Arts and Crafts Books

I have 3 books that I've purchased on polymer clay bead-making and this is the best one. Lots of easy-to-follow techniques and ideas for the serious bead-maker. I go back to this book time and time again for inspiration. Before you venture into using polymer clay for your jewellery, you must get this book first!

This is a very insightful book on the real how-to's of polymer clay. She has given me endless hours of inspiration and I have still more to do! Give us more of her stuff!!

I saw this book in my PC beginner class, and once opened, I knew I HAD to have this. It's clear, simple directions for MANY techniques are easy to follow and create what you envision THE FIRST TIME. It has such a variety of techniques listed that it should be the basic curriculum for any beginner class. I don't think that those experienced in the craft would be a thrilled as I was, but it has SO many faux techniques so detailed with excellent photos, I think anyone would find this valuable. The creations are also excellent inspiration for variation and construction of jewelry. Definate Keeper!

This is a wonderful book to give to both beaders and polymer clay artists/crafters. I gave it to my mom for Christmas, but I really wanted to keep it for myself. Since she already has a good library of polymer clay books, I wanted to find one that had something new and distinctive to show to clay artists, and this book definitely fits the bill.

I own several polymer clay books and have waited months for the release of this book. I was not disappointed in any way. There are detailed instructions and clear photos for many techniques of bead making that I have not seen in other books. Although the gallery of works is fairly small, each instruction page contains finished projects that are fine examples of the craft.

This is probably not a true beginners book, but anyone who owns other polymer clay books should have enough basic skills to enjoy this book and be able to accomplish the interesting projects shown here. I would recommend this book highly.

If you're looking for a muse to inspire you to crafty heights then this is the book for you. Everything Ms. Cano-Murillo does is touched with true originality and makes the reader feel competent and creative. Coupled with delightful, heartfelt, and often very funny writing, you will gobble this book up in one sitting and refer back to it for years to come. The best craft book to date in my library.

Cathy is such a wonderful artist. She found her niche in creating the wonderful Latin-inspired crafts contained in this book. You will love them! Since her books have come out, I have seen many copycat crafts by other authors.

This Crafty Chica is the original and the best! have fun making some of these lovely, cultural pieces, and enjoy learning a bit about Mexican culture as well!

¡Wow! What a great book, even if you are not into crafts. I bought the book, because I was intrigued by Kathy on DIY's CRAFT LAB. I am a Latino, Gifted and Talented teacher, and a professional artist, so her creative/artsy/ethnic persona and projects appealed to me. Although the book is geared towards Latinas, I can understand her witty journal entries. (My wife is Anglo, but I have many feisty Latina members in my family and work primarily with Latinas in a border town.) The crafts are very creative, and Kathy offers a plethora of open-ended suggestions at the end of each project. Many of the projects are also appropriate for males, so are great for classroom use. In addition, the Latino style illustrations created by Kathy's husband, Patrick Murillo, are marvelous! I highly recommend this book.

I LOVED this book. It not only had some great projects that almost made me get in the car and drive to the craft store but it was a fun read. I have enjoyed picking it up several times this summer and looking at the creativity inside. I would recommend this book!

Kathy Cano Murillo, the author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul, Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life, has delighted me with her craft book. I don't normally get all excited about making purses out of 50 cent hardbacks (That cool project is called "Hardback Book Purse" and is fabulous!), nor do I relate to holidays such as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which I find slightly scary. However, with Kathy as my guide, I understand that this tradition of honoring the dead is similar to the manner in which we honor our ancestors no matter what our ethnic background. After reading what she wrote, I opened my mind and learned what I had never understood before about this holiday, and now I find it compelling and fascinating.

Not only am I willing to learn about a culture which is different from mine, I am totally charmed by this craft book. When I first started reading it, I began giving my husband orders: "Jim: PLEASE go get me a balsa wood box! Please get me a roll of silver embossing tin! I want a knob! A really cool one! Please!(my husband is a builder). Yes, my first project was "The Empowerent Box". I particularly liked this project because it is beautiful and because you store your favorite quotes in it. You hand write them out, place them in it, and keep it next to your bed. I have several favorite quotes. One is "Hope is the thing wth feathers." As a parent with disabled children, I never give up hope. Another is "The buck stops here". Do you have any favorite quotes? A keepsake box, made by you, is such a lovely place to keep treasured words which mean something special to you.

