Reviews (5)

Let's Party!
Do you ever wish you could attend one of those upper crust parties? Well you can thanks to "The Art of the Party"!
Love at First Sight!
I love this book! It offers fantastic ideas for making even the simplest party a feast for the eyes. The pictures are so large and colorful. Although many of the events pictured were held in massive spaces, you can easily scale down the decor to your own sized venue.Anyone can use Mr. Reynolds' themes to pack somepunch into their party decor: Mexican,Oriental,Beach Party,Birthday, etc.There is enough content in this book to assist you in designing a long remembered celebration. Mr. Reynolds' nine foot tall golden candleabra caught my eye, they were spectacular. Then I purchased another book - by an Australian event designer, and found them used again.She gave him credit for the idea.I know that someday I will find a way to make use of them at a party, possibly in a smaller version.I applaud Renny Reynolds for his artistic acumen...his events are truly ART!

The Art of the Party
Renny Reynolds is a talented designer.I own his first book published in 1992 by Viking Studio Books entitled "The Art of the Party, Design Ideas for Succesful Entertaining".While browsing through Amazon, I discovered a more recent book by Mr. Reynolds published in March 2003 by Gibbs Smith in Salt Lake City.Although the name was similar, the publisher and publication date as listed were different. Upon receiving the "new" book, I was surprised to find the EXACT same book published in 1992 with a new book jacket and fly pages.What a disappointment.The pictures and ideas are dated; if you want up to the minute new ideas, do not order this book.I attended parties in the 90's that used these very themes.Why order the new book when you can have the old one with dated ideas much cheaper. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Entertaining    5. General    6. Tablesetting    7. House & Home / General   

Reviews (5)

Not to Good
If you're already into transfering images to fabric, this book won't tell you much more than you already know. It's main focus is store bought heat transfer sheets. I wanted more. I also have "Fabric Photos" by Marjorie Croner, which is a far better book and goes into different ways to transfer using mending tape and fabric. It does have some good images in the back you can use, but I like my own better. Skip it, look for something with more detail.

Graphic Design Meets Crafting
As a graphic designer I was drawn to this title. I've always wanted to try my hand at some home furnishing projects but thought I would just make a mess with out the benefit of Edit > Undo on my Mac. Livia McRee took me step by step through my first project (Stone tile coasters p. 58) and I was amazed when they were done. Totally cool 50s clip art on coasters. I love it. SUPER BONUS: the book is filled with full color pages of great artwork like vintage luggage lables, indian folk art, and old time illustrations that you can xerox or scan for use in the projects. People won't believe you when you tell them you made this stuff!

actually easy & great free artwork!
When people say this stuff is easy, I think, "maybe for you"! But this book is. I also thought I would have to use chemicals or find a bunch of stuff to do the transfers, but all the techniques are safe and the products are easy to find. I really like the free artwork in the back, too; lots of interesting and funky stuff. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Pottery & Ceramics    7. Handicrafts    8. Home furnishing & decoration   

Reviews (1)

Great for beginners
I used this book to do my first stained glass project without the guidance of my instructor.The cardstock templates are great -- you can cut the pieces out and save them for later works, just remember to make aphotocopy!The book has a variety of designs to suit just about everytaste, from Pennsylvania Dutch to more abstract modern designs.There arealso several different skill levels, so you can progress to moredifficult/complex boxes as your skills improve.The explanations of thetools and techniques assume that you have a very basic understanding ofstained glass craft, so I'd recommend using this book after you've taken acouple of classes and are ready to branch out on your own. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Glass & Glassware    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Glass & Glassware    7. Handicrafts    8. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games   

Reviews (1)

Don't own it; saw it in the store; here's what I remember
I'm giving it four stars because it had information in it that I wanted and projects that I thought were cute.There were a lot of projects that used little frames, which is what I am interested in.She tells you in each project which supplier sells the frame and the suppliers are listed in the back along with page numbers for their products used--very handy.She used the same suppliers for several projects, so you wouldn't have to shop around at a million different websites.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Equipment and supplies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Jewelry making    9. Scrapbooks    10. Handicrafts   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Quilt Making    6. Quilts & Quilting    7. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (5)

