Crafts Books

This is a very colorful book with a wide verity of designs to choose from. I would not recomend it for the beginning sticher or anyone who wants quick simple projects, for everyone else this book is worth the price

The projects are so beautiful, you won't want to stop until you find a place for every project. I found that the charts were easy to follow, and I didn't get "bored" in the middle. I highly recommend for anyone wanting a lot of color and variety.

Despite decades of designing my own needlework patterns, I found Kooler's delightful horses irresistible; and after three years of adapting them into a queen-size bedspread, I still haven't tired of them, but my book's taken a beating! Though intricate enough to satisfy a veteran needleworker, the easy-to-follow charts put these superb designs within reach of newcomers to the craft. Even those of you who don't embroider will enjoy perusing this beautiful collection.

I bought this book over four years ago and have enjoyed it every since. Each of the twelve carousel horses can either be used as a "month" decoration or a "holiday" decoration. What I like the most about this collection is that it shows alternative ways to use small portions of the designs to create new and beautiful gifts. For example, I used a small floral from the "June Bride" carousel horse design to create name place cards for my own wedding. It was beautiful! Opportunities abound in this book!

This is a beautiful book of wonderful carousel horses. the group to which I belong has a tie in to carousel horses and I purchased this book, in fact I purchased two. Twelve ladies each took part in a project to create a quilt which showcased Donna Kooler's horses. The quilt was then raffled off with the proceeds going to breast cancer research. The pictures in the book do not do justice to how beautiful the finished products are--but they come close. I'm already being asked about next year's project!

This book is an excellent tool for learning how to create original designs. It leads the reader through the knotwork process step-by-step instead of giving a collection of knotwork designs for the reader to copy. I was most impressed by one of the final sections, which describes and illustrates how to embellish your knotwork designs with zoomorphics, or animal shapes integrated into the design.

This book is for people who would like to be able to design Celtic knotwork for quilling, parchment craft, woodcarving, painting, counted cross-stitch, or needlepoint (to name a few examples). It allows you to design beautiful frames, invitations, carved boxes, greeting cards, pillows--let your imagination run wild! I used this book to design watercolor frames.

The author divided up her chapters according to the knotwork design's basic construction unit, e.g. small loops, hearts, fish, corner motifs, etc. There is also a chapter on "Creating Your Own Designs" and one on "Using Knotwork Designs in Other Crafts."

All of the illustrated patterns are based on angles of 45, 90, and 180 degrees and are plotted on a dotted grid, which makes them fairly easy to resize and replicate on graph paper. All you need in addition to the graph paper is a pencil and the ability to find a quiet spot and concentrate on your design.

The many colored illustrations are beautiful, and the knotwork diagrams are easy to follow if you give them the attention they deserve! The author has also written a handbook on Celtic knotwork, and one entitled "Celtic Spirals and Other Designs."

If you want to learn to draw Celtic knotwork, you need this book. It explains in detail and excellently detailed color diagrams how to plot the points for many different kinds of knotwork. From simple two-strand braids all the way up to interwoven animals, it is simply gorgeous and comeletely easy to understand. I can barely draw a straight line, yet I can use this book to create intricate designs for t-shirts, jewelry, embroidery and more. I've even had a couple friends who are tattoo artists borrow it to improve their techniques.

CELTIC KNOTWORK DESIGNS by Sheila Sturrock is a nifty little book. As complex as the Celtic knots appear, it all comes down to this, they can be reduced to curved and straight lines, the most important combination being the "small hearts". Sturrock says there are four basic hearts and she provides examples of each displayed against a grid. Almost anyone can create the grid as it consists of lines of dots applied with a ruler. These dots are then used as the basis for organizing the hearts, parts of hearts and straight lines that makeup the most complex design. The only other thing you need to study are the anima elements in the zoomorphic designs that also are based on hearts, parts of hearts and lines.

One needs the following for making Celtic knotwork: the materials listed by Sturrock, patience, imagination. Not everyone may be a gifted needleworker, but those willing to work at it will be able to master this straightforward art. I am using this book to instruct young girls.

After wrestling with the venerable George Bain, I turned to this book to get a handle on Celtic knotwork. Sheila Sturrock breaks down the framework of knots into simple, basic shapes, allowing the reader to start making decorative knots within minutes of picking up the book. It proved to be a good starting point for me.

