Arts and Crafts Books

This dazzling display of some of the very best in international embroidery demonstrates convincingly that this form of needlework is capable of taking its place among the fine arts. Depicting the work of 38 artists from Britain, the European continent, North America, and Australia, the photographs in this book will open minds to the creative possibilities of embroidery and provide endless inspiration for all enthusiasts. The range of work covers abstract, realistic and geometric modes of expression. Accompanied by statements by each of the artists about their influences, personal approaches and techniques, the vivid illustrations reflect a broad and colourful diversity in their international flavour and in the individual motivations and personal strengths that lie behind these glorious creations. The works display a variety of techniques, from hand stitching to machine embroidery, quilting, appliqué, canvas work (needlepoint), assemblage, dye and paint techniques and printing, in the service of an equally wide range of decorative and expressive purposes. For example, in the abstract linear structures of Emilia Bohdziewicz or the illustrative hand-stitched pieces of Helen Daniel, in Tom Lundberg's use of symbolism and dream imagery as well as Tilleke Schwarz's affinity for simple, strong folk art, the embroidery works shown here represent, collectively, the most exciting and innovative ideas in the field today - seasoned by a willingness to incorporate in new ways some of the methods and media of other crafts and disciplines. This exquisite volume will delight and absorb all lovers of form and colour and those who revel in the possibilities of stitch and fabric manipulation, and will serve as a guide to some of the newest and freshest embroidery art from around the world. Anne Morrell is a Professor of Textiles and former Head of Embroidery at the Manchester Metropolitan University. In addition to her research interests in historic and ethnic textiles, particularly of the Indian sub-continent, she has taught for more than thirty years and has published extensively in the field of embroidery and craft textiles. Her own embroidery work has been exhibited in various museums and in touring shows on four continents.

The photographs in this book will open minds to the creative possibilities of embroidery & provide endless inspiration for all enthusiasts.

Recommended highly for anyone interested in textiles

Contributions from thirty-eight textile artists, each providing a piece of work and describing their inspiration and techniques.

A showcase of contemporary embroidery , with a wide representation of styles, some artists preferring to work within established embroidery traditions, others going beyond the standard definition of their craft.

Cork Silver And Gold: Four Centuries Of Craftsmanship was published to coincide with the exhibition in the Crawford Gallery Cork, but stands alone as well as the first to detail the work of Cork silversmiths and goldsmiths, and will appeal to specialty art collections. Both public and private holdings were culled for this feature: what results is a display which will serve as both a history and a reference to any dedicated jewelry student studying Cork craftsmanship.

Cork Silver And Gold: Four Centuries Of Craftsmanship was published to coincide with the exhibition in the Crawford Gallery Cork, but stands alone as well as the first to detail the work of Cork silversmiths and goldsmiths, and will appeal to specialty art collections. Both public and private holdings were culled for this feature: what results is a display which will serve as both a history and a reference to any dedicated jewelry student studying Cork craftsmanship.

Cork Silver And Gold: Four Centuries Of Craftsmanship was published to coincide with the exhibition in the Crawford Gallery Cork, but stands alone as well as the first to detail the work of Cork silversmiths and goldsmiths, and will appeal to specialty art collections. Both public and private holdings were culled for this feature: what results is a display which will serve as both a history and a reference to any dedicated jewelry student studying Cork craftsmanship.

Cork Silver And Gold: Four Centuries Of Craftsmanship was published to coincide with the exhibition in the Crawford Gallery Cork, but stands alone as well as the first to detail the work of Cork silversmiths and goldsmiths, and will appeal to specialty art collections. Both public and private holdings were culled for this feature: what results is a display which will serve as both a history and a reference to any dedicated jewelry student studying Cork craftsmanship.

Cork Silver And Gold: Four Centuries Of Craftsmanship was published to coincide with the exhibition in the Crawford Gallery Cork, but stands alone as well as the first to detail the work of Cork silversmiths and goldsmiths, and will appeal to specialty art collections. Both public and private holdings were culled for this feature: what results is a display which will serve as both a history and a reference to any dedicated jewelry student studying Cork craftsmanship.

