Arts and Crafts Books

If you've stayed up nights wondering about the inner workings of a Naboo N-1 Starfighter, or even occasionally contemplate the unconventional solid-fuel concentrate slugs that the strange society of the Neimoidian traders use to give their droid starfighters such powerful thrust, you'll want to read Star Wars Episode I Incredible Cross-Sections cover-to-cover. This handsome book - deservedly referring to its illustrations as incredible - shows us a vroom with a view; more than fourteen vrooms, in fact.

SW Episode I Incredible Cross-Sections is brought to us by the great people at Dorling Kindersly Publishing -- or DK for short - where just about any topic you might think of has already been turned into a beautifully illustrated right-brained adventure in learning. The illustrators for this masterpiece are Hans Jenssen and Richard Chasemore, arguably the two artists with the best job available in that field this side of Alpha Centauri.

Jenssen, who specializes in technical art, especially machines, lives in England but claims to spend his vacations on Tatooine (no accounting for taste in vacation spots) where he has been known to engage in "moderately disreputable pursuits (he goes all the way to Tatooine for that?)." Chasemore has worked as an illustrator in both the U.S. and Europe on a great variety of projects, one of which was another collaboration with Jenssen: DK's Star Wars: Incredible Cross Sections featuring intergalactic vroom-vrooms previously made famous by the vision makers at Lucasfilms. Chasemore says he enjoys "perilous sports involving boards and high velocities (now, maybe he's the one who should check-out Tatooine).

Rounding out the gifted team taking us on intricate tours of Gungan Subs, Podracers, Coruscant taxis and Republic Cruisers, is Dr. David West Reynolds who earned his PhD in archeology at the University of Michigan. His background as a lecturer, veteran of field expeditions on three continents and as an author of scientific archeological publications should make one thing perfectly clear: you don't have to be a dullard denizen of the local mall scene to be a StarWars fan. If his background doesn't make it perfectly clear, the intellectual acuity of his copy will.

This must-have addition to the shelf of any die-hard StarWars fan is equally enjoyable to tot and teen as to tottering sage. It's a picture-book nonpareil or a detailed account of mid-power repulsorlifts and hydrostatic bubble projector units (if you do more than look at the pictures). It's even a trivia-hunter's true treasure. For instance (be honest now), did you know any of the names of Anakin's co-contenders for the Boonta Eve Podrace? Sure, you say - Sebulba. But anybody knows that! True buffs will want this book so they can win rounds of Star Wars Trivial Pursuit with answers like Ark "Bumpy" Roose, Teemto Pagalies, and the ever-impressive Clegg Holdfast.

If you like schematics (or even the word schematics - it's such a great one, isn't it?) you're going to want to pour over this book like hot fudge on a sundae. Featured is a dual fold-out center page affording a panoramic view of the Trade Federation's Droid Control Ship. The resultant artistry of this and the other detailed drawings was generated when the DK team worked directly with the film production art department at Lucas's Skywalker Ranch, mapping out the anatomy of each craft as it was being created. This book comes from the source, folks: from the source ... of the Force.

My ten-year-old loves taking turns with me reading sections of this book aloud and I can almost see his gray matter expanding (hasn't hurt his imagination too much, either) while we huddle by the lamplight. Only problem I'm left with now is what to do with all these detailed schematics of his own left lying about the house - outlandishly labeled creations from foreign worlds contemplating an invasion of Earth, no doubt. Hmm. Maybe I should call George Lucas.

This edition is devoted to the Spaceships and Craft from The Phantom Menace.

As with Star Wars Cross Sections it is very well detailed and even better with todays print technology. Great for children and first generation Star Wars fans alike.

I wouldn't call this the greatest technical book of all times. I wouldn't be suprised if this book wasn't nominated for any kind of award. But Episode 1: Incredible Cross-sections is captivating enough to stand on its own. I enjoyed it because I got to look through the insides of some of the film's most enigmatic ships and vessels like Darth Maul's Sith Infiltrator and the Gungan Bongo. It's good for those who were still puzzled about the ships after the end of the film.

