Arts and Crafts Books

This is my favorite although all of Margaret Rolfe's books are excellent! You won't be disappointed!

With this book you learn to easily foundation piece cats, cows, lions, monkeys, elephants, chickens, bunnies, pelicans, eagles, peacocks, butterflies, cardinals, hummingbirds, kangaroos, and soooooo much more with readily understandable instructions.

The book is a great reference for other sewing projects and consists of 112 pages so it's rather thin. The book covers basic embroidery stitches (chain, french knot, stem, and more) with directions and illustrations, ways to add borders with directions and illustrations, assembling the quilt top, binding, and quilting of the finished work. There's a section pertaining to fabric selection and sewing materials/equipment.

I'd never paper pieced in my life and this book covered all the bases to complete these mini-quilts in a short period of time with professional looking results. I've surprised several family members with my work!

If you need a quilting book with easy to make animals, purchase this book as you will not be sorry.

The cover of this book really does not do justice to the designs inside. They are truly beautiful works of art--unique and magnificantly simple in their construction. The Noah's Ark quilt is a classic. Particularly helpful are two examples of the same animal square with the different types of fabric. One can easily see the dramatic difference that selection of fabric and color make in the final design. As my first project as a quilter, I made the rooster from fat quarters as a birthday present for my sister. If I do say so myself, it looks fabulous! With Ms. Rolfe's techniques of foundation quilting you do not have to worry about cutting exact shapes (except once for the entire block), nor about grain of the fabric. Instructions are clear and easy to follow. For Xmas, I plan to make pot holders from the designs as gifs. I'm even thinking about tackling the Noah's Ark quilt--for myself! I ordered more of her books because I enjoy her easy-going manner to quilting and the professional looking results!

I had been looking for an "Elephant" quilt for my elephant crazed 3 year-old for some time. I finally decided I would probably have to make him one myself. I have intermediate sewing skills but had never quilted before. This foundation piecing method is the way to go! The blocks turn out beautiful everytime. It is so easy and very addictive! There are so many different animal patterns in this book, from farm animals to zoo animals, to Australian animals and more. Something for everyone!!

I had been looking for an "Elephant" quilt for my elephant crazed 3 year-old for some time. I finally decided I would probably have to make him one myself. I have intermediate sewing skills but had never quilted before. This foundation piecing method is the way to go! The blocks turn out beautiful everytime. It is so easy and very addictive! There are so many different animal patterns in this book, from farm animals to zoo animals, to Australian animals and more. Something for everyone!!

I have to say I was very interested in this book, but it was not exactly what I wanted. I have yet to find a ribbonwork book that is set up as clearly as possible and is really designed for a beginner. The Artful Ribbon, by Candace Kling is a treasure for those seeking old fashioned ribbonwork and is still the best reference I have found. Overall, if you are looking for how to make very realistic Roses (esp. Tea Roses) you will be absolutely thrilled with Helen Gibbs's book. Also, if you are looking for a book to teach you how to make flowers that look as realistic as possible, this is for you. Bear in mind that you are only taught how to make the flowers in the book (Pansies, violets, sweet peas, poppies, canterbury bells, bluebells, hollyhocks, fuchias, chrysanthemums, delphiniums, carnations, peonies, and gardenias). Actually, the gardenias alone may be worth the price of the book! Spectacular! You will also be taught to make only specific sizes and flowers are mostly done on stems, which makes them hard to use as embellishments on clothing. The projects in the book are not as appealing to me as playing on my own. I am still seeking the definitive book on using silk bias ribbon and, while Helen uses it when she's on the Carol Duvall show, she doesn't have many examples in this book. This is a crying shame, since I have a bunch I bought from The Store on the Corner in San Diego. I've also seen Helen's last two books and they seem to contain basically the same material. Another book to check would be A Passion for Ribbonry by Camela Nitschke.

The instructions in this book on making beautiful flowers out of ribbon, are clear and easy to follow. I have other similar books, but this one is by far the best! Truly worth the money!

This is a great book on ribbon flowers. The author explains how to make the flowers so it is easy to follow and you have a flower like hers when you finish. I highly recommend this book.

Wow, what can I say? I love this book. There's a great introduction to crafting ribbon flowers which includes a history as well. The instructions are so easy to follow it's a wonder that this hobby/craft is on the brink of vanishing for good! Not only that, but it's such a beautiful craft, too. I've used the book's techniques to embellish pillows, curtains, dresses, purses... you name it! Here's the great thing: I'm usually not even good at crafts! All it takes is to buy a cute little unadorned girls' dress from, say, Target, make a few ribbon flowers to attach to the dress and you have an instant artful creation. The things I have made (or embellished) have been such a hit with my family and friends. Also, Helen Gibb is an amazing person. I've seen her a few times on HGTV (which inspired me to get this book). I went to her website and sent an e-mail saying I enjoyed her segments on HGTV and she wrote me back a letter of thanks! It wasn't a canned response, either. Great lady, great book, great craft, so go get it!

