Crafts Books

A beautifully illustrated book full of good ideas for kitchen design.
While the focus is on bungalow-style, much of the information could be applied to kitchens in any style home

We finished building our new Craftsman home a few months ago. This book was very helpful in determining how we should create a kitchen that looked like it belongs in a bungalow, while keeping with modern conveniences. The chapters cover every detail from top to bottom, wall to wall, and there are beautiful photos that help you visualize each point. This book would be helpful for new homes like ours, and also for restorations. It shows how you can bring bungalow style to your home without it looking outdated and old. For me, this book was much more useful than "Bungalow Kitchens" by Jane Powell, which is more for the obsessive bungalow restorer. Peter LaBau shows you how you can utilize modern materials and conveniences in a "bungalow" way.

We recently remodeled the kitchen in our 1927 bungalow. We were a bit lost early on, finding only occasional examples in the dozen or so kitchen books that we used. This book offers details of 17 bungalow kitchens of many shapes and styles, and one (#13, if you're interested) provided the inspiration for our design.

What a joy to pick up a book and see photos of lovely kitchens in my size -- meaning, not McMansion. I am so disheartened by all the kitchen porn featuring 48 inch ranges under huge hoods behind islands with seating for six! Though the book specifically references the bungalow style, the photos and narrative describe how the Colonials and Tudors evolved early in the century, and there is plenty of visual and descriptive information applicable to these styles too. I especially liked the emphasis on finding ways to use authentic materials and styling while incorporating modern appliances, from lighting to cooking and even surfaces. The earlier book, Bungalow Kitchens, took on a very proscriptive voice, for example, absolutely banning in-ceiling spot lights. New Bungalow Kitchens, by contrast, is much more ecumenical, recognizing it is no sin to want to acknowledge and utilize the best of the current offerings, and provides real guidance on how to accomplish this without blatantly violating the period aesthetic. There are lovely kitchens in both dark stained and light painted finishes. It seems the author has a few favorite kitchens that were pictured over and over throughout the book. But the ones he chose certainly bore up well in their close-ups. I got several ideas that I can actually use, in fact, probably more ideas than I can actually use.

Lush photos, sparking ideas for kitchen designs in arts-and-crafts bungalows, and crisp writing make this book a valuable tool for any bungalow owner contemplating a kitchen redesign. Even if you don't own a bungalow, the photos are worth the price of the book.

This book is so fun, so colorful. Everyone, from begginers to experts, can learn from it or get creative new ideas.

This is one of the most delightful new polymer clay books! I have been working with polymer clay for 12 years, and still found this book full of fun, colorful ideas. Kim Cavender is a wonderful, creative clay artist and this is a book that everyone can learn from and get creative new ideas. Kathy Weaver

'Polymer Clay for the Fun of it!' is a perfect title for Kim Cavender's
book as it promises and delivers fun projects in a fun and lively way from
start to finish.
She adds personal notes, quotes and useful tips throughout.
It's just like being in one of her classes; you learn, have fun
and at the same time make something to take home and show off.
The book is much more than 20+ projects because all its decorative clay
techniques can be used for other projects of your own choice.
An entertaining and very versatile book - well done, Kim Cavender.

Carol Blackburn, author of Making Polymer Clay Beads

I have several polymer clay books, and Kim's books is one of the best! Her projects are easy to do and colorful. The directions are easy to understand, and the photos are clear. The book has jewelry projects, projects for the home, and more.

Kimberly Miller

Cavender is a talented polymer clay artist who really knows her stuff. While I prefer the bead making side of polymer clay, I find techniques in this book to be easily adaptable for my purposes. Techniques and tools are thoroughly explained and projects have apt photos. Beginners will not be overwhelmed as Cavender has a knack for simplifying the most intricate looking pieces.

This is a replacement for myself and I bought extra copies for my daughters. The book is very well done with easy instructions and even beginners can follow and get a fabulous finished product.

Another wonderful Leisure Arts collection! This book really does offer something for everyone. Many Afghans are worked while holding 2 strands, which always makes for quick rewarding projects. There are also several strip/motif patterns that are good choices for working on the go. Sophisticated Swirl on page 66 is especially stunning, it will impress your friends and you because it looks very complicated but is actually very simple!

Delightful book, lots of large hook with 2 strands of yarn patterns, as well as mile-a-minute patterns. Easy to follow directions, and quite a few standard type patterns for the traditionalists among us. You won't be sorry if you purchase this one. All crochet.