One of the missing points is the Chancellor ship which appeared in the movie and it was not displayed in this book.

It is more complete than the former book, even considering it is only for one movie and the other is for all three.

Other missing point is the lack of a picture of the ship without the cross-section. It is important to compare.

I recommend.

I always wanted to see more and to be able to look inside of the vehicles more closely, and this book provides that information (and more more) in great detail. I really like the mini illustrations of where in the vehicles that events from the movies took place, it helps to "put a name to a face".

I was totally new to clay working, heading for a class in the medium, when I purchased this book. I was absolutely delighted, and was able to start my class with some background and understanding of working the materials. I sit in awe of Ms. Kato's talent, and did find the techniques more difficult than they look. This aside, it is an excellent accumulation of many of the techniques that makes polyclay such a joy to work with. Ms. Kato does list several varieties of clay, inks, paints and other products, but I appreciate that she enumated which she found easier to work with, and why. I did expect some bias towards Kato Polyclay, as she helped develop it, but have also found this an excellent product to work with and have not been disappointed with its performance.
The book is a MUST HAVE for the beginner reference library, and is also an inspiration with the images from Ms Kato and other artist's collections. I'm pleased I purchased this book, and plan to keep it as a cornerstone for clay working.

I had worked with polymer clay years ago and abandoned it as a medium. While watching reruns of Carol Duvall shows I would sketch and make notes about inspiring crafters and artists. I knew nothing of Donna Kato and as I looked back through my notes her name appeared again and again as work I had admired. This new book is an excellent addition to my resource library and I refer to it again and again as I practice polymer clay techniques with a new appreciation for the medium. The techniques are well described complete with specific brands of materials and clearly well-tested. A must-have.

This book is outstanding and extremely useful. It has great projects, detailed descriptions, and plenty of info on where to find suppliers for every tool and material used in the book. I found it very helpful.

I was surprised at how many "finishes" you can give Poly Clay. This book explains it all . She does show alot of "specialty tools" you can use - but they can be substituted with your own tools or simple copies. GREAT BOOK - Great Pictures and easy step by step instructions.

As with all of Donna Kato's books it is well written and her explanations and photos are geared for all level of artist. It is a must have book if you love working with polymer clay or just love to look at innovative Asian influenced design ideas.

I love Ed Emberley and the techniques that he uses to teach drawing.

This book is my favorite because it's packed with all kinds of things to draw. Gumball machines, people in action, animals, trucks, planes, you name it.

You really can draw your own little world.

This would be a great gift with some paper and markers for the young budding artist.

I bought this for a friends son who is 7. This is the only Ed Emberely book that he didn't have. He loves them!

A world is right! So many things to draw in this book. Simple and colorful to enlighten young and old imaginations.

Great book for kids who like to draw but have trouble doing it freehand. Nice step-by-step instructions.

I was disappointed that the inside drawings looked just like the cover drawings... duh, I suppose, but I was expecting more. I gave it to the 9-year-old 'patient' anyway, but wasn't excited about doing so.

If you are really into felted wool this book contains nice little wallet type bags that are stunning. Sally Mavor's work is awe inspiring and worth the price of this book. Everything you could wish for

If you want to look at truly innovative and beautiful art, this is the book. I love to look at art books, as well as make stuff, so I found this book truly satisfying. You must have it in your collection, if only for your own satisfaction. The artist has included extremely good instructions for making the dolls and background. I may get around to it...someday.

Felt Wee Folk is one of the most inspirational books I have come across in a long time, I just love it. Readers can't help but be captivated by these little Wee Folk and their magical world. The book contains lots of ideas for different characters, including ideas for both boys and girls. Also included are other projects made from felt like badges and purses that are equally enchanting. I can't wait to start some projects from this book for my children. Highly recommend this book to other craft people, particularly hand sewers.