A Favorite
I got this book when it was first published ten years ago and it continues to be one of my all-time favorite cooking and entertaining books.The recipes are simply wonderful -- favorites include the spicy shimp salsa, poached rolled chicken, checkerboard of roasted peppers with olives, capers, and anchovies, and the spinach and risotto casserole, now a standard in my side dish repertoire. I have made each of these many times and still need to try more of the recipes in the book. The photos with party and plating ideas have inspired much of my entertaining over the years -- from intimate family gatherings to parties of more than 100.I love to cook and entertain, and Colin Cowie's volume has become my bible.

Enjoy Life
Elegance without effort is what we need nowadays.

In a class of its own.
This book is beautiful to look at.The recipes are excellent as well.There are a broad range of dishes for a variety of occassions.I turn to this book for ideas every time I entertain.Even if I don't use a recipe from this book, I often find ideas that make special occassions that much more special.I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to entertain.One word of caution, all the recipes are for a large number of guests.The recipes are not for an intimate dinner party for four.I have successfully scaled some back though. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Decorating    4. Dinners and dining    5. Entertaining    6. Entertaining - General    7. General    8. Menus    9. Tablesetting   

Reviews (2)

Good Overview of Decorative Cement work
Excellent presentation of various types of decorative cement design. A great idea book, not designed to give one step by step instruction, but with this book a reader can tell what projects might be worth pursuing.

I paid for their marketing materials
What I got was 120 pages of marketing materials I could have gotten free at a home show.The photos are beautiful, the ideas are interesting, but there's almost not a single bit of practical help in there (the exceptions being pages 54,56-60).But there are plenty of references, one for every photo in fact, of which professional was responsible for each design/implementation, and in the back, handy contact information so you can hire them to do the job.In other words, I paid to look at their marketing materials. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Concrete in interior decoratio    3. Concrete in interior decoration    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Decorating    6. Decoration & Ornament    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. DIY   

Reviews (3)

Great Intro To Transfer
Makes transferring unintimidating. I don't understand why one reviewer thought this was not a "how-to" book, as directions make it very easyto follow and succeed. Tells you what you need to start, how to set up and how to do it on various surfaces. Book is laid out with list of materials needed, set up and how-to for each surface. Neat ideas to spur your imagination. Very helpful book for those wanting to transfer on fabric, less helpful for those wanting to transfer on ceramic, however, it still has value for teaching the process and leading you down new roads.

Gets to the point with good photos!
While I would agree with the other review that called this book a fun ideas book, I appreciate a book that gets down to it right away.I primarily like this book because it's features many projects with Lazertran transfer paper, as well as 6 or so other methods.A great book if you're looking for an introduction to tranfer techniques.

Major Disappointment!
This book is not the "how-to" I expected so much as a very pretty but generalized "fun ideas" book. Good tag sale item (for selling), ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Decoration and ornament    5. Handicraft    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Photographs    8. Transfer-printing    9. Trimming, mounting, etc    10. House & Home    11. Do-It-Yourself   

Subjects:  1. Hobbies/Crafts    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Woodwork - General    4. Patterns    5. Decorating    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    7. Woodworking    8. Crafts & Hobbies    9. Woodwork    10. Woodwork Arts And Crafts    11. Christmas decorations    12. Fretwork   

Editorial Review

Vivid colors, bold simplicity, textural contrasts, stone, tile, and stucco--these are the hallmarks of this refreshingly unpretentious style, which is easy to live with and surprisingly simple to evoke at home. Vibrant photos and detailed, practical text explore all the elements of the look and explain what to do with your own walls and floors, windows and doors, furnishings and accessories to re-create the look. And the 12 step-by-step projects (including sand-textured or distempered walls, a pebbled floor, a fretwork window screen, studded doors, and a mosaic tabletop) prove that it doesn't take a huge effort or a huge budget to achieve the relaxed grace of this popular decor. The sun-drenched rooms filled with natural materials and accented with the occasional exotic touch (a filigreed lantern, Moroccan dishware, a kilim rug, Moorish arches, Spanish-style wrought ironwork) are extremely inviting--you'll want to sprawl on a cushy divan and sip a cool beverage as you drink in the enticing warmth of this wonderful style. Read more

