Inspiration Books

Very informative, I have learned and used several different techniques in this book. There is an abundance of creative ideas. The techniques described are very easy to follow and apply. The money spent for the cost of the book was so well worth it. Worth every penny and more!!!

I first saw this book in a metalsmithing class and liked it well enough that I bought it for my home library. Ms. Gollberg reviews a number of techniques for cold-connecting metals and illustrates them with excellent photographs. Her materials lists are complete, her instructions concise, and her projects are always interesting. I may not ever make anything from this book as shown, but the ideas and techniques provide plenty of inspiration and guidance.

As a wire artist and beginning silversmith I found this book a great addition to my collection. The photos were great and the ideas throughout were most helpful. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves making jewelry. It would be most beneficial to the experienced jewelry maker.The ideas and patterns are not for the beginner but, it would challenge you to learn more as they are very beautiful and unique.

As a beginning or even as an intermediate metal-smith, this book is useful for demonstrating cold connections. The projects are easy to follow and they are easy to modify so you can put your own, individual touches to finished pieces. The gallery was inspirational and shows just how much you can do without having to resort to using a soldering torch and lots of messy chemicals.

I took a jewelry class taught by Joanna when I was in college and I absolutely fell in love with the art/craft. I was happy to find this book since it serves as a nice refresher for some of the techniques I'd forgotten. This book is simple enough for the beginner and has enough ideas to inspire a pro. The nice thing about this work is that many of the techniques used are cold techniques so there's no need to worry about having a torch or solder handy (although a flex-shaft and jewelry saw are frequently used). Buy it! Not only will you get a great book but you'll be supporting a wonderful person.

Nepo's book was given to me during my radiation treatment 5 years ago and I have read it daily since. It was a source of inspiration for me during a trying time and today it is a touchstone for my daily practices. He has been to the edge of the abyss and he returned to share his story with the reader and to act as a guide for all of us. So, whether you are facing an almost insurmountable
personal challenge, climbing a mountain or looking for a guide to lift your spirits and show you where to walk along the path in your daily journey, this is a book you should consider. It makes a great gift for anyone who is living life.

The Book of Awakening was given to me as a gift. When I discovered it was a daily reader of essays and meditation exercises, I recognized that it is a treasure. Simply-told tales of philosophers, or fables, illustrate key concepts that I am integrating in my life: openness to receive gifts from the universe, the need for patience, acceptance of life on life's terms...The readings are helpful for my own personal growth, as well as nurturing personal relationships. "Feel the love beneath all moods" is a favorite expression from this book that gently reminds me to turn my thoughts, attitudes, and behavior to love instead of focusing on some petty circumstance. This book is a true gift.

Love this book. It is filled with 365 daily mediations that only take 10 minutes to read but the message fills your day with wonder.

This book is excellent and very inspiring. I have given several copies as gifts and will continue to do so.

I have found this book to be a beautiful daily devotional. It is rich
with poetic philosophy and heart opening passages that take you deep
within yourself. The guided meditations allow you to expand around the
everyday circumstances that life graces us with, and allows you to go
to the depths of your own heart and knowing you are better than you were before. This read is a portal into the self thatis conscious and aware of the inner workings behind every perceived problem and lifts you to the higher ground of expansion. It is a delight to read it daily and lift myself out of limiting beliefs into other perspectives that free me of conditioned responses.

Tietenberg is a big player in evironmental economics, and clearly lays out the fundamentals of environmental and natural resources economics accessible to those without significant economics training.

The book is hopelessly out of date. Although it carries a 2003 publication date, it still refers to the USSR and Czechoslovakia in the present tense. It consistently refers to studies done in the 1980s as recent and less than 25% of the examples, charts. etc. use data from 1990 or later. For example, only 5 out of 37 references in the chapter on Economic Justice are more recent than 1990, and the most recent is 1994. This is typical of just about every chapter. One gets the feeling that the publisher never reviewed this revided edition.

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I used this book for graduate school. Its a textbook and little more. But, it is a well written textbook.

This book is all about let bygones be bygones and moving on with life. If you think life treats you unfair, then it's up to you to change. It teaches how to pray and forgive.

If you read "The Four Agreements", you will enjoy this book. It's a good one to sit down with at any time you need some quiet time for meditation.

