Miniature Books

this book was a cool book when i was 4-5, and I stil like it now. I remember it like it was yesterday. thats how good of book it was.

this book was a cool book when i was 4-5, and I stil like it now. I remember it like it was yesterday. thats how good of book it was.

I had this book as a child and thought I would never again set eyes on these wonderful illustrations by Beatrix Potter. I didn't even know the title of the book, only remember an untidy "lady mouse" character in the story named Hunka Munka. My husband suprised me with this book as an adult and seeing those beautiful illustrations swept me directly back to my childhood. I realised that I had never read the story, I had memorized the illustrations at an age before I could read.

This is a fabulous little book and the illustrations are so magical that they may stay embedded in a child's memory until adulthood. That's what happened for me and to this day, I treasure this book.

When I was a girl, my mother read this book to me over and again. I remember begging her to read it to me, and when I was old enough reading it myself. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, including the "Two bad mice", and as in all Beatrix Potter books it is well written and a lesson is well learned. I am looking forward to reading this book to my own children (which is why I am on Amazon.com looking for it).

We have had this book since my 13 yr. old was a baby. It then went through my now 12 yr. old son and my now 9 yr. old daughter. I now have a 19 month old son and am enjoying it with him. It's perfect for learning about themselves("these are my eyes"), for cuddling("these are my kisses") and for bedtime("and this is good night"). I have been looking for another copy of this book since my last baby was born because a page got ripped. It is now out of print. Where can we get another one?!?!?! WE LOVE THIS BOOK!

This little book was a favourite with both our babies. The illustrations are both gentle and relevant, and really catch on with little ones!

As parents we got tired of this but it took almost a year of almost nightly reading for our less than one year old to get tired of it. It was great to get us started on the tradition of "storytime" very early!! Buy this book for anyone you know having a kid!

Of all the smallest-size board books for little ones, this is our family's favorite. For very young children, this book, with its adorable illustrations, holds their attention as it takes them through a tour of a day in the life of a toddler. It is an ideal book for bedtime, ending with "...these are my kisses, and this is goodnight." As each of my six younger siblings have started their own families, I have enclosed this little gem with every baby gift. Sadly, it appears to be out of print -- hopefully, only temporarily.

A good introduction to making miniature quilts. I love log cabin, so this book helped me to make a tiny one.

I love this book! I made the block in a block pattern and it turned out beautifully. All directions are easy to follow especially for beginners and the patterns are on heavy cardstock in the middle of the book so there is no need to trace anything. Best of all, the seam allowances have been included so you just cut and sew! Hope you like it! Erin Pennington, Carmi, IL

... I love it. Each quilt has easy to follow directions and diagrams. Also, the templates are included in the center of the book on heavy cardstock paper. Every quilt is depicted in a full color picture. Plus, I made an Amish square in a square quilt in one Saturday afternoon. Just in case you are wondering, the templates ARE FULL SIZE fo you do not have to add a seam allowance to machine piece these.

This book by Gwen Marston like the others in the series "Twenty little quilts" that I have read so far has 18 quilts shown in color on the inside of the cover plus 2 on the backcover. The photos are small and you can see little detail, but you can easily grasp the concept of each quilt. Some of the colors are not to my taste, but that will just keep me from copying any of the quilts exactly.

Patterns are provided with both template and rotary cutting instructions. A short annotation with each pattern gives a little additional info about how the quilt came about and I appreciate that. The templates are included in a take out section in the middle of the book on light cardboard. Gwen says she makes little quilts to be able to try a lot of different ideas and you can either follow suit or develop the patterns into larger quilts.

I came across those books after reading Liberated Quiltmaking and find them a good additional source.

Any book with Steve Axtell on the cover gets my attention. Ax is one of the driving forces in puppetry, and would not pose for a cover on a whim. Bruce & Paul, the authors, have collected all the basics needed to start practicing vent. Lots of good tips for beginners on performance, sample scripts, and all around valuable info.

I just got the book and already I am starting to get the hang of it. I am nowhere near good enough to take it on the road, but this book will give you the tools to feel confedent right from the start.

This is an easy to read and use book and a great activity to do with your kids, particularly if they have any speech difficulties. You can get started with a sock puppet if you like, so it's also inexpensive.

