Crafts Books

I recently took a class from Carol Doak using the Simply Sensational 9-Patch Stars. It was totally fun and entertaining and I completed the Bright Stars Wall Quilt. The instructions are easy to follow and the results are spectacular. This book also included a Foundation Factory CD to load onto your computer to print the paper-piecing patterns onto Carol Doak's Foundation Paper. Nothing could be simpler.

The cover was great but the other patterns inside I don't like as well and will probably not use.

Good and informative book for everyone who like Paperpiecing
A lot of new inspiration and easy to work with

Carol Doak's Simply Sensational 9-Patch Stars: Mix and Match Units to Create a Galaxy of Paper-Pieced Stars

This is the best thing I have seen on paper piecing. Carol is the expert.

Until now I had never attempted paper piecing, but with this book it was so easy. Tips, CD, pictures, the designs, were out of this world. Love all the possibilities using just a simple square then combining them into a 9 patch block. Thanks Carol

The book covers power carving song birds from choices of wood to mounting the finished sculpture.
VERY well done with detailed explanations & the authors thoughts about each step. Anatomy, acurate color rendition with actual information as to how it was accomplished, how to mount eyes & create feet are all covered with photograhs backing up the text.
I'm a hand carver yet found the book not only instructive from my point of view but interesting & beautiful as well.
It now rests on my coffee table where it has been enjoyed by several guests who have found it's content facinating. ... Because it IS!
WELL done!

Bought this for my borther in law and he liked it alot, its a book he wanted to get and now owns it. He does wood carvings of birds and this is a very detailed good book for beginners and pros alike!

I have an extensive library of carving books to include the two classics "Raptors" and "Owls" by Floyd Scholz. Lori Corbett's book has earned a place among my finest carving books. It is well conceived, well organized and clearly written. Steps in carving are logical and easy to follow; yet, not trite. The writing is crisp and interesting. While there are many, many books on carving Lori's sets a high standard for others to strive. In all aspects this book excels to include pictures, illustrations, diagrams, and both carving and painting instructions. I recommend that if a carver can only afford one book of instruction and inspiration, then purchase Lori's "Carving Award Winning Songbirds" -- and at half the price of most other books! In the near future, I shall attempt to learn whether Lori can instruct as well as she can write. My thanks for a marvelous book. Mel Donaho, long time carver and instructor

I found the instructions to be clear and well written. The photography is outstanding. One of the best books I own.

Simply the most comprehensive manual on bird carving that I own.

Most books suffer some kind of short-coming. Muehlmatt's book is good, but lacks painting information. Hillman's are totally worthless..

But this book covers everything....painting, habitat, anatomy...everything.

If you are new to bird carving...buy this book FIRST! If you are a seasoned carver, buy it because you will learn something from it.

This was a used book I purchased and I have to say I was very, very pleased with the condition.
The author of this book puts everything in very simple terms & makes it easy for a newby to follow along.
I really love it & was glad to add it to my collection of polymer clay books that is ever expanding thanks to Amazon!!!

I collect books on Polymer Clay Artistry and Beading, and this is one of the best of any genre. An absolute classic, suitable for beginners and more experienced clay artists. If you ever thought of Polymer Clay as a relative to Play-Doh, you won't after reading this lucious book.

I love this book and I know you will too if you are into clay or just thinking about trying it. The projects are all wonderful, with easy to follow instructions. Everything to keep a beginner or an advanced clayer busy. Sarajane Helm out did herself this time. Can wait to see what's up her other sleeve.

It is a beautiful book to look at and to admire. But if you are a beginner I suggest going with "New ways with Polymer clay" and or "The polymer clay techniques book". The Techniques book is very helpful!! I loved this book but for now all I can do is look and dream.

I first seen this book at a crafting store and with their price came home and found it on Amazon.com at a lower cost..thats the first most important thing...I really love the way they incorperate the mica's in the projects to give them a very rich expensive non crafted look..I was very impressed with the projects in this book and reviewing it before I bought it was the selling point for me..Mrs.C.

