Arts and Crafts Books

great book, great chalenges to make this boxes. Great gifts to be made by myself.

This is a great project book for the person that wants to build simple boxes that look great and does not require a lot of experience.

The book layout consists of a color photo of the completed project, a pattern that you can photocopy and glue onto the wood and detailed photos of how to build them. The book does not show how to build every box because once you see how to build a certain type, the other are just variations on it. The tools needed are a scroll saw (bandsaw will not work),power sanding tools (belt or disk and small drum), clamps, and a drill(drill press is better).

I made my first box in record time - not hard at all, but don't try to shortcut on prep of the wood. (and look out for hardwoods that burn from scrollsaws running too fast.) Very cool! A good confidence builder for scrolling; I particularly like how they guide you on making all-wood hinges for the boxes.

I have been involved in woodworking for some 50+ years and recently started to look for another avenue to explore. I purchased a scroll saw and needed some plans and hopefully some hints on how to proceed. This book has provided me with a wonderful source of creative box making projects starting with simple boxes and moving along to more advanced. The choices and skill levels are rewarding to the woodworker as well as to the person receiving the finished project. Great plans that produce great results. The author has taken considerable space in this book to guide the beginner in wood choice, scroll saw and blade choices as well as finishing techniques. Hints and suggestions are seen throughout the book. I am very glad to have found this book and from it, I am now making some wonderful gifts and enjoying every minute with my scroll saw and hand tools.

Thanks to the incredible jewelry knowledge and clear writing style of this book's two authors, those who appreciate real fine art jewelry are able to learn about some of the contemporary market's major talent. This book is for anyone who wants to be--or needs to be--further inspired by original creative work, each with a signature all its own. Perhaps most importantly, it is a significant contibution to the historical chronicling of 20th and 21st century jewelry design.

I find this book very inspiring and beautiful! I love Lark Books in general, but this book goes into more detail about the designs and about the designers. I find it so interesting how each concept is interpreted in each designer's vision. I also love the layout of the book starting with the prologue... the fabulous photos... the comments from the designers and details of the pieces... I like to collect art books and love jewelry so this is a perfect book to enjoy!!

This is a beautiful book, intelligently written detailing the uncommon works of amazing Jewelry artists. Inspiring!

This wonderful collection of contemporary jewellery gathered from the American Jewelry Design Council's annual Design Project, showcases the best of the best in each theme for the past 12 years. Commencing with the Cube in 1992, it moves through the Wheel, Key, Puzzle, Water, Flight, Peekaboo, Fold, Sphere,Pyramid, Secret Treasure, finishing in 2007 with the Sprial.

It is inspiring to read the design process for each of the pieces, the artists "interpretation" of the theme and to then gaze at the equisite pieces, beautifully photographed. Each piece is both contemporary and timeless, some are playful and quirky, others just shout at you to look at them. I could not choose one project more than another as there was always at least one or two pieces in each category that I greatly admired.

Upon recieving this book I sat down and read it cover to cover. Then went back and did it again. Each time seeing something new. I especially liked the the last chapter, on "The Artists" 1-2 pages per artist with a short bio and more photos of their extrodinary craftmanship.

This wonderful book will suit many people, the budding jeweler or student, those seeking inspiration in their own work, collectors of jewellery and even as a straight coffee table book. I would give this 6 stars if I could. I simply love it.

Very pleased with this book & I'm sure I will use it many times over.

This happy, upbeat book clearly and simply teaches the technique of buttonhole applique, as well as providing a background for this unique style of quilt block. Enhanced by many full color photos and full sized patterns, it will be treasured as a favorite. After purchasing this book, I was please to find the sequel, "Willowood", which takes the quilter further into the adventures of buttonhole.

I made two Christmas gifts the first year. Her instruction and pictures make these colorful and quick projects easy and Jean makes you, the quilter, look great too!

...The book contains tons of clear instructions, pages and pages of patterns for the applique', and so many cool projects. In fact, the book is filled with wonderful project ideas that will keep you happily crafting for some time.

Everything everyone has said before me is a testimony to this book.Its such a value and its such a pleasure to finally find a carving book that lets us all no..hay we really can do this..ive been so intimidated and in awe of carousel carvers and this is a book that works to let us all no..We Can.B.W.