As someone who got interested in ventriloquism (and eventually dumped a 20 year newspaper career to work with WOODEN dummies) I was often frustrated reading how-to-do-ventriloquism books. Most were either amazingly boring, unknowingly pompous, or filled with cutsey-comments that seemingly padded an explanation of what I believe is actually a relatively easy "art" (if you are nutty enough to practice in front of a mirror until you perfect the "hard" letters). This is one of my FAVORITE now to do ventriloquism books -- and to this day it remains the funniest. I still do a routine in my show based on the structure of one of Paul Stadelman's classic bits (I have long since replaced the actual jokes). The late Paul Stadelman was a "classic" and I believe underrated vent who performed, taught and was on television for many years. And this book is worth it's price just for the zippy routines with Stadelman and his dummy Windy Higgins. These don't go on and on with long set-ups but are punchy, quick pay-off bits (and if Stadelman used a pun it was seldom groan-inducing). Stadelman was clearly more influenced by vaudeville and comedy teams than by other ventriloquists (which I think is GOOD). At the least these routines help readers understand routine construction and setup-joke structure. The late, wonderful Col. Bill Boley (another performer who deserved a higher national profile since there are zillions of ventriloquists running around doing bits of his published work and others who painstakingly "emulate" his original routines) was the only other ventriloquist whose published routines came CLOSE to doing this. And to TEACH you vent? This book has it all. It gives you the substitute letters (to say for the hard letters) and words to practice to perfect them. It also tells you how to make a puppet out of your hand, gives you performing tips, has some great ventriloquism-related photos, and and list of suppliers and organizations (some of this is outdated now). If someone was interested in "vent" and had this book, George Schindler's Ventriloquism: Magic With Your Voice and the in-its-own-class Maher Studios correspondence course they'd have it all. Plus, if they have this book they're going to also have some BIG laughs while reading it. Paul Stadelman is truly ventriloquism's unsung hero!

Sleeping Beauty was, of course a good movie for those Disney fans who love the great artist's works. The three good fairies, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather offered a single gift to the newborn princess. But the evil Maleficent crashed the party and cursed Aurora by pricking her finger to the venomous spindle of a spinning wheel and die at her 16th birthday. As a Disney fan, I'm considering that this beautiful young princess will be saved at last by the third of the fairy trio, Merryweather, who had given to her this almost tiny gift: When Aurora pricks her finger into evil witch Maleficent's spinning wheel, she cannot die. Instead of death, the princess will sleeping into a deep slumber until a charming prince wake her with the true love's kiss. So Maleficent turns herself into an evil black fire-breathing dragon to stop Prince Phillip to rescue sleeping Aurora. But the good fairies combine their magic to the mighty Sword of Truth, chanting "Now, Sword of Truth, fly swift and sure. That evil die and good endure!", and the prince throw his magic sword straight as an arrow into the dragon's heart. I'm sure that's a nice movie and I strongly recommend it to all the children beginning from 5 to 12 years old.

This book is a real treasure. Based on Walt Disney's widescreen animated fairytale epic "Sleeping Beauty," this is a nostalgic exact reprint of the storybook created for the film in 1959. It is illustrated with original artwork created especially for storybooks. It is a shame that more people have not discovered this wonderful book. It's one of those books that you can read to your children at bedtime and they can be captivated by the illustrations. It is one of those books that you keep in your bookcase after the children have gown up and you can pull it out from time to time and just reminisce.

This is a beautiful book. It is reminiscent of the images and style of children's books published at the time when Disney originally released SLEEPING BEAUTY. This is a real tribute and a cherished edition to have from one of Disney's best and often overlooked fairy tale classics. It has a real place in my heart.

This is a beautiful book. With Amazon not carrying a picture of it, I was a little afraid to order it, fearing what I might get. I am so pleased with it. The illustrations are very stylized, very 1950's era. The colors are brilliant, even to the endpaper. I love the angles of the characters' faces and shoulders. To get a general idea what the book looks like, check out "Walt Disney's Classic Storybook" and imagine a ten times more beautiful version. Enjoy!

And so it goes, page after page. You'll find your favorites.

"Habit is habit, and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed sownstairs a step at a time." Pudd'nhead Wilson 1894, ch 6.

There's how Mr. Ayres presents them from a variety of sources, Twain's books as well as speeches, his notebook and essays and a few from letters and some listed as attributed to him. I have a nice collection of books on my favorite subjects but this simple one, nothing fancy, is one I go back to time and again. I find myself quoting him in various contexts and glad that I know the quotes. the art of Mr. Ayres is to cull out the various quotes from so many sources. Twain said them, Ayres found them and put them together very sensibly by catagories such as Heroism, Music andd Right and Wrong. It's an A to Z compendium. You'll find plenty of lively, homespun quotes that often feel like the very heart of the American character. Can't go wrong with this book.

Enjoy few quotes from this humorous book, then go and buy a copy:

ADVERTISING

During his days as a journalist, the young Mark Twain once edited a small newspaper in Missouri. A subscriber wrote in, saying that he had found a spider in his paper and asked whether this was a sign of good or bad uck. Twain answered:

"Dear Subscriber: Finding a spider in your paper was neither good luck nor bad luck for you. The spider was merely looking over our paper to see which merchant is not advertising so that he can go to that store, spin his web across the door and lead a life of undisturbed peace ever afterward."