I really recommend any book written by this great man. This book truly gets to the essence of what praying is all about. I was touched by these prayers, reading them was like a peaceful meditation.

Thank You Miguel...Paul

This is a beautifully written book. I have read alot of spiritual books. This one I couldn't put down, read it in one sitting. The Prayers at the end of the chapters are wonderful and the Circle of Fire Prayer is life changing. Some books I read and then recycled, but this one is a keeper. Thank you Don Miguel Ruiz for another great book!! Love and Blessings to all!

With reverence, at the very least! I came to this book after the author's 4 Agreements and found the prayers and guided meditations here very effective as I learned meditation and began to deepen my spiritual practice. It doesn't matter which denomination or religion you claim to belong to, because these truthful, poetic insights and encouragements transcend labels and unnatural boundaries. It is as if Ruiz discovered a coven of saintly horses who taught him these golden words. Read and recite these prayers and meditations like that, like you're reading and reciting poetry, and you will feel it, yes. You will feel transformed as your skin tingles, as all of your senses awaken to the wonderful world we share!

--Robert McDowell, author of the forthcoming Poetry In Spiritual Practice

Take Your Photography to the Next Level: From Inspiration to Image, by George Barr, is a collection of the most helpful postings from his blog over the past few years. I rank this book right up there with the works of Bryan Peterson in terms of it's importance to photographers in general. In fact, I would declare this a must read.

Mr. Barr has taken the liberty (well advised in my mind) of editing his prior posts so that they are more current or relevant for this book. I had never heard of him before, but the author is very impressive in terms of how he is able to "see" a great photo in what seem like ordinary or common objects. I do believe that, in the course of my learning to take better pictures, this is the hardest thing to do.

One of the more impressive things about this book is how the editor, author, and Rocky Nook were able to take the blog postings and meld them into a cohesive book. It follows a fairly structured order, and includes excellent photographic examples along the way. I also particularly like how the author intentionally stayed away from mentioning specific settings and (most of the time) gear used to make certain images. In a few sections of the book, it is pointed out clearly that it is the person taking the photos that is more important than the gear being used, and I agree completely (he does cover the gear he uses at the back of the book).

One other very useful sections is how to deal with rejection and criticism and the whole mindset of taking pictures. I know a few people that could apply the principles of that section (did I mention Barr is a doctor) in their photography or other aspects of their life. Very good stuff, and just another example of how Barr is able to relate to the casual and serious photographer alike.

I could go on and on about this book, but you really should get a copy for yourself. It is outstanding!

I like the way of George's writing on photography, especially this books does not cover the technical stuffs like F-stop, shutter speed and etc. I like particularly on the explanation of some images may not take as intentionally. We may not think of the possible emotional impact that may create but certainly we conclude that the picture taken will suit your photograhic requirement, at least.

I'm half way digesting what George leads me to explore the possibility on photography. Good reference and writing indeed.

The review by A. Ilachinski says it all! This book is not about cameras, post-processing software, filters or tripods, it is about SUBJECTIVITY in photography. And it subjectivity, not equipment that makes great images. Sections such as "what is the image about", "It's been done before" or "Initial disapointment" (among other interesting topics) are rare enough in photography books to be worth mentioning.
The writing is pleasant and easy to follow. Images are excellent (although not all equal), and the page layout is very nice, with text corresponding to images on the same page. Very good job by both the author and the editor. (By the way, as a side note to Rocky Nook editions, why using heavy chunky hard cover and size for books The Photograph: Composition & Color Design and The Art of Black and White Photography: Techniques for Creating Superb Images in a Digital Workflow rather than keeping the very nice paperback format/layout used for G. Barr's book?)
If one wants to quibble a little bit, images in G. Barr's book are almost exclusively still/landscape, which might not suit all readers. Text sometimes sound a little bit pretentious (not annoyingly though). Also, it would have been nice to show the pictures of the "great masters" mentioned as examples in the text because some readers might not have them in mind at time of reading.
I don't know if I am a better photographer since I have read this book. Probably not. This book needs to be processed on the long term. Read it. Come back to it later. And as time goes on, it will very likely change your way of seeing, composing... which might possibly lead to better pictures!

A few other reviewers have used the phrase "left me cold" and I think they couldn't have chosen a more apt expression.

The author provides no insight into his thought process in either composition or technique.

