Arts and Crafts Books

I consider this one of the better books on Maskmaking techniques. It has easy to follow directions in a variety of modeling methods. Well illustrated, it makes what could have been a dry lifeless book into something that is accessable to all levels of Maskmaking experience

I initially bought this book to help me teach maskmaking at a summer camp for children. Instead of sitting on the bookshelf at school, however, this book has been living in my art studio!

Sivin's lovely book describes and illustrates maskmaking techniques that involve plaster, clay, paper, papier-mache, wire, fabric and many other materials. Her instructions are easy to follow, and she suggests a range of materials that are quite available and practical. Furthermore, the illustrations are very inspirational. She has chosen pictures of masks made by children, adults and professional artists. Some of them are funny, some are beautiful, ethereal or cute, and many are downright creepy.

There is also a short history of world masks in the first chapter. Although it is not terribly detailed (and doesn't touch at all on the masks of Australia or Oceania), it gives the reader a little background before jumping into instruction.

In the month that I have owned this book, I have tried a number of Sivin's techniques--and have had uncontrollable urges to be CONSTANTLY making masks.

This is by far one of the best books available on the art of maskmaking. It provides inspiration and clear instructions on technique for the beginners, as well as very useful references for the professional maskmaker. This book always accompanies me when I am given courses on the subject of masks.

This is a wonderful book that can teach anyone how to easily make beautiful masks. It is especially nice for teachers & parents for exploring maskmaking with children of all ages because of sections featuring easily made masks.

The book starts out with a brief history of masks as art. A vast array of techniques are shown using a variety of easily found materials. These may include balloons, clay, plaster, papier-mâché, wire, buckram, & celastic.

Each maskmaking method includes a complete materials list & is demonstrated with b/w photos and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. At the back there is a great chapter on creatively fishing the masks & then protecting them.

Example masks in b/w & a small color gallery in the middle are nice bonuses. This is great book for anyone wanting to create unique masks.

"Delicious", sumptuous... full of beauty! This book is for anyone who loves to look at jewelry at its best!!

It may seem an era long gone by but the art work is as vital and enthralling today. The photos are numerous and magnificent and it is a valuable addition to anyones library.

The book offers insight into the most important jewelry designs and the artistic talents of their creators. It gives an overview and biographies of the most important jewelry artists of the recent history and how their businesses got started: Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef and Arpels, Lalique, Verdura, Bulgari, Boucheron etc. The photos are wonderful; I only wish there were more of them. A great book for anyone wanting to learn more about the most important jewelry creators and jewelry pieces. It is also a great way to start your own favorite jeweler/jewelry book collection and get more specific books.

I really enjoyed my first scan of this book and look forward to many more in-depth visits. The jewelry is absolutely breathtaking. The color photos are extremely well done.

If you LOVE looking at jewelry, the editors of this book have done a fine job of curating a remarkable collection of work. The pictures are clear and close enough to see the smallest granule, some of the work featured in this book is truly jaw dropping. I love this book.

as a jewelry designer and craftsperson I was very impressed by the variety and quality work of my peers in this publication. Great book to have

Good representational body of work for 20 contemporary jewelers. Excellent photography. Decent commentary. Multiple mis-identification of gems. Many excellent ground-breaking jewelers omitted.

This book is incredible! It follows the same format as the lark 500 series - but with more! There are profiles of the masters showcased in this book with info about them, thier work, sometimes how they got started etc. Then this is followed by a selection of pages of thier work. Its beautifully done and its inspiring to the very last detail. This is not a project book. Its a gallery of masters, as its title implies, and its inspiring for jewellers, collectors and anyone interested in jewellery. It focuses, obviously, on gemstone use - but this doesn't restrict it to one type of jewellery - there are incredible examples of metalwork, mixed media, gem carving, setting etc. Its just beautiful. I'm blown away by it. It arrived a few days ago and I still can't put it down. Been carrying it around with me! If you like the 500 series, any of them, one of them or all of them, I feel sure that you will love this book. Its very well done and a lot more effort has gone into this new "masters" series that lark are planning to do more of (yey) than with the general 500 series - which is just a call for submissions. This book has collected masters together and written about them and thier work some - so its insightful, especially to other jewellers/metalsmiths. I highly recommend it.

This is a good book to sit down with when you need a break. Grab a cup of coffee, put your feet up, (have some post-it notes at your side so you can mark some pages) and look through the memories. I always get some great ideas for some little thing to make up really quickly, and what a great way to put to use some of the Mum fabric stash that you just hate to cut into, but know you have to someday.

Great book by Debbie. She is so good with designs and directions. I just love her work.

