Crafts Hobbies Books

Magic Stack-N-Whack Quilts When I ordered this I was advised it would not arrive until July because of supply difficulties. However the book arrived mid-March in excellent condition and packaged very well. I am thrilled with the service and with the book. It opens up a whole new method of quilting and I can't wait to get started just as soon as I finish quilting the last one. Judi Exton.

This is an amazing quilt book. The blocks are easy to do and it is absolute magic when you are assembling them. It really reminds me of a kids kaleidoscope, as when you rotate the triangles, you get an entirely different look to the hexagon. I've had such fun with this book, and would highly recommend it.

I MADE A STACK AND WHACK QUILT FROM THIS BOOK. IT WAS THE FIRST "REAL" QUILT I EVER MADE, AND IT WAS SO EASY AND FUN. THE DIRECTIONS ARE EASY TO FOLLOW AND THERE ARE LOTS OF PICTURES FOR YOU TO FOLLOW. THE KALEIDESCOPE DESIGNS THAT IT SHOWS YOU HOW TO MAKE ARE REALLY NEAT AND EVERYONE LIKED THEM IN MY QUILT.

excellent ,easy to follow directions and fun to do,and beautiful when you're finished. Believe me the price is right too. Quilt stores are much more expensive.

I am frustrated with this book. I find the directions confusing and unclear. Also, I don't want to copy exactly any of the author's quilts and am having trouble translating her instructions to the size and layout I want. For one thing I'm having trouble using her charts to figure how much material to buy.

I'd previously purchased Stars by Magic by Nancy Johnson-Srebbro and readily learned to make eight pointed stars. Now I want to fussy cut them. I think that I need a class as this book alone does not do it for me.

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.

This book is not for beginner knitters. I could barely make sense of what it was telling me to do. A little blad, but could be fun for someone who wants to make harry potter themed gifts.

I was somewhat disappointed in the projects. I thought they might be a bit more interesting. About the only one that was really potterish was Molly's sweater, rest could have been anything. Designs not bad but who makes socks anymore. I've been knitting for approx. 50 years and can't remember anyone knitting socks since the war. 2nd that is. Still it was a good accomplishment but I wish there were more interesting projects. Would have liked to see more sweaters and less mittens and scarves. It'll still make a good addition to my collection. Not sorry I bought it but not very practical either.

I'm afraid I have to reluctantly concur with the other individuals who gave this book an unfavorable review. I didn't want to be disappointed but I really was when it arrived. With so many fans of the books and films the expectation bar is set pretty, perhaps even unrealistically high. So if you're expecting dramatic, colorful and ornate projects inspired by the movies' costumes, you will be sorely disappointed. The author's admitted penchant ("About the Author") for the Weasley twins' sweaters becomes patently obvious as you flip through the book. (While much can be said for the admirable qualities of the Weasleys, their attire would probably not be listed among them.) A few patterns are indeed fanciful and brightly-colored, an effort was definitely made to use House Colors in others but above all magic itself seems to be lacking. Case in point the wingless, dull sepia "Golden Snitch Ball" ornament might make a dung beetle drool but it doesn't come anywhere close to evoking the dynamism of an "actual" Snitch. Some metallic yarn would take it from static to enchanted, that fast. Unfortunately the vast majority of projects in "Charmed Knits" are essentially generic patterns given Harry Potterfied names. A head's up about the author's humbler ambitions would have prevented those of us guilty of magical thinking from having been so disappointed.

This is a great addition to any Harry Potter enthusiast's collection. The projects are easy to understand with no crazy knitting language. Its great to have color pictures, along with suggestions of non-obscure products to create the projects. There is literally something for everyone, little kid to adult.

I haven't had the chance to make anything from this book yet, but I'm looking forward to it! As soon as I get the needles, I'll be knitting away.

Again for anyone interested in anything that involves the use of Rope this book is great.

This book shows how to tie knots step by step and is eazy to follow the instructions a great book to own with a lot of good information on how to tie several kinds of knots

If you get inspiration by "thinking outside the box" then this book is for you. Even if you never make a book just like one of these examples, your bookmaking will take on a new dimension as you get creative ideas.

