me--which I consider to be a fine investment. Practical, hands-on information is given on a huge variety of skills needed by those working in Physics labs. From glass blowing to vacuum systems, to instruction on attaching BNC connectors, it's all in here.

This is a book on Google's back end business aspects. It is not concerned with searching to find information. Instead it is on directing more attention, more business to your web site. The book is divided into two major themes, first working to make your site more Google friendly, and second working with Google's paid services including advertising on Google's site using programs like Google AdWords and AdSense. There's a chapter on Google's elusive Page Rank system that talks extensively about Google's philosophies on links and how they affect Page Ranking.

This book took my business, AUDIN Web Design, to new heights. Now anyone can just type in AUDIN Web Design in Google (or Yahoo and MSN, for that matter) and find me. This book allowed me to master Google, the juggernaut of search engines. If you cannot tame that tiger, you will not survive in the market place. My company, AUDIN Web Design, has helped many small business get ranked on Google. This is my bible. I carry it around wherever I go. I advise everyone to read this book before consulting a professional about your online search needs. You could get ripped off if you are not wise about your choice of Company. This book has given me such confidence with the Google juggernaut, that my company now offers a 100% money back guarantee policy. A lot of companies can't offer that because they don't know what they are doing. Read this book and get informed. It could save you lots of money, yes money, the stuff you work so hard for. The stuff makes the world go round.

Since Google is currently master of the universe you need to understand what Google is looking for when it ranks web pages. This book not only does that but goes into detail of other Google services like froogle, adsense and adwords. I highly recommend this book to anybody trying to build a presence on the web.

"Building Your Business with Google For Dummies" by Brad Hill is one of many options for learning Google's tools. This one is focused on using it to promote business websites.

You might not need this book. To find out, go to Google's website, and create an account. Look at the FAQs, testimonials and the help areas. Much of what's in Hill's book is logical, but is organized in as sensibly as any I have seen. I need this book for that reason. It saved me time from having to learn this information in a too slow trial-and-error way.

You'll learn a few important things about Google, and how to help them help you attract traffic, sell products, or create interest in your website.

AdWords
I have an online e-commerce site, and need to know Google. As a smaller business, I can't compete with the major companies in being listed in categories I feel are important. That's where Google AdWords comes in. It allows me, for a fee per click, to compete.

Hill's explanation of strategies and process is solid. There are ways to lose money, and he helps show how to test keywords, use ad groups, edit ads, and how to bid intelligently. He also looks at the premium service that allows big businesses to use oogle with less worry about click-through rates.

AdSense
AdSense, the tool that places Google ads on websites based on the page's content. While I only make a few cents when a vistor clicks through an ad, it helps me provide a service to my customers who do not feel my site met their needs.

Hill explains how AdSense makes money, and warns against cheating.

Increasing Your Page Rank
No one knows Google's formula for ranking pages. The most important factor is having useful information, being linked on other like-minded sites, not abusing the process.

Hill tells you what page rank means, and how to avoid mistakes many webmasters make. This includes tips on design, domain choice, keyword use.

Using Froogle and Google Catalogs
These are two features I have never used. Hill gives a good overview of this Google tool, which provides exposure to those websites selling products in a catalog-style, or through AOL and Yahoo shops.

I fully recommend "Building Your Business with Google For Dummies" by Brad Hill.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

This book was very helpful in teaching novices how Google works with online businesses in order to make the businesses more profitable and also make Google move valuable. The techniques were easy to apply.

Ed
http://www.imonitsoftware.com

A very informative book. I plan to build a stripper in the near future and this book supplied me with the information that I was needing and also clear step by step instructions.
Very fast delivery time to receive the book also.

This is the first book to get before all other boatbuilding texts. Ted and Merilyn have so clearly illustrated,both in words and pictures building a stripper, someone with ten thumbs will produce a thing of beauty.

I have build the Redbird canoe. The book was almost perfect to help me building. Some minor details were left to my own fantasy. It was very hard to understand the special terminology and translate it (I talk and think in dutch). The result is great however. I can advise everybody who is thinking about building a strip canoe to read this book first. All issues , possible problems, step by step plans, measurements etc. are adequately handled in this book.

Canoecraft provides a wide variety canoe designs for building. Historical pictures show canoe shops with proud workers. Warning: I've used the strongback as suggested in this book and ended up with a slightly warped, but paddleable boat.

