Arts and Crafts Books

I happened upon this book while visiting the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, and it is well worth every penny. Copious full color photographs illustrate the many types of jewelry worn by the Ancient Egyptians, both in life and as funerary pieces. Manufacturing techniques are also discussed somewhat, and the Egyptian names for items are also provided. This superb reference is not only a great replacement for the out-of-print "Jewels of the Pharaohs" by Cyril Aldred, it surpasses this earlier work by providing much more detail and information.

This is a beautiful book. The pictures and stories of the jewelry are fascinating. It is a great resource for the craftsperson interested in Egyptian styles or for anyone interested in Ancient Egypt or creative jewelry design.

I would encourage anyone to seek out a copy of this book, it is well worth a few extra dollars considering it's out of print. The photos are exceptionally rich in color and detail, all fully labeled with dates and names. As someone looking to recreate jewelry in the style of ancient Egypt, this book has been my top resource on so many levels. It lists the multitude of stones and minerals used by ancient Egyptian craftsmen, along with the tools and techniques they practiced. The contents and sections are very well organized and easy to follow, and it includes a complete index for quick reference. This book is a treasure all its own!

I have met the author personally when taking a class through a Stanford Univ. graduate program and was impressed with her background and extensive knowledge of Egyptology and jewelery. As a gemologist and lifelong student of Egyptology, I could recommend this book on its contents alone, but the author, herself, is extraordinary.

I work with children and this book was so perfect for them. Super cute!

79 Pages of the most amazingly adorable stuff that you can make at home for very little money will entertain you for hours on end and make your home-made gifts the sensation of your neighborhood! As the author says, "Just carrying cute stuff around can make you feel happy."

Using simple things easily found at any crafts store, the book will teach you to go from gathering your supplies together to making your patterns and finishing your projects.

Oh! And the projects are so original. The long doll scarves, the book covers, the key rings, hair ornaments and more will send you over the moon with delight!

This is a goldmine of stuff to make that you will treasure and have fun using!

Between "The Cute Book", "Cute Dolls" and "Fun Dolls", Aranzi Aronzo pretty much exhausted all of the possibilities in the way of character dolls. So, in this, the final book in the "Let's Make Cute Stuff Series", Aronzo turns it's focus to cute accessories, and in my opinion, this is the best book in the entire series.

"Cute Stuff" provides patterns and instructions for making 16 different Aronzo character-themed projects (if you aren't familiar with the Aranzi Aronzo characters, check out the Aronzo website, [...] - they're sort of like the Sanrio/Hello Kitty characters, only with more personality). These include: hair bands, book covers, draw-string bags, assorted pencil cases/purses/zippered pouches, felt keyrings, tote bags, tissue cases, napkins, felt envelopes, water-bottle covers, and scarves. Because of the practical nature of these projects, I have found this book to be far more useful that its predecessors. I love making cute dolls, but I don't have the space to keep them and I feel guilty whenever I make one. However, I can use a water-bottle cover, for example, so have a much easier time justifying making it to myself.

The patterns and projects are slightly more difficult than those in the previous books. Whereas most of the projects in the previous Aronzo craft books could be made by hand-sewing, many of these projects require a sewing machine. Furthermore, some also require techniques, such as quilting and fitting zips, which, although not extremely difficult, may cause problems for absolute beginners. Nevertheless, as with the other books, the instructions are fully illustrated and easy to follow, and colour photographs are provided throughout.

In "Cute Stuff", crafts expert Aranzi Aronzo presents patterns and step-by-step instructions for a wide variety of colorful, interesting, and, well, 'cute' do-it-yourself crafts projects ranging from matching purses, tissue holders, and key rings, to hair bands, eco-friendly bags, and card holders. "Cute Stuff" is comprised of some 79-pages of crafts project in a 'how to' collection offering diversity of specific, fun, projects complete with a list of necessary materials, methodical construction instructions, and a full page color photograph of how they will look when completed. Of special note is are the little introductory commentaries that preface each project. Thoroughly 'user friendly', "Cute Stuff" is highly recommended for the novelty of its individual crafts projects, and the many, many hours of personal pleasure and sense of accomplishment they will afford.

