Arts and Crafts Books

What a fun read! How interesting it was to learn that there is a history of those wacky things we all made and that someone has been paying attention to the fact that there is a history! Thanks for enlighting us! And thanks for the inspiration to make them again.

This is an enjoyable read, with many photos that will take you back to the campfires, scout meetings and home-ec classes of your youth. Even if you consider retro crafts to be more junk than antique, you'll still find projects that will tempt you to break out the glue gun. I gave the book four stars because I do wish that a few more projects had been included. (As an example, she referenced the Reader's Digest Angels, but didn't include instructions for making them.) But overall, I think novice and expert alike will find something here that will inspire and entertain.

I love this book. I was not a crafter before I got his book. It inspired me to start crafting and even form my own crafting group with other moms.

Our foremothers had the same helpless inability to throw things away that we have today, only they didn't have recycling bins. This book shows what they made with tin cans, matchsticks and the like: craft items, some beautiful and some really, really ugly. Suzie Millions has been collecting these thingies for a lifetime -- she has an artist's eye for the good stuff and the really good bad stuff. This book shows you things you never knew existed, and what's worse, how to make them. As an added bonus we get photos of her amazing house, which gives new meaning to the word clutter.

My highest recommendation! A funny, soothing, yet oddly practical book.

I was truly impressed with the Retro book. It read well, loved the illustrations and pictures, and it rekindled enthusiasm for me to go be creative!
I may even look up my Mom's old apron!

The book is about one of the most well-known peices in Feminist art, Judy Chicago's "The Dinner Party". It not only features photos and accounts of Chicago and her hard-working team of volenteers (both men and women) as they worked for almost eight years on the project and fought to have it exhibited, but it also features detailed sections on each of the place settings and kind of symbolism used in them, and biographies of all the other women whose names around them. A very interesting and exciting book to flip through.

What could be more thrilling than a genius like Judy Chicago as she challenges assumptions and traditions with her own brilliant and harrowingly moving depiction of Womyn's struggles. Truly enthralling, and, as another reviewer noted, a threat to the white male agendas of patriarchy. Give this book to all your friends!

"Dinner Party" is one of the all-time great works of feminist art, and although it proved too threatening to males, especially the white males of congress, it is art which MUST be witnessed by all young women. I applaud the other reviewers who have distributed this great book to other women.

Even though I have rated this book, I have never read it. Why? Well its for the simple fact that I can't find it anywhere. I know that it is out of print but I need it for a class and also for the fact that I want it . Iv heard so many interesting things about The dinner Party. I hope to share this not just with my classmates but with my mom and in the far, far future when I decide to have kids, I would like to share it with my little girl. so hopefuly whom ever reads my review (so to speak) it will be listened to and the people who need the book will have it as well and the people who want it.

A triumph! A long-awaited celebration of truth about all womankind! A must-have for all women. and for men who truly appreciate their worth! Every female in the world should read this book cover-to cover and rejoice. A rare and beautiful work of art--second only to The Dinner Party exhibit itself. I am going to give this book to my daughter, friends of varying ethnic backgrounds, and several lesbian friends. How often do you find a book that speaks to the entire human race about the valuable contributions of the so-called "weaker sex"? Now we must all work to get The Dinner Party exhibit traveling, as it was originally intended to do, so that we can all personally stand in awe at this altar to all Eve's daughters!

I am so happy with this selection. The designs stitch out very nicely. I am glad I saw someone with this and ordered it for myself.

As expected the Donna Dewberry designs embroidered as well as your painted designs - I am very pleased with this first set of designs and look forward to more from her in the future.

I love this book and have truly enjoyed using the embroidery designs. They sew up beautifully and will be a wonderful addition to my embroidery library.

This is a lovely book both for the beginner as well as the experienced machine embroiderer. It is not a large book, but nevertheless is chock full of information. There are great ideas for using the embroideries on the enclosed cd, as well as providing inspiration for substituting one's own favorite designs. I used the "Pansies" design in creating an envelope pillow for a friend, coordinating the thread colors with the pansy tapestry fabric used in the pillow body. It turned out absolutely beautiful - the design stitched out gorgeous - much nicer even than the illustration in the book. I would recommend this book to anyone.