Of all the books (other than the Japanese) available on this craft, I have to say that this is the best. For those of you interested in, or wanting to create a Temari this book will give you clear, concise instructions along with diagrams and designs to inspire. From easy to the more advanced, and all in colour. Thinking of trying Temari? Then you'll certainly need this book.

Enjoy!
Ginny

i own four other temari books. for me, margaret ludlow's has the best instructions and anna diamond's some wonderful pattern ideas. but for variety and inspiration, this is the best.

instructions are given for the most basic form of each design. the photos, which are very good, give examples of more elaborate variations of each design, of combinations of designs, and of possible filler stitches. patterns are shown in more than one color scheme, which nicely illustrates the difference color can make.

i have two minor complaints about the instructions. i think the author should have shown more pins used for some of the designs. i am an experienced stitcher, but i can't trust my eye to find the right spot to stitch on a curved object without a marker, and accuracy is essential for these designs. and i would have liked to have seen a bit more instruction on the herringbone stitch for beginners, as well as pointers for keeping the thread flat and even in the spindle design.

those minor issues aside, this is an excellent book for design ideas.

In the tradition of the best English embroiderers Mary Wood provides examples and inspiration for this fascinating type of needlework. Particularly helpful are the variety of examples of the design possibilities, inspiring one to try out different colors and design variations. I was able to copy a complicated pattern from an advanced Japanese book on temari by the understanding of design elements I gleaned from Mary Wood. This is not for those who need to be led through each step of the process, but a continuing source of inspiration, the book I keep coming back to for ideas.

Beginner or more experienced, this is by far the most useful and inspirational English language Temari book. Rather than teaching a pattern as a titled project, Wood teaches the basic pattern and presents several pages of photos using the pattern... you are limited only by your imagination. Multiple color photos along with clear diagrams support the text; Wood presents traditional techniques and methods so that you can stitch projects from the book, apply them to other designs, and also have the foundations to create your own designs. Wood writes in proper British English, but it's a clear and smooth flow, quite delightful. This is the book that most commonly gets recommended through the TalkTemari/Temarikai.com discussion list, and if you can only afford one Temari book, this is the that will do you best.

I'm new at Temari and found this book very helpful. The diagrams and pictures are great. Everyone should buy it if they have an interest in Temari.

Patience is the key word as you review how to create the numerous book covers, inserts, and themed boxes included in this ingenious book, and the outcome is worth the effort.

You'll realize that architecture plays a vital part in this craftsmanship. Rulers, triangles, sewing needles, knives, and more are among the necessary tools. However, the one-of-a-kind creations are worthy of your time and energy.

I've seen similar items sold at New York craft shows for a pretty penny, so if this is your interest, start with the Accordian Book or Simple Box as a foundation to other projects.

No one will ever say they can make the same creations, unless like you they've invested this book. And even then their interpretation will be different.

Shirley Frazier
The Gift Basket Design Book, 2nd: Everything You Need to Know to Create Beautiful, Professional-Looking Gift Baskets for All Occasions

Paper of all kinds is easy to come by. This book teaches you how to create useful and decorative items from different papers. The author's handmade structures are well illustrated, and the directions are easy to follow. Once taught and inspired the sky's your only limit. Happy Papering!!!!!

I have taken classes with Ben, and his book is written so clearly and easily followed that it is almost like he is standing next to you, going over it step by step. Illustrations are very helpful but his 'real' work is even better. There is such a variety of projects in this book that I know I will keep it as a handy reference.

I own several books on book-binding, but I'm still struggling with case-bound books - so when an artist whom I respect recommended this one, I ordered it. I found that the instructions are very clear and well-illustrated; and that each project builds on the previous one. Each project contains lists of specific measurements and supplies, but the author also provides formulas for measuring, so that if you have some book-binding experience you can immediately modify the projects according to your own ideas. I felt so excited by the projects and the clarity of instructions that I went on a book-making binge, and made 5 of the projects in 3 days (including a very nice case-bound book). I haven't made any of the boxes yet, but I can see that the instructions for them are as clear as those for the books. I highly recommend this book.