I had the wonderful experience of apprenticing for Peter and finished soon after we did the photoshoot for the book. I have to say, Peter and his brother John both went through great lengths to make sure the book would have as much practical information in it as possible. The only thing better than the book is one of Peter's workshops. But with the book, all of the information that Peter gives is easy to look over time and time again. The pictures are great! As soon as you start making and install a floor, sink, fireplace and so on I'm sure that you'll be hooked. You'll realize that it is possible to do on your own or with a friend. You'll also see and understand how much farther you can push clay than you had ever expected. Plus, above all, it's alot of fun!

The pictures are fantastic! For those of you who are tired of tiny pots, this is the book.

I'm a student and as such I'm very new to the game. This book gave me not only inspiration but enough detailed information to allow me to plan my bathroom sink. The plans include the sink, tile, and following the example in the book, the plans for the forms I need to make so that the pieces will be shaped correctly. I hope to create and fire the pieces early next year.

For those of you who have been searching for a book on the contemporary art of handmade ceramic tile, your search is over. Peter King has twenty five years of experience in architectural ceramics. His attention to detail and design help new and experienced ceramists alike in producing their final product. He even discusses designs for inexpensive tools that can be made by the artist. I have seen the author's proof of this book and it is nothing short of spectacular. If you are interested in this medium, no other book will give you this wealth of information. I highly recommend this book and the workshops Peter gives several times a year. He is clearly a pioneer in his field.

I usually do small works; handbuilt and wheelthrown pieces and tiles. It was quite eye-opening to read this book on large scale projects. It is written in a very clear manner, with wonderful pictures.

I only fault him on his tile making techniques, which could be better, but hey, who cares? His expertise lies elsewhere. He has obviously worked out the best techniques for large ceramic projects.

I like the way the book is organized. The chapters are very sequentially logical (to me).
Chapter 1: Tools and Equipment
Chapter 2: Building and Decorating Techniques
Chapter 3: Sectioning, Drying, Glazing and Firing
Chapter 4: Installation
Chapter 5: The Projects
Chapter 6: Gallery

The Projects chapter reiterates some of the information in previous chapters, but this time applied to a particular project. This is fine with me, since reiteration is a good teaching technique. The Gallery chapter is quite inspirational! There are lots of pictures of installations done not only by Peter, but also other artists.

Makes me want to try some architectural ceramics!

Since the local craft store carries the Arnold Grummer supplies for papermaking, I decided to buy his book - Arnold Grummer's Complete Guide to Easy Papermaking. (Mr. Grummer also has a website.) The instructions in the book are very clearly illustrated by photographs. Many variations in colors and textures are shown. You'll need a frame set and cotton linter both available at the craft store, a blender and paper scraps. Easy to recycle old envelopes or paper (discard the black print which will turn the paper grey). Variations: Colored paper tints the pulp. Add dried flowers and leaves. Emboss wet pulp with brass stencil. Hot tip: When pressing out the excess water from the wet pulp, use a rolling pin!

I love this book. Arnold Grummer is fantastic. This book explains everything you need to know about paper, and making paper, in a very simple way. I especially love the beginning of the book where he gets into the technical aspects of what IS paper and why we can make our own. There are also many full-color samples of handmade paper that I found very inspiring. This book will keep you busy trying all the embellishment and inclusion techniques, too, including botanicals, pin drawing, and coloring. I'll be using this book for a long time, and I recommenend it to everyone.

There's an old adage that says, "Never judge a book by its cover."

That was certainly true for me when I first looked at Arnold Grummer's Complete Guide To Paper Casting. My initial reaction to the cover (& many of the 'projects' was--How 70s can you get?

Fortunately, I followed the adage's advice and read a few chapters. Result? I found a valuable addition to my how-to library.

The authors (Arnold & Mabel Grummer) have created a work which is rich with detail. They offer techniques, tips, history, ideas & more in such an easy to read manner that whatever your interest &/or skill level, you will find yourself casting pulp before you know it.

Saavy enough to recognize that many crafty types want to get started without reading 'War & Peace', the authors provide readers with a quick start-up in Chapter 2. I made my first paper cast within thirty minutes of reading the instructions--(took me twelve minutes to find the blender!)

From that point on, I found myself enjoying (& learning) so much. I picked up a vocabulary without needing to consult a dictionary; began exploring additives & molds & generally having FUN with paper casting in ways I had not considered.