This book was an excellant purchase. It is detailed in showing you how to created these lovely little dolls, with exceptional patterns for clothing in such a wide variety. The possibilities are endless limited only by your own creativity. This book is a must for anyone caring to create these adorable little collectible dolls.

Felt Wee Folk is a lovely book filled with photographs and easy directions for making pipe cleaner figures, some as small as 1.5 inches. My daughter loves playing with the flower fairies I've made for her. There are other felt projects as well, although I haven't tried any yet. I'd give the book five stars if I didn't have to flip back and forth across a couple pages for directions, but the more dolls I make, the less I have to do that.

This book will make you smile at every page. So many fun ideas that it gives you the inspiration to get going.

This book is amazing for the ideas she has. Her techniques are easy to do, easy to follow and make me want to play in the clay for hours.

I've gotten terrific ideas from her and I'm hitting the studio tonight to try some new things.

I purchased this book to make a mirror for a 6th grade class project. I've never worked with polymer clay before so I was a little nervous. The directions were easy to follow and the end result was amazing. Our family plans on doing a mirror at our next family reunion for the grandparents. It was fun, easy and once you start you'll want to keep making more and trying different techniques.

I bought this book because of the rave reviews it has received. It is one of the books that actually deserves every bit of praise! I can adapt the ideas contained within to my own style. This book is an excellent choice for any polymer artist.

I will be taking a class from Laurie in October and when I googled her name, I found she had a book out. I ran here to place an order, received it quite promptly and was AMAZED from the moment I took the book out of the box. Out of all of the art books I own, this is one of the BEST in every way. The color photos are large and close-up, the attention to detail is incredible. The background color and font size make this book VERY easy on the eye. The materials list, step-by-step instructions and extra Tips are VERY easy to follow. I made a trip to the store yesterday and am ready to start creating TODAY! Kudos to Laurie and everyone involved in creating this wonderful book!

This book tells you all the materials you can use, and how to creat some very unique designs. This book is excellent for beginners to scrapping, especially if they need ideas. I just got this book today and so far it is the most helpful book I've gotten on the subject.

Just started scrapbooking and it was very confusing to try and decide what I needed and how you go about it. This book explains in detail and gives great ideas and examples. Each sample scrapbook page tells exactly what was used to create the page and has given me lots of ideas!

This book provides great ideas for a beginner, I really like this book. When I'm stuck I can just flip through the book and find some good inspirations. I also picked up several new techniques that I didn't know before. Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who is just picking up scrapbooking.

I purchased this book for my wife and daughter who are just beginning scrapbooking. We looked through the entire book in one day, and to be honest were overwhelmed by the volume of ideas photographed in this book. It is also packed with detailed descriptions of all the different techniques that they will be using for quite some time. I read all the reviews before purchasing this book, and understand that there are probably a lot of advanced techniques that hard core scrapbookers use, but since my ladies are new to this, I imagine that it will be great for them as they learn this art.

I recently purchaced this book, and i was very disappointed. I have some of the other Creating Keepsakes books, such as the "Scrapbooks tips" and "Scrapbooking Family heritage" (I'd give all of them 5 stars). But, the Creating Keepsakes Encyclopedia has half the images and examples as the other books. After about 1/2 an hour of reading through it I was done for good; whereas with the other books every time I open them I see something new that I didn't notice before. I was extremely disappointed with this book. I would not recommend it to anyone. And it shouldn't be called an "encyclopedia"-it only explains the MOST BASIC of scrapbooking techniques. I mean, it takes 4 pages just to show you how to tear paper!!! PLEASE don't waist your money on this-instead, try some of the other "Creating Keepsakes" books. This one is the worst of the bunch. All the other "Keepsakes" books I own or have read are terrific.

My four year old got this out of my gift pile (to give to others), and had a great time doing the first half of the book. Needless to say, it works for almost any age! It gives you the beginning of a picture (usually) and gives you guidance on what to draw. Here's an umbrella, draw some rain. Fun and creative gift for any age!