Reviews (10)

I had to purchase this book
I've checked this book out of my local library three times. We've been working with an architect to design a French country house, very simple. No amount of pictures has conveyed the message of simplicity to our architect. He kept giving us elaborate Palladian designs, and I kept saying, "French Mas". not "French Chateau" and certainly not some Monster House version of an Italian Villa. We've decided to end this expensive misunderstanding and begin again with another designer, this time showing the simple pictures in "Mediterranean Style" to convey the simple rusticity that we desire.

Simplicity, Warmth and Inspiration
Due to unforeseen circumstances whereby my lower living area was suddenly subjected unceremoniously to several feet of murky moisture, I found myself in need of a partial home makeover, but with a shoestring budget and a short time frame.
Little bit too rustic for my taste
I just got this book, and although lots of others rave about the photos, the style is a little bit too rustic for my tastes. If you are looking to decorate your home a la small Mediterranean village style, this is definitely for you. However, you won't find any luxurious palaces or mansions here. This book primarily appeals to those who prefer the simple, assymetrical, and distressed look that evoke a centuries-old Mediterranean charm. If your home has fitted carpets or wooden walls as is typical in the San Francisco Bay Area, the style just doesn't seem to fit. I am also far from impressed with the text as it's kind of repetitive, the author mentioned so many times that the Mediterranean style is simple, open, and it evolved due to the balmy Mediterranean climate! As if mentioning the very obvious once is not enough. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Color in interior decoration    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Decoration & Ornament    5. Decoration and ornament, Rusti    6. Decoration and ornament, Rustic    7. General    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. Influence    10. Interior Design - Style Books    11. Interior decoration    12. Mediterranean Region    13. Residential Interior Design    14. Home furnishing & decoration    15. Interior design   

Reviews (1)

traditional home window style
Good photography & beautiful room settings,it makes you wish for more. The curtain/drapes styles are up to date,but the book needs a litte more variety. Good book to buy if your unsure about your style preference. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decorating - Windows    4. Decoration & Ornament    5. Draperies    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Window shades    9. Home furnishing & decoration    10. House & Home / Decorating    11. House maintenance    12. windows; style; decorating; treatments   

Reviews (4)

Good, but not recommended for beginners
The photos are the finest I have seen in many of the macreme books.The instructions are left open, permitting you to add your own personal touch, which at times can be difficult if you are used to concrete step-by-step instructions. I would however suggest that if you are a beginner you should start with a more basic book such as Hemp Masters.The New Macreme is a book for intermidiate and advanced, due to its very open ended intructions and the materials used. But all in all it is great book to further yourself, and try new ideas and help expand on old ones.

Not enough "new" to make it worth buying.
When a book is called "The New Macrame," a reader has a right to expect either entirely different knotting techniques or totally different projects. What is new about this book is that it contains many more color pictures than previous macrame books. It also has several updated looks in jewelry--for example, there is a "Y" necklace style, a ring and earrings made of wire instead of hemp, and an aroma therapy bottle necklace. Good photos, needs more directions
I liked all the color photographs for ideas, but I agree with the other reader that when I went to try a project, I had a hard time understanding the knotting directions...could have used more pictures/instructions in the "how to knot" section.If you already know the basic knots, this might be a good "idea" book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Needlework - General    7. Crafts & Hobbies / General    8. Macrame    9. PENNSYLVANIA - PA Folklore/Humor TRD HC   

Reviews (5)

Cover deceptive
The cover photo shows classy "junk" on the top of the Salvage Sisters' car but when you get inside the book and see the hideous creations made of things like ball fringe.....well, I sent this one back.

Save your money
This is almost a worthless book.Maybe I am just not getting it, but I am very disapointed, and I love revamping junk.Not a good buy.

