Crafts Hobbies Books

Exactly what I ordered. Easy to use, great quality product, would recommend to a friend.

I bought this book for my daughter's 3rd birthday party. She has lots of older cousins ranging from 3-12 (mostly boys) and everyone was excited to get their face, arm, hand or leg painted. There are wide variety of ideas with set-by-step instructions. They were all very easy to do. If you make a little mistake the kids didn't seem to even notice, and if you make a big mistake the paint wipes off easily. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of paint that comes with it. I'm sure I will be using this set for years to come.

I bought this book for my daughter's 4th birthday. We have used this book over and over. The pictures are easy to duplicate on the whole. There are some that are a little more difficult but it was easier than I imagined.The paints that are supplied are also great. I bought some others but they were not as easy to work with. This is all you need for face painting.I have also gifted this book since then.It costs more in the stores than shipped from amazon.No negative aspects to this book.

My husband could not believe that I painted my daughters face! She also loves it. I would highly recommend this for parents planning a birthday party.

I'm a preschool teacher and I've been face painting children's faces for several years now. I've tried many, many different types of face paints and this set is one of my favorites. The paints come on really bright on the children's skin and I don't have to apply too much for the color to show. They also come off the skin easily. The book also has great ideas and are simple to follow. So buy it! You won't regret it!

I like this book very much, the author seems to guess our questions about the subject.

Very good book.

This is a wonderful book filled with beautiful photos of artistic glass work. It contains great ideas and inspiration.

Not the fault of the book itself; I guess I am too much of a beginner. But for someone who knows a little bit about the subject it did seem complete. What I need is a book for 'dummies'.

Kathleen cunha

Here is a book well worth it's affordable price tag. Cover to cover, 128 pages of ideas and information. Designed to be useful for both beginners and those interested in exploring some more challenging and varied techniques in the world of fused glass. Page after page of well photographed examples to guide the reader, and beautiful glass artwork to tantilize and inspire.


Chapters include basics like materials, tools, supplies, skills like straight and curved glass cutting, and basic information on slumping, draping, fusing, and polishing. The author covers mold preparation, polishing, sandblasting, etching, and drilling.


There is a useful troubleshooting guide for the more common things that go wrong with your fused glass work, and suggestions for fixing those when possible.


The projects included in the book are varied and visually interesting. They range from simple pate de verre or draping to more complex work like creating and using bars or making various types of melt fusings. All the projects are artistically beautiful, and most of them are also functional.


The directions and fusing schedules are clearly outlined and easy to understand.


Brenda Griffith is a talented artist who has taken her time, experience, and considerable thought to put out a well written book at an affordable price for both beginners and those who are looking to add to their fusing skills and knowledge.


At the retail price of $24.95, it is worth adding to your fusing library.

A Beginner's Guide to Kiln-Formed Glass: * Fused * Slumped * CastAwesome book. It is very easy to read and understand. Neat projects to make.

I first saw this book at a fabric store I worked at in the area. I was immediately drawn to the originality of it, and the beautiful fabrics she used in the book. It wasn't until later that I saw it on here. It is a great bargain for what it is. It can sit flat on your sewing table or the floor as you work, and the instructions are concise as simple.

This book would be a beautiful addition to any sewing room.

I love this book. I've made 2 of the tote bags multiple times and the yoga bag. Everything I make in this book comes out looking very cool. The instructions are well written and easy to follow. Most things don't have patterns and use measurements instead which keeps it simple. Lotta's designs are creative, functional and crafty.

Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing: Patterns and How-To for 24 Fresh and Easy Projects

Gran libro con estupendos diseños. Contiene patrones a tamaño real.

This is a great book for beginners. I can't wait to get started on some projects.

My friend Chassity and I got this book to teach ourselves how to sew and absolutely love it! The projects are modern, simple, useful, and well designed. I haven't had any trouble deciphering instructions and I'm loving the finished items. My favorite project so far has been the All Day Tote, I'm on my third one! These projects make great gifts too!

This book on collage is a hit with all my high school art girls. It is the juice starter for even the most reluctant art students. I warn you all to get ready for big mess making and a lot of fun. Tracy also has some great tips for us seasoned artists that need a few news trick in our bag. There is a dvd also that makes a great companion to her book.

I got this book when it first came out because the reviews sounded so interesting and I had seen Traci's work featured in magazines. The thing I love most about this book is that it features lots of COLOR and originality as opposed to lots of vintage photos of people with dunce hats, clown hats, butterfly wings and angel wings nestled into muted walnut-ink-stained backgrounds. I refer to this book often for inspiration and I really appreciate that it incorporates sewing. I have a degree in graphic design but sewing has remained a love of mine for 45 years. The softness of fabric, along with the usefulness and permanence it offers, give it the edge over just paper.

This was the first collage book I purchased when I found I was really interested in this art form. She has some really creative, interesting ideas for lettering etc. REALLY neat mixed media ideas in here.