There are so many how-to-make jewelry books in print, but this one is different!
There is plenty of inspiration to be found in the illustration & prose for each project; you can tell that all of these girls had a lot of fun with their collaborations!!
The step-by-step directions are clear & easy to follow, even for a jewelry novice like me!
I can't wait to see what this dynamic duo come up with next!!! Kelly & Ruth, thank you!!!

~*There is no simple way to define how this book has touched my heart and mind!*~

I have been a fan of Ruth's for several years now, and have always been moved and impressed by her work. From the moment that I opened the first parcel full of art work that she sent to me, I just *knew* she was pretty special! She has a unique and strong skill of expressing ideas and assembling colors and mixing materials together in a pleasing way. She is a knowledgeable designer with palpable passion for her work.

Kelly has become a friend of mine and a really fun person to follow. She is witty, entertaining and oh so charming! Kelly does not divide the world of art and written expression. She molds a visual entertainment package wrapped up nicely with high quality surround sound to boot. Figuratively speaking that is!

Her high octane personality is fun to interact with!
I like her a lot!

To experience these two phenoms in a single book, together along with a bevy of other online artist friends and new acquaintances, I am THRILLED.

It is SO VERY exciting to experience the fruits of the harvest that came about from the gardens and fields tended by Ruth and Kelly.

They planted seeds, in a most fertile ground, and what sprung forth, I believe, will bear fruit for many years to come!

The visuals and examples in the book contain unique, avant guard, steampunk, romantic, techno chic, delicate, BOLD, energetic, calm and so many more qualities.

There are projects fit for all types of artists.

The colors are just right!

The ideas are not washed down. They are IN YOUR FACE! You can SEE the details.

The backgrounds and scenes for the jewelry are not overpowering.

The words in the book are friendly, supportive, encouraging and REAL.

This book is a MUST for all who are interested in swapping art, or starting a new avenue with your jewelry design business.
And especially CHARM MAKERS!!!

I myself feel that this publication is fresh, exciting and FUN!

"Fear will stop you in your tracks and kill your creative impulses. Art is supposed to be whatever you want it to be---you cannot fail and you get to dictate your own rules. I often remind myself to get out of my own way. I suggest you do the same; let go of all inhibitions and create with ridiculous amounts of glee." ---- Kelly Snelling

Yes!!! GLEE!!!!
That is the BEST!

Thank you Kelly & Ruth!!!!
Amber Dawn
Who has been so inspired by the book that she has gotten back her interest in creating collaborative jewelry.

This book has become one of my favorite "go to" books when I need a little inspiration or just want to browse the yummy eye candy. The authors have done a fabulous job of pulling together an incredible group of artists with lots of techniques for everyone. They've shown what happens when you bring together fabulous artists with a true collaborative spirit - amazing art!

This book is jam-packed with ideas, fabulous photos and so many projects that I will keep rereading it and trying new things inspired by it. It uses many different techniques, making it a wealth of information for art jewelry creators. I'm so glad that I bought it. It will get dog-eared from use!

I was immediately drawn to this book because of its eye-catching layout and use of found objects. Being a hoarder of many things (ephemera, beads, buttons, game pieces, etc...) I appreciate how this book made me rethink my materials and the way I create. I just finished several beginner jewelry classes this summer. Some of the ideas I could do with the little skill I have and the materials that are around my home. Other projects require more pricey materials (a disk cutter for example) and more skill. I consider this a good thing because the book can appeal to beginners like me and "seasoned" artists. No matter what your level, you will find endless inspiration in this book. After taking countless jewelry books out the the library this summer and jotting down the few ideas I liked from each book, it was refreshing to find a book where I found value in every page. Just the pictures alone were worth the purchase. The only "heads-up" I have is that if you're an absolute beginner, some of the directions tend to be on the basic side. For example, if you have never tried wire wrapping, you may need to find more detailed instructions and practice a bit before jumping into the projects. Whether you try these projects on your own or collaborate with others, "A Charming Exchange" will spark your creativity.

The knowledge the authors have on Christmas collectibles is massive. They are historical,and humorous. I bought the first book when I started collecting pixies and learned so much more from them about trim, authenticity and why people started decorating the way they did from the early 1900's through the 60's. This book is lovely, but their other book is better. I hope they write a third.