ADVICE

It is beter to give than receive - especially advice. Mark Twain was always willing to donate free advice to the needy and the unsuspecting. "It's notble to be good", he said, "and it's nobler to teach others to be good, and less trouble."

Whenever you find that you are on the side of majority, it is time to reform (- or pause and reflect).

BELIEFS

If the man doesn't believe as we do, we say he is a crank, and that settles it. I mean, it does nowadays, because now we can't burn him.

SURGERY

Mark Twain offered this advice on the proper state of mind for undergoing surgery: "Console yourself with the reflection that you are giving the doctor pleasure, and that he is getting paid for it."

INSULTS

When Mark Twain disapproved of someone, he was not likely o keep it a secret. A remark he made on hearing of the death of an annoying person is typical:

"He has done a thing for me which I wouldn't even have done for myself. If he will only stay dead now I will call the account square and drop the grudge I bear him."

A hilarious book of qoutes, sayings, and one-liners only Mark Twain could have the genious to create.

A qoute from Adam, the first of many: Adam was but human - this explains it all. He did not want the apple for the apple's sake, he wanted it only because it was forbidden. The mistake was in not forbidding the serpent; then he would have eaten the serpent.

From Adam, the wit and humor only becomes more hysterical, more riveting, more evident; and we soon discover the true intelligence of Mark Twain. He was not an ordinary man; for no mere ordinary man could have thought, and often dared, to utter such words as Mark Twain, in the era in which he lived.

The Wit and Wisdom of Mark Twain contains some of his most outrageous qoutes, either written within his books, or his journals, and spanning more than four decades. A great read, which you don't have to start at the beginning, and work your way to the end. And a perfect way to escape the drollery of prime time television.

Mark Twain captures human nature at it's best and worst in this book. The collection of quotes by Twain "alphabetically" comment honestly on topics ranging from adultery to government to money to youth. Such insight into humanity rarely comes along in a lifetime (or several lifetimes!) His words in truly reflect society during his lifespan and, as I have reread this book several times, the passages reflect society today. This book is an "easy read" as it contains memorable quotes as well as portions of a variety of speeches, papers and books/stories Mr. Twian wrote. You can read the entire book at one sitting or glance through it if you have a few minutes to spare and still feel the impact of his writings , thus finding yourself highly amused by his insight. You can pick up the book again at a later time and enjoy it as much as before. The "authors"/collectors/writers of this book are to be applauded.

My breeder put me onto this book and I have found that it is one of the best books on all schnauzers. It is very informative about the history and standards of schnauzers. I would recommend this book to all owners of schnauzers.

Gallant combines experience, statistics, and photography to complete a book that gives a wealth of information on the three breeds of Schnauzers. Anyone who wants to truly know about the Schnauzer SHOULD read this book.

This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in Schnauzers. Mr. Gallant has been a breeder for over 25 years in the Netherlands and currently in South Africa. Excellent information regarding temperament, grooming, training and pedigrees. The section on the Giant Schnauzer is comprehensive and accurate. I recommend this book to all who purchase a Schnauzer.

This is the first book about schnauzers that I've ever read that combines European and American schnauzers in one book. There are lots of pictures of both US champions and European champions. Mr. Gallant also writes very well about temperment. I really recommend this book to every one who considers getting a schnauzer.

I first became interested in doll quilts in October 2004 as I tired from a creative binge of sewing doll clothes, but still wanted low commitment sewing projects to work on. Little quilts and doll quilts are smaller versions of larger quilt patterns. Doll quilts are an excellent start for any beginning quilter or for those who prefer short term projects. Historically, doll quilts were often made by children as they practiced sewing and quilting skills. Today, they are suitable projects for beginning adults as well as supervised children.

"American Doll Quilts" breaks quilt styles into time periods, giving several different quilt patterns for each time period. There are 16 historical quilt designs in this book; complete with lists of materials, directions, color illustrations of each step and full color photos of completed quilts. The author describes fabric, color, and pattern choices for making historical quilts as well as how and when to tea dye a fabric for an antique look.

Although no specific dolls are mentioned or endorsed in this book, I wanted to mention that the historical nature of these quilt patterns makes them a nice accessory to the American Girl historical dolls (as well as antique and reproduction dolls). A Colonial quilt could be given to Felicity, a Western pioneer quilt could be made for Kirsten, a Civil War Era/Underground Railroad quilt could be made for Addy, a Victorian Crazy Quilt might look nice on Samantha and Nellie's beds, and Depression and WW2 era quilts can be made for Kit and Molly. Pattterns for all of these eras and quilt types are included in this book.

Whether made by an adult or an older child, these quilts are absolutely suited for today's audience of young historians and nostaligic adults. This book is well done. Whether you are interested in sewing historical little quilts for wall hangings, to display with antique or historical dolls, or for child's play, this book can help you create something you will be proud to have made.

