Reviews (3)

Good Basic Information for the beginning sewer
I would be what you call an intermediate sewer. I have quilted and sewn simple garments and home decor items for years. The reason I got this book was for some help in trying to determine the best way to construct and sew a lined bedspread, something I have not done yet. I did not find what I was looking for, the closest thing being the self-line valance, but I did not want self-lined. I checked this book out of the library, but I would definitely recommend it for the novice sewer. It has really good basic information about machines, supplies, how to sew a seam, matching fabric and more. It then goes into actual sewing projects from valances to cushions, napkins and pillows. Overall, I think this is a very good book for the beginning sewer.

A Decent Start
I am someone who bought a sewing machine, had ABSOLUTELY NO PRIOR SEWING EXPERIENCE and I must say, this little book has helped me tremendously.There are so many little things that people who already sew take for granted such as fabric information.Sure, like any book, you may run into something that you still don't quite get, but after my first couple of projects, I dared to do a very simple pattern for my daughter and she actually likes it.I also find thatwhile sewing, I sometimes refer to the book for reassurance for a simple technique.Again, I'm totally brand new(2 1/2 weeks of sewing).The book goes from a simple square pillow and very gradually, gets on to things that are a little more challenging that wont completely freak you out.For instance, I sewed the basic pillow, and then moved on to a box style square pillow with stripes.Until then, I had no idea about what it took to match patterned fabric.This was a wonderful introduction for me.I'm not afraid to try the stuff in the book, and for me that is totally key.Surely it's worth the inevestment.

Perfect for the total novice
This book is easy to follow because of the clear photos you get for every step and along that the clear explainations. Every project is step-by-step, so it's easy to understand!
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Household linens    6. Machine sewing    7. Sewing    8. Textile fabrics in interior de    9. Textile fabrics in interior decoration    10. Needlework & fabric crafts    11. Soft furnishings   

Reviews (4)

Great book and worth the money!
This book is inspiring for the depth and innovation of the projects shown.I expect the projects of professional artist to be pushing the limits of what can be done in the medium.I would not be interested in buying a "how to" book that showed me how to make ordinary things -- go to Michael's craft stores for such "make and take" classes.This type of book, with such a variety of projects, is meant to be used as a basis to make your own, unique pieces (not to make copies of other's designs).

Not What I Expected
I was very disappointed in this long awaited book.I teach wire crochet at a local craft store and had this book on my wish list for months.While the book had good clear instructions on the various techniques involved in crocheting wire, I found the projects to be way too bizarre to have any use for the average person.As a teacher of this technique, I feel that the person new to wire crochet will be overwhelmed with the oddness of the "over the top" designs featured here while the experienced wire crocheter, will feel let down by the perhaps one or two new techniques they may find as well as the designs being virtually non-usable in the average person's wardrobe.I am definitely feeling as though I wasted my money on this book, and as a previous reviewer stated, it is definitely headed for eBay VERY soon...

Disappointed
I was very disappointed in this book.The instructions were very detailed in explaining the basic stitches -- however, the projects were not what I was expecting.The projects were all above and beyond what the average person would attempt, or wear if achieved.I will be selling this on ebay soon! Sorry! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    7. Jewelry making    8. Metal Work    9. Needlework - Crocheting    10. Wire craft    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Metal Work    12. JUVY-TODDLERS - JUVY-BATH / SOFT   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Folkcrafts    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Seasonal    8. Crafts & Hobbies / General    9. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB   

Reviews (5)

Little Gem
I was disappointed when I first received this book.I had bought it as recommended reading for my design course and ordered it blindly.I don't know what I had expected but this wasn't it.Then, one day, I pulled it off my bookcase, looking for information on a certain type of design - and suddenly found myself enthralled with the beauty of this book.Let it not fool you, it's a beautiful little gem packed with design and information.Not a centimetre wasted.

Details, Details, Details...
If you are looking for pure details for specific styles, this book is for you.If you are looking for overviews or full pictures, this may not be for you.If you are into design, I think it is a great resource to put on your shelf!

