Arts and Crafts Books

I have a large shelf of books on indian basketry. This Shanks book will be put first in line. For the tribes included, the book covers historical, cultural, and ethnographic aspects in a very readable form. But its unrivaled aspect is in diagnostics and the technical details. Boring? Hardly! The authors show how the artisitic and aesthetic values derive from the weaving details. The authors trace the migration and fate of tribal peoples through analysis of their weaving. While the book is of "coffee table" quality, it not just a pretty once over dust catcher. I will certainly buy their next volume in the series.

To anyone interested in the artworks or culture of the American Indian, this is a must have treasure. In fact, it can well stand first in line among any indian textile, carving, pottery, or beadwork books that I have ever seen.

We had the author (Ralph Shanks) as a math teacher in sixth grade-- truly the best teacher we have EVER had! I've never read his books but he used to show us slides of the material, anyway, just be aware when reading this i'm sure fascinating book, that the author is a really good teacher ( which is completely irrelevant we know, but...)

More than exceptionally good regional art, California Indian baskets are amongst the most beautiful and finest baskets in the world. No other book covers basketry with the detail, care and insight of this volume. Approximately 200 baskets are shown in full color along with an enjoyable text that makes reading a pleasure. Basketry studies, anthropology, history, art, archeology and linguistics are all brought together in this unprecedented book. "Indian Baskets of Central California" is full of fascinating information. There are vibrant baskets covered with hundreds of tiny feathers, miniature baskets so small they literally can sit on the head of a pin, feast baskets so large it took several men to lift one when full, and culinary baskets as beautiful as a great painting. You will be proud to own this fine book.

Ralph Shanks has more than one passion that he writes about. He's known nationwide in Coast Guard history circles as one of the country's leading chroniclers of the history of the United States Life-Saving Service, a predecessor to the Coast Guard. But little do those folks know - except maybe those on the West Coast, of his level of scholarship as it pertains to a subject seemingly as far away from motor lifeboats as one can get: Native American basketry.

Indian Baskets of Central California is split geographically into three sections: San Francisco Bay and Monterey Bay, the interior coast range mountains, and the Sierra Nevada and the Delta. Each section highlihghts the basketry of different tribes, both in text and imagery. The book, in fact, is heavily illustrated with photography of existing baskets from collections all over the west coast. The history of the development of each type of basket is told, as is the story behind its ultimate use. The details pertaining to each individual basket's story are as intricately woven into storylines as the baskets themselves were crafted.

Ralph and his wife/editor Lisa Woo Shanks have collaborated on several projects, including the North American Indian Travel Guide. Independently, Lisa is the editor of the Basketry of California and Oregon Series. Their expertise for this very precise subject shines through in this important book, one that will help keep alive fading arts and cultures of the past.

I have made several of the necklaces from this book and have received raves everytime I wear them. It takes a little effort to understand some of her terms for beads but once you get past that, the instructions are excellent. These are beautiful, wearable necklaces, mainly based on peyote, that take time to make but are worth it.

This book is really unique as far as the beading techniques go. The written instructions looked rather daunting at first but were fairly easy to follow once you get started. Good for advanced beaders to add to their beading repertoire!

I was looking for something new and different. When I received my book I found that it is exactly that. Beautifully different beaded jewelry technique than what I have been doing. Good diagrams and wonderful colored pictures. This is an English translation from Dutch. Therefore you might be confused at first with the size of the beads but I just go with what I have and try to follow accordingly. I don't think it will be a problem for most beaders. Non-beading friends that have seen the book love the jewelry displayed in the pictures. Directions for all shown are provided. I believe this will keep me in beading heaven for quiet some time. The technique is versatile and the jewelry looks dressy and expensive. Various beads and sizes can be used. If you like to be creative then don't miss the opportunity with what you can bead from this book.

