Arts and Crafts Books

This book is wonderful if you are going to get a tattoo of a certain Kanji it has tons to choose from. I use this book almost everyday.. this is by far one of my best purchases.

What a great book! The presentation of multiple styles definitely caught my eye as I fanned through the book the first time; I was hooked! The introduction is very well written, and each page thereafter imparts a wealth of information that is simply a joy to read.

I love "power" words - single words that encompass my thoughts and feelings - and kanji characters are a beautiful way to express them. I found 'Designing with Kanji' in my effort to design my next tattoo. When I did not find exactly what I was looking for in the book, I contacted Leza and she promptly responded with the characters I needed. Great book - great woman!

I have been an admirer for Oriental Culture, and willing to understand Chinesse and Japanese writing. This book is an excellent source which explains a lot of Kanji symbols, and has several notes about interesting facts about it. I recommend it to all people looking to introduce themselves into this enigmatic and wonderful language.
Antonio Sobalvarro

Easy to read, follow, and use right away. Shows formal, modern, flowing, and stylish character sets. Describes the root, meaning, and nature of common Japanese words and phrases. The calligraphy is excellent. I only wish it was longer and more encompassing. Among other things I use this book as a supplement to Write Your Name in Kanji text by Nobuo Sato to write the characters more elegantly.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

We had recently seen "The Last Samuri" so I was in the frame of mind to learn more about Japanese history and culture. I found this book on the Breakfast table one recent morning. The introduction and explanation of Kanji was clear and concise. This book provided a great beginning to the subject of how a culture influenced a language and how a language influenced a culture. I couldn't put it down for an hour or so. I'll refer to it often.

I just bought this book last night because it looked very beautiful and interesting. I love Quentin Blake's style and made no mistake in buying it. It's a lot of fun to own, read and work on, I can't keep my hands off it!

Drawing can be frustrating but this book, although encouraging, also shows how relaxed and and joyful it can be, never making it tedious. If my nieces were old enough, I'd buy one for each. Can't wait to be done with it so I can move to some of other KLUTZ' works.

Terrific book, which I try to keep on hand to give to depressed bed-ridden people. It really seems to help people keep their minds off their worries. I ordered two copies on 1 May and have just cancelled my order on 23 May because the total $100+ order hasn't arrived and nobody at Amazon seems to care. Now I'll have to start all over again from a different seller, because I can't trust Amazon again with an order. Too bad.

I actually give this book 5 squillion gazillion satrs-it's FANTASTIC!!!!!! Should you get it?? YES YOU SHOULD!! (as long as you're over 8 years old-sorry under 8s-that's what it says on the back of the book.)
Do you wish you could draw? Not necessarily to be an 'Artiste' or whatever, but just for fun? Do you look at all kinds of art~from greetings cards to school kids' comics to the art in world famous galleries and think 'I wish I could do that' [please say 'yes' here otherwise I'll get paranoid]? Me too. Well, here's the answer!!
Sure other art teaching type books probably have their merits, but none can hold a candle to this one.
It's a square, a little smaller than A4 size, ringbound, and comes with 2 watercolor pencils (I can't tell you how fun these are!) and a drawing pen-all of artist quality.
Lessons and directions are mostly kept to the periphery leaving big blank spaces for you-the budding new artist, to fill in, add to or enhance some of the unfinished sketches in there-THAT'S RIGHT! YOU DRAW IN THE BOOK-no other ingredients needed!! (So this isn't really suitable for a library or something to share between kids; it's totally personal and that's actually part of the charm.)
FUN is the key ingredient to any successful learning and this is what we have here in spades, and you learn proper techniques too-it's not just about doodling, and the encouraging, esteem building way it's written is just buoying!
And here's another bonus; there's no upper age limit, so as long as you're 8+, you're set; I'll be 33 soonish and I LOVE THIS!!!!
So get this for yourself or for anyone who wants to draw and have a blast!! It's 104 pages of absolute brilliance!!
And may I say a big heartfelt thank you to all the people behind it; I used to be embarrassed about my drawings-never feeling like I measured up, but you guys have made me feel great about it-turns out I actually can draw!!!

This a wonderfully constucted (board covers and spiral bound) book that comes with pencils. The book is about drawing and meant to be drawn upon...what a combo!

There is instuction in the book but it's subtle and never says *a sky should look like this and a dog like this*. It's more about the joy of drawing and just getting started than it is about how to draw anything in a line by line way. A great thing for kids as they get to develope their own style.