This is a such a fun little book! Warm holiday memories, lots of humor and beautiful photography. I thoroughly enjoyed every page! The best gift book you will ever find for a vintage/antique ornament collector.

Charming and nostalgic, giving us a glimpse into the history of holiday adornment. A great stocking stuffer!

Debbie Elliott

Even if you're not particularly sentimental about Christmas, the images and recollections of the authors are a delightful experience. The photos and graphics are charming and magical, obviously done by people who truely love the Christmas season. Anyone can appreciate the vintage flavor of this little gem.

This book brings back so many great memories of Christmas and decorating the tree. It was so much fun reading and looking through every page for ornaments that we might have had on our trees over the years and seeing the many different kinds of ornaments. It is a book that I will spend much time reading and viewing for many, many years.

I LOVE this book! I haven't found a better kids' craft/idea book than this. Very cute ideas, the instructions are very easy-to-follow (nice illustrations that children can understand and views of the "finished product" to motivate kids), and I love that most of the projects only require items that I already have in the house. My three year old daughter has loved everything we've made from the book and it always keeps us busy when things start to get dull.

This book is FABULOUS!!! All the crafts I have used from this book have been excitedly anticipated and completed by my students from the very young to six years old. It is brightly illustrated and filled with a trove of ideas.

Exactly what the editorial review and all the reviewers said, bottom line: this book is absolutely amazing. I get most of my material from dollar store or everyday home item. Pictures are vivid and clear even my kids understand what is going on (3 and 4 years old). I'm a very neat, tidy person and these ideas are not messy at all. My kids can do most of these activities

"I'm soooo BOOOOOORRRRED!"

You'll never hear this again from the kids in your circle. If you are Mom, Big Sis, Babysitter or Favorite Auntie, you need this book in your arsenal of tools to keep kids (and you) enthralled with many and varied activities to pass the time happily and productively!

There's something here for the holidays, different media, clear, detailed instructions, illustrations, a color wheel and an index!

THIS BOOK IS GREAT! Turn free time into happy time -- I guarantee you'll find tons of stuff that you and your kids will love to make and keep as treasured keepsakes. The best part is that wonderful feeling of pride and accomplishment that even very young children can have from completing a project.

Very highly recommended!

I love this book! I am not a crafty person at all but my kids like to do it. There are so many easy crafts with things you should have around the house. Plus most of them don't make a huge mess!

This book is very well written. I can't wait to work on my gourds, trying out some of these techniques. You won't be sorry if you love to work with gourds and you purchase this book!

I'm new to gourd art and was looking for ideas and techniques to try. This book provides both. The artwork is fantastic and the pieces portrayed are inspirational. A dozen different techniques are showcased with photos of several completed pieces created with each technique and with various tools. Some of the artists tell how they created their pieces in a general way, while others explain in great detail. I love the mix of styles and methods. I would recommend this book to any gourd enthusiast. The Complete Book of Gourd Craft, by the same authors, is also a great book for beginning gourd artists.

My husband does the carving on the gourds - and he says the book
is very good!

One of the best books of Gourd designs I have seen in a long time. The designs caputure your imagination and put it to work in seeing gouds in a more sophisticated and modern genre.Congratulations to Jim Widess and Ginger Summit. Mary Schisler, Paradise CA.

Great how to carving book. Great photos. Not just for the beginner.

I keep this book propped up by my sewing machine. This book takes you through each step. From buying supplies & materials to finishing your bear, and patterns for clothes. The pictures are clear and accurate, and there are lots of them, great if you want the visual on how to as well. The instructions are eaasy to follow, with lots of tips. This is my main reference book.

This book contains a wealth of information for even the advanced bear artist. Whenever I need to refer to a basic pattern flow or vary the look of the bear, I always use this book. I recommend this book to anyone interested in designing your own bear with a little help from an excellent author.

I just purchased this book today and I have completed my first bear just moments ago. The book is very informative, has step by step instructions, and quality pictures for guidance. This is great for beginners and the experienced as well! It also gives you great tips on how to give your bears unique personalities. A++++

I am new to teddy bear making, and so I wanted to know all about the techniques and the tips without having to sit through an evening class, or read through some dry history of toy bears and fabrics before getting to the hands-on part. This book is an excellent introduction, with step-by-step photographs of all the basic and more advanced techniques you need. If you can follow instructions, and you like to be hands-on while you're learning, then this book is worth buying. It even shows you how to make a pattern of your own and there is an excellent section on making miniatures. Another plus is that all of the different fabrics, furs and tools are 'photographed' rather than just listed - often the sales person in a craft store isn't a teddy-bear enthusiast and doesn't know what you may need, or recognise the names of different fabrics, so the photographs are helpful if you find yourself buying materials somewhere other than a specialist teddy-bear store.