I have built the PROSPECTOR and the REDBIRD. The information in this book is accurate and easy to understand. I researched books before selecting CANOECRAFT and have found it the best source of information and guidance. Several times I have been stopped by people who are interested in my canoes. When they ask where I got my plans and instructions, I tell them about CANOECRAFT by Moores and Mohr. Thank you Ted and Merilyn.

the quality of the research and the color of the paintings are outstanding.
Also the CD-ROM has an unbelievable amount of information on the artist's
works and their provenance.
Dr.John T. Spike's 20 years of research is shared with the reader and is so readable and engaging.

My husband and I just came back from Italy and we had to have a Caravaggio book. His painting in Vatican museum was especially memorable! I picked this book and it is very good. I agree with the earlier comments that some (not "many") pictures are poor quality (too red), but many photographs are very good, nice size for an art book and very important - it is an interesting and detailed research.

My library contains many various volumes on the subject of Caravaggio--fiction, biography, fictionalized biography and photo surverys of his works--but if I were allowed only one book on this most extradordinary painter and his life I'd take "Caravaggio" by John T. Spike. In this weighty large-format picture-book Mr. Spike has given us the most complete look at the artist and his works currently available, presented in graceful depth so as to engage any interested reader and art enthusiast regardless of the nature of his commitment. It's unusual to find such an authoritative colaboration of art historical expertise and first quality illustration as we have here, a book to read, study and savor.

The reproductions are excellent. The binding is fine and the cover handsome. The writing is solid academically. I would have liked the book to have had more information on the artist and his life. Much is left to be done in the study of Caravaggio. His life still seems to be quite mysterious. His probable use of optics and mirrors in his work is touched on and needs further exploration. This book provides a good introduction to Caravaggio and his paintings in a handsome package.

Great book on the greatest of all Italian painters. Glorious plates. And the text is a pretty good bio.

This book is an excellent tool for learning how to create original designs. It leads the reader through the knotwork process step-by-step instead of giving a collection of knotwork designs for the reader to copy. I was most impressed by one of the final sections, which describes and illustrates how to embellish your knotwork designs with zoomorphics, or animal shapes integrated into the design.

CELTIC KNOTWORK DESIGNS by Sheila Sturrock is a nifty little book. As complex as the Celtic knots appear, it all comes down to this, they can be reduced to curved and straight lines, the most important combination being the "small hearts". Sturrock says there are four basic hearts and she provides examples of each displayed against a grid. Almost anyone can create the grid as it consists of lines of dots applied with a ruler. These dots are then used as the basis for organizing the hearts, parts of hearts and straight lines that makeup the most complex design. The only other thing you need to study are the anima elements in the zoomorphic designs that also are based on hearts, parts of hearts and lines.

One needs the following for making Celtic knotwork: the materials listed by Sturrock, patience, imagination. Not everyone may be a gifted needleworker, but those willing to work at it will be able to master this straightforward art. I am using this book to instruct young girls.

If you want to learn to draw Celtic knotwork, you need this book. It explains in detail and excellently detailed color diagrams how to plot the points for many different kinds of knotwork. From simple two-strand braids all the way up to interwoven animals, it is simply gorgeous and comeletely easy to understand. I can barely draw a straight line, yet I can use this book to create intricate designs for t-shirts, jewelry, embroidery and more. I've even had a couple friends who are tattoo artists borrow it to improve their techniques.

After wrestling with the venerable George Bain, I turned to this book to get a handle on Celtic knotwork. Sheila Sturrock breaks down the framework of knots into simple, basic shapes, allowing the reader to start making decorative knots within minutes of picking up the book. It proved to be a good starting point for me.

This book is for people who would like to be able to design Celtic knotwork for quilling, parchment craft, woodcarving, painting, counted cross-stitch, or needlepoint (to name a few examples). It allows you to design beautiful frames, invitations, carved boxes, greeting cards, pillows--let your imagination run wild! I used this book to design watercolor frames.

The author divided up her chapters according to the knotwork design's basic construction unit, e.g. small loops, hearts, fish, corner motifs, etc. There is also a chapter on "Creating Your Own Designs" and one on "Using Knotwork Designs in Other Crafts."

All of the illustrated patterns are based on angles of 45, 90, and 180 degrees and are plotted on a dotted grid, which makes them fairly easy to resize and replicate on graph paper. All you need in addition to the graph paper is a pencil and the ability to find a quiet spot and concentrate on your design.

The many colored illustrations are beautiful, and the knotwork diagrams are easy to follow if you give them the attention they deserve! The author has also written a handbook on Celtic knotwork, and one entitled "Celtic Spirals and Other Designs."