Arts and Crafts Books

The best part(s) of this book are the stitching techniques demonstrated right along with the sample quilt(s). You're able to see how the stitching will look as the quilt comes together. Beautifully done with excellent diagrams and photos. The historical information is also very good. A great book to have for your quilting repetoire.

Just received this book and it exceeds my expectations. Made my selection due to the reviews of this book and thanks to all for the comments because this is a great choice. I wanted a book that gives basic instruction on making crazy quilts plus some of the more frequently used stitches,and thats just what I got. Author gives 20 pages to show different stitches and their various possiblities on a project. Inspiring photos, and suggestions for applications of crazy quilt method. This has been a find for me, doubt anyone will be disappointed with this books and all it has to offer. enjoy.

I prefe the books by Judith Montano. This was well written and illustrated. It was for the beginner, ideas were limited.

In my opinion this is the BEST book out on making Crazy Quilts. I have four others but this is my favorite. You'll love it.

Good comprehensive book on crazy quilting -- from basic construction of crazy quilt blocks to stitch diagrams and materials suggestions. Also includes drawings of how stitches would be used in crazy quilt blocks.

The finished models in this book are great, they are clearly identifiable species, not just generic fish, crabs, etc.
What really makes the book stand out, however, are the folding sequences. The steps flow with a natural rythm, and every tricky step is clearly explained. Because the authors have created unique bases for each model, the results of a given step are often pleasantly surprising.
I have a pile of origami books, and this is my favorite so far by a pretty wide margin. When I finish folding everything in it, I will probably fold them all again because they are so much fun.

This book is well written with easy to understand diagrams. The models range from easy to extremly hard, but most of the animals are high intermediate.Most of the diagrams are so specialized that they can't make other models from the base, but the end result is an elegant model that isn't bulky like other models of this difficulty. I have most of Montroll's and Lang's work,and this is one of the best.The deep sea angler fish is my favorite with a full set of teeth. The binding is breaking apart because I've used it so much. Overall this is a book with the best models!
(Watch the binding of the Dover books!)

This superb book contains an enormous range of origami models representing various forms of sea life. These range from sea urchins and starfish through to the Blackdevil Angler Fish and the almost impossible to fold Chambered Nautilus Shell. I have in my time folded most of the models and my favourites include the Angler Fish, Goldfish and the Murex shell which is wonderful in a textured foil.

Most of the models will require some folding experience, even the easier ones and the most difficult ones like the Atlantic Purple Sea Urchin and Blackdevil Angler Fish are really for experts only, but most folders of intermediate level and upwards will find something to enjoy. It is definitely a book which will help you to develop your folding skills but be sure to have plenty of paper on hand!

Each section includes an interesting introduction to the natural history of the life forms it is covering and the book is well laid out with clear computerised diagrams. It's an origami book I've come back to again and again over the years and which remains one of my treasures. I recommend it.

I've owned this book for a number of years and only recently have I been able to fold most of the creatures in it. This book is definitely not for greenhorns, but if you look closely at every single diagramme in the book, and interpret them exactly and are very careful, every model in the book is foldable. The end result is gorgeous paper sea creatures that can impress basically anyone--yourself included. I've been amazed at how beautiful the things I'm folding from this book turn out.

This is one of my favorite Origami books ever. If you are thinking about getting it you should. This book will appeal to any body, from beginner to advanced. I love the models in this book. It contains various models of many genera and cover many of the marine phylums such as variety of gastropods, cephalodops, crustaceans, and many fish from Angler Fish to sharks to Sun fish.

I bought 2 of these books having seen Rosie on the Martha Stewart show. The way she includes her children to do all sorts of crafts,is fabulous. I am an avid stamper and scrapbooker, so I thought this would be ideal for me when I have the grand kids over, so then I had to buy another so my daughter also had a book so she could learn how to do crafts with the kids.
thanks so much.

This is a great book, full of lots of fun activities many of which don't take anything more than what you have around the house. In fact I had it sitting on my living room end table and my daughter in law who doesn't even have kids said she'd love to have a copy for her own use.

I know some of you are not Rosie fans, but believe me she really understands what gets kids excited about craft projects.

