Arts and Crafts Books

Great book, has lots of detail. Especially like the instructions for making your own carving tools out of popsicle sticks.
My 6 yr. old grandson carve a soap owl and it came out good.

This book is a gem in the rough. It is not slick or up-to-date looking, but it contains excellent instructions on carving soap as a prelude to carving wood. The author, an engineer, shows you how to create carving tools out of popsicle sticks. This is the one of the coolest craft ideas I have ever seen and it worked very well with a group of children from my church. Not only does he describe how to make a basic carving tool (by cutting a diagonal and then sharpening the "blade" on sandpaper) but he shows how to make a gouge and other tools too.

The main part of the book contains detailed instructions on how to carve several different objects (a heart, a turtle, a dolphin coming out of water, and more), with a picture showing each stage of the carving process. These were great instructions for me; the children I worked with (ages 5-10) could have used easier models/instructions. This book is great because it shows how to introduce a new fun craft activity, carving, in a way that works for groups of kids safely and without much expense. The kids loved it!

I am a teacher and I carve in my free time. I have always regretted that the tools for carving are too sharp and dangerous for kids to use , so sharing my hobby with the children was out of the question until I read this book.
What a nice idea, tools made out of popsickle sticks!!
I made a class set of the tools and my kids happily carved some of the figures suggested in the book.
I did it with a grade three class when the kids learned about Inuits carving soapstone. The kids enjoyed it a lot. Children in higher grades will have as much fun doing it and hopefully they will be as proud of their creations.
I can recommend this book for anyone who would like to carve with kids but is afraid to do so.
One suggestion. Have the children bring a serving tray, or baking sheet and have them carve on that so the chips of soap will stay in the tray rather than fall on the floor!

Excellent book for carving. The kids enjoyed it. Well written and illustrated.

We purchased this book and were very impressed with the quality of the information. Tells you everything you need to know.

Gail Nichols' volume is a welcome compendium of the rather sparse information published to date regarding soda fired clay. And although it is a first, it hits the target nicely. She balances technical information with aesthetic information (in the form of well-shot photographs) so that it will appeal to the soda pyromaniacs as well as the gallery enthusiast. Soda fired clay is a relatively new phenomenon growing out of the tradition of salt glazed ware. However, technically and aesthetically, the two traditions are not twins, nor even siblings. They are more like cousins. Nichols' research on the subject provides a wealth of data from which anyone serious about soda firing clay will benefit. Take her up on her offering. Read this book!

This book is an excellent source of information for anyone interested in Soda firing. I am new to atmospheric firings and found this a valuable resource. I would urge experienced and novice ceramacists to check out this book. There is a lot of very in depth information for seasoned soda firers, while enough general information to get anyone started down the right path.

This book is a marvel. It's going to take a while to digest all the incredible information that Gail Nichols has shared from her years of exploration into soda firing. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in vapor firing.

I learned a lot from this book. Montroll follows a very logical sequence, with a very gradual increase in difficulty. Along the way, he not only explains how the folds are done, but why. My progress using this book was faster than I would have believed possible (I have succeeded in folding the elephant, and am about to attempt the bee with reasonable confidence.)
Highly recommended

Sometimes, I didn't understand the diagrams in other books.
So, It was frustrating, and I said "this is not for me".
I start with this book "Teach Yourself Origami".
And... Every project is a success. It's an excellent book. Very nice diagrams. Because Montroll teachs step by step. If you have this book you will learn origami.
You will learn something funny, and you will relax.
Start to fold!

I couldn't pass up a book on origami with "teach yourself" in the title. I was expecting an organized presentation of the basics, and that's just what I got. The author introduces the basic folds one at a tim, using simple models for practice, and then expects you to be able to use them by just referring to their names. That can make for some paging back and forth, but I have no problem with that. But I did wish that he included more verbal instructions for some of the steps. Studying the diagram alone just fdid do it for me, though I eventually figured out what I was supposed to do. I think this criticism could be applied to very origami book I've seen.

I'm am still at what the author calls the beginner level. The book contains 27 models at the beginner's level, 12 intermediate, and 5 advance,. Most of these are animals, with lots of birds.

Not only a carefully sorted collection of origami models, this is a book explicitly written for the aspiring paperfolder. Nice features include:

- very clear diagrams and instructions using standard notation

- can be used either as a self-study guide or as a teacher's aid

- nearly 27 simple models, 12 intermediate, 5 complex (the latter include 2 models by classic creater Fred Rohm, the "impossible" vase and waterwheel)

- each model introduces more advanced techniques and new folding maneuvers explained in detail, so just by following the book the reader learns not only _how_ each fold is done but also _why_ it is employed

Excepting a few models like the Elephant, this is not a book for fans of Montroll's "complex" work (like "Origami for the Enthusiast", "Origami Sea Life" and "Origami Sculptures"); on the other hand, it is longer and more didactic than "Easy Origami" and also has more original models. Beware: there's a classic book by R. Harbin reprinted with the same title.