This is an excellent book for medium to advanced seed beaders who are looking for more than another peyote pattern. The author opens up completely new directions by using seed beads with bugle & cut beads, crystals and other small decorative beads to create exceptionally unique tubular beadwork. The techniques are simple, the results are beautiful and stunning. I recall someone mentioning to me that this book is an English translation of Dutch, and there are a few minor awkward grammar remnants but nothing that would inhibit a beader from figuring out how to do the techniques. I give this book a high rating because it is the seminal work on the "Dutch spiral" use of seed beads and inspires you to move your own seed beadwork in a new direction.

Well done you. It is a great thing to write a book, another to actually have it published, and a sheer triumph if it is a good read. Congratulations on achieving all three.

I like the book very much, however, I feel the layout and the photography could have been tighter and more artful. There's a bit of a rushed-to-put-together feel about it, which is disappointing. Nevertheless, good value for a finishing reference book because it applies to all needlework disciplines.

I'm dyslexic and left handed -- and after several decades of false starts learning to knit -- I finally got it. What I couldn't figure out from all the wonderful knitting books available now is how to get the beginnings and endings (and the errors in the middle) to work as well as the actual knits, purls, yarnovers, and slips....

I borrowed one book of finishing techniques, found another at a local bookstore, and found dozens of pages on the web that all attempted to explain how to accomplish these tasks which are evidently simple to most knitters.

This book, "Interweave's Compendiu7m of Finishing Techniuest..." and another Interweave book called "Knit Fix" are the only books I've found that manage to explain in such a way that I can translate their instructions into successful knitting. Both books are compact, spiral bound, and full of un-misunderstandable directions and clear, plentiful illustrations.

If I can understand the writing and illustrations in these books, imagine how useful they will be for the average kntter!

This book suffers greatly by not featuring the word "knitting" in its title -- in dozens of searches on Amazon, it never came up and was never associated with other books in this family -- oddly, it is associated with weaving books only. Don't let this mislead you.

A very thorough review of different ways to finish your projects through stitches, trimmings, decorative braids, etc. Clear concise instructions, and easy to follow illustrations. A wonderful book!!

Blair and Bloom do a great job explaining classic Islamic arts. They give equal attention to architecture, calligraphy, weaving and decorative arts, and suplement their accessible yet intelligent text with attractive photographs. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to begin learning about Islamic art, as well as to those who already know the basics.

This is a basic introduction on a very large and complex history. Broken up chronologically and further by dynasty, the structure of this book lends a coherence that is very easy to understand. It is a wonderful way to gain a greater understanding of Islamic art and how its influences have shaped art history.

The second book I read on Islamic Art. Was very impressed. It's very comprehensive and well organized. Starts coverage in chronological order (from the start of the Islamic empire) and covers Architecture, Calligraphy/Book art, Paintings, Ceramics and Textiles for every major Muslim Empire(Spain to India inclusive) from 560AD to the fall of the last great Muslim empire-the Ottomans in modern times. The pictures are great and complement the subject matter well.

Blair and Bloom do a great job explaining classic Islamic arts. They give equal attention to architecture, calligraphy, weaving and decorative arts, and suplement their accessible yet intelligent text with attractive photographs. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to begin learning about Islamic art, as well as to those who already know the basics.

This is a must for any cat or dog lover. I don't usually paper piece but I couldn't resist some of these designs for my animal loving family. 2 Cats on the fence sharing the moonlight made a great anniversary gift for my parents - was easy to do and turned out perfectly. The dachshunds are next on my list for my neice.

This book is one of the better ones that I own and will definitely be one of my 'favorites'. The designs have a lot of eye appeal and are refreshing. The patterns are easy to trace and because of its simplicity, very easy to enlarge or decrease in size. Because of this, customizing your project is a breeze. I just received it and have 'shared' it (but haven't let it out of my sight yet. :-) ) with my sister and couple of friends. They too have gotten excited over the fun, whimsical designs. Get the book...you won't be disappointed! Am look'g fwd to purchasing more books by Janet Kime in the near future. Aloha!