Bev in Arizona

this book illustrates clearly the scope of what is possible in making artists' books. Great to see the work of artists in the field.

This book is inspirational. I would recommend it to anyone interested in beautiful and well-made things.

I purchased this in part because an art instructor was featured. Also, the exciting variations of book arts seemed well represented.

The book surpassed my expectations. Not only is it a survey of some of the most exciting artists in the field, with selections of their works, it offers a step-by-step view of their creations, with materials, techniques and equipment shown clearly. I could, if I wanted to, completely rip off their work. But as a thinking artist, I can look at these tutorials and know with certainty how to acheive novel effects while still remaining true to where I want to go from there and have my own viewpoint and message.

It is an art school between pages.

In addition, each artist's section includes inspirational work from other artists they enjoy or collect, whether or not in book arts. There are literally hundreds of leads to track down, if you're a researcher, or starting points for your own vision.

Beautiful full-color photographs and clear prose.

Finally, as a personal note, I brought this book to my mother, who does not understand my passion for this field, or assemblage, or other related arts. She is bright and creative, yet has very pedestrian artistic tastes. She wanted to find some way to relate to my work. I left it with her and asked her to flip through it, telling her this would be even better than a trip to a museum of book arts.

A week later, she returned it to me saying, "I know why you love this. How exciting."

I defy anyone interested in book arts to come away from this and not want to make something beautiful. More than that, if you've never "gotten" what the fuss is about, this will give you that understanding.

This is a fabulous book. It has some projects in it, but I love to just look and soak it in. All my favorite bookmakers are included.Such imagination and vision. I haven't tried any of the projects. I just find the inspiration to be enough.

Peggy

I saw this book before buying but didn't realize that all the yarns called for are Louisa Harding! However each yarn does give a category by type and number so one can substitute fairly easily. The rather simple projects call for lots of embellishing based on the button box the author received from her grandmother. I like the beret which would probably make a great hat for chemo patients, tabard with a cable going up the piece on the diagonal, scarf and wrap in cables, fingerless mittens,and Juliet scarf in a nice shetland lace pattern. Some nice fairisle designs but all knit with straight needles instead of going around which is easier. However, there are some nice ideas here when you need a gift involving not too much time.

I got this book for Christmas last year. Almost all of the projects are ones I will actually make (many books have one, or two, and the rest are junk).

The patterns are mostly easy to follow, and the results are beautiful. While many of the items are not things I would wear myself they make great gifts, and are a good base to use when making up your own patterns. A GREAT idea book and great for gifts.

This book completely wowed me! From the moment I opened its cover, I loved loved loved it! The patterns are beautiful and feminine in a classy way. The photography is gorgeous, and the colors are stunning. After I'd kept my library's copy for several weeks, I realized I was never going to return it, so I bought my own.

I admit that I bought the book entirely for inspiration and eye candy. As someone else said, the patterns are intermediate at the hardest, so they're not much in the way of skill advancement. Besides, I'm the sort of person that never does a pattern straight. I always alter something to better suit my tastes. None of these patterns are constructed exactly as I'd like: I'd never knit anything flat and sew it together if it could be done in one piece. However, even considering all that, I can already anticipate this book being the most inspiring pattern book I own, and I own a bunch.

Although it's already been done, I want to go over the sections and highlight the things that I found notable about each. The patterns are timelessly gorgeous, or so I thought anyway. I was very surprised to see them called trendy by other reviewers. It's true I'm young (twenty-something), but I've always considered my tastes very classic. I'm probably more a product of my generation than I think. :) C'est la vie. Here are the sections.

Electic + Quirky: Just as the name says. I love the use of randomly sprinkled buttons, embroidery, and other embellishments. The patterns as pictured are heavy on pink and and baby blue, which will look great to those with a cool skin tone (like me). I especially love the Cecily Beanie (with all the buttons) and the Betty Wrap, which does lace with big needles and chunky yarn -- a delight.