Wow. I teach crafts and art to children in the summer and this book gave me great new ideas on all age and skill levels. I like the formulas in the back of the book for homemade clay, etc. A must have for every crafter and mom.

I just love this book! The projects have wonderful pictures and very clear instructions. They can all be done with items found around the house. And, my grandkids have loved every one that we have done. This book is definitely worth the money.

I was very excited to order this book after reading all of the glowing reviews. When I received it I dropped everything to read it (I can vacuum another day!) and was quickly disappointed. There was very little new information in here - anyone who reads Family Fun or has a passing knowledge of Martha Stewart has seen these before.

I did give it three stars because it was well laid out and photographed. Anyone who is new to crafting with their kids will find this a valuable resource. As for myself, it is on it's way back to amazon to find a home with another family.

Another wonderful cloth doll book by my favorite author in this area. Great illustrations. Thank you!

Excellent book! Great instructions on how to draw a face on cloth and how to paint and highlight facial features. I haven't made my first doll yet, but I have it on my "to do" list. I really like Patti Medaris Culea and Anne Hesse's dolls as they seem so realistic with the beautiful colors and embellishments. I make handsewn beaded jewelry and I look forward to making my first cloth doll creation. One of the things I really like about Patti's books is she also includes other dollmakers work so you can visually see all the different styles of the designers and it makes your own creative juices start to flow.

Creative Cloth Doll Faces: Using Paints, Pastels, Fibers, Beading, Collage, and Sculpting Techniques
Using many photos and easy to follow directions and diagrams, Patti has reduced the terrifying and difficult task many feel unable to acheive to its basics and allows the artist in you to come alive!

The book has dolls from a number of different artists and demonstrates each of their approach to making the face come alive! The tips are portable and not limited to just Patti's own dolls, but ones you can save in your head for future use on a new project.

I highly recommend this book for both beginning dollmakers as well as for advanced artisans who want to improve their work or techniques.

Creative Cloth Doll Faces is delightful, inspirational and visually stimulating. It takes the idea of an art doll to a new level of elegance. The directions are easy to understand, even for a beginner. It is amazing how much diversity can be made from one basic face. Each artist gives the face his/her own creative identity. I highly recommend this book to folks who wish to get into the making of elegant art dolls. Bravo for Patti Medaris Culea for a fine tutorial that includes paints, pastels, fibers, beading, collage and sculpting techniques.

That's what this book is good at. Easy to follow directions, great patterns, that can be changed to fit - your doll. But most of all, a easy way to get that face looking, like a face. Not a blob of colors, where the eyes are not in the right place, or are too big on one side, and smaller on the other. This book also has great tips for those who are more experianced. The face intimadates most begainers, and some who have expriance too. And this makes it fun to come up with your own doll face. Where you'll know it will look like a face. Enjoy - this books is tons of fun. You'll find yourself going back to it, again and again.

Great craft ideas for preschoolers through grade school. Make sure to have the washable stamp pads ready for when the book arrives.

We got this for my 6-year-old daughter. She has used it well. There are so many things to do in the book that she hasn't gotten bored. We haven't had much luck finding washable stamp pads that easily wash off her fingers though! Her stained fingers are worth it though!!

As a homeschooling mom of a preschooler and first grader, I am always looking for things that are appropriate for a wide variety of age levels. The Complete Funprint Drawing Book is perfect for homeschool art! The directions are simple enough for my just-turned-four year old to follow, but the endless variety of things to make is interesting enough for my six (and a half) year old. I am looking into more Ed Emberly books to add to our homeschool art resource collection.

I loved Ed Emberley's books so much when I was a kid, I had to share them with my own children and my students.

Lucy Adams, author of If Mama Don't Laugh, It Ain't Funny

These books are great for art projects with kids. My class is making a gift for the school using these art ideas.

I purchased this book for my sixteen year old daughter who has discovered the joy of creating with clay. She has been making figurines for quite some time now. With each figurine, her technique is improving. This book has helped her to fine tune her technique as well as giving ideas on what to do next. She loves this book!