Tracy inspires you to get your hands inky and have a ball! I recently took an all-day class with Tracy in which we made the "Big Sac" featured in this book. The time just flew by, we all had a blast, and I get tons of compliments on my finished bag. I spent another day dyeing paper towels, which are so much fun to use in collage. These projects are perfect for someone who is just getting into collage and doesn't want to use "precious" materials - for the price of a roll of paper towels and a few dye re-inkers, you can make wonderful art and have a great time doing it!

I love art books but prefer to check them out from the library instead of buying them - I'd rather spend my $$ on supplies. However, when I find a book I want to refer to over and over again, I buy it. This is one of those books! Traci takes you from simple, quick techniques to more in-depth, time-intensive projects. The best part? With a little time & patience, ANYONE can master anything presented in Collage Unleashed. Traci's fun & free spirit drips off every page as she encourages you to use color and fun in your art. With clear directions, lots of pictures and a wide variety of great ideas, this book is a definite MUST HAVE. Collage Unleashed is the polar opposite of "stuffy" - you will find new techniques and lots of inspiration. Just be prepared - the eye candy contained in this book will have you trying fun new things before you know it!

I wish all jewelry making books had such beautiful picture and easy to follow instructions. The book is a keeper!

Great starter book for any wire wrap "nut". Nice photography, great projects, nice source sites.

The step-by-step's are excellent. If you're looking to learn traditional wire wrapped bracelet, this is the place to start. Even if you're not into this style of bracelets, the techniques can be easily applied to other projects. The author tells it like it is when you just have to practice, practice, she's right, and it does get better. A side benefit: you'll build muscles on your arms fast.

This is the best wire wrapping book that I have seen. Great ideas for the beginner and advanced student. You will love this book.

This book is excellent - I am an experienced wire artist and I was looking for some simple projects to teach others. This book has wonderful detail and pictures and all of the projects are great.

I borrowed this book from my library and after reading through it on the first day decided to buy the book and it's sister book Sew U home stretch( which I have not seen) It is a great book for the beginner like my daughter, and it is a great book for someone like myself who is a little rusty. I am making the transition from commercial patterns to my own drafted ones so it is nice to be able look up the order of sewing a piece of clothing. I have recommended to my sewing list as well.

What an awesome book! She covers the basics of sewing and sewing machines, what to look for in fabrics, what kinds of tools you need in your sewing room (and which ones you can do without) and provides 3 patterns. Then she shows you how to alter the patterns to sew different looks. I loved it, have it always nearby and have sewn several garments with her patterns. The fit is incredible - really great patterns. I started out as a beginner, and am now feeling more and more comfortable. If you're tired of frumpy patterns and want to learn to be creative while still having an excellent foundation - this is definitely the book! I LOVE it!

this book is awesome for beginners; i'm so excited. you do have to use your head a bit if you've never used a sewing maching, i'd imagine. but if you have, have at it! these patterns are sassy and simple to follow

I've sewn in the past, but was basically self taught, and not very good. This is well written and explains just what I was looking for explanations on, down to fabrics and why to pick them over others. I'd say this is a great book for idiots with some experience.

I liked the format of the book, and she had some really good information about techniques and terms. I also appreciate the variations she demonstrates in the chapters for shirts, skirts, and pants. They may not all appeal to me, but they show what is possible with some tweaks to basic patterns. She encourages the reader to be creative and experimental.

She really does gloss over very important information for the beginner. For example, I just finished a pair of pants from her book. Over all the instructions were fine, except when I went to make the belt loops. She doesn't actually mention how to make them! When I took my best guess based on the pattern, the material shredded as I tried to turn them right-side out. I had no idea if this was a problem with the material or my procedure!

Wonderful photographs. VERY brief descriptions are given about the techniques used - so this is not a how-to book. However, it is rich in lovely design ideas and enjoyable to peruse.

I have 5 of the Lark 500 books now. I love being able to browse through the pages to get inspiration before I start potting. If you also need to ignite your imagination from time to time I suggest you buy it. If however you are a beginner and dont know how to work clay or use glazes this book is not for you.

This book is wonderful! If looking for creative ideas, methodology, glazing suggestions, or just browsing the photos, this is the book for you! As someone who has just finished my own home studio, I found this book to be incredibly helpful!

I am slowly purchasing every book in this series. I am a working artist and use photos to stimulate creativity for myself and my students. All of these books have been wonderful.

WONDERFUL selection of diverse styles of plates and chargers. A wonderful reference. Reproduction terrific and interesting representation of varied techniques. A MUST for all functional and sculptural potter/ceramicists.

This is an absolutely stunningly presented book, and I would buy it just for the presentation, even if it didn't have any patterns. The pattern sheets are in a beautiful envelope pocket inside the front cover and are good and large - not the size one usually gets with a book. The book 'inside' the covers is spiral bound - great for referring to as you sew. But the pattterns and ideas are fairly simple, although I do love the idea of the Hanging Notions Organizer. As the name suggests, it is French style and to enjoy the book you must have a liking for this look.