I've had this book for about 4 weeks and have tried making a couple types of roses and, just last night, tried making a pansy. The directions are easy to follow and, after some practice, the reader is able to make some nice looking flowers. The particular projects in the book don't appeal to me, but I could see that they would be of interest to those who like the frills and complexity of Victorian-inspired objects. The author does provide a variety of ideas for using ribbon flowers that the reader can adjust to her or his taste.

This is an excellent guide to making japanese screens.if you are a beginer or a pro i think youll find this the ideal choice to start off with.

The book arrived speedily and in great condition. What more can I ask?

the book was easy to understand. easy to read. a great book , if you want to build a shoji screen this is the book for you. tells you about other uses and other stronger materials to use

Shoji are really beautiful. There is something wonderful about the light passing through the semi-translucent rice paper, creating an atmosphere that is romantic and relaxing. Having lived in Japanese houses for several years, it was something that I wanted to recreate when I returned to the US.

"Shoji: How to design, build, and install Japanese Screens" was exactly the book I was looking for. Jay van Arsdale has written a simply, comprehensive guide on how to add shoji to an existing house, from very simple screens to much more complicated structures. Its a modern approach to making shoji, rather than bothering with traditional Japanese methods, and is very practical and doable.

The book assumes that you have woodworking skills and tools, and isn't so much a "Beginner's Guide." He gives a list of tools that you will need, mainly a set of chisels, hammers, saws, polishing stones and planes. He does recommend that you invest in Japanese tools, as they are made differently from Western tools and will create a different look in the wood that will be more authentic and aesthetically pleasing. There are a few specialty chisels, specifically the yarinomi and the sokosarae, that will make your shoji-making much more efficient.

The different styles of shoji in the book range from simple shoji, to glass-panel shoji, closet and cabinet screens and lanterns. For the truly ambitious there are instructions for ceiling fixtures and skylights as well as valances and hanging screens. Most of those projects are far removed from my abilities, but a more advanced woodworker will find some inspiring projects.

The photos are all in black-and-white, but there are some beautiful homes on display showing you what you can do with shoji screens. Certainly not everyone has the time and money for that kind of home transfiguration, but it is nice to dream.

Can not say enough about this book, it gives you a good start if you know a little about wood, but does not stop there.

If you get this book you'll enjoy that it does not insult your interest by just showing pictures of work only a master could do. It gives the information needed to do your first design plus what you'll need once you understand the methods.

Thanks Jay, you have given me a great new experience.

I honestly think that if I could only keep 1 of my silk ribbon books it would be this one!
It really is the "Bible"
Great- Especially the layout.

This is one of the best books ever for Ribbon Embroidery! I keep it on my coffee table so it's handy! Very detailed and simple explanations.

The most informative, understandable directions for a new or experienced silk ribbon art enthusiast. The book is just beautiful and when you create its projects they will be beautiful also.

I have never done any silk ribbon embroidery and this book is a great place to start. There are great pictures, easy directions and a sturdy user friendly back. Definitely a good purchase.

Anyone who works with ribbons has to have this book.
I love mine.
Everything you need to know...
clear instructions on every page.

I bought 3 books on jewelry making and this is the one I use the most. It describes all the pieces in jewelry making and how they are used. It has many good projects and pictures. I love this book.

This book is great for beginners as well as intermediate levels of skill. I am happy to add it to my library...

I have found this to be the best book I've see for a novice like me. The pictures and the instructions are clear and easy to understand. I highly recommend it.

This book was a gift to my granddaughter and she loves it. Clear images in the book makes it very attractive

I will use this book for many years to come as it covers the type of jewelry I make in a very comprehesive way.

If you are interested in the art of embroidering with metalic threads, this book has what you need -- fab illustrations, ideas, how to information.

This book inspires me to take some steps further in quilting. I like the traditional quilts, but I always look for something new, for me this is new and so beautiful! I hope I can learn a lot from the pictures and the stories in it. So much detail! Practice, practice, practice!

First off, artist Ellen Anne Eddy is amazing and this book shows her work with beautiful images. Descriptions are given about each piece with color choices and the technique(s) used. After page 60 the learning begins with clear written details on how to learn her techniques with excellent illustrations that compliment the writing - very useful when you practice on your own. A brief section on color theory is also provided as a reminder to help make your art even better along with a short segment on thread dying and drawing techniques. I have to say her work is truly unique, and with these guidelines I believe that other thread artists can utilize some of her techniques for their own design style.

I love this book it is very informative and love her techniques it is worth every penny

Ellen Anne's book is much like the class she teaches, this book reinforces the principles she uses in her daily work. If you want to thread paint like a pro, this is the book for you.

This is an excellent resource for any felter. Chris shares her knowledge from many years of experimentation and experience with us. It's well written and easy to understand with a slew of inspiring ideas to try.

The book gives very good information on wool and fibers. It contains the large scale from basic wet felting to nuno, cobweb and 3-D seamless felting. The techniques are thoroughly and clearly explained and followed bij beautifully illustrated projects.
A pleasure to read, inspiring to see and one of the best books on wet felting I know

Just skimming through I caught one of my errors in wet felting (if a little bit of soap is good, then a lot of soap is better... NOT) So.. I can be a bit excessive.
The style is as one friend speaks with another. Wonderful analogies to bring home points and so much content. Amazon has a section for "look inside" and it is the tip of the string. If you are at all interested in wet felting, go for it. At 320 pages it is engaging/detailed content with personality and style. No cursory fluff overview. Enjoy!