GREAT BOOK! Basiclly all I can say. Better than a How-To book. Its a barrage of many wonderful stories, history, and some awesome pictures of the best carvings I have seen. Keep up the good work Bruce, and BUY THIS BOOK!! EVERYONE!!!! :)

If you have no other book about carousels, this is the one to have. Not only does the book illuminate the history of carousels, dispelling some common myths along the way, but the step-by-step, well illustrated process of carving a carousel is clearly explained in easy to understand terms. As Bruce's identical twin brother I can attest to the heart, mind and artistry that goes into every one of Bruce's creations. Many years ago I received a call from Bruce and he pleaded for my help. I replied that I had no knowledge or skill. Bruce persisted and taught me how to carve carousels using the same steps and techniques described in this book - several of the carousels I have carved are pictured in this book. Perhaps one of your creations will be in his next book!

Although this magnificent book is being marketed as a strictly how-to book, as a lover of carousels I attest to the fact that this book includes more history and delightful anecdotes about carousels, horses, designs and designers than any other book ever. Bruce encourages you to set your imagination free. Also, there is a step by step structure showing Bruce's one of a kind process. Even if you don't carve or don't want to start, it is still enlightening to see how this present day master carver makes lovely masterpieces for carousels and living rooms.

This book shows a lot about making comic {books or strips.} My name is Joe. My partner, Adam and I run a small comic book business called JARRtoons, and this book helped our business a lot.

Sincerly,
Joseph

This book shows alot about making comic {books or strips.} My name is Joe. I and my partner, Adam, run a small comic book business .......and this book helped our business alot.

This book shows alot about making comic{books or strips.}My name is Joe Rood Watkins.Me and my partner, Adam Ross Ledoux run a small comic book business called JARRtoons, and this book helped our business alot.

sincerly,
Joseph

This Book is a great sequence to the Cartoon Book. This book teaches young artists how to shade, shadow, use cliches, More lettering,Cliche Situations, Onomatopoeias, HATCHING, Sillhoutes,much much more

I purchased this book to use as an extension to a portrait module I was doing with year 8. The information and illustrations were perfect and allowed the students, and me, to build on drawing skills that had been learnt previously. Initally I got them to do some of the books exercises they then created a character which was developed into a comic strip.
My 10 year old grandson also enjoyed drawing and developing his own cartoon characters using information from the book.
Recommended for anyone looking for useful information on cartooning.

The books were received as advertised, in a very timely manner. Excellent service.

Cartooning Basics is an award-winning, step-by-step cartooning guidebook for doodlers age 7 and up. Though the simple illustrations and plain-terms instructions are readily accessible to young people, they are equally instructive to amateur adults seeking to hone their cartooning skills and learn how to create cartoon characters. Now in an enlarged and revised format with a foreward by Jim Davis, creator of "Garfield", Cartooning Basics covers how to get ideas for 'toons, common symbols, especial tips for expressions and facial features, showing distance, depth, and perspective, and much more, while the many, many illustrations demonstrate how all cartoons begin as a collection of simple shapes, from which details are elaborated. Highly recommended for practicing artistic techniques or just plain drawing fun.

My seven year old daughter recieved this book as a gift and just loves it! She has never felt very comfortable in her artistic abilities and this book has provided her with the instruction she needed to build up her confidence. She practices with the book almost daily and now insists on making everyone's birthday cards using characters out of the book and ones she has created on her own. It was such a great gift that we now give it as a gift; along with a pad of drawing paper, a fun pencil and an eraser, it is always a big hit!

Whether you're interested in 2D or 3D, Preston Blair is an excellent source for animation principles. It's a shame it's Out of Print and only available through scalpers who apparently care neither about good animation nor passing on Mr Blair's wisdom accessibly - it's all about the bottom line for them. At over $5.00 a page (I wouldn't mind paying Mr Blair this much directly, but not some scalper), check your library instead. Or write to the publisher and ask them to put it back in print. Great book though! Bad scalpers, shame!

Preston Blair does it again - another fine instructional guide on animation.

I wish his books never went out of print -- It was challenging to find the predecessor to this book (Animation I).

I want know about Animation .

I was facinated as the artist/author gave me a glimpse into the style and technique that Walt Disney and his crew of animators developed to create Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, et al. It was really ground-breaking stuff in its day. Explained well; illustrated well.

Great little book - it's actually for my husband, who is a begging woodcarver. It has some great basics.
Book is in very good condition.

Excellent book for the beginners. My 8 and 9 year olds loved it. This is a must have book for kids.