I found the story fascinating and creative. I loved the idea of Mary Jane always waking up in December and being the only one who notices that her entire town (in fact, a Christmas village) has been rearranged, and struggling to make the best use of her time to unravel the mystery before the cycle repeats.
The print in this first edition is pretty small and this makes it a bit of work to read, but stick it out!

This was a magical book that brought out incredible childhood memories as each page was explored. I believe it will find it's way to Hollywood for a wonderful holiday movie release. ( Ron Howard material) Can't wait for the next book by Michael Dutton for more magic on the written page! Great to read with the Jim Brickman-Homecoming holiday CD in the backround.

My mom got me a signed copy of Christmasville at the Courthouse Center for the Arts show in Kingston, RI. I started reading it on December 23rd and just finished this morning, December 26th, and enjoyed it immensely! The absolutely magical concept of a 2-month year, moving buildings, and the same year repeated over and over again is grounded in such detailed, realistic description that the whole thing is at the same time totally implausible and totally convincing. Mary Jane is a fascinating, compelling character, but for me the real star of the story is the world of Christmasville itself, so quirky-but-consistent and so lovingly imagined.
A great book for anyone who is interested in looking at the magic of the quaint and ordinary in a new light.

This is destined to become a Christmas Classic. As a life long model and garden railroader, trains and Christmas Villages have been a part of Christmass for as long as I can remember! I am sure I am not the only person who has rested on the floor and watched the train circle the Christmas Village and imagined what it would be like to live(and love)there and begin to give names to the figures and buildings under the tree. Christmasville brings this concept to life!
The book is like a box of choclates that you just want to savor and last forever. Alas, you know that it won't so you just hope that the last piece will satisfy as much as what came before and Christmasville does this and more.
When it will be made into a movie?
If there's any "downside", and this is not the author's fault, the print is a bit small for these 50+ year old eyes to read. Bigger type and PERHAPS a map of the "current" Christmasville would have made the experience even that more sweeter!
I now find myself looking forward to the sequel where Mary Jane Higgins tries to....... well I'll let you read Christmasville and let YOU discover what the next book is about!

Christmasville really held my interest and I just couldn't put the book down. I could relate to all of the characters and I fell in love with the main character, fourteen year old Mary Jane Higgins. It was such a surprise ending and I can't wait to read the companion novel, Finding Christmasville. This book would make a wonderful Christmas present for everyone on my list.

Classical Guitar Making: A Modern Approach to Traditional Design is a gorgeous book about how to build a John Bogdanovich-style Herman Hauser I guitar. If you are an out and out beginning woodworker who wants to build a guitar from scratch you can make a guitar from this book, but you will either have to own or have access to the power tools that the author uses to build his guitars-a drum thickness sander, resaw bandsaw, and a bandsaw, to name a few. The author really doesn't go into how to use hand tools to build the guitar and doesn't offer alternative ways to use hand tools as does "Guitar Making: Traditional and Technology" by Cumpiano and Natelson. I bought "Classic Guitar Making" to see if I could learn any new tricks in guitar building and I did-how to laminate sides and his binding-cutter router attachment is pretty nice. If a person is patience and willing to take the time to methodically follow Bogdanovich's instructions you can build a wonderful guitar. That can also be said for "Guitar Making: Tradition and Technology", by Cumpiano and Natelson and "Making Master Guitars" by Roy Courtnall. A nice thing about both of these books is that the authors immerse you into the tradition of guitar making as if an old school master luthier was standing over your shoulder telling you about how Simplicio, Ramirez and Torres made their guitars great. Buy this book but only after you have first bought "Guitar Making" and "Making Master Guitars" and all the wood you want to build your guitar with. If you have the money to build and equip a full sized cabinet shop definitely buy this book.

I had originally checked this book out of my local library and after reviewing it, I knew I had to add it to my collection. It is a great companion to the Cumpiano standard with excellent color pictures. I am working on my first guitar and it is nice to have another book to illustrate different techniques for the different steps of construction. As the title suggests, he only covers classical guitar construction but many of the principals are similar and I would recommend this book to anyone considering building a guitar.