Textured + Modern: Heavy on cables. This section has really innovative designs. A purse is knit horizontally. A tunic has a dramatic cable that travels diagonally from shoulder to opposite hemline. Probably one of my big favorites from this book is the Belle Scarf & Wrap. The scarf is framed with seed stitch and stockinette cables that make an undulating, uneven edge, and the middle is flanked by columns of double yarnovers. Knit it on bigger needles and it becomes a wrap. This section is almost entirely done in a metallic blue and is photographed on a sparse-looking beach -- very modern minimalistic.

Pretty + Feminine: My favorite section. Lots of lovely lace. None of it is very hard as lace goes, but it's always arranged so artfully that the finished result is quite stunning. I love everything here, but the Catherine Purse, Juliet Scarf, and Diane Cardigan especially impress me. This section has softer colors and is photographed indoors for a very feminine feel. It also has the finest gauge yarns of the whole book.

Traditional + Folk: Excellent for those who like colors. They're all fair isle, and three out of the four look intricate enough to keep an intermediate strander busy. I'm not much for color knitting so I go for the Mary Beanie (the simplest in terms of colorwork). Again, a lot of pink and purple, though the Emma Hat is shown in camel, olive green, and brown, which should appeal to the warm skin tones.

Finally, I should address the quality of the instructions. Again, since I tend to modify, I don't notice instructions as much as some might. However, I'm halfway through the Belle Scarf (with a horseshoe lace insert instead of a center cable) and so far, everything has been very easy to understand. All but the simplest patterns have diagrams and charts. In most cases, duplicate written instructions are also provided.

As for the book itself, it's typical of Interweave Press: Layout is beautiful and uncluttered; font is easy to read; pictures are great. What more can a knitting addict ask for?

I recently purchased this book and have not been able to put it down. Gorgeous pieces, beautiful pictures and glossy thick pages. Not only do I want to make everything in the book, it's perfect for a twenty-something like myself who likes feminine things and a little bit of trend and flair at the same time. This knits in this book remind me of something you might find at Anthropologie. A little bit vintage, very feminine, luxurious and cute. The Daphne purse on the cover is to die for- and I see myself making about 5 of them for people for Christmas time. lol The Fair Isle patterns are not to difficult and gorgeous. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves to make beautifully feminine pieces for themselves or others.

I got this book in order to knit pretty, stylish things for my granddaughters. I love to knit and why make a bunch klutzy stuff they won't like? It is full of great ideas and the patterns are easy to use. I have knit two of the classic beanies since last night and have embellished one with folk-art star buttons and the other with a small bouquet of knitted flowers, from directions given further on in the book for embellishing an evening bag. I added a knitted leaf with a ladybug button. Both hats came out great and not a bit grandmotherly. I am going to add some arty glass beads to the flower centers tomorrow to jazz it up another notch. These are great basic patterns for getting your creative juices flowing and your embellishing stash involved. Very feminine, nice pattern stitches, very classic designs. If they aren't classic yet, they will be. Young hip people will like these designs, and so will their grandmothers.

My wife asked for this for her birthday. She absolutely loves it. So much so that we recently purchased 7 more as gifts for her friends in different crafting groups. She insists that 4000 Flower and Plant Motifs has inspired her with tons of quilting/craft ideas. This book is a great gift.

Sam Hendricks, author of "Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comrehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football" and "Fantasy Football Almanac"

I'm an avid embroiderer, always looking for the perfect design to embellish a cardigan or pillowtop. McCallum's collection offers plenty of ideas and serves as a springboard for some of my own. I imagine this would be an equally essential tool for many other types of hobbyists. This one is nice just to leaf through, too -- it's very well arranged. I'm tempted to order his other books right away, but there's plenty to work with right here.

I have a collection of books on designs and historical motifs. This is one of the most useful. I'm using it to create designs for decorating pottery.

This book has found a permanent spot in my home, namely, on my desk, where I do all my hobbies. It has loads of great ideas that I've already used. Can't wait for the author's next book --apparantly its a sourcebook on animal designs.

I love this book for the quilting designs it inspires. If you're stuck for ideas, open McCallum's book and start drawing.