Felt holds all kinds of potential for unique creations: add water and soap and you can create all kinds of items, or use cobwebbing techniques to make scarves, shawls and more. UNIQUELY FELT is not your typical applique guide: it offers crafters a fine set of projects based on felt and water use, and explains all techniques options, from traditional applications to needlework, 3-D seamless, cobweb and more. Large-size color photos blend with color sidebars of information and easy step-by-step detail for nearly fifty projects demonstrating a range of options for felt. A 'must' for any serious needlework library, this goes far beyond the typical felt/applique approach.

This book is beautifully illustrated on substantial paper stock. The graphics are very well done. The book covers practicalities like proper posture while felt-making and watching out for creepy-crawlies in your wool. The techniques range from simple cord making to creating yardage for upholstery projects to making your own fedora. Up until now, the only felting I've done was the accidental machine washing of a wool scarf. I'm really looking forward to trying these techniques.

One caveat - if you are looking for a good reference for the popular craft of needle felting, you won't find very much here. There are only 3 pages skimming the topic. You might consider Indygo Junction's Needle Felting: 22 Stylish Projects for Home & Fashion for a better text on needle felting.

I am just beginning my hobby with a metal detector. I purchased several books on treasure hunting and this is by far the best. It has a broad range of extremely useful information. By all means start with this book if you too are a beginner. Most of the other books I bought had a lot of fluff. This book has a ton of useful information and guidance.

No matter what your treasure, be it coins, bottles, or somethisg else, this book has great tips on where and how to find it. I originally bought a copy for my son and was so impressed that I bought another copy for myself.

This book has a lot of information about treasures all over the country. Tells you where to look, how to go about hunting and what equipment you need and what to do when you find your treasures.

I was looking for a book on using a metal detector. This was not it.

This book is an invaluable resource for the beginner and even the intermediate detectorist. It has filled me with new ideas of where and how to search for lost valuables and coins. The tidbits on history and archeology were most interesting.

i love this book very simple to follow very easy yet the outcome so fantastic. This is good book for quilters of all ages and all levels of skill.

Excellent book of Christmas applique designs! I did take my book to a copy shop and enlarged the designs, but this is easily and inexpensively done. Beautiful and colorful use of fabrics. Applique designs are simple to make. This books inspires fun and creativity. Definitely, one of my very favorite quilt books.

This purchase was made for my wife who states:-

Having had the book for a few weeks now, I find the contents very informative, and the instructions easey to follow. I can recommend this product to any would-be enthusiast.

I found this to be a charming project. Very versatile for making one block or many. Also, the possibilities were endless for decorating and using materials, buttons etc on hand. Instructions were clear and it could be easy (iron on ) or more experienced (hand appliqued completely.) I will be making several for next year. (Not enough time for this year)!

I can't wait to make this quilt. I saw one made up at a quilt show or something very similar and couldn't wait to find the pattern. It is just so clever and fun. My quilt group is planning on making it as a block of the month. I am so happy I bought this book, it makes me smile every time I look through it.
Sincerely, LPotts

Tons of great beading techniques & some history lessons to go with. No need for me to repeat in 2008 what others have been writing since 2005! :)

I do want to point out this book is unique in my collection because it's the only one I know of to cover polygon stitch. Not only is it covered, the instructions are easy and there is a FANTASTIC chart to go with it so you can resize it, change your bead counts/rows and weave this hollow tubular rope in any number of ways. I'd like to hug the author for publishing that chart alone! :)

This is a truly beautifully organized and presented book. It appeals to a wide audience, not only those who plan to create the beaded jewelry from the detailed instructions given. It is excellent from a historical basis, and those who just want to look at the lavish photos will be richly rewarded!

This is an interesting book, filled with history about beading. I do wish Ms Hector had given specific instructions for her "big bead" Japanese beads (shown on the back of the book).

I have been doing beadwork, writing about beadwork, researching beads and beadwork, devoting my master's degree work to beadwork ... everything I have ever done these past 10 years seem to relate to beads ... even vacations with my wife center on going to specific bead stores, collections and museums.

This book is PHENOMENAL! There are things in this book that I could never have dreamed about. The photography, illustrations and explanations for the projects are first rate. Linking them to traditional pieces is brilliant.

This is the one book that will change the face of beadwork to come in the future.

Beadworkers have traditionally received less volume and detail in their guidebooks than quilters, but the genre is growing and has been enhanced by the addition of Valerie Hector's The Art Of Beadwork: Historic Inspiration, Contemporary Design. Valerie Hector is a famous jewelry designer who invited several artists to use a piece of beadwork from another time or culture as inspiration for creating a new piece: The Art Of Beadwork celebrates this effort, blending history and an overview of cross-cultural beading traditions with artist profiles and fun projects for creating necklaces, earrings, pins and more. With the world as its inspiration, The Art Of Beadwork features inspirational pieces from around the world, with diagrams and easy project notes assuring relative newcomers will be able to duplicate the polished results.