I recently have decided to try polymer clay. I wasn't sure where to start so I ordered this book first. I love fairies, trolls, etc. I sat down as soon as I received it and read the whole thing. It is very informative. I tried my first polymer clay creature last night and it turned out wonderfully. Without this book, I wouldn't of known where to get started. Although I have not tried making any of the creatures out of this book, I am excited about attempting it. There is so much detail about each individual project that I feel comfortable with it. I highly recommend this book for all levels.

I have always loved Maureen Carlson's work. This book has a lot of fun projects (15 in all) and it is a great way to spend an afternoon. When your project is finished it is sure to make you smile.

The book has great pictures, and just enough detail to create a fairie, troll, etc. Patterns are very helpful for a beginner like me! Over all- it's a start. Marg.

I found this book while browsing the shelves in a bookstore and my only regret is that I didn't know that the author is offering an autographed copy on her website! I'll probably order one at some point because this book was exactly what I needed to move on to the next stage in my art and I'm forever in her debt. I started sculpting with polymer clay about five years ago and up to now was entirely self-taught when it came to sculpting figures. Just a month or so before finding the book, I attempted faces but knew I had a long way to go. Maureen's book is just what I needed and more.

Her instruction on proportion is excellent and she shares many valuable tips on working with this medium, which can be very sneaky and tricky. From the point of an intermediate level and experienced artist, the instruction is extremely easy to understand and put into practice. Exact measurements are given whenever possible, making each project practically foolproof. I believe that the book is also very valuable to the absolute beginner but would recommend that they take their time and spend a great deal of time becoming familiar with the quirks of polymer clay before expecting to complete the projects quickly and easily. If I had only one tip to offer, it would be that when your clay "turns gumby," as I call it when it becomes stretchy and too soft, put it down and let it rest because you are not going to get anywhere with it until it does.

Every project is adorable and easy to accomplish. In addition to a good variety of characters, projects for props such as tree spirits and fairy portals are also provided so that you can create an entire fantasy village! So far, I've made three of the characters and am very pleased with the results, even on the first try. My first figures turned out a bit larger but it was very easy to scale them down on the next attempt. You'll learn how to create and use armatures and molds and sculpt faces, body parts and even clothing! I love the way that each chapter is written from the point of view of one of the characters, The Storyteller, (who bears a strong resemblance to the author!) and that we're guided through each project with tips from another character, Woodpecker Pete. I own several books on polymer clay technique and this is one of the few that I intend to keep forever. It hasn't made it to the bookshelves since I brought it home and it's unlikely that it ever will. The stock that the book is printed on is also very sturdy and will hold up to many hours of flipping through and holding it open for a reference.

Investing in this book increased my skill level tremendously in a very short period of time. I have already applied so much of what Maureen teaches to my own work in sculpting goddesses and dancers.

I also love the way that the author nurtures creativity by encouraging us to tell stories with our art, as she does. This book is so much more than a technique manual. It's a treasure that belongs in every clay artist's toolbox and a priceless investment.

This book is a must-have. It shows how to make the patterns fit and work, and explains the garments well. I used this book to help me figure out the pattern for fitted hose, and Tudor Tailor to help fit the hose... and together I managed to get some nice hose! The braies pattern, like the rest of the explanations is easy to understand on first-read. I recommend it!

I bought this book after reading the description. The photos and information on how to recreate medieval clothing are very useful for seamstresses and beginner alike. Full-color photos of people in clothing made helps with the 3-D aspect of what it looks like. Use this book in conjunction with other references and you will not be disappointed.

A great place to start if you're looking for the medieval common clothes patterns and sewing techniques.
It's not riddled with complicated notions and covers a lot of items, from underwear's to capes and hair net's creation guidelines.
A lot of useful sketches and drawings come to add value to the... unisex patterns (I mean there's always only one pattern from which both men's and women's clothes can be created).
I'd recommend it to all interested in making their own medieval garments.

If you are wondering how to make a medieval costume and you want it to be as authentic as possible and to look good, then this is the book for you.
This book does not do a lot of research into what clothing was available in the Middle Ages, but it DOES show you how to properly put it together.
For the first-timer or for the expert, this book will aid you enormously.
For any medieval re-enactors out there - GET THIS BOOK!!!
You will not be able to lend it out; it may never come back!