With the current trend in paper crafts/arts, I heartily recommend this book to scrapbookers, altered-bookers & collagists. I also recommend it to anyone who has ever asked 'What If?'

The day I recieved this book I could not put it down, I had to read the entire book! From the start, it is an encouraging and creative book to be used in every aspect of the papermaking process. Unfortunately the only parts I felt were weak would be for paper artists who want a totally acid free paper. His comments on that though, do need to be believed because He is the curator of the Dard Hunter paper museum and a paper chemist. He feels that the best way to make that type of paper is to start with recycled paper that is already acid free. Those artists who create from plants alone may not find enough information to please them,yet many of His techniques can still be applied with their experience to create very artistic paper. Even beginners can tackle the most professional results with this book in hand. I feel even children could achieve surprising results with the processes he shows, step by step, using mostly home supplies. He shows you how to make your own mold and deckle too! The "moon paper" recipe he shows you how to create is worth the price of the book alone! Out of my entire library of paper books, this does stand on its own for the most part and for that reason, I recommend it for all beginner and intermediate artists and every papermaking teacher.Your creative juices will flow with this book!

This is an excellent book on calligraphy with a lot of great ideas, tips and tons of pictures.

I love this book! What a great resource for all skill levels of calligraphers!

This is not just a "how to" book on calligraphy but a how to employ lettering into artwork. Especially helpful was the drafting diagram on page layout. My work looks much more balanced now. Anything that has worked for centuries has to have something to it!!

This book is awesome! I've been doing calligraphy for over 20 years and own nearly 50 books about calligraphy and i must say, this one is the best EVER. It is so inspirational. Before i bought it, i started taking notes and scanning so many pages that i realized i HAD to buy it because there is so much information and inspiration on each and every single page.

I think this is probably the only callig. book i've ever actually read throroughly, from cover to cover -- literally! I read each page (not just skimmed over, as i have with others), but actually read and took notes on.

I was so inspired by this book that i couldn't wait to get started on my own projects.

thank you, Annie Cicale, for creating this wonderful masterpiece!!!

I enjoy this book but had hoped for more instructions than is given. She talks about the materials and techniques but would have liked to see an example with steps all the way through the process.
Beautiful ideas and results on Jane's embroidery!

What an idea generator! It's a beautiful picture book also. Makes me want to "stretch my wings".

This book is fabulous. The work that Jane Hall has done is pure art. Fiber Art to the ultimate. I love how she has developed so many wonderful techniques to achieve the natural looks. I am devouring this book, cover to cover. You will love it!!

I own many books and I have to say this one is by far my favorite. Many fiber artist and embroiderers will be drawn to this book, not only for the exquisite photography of Jane Hall's work, but also for her ability to express what inspires her. You will find that we all share the same inspirations and aspirations for our projects. I recommend this highly. Not a how-to book.

I've used this book to get ideas for a summer art camp for kids, and plan on using it for techniques in my own elementary art classroom. Great pictures & directions. Lots of awesome techniques that can easily be expanded on with imagination! Covers a fair amount of painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture. A great resource for teachers and parents!

I am an elementary teacher and I am not very creative. This is an excellent source of new and different ideas that can be used with stuents in 1st-6th. (you may be able to alter to use with lower or higer grades) Some of the projects require some specialized tools, but most use everyday items. Great purchase!

Kim Solga really knows how to make art fun, just like the title says. Simple, easy, fun, and wonderful for kids' imaginations.Want to raise a creative, smart, successful adult? Use Art Fun with your child now!!

This is a must have for any art teacher!! The ideas will send a child's imagination soaring. All activities are practical, loads of fun and economical. You'll find yourself saying "wow you can do that". I teach K-8 at a parochial school and will be using the ideas constantly.

All of the Usborne Art book are great -- but this is one of my favorites. It has dozens of art ideas and concepts that a teacher or parent could use to inspire a young artist.

I like to just open it up to a new page, and take a new technique to apply to whatever we are working on in class.

It is that easy! Very inspiring.

This book has so many terrific, easy to follow, and imaginative ideas. The eye popping illustrations help as a visual aid to see what the end result may look like.I use many of the ideas for teaching middle school students as well as elementary. A must have for any art teacher.

