Arts and Crafts Books

The one word that comes to my mind when describing this book is INCREDIBLE! It really is. I own a whole library of costume jewelry books that I have collected over a 12-year period, dating back to 1997 when I first started collecting rhinestone costume jewelry. I'm telling you, this book is in a league all its own. The photography is absolutely breathtaking with large, very clear and detailed photos that really highlight every piece to perfection. This book is also well thought out, beautifully written and very well organized. I appreciate the fact that if I'm looking for a specific type of Juliana (say, for example, Juliana jewelry with margarita, rivoli or watermelon stones), I can quickly flip to Chapter 15 and see all of these Juliana examples together in one place. If you check out eBay jewelry auctions and Ruby Lane jewelry listings, you'll quickly discover that this book is quite often referred to for D&E/Juliana jewelry -- probably more often than all of the other costume jewelry books combined! Many of the eBay listings for Juliana jewelry often include phrases such as, "See page 172 of Katerina Musetti's 'The Art of Juliana Jewelry' for a photo of this piece." I'm a DIE-HARD D&E/Juliana collector and I can say, honestly, that there are very few days that go by without me picking up this book to check out a piece of Juliana jewelry that I'm considering purchasing. Even when I'm not purchasing something, I still like thumbing through this book, over and over. It's like a "Juliana Bible" to me! I can't say enough good things about this book. In my opinion, it's a definite MUST HAVE for any serious D&E/Juliana collector or anyone who loves fabulous, glitzy jewelry. I give it my highest recommendation. This is a book that I will definitely treasure for a lifetime. Very well done, Katerina! :-)

The Art of Juliana Jewelry, by Katerina Musetti, is visual eye candy & a fine reference tool! Within the covers are many beautiful, quality color photos with excellent, well-detailed descriptions of what you are viewing. It contains well-planned sections explaining just what Juliana Jewelry is all about. This book shows you the crème de la crème of D&E Juliana Jewelry & how to identify it.
An all around quality book that both collectors and non-collectors alike cannot help but enjoy. One comes away with an education on a relatively new topic regarding additional history referencing costume jewelry of the 1950's & 1960's in the United States. It is a book you will keep handy for the delight of all your friends. It will also entice you to join the hunt for the beautiful, but elusive, Juliana Jewelry.

This book is fabulous! It is the most beautiful jewelry book in my collection and rivals my books on antique roses! As lovely as it is to look at, it's equally informative. Ms. Musetti teaches us about DeLizza & Elster's Juliana design elements and much more. Without her book, I wouldn't know that an authentic D&E sunburst necklace has seven dangles, while an owl necklace has five, or that my favorite Kramer pin, with its rhinestones of many colors and pave crescents of icing, was made by DeLizza & Elster. Such detail is greatly appreciated by collectors.

It's probably impossible to say that this or that is my favorite aspect of the book, but I must say that the photos of Ms. Musetti's voice teacher, Renata Tebaldi, and those of Ms. Musetti herself, wearing Juliana jewelry while performing touch my heart.

That leads me to the photos of Noel McLeary. They are absolutely stunning! Perfectly staged; perfectly photographed. The added touch of showing her in black and white while the jewelry she wears is in color is extraordinary and wonderfully suited to a book on vintage jewelry. It reminds me of several ads from the '50s and '60s that employed the same technique.

The entire book is superb! Thank you, Katerina, thank you for dedicating yourself to its production.

This delightful book is a joy to read, as well as a feast for the eyes of the most beautiful rhinestone jewelry created by William DeLizza and Harold Elster. The creativity and design of the jewelry is amazing, as well as the wonderful combination of colors, and variety of stones. Each piece is truly a work of art. Their jewelry from 1947 - 1967 bore no markings. From 1967 - 1990 the pieces were given a hang tag with the "Juliana" name on it, most of them have been removed over the years. Therefore it is important to understand the usual construction of their jewelry to help identify their pieces.