Kathy Cano Murillo is quite an amazing person. Not only does she set you aflame with desire to create her projects, with your paintbrush flying and your glitter shooting sparks all over the place, she writes fun stories. Some are about mishaps she has endured (read the Chocolate incident and you will relate totally!), and some are touching stories about her family. It's a lovely combination: you get projects like "The Mighty Mosaic Address Sign", with has cool marbles and loteria playing cards decorating it, you get tales, suggestions on movies with crafty aspects to them, (this is cool--trust me), fun tips on how to take each project to the next level, and a style of writing which engages you from the first page.

I am not Hispanic, but because of Kathy Cano Murillo, I have a high respect for the family values, the hard work, the humor, the love, and the creativity she offers, here in this book, as an unofficial ambassador for the Hispanic people. She should be very proud of this book. It is superfun and cool.

Other than the projects I already mentioned, several of my other favorite projects are: "Wonderfully Worn Flower Fence", ALL the "Potions for Passion" (and why not!), and the "Love Letters Pocketbook". That one is really pretty.

I think this author is one in a million. Try this book and you will soar--she will be the wind beneath your wings! A great and unique experience! I love this book!

This book is a good book on yarns...however not for beginners...unless very very interested in yarns. The yarns specified for the projects are quite expensive and hard to get....

As President of Signature Needle Arts yarn makes our needle business possible. This book is fantastic--whether you have just started to knit or are the most experienced. All the information about fiber and yarn manufacturing you have ever heard (and a lot you probably don't know) is in one place. It explains so much about what a knitter experiences from one yarn type to another. Understanding of the basic raw material of all knitting projects will prove invaluable and save time, expense and the heart-break of choosing the wrong yarn. Knitter's Review is a great website, but this book should be on every knitter's shelf as a reference.

I found this book after reading about the loss of one of the shawls from this book. Excellent guide to yarns and the patterns just add more to the knowledge of using the yarns. Also the patterns are great too. The pictures are clear but they are presented in an old fashioned way reminding me of an old Hungarian book's pictures. I prefer glossy.

Wow. I'm only sorry I put off getting this earlier... I have so many knittig book duds - preordered, going by past history, etc etc, that I had resolved to wait and see what reviewers said before ordering more knitting books. I should have known better, as Clara's site is excellent. This book is even better than I thought it would be. Information about yarns, their makeup, what the different fibers and plies are best suited to, even patterns - it is amazing.

Thanks for an excellent book from a long time website admirer :)

Wonderful book. Great pictures. This book is very helpful and explains allot of important information on yarn. This book is a must have for all knitters and crocheters.

As soon as you get this book, provided you have crochet hooks & yarn on hand...you will be able to make something using the simplest of stitches (chaining & single crochet) to more elaborate ones...no matter where you stand as a crocheter...the clear, straightforward diagrams & pictures will make you better before you know it. Worth getting & adding to your library.

I am new to crochet and have made a few baby blankets and a couple of sweaters. I picked this book up as a resource to enlarge my stitch knowledge after learning the basics in the Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker. I enjoy the variety of stitches in this spiral bound book ranging from Lace stitches to Squares. The best thing I like about the book is that it includes both Charted and written instructions so if you don't quite understand one the other set can usually help you out. I have made a sampler afghan out of the blocks section and am working on a custom wedding shawl for a coworker with the daisy lace pattern. Bottom line is that if you're new to crochet and know your single, double and treble crochet, this book is the logical next step. It is a good blend of easy to moderate stitches that pique your interest. If you are more advanced this book may seem a little basic and boring to you. But I would still suggest it as a refresher reference.