This book has detailed colored pictures of all projects, and patterns that INCLUDE the seam allowance (my 2 most important factors in buying a paper piecing book).

Each project lists all the pertinent information you might require (i.e. quilt size, block size, fabric requirements, fabric cutting sizes). There are lots of tips and how-to's throughout the book, and "personalization" ideas are included for a number of the projects. The projects themselves are absolutely adorable.

Only one project in the book looked like it might be on the difficult side (Hanging BasKats) - the rest looked like they would be doable by most people with a little bit of sewing experience.

The color project pictures are all at the front, separate from the pattern/instruction pages, so it's sometimes necessary to go to the front of the book when working. Each project does clearly state where the colored photo is, but it would have been nice to have the color project photo WITH the project.

I certainly look forward to buying more books from this author and fellow cat lover :).

I loved the way Janet Klime came up with cat quilts that are not cutesy or countrified, but rather some that are funky and even, in the case of the Siamese, sophisticated. The dog designs are great, too, but some of them do lean a little to the cute side. There are lots of different styles to choose from, so everyone is bound to find something that they like in this book. The designs are simple, unlike some paper pieced patterns with 33 pieces to a block. I completed a two-cat design called "tryst" (two cats with entwined tails) in about two hours with NO ripping out! I know that I will actually USE this book many times over, rather than just keeping it on my quilt book shelf. Have already purchased the fabric for the gorgeous Siamese!

I have been a collector of pottery for years. I own several pieces of Iznik pottery because I find the artistry superb.

My husband gave me this book for Christmas and I have been learning so much more about the pieces I own, the culture behind them, the motifs, etc. The photos in the book and the quality of the print process and binding are fabulous.

I am now proud to display this book on the table beside my pottery collection.

If you are a lover of beautiful art, a student of Ottoman culture or just a fan of gorgeous books... Do not think twice. This book s a wonderful publication!

This is the authoritative work on the magnificent ceramics and tilework of 16th century Ottoman Turkey, one of the high points of Islamic art. Beautiful photographs; informative, readable text.

The book tells a fascinaing story,accompnied by beautifully presented colour plates of work done by skilled 16th century craftsmen. Some of the pieces and tilework can still be seen in Istanbul today.

I'm not a fan of art or religion, I'm a practical sort of girl. I took a class on Islamic art though, and found myself fascinated by Ottoman ceramics. Finding this book in the library, I sat down and flipped through it, and to my surprise, found myself crying. Crying, because everything in this book was so beautiful. I've never done that before. I have to buy this book. I must own this. I've never felt so moved by anything my whole life, and I don't say that lightly. The photographs are exquisite, the details visible are finer than the unaided eye can see. The colors are beyond words. The historical context presented is well-written, interesting and exciting. I told my teacher after the class that she'd opened the door to a whole new world for me, and this book just blew that door off its hinges.

Buy this book.

I teach pottery and always have at least one Jananese student in my class. (Some times they speak very little English)
This is the most basic pottery book. There are no color photos but what wonderful step by step instructional sketches, the sheer number of forms and different designs is truly Awesome.
This book is written both in English and in Japanese. I can't tell you how much this book has help bridge the language barrier (I speak Zero Japanese).
My students both Japanese and American love the book. Worth every penny.

This is an excellent book for the price! Simple and straight forward, it's a great learning tool and gives you some good basic info.

A very basic handbook if you are looking for pottery techniques, but invaluable for the English/ Japanese translations and terminology in hiragana, katakana and kanji for the Western potter who travels to Japan. Not many books around that gives one access to this terminology to enable one to discuss ceramics with the Japanese potter.The terminology regarding forms, descriptions, glazes, underglazes, etc are exellent, with helpfull maps on kiln sites and the different wares found in the different regions of Japan.