Like all the Usborne books, this book is a great tool for learning. As an elementary teacher, I bought this book just to have as a handy reference. I have also used it with my kids at home, and it is everything I learned in a semester of college art class all rolled up into this handy children's book. With all my experience with Usborne books, I just can't get enough of them. For more information on Usborne books, visit ...

This colorful art book, is full of great ideas for elementary aged children. The projects are easy to read and recreate. The color images are inviting. The art images serve as inspriation for young artists. As an elementary teacher I plan to use this book full of easy and creative art ideas as my school years art curriculum. I am so excited to have such a wonderful children's art resource book.

It is true not to judge a book by it's cover. The cover of this one had me passing it by- but I happened to look inside and was hooked. This is ALL about the content... yes, there is lots of eye candy- but these are pages where people are working with content. Loss, illness, life changes, but also births and motherhood, moving, frustrations, difficult relationships, financial worries... but not as pity me sorts of pages, or agony aunt conversations- these are beautifully rendered, heartfelt, real thoughts and feelings of living and breathing people who are just sharing what real life is like sometimes. Artists who happen to be women keeping it real in the pages of their journals fill the pages of this book with their stories, essays, and their work. If it is all about the pretty or what the newest technique is, this one isn't for you. If it is about the journey, the process, the work- it's a good one. Buy it - you won't regret it.

I'm the author of:Mixed-Media Nature Journals: New Techniques for Exploring Nature, Life, and Memories and True Vision: Authentic Art Journaling

I purchased this book solely for the fact that a friend of mine was a contributor... when it arrived I sat down and turned straight to her pages and was just blown away by the book as a whole.

While it is an amazing showcase for what is possible when creating a journal-- this book is so much more when you read the contributions and let the words and feelings wash over you.

I saw myself and some of my life experiences laid out in someone elses words-- it was a powerful way to realize that we are not alone with our individual struggles.

Save on shipping and get two! You will want to bless SOMEONE you know with a copy of this amazing work.

This book is great for people who want to start their own art journal. It gave me a lot of great ideas and inspiration. There are a lot of personal stories to read and they really helped me with what I wanted to write in my journal. It doesn't all have to be happy. You can write the "real" stuff in life too. :)

While other books can inspire technique and artistic skills this book
focuses on the reason that we keep journals. When we are alone with illness, dislocation, pain, worry, grief or other troubles we don't always have a friend to talk to. But we do have the journal to confide in.

I respect and thank all the people who contributed to this book. It has made me see how journaling can be a tool for ministers, friends and family to reach through and encourage someone who is suffering. Also, we
will never know when the day presents us with a demon that we must live with.

Art has power to move through time and place as do words. This book is more of a testiment of how many people used journaling as a pair of waterwings while swimming through unknown waters. Their generosity is
wonderful. The book is an excellent tool and motivator.

I just love this book! It confirmed what I've known and practiced for many years. Journaling helps bring a balance and healing to my life. What I didn't realize was how when coupled with art expression it magnified the effect. I took a one hour art therapy class at college years ago, so this set the foundation for this concept. I appreciate the openess in which the artists and writers share their stories and examples of their creations. The work is beautiful. The book is well written and well illustrated. My mother passed away last year. I have begun my own art journal titled, "The darkest day; the darkest night." It has been so helpful to me that I have taken this great book to my school and shared it with some of my students and they are creating their own creative art journals. This book has touched my life and now is touching the lives of some of my students. Thank you Sharon Soneff for sharing this great work and for all those artists and writers who shared their stories!

Who says you can't complete a masterpiece?

For just a few dollars, you can be Picasso! Pick up your crayons, colored pencils or whatever you wish, and repeat the choices of the Masters, or show Grant Wood how it really should be done with some choices of your own. (I've always suspected that those American Gothic folks would look a bit more cheerful with auburn hair!)

Fun and educational!

Wonderful book! I like the summaries of the artist, the orginal pictures for examples, and the amount of detail for a beginner to moderate colorer is not too much. I bought this book for myself (44 years old), Dad (82) and Mother (78). This will be the Christmas gift this year for everyone in my family.

Iknow there aren't many out there who enjoy coloring at my age, but it is a very relaxing hobby while watching TV in the evenings. This book is fun and has great variety.

A great fun way to introduce famous art works to the young. It has a small version of each art work on the cover. Your child/student can color the art work the same or make it their own.