IF you like industrial "rusty and crusty" black and white photography (without meaning to denigrate this genre; after all, many people do enjoy this kind of thing), then you might enjoy the photos in this book and, who knows, maybe they'll inspire you. Don't count on the words to help though, even if this type of photography is your cup of tea.

I really regret buying this book.

I did not see a single image that I thought "I wish I had taken that". I think this book is a waste of money.

This book is fabulous! And, it has some really easy and fast creative journaling and collage techniques. It made me jump up and begin making stuff. I've had fun experimenting with the ideas, and love the beautiful pictures. I just had to have it in my collection and I was truly pleased!

I truly enjoyed this book. It has a number of mixed media types of collage exercises that were a lot of fun, and very different from other books of this type. I highly recommend this book to all levels of ability. It's fun.

I have wanted to try my hand at altered art for awhile, so I bought this book and let me tell you I have already tried several of the techniques and love the results. It made the process less intimadating. There are great photos and ideas.

I couldn't be more pleased with this book! I LOVE the color photos throughout and actual artist examples. VERY INSPIRING!

A single image naturally gives birth to a variety of amended, reworked and even wholly dissimilar creations, all dependent upon the mind of the viewer. This is the mechanism that propels creativity. Along side the ability to absorb and value artwork for it's its existence alone, the art watcher's analytical process is a reflex, an autonomic firing of synapses that creates a compare/contrast session: what is it - why is it - how did it come about - is there a message or messages here - am I comfortable with the execution of the idea - do I need to be comfortable - what would I have done differently - on what level do I interact with this piece - what will it mean tomorrow or next year - do I want to use this idea as a piece of foundation for my own work - do I want to run screaming - is it o.k. to hate this - how can I have this kind of experience, and so on. Because the human mind so naturally filters, interprets, alters and uses the information it gathers with a unique series of parameters, it seems quite natural that someone (or many someones) would recognize this fact and write it all down in a user friendly format for the rest of us to admire. Conventionally, these authors have something to do with the psychology and sociology world. Mixed-media artist, teacher and entrepreneur Karen Michel has thrown her two cents into the fray by writing the relevant, interesting and non-intimidating reference The Complete Guide to Altered Imagery.


Books like Michel's allow people to do what few artists race to admit - namely, to "cheat.". It is for this very reason that I bought her book. Like millions of other folks, I hate to be caught tracing, copying, recycling or borrowing material. When I pick up a ruler to draw a straight line I can sense the immense and crushing disapproval of real artists, alive or otherwise, as they curl a collective purist lip in my direction. Paranoia perhaps, but we all know that one person who will insist on collecting wild wode and nettles from a rainy mountainside because using azure and turquoise ink from a bottle is lowering one's standards. In particular I found the author's chapters on the versatility of transparencies helpful. Her suggestions for making negatives from acetate and processing them with photo developers is one I will incorporate into my own work.

The beauty of this CD set is not only in the resonance of clarity in purposeful content, but resonance in the clarity of Dr. Michael Beckwith's personal-universal brilliance of language. This man is believable.
He is clearly vulnerable to seeking the truth of his mind, heart, soul and body in a committed, consciously intelligent experience of his walk on earth. What a blessing to hear, by example, his articulated path.

Dr. Janeann Dill, Ph.D., MFA
IIACI: Institute for Interdisciplinary Art and Creative Intelligence
[...]

Reverend Michael Bernard Beckwith shares his insight, his love, his energy, and his connection to the Divine that is within each of us. This priceless CD is truly inspirational for anyone, for it goes beyond the limitations of personal belief systems. I am grateful to the Rev. for his commitment to a world that works for everyone.

This man is so enlightened and able to transmit his beauty to others. To get the most out of this CD you need to be willing to let go; Michael will guide you to enter into a new dimension in your being. Remember, we are all going to the same place; we are all looking for the same thing...that is peace. The key relies in us; is up to you to find it.
For those who are ready... welcome!, enjoy it, live it.
Michael's teachings can be applied to any believe, practice or religion.

Rev. Michael has so fully assimilated the teaching of all the masters into his soul that he speaks with a voice that is unique to him. He is living what he is teaching, as is evident in the success of Agape International Spiritual Center. This set is a blessings and has quickly and profoundly changed my thinking, and consequentially, my life. I am grateful for his work.