That isn't to say there aren't lessons to be learned (perspective, shading, faces...showing movement, etc) The book is set up with small amounts of text and drawings (almost doodles) on the pages with the expectation that you will draw your own designs on the blank spaces. One thing I just love is that the pictures they included as examples are very sketchy and loose... simple and quickly drawn. Nothing that anyone would look at and say "I could never do that!" about. I think that is wonderful. I have seen too many how to draw books where the results look nothing short of professional and when I buy them for my son he just looks at them and thinks he could never duplicate the result. Its intimidating and he won't even try.

with this book... The examples, looking more like doodles, are very inviting and non-threatening. Almost inviting you to add your own. Perfect!

The text is helpful and humorous. Some pages there is very little and others...there is more but it's all friendly and conversational. This is a real winner!

This is a wonderful book on drawing, and I would recommend it to anyone whose age ranges between 10 and 100.The author gives plenty of ideas for those who are shy at first, but they are written with a small types so if you don't need help you are not forced to have it , and the instructions are very clear and easy to follow.
However I would not give it to yopung children for two reasons. Reason number one is that children younger than ten express themselves through drawing. The way they draw a tree, for example, tells us a lot about their personality. No instruction should be given before age 8. Reason number two is the instructions are a bit difficult for kids up to third grade.
I suggest teacher should use this book as an art connection inside a Roald Dahl author study.

I bought this book when I was about 11 years old. I am now 20, and still use it. All the base folds are relevant for alot of the more advanced models that I fold. I will never get rid of this book, and it should be in every origami lover's library!

This is one of the best beginners books there is. Models are grouped into chapters covering the different origami models with a range of easy pieces which will give the beginner plenty of practice with basic folds and techniques. The finished results are attractive and in some cases downright exciting - the Steve Biddle Father Christmas is one of my favourite models. I also like the Kawahata pteranodon.

The book progresses towards more advanced work which is nevertheless produced in the characteristic clear style of the books by Steve and Megumi Biddle. They use standard diagrammatic language so that once you have learned from this book you will be able to pick up most other origami books and work from them.

In addition, once you have made all the models in the book you will be an intermediate level folder and ready for more advanced challenges!

I recommend this book which will make a great gift, but be sure to provide some paper with it as it does not include a pack of origami paper the way some beginners books do.

Very good diagrams. Projects range from very easy to more advanced, following a logical progression.
Appears to be out of print.
For beginners, I recommend Hediaki Sakata's _Origami_.(Please note that Amazon has an incorrect subtitle on Sakata's book).

I bought this book to broaden the range of things that I could fold (knowing just 2 or 3 origami before reading this). It has exceeded my expectations. Not only did I quickly learn new things that I could fold, I also learned a broad range of fundamental patterns for origami, plus I found detailed instructions on complex models.

There are a variety of simple hat, box, flower, and animal models that you learn from the very start, but the patterns range up to much more complex models, like a wonderful Santa Claus origami that I've folded several times to add to Christmas presents. That one still takes me about half an hour to fold, but I'm working on it. This book covers many origami that can be made from a fairly broad set of basic folds, so you can go a long way with just this book.

The instructions are generally very clear with words and pictures for everything you need to do. The models do build on one another, however, and later in the book there are often back-references to previous pieces (which may themselves refer to earlier pieces). You should not expect to jump immediately to the most complex origami (unless you have significant prior experience, I guess).

I was prepared to buy a couple of books, if necessary, to learn a variety of interesting things to fold, but having purchased this one, I have not felt the need to buy another so far. I highly recommend this book.

This is the perfect starting origami book it has wonderful digrams and most the models are pretty simple even the dragon shown on the cover is pretty simple, although there are a few harder models. The one downside to this book is there aren't very many origanal models although the ones that do exist are very cool. people just starting origami haven't seen that many models so what i just said isn't a problem for them. I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to learn the art of origami

this was a great book but i bought it new form amazon and there was writing on the sides and cover.

This book is written with a sense of humor. It has lots of ideas, tips, recipes, and facts; it even has poetry. There are no patterns but plenty of ideas and pictures (to copy). This book is a delight!

I love this guy,I've been watching his website for years. Search under
Extreme Pumpkins.Not for the mainsteam friendly smiling pumpkin carver.
The book has great pictures and instructions. You get to use POWER TOOLS!
I recommend it as a great book for yourself and to give to any friends you have with a strange sense of humor! Warning your neighbors may think you've gotten a little too far out there!!!

