Arts and Crafts Books

This was one of the better handbag making books I have found. The designs are interesting & have modern touches that don't detract from the vintage aspect. The how-to photos are excellent. The instructions rae easy to floow even if you have not made many bags. If you are looking to make your own bags - this is a must have book

I have been making handbags and totes for years, and own many, many books and patterns on the subject, but I still learned new things from this book. It would be the one resource I would have if I could only have one. From the tools and techniques in this book, you could go on to make any kind of handbag. Curiously, I didn't buy this when it first came out because I don't like the looks of the bag on the cover. It's my least favorite looking bag in the book, but the exterior looks really don't matter--from what is learned by using this book, you will be able to create any look you desire.

I love this book and how it is organized. First off, there is a solid section of items to help make your bags (e.g. tools, fabric selection, types of lining, handles, fasteners, types of stitches, appliques and more), then four sections covering the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s and 1950s with bag styles refecting these periods, and lastly patterns to freely use (you have to enlarge them in order to properly make the purses) in when making these bags. One can then apply appliques/bows or design your own reflecting your personal style, handles, lining, and fasteners to make the bag(s) of your dreams. The author is thorough and very giving with her knowledge of vintage clothing and all this is apparent in "Making Vintage Bags." I can't wait to get started on my purses!

Great book, great ideas! If you are a hand made bag lover, it is worth getting it!

I didn't really expect to keep this book (I ordered The Perfect Bag along with it) BUT the instructions for lining/adding zippers/fasteners, etc. were so good that I decided to keep it for other purse projects that aren't in the book. The bags look a bit small (no big tote or carry-all) but a couple of bags caught my eye. Each bag has it's own sewing instructions that are step by step and easy to follow. (I sent Perfect Bag back and kept this one).

this book could easily inspire a life of crime--how else to afford the gorgeous contemporary jewelry? or acquire the museum quality antique and archeological collections?

as a knitter, embroiderer and beader, i am always looking for inspiration for my pieces. i may stoop to outright plagarism when it comes to the works in this incredible book. though i will say that i can only dream of having the level of skill the pieces display. the craftmanship, the artistry, are humbling when one considers the tools the artists had--and the reservation conditions under which too much of the art was created.

the text is wonderfully informative, if you can force yourself to read it, instead of allowing yourself to be mesmerized by the photos.

follow the advice of the professional review--buy this book immediately.

My brother-in-law has the exact same title book,his book has over 600 pages! I ordered the book thinking that I would get a similar copy at a great price. I did not realize that I was purchasing an condensed version. The information in the book, although somewhat sparse is good. Thank you.

A few years back I signed up for a class in silversmithing which soon became addictive. In addition to that interest, I have always been interested in primitive art such as that of the American Indians, the cave drawings, Australian Aboriginal art or spiritual drawings. These forms of spirituality and art or of art are very powerful. I have chosen to concentrate my silversmithing designs toward the designs I see from these primitive peoples. The book, North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment has proven to be very helpful toward that aim. In addition to that, it's just plain good reading.

This book is a must-have for anyone serious about studying Native American cultures. It is a fun read, while still being absolutely crammed with information. It's clear the author put in a lot of time and work to master her subject. Not to mention, the artwork featured in the book is beautiful. I love to breeze through it when I've had a hard day, just to feel my spirits lift looking at such amazing works of art. You will learn so much and enjoy the journey enormously.

This gorgeous book is indeed indispensable, especially if "read" visually. Unfortunately, quite a few of the tribal attributions for historic objects (information given to the author by museums) are wrong. Given the scope of this project, Dubin had little choice but to take often out-dated info at face value rather than do her own research. However, readers should keep this caveat in mind when using this work as a reference.

I don't do needlepoint but used one of the Persian rug charts for a bead knit bag. The charts are big, no small projects here, but they are striking and wonderfully detailed. Really striking color photos.

I couldn't resist this book! I love oriental carpets, but of course they're expensive and require a lot of space. This way I can have the designs I love, in miniature. The rugs he chose are lovely, and the designs easy to follow, plus he provides the color numbers for the yarn if you want to use his colors. (This is particularly nice if you live overseas like I do and need to order the yarn.) I would have liked some hints on how to come up with designs for other rugs, but it's easy to figure out by looking at his designs. The book is obviously for a niche market, but if you like oriental carpets and needlepoint, I doubt there's anything out there quite like this.