I was well pleased with not only the content of the book, the shape the book was in when received. I see great potential for utilization of these designs. Would recommend to any machine embroiderer that this type design appeals too.

While I happen to sell books on Amazon, I don't review too many of them. This book warrants a mention, IMHO.

It seems like a great book to get started w/
chapters include

1- Materials & tracing techniques
2- "From head to toe" - Body types and facial expressions
3- "Dressing your character"- clothes and character props
4- "Creating a cast of characters"- putting it all together.
5- "Cartoonifying objects and animals"
6- "Special effects and tricks of the trade"- creating cartoon sounds, movements, textures and speech
7- "Drawing a cartoon scene"- 10 easy steps to great cartoons from
rough to finish.

This book looks like a great one, for those who are motivated to try and draw cartoons.

Happy cartooning!
books-from-mk

I got this book for my son because it won the 2002 Oppenheimer Toy Portfolio Best Book Gold Award. For those who don't know, this is from a company that rates children's toys and books by how popular they are with the kids themselves. Anyway, this impressive book is a big hit with my son. He has practically worn it out, and goes to work on his cartoons right after his homework is done. I really can't believe the progress he has made. It's as if he has a private tutor! I got another copy of the book for his school's library, and they say it's now the most popular book there. Whatever Mr. Mayne is saying to these kids about cartooning, it's just what they want to hear. I recommend this book heartily!

Every kid, young or old, that has ever wanted to draw a cartoon has struggled with the elements of style. Anyone who has looked closely at Calvin and Hobbes, Doonesbury, or Peanuts can see that the drawings are deceptive; they seems simple, but are very complex graphically. At last, here's a book that shows the craft of cartooning in an utterly unassuming way. This book breaks down drawing cartoons to there barest elements, and by building on these elements, new artists can put together cartoons that can totally amaze. The tone is so conversational (and tongue in cheek) that the reader gets the feeling that Mr. Mayne is at their elbow, helping them to laugh at their mistakes and cherish their successes. The book refuses to take itself too seriously, at one point stating that cartoon characters routinely have four fingers because "Cartoonists are basically lazy." Although it at no point hypes itself as the "ultimate cartoon book for beginners", it is exactly that.

I read several reviews about beginning cartooning books for my 7-year-old son and ended up purchasing this book and he loves it. I would recommend this book for any child who has an interest in cartooning.

I purchased this book for my seven year old son, Benjamin. He loves cartoons, especially Captain Underpants, and wanted to see if he could draw his own. He didn't think he could draw well but after looking at the well laid out examples in the book, he came up with Super Embarrassed Man. He was really pleased with himself and now includes cartoonist on his list of things he'd like to be when he grows up.

Duane Barnharts Cartooning Basics has just been so much fun for my kids ages 12, 10, and 7. Using the Books step-by-step guidelines to cartooning they have created some of the most fabulous characters and cartoon strips. Not only is it great from a drawing perspective, but it also has some fun and interesting facts about the history of cartooning. Love this book!!!

'Cartooning Basics' is a wonderful tool for young aspiring cartoonists. No. 2 illustrates how to create friendly, familiar characters from simple shapes, which every child can relate to (ie circles, ovals, squares, triangles, etc.). Art teachers can gain lesson ideas that are effective and easy to implement. This is a great buy and a must read for any aspiring cartoonist, art teacher and student alike. Duane and Angie have created a fun, creative, well-illustrated tool in 'Cartooning Basics'.

Great how-to book, lots of practice exercises. The most helpful, how-to book I've read so far, and I've got a ton of them. Wish I'd found this one sooner!

'Cartooning Basics' is a wonderful tool for young aspiring cartoonists. No. 2 illustrates how to create friendly, familiar characters from simple shapes, which every child can relate to (ie circles, ovals, squares, triangles, etc.). Art teachers can gain lesson ideas that are effective and easy to implement. This is a great buy and a must read for any aspiring cartoonist, art teacher and student alike. Duane and Angie have created a fun, creative, well-illustrated tool in 'Cartooning Basics'.

This book has helped me learn to cartoon, and now, I teach it to my 2nd grade class!

From the lyrical title "Fabled Flowers" to the elegant designs displayed, Kumiko Sudo has demonstrated artistry and exquisite taste.