The book has many ideas to those love patchwork. I liked the colors and I have others books of the same author.
Thank you for all.
Themis Abdo - Brasil

Memories And Milestones by Debbie Mumm is a remarkable collection of quality quilting and sewing projects, each of which would create a memorable keepsake in its own right. Providing a complete do-it-yourself" instructions for each individual project, Memories And Milestones showcases the Paint Box Wall Quilt; Coffee and Conversation Wall Quilt; Handmade Cards; Bead-dazzled Planter, and so many more. Memories And Milestones is very strongly recommended to needlecrafters as an informative and fun compendium representing the timeless art of quilting plans and accessory sewing projects.

These Mermaids are great, I've bought them before for my daughter and I was glad I was able to find them again. They look like real tattoos and stay on for several days. They are nicely detailed and colorful.

I have worn them myself...nice enough for adults as well as kids.

The tattoos arrive earlier than expected and right in time for a large volleyball tournament that our six-person team was playing in. We were dressed as mermaids and the tattoos completed the outfit. They stayed on all day.

Ten lovely, lively mermaids for you to decorate yourself with. These gorgeous creatures make this one of the best Dover Little Books available. I keep a copy just for my collection, and have several extras for myself and friends. The mermaids are colorful, in lithe poses, often shown with fish or shells or other objects. These charming beauties postively project personality and grace.

I bought these mermaid tattoos for myself and they are just adorable. They are each very good looking and stay on for about a week. Any little mermaid out there will love these!

Received book in excellent condition and in a timely manner. A great primer for metal embossing.

This book is the full deal; you will learn the technique and the photographs in the book are truly inspiring. Magdalena's designs are beautiful. This book is well worth the money.

The "Metal Embossing Workshop" was a really great find for me. I'm just starting out, and it gives a lot of good information, with pictures. I'm still learning new things everytime I review it.

I met Ms. Muldoon at the Craft and Hobby show this past July, and she knows her stuff. She has not only published a great book with easy to follow instructions, photos, and inspirational projects, but she sells all the metal and tools to make this book work for the aspiring artist in everyone. The book details the use of tools and different metals but shows the reader how to apply special foils and cabachon stones. I would highly recommend this book.

I'm writing this review because I believe this book deserves another good review. My personal interest is working all sorts of metals. I have searched these sorts of sites extensively looking for books that give a clear explanation of the skills required to do this sort of work and this book by Herbert Maryon is one of the best.
In the first 20 chapters, at 166 pages, Maryon concentrates on metalworking. The subjects include Soldering, Setting of stones, Filigree work, Raising and Shaping, Spinning, Repoussé work, Twisted Wires, Metal Inlaying and Overlaying to name just a few.
I found the photos of twisted wires particularly good and have not found this sort of information in other books to date. The last chapter in this section on Japanese Alloys and Stratified Fabrics was excellent also as I have not encountered this information either.
Chapters 21-27, at 31 pages, deal with Enamelling and once again we have good descriptions on the different topics of Cloisonné enamels, Plique-à-jour enamels, Encrusted enamels and Painted enamels to name a few.
His next major section is Metal Casting at 33 pages, Chapters 28-31, and we again get good descriptions and techniques. Following on from this we have an assortment of chapters dealing with Construction, Design, The Making of Tools and Polishing and Colouring.
Maryon rounds the book out with some tables and conversion charts dealing with areas, gauges, measurments, weights and temperatures.
Overall I believe Maryon has done a very good job of explaining the skills and techniques required to do metalwork and enamelling at this level.
One criticism that could be leveled at this book is that compared to other books on the same subject there are possibly too few photos and drawings which could have given an added dimension to the otherwise clear descriptions.
When learning like myself from scratch it pays to draw on multiple sources. Other books I have consulted are; "A Silversmith's Manual" by Bernard Cuzner; "Silversmithing" by Finegold and Seitz; "Metal Techniques for Craftsmen" by Oppi Untracht. These books including Maryon's are the best out there and are all worth purchasing. Reasoning being that they all have invaluable infomation which often overlaps but have tips and tricks unique to each book. Which are invaluable to becoming proficient in this art.
The book therefore gets 4.5 stars from me as it gives good advice which is most, and has been, helpful.
Finally just to say another great book by Dover.

I have owned this book for 15 years and I think it is an excellent reference book for jewellers and metal smiths. It covers all types of metal work including gold and silversmithing, jewellery, stone setting and enamelling using traditional techniques. Written by Herbert Maryon O.B.E., who was one of London's best gold and silversmiths.