This book is a wonderful introduction not just to making miniature rugs in needlepoint, but also to the subject of Oriental rugs. Each of the 24 rugs is well-photographed so that you can appreciate the detail of the original weaver's design. There is also a clear pattern for use in doing your design that will copy clearly, as well as suggested colors to authentically recreate the design. But the author also provides commentary on the history, themes and features in the rugs he included so that the reader also learns something about what makes these rugs repre- sentatives of the cultures of their makers. I really enjoyed this book!

This is the book you've been looking for if you want to make pillows, footstools or "whatever" for a room that would welcome orientals. The reproductions are beautiful, the charts are clear. I just love it!

I adore this book. While I have owned it for a few years, I have only recently begun to create some of the rugs featured in the book. In the interim, I've enjoyed reading the history of the rugs, looking at the beautiful pictures as well as appreciating the complexity of the designs.

Last but not least, I have also been grateful for Frank Cooper's attitude towards the projects. It is apparent that he does not expect you to slavishly follow his charts to the last detail. If you feel like making some color or design changes of your own, then go ahead. He certainly felt free to make changes as he worked the rugs (after charting them) and he tells the reader all about it in each write-up.

Origamido profiles some of the finest origami art works from around the world, displaying four exhibits: animal/mineral/vegetable, play, form and function, and masks and figures. Modern pieces from a range of artists present a well-rounded presentation while instructions for the paper art pieces reveal the secrets beyond some of the most famous works.

Origamido profiles some of the finest origami art works from around the world, displaying four exhibits: animal/mineral/vegetable, play, form and function, and masks and figures. Modern pieces from a range of artists present a well-rounded presentation while instructions for the paper art pieces reveal the secrets beyond some of the most famous works.

This is a must buy. A book showcasing some of the most amazing, diverse, and unique origami around the world. This book is a great value.
As a side note, it's always fun to see perhaps a model or two that you may have folded in this book (for example, John Montroll's 3-headed dragon from Mythological origami)...
I highly recommend this book, for both origami and art lovers.

One warning, the book contains virtually NO diagrams, and the few models it does contain are among the least impressive in the book. Do NOT buy this book for the diagrams, but rather, for a showcase of what is possible.

This is a must-have coffee table book for origami enthusiasts. The origami models are very impressive and inspirational. As someone just starting out with origami I am amazed by the awesome and complex forms that can be folded. I loved gazing at the Arizona hummingbirds, mushroom collection and pangolin (anteater). The variety of origami art from roses to rock crystal to a three-headed dragon and a chessboard with pieces is fabulous. Vincent Floderer's display case of life-like mushrooms is phenomenal.

Though this book is mostly a gallery of origami art there a few projects. Advanced students will enjoy challenging items such a bucky ball, paper airplane and mask. Beginning and Intermediate students should try the paper fastening flower and talking lips toy.

Information including the artist, size, paper used and some commentary accompanies each origami masterpiece. A resource guide, international organization list and artist directory is also included in the back. It's really nice that in many cases they tell you where you can find instructions (which book) for making the model. This book makes a great gift for any origami connoisseur.

When I first bought this book, my first thought was it was way too expensive but after going through the book, the only word that could describe it adequately was "WOW!".

It was certainly worth the money. I like it so much that I ordered another 2 more books.

Why? The photos are breath taking. Now it makes it very easy for me to answer what can you fold in origami. It makes it very easy for me to show that origami is not 'kid's stuff' but a serious art form. My additional copies will be brought to future origami exhibitions to show to visitors. I cannot bring the first one as it was signed by the author himself.

The depth and scope covered by the book shows the depth and scope of origami. Do not expect to learn origami through folding from the book. Expect to be brought spellbound into the beautiful world of origami.

It is definitely a collector's item.

Lin Welford is such a wonderful and talented artist. I came upon one of her books on rock art years ago and ever since the craft has fascinated me.

This latest book is about making garden art and it has a rock pond with gold fish. Instead of giving my Mom flowers again for Mother's Day, I bought this book and made her the gold fish pond. My Mother loved it,it was like I was in school again making my Mommy something that came from the heart.

This book is another winner for Lin Wellford. I own all of her books and like her previous works she breaks rock painting, or in this case concrete painting, down into a step by step process. Truly anyone can paint with Lin's instructions. This book includes a few more complex projects so is not the one I would recommend for the first time painter, but on the other hand she has included patterns of the projects in the back of the book. This is also the book for those of you who do not have access to a rock pile. Just head down to your local home improvement store and for a few dollars pick up your "canvas".

These projects are incredible and the author breaks them down step by step so even a non-artist like myself can get great results.