If you don't already know, DeLizza and Elster jewelry is among the most sought after costume jewelry around. Their use of unfoiled stones, art glass and other specialty rhinestones in fantastic multi-layered designs has made Juliana jewelry a standout. This beautiful jewelry is also extraordinarily well made, so it has held up well over the years.

Since DeLizza and Elster jewelry was never signed, it's always been difficult for the average collector to identify. Fortunately, Musetti's book contains a very detailed section on how to identify Juliana jewelry. She also uses lots of photos so that you can clearly understand exactly what she is describing to help with identification.

The book contains over 450 beautiful color photographs of DeLizza and Elster Juliana jewelry. My only criticism of the book is that some of the photos are a bit repetitious. On the other hand, I was also very pleased that Musetti included photographs of pieces that were attributed to and signed by other makers, such as Weiss, that were actually made by DeLizza and Elster.

I have a few pieces of jewelry in my collection that I had long suspected were Juliana, and I was delighted that my assumptions could actually be confirmed with photographic evidence from this book.

This is an absolute must have book for both the fledgling as well as experienced collector of costume jewelry.

Dawnjewels

I can't say enough great things about this book. It's full of interesting projects to try, and the design of the book itself is great, light and airy, despite being packed with useful information.

You'll need some software to try the projects in it, an image editor of some kind and a printer. But that's all you need for most of the projects described. Janet Ashford has really creative ideas for transforming every day objects like metal tins and boxes, using computer designs.

I can just about guarantee, if you're artistic at all and you buy this book, you'll not only enjoy it, but you'll wind up designing some really amazing things as a result!

Being an arts and crafts designer from way back, I have always wanted to own this book. I couldn't find it on the shelves a couple of years ago and proposed to write such a book when I found myself inventing paper crafts for PrintMaster, a card design program produced by the Learning Company.

But Janet Ashford beat me to it. And she has the know-how it would have taken me years to acquire. This is a magnificent tome, one that inspires as well as informs the crafts addict. Her expanations are sophisticated but clear to anyone who has passed beyond the basics. Lots of the projects are very artful and have the look of "handmade" without being too cutsy or too advertisingly slick.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves crafts and has access to a computer with the big three type programs: layout, photo adjusting, and drawing. If you are new to computers, an accompanying book or class will set you up for this one.

The potential of the computer in craft has been seriously damaged by the excitement computers have generated. A parallel can be found when the Russian novelist Tolstoy was given a dictaphone to help speed up his writing. After a few weeks he threw it out the window. His neighbor asked if it didn't work. Tolstoy's reply was "It worked fine, but I got so excited using it I couldn't write." For almost two decades a generation of designers have succumbed to the excitement and hype of the computer without significantly adding any real content or substance to their work under the digitized banner. It is time for that to change, and Janet Ashford is a winning harbinger of that change.

It doesn't help matters that most design software seems to be written by the left-brain dominant spouses of craft practitioners...well intentioned souls with no sense of the real kinesthetics of working color, form, texture.

Janet Ashford has navigated through the difficult middle course between technology and entrancement. She draws! She creates custom palettes in her application software! She doesn't hit you over the head or talk down to the reader. Perhaps her experience of designing for and with her daughter has given her the wonderful tone of teaching someone she likes, who is lacking in knowledge but not in ability. That is a prized gift in any teacher, and Ashford has it mastered.

She has maintained her enthusiasm, her innocent pleasure in sharing the joys of color and pattern, line, light and form. She is conscientious in gathering really useful resources together into a book that can pay off in serious fun the first weekend you get to use it, without resorting to false expectations. Buy the book. Use the example. You, and your craft, will be enriched without hype or over-simplification. Serious artists and craftspeople do not expect the tool to do the real work of creation for them. This book is written for the serious artists and craftspeople at any stage of their careers...from about 9 years old on up.