I love this book, and not just because it's a great primer on medieval clothing. It's also the best book on basic pattern-drafting I've found yet. You'll need a friend for pinning the block (a patient, non-grouchy friend, preferably), but the instructions are incredibly clear and simple. With almost no drafting experience, I was able to draft a very closely-fitting kirtle and cotehardie. The sleeves still need tweaking to fit perfectly, but sleeves are difficult and mine are totally wearable. For a first attempt at sleeve drafting, I'm quite happy (and the fit problems are all in the arm and wrist, not the armscye).

While this book is not comprehensive and I'd recommend supplementing it with other sources (no mention of fur tippets, only tippet style included is a straight band, doesn't include bliauts or much instruction on headwear, no eight-panel cotehardie, no two-piece sleeves, etc.), it's an indispensable primer for patterning and sewing medieval clothing that is suitable for the advanced beginner to intermediate sewer. The book does an admirable job providing an introduction to the clothing of a very broad time period.

To supplement "The Medieval Tailor's Assistant," I'd recommend the Excavations in London series, particularly "Textiles and Clothing" and "Dress Accessories," "Medieval Military Costume," by Gerry Embleton (does include some women's clothing; no patterns), and the annual journal "Medieval Clothing and Textiles," ed. Robin Netherton (volume 1 has an excellent article on fur tippets). A book or two on tablet-weaving might also be of interest for making your own belts and girdles.

I have not folded any of the creatures in the book: I just like to look at the pictures and read the small articles about each animal. But if anyone wanted to fold one of these animals, get some large papers (above 12x12 inches)and probably a couple tweezers :))

This book is the best one for the paperfoldinging advanced beginners, this have many advanced origami and the results are very great.

I was able to fold one of the models in this book (the ant.) I aspire to fold the others someday, after much, much more practice with easier books. They look really cool, so they give me a goal to aim for, but I am not certain if I will ever get there.
Five stars because they are great designs.

My 11 year old grandson is an origami 'master'! he has been doing ORIGAMI for 5 or 6 years. He says this is the best ORIGAMI book he has - he has a library full of them! He just ordered another Robert Lang ORIGAMI book.

I see I'm in the minority on this book, and I'm sure I'll get a bunch of "unhelpful" votes from people disagreeing with my opinion, but I found this book really frustrating for the amount of steps that are just so difficult to get through. To be honest, until I got this book, I'd never really had major difficulties with any origami I've done, I've been folding for over 30 years, I had even folded Lang's previous monster the Cuckoo Clock from The Complete Book of Origami, Montroll's Stego and other such complex models. I've done plenty of insects before (I loved the mantis in his Origami Zoo book) but the majority of the ones in this book just drove me nuts. He clearly loves sinks and those in particular often just really tripped me up for the complexity of the layers you were having to sink. There were a few that I simply could not figure out, they just seemed totally inexplicable how you were supposed to get those layers properly reversed. I'd try such models again and fail again, and I personally just do not find that enjoyable to put so much time into something only to get totally stuck and unable to continue. Sure, it happens once in awhile regardless...but with this book it became commonplace. For me, what makes an origami book great is the ability to take extremely complex, interesting models and diagram them in such a way that a reasonably competent folder can accomplish them with a concerted effort. And this book definitely missed that mark.

I'd certainly recommend you avoid this book until you have quite a few years of experience folding and can easily handle any type of model, and advanced steps like reverse folded sinks, etc. But I'd also suggest you consider whether you are the type of folder that doesn't mind spending an hour or two on something and have nothing to show for it, but is able to move on and try again (and again and again...) I am used to messing up a model on the first try once in awhile but there are models in this book I tried several times and honestly felt like I just could do over and over and still not figure out. I personally just don't have quite that level of perseverance, so this book tends to sit on my shelf while I do other, not necessarily easier models, but ones that at least have more reasonable steps to get from point A to point B.

For the first time in my life I am now making completely awesome pies FROM SCRATCH. I totally won my family's thanksgiving bake-off this past holiday season.

Mmmmm, pie.

"Pie" is a perfectly lovely book. The section on crust is outstanding; however, the 5 pie recipes I have tried so far are good, but not quite fabulous. Yes, I followed the directons to the letter and own a bakery, so I do know pies.