Combining techniques first used for paper origami the author/artist employs every trick using cloth & stitching to create divine quilt patches which are enhanced with the Japanese quilting technique known as Sashiko.

Sashiko quilting began as a means of reinforcing work wear, and also stitching layers of padding for the cloth armor of the Samurai. It evolved into an intricate and breathtaking art of fabric enhancement and is employed herein for detailing on the small squares constructed by Kumiko for this book.

30 quilt blocks are featured, in gorgeous colour and detail deliciously folded fabric in different flower folds from complicated Hydrangea to glorious Pomegranate and sweet Morning Glory. I lament only the lack of Peonies, as a personal favorite.

The guides for folding the origami effect flowers are realtively simple and easy to follow, while the detailing on the Sashiko quilting is heavenly inspiration!

All necessary templates are included at end of book as well as clear instructions for assembly.

These quilt patterns are much more applique than patchwork although some is included in the design - a little bit of everything for everyone.

Great inspirational book and definately worth the price.

As a extra snippet, a cute fable is included with every flower.

kotori May'2005

In this book, Kumiko has included the most fantastic flowers for applique based on origami, unique designs, and sushiko quilting designs. There is enough variety for even beginners, and several designs that are advanced or intermediate too. Her fabric choices are very artistic. With each design, Kumiko also includes her inspiration for the piece in the form of poetry or a story. This helps one to really feel a part of the design. There is room for much creativity. One can make a single square or a small quilt, or even full size if desired.

The life-experience fables that accompany the creative expression of this fabric/quilt artist add to the wonderful texture of the final product. This book opens up new dimensions and levels of creativity using fabric as a vehicle and providing a serene pleasue for even the casual quilter. The directions are easy to understand. The patterns are complete. The process is great fun.

I love this book. I wanted to do something floral, I did want to do some applique, but didn't want to do a Baltimore album style quilt. This was the answer. It's beautiful, less work than regular applique, and very unique and visually interesing. I'm working on the hydrangea block.

The blocks are big (mine is 17 inches) and 3 dimentional. Some of the folded shapes are tacked down.

Another excellent book from Kumiko. Clear, precise directions and diagrams. The coloured pictures are worth buying the book for.

This is a great book for anyone who wants creative ways to use and display their antiques, family heirlooms, and flea market finds. The photos are inspirational and the instructions are easy to understand. I've bought two additional copies for relatives who saw my book and loved it.

This is the most fun.. creative book I have seen in awhile. I love this book! Wonderful ideas..great pictures.. absolutely..beautiful ! Fun~ Delightful book! If you like art, quilting, sewing, crafts, home decorating.. and Mary Engelbreit to Martha Stewart Livng and Laura Ashley decorating.. you will like this book! Totally cool!

This very personable book offers a novice or an accomplished crafter wonderfully interesting ideas to make with very practical items found at garage sales, flea markets, antique shops. I am now ordering books for other members of my family who have seen my book. The instructions are very easily to follow. I have already begun 3 different projects one of which is a teacup wreath that is breathtaking especially for a teapot and cup collector like myself. There so many ideas for the reasonable price of this book. It is beautifully photographed, and the authors are shown as real as the rest of us who haunt flea markets, etc.

You will love this book. It contains a variety of projects with easy to understand instructions. Highly recommended for anyone who loves doing crafts.

Let me start by saying I am NOT a "crafty person." BUT, the pictures, illustrations & directions seem simple to follow! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this book!!!!!!! When I looked through it, I immediatedly thought about different friends I wanted to get one for. If you like crafts & flea markets, buy this book! You won't be disappointed!!!!!!

This book is a wonderful resource for anyone who uses flowers. The author presents wonderful and original ideas and the photography is excellent. I've never seen one better. I wish it was again in print!

There is no need for a lengthy review of this book. Quite simply, it contains photos of the most beautiful floral arrangements I have ever seen. I enjoy it often with a sense of awe and envy.

Paula Pryke is an artist is every sense of the word. Coming across this magnificently and luxuriously illustrated book is like discovering a famous artist new to you. The topic is 'Inspired Arrangements for All Occasion' and both the writing and illustrations certainly prove that claim to be true.