I'm a casual crocheter. I love this book! It's got a great instruction section at the back and lots of variety in the afghans. I like that there's a full color of each item and the instructions right next to it. No searching to find what you need. You can lay the book open and see the instructions and the picture at the same time.

This is my only crochet book. I actually use the patterns to springboard ideas for dish clothes.

I really enjoy this book. There is a variety of styles, sizes and pattern types to try out. Also, the book tells you the yarn weight and gauge, not the brand of yarn, so substitutions are easy. The only draw back is that there isn't any rating system as to the difficulty of each pattern - a careful reading is necessary before starting any project.

The book was more than I could have imagined. I've never quilted a day in my life, but with this book I feel as if I can make anything my mind can illustrate. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn how to quilt. Thanks!

This is a wonderful how-to book for beginning quilters. It has step-by-step instructions for many different projects and includes many of the most popular quilting patterns. The projects are modest (squares, runners, placemats, totes, wall hangings, etc.) and well matched to a beginner's skill progression. The price is very reasonable also. All in all, it is a very good buy.

I have a good amount of sewing experience so I was hesitant about purchasing this book thinking it might be too basic. Also, I wondered if I would be interested in actually completing many of the projects. I am glad I made the purchase! I have no experience in machine quilting so I appreciate the detailed, simple instructions. Most of the projects are ones I actually want to make and use or could give as gifts. I would say more except that I would just be echoing all the positive things previously written. If you would rather learn machine quilting from a book rather than a in a quilting class, this is the book for you!

A friend bought this book for my 13 year old daughter. She is new to quilting and using a sewing machine, and has found this book so easy to follow.

So far seems to be a good basic book for the beginner

highly recommended. beautiful photos - clear instructions - gorgeous designs. As a vintage ribbon work lover, this book has it all.

when you want to make a gift special this book will have your flowers very creative and lets you pick those special colors with out a lot of mess. great book

Excellent. Very easy instructions and easy projects. I was immediately able to make beautiful flowers out of ribbon. Highly recommended.

This book is all you need to know - materials, techniques, inspiration for projects. If you'd like to learn ribbonwork, this is the only book you need.

This is the 3rd book I've bought on making ribbon flowers and it is certainly the one to make it easier for you. Her flower directons make your ribbon flowers look like the ones you buy.

I love this book! With the historical information, detailed illustrations and photographs this book is the perfect addition to my fiber library.

Fantastic. A though history of the art as well as detailed photos and explanations of techniques making it easy for you to review a technique and apply it to fabric.

Excellent book!! If you study textile arts or just like tie-dyeing--I strongly recommend getting this book!

I knew this was "THE" book to have for shibori technique instructions. However, the very pleasant surprise was all the history of shibori! It would be fascinating even if I wasn't intending to learn the technique. The instructions are very clearly presented. I have already tried a couple of the techniques with very good results and I'm only a beginner!

Many detailed instructions on methods, very nice photos of works by some very talented artists both past and present. If you want to do shibori I would say this is a must have. If you are interested in the history of dyeing techniques this is a great text. I love it.

THIS BOOK IS GREAT! I LOVE THE QUILTS IN IT & THE USE OF COLOR. EVERYONE WHO LIKES TO QUILT SHOULD HAVE ONE.

Thimbleberries Books are great! Easy to read, lovely to look at at, fun to use!

I was unsure of purchasing a quilting book online since you cannot see what all the book includes as far as patterns. When I received this in the mail I was plesantly pleased. There are many beautiful patterns to choose from. Along with easy to understand instructions.

The Thimbleberries line of fabrics are so warm and yummy they are like snuggling in your mothers lap. The patterns in this book are simple, uncongested and just plain calming. They almost force you to slow down and soak up the warmth of a fireplace and the security of your home. If your not on the war path to really impress your friends or to out-do the Jones's than get this for some good ole fashioned patterns that you can imagine your great grandmother stitching. Maybe one day your great grand-daughter will still be snuggling in it.

Even to just curl up with on the couch to look at.

There's a beautiful selection of quilts, with a 'down-to-earth' appeal. Over the past couple years, I've become a big fan of Lynette Jensen's work, and she did a great job on this book! (I've had this book for quite awhile but never got the chance to comment until now, as I spent alot of my spare time quilting.)