This CD is the best.
I have the thin booklet as a reference to the CD, which I purchased some years ago. If you do Webpage design this CD is a must have. Unlike other CDs of Grammar of Ornament this one has the images in EPSF, JPEG and PDF form. Others I've looked at onlyhad PDF and that doesn't do me any good. I've used Fireworks from Macromedia's Studio MX Suite to make backgrounds and buttons for webpages made with Flash and Dreamweaver. If you can get your hands on this CD or any of the other CDs Direct Imagination has created, do it. I do think Grammar of Ornament is the best of all the ones Direct Imagination produced. Having the book for reference with it is handy, but if you can only get the CD alone, do it anyway. After a while you just know which plate has which graphic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Decoration and ornament    5. Design - Decorative    6. Graphic Arts - Use of Ornament    7. History    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Themes, motives    10. Architecture / Decoration & Ornament   

Reviews (16)

28 year old female LOVES IT. Book has 3 main parts.
Judging the book by its COVER, this is not a fantastic book. It looks bound in cardboard! It looks like a high school notebook, at first glance. But the exterior's pragmatic and unusual binding does not represent the sleek feel of its insides. Once opened, you'll see that it has the interior of an expensive coffee table concept book that costs $40 at Barnes and Noble. It's like opening the door to a '74 Volvo station wagon only to find that the interior is as luxurious as a top of the line Lexus. The heavy matte finish of the pages of this book, along with its ultra artistic clean design lines, make it far from flimsy. But enough about the superficial stuff. This book has substance despite its unattractive appearance.
Magazine's great, book's a misfire
ReadyMade magazine is full of fun and useful projects, but the ones in this book are tacky and ugly.The book itself is lovely, but who wants to make a coat rack out of detergent bottles or a chandelier out of cutlery?

A Missed Opportunity
As a happy subscriber to ReadyMade magazine, I was thrilled to hear about the release of their first book. Unfortunately, my brief assessment is that there's a huge opportunity for the book this could have been, but ReadyMade has largely missed it where it counts.
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Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Decoration and ornament    6. Do-it-yourself work    7. General    8. Handicraft    9. Hobbies/Crafts    10. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Reviews (40)

The "Shcbby Chic" home design
This book protrayed the essence of the Shabby Chic home
A total joy!
This was the first book I bought when I closed on my country home. My style has always been contemporary and I wanted ideas for decorating a turn of the century farmhouse. This and Shabby Chic Home is to decorating what Betty Crocker is to cooking. You will never go hungry again!:)

Good info
I've find the information in the book (text) very useful in creating a soothing, unfussy, shabby environment at home. However I was expecting it to be the otherway around; I thought there'll be beautiful photographs in the book and the text just going to state the obvious...
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Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Fiction    4. General    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House furnishings    7. Interior decoration    8. Interior design    9. Social Science    10. Home furnishing & decoration    11. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (9)

Donna Deewberry's Complete Book of One-Stroke Painting
Excellent book.Would recommend to anyone interested in acrylics.

I can finally paint!
I always wanted to be an artist, and with Donna's easy-to-follow techniques, I can now paint!Before, I drew rotten stick figures, but Donna had me painting like a pro in nothing flat!I have given items away as gifts, and have had requests for items!I've been concentrating on clay flower pots, but I now feel ready to branch out to bigger and better things!Thanks Donna!

Buy It! You'll thank me later! :)
One Stroke Painting is the way to go! This book is a must have!Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Decoration and ornament    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Painting    7. Reference    8. Art techniques & materials    9. Decorative arts & crafts    10. Painting & paintings   

Reviews (15)

Really is THE best. Nothing else comes close!
This book is SO comprehensive I advise all thinking beaders to buy it! Spiral bound for nifty hands-free reading (while you bead), the pictures are better than anything the other bad reviewers can pull out of an area. The instructions are concise. If you are an intelligent lifeform, you will get it. You'd have to be grossely disabled to not get it!
The Best Little Bead Book
I was, frankly, disappointed.Too much space was dedicated to the author's mother and too little to beading.

Just love this book
I had borrowed this book originally at the library and knew I needed to buy it.For someone just beginning beading this has so much information.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Hobbies/Crafts   

Reviews (7)

Loved It!!
I have been looking for polymer clay books that inspire me to do more with this medium. This book did the trick!! I borrowed it from the library and had to have it!!

Excellent projects
Nicely put together,this book is a must for jewelry lovers.Some new and inventive ideas.