What a wonderful book! I bought a home last year from someone who planted nice flowers and bushes, but then edged them in ugly scalloped concrete borders with ugly concrete stepping stones nearby. I moved all of them to the shed & wondered what in the world I'd ever do with so much ugly concrete. Then I found this book. Never would it have occurred to me to paint my edgers & stepping stones the way Lin did. I'm no painter, but decided I had nothing to lose by trying. It worked! Lin's directions are very clear, easy to follow, and so much fun. I actually purchased an edger last week for yet another painting. Her stepping stones are also great. Plus, my sense of success caused me to purchase 2 of Lin's rock painting books, and they are also great. The water-based paint she recommends is formulated for concrete, stone, rocks, etc and saves steps because it has the primer & sealer built in.

Another plus: Lin's projects are very affordable. Among materials used to edge plantings, the concrete edgers shown in this book are the cheapest, slightly over $1 each at Lowe's, and the paint can be purchased at a crafts store in very small quantities for $2. Watch for Michael's 40% discount coupon (good for any item not on sale) every other Sunday in your newspaper. Hobby Lobby's 40% coupon is generally on alternating weeks. Both stores frequently run 50% off on paint brushes.

Plus another plus: Unlike so many craft books, Lin's are filled with clever, not cutesy, ideas. So much fun.

This is the 4th of Lin Wellford's books that I have purchased. I use all of them on a regular basis because of the great tips she gives. The instruction steps are easy to follow. I especially like that she gives alternate materials to use, since I live in a rural area and don't have a craft shop easily available. With the tips in this book about presealing rocks with Kilz, I now can use some rocks for garden art that were not usuable for painting animals. My friends and customers appreciate the variety of ideas I have developed, thanks to the great foundation of illustrations and instructions from Lin's books that got me started on a craft business.

I was enchanted by the ideas in this helpful and instructive guide to painting gnome houses from rocks you can find in your yard. I showed the book to my crafty ladies group and I had to order 3 more. There are such darling villages and imaginative scenes that are shown in this book,that your imagine just explodes with new ideas of your own. I hightly recommend this book for making something out of nothing!

Lots of great ideas of rock to houses. Cute & warm samples.

I'm very satisfied with the books i've bought.
They are very instructive and complete.
They teach the reader to paint rocks step by step, allowing consisting apprenticeship.

I love the book. It is filled with ideas that will keep me busy for a long time. We enjoy our yard and garden so making these little houses, cottages, and towns will be fun to add to our stepables garden. So thanks Lin for being so creative and for sharing your ideas with others like me.

This is a well written and very specific guide to painting houses on rocks. It is beautifully illustrated and offers very specific, understandable and do-able instructions. It is not possible to read this book without feeling encouraged and motivated to get going.

I purchased this book due to a very poor showing last year (one of the first out) After reading the book and selecting what I thought to be the most critical components of a fast car, my son and I took third place in our pack and are headed off to district. The smile on his face was priceless and of course Amazon sells it cheaper than the scout store. Just make sure you know the rules so you do not get DQ'd.

David Meade's book is fantastic. I had no idea you could do so many things to a pinewood derby car. The instructions are easy to follow, with lots of photos. I am not someone who is comfortable building things, but this book makes me feel like I can help my son build a competitive car. Mr. Meade explains the physics involved with the techniques, making this project a very good teaching opportunity. Using this book was time well spent.

I feel just more than a little guilty after reading this book - like I took a family heirloom of secrets and read through them. Some of these secrets were way over the top, some of them are great tips - its a treasure trove of pinewood derby knowledge. Any one running a race needs to have this book to know what can be done to look out for some of the "extreme" tips that most troops should ban, and most dads need to have this book so their kid can be competitive. No one wants their kid to be that kid.

I had know idea the kind of things you could do to your car to make it go faster. Each tip is easily explained in detailed instructions well worth the price.

Pinewood Derby has been an American tradition for Cub Scouts since it was originated in 1953, a fun event for Scouts and their fathers. There are many books out there that tell you how to make Pinewood Derby cars, giving you helpful hints and serious suggestions on how to increase the speed of your car. Well, of all of the books that I have seen, I must say that I do think that this is the best of them all!

This excellent book covers all of the suggestions that I have seen in all of those other books, ALL of them. But, what really sets this book apart is that it is filled with many colorful pictures that show you exactly how to do each step in making the best Pinewood Derby car that you can. Yeah, this is a great book.

So, if you have an up-coming Pinewood Derby coming up, do yourself a favor, and buy this book. I give it my absolutely highest recommendations!