Ashford knows the art of computer craftmaking and provides the reader with very good starting points for crafts that intertwine computer and manual art. Regarding hardware/software she clearly favors Mac/Adobe, so her recommendations reflect this. In spite of this slant, she gives some helpful overviews of the technological side of various formats, graphic standards, etc.
Want to intermingle computer graphics with your arts and crafts? Here's a good starting point.

This is a good reference for general information about using a computer to enhance or create art. The author mainly uses Adobe products, such as Photoshop and Illustrator for editing images and graphics. Before you will be able to create these projects, you have to be familiar with your software AND have software to create some of the effect (image editor, paint and graphics program). If you are looking for a book that specifically tells you how to do these things, that will not be found here. You have to be "computer-literate" and software-literate to get the most from this book.

There is a lot of good information provided and several projects are shown using illustrations and photographs, not in a step-by-step format.

pieced blocks - some applique - seasonal favorites - some easy, some not - step-by-step instructions - great quality book

Really enjoy the patterns and instructions from Lynette Jennings. I find her books easy to follow. But you can tell it is an older book because I know in the later books she gives ways of making patterns easier (less piecing, eg star pattern). But I thoroughly enjoy her books.

Lynette produced another wonderful book. I loved the patterns as well as the graphics. Her instructions are easy to follow and the end-product just gorgeous. Her color pattern fits any decor and help make any house a home.

I just received this book yesterday and have already selected and begun work on two different quilts. The instructions, diagrams, pictures, patterns, colors are all wonderful! This will be one of my top books in my collection. Back to quilting!

I love to buy quilt books, perhaps it's an addiction. This is one of the few books I will read over, again and again. There is a real warmth to her colors and her quilts, without being too cute (like Debbie Mum). I could even make one of these quilts for my 18 year old son without complaints. Even if you don't quilt, I think you would enjoy seeing how she incorporates her quilts into her decor. If you do quilt, even better! Your only dilemma will be in trying to decide which quilt to make first.

I passed by this book a few times but I needed a bead book fix so I ordered and I'm happy I did. The designs are imaginative and there is a wealth of techniques to try. They are explained well with excellent diagrams. Lots of eye candy to boot.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked the projects on beading around freeform crystals and seaglass. The beaded eyeglass and small bottles were also great. There are a few other quirky beaded items, but the rest of the book is useless. I should say I am an advanced beader, so the many projects on beading around a simple bezel don't interest me. So, if you're a mid to advanced beader, there isn't that much new.

I was very pleased to find this book! Basic instructions for right angle weave that are easy to follow, Ladder Stitch, Even Number Flat Peyote, Vertical Netting (or Lattice Weave,) Back Stitching and Couching.
Good Chapter for Straps, Necklaces and Fringe WITH PICTURE INSTRUCTIONS. Lots of ideas for odd ball beads and not beads that you can use in your beadwork.

It has a Wonderful Chapter (4) on Beading cabochons with some fresh Unique ideas for beaded straps and the stones. One is done with a Amethyst crystal wedge. Very clear instructions. She has some pictures of beaded brooches made with doughnuts and disks embellished with with beads that start in the center and work their way to the edges that I find inspiring. SHe even beaded a Magnifying Glass Necklace!

I found this book by accident while searching for beadwork books on Amazon.com and I'm soooooo glad I did! It includes many techniques for incorporating a variety of things into your beadwork and rather than offering only one design solution it gives lots of options. For example, I especially appreciated the inclusion of techniques for incorporating cabochons and larger found objects such as rocks and slabs without using the technique of gluing the object to a backing and couching around it but rather using beadwork exclusively to capture the object. Lots of eye-candy and interesting suggestions. This turned out to be a better all-around book of techniques than I expected it to be and I know I will refer to it often. It does have lots of projects in it if you want to just follow along and more or less copy them, but it also gives different techniques for straps, focals, etc. so you can mix and match them. I wish more beading books were like this one -- it really helps to expand a beader's design options!