I think this book is a must for any teddy bear artist - but especially appropriate for those who are beginning, like myself. It is easy to follow and very well illustrated. I look very forward to finishing up my first teddy bear! This book has illustrations of bears created by many of today's top bear artists as well. Very inspiring.

The book was well written and organized. THe pictures are especially good and made the process easier to understand. The book does an excellent job of detailing a process that simply takes quite a bit of practice to perfect.

Kirby has written extensively in magazines and I always enjoyed his articles. I believe he came from a traditional English woodworking backgroud which might explain his penchant for detail. In this book - 150 or so pages covering a single joint - he delves into every how and why imaginable for making dovetails. This is a real treasure trove for hands-on woodworkers. I found, too, after reading it that I started thinking more about all of my woodworking which (I think) improved it. A great resource that should be in all woodworking bookcases next to Krenov and Pye.

If you have ever watched the Frank Klaus video on handcutting dovetails and then went and then tried it...I know I got less than spectacular results. I guess there is a difference between someone needing to make a fully dovetailed drawer in 20 minutes to put food on the table vs me, joe woodworker that cranks out one project a month if I am lucky. I've read a million articles on dovetailing, and though many are good, this is certainly the best. Why? Kirby explains everything from stance to starting a kerf correctly. Really, if you can cut a straight line I think you can cut a dovetail, but cutting a straight line is very hard to do and Kirby addresses alot of that. The exercises seem sound and I cannot wait to try them. I don't think I will ever make a dovetailed drawer in 20 minutes using Kirby's methods, but I am sure it will improve my quality...and for joe woodworker, that may be good enough.

I have plenty of articles and books on cutting dovetails by hand. I have dutifully followed the steps, instructions, etc. provided yet my dovetails are still not as good as I would like them to be. However, Kirby's book is the first one that explained the basics in a clear form, provided a good set of steps and REASONS behind why things are done in a certain order.

After reading Kirby's book and following his techniques, my dovetails are far better. I also bought a copy for my brother, and he too likes this book alot.

Kirby does an outstanding job of describing the necessary steps to making a hand cut dovetail joint. Actually, many of his lessons are also applicable if you're using a router to machine your dovetails. I've read other articles that only explain the principle, but they fail to cover topics such as squaring your wood, and the principle behind techniques. Kirby covers every aspect of the making the dovetail joint. He differs in opinion with other authors, but his method obviously works. This is a fantastic work for anyone looking to learn hand made dovetail joinery.

This lady is brilliant. Anyone who thinks that stenciling isn't an "art" has yet to read this book.

I first decided to buy the book because I had not done stenciling before and was considering doing some of it on projects I have under way with a friend. It appeared to have the "basics" I needed and some clever ideas to boot. Was I surprised when I finally sat down, almost a month later, to actually read the book. I literally read it from cover to cover. I couldn't put it down!!

Not only does Sandra Buckingham present the basic techniques of stenciling, she gives the reader a short course in art and design. She does this without bogging the beginner in too-much-information all at once, but with clear concepts and how they are applied throughout the book
(my favorite tip is that things don't cast shadows on the sky behind them!) Along with the notes on materials, equipment, care of tools, and safety tips was information on color, design and perspective.

While the author states up front that this is not a book of "projects" to produce, in fact many of the illustrations of technique would be workable as projects as they are presented. Her primary intention is to provide a compendium of techniques to equip the reader to do their own projects in novel and creative ways, and she succeeds quite amply. I thought of dozens of ways to apply what I read and have definite plans for using them.

Although many of the techniques the author presents are probably more than a little time consuming and some of them fairly complex, that their results are stunning is immediately apparent from the wonderful photos in the book and obviously worth the time spent on them. I have no doubt that the clients for whom she has produced these miracles are more than pleased with the results.

Especially delightful were the picket fence (p. 190) and children's room designs (p. 151-157). Even something as simple as a saying stenciled on the wall over a child's bed made the room more charming and personal (p. 264). My immediate thought on seeing the latter was that "someone loved sleeps there."