Where to start with this book? The book's spiral binding keeps the page open where you want it (a feature every craft book should have, IMO). There are positively oodles of different stitches and stitch patterns, which are grouped into like collections. Toward the beginning, there is an overview of every stitch pattern featured in the book, so that it is easy to spot something you like and find out what page it's on. Each stitch has a color picture of a sample swatch (which doesn't always show the greatest detail, but does a pretty good job), a chart showing how to do the stitch pattern (a must have for a visual person like me, to whom the written explanations are like deciphering ancient Aramaic by smell), and a written explanation.

There are no project patterns in this book, but with so many different stitch patterns, you'll probably end up with a dozen little project ideas of your own. I know I did.

I also love Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet.

Read the first four chapters before searching the book for a pattern. It explains everything you need to know to understand the stitch collection that follows. The graphs are outstanding, and the principals of each stitch are shown and explained clearly. Good book for beginners and those who have crocheted for years.

This is a great book with so many stitch patterns to choose from. Since I'm a designer, it's been very helpful in swatching. It also has a section in the back with motifs and edgings which are beautiful. I love the loose leaf binding and I definitely would recommend this book. A stitch book of this kind is a must if you are a designer but also if you are a crocheter just looking for a new and unique stitch pattern for an item such as a scarf or afghan.

I just recently decided to dabble in polymer clay. I bought a previous book on "how to" and techniques. Then I bought this book. This is not a book for someone who has never dealt with polymer clay. She gives ideas on how to make dragons. As for things on mixing clays, tools, etc you will need to find in another book. After I read the first book I bought, I then read this one. I started and finished my first dragon last night. I used Christi's directions from beginning to end and was extremely pleased on how my dragon turned out. I couldn't believe that I made it myself. Christi's book is very detailed and explains what you need to do step by step. She also adds some humor to it which makes it a lot of fun to read. I highly recommend this book.

Christie Freisen/s claying books are entertaining, informative but above all, she encourages you to explore your own creativity and it works. I love all of her books. They are an entertaining read and a great how to books, full of humor and other good stuffs. Keep up the good works Christie....... We clayers here in St Louis, MO love you.

Such a fun book! Christi is highly entertaining. Her lovely personality comes shining through Loud and Clear!!! I have a great time pulling out these books and following along with her step by step. I am always very satisfied with the results. And usually I am not a step by step kinda person. I am more of the no rules/color outside of the lines kinda gal but, Christi makes it fun to follow along! I can't wait for the rest of the series. So far I've made a few frogs, a dragon, a sea-horse, and some flowers, vines and foliage.

I recommend the entire series. Even my young nieces and my mother-in-law creating projects from these books!

Wow, this book is fun from front to back. I have it on my work table open to a favorite page even if I am not working on "whimsical, small creatures of polymer clay" at the time. It has very good directions and clear colorful pictures. It is "user friendly" and I hope there will be more like it. I would like to have a collection of her books. KF

This is the 3rd book I bought of this artist and it was just as much of a joy to read and study as the other 2. Her writing and her instructions make it a real joy to read and study. She really makes learning fun. Isn't that what we would like everything to be?! Fun?
I wasn't a big fan of dragons until I bought this book. It just might change your mind too!

I love this book. I don't even work with seed beads but I bought this book because I found it inspired me in my wire work. Each and every project is beautiful and so wearable! I know that when and if I am ever
ready to work with seed beads and cabachons THIS will be the book I will
use. I can understand the instructions without ever having created a
piece of jewelry with thread! It is a must for all bead lovers!!!

I am no longer intimidated by the projects featured in this book or creating beaded cab projects of my own design. This book has been a great resource for me. List and description of tools and supplies needed is so helpful and informative.

If only this book were spiral bound so you could have it open to follow directions, it would be perfect. The instructions are clear, well written, and should prompt even a new beader to take the plunge into beading with cabochons. The photos are extremely helpful and clear and the finished pieces pictured should prompt all to give it a go. A must have book for a beadwork library.

Absolutely beautiful book full of gorgeous photography, ideas, and with good instructions and projects. Keep in mind that you could make your own cabochons with polymer clay.

This book has ALL information about beading with cabochons. I think I don't need another book about caboshons, I've found all important information here.

We bought this for our 10 year old granddaughter and she was delighted with the kit. It's simple to use, everything is included and it gave hours of fashion fun for a young girl. These kits as a whole are very appealing to preteen girls.