This book is a keeper. The projects are delightful and instructions are clear. With Carole's pointers in mind, there are so many places to look other than bead shops for findings and inspiration. In addition, the book describes new ways of using old stitches that leave the reader with ideas of her own to pursue. Included are pictures of what other bead artists have done using the instructions from this book as a springboard for their ideas. "Beaded Jewelry with Found Objects" is a treasure for anyone who loves beading, and just looking through it is fun. Warning: looking through this book will leave you twitching to start a new beady project ... okay, okay, it'll leave you twitching to start A LOT of new beady projects.

Klutz publishes high quality art, craft and activities bound into a book that is actually a full kit, as they come with all the materials necessary to do what the book instructs. I have never been disappointed with a Klutz book/kit.

This book is a bit different than the typical craft books published by Klutz. It was developed in conjunction with the Metropolitan Museum of Art and has a lot of educational, world history and art history information in the book.

The book starts back in Ancient History with Ancient Egypt. The book teaches about art and writing (hieroglyphics) done by the Ancient Egyptians. Then the kit encourages the child-reader to make their own art, Egyptian style. The book progresses through various art methods and across thousands of years, introducing educational information then telling how to replicate that art or craft.

Another way this Klutz publication is different is that it has some pretty sophisticated art methods. There is a copper page to make a copper cover with metal embossing decoration using texture plates that is then made into a little handmade book. The book covers collage and includes some interesting images to cut out and collage with. The book tackles basic drawing principles and sketching in pencil, watercolor painting, and how to use one paintbrush to make different painted effects. Sun prints are here too, a more crafty leaning project. Boys especially might like the section on medieval history and knights with an activity to design their own coat of armor. Illumination is here with powdered paint that is to be mixed with egg whites to paint with. There is also a section for making a replica of stained glass (coloring in a paper) and a paper weaving project.

The book has MANY examples of real art going back thousands of years. The reference in the back of the book explains what each image is with a historical reference.

This is an ambitious book that teaches art and crafts linked to real world history events and showing examples of fine artworks. The book is inspirational. There are enough projects here to keep a child and a preteen occupied for many hours. It would be of interest to boys as well as girls. I can imagine that if a child does one of these projects for the first time they may be inspired to continue on learning more about some of the techniques(drawing, sketching, and watercolor painting).

The book is a low cost for the smattering of craft and art materials that come with it and for all the educational content that goes along with the instructions on how to do each art or craft.

If your child already owns many art and craft supplies, especially if they own some professional grade materials, makes a lot of art at home or is already taking professional art instruction, and if they already had lots of history educational instruction, this book may be too shallow or repetitive for them. However if the child has not yet tried all these arts and crafts or been exposed to all this world history information, the book is fantastic.

This makes a wonderful gift! The publisher states it is for ages 8 and up.

This book had a lot of really fun art ideas that my boys loved. It is very hands on, and you can mix in science with your art. My history buff loved the art history, and this book inspired much online investigation and a planned trip to our local art museum. It is a great way to introduce your child to real art- but is also fun and "crafty." My high-energy boys loved this book, and I can not recommend it enough.

I buy these books because my grandkids love them too. They always have age appropriate topica and seem to keep pace with their interests as they grow. They are challenged and they learn as they work through the books. Mom & Dad love them too.

I bought this book for my nephew, who is 10 years old. He opened his present and started looking through it right away, ignoring his other presents waiting to be opened. There is a nice selection of different activities in this book. I would recommend it for older children as it includes activities that require lots of cutting and pasting, and the tempura painting could be messy with younger children.

Crafty people will like this book, and all of klutz other books. This one has lots of fun things to do, and will keep you busy for a long time. You get to play with stickers, do sunburn art, paint with eggs (this sounds strange, but it works!!), and tons of other stuff. It's a cool book.