I bought the book because I have always loved doll quilts. Now I have a granddaughter and anticipate making quilts for her doll babies. This book has many projects and good instructions, as well as, history about quilts and how they fit into the history of our country. The pictures are beautiful and the book is well written. It would be an asset in any quilt book library.

These little patterns would be a delight to make and each one represents a period of time in America's history. Having viewed many vintage and antique quilts I find these little quilts are true to their periods in history both in the fabric and the patterns.

In spite of the charming patterns in this book it's greatest value is it's ability to give you a sense of what it was like to be quilting during different times in history.

It is good resource for historical information about the styles and periods of each project but the greatest value is in the learning the history and then making the quilt. There is something about doing something with our hands that makes the history we have learned so real.

I received this book as a gift and loved it! It is very inspiring and relaxing to look at over a hot cup of tea. Several patterns to choose from and nice big templates as well as rotary directions. My favorite quilt is the 1930's butterfly on the cover. It has piecing and embroidery directions. These quilts would make treasured gifts.

The Best of Miniature Quilts is a wonderful book with many beautiful quilts and user friendly instructions provided for each. The photos are clear and depict these beautiful quilts in their full glory. Of course we must remember that smaller does not always mean quicker but you can fit a lot more in the same space!!

I loved the Miniature Quilt Pattern Magazine and miss it's publication.
This Book is a compilation of different miniature quilt patterns from the magazine. It is beautifully illustrated and easy with clear directions regarding the patterns.

I've already identified a couple of the quilts illustrated I want to make. That's how inspiring I found this book.

When I saw the frontpage I already fall in love with the book. I could not stop reading it. I read it 10 times after each other. I wanted to start with my next quilt as soon as possible.

It's difficult to quantify Bill Horan's contribution to historical figure modelling. His sculpting and painting set a standard by which other work was judged for at least a decade and this title continues to be a source of inspiration for me six years on. The author's steady improvement over the years (including his early, modest, efforts) is documented, which I found fascinating and should provide a spur to improvement for any dedicated modeller.

This is well written in the author's distinctive style and extensively illustrated with colour photos including a number of step-by-step sequences. In addition to many of Bill's incredible 54mm single figures, vignettes and dioramas there are numerous pictures of the work of other noted miniaturists.

Beginning with a chapter on painting a single stock figure (David Grieve's 100mm Sergeant, 79th Highlanders) the progressive photos clearly show the author's enamel-painting style, complementing the detailed written account and 15 pages showing the work of other artists round off the chapter. Chapter two covers conversion and scratchbuilding, beginning with one of the author's trademark 54mm sculpts (a Confederate infantryman in this case) built from a commercial head, resin parts, wire and putty. The text covers materials, tools and posing before detailing the techniques used. The finished figure (shown approximately four times lifesize in one view) highlights the extremely high finish and just how much additional detail can be achieved at the painting stage. 25 pages of single figures by the author and others finish off the chapter. Chapter three is on vignettes, with a detailed look at the creation of the author's "Fight For The Flag" with 13 pages of additional photos of vignettes rounding out the chapter. Chapter four covers perhaps the most impressive side of figure modelling, dioramas, with an in-depth look at the creation of the noted "Ghosts Of Chillianwallah" and also includes photos of the author's legendary "Last Stand At Gandamak" from 1988. The final chapter is on mounted figures and dioramas with "A Cloud Of Red", an exquisite three-horse vignette depicting the charge of the 16th Lancers at Aliwal, covered in detail. Eight pages of photos of top-notch mounted subjects complete the book. Although only touched on lightly in the text, careful study of the groundwork on the author's pieces will benefit the reader in this under-appreciated area of the hobby.

For anyone interested in figure modelling, an absolute must-have from an acknowledged master.

Horan reveals his techniques for creating unique military models. He begins with his basic painting methods that are applicable no matter which painting medium is used. He then shows how to sculpt figures using ordinary items such as paper clips and toothpicks. The book then proceeds to the more difficult tasks of creating vinettes and dioramas. The book also includes a wealth of clear color pictures defining all the steps, as well as galleries of the authors (and others) work. This is a very valuable reference!

I read this book over and over. Bill Horan sets a new standard for figure modeling and this book does a wonderful job of showcasing his work. The production qualities of the book are excellent. Most of these photos are incredible. There are many times when I study the photos of Horan's figures, look at my own and say, "How does he do it?"

Which leads me to my only disappointment with this book. While Horan describes his techniques fairly clearly, the descriptions are relatively brief and he discuss use of enamels only.

His painting example is on a 100mm figure. I would love to see a similar section describing painting a 54mm figure as I am curious on how his techniques would vary.

The captions are very good and one can learn much reading them and studying the figures. I also enjoyed Bill's description of his early days in the hobby.

I hope that Bill decides to do another volume. I'll be the first to sign up for it. How about a DVD with a painting clinic too.