While I think the audio is awesome and has a wonderful flow of concepts and meditations, I think it would be much more valuable with an accompanying workbook. That's the only reason I gave it 4 stars rather than 5. There is a LOT of great material in the audiobook that really needs some practical handling in a written format, just to help the listener/reader really integrate it into their lives.

But don't be scared off by this! You CAN listen to the audio CD and get a lot out of it. Michael's energy will get you fired up to really integrate these concepts into your life. The thing that I really enjoyed hearing was to avoid the trap of manifesting for the sake of manifesting or acquiring "stuff." That's where I think movies like "The Secret" failed - they really pushed the concept of using spiritual concepts to acquire "stuff." Michael really helps you understand why, in the long run, focusing on acquiring "stuff" is not a really great idea - better to focus instead on your own growth and peace.

I think Hawleyclan wrote the review I would have written! I'll add 2 things...

I LOVE using the scrapbooking punches to put silver/gold/copper shapes in my glass beads and this book had some great tips on how to do it!

Since I saw another review about this book missing a resource list, this is wear I get my spiffy presses/tools/toys.

[...]

The book is FANTASTIC!!

This is a great book for both technical instructions on how to accomplish a variety of techniques and dozens of beautiful pictures displaying how other skilled artists bring variations to the theme. The book is based around a variety of techniques that are useful for intermediate and advance lampwork bead artists to expand their repetoir. I have not seen any other book that collects as many diverse techniques in one place. The instructions are easy to follow and the explanation of the supplies and tools needed for each bead is straight-forward. Even if you don't want to make any particular bead, the numerous examples of other artists' creations will surely give any reader a creative burst.

This book is for the lampwork artist who is looking beyond dots and flowers. The step by step photo illustrations and helpful hints make this a wonderful tool for one seeking to add to their lampwork techniques. I learned about tools and uses of enamels and metals. Very informative. I would recommend this tome wholeheartedly.

Glass Bead Workshop: Building Skills, Exploring Techniques, Finding Inspiration
This book was a great disappointment to me. The major failure is that it shows techniques that use special tools, but provides no list of sources. I have not been able to find a source for the Specialty Bead Press tools, so the whole sections on using those tools are worthless. Also, there are gaps in the instructions for the different techniques and a novice would not know how to make the beads from the pictures and instructions in the book. It has pretty good pictures, but not enough depth of detail. If this book is ever revised it could benefit from a list of sources for the different tools and special supplies that are demonstrated in the book.

Glass Bead Workshop by Jeri Warhaftig

Just when you thought you had aquired all the tools and goodies you would ever need again in your lampwork adventures (yeah... right... LOL) Jeri Warhaftig has authored a new lampworking book that is guaranteed to challenge you to see the world of lampwork in a new light.

This full color book is 144 pages packed with information! It dives headfirst into advanced techniques and concepts, just giving the faintest nod to basic info. Definitely a text designed with the more seasoned lampworker in mind, and it doesn't disappoint.

Advanced techniques are taught using step-by-step photos, thorough explanation, and very creative projects. Each project touches on a variety of materials, tools, and techniques which include: dichroic glass, copper and silver inclusions, enamels, cubic zirconia use, multi-stage bead assembly, fuming, etching, pressing, coldworking, hollow mandrels, disk forming, flower sculpting, vessels, and much more. The tips and appendices of the book condense a lot of great experience into an easy to access and utilize format.

Artist galleries that are included at the end of each chapter, full of inspiring examples of mixing the skills you learn with imagination and creating new, exciting pieces.

If you are looking for some fresh, new ideas and skills to spark your imagination and challenge you, this is the book for you. Tons of experience for the lampworker at the bargin price of $24.95!

http://hawleystudios.blogspot.com

The photos are beautiful, but I didn't purchase it for the photos.
I purchased it to discover the use of mechanics to construct the beautiful florals. There is some text about materials used, but very little. Disappointing.

Garish and over the top almost to the point of vulgarity. Not my taste I prefer cleaner lines and less ostentatiousness.

Although I think this book is well done, I much preferred his other books.

I bought this book so I can find ideas for my wedding decoration, it has great and beautiful pictures, but obviously it's impossible to try to imitate Preston Bailey's ideas. I do recommend this book. You can use it afterwards for a coffee table book.

I'm an Interior Designer and this is a practical guide for clients visually. I'm not for copying works but inspiration to what we can do of endless possibilities.