What a great book. It is full of detail and wonderful ideas to set your creative juices flowing. Judy

This is a book for the serious advanced quilter who wants to produce competition level quilts. Well written, covers the subject in depth.
Not a quickie short cut type book this is a reference level book that belongs on the shelves of all serious quilters.

I have met the author of this book. She is very knowledgable and a good teacher. Her book is well written and is instructive.

Excellent book. Precise directions. She writes exactly how she teaches and this book will give you step by step instructions on how to be a PERFECT quilter and make perfect finishing touches to your quilts. More than just the borders/edges instruction - Sally tells you how to be a better more precise quilter, making your day-to-day sewing even better! You can't go wrong in buying this wonderful book. Read it from cover to cover. Excellent!

This book is the "bible" for anyone interested in the art and techniques of finishing a quilt. Anything and everything you need to know is laid out in an easy to read format, with clear illustrations to demonstrate the techniques. Sally Collins is truly a master in quiltmaking AND in teaching. She explains everything in glorious detail but in a very clear and easy to understand format. Her quilts are candy for your eyes, and make me believe that I can do it too!

Bought this for my borther in law and he liked it alot, its a book he wanted to get and now owns it. He does wood carvings of birds and this is a very detailed good book for beginners and pros alike!

The book covers power carving song birds from choices of wood to mounting the finished sculpture.
VERY well done with detailed explanations & the authors thoughts about each step. Anatomy, acurate color rendition with actual information as to how it was accomplished, how to mount eyes & create feet are all covered with photograhs backing up the text.
I'm a hand carver yet found the book not only instructive from my point of view but interesting & beautiful as well.
It now rests on my coffee table where it has been enjoyed by several guests who have found it's content facinating. ... Because it IS!
WELL done!

I found the instructions to be clear and well written. The photography is outstanding. One of the best books I own.

I have an extensive library of carving books to include the two classics "Raptors" and "Owls" by Floyd Scholz. Lori Corbett's book has earned a place among my finest carving books. It is well conceived, well organized and clearly written. Steps in carving are logical and easy to follow; yet, not trite. The writing is crisp and interesting. While there are many, many books on carving Lori's sets a high standard for others to strive. In all aspects this book excels to include pictures, illustrations, diagrams, and both carving and painting instructions. I recommend that if a carver can only afford one book of instruction and inspiration, then purchase Lori's "Carving Award Winning Songbirds" -- and at half the price of most other books! In the near future, I shall attempt to learn whether Lori can instruct as well as she can write. My thanks for a marvelous book. Mel Donaho, long time carver and instructor

Simply the most comprehensive manual on bird carving that I own.

Most books suffer some kind of short-coming. Muehlmatt's book is good, but lacks painting information. Hillman's are totally worthless..

But this book covers everything....painting, habitat, anatomy...everything.

If you are new to bird carving...buy this book FIRST! If you are a seasoned carver, buy it because you will learn something from it.

This was a used book I purchased and I have to say I was very, very pleased with the condition.
The author of this book puts everything in very simple terms & makes it easy for a newby to follow along.
I really love it & was glad to add it to my collection of polymer clay books that is ever expanding thanks to Amazon!!!

I collect books on Polymer Clay Artistry and Beading, and this is one of the best of any genre. An absolute classic, suitable for beginners and more experienced clay artists. If you ever thought of Polymer Clay as a relative to Play-Doh, you won't after reading this lucious book.

I love this book and I know you will too if you are into clay or just thinking about trying it. The projects are all wonderful, with easy to follow instructions. Everything to keep a beginner or an advanced clayer busy. Sarajane Helm out did herself this time. Can wait to see what's up her other sleeve.

It is a beautiful book to look at and to admire. But if you are a beginner I suggest going with "New ways with Polymer clay" and or "The polymer clay techniques book". The Techniques book is very helpful!! I loved this book but for now all I can do is look and dream.