I love this book! Not only are the pumpkin carving ideas amazing, but the guy has great suggestions with a good sense of humor. My only regret was that I ordered it late in October and I didn't get the book in time to pursue some of the projects for Halloween night. But it sure made for a great table book and conversation piece at my little Halloween get together. Next year we'll be ready to take some of these on! The photos are wonderful and we all cracked up, deciding which pumkin extravaganza was our favorite. So if you're seriously into having some Halloween creativity and fun, get this little book.
FUNNY!

This book is entertaining, hilarious, and is guaranteed to equally disturb your neighbors and make you a legend among the neighborhood kids come Halloween. Easy instructions to make one of the many bizzare pumpkins illustrated or to "take creative wing" and scare the bejeebers out of the neighbors! Put the fun back into Halloween-this book will show you how!!!

It took two, people, to figure out what one illustrations, and we still got it wrong, need better explannation on the visuals.

I am very happy with the speed of delivery, price and condition of the book.Thanks!!!

Great book. It is a must for any sewer of garments. Great tips and good directions.

This book is GREAT! I use it for my sewing class in college, and it comes in very handy! It's a good reference to fall on even for the expert of sewers! It's a must have for sewers of all levels!

While many of the techniques are covered in some of the other sewing textbooks you might have read one techique in particular stands out to me as I have never seen this elsewhere is how to sew a all in one facing professionally. Normally the intructions tell you to leave the shoulder seams open and then "hand sew" them. Not this one it shows you how to do the factory way. If you don't own any other sewing books then this is the one to get

I purchased this book when it first came out and boy, I was in for a real treat. This book is written with the inexperienced dyer in mind. I teach from this book beginning dying at my local quilt shop. I'm sorry it's no longer in print. I would recomend this book to anyone that wants to learn to hand-dye! Also, using the freezer bags makes it a snap!

I had originally purchased this book in a kit I bought from Dharma Trading. I somehow misplaced the book, and just recently purchased another copy. I have several books on dyeing/painting on fabric and go to this one time and time again. I'm teaching a class in July on dyeing fabric and everyone is going to have to purchase a copy of this book. It is a great book to learn how to dye fabric. It is well written and easy to follow. Need to purchase if you are interested in learning the art of dyeing fabric.

This book is great for beginners, but as a 'non-beginner' I still refer back to it all the time. It is great, as the recipes don't call for urea, which I never seem to have around. It is easier, and safer, for children to use for dyeing as it doesn't use the harsh chemicals some formulas call for.

An all around great book that should be reprinted - I have to say, as good as it is, I certainly wouldn't pay the 'used book' prices that it is going for now. It's only 55 pages, no matter HOW good it is!

This book was descriptive enough as far as actually dyeing the fabrics, but I felt that it lacked a basic tool - which is a color wheel. Just by adding a section pertaining to mixing and creating new colors, it might have made for better reading.

I have MANY books on hand-dyeing fabrics for quilters, but this is the one I take out when it's time to dye. The instructions are simple and clear. The equipment is minimal and easy to use (zip-lock bags, not jars or buckets), and the worksheets are invaluable. The other books are pretty to look at and get ideas from, but this book will actually get you dyeing. Thanks, Adrienne...I should send you pictures of the many quilts I've made with my own hand-dyed fabrics thanks to you.

I think that this is the definitive kit plane reference for those contemplating building the same.

The book is well written in an easy to understand style and provides a great insight into what's involved. It covers all aspects of construction and also includes a lot of honest, upfront details about the real costs involved.

I also purchased a copy of "Choosing your Homebuilt" and while this provides much of the same information it does so in a much more superficial manner compared to this book. The only advantage of Ken Armstrong's title is the flight reviews, which although useful are somewhat dated with many of the listed manufacturer's no longer in business...

Therefore if your budget allows purchase both, but if I had to choose just one it would have to be a copy of the "Kit Airplane Construction"

This is a great book for anyone considering building their own airplane, it goes into great detail about every facet of building your own plane, and excellent book!

An amazing amount of information for the homebuilder. Very well written, entertaining and up to date.

This is another great addition to my library. Very informative, I really like the case studies.

The book helped me most in the following areas:

1) What is involved in kitplane construction - risks and benifits, even the benifits of purchasing a used certified aeroplane.
2) Showed me how to think in terms of aviation building with safety as a priority.
3) Covers info from the kit purchase stage to the test flight.
4) Emphasized that it is helpful to understand all forms of construction (metal, wood) no matter what kind of aeroplane you are building. The book covers composite, metal, metal monocoque, wood construction.

This is a must buy for people who are wondering what it takes to build a kitplane and are undecided about whether they should build one.

Though I have not been able yet to go thorugh this book completely , what I have read so far, I am pleased with it.