Amazing too were the impasto techniques that create an architectural or embossed look where they were used. The description of the method seemed very straight forward, and I will definitely give it a try, on paper projects if not on a larger scale. The foil and metal embossing also caught my attention as easily learned techniques that I might use in the immediate future for one of the projects on which I'm currently at work .

I found the artist's trompe l'oeil effects were tremendous. The fresco painters of ancient Pompeii would have been proud of her work. The rich looking red and gold drape on wrought iron rod (p. 168) and the delightful checkered gingham swag over headboard (p. 169) were impressive enough, but the shear curtain suspended from rings (p. 171) is utterly breathtaking!

If you're interested in new techniques for multiple types of surface, whether paper, wood, plastic, glass, ceramic, plaster walls, whatever, this is the definitely the book for you.

Sandra has done it again - written the ultimate bible of stenciling! Many new and wonderful techniques are shown with clear instructions and wonderful step-by-step full color photographs. The chapters on faux marquetry and imitation textiles was fasinating, showing that anyone can stencil beautiful finishes with the best part being, it doesn't look stencilled! The designs are very up to date, touching on all the hot decorating trends. She also includes classical designs that will be here forever. I have been teaching stenciling for 15 years and I'm going to recommend this book for both my beginners and for seasoned experts. Perfect for all you 'Trading Spaces' followers who want to easily and quickly add a new painted accent to your home. I am going to try a velvet scarf with the amazing devore technique, I think they might just be what everyone on my gift list will be getting this year. I can make lots for a fraction of what it would cost to buy them. Sandra finishes the book with lots of sources for materials and a detailed reading list. If I could give more than 5 stars I would! Can you tell I'm trilled with this book? It's the first and only review I have ever written!

I picked this up through the "buy used" option from Amazon at a very reasonable price, although its worth the retail price and am very happy with it. I do a lot of crafts/stencils and find this book to add much to my knowledge base for stencilling. It's really complete and quite a substantial book. The pictures and text are thorough as well as inspiring. I will definately utilize the techniques shown. If your beginning or already an experienced stenciler this book is a good resource to have in your library. It seems so good to finally buy a book that delivers what it sells. Alehar

You can't go wrong with any book by Sandra Buckingham, and she has really outdone herself this time. This has to be the most comprehensive book on stenciling ever published.

Stencilers who want a complete handbook to the art, from choosing between materials and tools to understanding paint differences, glazes, and equipment, will find The Complete Stenciling Handbook packed with essential details. The chapters on how to create different stencil effects, from producing raised art to using layered patterns, supplement techniques and discussions with plenty of color photos illustrating finished results. An excellent comprehensive guide.

I LOVE this book. It's my "go to" when I want to know something. It was also my "go to" when I was still a dreamer.
If you want to be a hobby farmer, then this book is a must have.
It's got wonderful information, and beautiful clear photos.
This is one out of two of my favorite farming books.

I checked this out from the library. I'm so glad they had a copy since the book is so expensive! I really like this book because I'm not quite sure what all I want to include in our future farm, so it gives just enough information on many different animals and other farming options for me to be able to make my decision when the time comes.

The book is 192 pages and has tons of pictures and sketches. It offers suggested layouts for small, medium and large farms. It discusses different kinds of fences and shelters and how to build them, and it even offers recipes in the back of the book you can make from your own home-grown ingredients!

I will definitely check this book out again in the future, and if the price comes down, I would like to have it in my own library.

I found this book to be very informative. A good teaching book on the many aspects of tools, animals, food, and more. It is a fantastic book. I really enjoyed it and recomend to everyone even remotely interested in this subject.

This is a very attractive book --- like all Dorling Kindersley books, it's beautifully published with brilliant photos and Heiney surely knows his stuff, but, at 192 pages, this is really an inspirational book more than anything else. It's also out of print and, as of today, I see someone is attempting to sell a copy for $347.00 (and used book searchs won't turn up many better prices). Please. Go to your library and if they don't have it, order it through inter-library loan. Look through the sections that might apply to your situation a couple of times. Take a few notes. You'll thank me later.

The Bible of the Self-sustaining Farmer! A must for anyone remotely interested in the basics and essentials of a truly agrarian lifestyle. This book is very hard to find nowadays and is out of print. However, it is worth the effort to track it down.