For the professional, amateur or hobbyist, Herbert Maryon's book remains one of the most important books in its field. Originally published in 1912, this book was written at an important time in our history. It is a text of twentieth century knowledge and understanding encompassing over 3000 years of metalworking processes. It picks up where the master Italian goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini leaves off in his Treatises, and yet it is the last thorough publication that predates the advent of the modern electric power tool.
The importance of this is multifold. First it brings every process down to the directness of basic hand tools. It is the jeweler making every mark and every cut through the simplicity of the basic tools that have been used for centuries. Processes are not obscured through expensive specialized equipment that are limited in their application.
The same is true of the materials themselves. Sheet and wire that are readily made by the jeweler are the basis for all forms of fabrication. Hinges for example start with sheet metal and do not rely on the limitations of commercially produced products, thus freeing one financially and aesthetically.Thirdly, the use of basic hand tools expands the realm of the small studio. A simple burin, scraper and burnisher can accomplish many of the same tasks that match hundreds of dollars worth of specialized tools while performing a greater range of uses. Many of these tools can also be made by the jeweler or adapted to their own personal applications.
Herbert Maryon was a master metalsmith himself. His expertise is evident throughout the book. While no one book can cover everything, this book provides a foundation to develop any number of approaches. His sample of seventy-two kinds of twisted wire is one example of taking a basic technique and turning it into a full scope of possibilities of the highest caliber. From fabrication to casting, stone setting to enamel this book provides a wealth of information and insight.
(Review by Robert Jackson, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia USA)

The first two reviews are dead on target. However,there is another aspect to Marion's book. It gives a fine perspective for judging newer texts and would-be teachers. During a novice's jewelry class, students were offered a chance to take an advanced course, given by one of the instructor's friends. It would show us a "special method" of soldering fine gold grain work. An excellent method is plainly laid out on pages ten and eleven of Metalwork & Enamelling. These two pages saved me over four hundred dollars; a nice return on the book's price.

This is a great book to have. Wonderful pictures. Great detail. A must have for anyone interested in miniatures.

If you've ever visited the Art Institute and wished that you could spend more time enjoying the Thorne Rooms, this book is a way for you to visit them as often as you would like.

"Miniature Rooms" begins with a brief history of Mrs. Thorne and how the rooms came to be. The rest of the book is a complete catalog of the Rooms, divided into two sections - the European rooms and the American rooms. Every room is beautifully photographed from at least two angles, using the existing lighting in the rooms so that each has the same realistic quality enjoyed in the Institute. Along with each photograph is a description of the room and its furnishings. I would recommend "Miniature Rooms" to anyone who enjoys the Art of Miniatures.

I had not heard anything about the Thorne rooms before, so when I received this book as a gift, I became completely enthralled with the images that were captured. As an avid lover of historic preservation and the decorative arts, I really appreciate how Mrs. Thorne captured the different historical eras in the fashion and furnishings of each room. It is truly amazing how detailed each room is. If you love historic preservation and/or miniatures, then this book is a must see and read!

This is certainly the definitive book on the sixty-eight miniature rooms in the Chicago Art Institute. Each room is given two photographs along with a description of the room pictured. The book also contains information on Mrs. Thorne and how the rooms came into being. Her artistry in creating miniature rooms which seem more like full sized interiors was amazing and her sense of taste and style impeccable.
I have visited The Thorne Rooms many times over the years and they never fail to enchant me. This book allows me to call them to mind easily and aids me in my own building of miniature rooms. The one thing that the book cannot show is the great attention to detail Mrs. Thorne gave to the rooms off the main rooms and the outside scenery created for each room. However, the book does give an excellent idea of the nature of the rooms and the reason why they are so famous and loved.

I made my son's first layout using realtrax and (mostly ) MTH buildings and accessories. This book has served as my primary text and source of inspiration. We are not putting the enormous cost of DCS in his layout yet, but it is nice to have the reference incase we add it later. The text is concise and to the point, and the photos are exactly what is needed to reinforce an ideal, suggestion, or instruction.

Model Railroading with MTH by Rob Adelman is an outstanding resource for a beginner!
(Actually, this book contains quite a few tips for the experienced modeler too - the kind of tips that one usually learns through the school of hard knocks.)

If you are a Lionel fan, don't let the MTH in the title scare you away, the vast majority of what the author writes is very applicable to getting started with any brand of trains. The specific MTH product numbers and specific instructions on MTH's command system are just icing on the cake if you decide to go with MTH products.

The chapter titles tell the story:

* Planning Your Model Railroad (The author discusses pros and cons of space, size, location, themes, eras, etc.)

* Designing Track Plans Using RR-Track Layout Design Software (This software is considered by many to be the industry standard in computer software for track planning and the author explains the software in a way that even beginning computer users can enjoy.)

* Constructing A Table/Platform For Your Layout (The author provides step-by-step directions for a 4'X8' platform with clear text and pictures)

* Track Laying and Backdrop Construction (Boy, I wish I had the tips on "planning for engine overhang and tunnel portal clearance" and the "how-to" pics for applying a backdrop when I first started my layout.)