I have been making handbags and totes for years, and own many, many books and patterns on the subject, but I still learned new things from this book. It would be the one resource I would have if I could only have one. From the tools and techniques in this book, you could go on to make any kind of handbag. Curiously, I didn't buy this when it first came out because I don't like the looks of the bag on the cover. It's my least favorite looking bag in the book, but the exterior looks really don't matter--from what is learned by using this book, you will be able to create any look you desire.

This was one of the better handbag making books I have found. The designs are interesting & have modern touches that don't detract from the vintage aspect. The how-to photos are excellent. The instructions rae easy to floow even if you have not made many bags. If you are looking to make your own bags - this is a must have book

I love this book and how it is organized. First off, there is a solid section of items to help make your bags (e.g. tools, fabric selection, types of lining, handles, fasteners, types of stitches, appliques and more), then four sections covering the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s and 1950s with bag styles refecting these periods, and lastly patterns to freely use (you have to enlarge them in order to properly make the purses) in when making these bags. One can then apply appliques/bows or design your own reflecting your personal style, handles, lining, and fasteners to make the bag(s) of your dreams. The author is thorough and very giving with her knowledge of vintage clothing and all this is apparent in "Making Vintage Bags." I can't wait to get started on my purses!

Great book, great ideas! If you are a hand made bag lover, it is worth getting it!

This excellent book teaches you accurate anatomy at the same time as providing quality instruction on figure sculpting.

I am an artist who love to make detailed art work in my drawing and sculpture. I love art, but it cannot become my life career. While unable to attend any art class but despreately want to learn I look in to books for answers. And I found this book. I find my answers to the detail I'm looking for in this book. The book shows you how the artist create a female body sculpture starting from bone to muscle, and from muscle to skin. This book is a good resource to me. As my own Christmas presents I bought it.

This book is more helpful than Lucchesi's other guides. There is a lot of practicle info here which will help you get familiar with figure sculpting. I would say that this book as actually about as helpful as taking a beginning figure sculpture class, and the techniques are very solid. I am actually a pretty tough critic, and a 4 star review for an art instruction book coming from me is pretty rare (check out my other reviews for art books if you don't believe me).

So appreciate that Bruno took the time to produce this book so that those of us who arent able to attend his workshops, have the opportunity to learn.A master of anatonomy who presents the process in pictorial stages we can clearly follow.A must have figure form book.

both this and 'Modeling the Head in Clay' are the best books I've seen on the subject.

Highly recommended

I have one and will give you information on the Hummel Silk Carpet.(The Book lacks this information)
On the back is a tag stitched to it saying:

M.J. Hummel
ORIGINAL HUMMEL SILK CARPET
HANDKNOTTED IN BEIJING, CHINA.

ARS AG, ZUG, SWITZERLAND

LIMITED EDITION :10 /50

Also there is a tag attached to the SILK CARPET written in both Chinese and English
ZHE JIANG SILK RUG

I am giving this information because the book does not have a picture of this HUMMEL SILK CARPET and not sure about the information I just posted.
VALUE UNKNOWN but it is Very Beautiful

not only is this a complete guide -- but it is so easy to use -- anyone owning or buying Hummel's should have this -- I only wish I could find Guides like this for my other collectables --

This book is very well illustrated, well layed-out, easy to use, and the pictures are very beautiful. It's full of information, explains more than I expected, and it is a MUST for Hummel collectors.

I have all, since the first publication, of Robert Miller's Price Guide to MI Hummel Figurines, Plates, Miniatures and More.
Mr. Miller has all the knowledge one would expect & want to find in his books after much research and many trips to Germany to gain this knowledge. This is THE HUMMEL BIBLE! I highly recommend this book to all Hummel collectors or to anyone interested in the collecting of fine arts. Very well written with explicit details about Sister MI Hummel's life in Massing, Germany & her schooling. Each known Hummel is pictured & tells of the Master Artist who molded each three dimentional figurine from the drawings by Sister beginning in the 1930's to the present TMK markings. A great investment for Insurance purposes when appraising your figurines by The Hummelking!

Even though it's proclaimed by expert collectors as the absolute source of information about Hummel figurines, Robert Miller's reference work is easy for amateurs as well. He provides insightful guidance in determining value and quality as well as interesting tidbits about production and variations in the figurines. His work is referenced by many sellers in internet auctions, but is also helpful in figuring out just what you already have. As a rank beginner, I had no problem in following his material and ascertaining the value of an inherited collection. It was also useful in helping me determine additions that I wanted to make to the collection.