If it weren't for the fact that this is a step-by-step manual, the causual observer could be forgiven for mistaking this for a coffee-table book. It's almost too nice for a workbench! At the risk of sounding like an advertising blurb, the same passion and craftsmanship Bogdanovich displays in his guitars shows in nearly every page. He knows what he's doing, and it shows; the color photography is excellent, and the text is a pleasure to read - informative and concise without being dry at all.

The beauty of this book is it has something to offer to experienced and aspiring luthiers alike. While the text deals with building a classical guitar almost entirely from scratch, much of the information given is pertinent to those attempting to go the kit route.

This volume picks up where the classic Cumpiano/Natelson text leaves off, as far as the classical guitar is concerned. There are a few typos in the text that should have been caught by the editor, but they are obvious and not likely to cause trouble to anyone building a guitar from the book. All in all, Bogdanovich has kindly shared his skill and knowledge in a very timely, informative volume that I for one am proud to own!

This book is the ultimate guide to building your own guitar. The numerous color photos are of excellent quality. The book is well laid out and clearly written. A moderately skilled woodworker should be able to build a guitar from the information in this high quality book.

This book is an example of passion with the guitar. It's well written, beautifully photographed covering all steps of classical guitar construction that follows a high grade standard. Even if you don't want to build a guitar, buy it just for the beauty of its pages. I have bought a lot of books about lutherie, but this is one is far the best.
It makes evident in every detail how Mr Bogdanovich loves what he do. Seems to me he had a very good time written it. Go deep!

This book shows you how to make the most realistic flowers. You will want to start right away! I didn't know when I bought it that it was for air dry clay, but I used the polymer I have, and the rose I made didn't turn out too bad.

I did buy porcelain white air dry clay to try it that way too. I made the Cala Lily. With only having white, I used yellow polymer clay for the stamin, and green for the stem. It turned out REALLY nice! I was very pleased.

The shadow box bride's gown would make the perfect shower or wedding gift.

The pictures of the final product are awesome, the instructions are both read and visual. Simple too.

Another thing I like, the book is fun to read. Not boring instructional kind.

The book will get you very excited to create with clay.

Have never tried the air-dried clay...used the techniques/ideas shown in this book with polymer clay...and it worked just dandy!! There are loads of great ideas here.

This book is an excellent book for using Air Dry clay. Probably my favorite feature about this book is the way it's bound--hard back for durability, but spiral inside so that the book lays flat when you're working.

I was disappointed to see that the large white flower that is featured in the front cover bouquet was not laid out in the book instructions. I'm still giving the book 5 stars, though, because the book itself is pretty much perfect in the floral instructin section.

As far as the seasonal crafts, I found them somewhat hokey and silly. But they'd be great for kids. They DO give some information on how to do a ribbon tied bouquet, which I thought was great. One of my friends already says that I have to make her a bouquet of my flowers when she gets married.

This book is a very nice book with beautiful photos throughout. Received the book quickly as described.

Everything that could have been said about this stunning little book has pretty much been said, however I felt so compelled to write something positive about this book. I work with all three contemporary clays, Metal clay, Polymer Clay and Air Dry clay. The projects in this book are based on Air Dry clay and whilst it is a type of Polymer clay it should not be confused with Polymer Clay such as Fimo and Premo. No baking required. Makins Air Dry clay is my choice of clays, and I could not wait to sit down to create some of the magnificent flower creations. It is beautifully photographed and whilst the written text occassionally falls short, the step by step photos or drawings more than make up for it. Thank you Yukiko for this wonderful book, your exquisite talent in capturing the essence of the flowers is remarkable.

I grew up in NC and my grandfather was an avid fisherman. I am learning saltwater pier and surf fishing now and I need something to give some basics, and some specifics about this avocation. This book explains so much about things I have seen my entire life and been curious about but didn't think to ask. I am sending a copy to my sister and mother as well. I think anyone that is going fishing along the coast of the Carolinas must get this book!