This is a lovely book, inspiring whether you sew or just love simple French-style decorating. The projects, everything from totes, a berry-basket liner, a lavender-filled cushion or large sachet, an apron, napkins and various pillows to a scalloped tablecloth, bed skirt, shower curtain and more, range from beginner to advanced skill level, though the advanced don't even seem that difficult, and an envelope of patterns and iron-on embroidery transfers inside the front cover make things even easier. If you don't have a stash of old fabrics (and you certainly can use new), there are resources listed in the back of the book, along with notes on care of vintage fabrics and general sewing and embroidery techniques. Beautiful photos and clear directions.

Kaari's charming style blossoms in the pages of her new book! The look is flawless, simple European. With a little basic sewing you can bring a bit of French style to your own maison (home). You don't have to be an accomplished seamstress to get the job done, either. The projects vary from basics (sachets & napkins & bags) to floor pillows, throws & duvets, and Roman shades (and so much more!). There are even several cute patterns for items that would make great gift giving. Plus, resource guide listed in back and general techniques are included for beginners.

I sew quite a bit, so I can see making many of these projects. The patterns are adaptable and straight forward. You could easily use vintage French fabrics (find great fabrics at Meng's FrenchGeneral.com) or even go with contemporary patterns (think Amy Butler or Fresh Cut) to show off a different look. The book is spiral bound, which makes it easy keep open while working on a project. The pictures are inspiring, deserving of a French decor magazine themselves. Fun!

I must disagree wth the first review of this book - I found this book to be fresh, inspiring and exactly what I needed in my life right now. What a wonderful, comforting book French General has written. Interesting projects and crafts all sewn out of someones personal collection of fabric. Kaari not only gives all sorts of options and ideas on what kind of fabric to use, she gives away a wonderful list at the back of the book... resources which are both unusual and some of my favorites.
Thank you French General, for following your own unique style and creating a prettier world for many of us. I hear you are designing for Moda - I am over the moon!

This is a lovely to look at book. It is mostly pink in prints of antique French fabrics. Apparently these fabrics and antiques are for those people who like to collect unusual items. I bought the book because it is about sewing, but really it is probably more about collecting/displaying expensive fabrics and antiques. There are 30 plain and simple projects, mostly for things around the home like bed sheets and pillowcases, Roman blinds, bath mat and wash mitt, ottoman cover, pillow covers and scalloped tablecloths among other items. An inexperienced seamstress would have a VERY hard time putting these things together with the pictures and instructions presented. The diagrams are hand drawn. MANY other books with much better directions are already in print, but the items are pretty and might be inspirational for some of us. This book will appeal to those who have lots and lots of money to spend and not much experience sewing. French General: Home Sewn:30 Projects for Every Room in the House

Got this for my husband for his birthday and he loves it. Hasn't had a chance to build anything since, but it will definately come in handy. The quality of the book itself is very good especially for how low the price was. There are good pictures to follow and very thorough information and directions.

Had some ok spatterings of information , but overall I found it a bit dissapointing. Its a fairly big book but doesnt seem to really show anthing ground breaking. If I had seen it before hand I wouldn't buy it again. Thats not to say in the right hands this book wouldn't be handy .Has some interesting info on how to make your own hinges, apart from that the rest is pretty standard stuff.

Given the scope of this work, I'm not sure what I expected, but I feel like, after reading a book on furniture and cabinet making, I ought to have some idea of how to construct a basic cabinet. While this book covers a wide variety of general techniques and types of joints commonly used, at no point does it tie them together; it discusses possibilities, but never synthesizes them into anything tangible, leaving me, at least, wondering which of the book's assorted grab bag of clever tricks might be combined to actually produce a cabinet. I already knew what a sliding dovetail was before I bought this book; what I sought to learn was the architecture and structural elements needed to design a cabinet. Strangely, I feel like I'm no closer to that knowledge than I was before I read the book.

I don't buy many woodworking books because most, especially the ones sold by home centers, aren't very good. They lack detail, they're incomplete, and I often get the feeling that they're just cranked out without much thought. But this one caught my eye in a local bookstore and I'm glad I bought it.

First of all, the book can be used either as a reference or as a complete primer on woodworking. There's lots of information there, but not so much that you get bogged down. At first I just used it to brush up on specific topics, and then I went back to the first page and started reading it straight through. It's well-written; words are used well and not wasted. Photography is superb. Despite the reference to generic "Furniture" in the title, the book is heavily oriented toward cabinets, which it covers in great detail, even to the point of describing how to construct multi-light glass doors.

The first few pages are a little off-putting as the author describes what he considers an appropriate collection of tools and a space to put them in; unfortunately, many woodworking books assume that the reader has acres of space in which to set up a shop. As you read on, though, the text is more friendly toward the hobbyist.

In short, this is a great woodworking reference or tutorial. Don't be put off by the beginning of the book; it gets better. And the Amazon price for this book is much lower than the $40 I paid in the bookstore.

I found this book very disappointing. The pictures were very pretty but that is pretty much it. The illustrations were confusing and of little use. It gives too much of an overview and no real specifics. I found woodworking for dummies to be a much better book for the beginning woodworker.