My 6 year old LOVED this book. it is a great value for the money. the book comes with ideas for uses of the fashion cutouts (making cards, gift bags, paper dolls, etc.) and the outfits themselves are made by tracing stencils onto the patterned paper and then cutting them out and adding "buttons" (beads) or "belts" (ribbon) and various notions and trims. the stencils are sturdy and can be used over and over again.

even when you run out of the supplies included (paper, glue, sequins, ribbons, beads, etc.) they are easy and inexpensive enough to buy from a craft/scrapbooking store. so unlike some of the books like this, it's not useless when you run out of the supplied components.

i've also given my daughter scrap material (like quilting squares you can buy for cheap) and she can make these with real fabrics, which adds an extra touch of fun for making cards and things. it's a fun project for her to take on playdates, everyone seems to enjoy it.

I tell myself I bought this book for my daughter, but I really bought it for me! I am in love with the little hangers! We have enjoyed this book together, and spent HOURS designing wardrobes for ourselves! I recently framed a page of COURTNEY'S FASHIONS (including her prices) for my studio, and will cherish this one-of-a-kind artwork forever! Courtney has even dug into my paper stash for more "designs," although the book comes with a marvelous assortment of paper! We LOVE the clothing stencils... they will last for years. (I can see Courtney using this in clothing/textile classes when she is in high school and college!)
BEST KLUTZ book ever!

Bought these for my nieces. They love it. They are very creative and this book enables them to create all types of outfits and dresses.Great product.

Fashion ROCKS! And so does this incredible toy masquerading as a book-it's FABULOUS, darling! For all budding fashion designers, stylists or anyone curious about the fashion world, this book is definitely for you-BUY IT!! And if you're wondering if you should get the sequel, Paper Fashions Fancy along with it, YES-please do-you won't regret it! The first one is 'to infinity', the second is 'and beyond!!'-it's even better!!

That was my short review. If you need more encouragement and/or details, read on, dear reader!
So, I've had this for like a week now, on the first day, I played with it since breakfast-unable to tear myself away from it, and trust me-it only gets better the more time I spend on it-I could do this for a living!! The novelty never wears off because the possiblities are endless!

Okay, so, the book;
*has quotes from famous designers peppered throughout
*it's colorful, beautiful and easy to understand
*it tells you what comes with the book, what you also need (scissors and pencil), and what you might also want
*has 3 pages of plastic stencils (it's a soft plastic, so no sharp edges) and it tells you exactly how to use them
*there are tips for cutting, making the best use of paper, gluing and embellishing instructions
*there are hints about using color and patterns and ideas for design notebooks, greeting cards and other ways you might want to display your finished creations
*you never have to worry about running out of paper because you can use just about anything!-paper bags, tin foil, muffin cups, tissue paper, white paper that you've rubber stamped, used magazines and catalogs, and of course art & craft stores have an abundance of scrapbook/origami paper and thingies! You could also borrow real fabric and photocopy or scan and print it! Phew! AND if you type in Paper Fashions, you'll see that one of the products is a pack of Extra Stuff'-so you're golden!
*with the book, you already get a sheaf of pretty printed and plain papers and even a sheet of vellum for that sheer look! You're spoilt for choice!
*and you get a cute little tube of school glue, 3 packs of beads and sequins-in warm colors, cool colors, and gold and silver (and in resealable baggies no less!) and you also get 3 bundles of ribbon and and 2 cord trims (phew! that's a lot, huh!) and don't forget-20 cute little wire hangers!

Technical stuff: it's labeled suitable for ages 8 & up (if you're a very responsible and mature under 8 though, you would have to Double Super-Dooper Promise your designated adult shopper that you won't put any of the thingies in your mouth, because choking, not a good look people!)
Also, although it's aimed at girls, I'd just like to say Valentino, Isaac Mizrahi, John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier, Narciso Rodriguez, Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford and Alexander McQueen-and Dolce & Gabana; just a handful of world famous men who design womenswear! I'm just saying, a little more open-mindedness makes the world a more balanced and happier place-follow your dreams people! (That would be my Carson Kressley impression-also a totally poppin' style guru!)