This informative and delightful book is a must for any potter. With charming and clear illustrations the authors provide information on tools, workshops, forming, decorations, kilns, etc. Even common problems are illustrated! Towards the end of the book, drawings of various forms will prove a valuable resource to many a potter. This book has become a constant reference in my own studio. Please note that two languages are used in the book, Japanese and English, accenting the visual delight of this well designed book.

This is a great book. Simple to follow and lots of good patterns and ideas.

This is one of the best quilt books I've purchased and I have about 25 of them. The book makes you want to buy a jelly roll and get started. Some quilts are more difficult than others, but for someone that's not experienced enough to take on a more complex quilt there lots of simple ones to choose from. The quilts are very attractive for how easy they are. In this book easy does not equal boring.

Excellent source of patterns AND some very good sewing tips. I'm an experienced quilter, but found lots of new tricks and ideas.

This book has beautiful patterns and detailed instructions for each. It also includes alternate color schemes for each quilt. I'm currently making the cover quilt which is going together easily. I would recommend this book for quilters with at least basic knowledge and experience. Jelly Roll Quilts are GREAT for all skill levels.

This book had exactly what I was looking for. Many beautiful designs of animals from simple to really extravagant. I highly recommend this book to anyone in the jewelry business or who has an interest in gems.

This is a wonderful resource for high end, modern animal jewelry pieces. These are not designs you will find at your local jewelers, and it is probably of limited use to crafts people, but as eye candy it can't be beat.

While brief mention is made of historical pieces, this is really a book about Victorian jewelry to the present. It is a shame that there is not more information about the wonderful animal jewelry of antiquity, but perhaps that will come in another volume.

If you are interested in contemporary and 19th-20th century jewelry design, this book is a steal at the Amazon price.

I FIRST SAW THIS BOOK @ MY LOCAL LIBRARY & BOUGHT IT THE SAME DAY. FULL OF ORIGINAL & MASTERFULLY CRAFTED JEWELRY THIS BOOK IS A MUST FOR ANYONE WHO APPRECIATES ORIGINALITY & ARTISTRY IN JEWELRY DESIGN. I WOULD HAVE PAID MORE FOR IT!

This book is crammed with page after page after page of the most breathtaking animal jewelry by the world's elite designers, such as Verdura. It is amazing to me that the book, printed on high quality paper, retails [at a low price]. The authors have compiled a comprehensive review of jewelry history and photos and if you are a fan of whimsical but elegant design, you'll love this book.

This is a great book on one of the great private jewelry collections of all time. The images in this book are the benchmark for this kind of book and the text is highly informative. The Duchess had impeccable taste and the Duke indulged her at every turn. Not a piece this woman owned was anything but the epitomy of elan and elegance, it was no wonder that her jewel auction brought out royals and the famous, I especially appreciated the breathtaking Prince of Wales feather's broach bought by Elizabeth Taylor, no surprise that this woman of singular taste would buy the best piece from the collection of a lady with dare I say even better taste. Great book, highly recommended.

I adore this book! It's an oversize publication which increases the beauty of the photography. The photos of the Duchess'jewelry are breathtaking, and it also provides a full account of the famed auction, including the amounts paid for the jewelry. There are great pictures of celebrities who purchased some of the pieces. There's even a stunning photo of Liz Taylor wearing the Prince of Wales Plume Pin for which she paid over $500,000. It also recounts the story of their lives along with pictures, including copies of newspaper clippings during the abdication. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Duke and Duchess or the forthcoming auction of the Windsor's household possessions at Sothebys. This book is the jewel in my collection of royal books!

THE JEWELS OF THE DUCHESS OF WINDSOR 1st edition,is a lush vicarious view of the golden age of royalty. The illustrations are breathtaking, done by some of the world's most famous photographers including Lord Snowdon..a marvelous addition to any collection.

THE JEWELS OF THE DUCHESS OF WINDSOR 1st edition,is a lush vicarious view of the golden age of royalty. The illustrations are breathtaking, done by some of the world's most famous photographers including Lord Snowdon..a marvelous addition to any collection.