It is an excellent introduction to book arts and box-making craft, and yet it contains information that are helpful to readers with more advanced skills. I have taken several classes from this author, and this book helps me to remember all the important techniques/principles that I learned from his classes: gluing, sewing, cutting, and figuring out the sizes of the paper/chipboard needed to create a specific book or a box. There are 11 book projects - four are of accordian type, one is of photo frame type, and the rest are bound type. And there are four box projects - one is three sided and the rest are four-sided, some with dividers. One of them requires no glue. Each project in this book contains a list of formulas and materials, thus making it easier for me to plan. The directions and diagrams are very readable and easy to follow. The surface treatment section is a nice and brief introduction to altering the appearance of the paper surface - four different techniques are presented. The gallery section contains many beautiful examples of how the basic techniques covered are used in different ways by various artists. It is truly a very informative, instructive, and inspiring book.

I picked up this book about two years ago and I am still cross-stitching its patterns! It is simply the best cross-stitch book ever and it doubles as a children's book too!

As a twenty-something crafter, it is often difficult for me to find cross-stitch books that are more modern and suit my tastes (I'm not a big fan of teddy bears and old samplers). I bought this book because my mother used to read Mother Goose to me when I was young, and I have been happily surprised! These aren't necessary geared toward the young adult stitchers, but the color usage and reminiscence of the patterns keep me coming back time and again. There are a few easy patterns, but most of them are fairly challanging to the intermediate stitcher, which is a plus. I definitely enjoy this book and am glad I added it to my collection while it was still available!

If you're looking for a cross-stitch book that has everything including cute patterns, this is the one you're looking for. You can't ask for a better cross-stitch book than this one. The colors and the designs are so refreshing and very good. I myself have done three of the patterns in the book now. If you are truly a cross stitch enthusiast, this book's for you!

The most beautiful cross stitch patterns for childrens bedroomart that I have ever seen... END

This is one of my all-time favorite books of cross-stitch charts!

Interestingly, I first saw the book "Mother Goose's Words of Wit and Wisdom" in an elementary school library. I loved the bright colors and great illustrations. But it took me a while to realize that *all* the illustrations in the book were counted cross-stitch designs! Once I realized that, I wondered if there were charts available of these illustrations. After a bit of searching, I discovered that indeed this second book was available - a book of charts!

The front of this book looks like the original, with the rhymes and illustrations. At the back of the book you'll find the corresponding charts. They are full-size graphs, black print on a blue grid with a color key for DMC floss.

Also included is a nice little explanation about Mother Goose and the Sampler, as well as a short section called Cross-stitch Essentials that gives a short tutorial on cross-stitch techniques.

This book is a real keeper!

i had seen this book before I purchased it so I knew it was a good product...The book was in excelent condition and arrived quickly with no problems

but the templates are off.

i've only tried two of the designs so far, but the templates for even simplest one are so far off that i would have been better off making my own and not tracing the ones from the book.

the second set of templates was not as skewed, but still not accurate.

this is a massive shame, since the designs are absolutely inspirational. sudo has no fear of curves, or y-seams, or teeny tiny pieces. and her results are fabulous.

but you may end up having to draft the patterns yourself in order to get accurate templates.

I just purchased and read this book today. Kumiko Sudo's use of color and form is phenomenal. Her designs are kaleidoscopic, and may be challenging to create, but even if I never make one of her quilt block designs I will be affected by her choices of color, focus on the use of fabric and its design, and stories of how each design came about.

I really recommend this book; it will definitely encourage you to think more about color and form as you choose fabrics for quilts.

The author uses simple design elements from traditional Western quilt traditions in a new and very fresh way. Her designs are intriguing and suitable for thousands of different interpretations. This lady is a real artist.

Sudo's use of repeated curves and straight lines is amazing! The quilts and blocks all look so balanced and even, but in an unusual way. There's a wonderful, off-center sort of flair to the patterns- a sort of creation of harmony from disharmony. I haven't quilted much with curved forms (they have always sounded daunting) and this book contains the first pattern that even makes me want to try. And the wonder of the book is that I would really like to try most of the patterns... What a great, creative compilation!