I bought this book as something my 3 y/o and I could do together. We finally pulled it out tonight (I was saving it for some quality alone time) and I LOVE IT! This is just very basic generic coloring book and each page has a simple instruction to add to or finish the scribble on the page. You can interpret it however you want and do with it what you please. Follow the instructions literally, abstract something, create something completely different. This book definitely inspired creativity in both me and my son. My mom is pretty artsy and I am going to order one for her. I'd love to see what she'd do with it. Great choice if you're looking for something different and I totally agree it's good for any age.
As for the dead person...if your child can read, let them draw a dead person. It's about interpretation and creativity. They don't have to draw a corpse. Maybe they choose to draw Abraham Lincoln or Jesus. If they can't read, tell them to draw whatever you'd like to see.

I was really disappointed that I didn't receive this book from Amazon for my grandson's birthday. I guess it got lost in shipping. Ended up buying it at Barne's and Noble. My daughter said it was the best present her son received except for the sweater I knit him. I would highly recommend this book and hope you have better luck than I did receiving it.

Just as superior as Gomi's other books...even more pages to imagine and create! We have all of Gomi's books and one per kid. Makes a great gift, too!

I bought this for my 3 year old who loves coloring books, as long as they have dot to dots and "design the cookie" type pages. This is perfect for her. She loves it just as much as i thought she would. What I don't like is that some of the pages are landscape style. I mean, they go across the binding of the book which makes it difficult. I tried ripping the pages out, then glueing them to a bigger piece of construction paper. That can olny be done if you have already done the pages on the back sides (unless you want to waste pages out of a 20.00 book, i don't) it would be nice if the whole book were landscape, and the worst thing about this book is the page that says to "draw a dead person." What in the world? I ripped out that page, and good thing i saw it before she did. It has a box that resembles a coffin that you are supposed to draw the 'dead body' in. I would have considered returning the book for that reason alone had she not used over 1/2 the book already,a nd been in love with it. Seriously everyday since she got it, she has done 10-15 pages.

I found this book to be a very good resource for inspiring examples of mixed media sculpture and 3 D art. The
photography is excellent and the color vibrant. The level of examples ranges from very complex to simple and
readers will be able to gain know-how and the boost to try this art form themselves.

A lapsed dollart maker myself, I was looking for inspiration to start again, along with other artforms, mixed media things....so this juicy and satisfyingly-sized volume seemed promising. I didn't want any how-to's, because I'd explored that in depth in the '90s. In this book, I found new works by favorite doll artists, (missed some I wish had been included), but was thrilled to discover a few new artists to add to my list. Seems like art is evolving to include even more of what we can make of it and dollart is perhaps at last being recognized for a valid art form. So if you are looking for inspiration, or just want to gaze and be thrilled, treat yourself to this book; it's well done.

This catalog of dolls is layered with inspiration, challenging any conventional view of "dolls" that one might have. Beaded, sculpted, poured, spun, carved, knit, sewn, wired, wrapped - the human form is not only explored, but interpreted, re-defined, expanded, and viewed from unfamiliar angles.
My good friend, Leslie Molen, has several dolls included - I have had the privilege to take lessons from her & am thrilled to have my copy autographed by her!

I would have liked more text! I want to know more about the artists and more details of how each doll was created. Glad I bought it, though. Very inspiring. Some dolls are NOT in the least modest, so I cannot let my daughter peruse this book on her own.

This beautiful book will especialy appeal to three classes of people: artists who make handmade dolls, amateurs who emulate them, and general readers like my wife and me who collect them.

Helen Bullard, who was instrumental in popularizing the art form in the US described these dolls in 1983: "Collections of mass-produced dolls, originally made for children to play with, are everywhere. Far rarer and generally unknown to the public are the original dolls handmade by artists with the same creative approach which is used in painting and sculpture. Their dolls, many of which express American culture, are not intended for play." The National Institute of American Doll Artists is an embodiment of her efforts, and their website is an excellent starting place for anyone interested in exploring the art form.