I first seen this book at a crafting store and with their price came home and found it on Amazon.com at a lower cost..thats the first most important thing...I really love the way they incorperate the mica's in the projects to give them a very rich expensive non crafted look..I was very impressed with the projects in this book and reviewing it before I bought it was the selling point for me..Mrs.C.

"Ceramic Bead Jewelry" is a "how to make ceramic beads" book, but I didn't get it because I'm planning to make any beads. I got it more as an inspiration book. It has beautiful photography and layout, and I like looking at the pictures of the finished pieces. Jennifer Heynen, author and artist, has a bold graphic style that is very appealing.

Can I get a YAY! for the first ceramic beadmaking book to hit the market?! Jennifer has written an elegant book on the basics of making beads from clay. A must have for the crafter who likes to try everything!

This book will make you want to start a project today. Really great instructions, great pictures.

Very well written, great pictures, and lots of step by step. I had worked with other mediums before but not ceramic beads. Jennifer takes you step by step and is very easy to follow. I've made over 100 beads and pendants so far. Some weren't successful, but that's not Jennifer's fault. Some shortcuts you just can't take! Wonderful book, especially if you've been curious. Ceramic beads are easy, but time consuming. Very worth it!

I am not a ceramic bead maker, but after reading Jennifer Heynen's book I feel like I want to go out and get myself a kiln and a hunk of clay and start making snakes and balls and just getting my hands dirty just like when I was a kid! I had the good fortune to actually meet Jennifer at a jewelry workshop right before her book came out. I bought it because I was curious, and now I really want to test my luck with making these beautiful beads. Jennifer is obviously very accomplished in her art, and loves what she does. Her colors and designs are fresh and funky and as colorful as her personality. I am impressed by the writing that makes something so technical seem within the grasp of someone like me who has never worked in this medium before. I have also ordered beads from Jangles and can attest to their quality and beauty. If you seek something new to add to your jewlery designing repertoire, or if you just love beautiful design books, then Ceramic Bead Jewelry is for you!

I live in a very small apartment so I can't collect books, but this is one I will keep. Easy to follow directions and nice projects. Detailed information on how to make projects that are more complicated like dying fabrics. I received the book and made two projects over the weekend and have plans for a couple of more. This book is inspiring, well written, and COLORFUL! A must have, you won't be disappointed.

This is a wonderful book! Kristin Nicholas has taken embroidery to a new level with her colors and designs. Her instructions and diagrams are well displayed for even the novice at embroidery. I have been sewing for years and I can't wait to get started. Not your gramma's embroidery for sure. Love this book!

The projects are so well explained in word and picture...hand drawn by he auhor artist: indeed the whole book is a work of art in itself. Every page a gem of color and inspiration and just plain fun! See page 172 for a fabulous project for oneself or a birthday party activity. This book is like a smile: everyone should have one......Claudia Birkeland

I must have 7 bookshelves of sewing/stitchery/needlework books and from among those this book rates an A+++. I *love* the "hand" of wool and she offers many ideas, photos, and clear, inspirational guidelines.

I stitch alone, I stitch in several styles, and I often stitch with a 13 year old granddaughter and we both found several ideas we plan to adapt and/or copy. By next Christmas we'll probably have created over 80% of our gifts, all from this book.

The author's writing is gracious and clear and leads me back to reading her words again and again. There's more to this than just "directions" but the directions are terrific as well.....even a 13 year old can attest to that.

HIGHLY recommended!

Embroidery projects usually focus on clothing, but they can be used to personalize a home, too - as embroiderer Kristin Nicholas demonstrates in COLORFUL STITCHERY: 65 HOT EMBROIDERY PROJECTS TO PERSONALIZE YOUR HOME. From dragonflies on pillows to lap blankets, egg cozies, and more, these colorful embroidery projects lend to gift-giving as much as home embellishment. Each comes with a full-page picture and easy details on fabric choice, notions and stitches.