This is not going to be a long review, I'm just going to get to the point. This book is pretty amazing, I've been baking pies ever since I checked it out from the library (and renewed it) for about 2 months now. This is the book to get if you want to bake a pie.

Here are a few pies form this book I really recommend making:
~Caramel Apple Pecan Pie (I made this one 4 times, people love it.)
~Diane's Pumpkin Praline Pie (my first, it was awesome!)
~Sweet Cottage Cheese Pie With Plump Raisins (This is really good for breakfast!)

Happy Baking :)

A really terrific mix of pie recipes -- and all the ones I've tried have been fabulous including the Double Cherry, Apple (one of the 10+ options) and Key Lime (mmmm, mmmm, good!).

Finding a great pie anywhere is extremely difficult. In fact, it is rare that I would even ask for pie as a dessert choice because they are usually not very good. However, my hankering for pie reached a frenzy after watching the movie "Waitress".

For those unfamiliar with that movie, its main character explains her feelings through coming up with creative pies. When the movie's credits began, my longing for pie took hold of me. I was convinced, after many attempts, that there was no really great pie out there, so I decided to make my own.

After a great deal of research, I found this book. It is really outstanding. The writing is fun and easy to read. It is well organized and takes the stress out of baking a pie for a first timer like me. Ken makes it seem so simple that during the past month I have made over 20 pies, ranging from fruit to nut to cream pies. I took a class about baking pies, but it did not hold a candle to Ken's book.

Those twenty pies have mostly been baked for other people. The joy a fresh baked pie gives to someone makes me feel like I am making a difference. People love getting homemade pies, so much so it almost brings them to tears. My husband's co-workers, people at the gym, employees at stores that I frequent, and neighbors have been the beneficiaries of most of them. The reviews have been outstanding! People have said that they are they best pies they've ever eaten. At first I thought they were just being nice, but those platitudes have come from non-pie lovers and even the most finicky eaters. People are so excited about getting pies that I just can't stop making them!

I would like to say that the best place to get a great pie is my house. However, that sounds a little conceited and is not one hundred percent true. The truth is, if you want to have a great pie make one of your own using "Pie: 300 Tried and True Recipes for Delicious Home Made Pie". You will not be disappointed. The only problem is that you might not be able to eat pie at a restaurant again. On the bright side, you will always have something great to bring to a potluck, cook out or give as a gift. Pie really is the best desert out there. It combines all the best of creativity, complexity, and bakery goodness.

Is it time to pity the pie? I think not. It is time to make pie! So "pie it forward"

Even if you never make a project from this book, you will truely feast your eyes on the astounding works of art you will find here. Combine that with really warm and friendly dialog, and I totally loved this book. I have not tried to follow the project directions yet, but they look very nice.

The main reason I purchased this book is the type of work that the authors create. The second reason is because I have met her and her husband in the past as we all have a biker lifestyle.

She lives in my area. Her work is so magnificent that it is scary. I looked at this book very carefully and was just in awe. She and her co-author were destined to meet and collaberate. Spelling stinks sometimes!

These ladies have the talent that beads the band! They are queens of jewelry making. The items are beautiful beyond words. And yes, I plan on using their pieces as ideas for my own envisioned pieces but my skill level is just entering intermediate. I discovered that stringing is not something that I want to do full time. I have been looking all over for info on very intricate pieces that I might be able to attempt to make.
I live in Butler, PA and was just very happy to see there really are other beaders in western PA.

Ladies, keep up that most dramatic and beautiful work. Keep writing books so I can keep on keeping on!!!!

HIGHLY recommended.
Thank you.
Jeanne Zimmerman

This is a beautiful book, both in the photos and the way it is written.
But if you can only afford one book, I think Eakin's "Beading with Cabachons" is a better one to start with.

Excellent book for those who want to create stunning, beyond "just stringing", bead jewelry. Heidi and Sherry are the gurus of the field.

As a long time beader and lover of bead embroidery I have to say this is the best book on the subject I've ever seen. Each project is unique and has very complete instructions. I want to try everything in the book. Wonderful artistry and talent from both authors.