Witty and wacky
Have you never passed a yard sale without stopping? Does your attic bulge with things you might find a use for someday? Are you always looking for new, innovative decorating ideas?
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. General    5. Handicraft    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Recycling (Waste, etc.)    8. Salvage (Waste, etc.)    9. Crafts & Hobbies / General    10. HOUSE & HOME / Decorating    11. Handicrafts   

Reviews (4)

Not helpful
This book is way to simplified - It doesn't have step-by-step pictures for knotting some difficult knots (3 pictures just won't do it for beginners like me).

Utterly worthless
There were many knots (clove hitch) that aren't even represented but that's not the real problem.I gave it 1 star because following Owen's directions (and not my own knowledge of knot tying) I got only the multiple overhand knot correctly (not even the figure-8!).The Morrow book, which I thought passable, looks like a gem compared to this one...The search continues.

Very helpful book
I found this book to be a wonderful resource.It has clear diagrams for each knot, easily followed if one is a beginning knot tyer.It also covers knots not usually found in sailing and climbing (functional) knot manuals.This is a great starter book for those who are not certain they are "into" knotting yet, as it is quite inexpensive.Happy knotting! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knots and splices    6. Macrame    7. Macramâe    8. Needlework - General    9. Ropework    10. Textile Arts - General    11. Needlework & fabric crafts    12. Reference / Handbooks & Manuals   

Subjects:  1. Clothing Construction    2. Clothing and dress    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Decorating    6. Fancy work    7. Fashion    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Sewing    10. Textile Arts - General    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing   

Reviews (2)

Garden Decor Rocks
This book really showed me how to use decorative painting on tht outside of my home. I loved the the patterns in the book that can be enlargened for those who are afraid to "Free Hand" paint.One of the best parts is showing how to take "essential" items such as trash cans, fences, and clay pots and turn them into works of art.It also contains an excellent step by step of painting a realist bunny.I was amazed on how easily it was accomplished.

Same stuff
Just another Donna Dewberry book with the same designs painted on different surfaces.I was very disappointed that there was nothing new offered in this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Decoration and ornament    5. Flower Arranging    6. Garden Furnishings    7. Garden ornaments and furniture    8. Garden tools    9. Hobbies/Crafts    10. Painting   

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Vases    5. Crafts & Hobbies / General    6. Handicrafts    7. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB   

Reviews (1)

Disappointed - very basic
I was very disappointed in this book.The ideas were extremely basic. You often needed existing dog embellishments and items. The instructions were not detailed.ie.Get an plain picture frame, paint it, glue on dog buttons (that you had bought).Very little imagination or original ideas.The drawings to be used as templates were poor quality.Gave the book away after looking at it for less than 1/2 hour. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Decoration and ornament    5. Dogs    6. Dogs - General    7. Equipment and supplies    8. General    9. Handicraft    10. Hobbies/Crafts   

Reviews (8)

Inspiring
A gorgeous layout and project portraying the decoration of a homoe.I am a frustrated artist spending hours at home with my toddler looking at boaring walls.This book has inspired me to plan out a picture book on the walls before my baby does!

a decorative fairy tale.....
As stated in the book's introduction, the decoration of this Lovely,dreamy
This book, although not practical, is lovely and dreamy. Great for thumbing through on a weekend afternoon. The author has tapped into my psyche by fueling my dream of having a getaway cottage. We want a dreamy place not in Europe but close enough to home so that we can escape every weekend if we want to. Fortunately, that is possible in our part of the country where vacation homes are common. I've searched for vacation homes and cottage books, and the best are:Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decoration and ornament, Rustic    4. France    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Homes and haunts    7. Influence    8. Interior Design - Style Books    9. Interior decoration    10. Provence    11. United States    12. Williams, Nina    13. BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY PRESCHOOL    14. Crafts & Hobbies / Decorating    15. Sale Books   

Subjects:  1. Acrylic painting    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Decoration and ornament    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. House furnishings    8. Painting    9. BG-MIND & BODY - BG-HEALTH    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Painting    11. Decorative arts & crafts    12. Handicrafts