For several years Lark Books has published a series of picture albums of contemporary arts and crafts. The production process is similar for all the books in this series. A leading artist -- in this case Akira Blount -- asks craft artists to submit photos of their work for inclusion in an upcoming book. (Artists can find a copy of the application form on the Lark Book website.)

A jury selects one or more photos from each chosen artist for inclusion in the book. Each artwork gets one page with one or more photos of the piece and a short writeup -- artist's and work's name, size, materials, photo credit is a typical entry. There is no other text, except for in this case a three page introduction by Blount outlining the history of handmade dolls, and an index of contributing artists with page numbers.

Lark's object is to democratically represent the creative scene at the time of publication. This book meets part of that objective. However, only artists who are asked to contribute or who see the publisher's announcement and can read English and apply are considered. The great majority of the works shown here are from the United States with a scattering of artists from Australia, Canada, Belgium and The Netherlands. There is only one artist from Japan in this book, a serious omission in view of the many vibrantly creative handmade dolls being made in Japan at the present time.

The quality of the photos in this book varies a bit, and doll makers might well learn how to improve their photography skills, especially with respect to shadows. Nevertheless the book itself is printed on excellent paper in an 8" by 8" format with superb color reproductions. Many of the best photos seem to leap off the page giving life to the subjects.

As to various audiences, doll makers and their dealers are proudly announcing that their works appear in the book, and copies are prominently displayed at the booths of included artists at craft shows. (Many of the included artists have their own websites.) There are already over 13,000 references to the book on the search engines; the great majority of the hits are to discussions between amateurs recommending that people buy the book to get ideas for their own doll making. I'm sure that many of the leading artists will be recommending the book to their students during their doll making workshops.

This is a book of inspiration, however, not a how to do it book. It probably appeals most of all to collectors like my wife and myself for a number of reasons. First, it introduces us to many artists new to us. Second, it's a thrill to see an artist we know included in the book; that validates our taste in collecting. Third, it enhances the value of works actually shown in the book, adding to its provenance. Fourth, it is great fun to discuss the book and the works shown with artists we know -- conversations with living artists are one of the greatest joys of collecting modern art. Finally, these dolls are great fun to look at, even if some of them have absolutely no appeal to us at all.

Lark Books is to be congratulated for producing such a splendid book. I'm going to review their other offerings to see what other collectibles they cover.

Robert C. Ross, 2008

This book is fantastic, very well written and easy to understand. I love the big spiral binding that allows it to lay flat while I'm working on something and constantly referencing it. I'm primarily a glass artist with a strong desire to learn certain metal techniques to incorporate with my glass jewelry - without spending hundreds of hours and dollars on special classes. I can find exactly what I want to learn and more in Tim McCreight's magnificent book. I'll be using and enjoying this book for many years to come. Highly recommend!

I have been working with silver, brass, and copper wire and sheet metal for about 3 years now. I consider myself a beginner to the wide world of metalsmithing and often take on projects that are very complex to stretch myself. This book is not only confidence building but motivating for me to try new techniques or improve those I have already learned. I carry it with me on trips for reading on the plane or in the hotel or at the pool, reach for it at the end of the day as good bed time reading and when I am in the studio working on creating. Great illustrations, and explanations, though I am not scared of trying anything and failing and trying again. I also bring my book to my fabrication class and find it a great reference to aid my plans in designing a project with my instructor to plan the techniques I'd like to incorporate into a larger composition. I got this book as a birthday present, and it's the gift that keeps on giving well beyond the $30. it cost.

From the ring binder for ease of use in the shop to the simple straightforward lanquage and diagrams, this reference is a must have for all metalsmiths from student to professional.

This book provides a wonderfully complete overview of a wide variety of silversmithing techniques. It doesn't provide detailed how-to instructions; if you are new to metalsmithing you will probably need additional instruction, but it is still a very useful resource. I learned a lot from it.

Wow! Great for people who want to know EVERYTHING about making jewelery. I really appreciated the clear instructions, visual layouts, and the levels of each craft described. This edition describes the homemade version, the tools you can make or buy, as well as the more industrial method for almost every technique covered in the book.