Designs by Kaffe Fassett, Candace Bahouth and Elian McCready are just some of the features in The Ehrman Needlepoint Book, fathering designs from top designers across the country. Ehrman needlepoint kits are of high quality, and The Ehrman Needlepoint Book reflects this quality and the possibilities of customizing chosen themes within the Ehrman kit standards. Patterns - some full-page, all in color - yarns, and discussions of each needlepoint challenge are revealed in a gorgeous presentation delving into the finer points of new and old design combinations. Any needlepoint fan will find The Ehrman Needlepoint Book a compelling volume packed with visual examples and written insights into the Ehrman style.

This book should be retitled The Ehrman Complete Needlepoint Book. I have been a fan of Hugh Ehrman's kits for over 15 years and this book features all of my favorite patterns as well as instructions on finishing cushions and wall hangings. The artists use of colours are incredible compared to other needlepoints out there. These are truly works of art rather than simple crafts!

When will his next book appear? I and many of his devoted fans wait with baited breath for a new book.

I am working on the May pillow right now- I love Candace Behouth's patterns for needlework. This is the sort of book that is hard to find - the patterns are of the BEST out there and the results are stunning! If you like counted/charted needlepoint GET this book. You will NOT be disappointed and you will SAVE money by producing works of beauty yourself. This is not your run of the mill pattern book - this is delicate, intricate, beautifully charted patterns!

If you are into classic needlepoint then this is the book for you. There is a wide variety of designs, over 30, so there is something for everyone. Themes range from The Sea, Florals, both old and modern to Misc designs. I get them enlarged and the colours are clear and the patterns concise. The same type of kits would sell well over $200.

The designs in this book are great. However, the threads used are mostly Appleton and Paternayan and the book contains a conversion chart between DMC and Anchor.... Also, no information is given for differing lengths of thread for each brand. This makes conversion into a different thread brand extremely difficult.

Another weakness is that the charts are simply colored, without additional markings to differentiate between similar tones.

Just a little more attention to these editorial details would have made this book truly excellent.

I have a number of collector books, including Elegant Glassware of the Depression Era : Identification and Value Guide (8th Ed)by Gene Florence. Gene Florence books are my favorite by far. This book is very well formatted. It is loaded with clear pictures that are helpful in pattern identification, informative text, and has easy-to-use pricing guides. The book indexes the glassware by pattern name and by manufacturer.

Whether you are a novice collector or "expert", I am sure you will find this book to be very helpful. Gene Florence's down-to-earth presentation of glassware is refreshing and practical!

This book is a little large to be carrying around, however I still do carry it to places that I already know will have the pattern I am looking for.

The forward describes "Elegant" glassware as handmade and acid etched glassware that was sold by department and jewelry stores during the Depression era through the 1950's, differentiating it from the dime store and giveaway glass that has become known as Depression glass. The word "Elegant" has become "official" nomenclature among today's dealers for designating handmade glass.

It is well organized with the glass patterns in alphabetical order and the prices in columns by color of glass. Most of the pictures are color and have good enough definition to identify what you are looking at. There is a contents by pattern and a contents by company.

gene florence , any of his books are concise and show the items in a clear picture . he presents the items along with the current prices . all of genes books as is this one , are lovely to look at and very informative, giving a lot of joy.

Orginally purchased for my mother, I purchased it also after looking through it. The original reason for the book was to attempt to id some etched glass, the glass was not in the book, but it was worth it anyway. Beautiful photos, good writing, I saw pieces I had not known exsited. Who knew that such elegant depression glass was out there! I would not recommend it for the "flea market" or "yard sale" groupie, one of his Collectors Encyclopedias may work better, but it is still a very nice book and well worth it if you collect or deal in higher end depression glass.

This is another fave of mine from Gene Florence!He sure knows what he is writing about!!!This book is loaded with color photos of many different types of depression glass.I never realized how many patterns,and companies,there were out there!!!He also is very thorough about listing what pieces were in what colors and the values for each color.
Overall a fantastic book!

A wonderful book...big designs (not to complicated) gives enough room for coloring paterns...just be careful with the markers, pages are thin and colors go through it(luckly there is one design per page only)...have fun.

I recently discovered the Mandala and being the inquisitive person that I am I decided to try my hand at creating my own. This is just one of the coloring books I orderd by this author. Very enjoyable!