Final words, grown ups-if this appeals to you-go ahead and get one for yourself! Why should kids have all the fun?! I'm 30 something, I got this for me (and yesterday I ordered the sequel too!) and I LOVE IT!!!
Okay, I'm done!

I purchased this book based on its recommendations, and I'm not sorry I did. It's been 25+ years since I touched a sewing machine, and this book definitely helped take the fright away. Perfect for new seamstresses of all ages.

I have the Rip It! book and love it. I just got this book for my niece for christmas. She wants to learn how to sew and I know this is the best book out there for her. It's very easy to understand and comes with patterns for her to learn with. I'm also getting her a sewing machine from www.sewfastseweasy.com
I love giving! She is going to be so thrilled!

I bought this book for my daughter and she has taken to sewing extremely fast. She's so proud of what she makes. Her enthusiasm for sewing now is almost too much for me to keep up with. This book was was easy for her to understand and the illustrations were very clear. She's been playing around with reconstructing her clothes so I'm thinking of getting her the Rip It book as well. I'm happy to see her involved in a positive hobby that she truly enjoys and gets satisfaction from.

I just bought this book because I wanted to delve into sewing a little more. I knew how to sew but I didn't know much about sewing techniques or terms or sewing notions and how to use them. This book was very easy to understand and explains everything I need to know about sewing and using notions and patterns. It's now my sewing bible! If I get stuck on something I grab my sew fast sew easy book.

The book is great it even comes with patterns. The book is easy to understand and has lots of detail. I would definatly recommend it.

She knows all the ins and outs of using polymer clay. She can make it gorgeous and, with easy directions, she can show you how to as well. I have followed the signs and, in the end, unlike many others, my pieces look just as good as hers!! Miracle!

Very Helpful Book about making Pretty Polymer Clay Stuff! I really like this book alot. :0)

At first I was not interested in "creative traditions". After a friend showed me a copy I decided this was a must have. The photography is excellent and step-by-step instructions are clear. I was surprised and pleased by how Judy Belcher's techniques could enhance my most contemporary work and with the wide variety of "traditions" she presents.

This is the perfect and complete polymer clay book. Step by step are so clear and Judy Belcher is a talented and generous clay artist. Must buy.

This is a wonderfully inspirational polymer clay book, with a fresh approach and new ideas. The photos, diagrams, and written instructions are detailed enough to actually be useful and the projects are enticing enough to make readers want to actually try them, rather than just view the pictures. This is a fine addition to my polymer clay library and a book I'll refer to often.

Maureen is such an amazing artist. If you are wanting to make figures in clay, then her books are a great place to start. I have several of her books now, and I love them all. Each one teaches you something more. Also this book came in great condition for a used book. Really good seller.

I have four of Maureen Carlson's books. They are all fantastic.
This one is my favorite. Very clear instruction. Gets you started and wanting to sculpt all the time. I love it!

Indeed a marvellous book you should have as one of your clay-book collections. Maureen has good eyes and different angles when seeing new things, and new thoughts to convert them into brilliant figurines. I love her ideas of how making the snakes and the dragons, and her tricks to get new color mixtures are awesome.

I almost bought her books entirely, and have no regrets so far. Thanks to Amazon for superb service, even though I must bear waiting for a month and so for my orders.

My advice, you always can give your book collections to your kids when you no longer need them.

Wonderful book with all sorts of tips and techniques. Being a novice, I found so much that I will rely on over and over again. Well written, with many pictures as well that are just beautiful. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to get into doll making.

How to make clay characters by Maureen Carlson is not available to buy in Australia. I had it on loan from my local library but only for limited periods and it was never long enough. I am happy to say that although it may have been printed initially a long time ago I am delighted to have obtained it as it has such excellent instructions and lots of handy hints for the polymer clay first timer onwards.To anyone reading this revue who wants another hobby to try (even in Australia) buy this book and you will be hooked.

The mere fact that it is still in print is a sign of how good it is for any age. Easy to follow and great fun all you need is polymer clay your imagination and this book.