I started out working with leather on my own with some help from my local leatherworking supplier. Unhappy with the results I was getting I decided on buying this book and I was not disappointed. The quality of my work is far better now than I could have hoped for. A must read for beginners.

I found this handbook disappointingly superficial.It makes to many assumptions that the reader is an experienced leather-worker, and is very short on instruction.
This writer has had some expert tutelage from master craftsmen, but I still found a considerable deficit in detail.A pity, as the projests are interesting, but, in most instances, too complex for a beginner.
I could not recommend this book!

If you thought leather craft was just had tooling on saddles and belt straps...this book will show you how elegant and sophistcated great leather work can be. This book covers all the details and tools necessary to learn all the skills. Well written and well illustrated..highly recommended

I have been very interesting in making purses and other items where building a case is critical. I found this book to be excellent in answering many of my questions. I have found no one book can answer all your questions. A lot depends on reading and working to develop more understanding. This book attracted me because it uses molds to shape form leather into cases. I found the other information in the book very helpful with my projects and developing my skills and ideas.

This book stands out from the general run of leathercraft books by not being "crafty" (i.e., about making junk) and presenting truly fine workmanship - not the equal of commercial products, but better. It is superbly illustrated and very much to the point. It presents tools, techniques, and projects in order of difficulty. The project items are worthwhile, beautiful, even elegant. No digressions on philosophy or history, no segues into other crafts, no lists of out-of-date websites and suppliers, etc. Buy it. It will elevate your vision as to what's possible.

the papers are double-sided and the colors are vibrant. the patterns don't distract from any design you choose to fold. i only wish i had bought two!

Nice assortment of paper. I bought it to do origami boxes and the weight of the paper is heavier than most which was beneficial.

The large size of the paper works well since you can use it full size or quarter it to make a smaller nesting boxes.

The colors and patterns are subtle and sophisticated. The double-sided patterns are complimentary and for the most part contrast well.

For example, if you're making Tomoko Fuse's hexagonal boxes in her Origami Boxes book, you'll probably want paper that has strong enough contrast so that the star burst center of the box shows up well against the main color of the box.

Most all of the paper in the packet has nice contrasting values. The flip side of the paper is reversed in color from the primary side of the paper (i.e. if the pattern is green and white on side 1, it's white and green on side 2).

My six year old son loves the origami paper because of it's fun and interesting colors. Unlike traditional origami paper which is colored on one side and white on the other, this paper is colored on both sides. Most of the paper has a dark side and a light side which makes it easier for beginners to know which way to fold. It is good paper and good fun!

I purchased this book through a book club and found it to be PACKED with useful information and illustrations. Every crocheter from beginners to experienced will find something helpful in this book.

This is a very complete book on basic crocheting. It includes a section on dyeing yarn which I have not seen other places. Unfortunately, none of the "trade secrets" are very secret. Most can be found in the Crochet Handbook, which is better sized to take with you and covers foundations other than the chain. Couldn't find those here. Also, many interesting patterns were shown in pictures that were not really explained in the text. A pretty picture book and probably a good read for a new crocheter, but for the more experienced, nothing really new.

I'm basically a knitter who crochets a little and not that well. This book answered all my questions and gave me projects that I've been inspired to make. I learned to make roses, ruffles, and more complicated crochet patterns. It renewed my interest in crochet. Unless you're already a master this book is very helpful.

I have been crocheting for many, many years but this book explained things simply with great photos. It answered a lot of questions I have had and showed me new ways to do things. I would highly recommend this for the beginner as well as for the experienced crocheter.

I have had this book for several months and I am just now getting excited about it. There are excellent colorful photos on every page, there are a lot of techniques and each step is illustrated well. When I first got this book I was disappointed because I was really hoping that those trade secrets as the title suggests would jump out at me. But, on closer inspection I have found that there are indeed valuable tips on making my crocheted work better. I think this book will help immensely when I feel creative and want to design my own stuff. However, most of the tips are a page or less, and I would have liked to have seen some of them expanded a bit. Overall I would recommend this to anyone who crochets and would like some ideas to spark their creativity.