This book is about where one can coastal fish in the Carolinas and for what kind of species at different times of the year. I found it to be a very useful guide to plan future surf fishing trips. The author does not give a lot of specifics about rigging tackle. I think Eric Burnley's Surf Fishing the Atlantic Coast provides that information a little better. I plan to keep Goldstein's book in my truck when I am in the Carolinas, and I certainly will look to buy future, updated editions.

This book has lots of great information about fishing in the Carolinas. There is good information on different types of fish and locations and techniques for catching them.

It's pretty cool when the author mentions pier owners, bait and tackle owners, etc. by name. This book is really a must read for folks wanting to fish the Carolina coast!

Highly recommended.

If you're like me most fishing books are way too vague. Titles Like "Surf Fishing" or worse "Fishing the Atlanic" try to be a little help to everyone. This book is a lot of help for a few.

The book reads like a conversation with and old fisherman on a pier or in a tackle shop. The author covers all the bases like where to shop, what to buy, how to rig it up, where to go, how to cast, where to cast, how to set the hook, where to put the catch, how to cook it, etc. This is not the modern "magazine article" style of book, it's an old school how to catch fish book.

Something to consider...
The book is mostly text and some basic B/W images and illustrations. You must be prepared to do some reading before you go fishing. This is not a skim fast and go fishing today book.

If you live in the area or plan to visit, it is a great resource.

I'd have to say this is one of my favorite books on fishing and one of the most complete books on fishing a particular area that I've ever read...even right down to information on exactly where to fish for each species. This book is well written, easy to understand, and well suited to anyone trying to learn how to fish (or how to fish better) from surf, jetty, or pier. Highly recommended.

I live in a very small apartment so I can't collect books, but this is one I will keep. Easy to follow directions and nice projects. Detailed information on how to make projects that are more complicated like dying fabrics. I received the book and made two projects over the weekend and have plans for a couple of more. This book is inspiring, well written, and COLORFUL! A must have, you won't be disappointed.

This is a wonderful book! Kristin Nicholas has taken embroidery to a new level with her colors and designs. Her instructions and diagrams are well displayed for even the novice at embroidery. I have been sewing for years and I can't wait to get started. Not your gramma's embroidery for sure. Love this book!

The projects are so well explained in word and picture...hand drawn by he auhor artist: indeed the whole book is a work of art in itself. Every page a gem of color and inspiration and just plain fun! See page 172 for a fabulous project for oneself or a birthday party activity. This book is like a smile: everyone should have one......Claudia Birkeland

I must have 7 bookshelves of sewing/stitchery/needlework books and from among those this book rates an A+++. I *love* the "hand" of wool and she offers many ideas, photos, and clear, inspirational guidelines.

I stitch alone, I stitch in several styles, and I often stitch with a 13 year old granddaughter and we both found several ideas we plan to adapt and/or copy. By next Christmas we'll probably have created over 80% of our gifts, all from this book.

The author's writing is gracious and clear and leads me back to reading her words again and again. There's more to this than just "directions" but the directions are terrific as well.....even a 13 year old can attest to that.

HIGHLY recommended!

Embroidery projects usually focus on clothing, but they can be used to personalize a home, too - as embroiderer Kristin Nicholas demonstrates in COLORFUL STITCHERY: 65 HOT EMBROIDERY PROJECTS TO PERSONALIZE YOUR HOME. From dragonflies on pillows to lap blankets, egg cozies, and more, these colorful embroidery projects lend to gift-giving as much as home embellishment. Each comes with a full-page picture and easy details on fabric choice, notions and stitches.

It's been nearly ten years since this book was published, and many new techniques have emerged since then. It doesn't cover split rings or split chains, or mock rings, but it gives good information on basic technique. Not much in the way of patterns either, but good for a beginner.

This lovely book is an excellent buy for the beginner learning to make tatted lace as well as for the more experienced tatter wanting a good collection of small patterns. Ms Jones starts off with descriptions of six different methods of tatting, with the hope that if you don't understand one method you'll understand one of the others. Details are given of a range of different techniques including lock stitch, roll tatting, cluny tatting and others, however there are no instructions for split rings or self closing mock rings as these had not yet been popularised at the time the book was written in the 1980s.