The book arrived fast, in excellent condition, and as advertised. Julie also promptly answered some questions I had regarding the sale. Great transaction!

The text is detailed, but easy to understand and the pictures do an excellent job of reinforcing the concept. I have been throwing for about a year, but reached a point where I was "stuck" and couldn't seem to move forward. After only ONE day of using the techniques in this book, I was able to double the amount of clay I could successfully throw and the results were better than anything I had previously produced. This is the best book there is on throwing.

I bought this book for my wife who had just finished ten weeks of throwing lessons. She read the book and was able to improve her work in just a few practice sessions. She is so pleased with her new knowledge and skill. The fine detail and the pictures of sectioned pots were easy to follow. The accompaning text was clear and the summeries allow for quick reference.

We can only recommend this fine book to anyone that wants to improve their skill.

I bought this book 25 years ago when I started pottery and my well-thumbed copy is an important part of my studio. I'm a Canadian potting in Japan and though most of my students are non-English users, the photographs in this book speak thousands of words. It is laid out logically and the cross-section cuts of the whole process from entering the centered clay to finished work are everything a student or teacher could want in an instructional book. I was very pleasantly surprised to discover it is still available and my student is looking forward to having her own copy.

As someone who has just started to learn pottery in a class, this book gives detailed information that your teacher may not provide. Even if you are learning by yourself the step by step (very detailed) lessons by themselves gives the beginner good and easy to understand steps for success! Lots of great pictures too.

This is a great book!! There is a big variety of styles in pincushions. You are sure to find many that you will want to make. I'm glad I have the book.

My book came quickly and in very good condition so I am very happy with it. I have made a few pincushions from the book so it is worth having!

This book is pretty in itself. Photographed beautifully, creative and inspiring. Instructions are complete, but can sound more confusing than they need be. I look through it every night just for the joy of it and, have been inspired to two designs already whilst accumulating the bits and pieces for more. It's addictive.

Love, love, love, this book! I only wish this book's quality represented that of the majority of "how to" books. Every single project is beyond my willpower to withstand - The only downside is that I can not decide on which darling bundle to begin. I may simply have to work on several at once.

There are a lot of designs in this book that use materials that you already have in your sewing room (mostly felt), and they are quick to make. My favorites are the bottle cap pin cushions, they are addicting! Some of the designs pictured in the book give you ideas of how to modify the basic pincushions, but there are no specific instructions on how to make those modifications. It may be a problem if you want to recreate a particular design and don't know how to start. There are also suggestions on how to decorate the pins themselves. Overall, it is a very fun and well written book with lots of illustrations and photographs.

In all my experience with fine woodworking I haven't had the pleasure to read a book that so well written that it is as exquisite as the pieces within. This book is a must for every serious furniture maker or perhaps collector who wants to learn and appreciate this magnificent craft. How did I miss this one?

In all my experience with fine woodworking I haven't had the pleasure to read a book that is as exquisitly written as the pieces within it. This book is a must for the serious furniture maker or collector, or anyone who wants to learn more and appreciate this magnificent craft. How did I miss this one?

Norman is obviously as incredibly talented an author as he is a cabinetmaker. I couldn't say enough about how great a job he did with the content of this book and drawings. I only wish he would write another one for each of the 18th century styles( Federal, Chipendale, etc) This is definately the bible for 18th century reproduction cabinetmakers. Please write another one Norman!

I agree with all the other reviews and can't really add much, except to say the photos are many in magnificent full colour, and he even has photos of incomplete pieces which is great for seeing how they are put together (I am specifically thinking of the easy chair). He does not stick to strict Queen Anne but covers the subtle variations such as the Gaines chair (one of my favourites) ... this book is a true gem and since receiving it I can hardly put it down. A great resource and would make a fantastic present for someone interested in woodwork. Queen Anne furniture would have to be near the pinnacle of woodworking but with this book it seems reachable.

Truly excellent.

Wish that author would write some more on other periods (ie ALL other periods from early medieval to modern). I would not hesitate to collect them all.

Recognizing that Queen Anne furniture is one of the timeless and most beautiful designs, I realized, on starting my first project, that I hadn't the foggiest idea of the history, the elements, or the construction techniques of Queen Anne furniture. This book has it all. The sections on history and the making of the cabriole legs in themselves make this book a "must have," both for the collector and for the cabinetmaker. To top it off, there are scaled plans for several projects, and some time-saving techiques for construction. If you get only one book on Queen Anne furniture, this is the one.