This is the book that made it all clear to me. I knew that if I read what Pamela Nottingham said about a technique, the lightbulb would go on. Some lacemakers find her a little wordy, but the diagrams are extremely clear too. The updated selection of patterns is excellent, the instructions and illustrations cannot be beat. A definite keeper for any bobbin lacer.

For beginners in lacemaking, Pamela Nottingham starts with the basics. She lists and describes the essential tools of lacemaking and provides the reader with a series of patterns in a variety of lacemaking styles. With her usual meticulous attention to detail, patterns are well placed to copy for use, diagrams, instructions and explanations are clear, concise and placed where they are needed. The progression of patterns which build upon and reinforce previous lessons, ensures that the user will learn how to make lace, not just how to follow instructions for doing so. But Pam's book isn't just for beginners. The later patterns in Buckspoint and Beds laces offer challenges and new information to experienced lace makers as well. The patterns are well chosen for visual appeal, for challenge in the making, and for usefulness as magnificent gifts or personal treasures. Going beyond the mere how-to's one expects in a teaching manual, Nottingham explains the reasoning behind the instructions, demonstrates the logic governing the making of lace, and even provides a bit of history and lace lore to liven the expreience. This one is a winner. My only complaint is that there isn't even more to this feast. Ok, I admit it... I'm greedy.

What a wonderful book. An absolut MUST if you are interested in bobbin lace.

This is the second book I would recommend for a person beginning to learn bobbin lace. The patterns advance quickly into a more complicated level. Definitely for the self starter.

I SAW THIS BOOK ADVERTISED IN ANOTHER PISTOL BOOK I HAVE. IT IS ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!! BETTER THAN ADVERTISED

This is not just a book about toy cap pistols, it is a time machine. Not only does Mr. D'angelo present the cap pistols of our youth but he reveals the actors who played the part on television. A fact filled, exhaustive research of a love he shares with us. I had forgotten many of the toys he describes. Each page brought back memories of a childhood where honor and truth was the spoken word of the cowboy. So fans of the 50's and 60's westerns, return to those thrilling days of yesteryear when all boys wore their six shooters with pride and rode into the sunset.....

MR. D'ANGELO HAS BROUGHT A WEALTH OF PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE AND WARMTH ON THE SUBJECT INTO HIS WRITING; HE HAS COMPLETELY AND EXHAUSTIVELY RESEARCHED THE BACKGROUNDS OF ALL OF THE CHARACTERS AND THE WEAPONS, AND DISCUSSES THEM WITH OPEN FAMILIARITY. FOR THOSE RAISED DURING THE 50'S AND 60'S, THIS IS A TRIP DOWN TV AND THE MOVIES'S MEMORY LANE. THIS BOOK IS OBVIOUSLY A LABOR OF LOVE, AND IT TRULY SHOWS. A GREAT ADDITION TO ANY COLLECTOR'S LIBRARY, AND GREAT FOR THE NOSTALGIA BUFFS!

A masterpiece of research and delivery. This is a book I keep out and enjoy referring to every time I watch a western on TV. The unexpected benefit from this book occurs when friends notice it on the table. I thought I knew everything about people I have known for years, but this book starts conversations into childhood favorites that are truly enlightening and very enjoyable. A must have for anyone who has every watched a TV western of owned a cap gun.

I cannot exactly call my copy a coffee table book. I keep mine on the top shelf; because after reading it and looking at all of the beautifully photographed quilts, I think I would kill anyone who put a coffee ring on it. Excellent stories and descriptions from a well educated woman on the subject of quilts (and not only Texas ones!).

What a beautiful book about quilts and Texas! Kaylackie has done a wonderful job of weaving the stories of quilts into the history of Texas. The photos are gorgeous and the narrative is always interesting. This book should appeal to anyone who loves quilts and/or Texas. I'm buying several for Christmas gifts. Great job, ya'll!

What a wonderful legacy, Marcia Kaylakie has created a beautiful book capturing the Texas history and colour from all it's regions. The stories behind each carefully chosen quilt are well written and complimented with beautiful photography. Previous reviews of this work speak volumes, so it is was an easy decision to buy this book and I am not disappointed.This is a beautiful volume and to the author and her assistants, well done.
I enjoy the fascinating stories mixed with the historical content,history can often be a 'dry' subject, but definitely not, in this case. I would recommend this book to all the quilters who love diverse stories and rich pasts. Enjoy......

A very readable from cover to cover photo book of quilts of yesteryear to quilts of today and all in the Lone Star State. Marcia Kaylakie defintely did her homework and reserached each quilt front, back and between the designs. Each quilt tells an amazing chronicle of the quilter and the who took the time to make a piece of history. This book makes a wonderful gift for yourself and your quilting friends for Christmas. I plan to put one my quilt table in my studio and buy 2 more for my quilter friends. Happy Holidays!