There is a huge collection of patterns including tatted cross bookmarks, Christmas designs, tatted notepaper and an alphabet. Most of them are small pieces for beginners to enjoy, but the more experienced tatter will also enjoy this selection. One or two of the photographs don't quite match the diagrammatical instructions, but for the most part they are accurate.

Regarding the diagrams, they are hand drawn and clearly presented and apart from one of the crosses I worked quite a number of the pieces in the book myself, and had no problems.

Most people will enjoy this excellent collection of patterns and instructions and the book will remain a treasure on your bookshelf for many years to come.

When I first learned to tat this was the only book I referred to time and time again---two years later, I'm still going back to The Complete Book of Tatting to brush up on mock picots, cluny tatting and attaching edgings to hankies. Rebecca Jones gives *six* methods of tatting, including needle and reverse Riego, and also includes instructions for more advanced things such as Josephine knots and node tatting. The patterns aren't big or complicated, but there are plenty of smaller droodles and bookmarks perfect for novice tatters. A must-have for any tatter's library.

I purchased this book upon the recommendation of my tatting mentor. Like my mentor, I agree that all tatters should own this book. It is a substantive work, addressing the many techniques of shuttle and needle tatting--both basic and advanced. There are a number of patterns which provide excellent practice for beginners and food for thought for budding designers and advanced tatters. I frequently return to this book as a reference for tatting technique and for patterns to tat quick projects or gifts. Rebecca Jones' Complete Book of Tatting should be required reading for every tatter!

This is an excellent book for the novice or experienced tatter. The book offers excellent directions and diagrams for projects in the book as well as information for the tatter to begin designing and completing their own patterns.

The Complete Guide to Country Cooking

Bought several at one time to give as gifts. Kept one for myself! Love the illustrations and the step-by-step. It's wonderful to use for novice and experienced cooks alike. My whole family of cooks love it!

When my husband and I first got married and I realized I was expected to do the cooking, I panicked. Having no previous experience I went out and bought several cookbooks aimed at amateurs, such as I was. It was disastrous. I finally just stuck with what was safe - 20 different versions of the baked chicken breast. It was only successful as a weight loss plan. Finally a friend introduced me to this cookbook and a year later my husband has gained thirty pounds. Now I am threatening to put him back on the chicken breast diet, if he doesn't shape up. I am ordering this book today for my newlywed sister (because I can't give mine up!) and have ordered The Taste of Home Cookbook for myself. I can't speak highly enough of these books.

The Complete Guide To Country Cooking begins with a chapter devoted to "Kitchen Basics" and then goes on to present recipes for appetizers, beverages, breads, salads and dressings, soups, sandwiches, beef, poultry, pork, seafood, lamb, game, eggs, cheese, grains, beans, pasta, vegetables, condiments, desserts, cakes, pies, cookies, and candies. Enhanced with a chapter on "Menu Planning", a references list, a recipe index and a reference index, The Complete Guide To Country Cooking has something to please every palate and satisfy every appetite with dishes ranging from Blueberry Sour Cream Pancakes; Turkey with Corn Bread Stuffing; Rabbit Dijon; and Texas-Style Spanish Rice; to Grilled Ham and Egg Salad Sandwiches; Golden Baked Whitefish; Beef Stew with Cheddar Dumplings; and Grandma's Chocolate Meringue Pie. Profusely illustrated, step-by-step instructions make The Complete Guide To Country Cooking an ideal cookbook for novice kitchen cooks, while enabling even the most experienced family chefs to draw fresh culinary embellishments to their meal-time menus. No personal or community library cookbook collection can be considered complete without the inclusion of The Complete Guide To Country Cooking!

This book is awesome. Hearty comfort food that never misses. And it has my one basic prerequisite for any cook book....many many fantastic pictures.

This is absolutely one of my favorite cookbooks. I have tried a variety of recipes - Mostaccioli Bake, French Dip, Creamy Caramels, Twice Baked Potatoes, Moist Chocolate Cupcakes with the Mocha Frosting to name a few. Many of these recipes I've made several times. The creamy caramels have become my holiday "specialty". The recipes are easy to follow and the pictures are great.