The best way I can describe these quilts are that they give you this 'cozy country' feeling. From wallhangings, to pillows, to placemats and tablerunners to fullsize quilts, its one of those books which will remain in my quilting library for years. I really like practically all of the quilts inside this book, which is quite a rare thing to say about a book. I'd highly recommend it!

Some concepts are not for the beginner. Let's you use your imagination to create outstanding layouts.

This is a great book on how to run and plan your next model railroad. Gives great idea's and samples of yards, train movements and point to point locations. Not just for beginers.

I don't think anyone in the model railroad hobby can say enough about the contributions of the late John Armstrong. His layout designs are masterpieces of getting the most out of a given space and working with the tradeoffs we all enevitably face. The book gives an overview of prototype operations and then goes into countless ideas and pointers for design and operation. I found the section on curve planning (p. 76), schematics (Chap. 8), and laying out an "easement" (p. 116) particularly useful. I recommend this to anyone planning a first layout or for anyone building a second layout after messing up their first. It is a good companion to "Classic Layout Designs," also by John Armstrong.

John Armstrong is one of the best known names to the model railroad hobby. He has written extensively but this book is his finest work.

A person interested in railroads finds himself caught up in lots of detailed scenes and complex trackwork. Armstrong explains what it all does and why it is arranged in the way it is. He does this by explaining railroad practice in the real world and then by looking at the problems faced by the modeler. He does so in a lucid and interesting manner...for the first half of the book.

While the first half of the book is dedicated to teaching about how railroads operate, the second is intended to teach how to model them effectively. He explains broad general concepts and then refines things and explains them in easy stages. He knows where the pitfalls are and he points out solutions.

This is a useful book for anyone from beginner to advanced but especially the beginner.

This book will teach you exactly what it claims. Numerous prototype examples are used throughout the book to give the reader an insight into how you can design a realistic track plan. This book has helped me to better understand why prototype railroads arranged track in certain ways. Excellent book, highly recommended.

I bought this book because my parent's were celebrating their 40th anniversary. My brothers and sisters and I wanted some ideas so that they would remember such a wonderful day. There were many ideas for both parties and gatherings and presents.

I bought this book on the title alone. It is filled with hundreds of ideas for parties, gifts, etc. I recommend it for anyone who likes to be a little different and stand out in a crowd.

Fun book filled with lots of inspirational ideas, sources and websites for gift giving, party giving, gift wrapping and more!
It's a great "idea book"!

What an excellent book! Simple things come to life. Ideas you wouldn't think about. It definitely serves as an excellent innerway to creativity, as well as a catalyst for further expansion. This is a great piece of work. I love the pictures, and the entire format of the book. I'm waiting for the second edition. Why Bother Why not II?

We all want to entertain stylishly but don't always have the budget to accomplish this task. Or so I thought. After reading Laurin Syndey's book I realize that resourcefulness and creativity are all you need. She's given us a helpful map to chart out all the things we need to live life more graciously and stylishly. And unlike Martha Stewart, it's not so complicated...Thank you Laurin. What great tips and what a great way to approach life...

I have Diane's original, self published version of this book, but having this version, with all the colored pictures, is worth the price of buying the new edition.

For those who like such, there are also specific patterns using the stitches-- something I dont remember the original ook having.

AWESOME. This book is detailed, very easy to follow, and causes visions of projects in your mind that you JUST might be able to do now. This toom of teaching bead weaving goes above and beyond other books written about the same subject.

Highly recommended for content, price, and excitement. Buy it now!!

Lovely book. Wonderful photos and clear instructions of various stitches used. The historical pages are very interesting. Looking forward to the next book!

I love this book-have made one bracelet, and am onto a second one. The instructions are so easy to follow and there are lot's of different patterns to try.

I cannot begin to describe the appreciation I have for this book. Being an Amercian of African decent, I always appreciate learning about the culture and history of people from different parts of the motherland. I have been trying to find a how-to-book on making African beaded jewelry. From what I observed from books about African Art and culture, the jewelry is always so colorful and beautifully designed. I want to make and wear jewelry that imulates the beauty of African styles of beading. Through a perspective of a person of African decent, I would have liked to see photographic examples of jewelry made by the Africans, which the book shows, but with more of them and the instructions demonstrating how to make them. However, the author has made the jewelry shown in this book to truly represent styles and beauty of African beaded jewelry. The photographs, the jewelry and instructions in this book are fantastic as others have mentioned and plus some.