Author, artist, transpersonal psychotherapist and business person all describe what Monique Mandali is, but do not tell you who she is. I've been privileged to meet Monique and I know that she is a seeker traveling her path. Her walking stick is her love for all, especially children. Ms. Mandali offers a series of four coloring books for children and adults. There are three different delights in the original Everyone's Mandala Coloring Book series, each consisting of 22 designs. While the original three books in the series contain designs by the author, the latest (and perhaps greatest) has 25 peace mandalas from children all around the world. The Peace Mandala Coloring Book is very special because the mandalas are designed by children unencumbered by the pressure of adult living. Further, they bring a variety of spiritual as well as geographical cultures to bear.

Monique Mandali has given us something special. Not only do we find drawings to color that can aid in health and serenity...Everyone's Mandala Coloring Book Series is additionally special because they represent the best part of Monique Mandali, her love!

I purchased the whole series. At times different forms call for my attention and the additional selection is definitely appreciated. The variety is quite good. They range from simpler to complex, with open spaces which leave room for my own variations. The author's designs seem to create a sacred space in which the individual's own light can shine, even if all they want to do is simply "color" a bit. I would expect this flexibility to make them accessible to people with widely varying skills: children, many disabled persons, the elderly, the imaginative and the gifted artist, as well and most of us who are somewhere in between. Yet they are undemanding so that no one need miss out on the calm center and its healing.

Volume 2 of Everyone's Mandala Coloring Book has given me even more opportunities to share this wonderful, relaxing experience with friends of all ages - and to enjoy this peaceful, centering activity. Kudos to the author and creator!

This author has a series of Mandala coloring books. I have purchased them all. I am having a ball. On my date days I grab one,find my favorite spot and release the child with-in.

I have purchased many of the Mandala Designs coloring books for my mom who is 83 and in perfect health. She continues to live in her own home, drives around town and nearby towns, and is active socially with church activities.
However, there are those days when Mom gets a little down due to seasonal depression, and these coloring books are just the way to pass her time!
What lovely work! I have to admire her patience in completing each design so intricately and beautifully. I find that I'm having a difficult time keeping up with the speed at which she completes her books!
They are a great tool for aiding the young during times of bereavement, just for fun on a rainy day, the elderly who are homebound, those who ill, and anyone who loves to color!
I love to color these designs even though I have quite a busy schedule. A very relaxing hobby!
Purchase one, color it, and feel yourself relax!
Marilyn ( age 59 )

Author, artist, transpersonal psychotherapist and business person all describe what Monique Mandali is, but do not tell you who she is. I've been privileged to meet Monique and I know that she is a seeker traveling her path. Her walking stick is her love for all, especially children. Ms. Mandali offers a series of four coloring books for children and adults. There are three different delights in the original Everyone's Mandala Coloring Book series, each consisting of 22 designs. While the original three books in the series contain designs by the author, the latest (and perhaps greatest) has 25 peace mandalas from children all around the world. The Peace Mandala Coloring Book is very special because the mandalas are designed by children unencumbered by the pressure of adult living. Further, they bring a variety of spiritual as well as geographical cultures to bear.

Monique Mandali has given us something special. Not only do we find drawings to color that can aid in health and serenity...Everyone's Mandala Coloring Book Series is additionally special because they represent the best part of Monique Mandali, her love!

My love affair with these coloring books has only intensified with the publication of Volume 3! The author's experiences and "story" which inspired this volume are infectious in their appeal. What continues to amaze me is that fact that, depending upon the day, the moment, whatever, individual designs leap out at me. A design that draws me to it one time is rarely the same design that attracts me so forcefully another time. Ahhhh - mandalas. After being exposed to them by Monique, I now see them every where! Hurray! They make the world a better place! Plus, I'm never at a loss for a good gift! I give them to people of all ages who all love them! Keep them coming, Monique!

I purchased the whole series. I keep coming back. Its a treat combining one of the best pleasures of childlike doodling with intuitive ramblings on a deeper level. I'm still wholly engaged every time I enter a new one. I'm not sure there could be any "wasted" designs, just ones that appeal to me differently on different days. I'm close to thinking that one day I'll buy these volumes again just for the chance to experience their centers and colors differently. No matter which one I tune in to for the moment, they still have that uncanny quality of helping my work and worries fade so that my center become clearer and rest seems more possible.