It's hard to find a decent book with patterns and meaurements for paper theatres, so it's a great thing to have this book - a great variety of models and kinds of theatres to build, advice for the beginner, and additional information about types of media. One thing that annoyed me was that some of the patterns didn't supply a few basic dimensions, and I had to guess - very risky with an art so precise. It also does a poor job of explaining what this fold or that cut is actually going to do for the theatre. Confusing stuff.
However, my first theatre was a success and looks lovely, and I'm in the process of making another one with doubled dimensions!

Great book!

Worth every dime! What an excellent book! Easy to understand and an absolute pleasure to read and read again. It's beautifully put together. I so much appreciate the generosity of artists who share their knowledge (and 'how to's) with me. I have just begun to include toy theatre workshops in my repetoire of SKY HIGH workshops and this book is an incredible resourse. I will encourage all my students (and creative friends) to purchase Robert's book.

Robert's book is visually stimulating in colour and design and easy to understand.... This book would make any paper arts enthusiast want to start making paper theatres.. It also includes a Card Theatre that can be mailed.... Well done! The only problem I had was finding Mr. Burgess' website, the address must have changed.....

how refreshing to find such an exquisite book on this very interesting subject. I made all the theatres and they were a joy to construct following the easy to understand directions. Robert burgess' hand drawn illustrations are beautiful. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a slight interest, young and old

This is a wonderful book. I was not familiar with Thomas Mann at all until I purchased this book. To say the man is a creative genius is almost an understatement.

I confess, I am a Thomas Mann fan! This is a wonderful book that anyone who loves Mixed Media, found objects and unique jewellery will love. A wonderful variety of "essays" written by others about Mann at different times in his career, starting in the 1970's including pieces written by Mann on his creative process. It is a wonderful read and you can see clearly how his unique style has developed.

The glorious images that adorn the pages of his work are beautifully taken and reproduced in page after page of work that you can not help but gasp at, sigh at and hopefully appreciate this remarkable artist's talent. The book may be "old" in terms of publishing (2001) but you just have to track this book down and keep it before it is out of print. This book is one of my most loved.

A book well done for the fan of Thomas Mann. It gives LOTS of detailed photos of all his work through the years, as well as an account of his life. I'm glad he gives acknowledgement for all the people who contributed to his success. Well done!

This book displays a beautifully photographed representation of Thomas Mann's creative genius that is not to be missed. Thomas Mann is a true modern master and this book details his life's work and inspiration from the past three decades. From the use of non-precious metals, found objects, and objects that are created to look old, Thomas's highly recognizable industrial style is an inspiration to many, and he will be remembered for his contribution to the world of jewelry arts, for many years to come.

This is the Bible for Tiffany collectors but it also has a history of the purpose of each piece of flatware.

This book is a superb work. The authors have filled a major void in the literature concerning the history of American decorative arts. The quality of the research and textual insights make this book essential reading for anyone interested in Tiffany silverware or the latter 19th century of American craftsmanship. The photography is so magnificent that I repeatedly find myself leafing through this book to admire the beauty of this flatware of a bygone era. A great read...a beautiful coffee table book...a classic in every respect.

For all silver lovers, not just Tiffany lovers. Beautiful book, beautifully produced. Pictures could not be better.

This is a terrific book! It covers the complete spectrum of Tiffany silver flatware from 1845 to 1905. It's lavishly illustrated with photographs, diagrams, and original pattern drawings. It covers the full-line patterns, the not-full-line patterns, and the custom patterns made for the likes of the Vanderbilts and the Hearsts.

The book breaks the patterns down by designer: early pieces by retailers Polhamus, Hebbard, Gorham, Moore and others; the major designers Edward Moore, Charles Grosjean, and Paulding Parnham. It shows the various place pieces in standard patterns, as well as covering the extensive amount of fabulous and rare serving and other odd pieces (how many of you own a scallop serving fork?) There are also several useful appendices, including: Flatware Terminology; Glossary of Technical Terms; Tiffany Flatware Markings; and a Tiffany Chronology. As well, a thorough index makes it easy to find patterns or pieces you are looking for.

All in all this is the perfect book for the collector of this wonderful silver. It does not contain pricing information, which is a good thing in this day and age of online auctions, as such pricing info is often outdated by the time the book reaches the press. The only problem I had after reading it was that I wanted to own everything in the book! Don't hesitate, buy it!

And this book with show you the way!!!!

Easy to follow instructions with items you have around the house. Successful papermaking from the very first try!

This is one of the best books for a beginner. The steps shown are very easy to follow.The cost for materials is minimum. I was able to make some very nice homemade paper with just the things I had in my home.The book is well worth the money. Happy papermaking.

It is a simple book, but very usefull. As I work with homeless people the book shows us conditions to make paper without money; the material is very easy to find and the way-to-do is very well explained. I liked very much the model of envelope printed in the book and that we can copy in a fotocopy machine. Congratulations for the author.