Purchased to accompany a Christmas gift of a small pocket knife for a six-year old grandson who expressed an interest in whittling, Carving for Kids is written at the appropriate level, well illustrated and includes a suitable range of projects from simple to challenging. He immediately selected a project and went right to work on it.

Parents and their kids will find CARVING FOR KIDS: AN INTRODUCTION TO WOODCARVING an intriguing project guide holding eleven skill-building projects for kids ages 4-17. Not only does the author teach woodcarving as a volunteer: all four of his kids are carvers too: his book is packed with color photos and clear techniques.

This book offers the beginner and experienced carver alike a clear and easy to understand way to make your own miniature carosel animal. Horse shown, other for inspiration. You'll like it.

The instructions and illustrations in this book makes carousel woodcarving for the beginner or pro a real pleasure. Everything needed in the way of instruction is included in this book. A great addition to any woodworker's library.

I have taken classes from the author, and the book is written just like his classes. The book goes step by step through the whole process of carving the carousel. I have observed some of Mr. Rienhardt's other works and I hope he continues to write other great books on carousel carving.

This book includes the plans for many horses and there aren't a lot of separate parts per each horse, which is good. He handles all you need to know in a basic, down to earth manner including wood grain, finishing, etc. He's carved over 1,000 horses so I guess he knows what he's talking about. I hope he puts out other books about different carving styles of carousel horses (especially Mullers) in the future.

Jennifer created a fantastic book. Tjhe illustrations are beautiful! The i nstructions are easy to understand. The book makes you want to immediately start making your own beads.

I pre-ordered this book in March and was so happy to receive it this week. I had read about it on a yahoo group called beads of clay. It was well worth the wait. Very clear pictures and thorough instructions on how to create beads with clay. I highly recommend this book.

A couple of days ago I received a copy of Jennifer Heynen's book Ceramic Bead Jewelry, published by Lark, in the mail from Amazon. This is a wonderful book and especially so because of Jennifer's friendly and enthusiastic voice which comes through on every page. Her excitement about working with clay is catching.
The book covers all the basics of making clay beads and will be a a great help to anyone starting out in ceramic clay. I found the directions easy to understand and was pleased to learn some new things myself. I was especially happy to find a very easy way of making molds and plan to try it this week. Her directions for making bead shapes is also easy to follow and had some new ideas for me. Specifically, the book covers the basic tools needed, how to work with unfired clay, how to decorate the clay and how to fire and glaze clay. These are essential directions for anyone trying out this wonderful craft. Jennifer does a great job of covering all these necessary skills.
The second half of the book is devoted to making jewelry. She has 30 different projects for the reader to make. Again the directions are simple and easy to understand and the jewelry is original and looks fun to wear. I especially like the Multi Strand Bracelet and the Square Bead Bracelet.
I hope all of you who are new to ceramic bead making will take a look at this great book which is the first major publication on the subject.

This elegant hardback book, Ceramic Bead Jewelry, by Jennifer Heynen, is the first book of its kind to really get right to the heart of ceramic bead making, while additionally offering fabulous jewelry designs, all created by the author. What a great book! I was blown away by the projects, the colors, the fantastic innovative ideas which are shown in this terrific book by Jennifer. She teaches us to create the beads, and then to design with them.
Ceramic has not been a medium which has been covered sufficiently in print, although there are many fabulous artists out there who are extremely popular right now. The author is one of the leaders in this great group, and sharing her manner of working is a very wonderful gift which she has given to the reader. The projects are myriad in variety, too. If you don't want to make your boyfriend a cool necklace (I personally love that "Boyfriend Necklace"!), move on, and try her "Cupid Ring"! If that doesn't suit you, prepare yourself to flip out over her "Cute as a Button" earrings or her "Polka Dot Fun" bracelet. Interesting to me as well are her "Flowery Cuff", where she has studded her flower shaped beads on a wide, soft, tan velveteen band, like something I have never seen anywhere before, and her "Fabulous Fiber Belt " which shows off her sense of color, which is always on target, whether she is working with brights or muted tones.

Even if you don't plan to make your own ceramic beads, this book stands as a success simply as a jewelry design book. The author has a website and you can find it right in the book. Her fantastic, gorgeous beads can be purchased there, which makes it easy to start at step two, if you like.

The photographs are great, with very vivid and exciting colors.

I think that this book, with its many bracelets, pendants, earrings, rings, even a cute pineapple pin, is a total winner! I am delighted to own this high quality, clearly explained, well written, beautiful piece of work: Ceramic Bead Jewelry by Jennifer Heynen.