But what is so very different in this rich volume than in other volumes on flower arranging is the unique approach to the medium. Pryke's keen eye combines not only flowers of every possible kind (from simple wild garden blossoms to the most exotic of species from strange lands), but she also sees vegetable, seeds, gourds, branches, twigs, moss, vines - all are of equal importance to her choices for synthesis of her amazing creations.

Some Floral designers elect to create books about their craft that are limited to beautifully photographed final arrangements. Paula Pryke, with a winning writing style, takes us through the puzzling mysteries of how she finds and assembles the components of her art. She also separates the book into simple works, arrangements according to a unified color scheme, and arrangements and accoutrements that are celebratory for holidays and special occasions.

Whether this book is added to the library as a coffee table adornment (sure to be admired by all discerning guests) or as a guide to creative floral design, FLOWERS, FLOWERS! is an artwork containing some of the most exquisite floral you will encounter. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, August 06

I have been running my own floral design business for parties and special events for two years now, and this book has proved itself to be one of my most valuable resources. A very diverse collection of arrangements is found throughout the pages of this book and I would rate it as a definite asset to the library of both professionals and flower lovers alike.

This book has all you would like to know about flower arrangement. Starting from how the flowers make it to the market(from the growers) ,to the Common names and Latin names of the different flower species. There are superb pictures of 100s of arrangements for different occassions and step by step descriptions of how to do some of them. What I liked the most , was the last chapter called techniques, it has a thorough description of all the equipment one needs to do these elaborate arrangents. However, for a complete beginner like me , this book might seem too intense as the arrangements are quite elaborate. At any rate, it makes a good coffee table read.

This product is good if you have already ready Charlotte's first book. It is not enough otherwise.

Exceptional simple explanation and illustrations. A valuable addition to my library

This is by far the most helpful book I have when it comes to doing realistic pictorial quilts. There are so many details and tips about how to make features, hands, fur, and more look more lifelike...those alone are worth the purchase price. Although the author sews as she goes and I use the fusible web technique, there is no conflict. I find myself turning to this book again and again to help me solve problems. The author goes into some detail about how to draw features so that they can be easily rendered in fabric...there is a fascinating quiz where you match a drawn outline of ears, eyes, nose, or mouth with the photo from which it came. Comparing the drawings with the photos was a very instructive exercise. If you want to create realistic picture quilts that contain people or animals, this is the number one book to have!

This is an excellent book. I'll keep it forever as a reference book. It arrived in perfect shape and in a short time from when ordered. Thank You.

This is a great book. Charlotte brings people to life in her quilts. I am truly amazed and inspired by her work. She guides you thru the process to approaching quilt making with her techniques. I am still working on making my first face quilt and although it takes some work...it is well worth it if you are interested in this kind of quilt art. Another great book i am happy to own.

This is a WONDERFUL book. The pictures are gorgeous and the nstructions are accurate and concise. Makes you want to own every quilt and rug in the book!

Filled with beautiful photos of Polly's home and her hooked rugs, along with her sister's wonderful coordinating quilts, this is a MUST HAVE book for all rug hooker's new and "old." Americana "eye-candy!" It is refreshingly uncomplicated and includes patterns to both quilt and hook. Every crafter needs this book on their bookshelf!

Folk Art Friends is both an inspirational and a practical how-to-book, combining two art forms...hand-hooking rugs and quilting to produce your own folk art. I am a rug hooker of just 2 years; I have never quilted, but have wanted to hand quilt a piece. This book is urging me to "go girl". Beautiful color photos, clear directions, patterns galore, resources for materials...everything a quilter and/or rug hooker would need in one book...and you can produce coordinating works! These two authors, sisters, are experts who are willing to share their ideas and techniques with others...in the true spirit of their arts. This book is a true "keeper".

This is a wonderfully composed book with clear instructions, beautiful pictures, and interesting background. Inspiration comes from not only the projects, but from the wonderful ways the rugs and quilts are displayed in Polly's home. This is not only a must have for any quilter and hooker, but is also a tempting book for those who would like to learn either art.

Donna Schultz

I love this book! It is full of inspiration, information and lots of wonderful photos. Very clear, concise instructions are included, as well as lots of great patterns. I especially loved Polly's color palette in her folky rugs and seeing the rugs and coordinated quilts on display in her home. For those looking for Americana themed rugs and quilts, this is a great book, as it contains several projects based on red,white & blue designs.