* Creating Realistic Scenery (The author shows how to use specific Woodland Scenics products. Many consider Woodland Scenics to be the industry standard for scenery products.)

* Train Control Using MTH Digital Control System. (This potentially difficult topic is explained clearly and with the number of pictures, drawings and how-to tips, you almost can't go wrong!)

* Detailing Your Layout (one of my favorite topics and very nicely done!)

* The Dispatcher Game (a multi-level "game" which shows one how to operate even a small pike in a "real" railroad fashion. this help prevent boredom from setting in after the layout is completed and the trains have run a couple of hundred laps around the layout)

I especially enjoyed the author's inclusion of dozens of color photographs of each step of his construction of this 4' X 8' layout. Between the photographs and the text, it would be hard to go wrong...

The author also included many sidebars (usually identified by yellow boxes) in which he supplies definitions of pertinent terms, safety tips to help avoid injury during construction/operation, construction hints for easier building, brand name products he used and even the specific part numbers of products he used. A beginner will find these sidebars to be an invaluable resource!

Lastly, the first couple of chapters deal with the history of MTH Electric Trains. For someone eager to get started on building their own layout, I suggest you just jump ahead to Chapter Three - Planning your layout and begin working. You can always go back, at some later date, to read all about the history of MTH if you'd like.

This is a great resource!

This is a great book for understanding the world of MTH trains. It is a perfect book for a father and son to enjoy building a MTH train layout for the first time. It also has helpful hints for those more experienced in the hobby.

The graphics and tables are a helpful addition as well.

Model Railroading with MTH Electric Trains is by far the best book I have ever read on how to plan, construct, and operate an O gauge train layout. As I am just getting into model railroading, I can already clearly see that this book has all the resources I not only need to get going, but to keep progressing in the hobby. I was especially pleased with the chapter on the Digital Command System as the author explained it in an easy, straightforward way that really helped me to understand it much better. Getting started with DCS is a lot easier than I imagined. Not only that, but I also learned a lot about the many (over 200) different features that I had no idea it could perform. I'm really looking forward to trying those out. Another chapter I particularly like was the Dispatcher Game. I had never really given any thought to operating my trains with a purpose and this chapter outlines how to do so in a game-type situation. Plus, since it is based on how real railroads operate, I learned quite a bit. I am certainly looking forward to playing the Dispatcher Game once I am finished constructing my layout. The last chapter is also very good. I found the interview with Tony Lash as well as the pictures of his phenomenal layout to be excellent. Lastly, the book doesn't end with just the chapters--but also has quite a few appendices that contain a lot of useful information. Model Railroading with MTH Electric Trains is a definite must-have in my opinion and is extremely well done. I recommend anyone building or thinking of building a layout to get this book. Heck, even if you have a layout already, the Dispatcher Game chapter alone is worth the price of the book.

What a magnificent book! It isn't often I get lost in a book. Call it an occupational hazard, but when you handle hundreds of books a month, you have a tendency to become immune/jaded/whatever, but this book is so rich in color and content and visual stimulation, I actually put it down so I could digest the yumminess taken in thus far, picking it up later to continue. The overload was fabulous, but it overheated my brain, and the poor thing needed time to cool while the images swirled about before I began reading again. I still have not absorbed it all (dare I hope that will happen?) as I see it as a delightful meal or vacation to be savored for as long as possible. It is also a book I will return to again and again and again. It is like sitting in Lisa's classroom or having a conversation with her. Absolutely delightful and totally stimulating! It gives one wings, just as she hoped!

If you have EVER had the pleasure of seeing Lisa's work in person or taken a workshop from this MEGA TALENTED artist you would not walk BUT RUN to purchase this book. Her vision is always fresh and her style is timeless!

Calligraphers buy lots of books. Most of us own a copy of Johnston's Writing and Illuminating and Lettering. We look wistfully in our bank accounts and decide we can't really justify the facsimile edition of the St. John's Bible, a unique calligraphic wonder of our time. I have over two shelves just with calligraphy books. Some of them are straightforward how-to manuals (a boon for people who live far away from good personal instruction); others are more exemplars.

Then along comes Mark Making... It has been years since I've been so bowled over by this kind of audacity. Placing graffiti artists somehow on a par with medieval scribes, and exhorting us all to bust out and have more fun (check out the section on fabric!), without ever bypassing the need to get a firm foundation, Engelbrecht gives us the new "must-have" for our shelves. It's a bit like Danny Gregory's Creative License for calligraphers. Bravo to Lisa Engelbrecht, and thanks for the permission. I might just go and roll up my sleeves...

This is a fresh voice in Calligraphy books, noting what works for todays scribe and showing pictures of tools and suggestions for writing mediums. Loved the examples and I think that teens thru adults will gather inspiration from all the fantastic ideas for taking that next step away from the old letterforms!