Clear and concise, each metal is presented from the periodic table giving a description of it's properties. Great for scientists types and for people who want to create their products in historic ways at home.

I started to read this excellent book by David Morrell and then I stopped and read three of his novels: "Testament", "The Fifth Profession" and "The League of Night and Fog". Then I resumed reading this book about the business of writing and the technique.
David Morrell is a charming and interesting writer. I have read nearly every book there is on writing and David taught me many things I have read no where else. He also seemed like he was on my side, a fellow writer. I was sad when I turned the last page and that was it.

While David Morrell may be best-known for writing "First Blood" and the subsequent Rambo novelizations, "Lessons..." puts him on the map as a world-class professor of writing. He used to teach in the University of Iowa English Department that was located below the Iowa Writer's Workshop offices. However, his instruction here is contrary to that of most college creative writing workshops, in that he adresses writers of all genres (not just "literary" writers) in this book. For that reason, "Lessons..." will be of particular interest to thriller, science fiction, horror, and other genre writers looking for instruction outside of the university structure. If you enjoy this book, you should also check out Stephen King's On Writing and Strunk and White's The Elements of Style.

Mr. Morrell's first chapter alone was worth the price. As a yet another baby boomer with a laptop, I've written two novels without fully understanding WHY I toil creating fiction. I know now the reason I write--the one thing. What a satisfying feeling to finally understand what keeps me motived and in sync with my inner drive. His other chapters are also excellent, good stuff and well written. Buy the book.

Russell Traughber
Irvine, CA

Lessons from a Lifetime of Writing, by David Morrell, is an insightful blend of writing tips and biographical information from the author of First Blood, the novel that introduced the world to the fictional character Rambo.

Rather than attempt to cover all aspects of the craft, Morrell addresses a dozen or so specific subjects, many using First Blood to illustrate specific points.

Morrell begins with a question he asks his students on the first day of class: "Why do you want to be a writer?" Other chapters well worth reading include viewpoint, research, description, and dialogue.

Some of the chapters were less interesting, with little information not already addressed in numerous other fiction-writing books. But even these chapters are worth reading because of the biographical content.

No recaps or exercises are included at the end of the chapters, but an index is provided for easy reference.

Bottom line: Lessons from a Lifetime of Writing is both fascinating and informative.

Morrell wrote some of the books that were so mind-enhancing that I wanted to infuse my books with that much meaning. "The League of Night and Fog" and "Covenant of the Flame" were both action-packed thrillers that had a resonance of historical events that shaped an unseen undercurrent of our times. "Assumed Identity" "The Fifth Profession," and "Extreme Denial" hold up as examples of espionage fiction at its best. And my favorite, "Double Vision" has haunting tone that reminds me why Morrell is a master in my short-list. He continues to bring out stories that make you think from rare perspectives.

"Lessons From a Lifetime of Writing" confirmed my appreciation of Morrell's craft. He discusses where ideas come from, how to extract the significance of your own experience and explore the depth of your ideas. His counsel on holding conversations with yourself is valuable advice on how to keep writing when you don't know what to write. Morrell's perspectives come from a solid career in the business. I always consider his novels a great place to look for a well-told story. So, when I read his "Lessons..." it's with a sense of having a famous-friend who happens to be an author sit and talk about the mechanics of a common interest. His insights are fresh and grounded in well-earned experience.

Morrell's "Lessons From a Lifetime of Writing" is right up there with my favorite how-to manuals on writing. It is a worthy edition in the club of Sol Stein's "On Writing," and "How to Grow a Novel," Bradbury's "The Zen and Art of Writing," Lawrence Block's "Telling Lies For Fun and Profit," and "Writing the Novel from Plot to print." A solid, practical addition to the Writers Digest series of nuts and bolts manuals for anyone driven to sharpen their craft.

A personal note to David Morrell: Thanks for letting me sit in on your class and over-the-shoulder consultant. You're an inspiration to me. I hope to sit in as a colleague some day.