Polymer Clay Jewelry
The book was excellent.Very clear directions and wonderful pictures.
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Subjects:  1. Clay    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry making    8. Papercrafts    9. Polymer clay craft    10. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (2)

Betcha can't make just one!
I have made fabric wrapped baskets and sewn them by hand, like rug braiding, in the past but doing them on the machine is awesome.My first one was the oval basket using 2 fat quarters.The bottom is red and stitched in black and the upper area and handles are green, to mimic watermelon.From the left over green I made two mug coasters.I bought a box of tea and placed that in the basket with the coasters and included 2 mugs and gave the whole thing as a gift.The recipient loved them and the basket sits on the counter with her tea bags at the ready.Now I know what to do with all those odd "why did I buy that fat quarter" and any outdated fabrics.What a great way to use up old stash.This is fast becoming my favorite book.I am making the large purse now and want to attempt the covered baskets next.They sure are addicting!
A Craft for the Craft Imparied
I don't ordinarily do crafts, but I was intrigued by the beauty of the finished projects and also the fact that this is a craft that is not just using a pattern created by someone else, but it shows one how to add one's own individuality to each project.The book is well written with easy to follow instructions.I would recommend it if you're looking for a way to create something that relects you.These bowls and baskets, and purses would make cherished gifts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Fashion    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework - General    8. Sewing    9. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (37)

Expert advice with good mix of recipes
Dr. McDaniel's book is a great reference for those who are seasoned soapers as well as beginners looking for an introduction. One of the reasons this book is superior to others is the fact that the photos are instructional as opposed to decorative. For example, on page 57, he has wonderful photos demonstrating what trace looks like and how it behaves. I LOVED that because trace was the most elusive thing for me. People described it till they were blue in the face and I still didn't get it. It wasn't till I saw the photo that the "Aha!" moment came.
A Good Book to Start With
Overall, as a beginner, I enjoyed this book and appreciated a lot of his explanations and directions. I found his explanation of the math/calculation portion a little confusing, however. His step by step soap making was nice. I wish he would have explained different methods of coloring soap a little more. I am interested in making herbal soaps as natural as possible, and this book has helped me to get a basic idea. He goes over melt and pour in a brief overview, and I was glad he didn't spend too much time on it. He teaches the cold process method. I plan to find books that teach hot process next. This book is recommended for beginners.

A very interesting book
I am a veteran soapmaker and really enjoyed this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aromatherapy    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Potpourri    8. Soap    9. Cosmetics, make-up & skin care   

Reviews (2)

A Pretty Good Book
This book has some really good ideas for special holiday touches throughout the home.It includes autumn decorating as well as Christmas.I used several of her ideas in my own home.

Simply Beautiful
I do not watch QVC and was not familiar with Valerie Parr Hill prior to buying the book.But, I bought it because Iwas so captivated by the great cover.The photos are beautiful and the ideas inspiring, yet simple.Do not let the Christmas tree on the cover fool you.The book takes you from Thanksgiving through the holiday season.A great little find to add to my book collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas cookery    2. Christmas decorations    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Decorating - General    6. Handicraft    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. Seasonal   

Reviews (1)

highly recommended
if you are like me, you might own several mosaic books. This one is one of my favorites! Here's why:
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Garden Furnishings    4. Gardening / Horticulture    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Mosaic    7. Pottery & Ceramics   

Editorial Review

This volume clearly and thoroughly explains the methods of adorning objectswith stylized flowers, fruit, scrolls, and other organic designs. After a full explanation ofthe preliminaries (color mixing, brush control, basic strokes, surface preparation), JackieShaw walks you step by step through all manner of decorative painting motifs, from thesimplest comma-stroke leaf to the most elaborate floral sprays. Each motif is covered inthree skill levels, which can be mixed and matched; a beginner, for example, can utilizethe easy techniques on advanced-level patterns. Projects are many and varied and includewood, tinware, and glass objects. Read more

Reviews (14)

All Levels
As an artist learning something new I was looking for a basic book explaining all terms and projects showing the author to be truly talented. This is all you need for a complete first course.
A Must Have for any Painter or Wannabe Painter!
I have a ceramics business and got tired of plain ol painting and wanted to expand when I found this book.It has taught me so much and my sales are way up!The techniques are explained in precise detail and are easy to follow.It even has practice strokes which I found to be very helpful.There is not a more informative book about painting out there from taking care of your brushes to a beautiful array of advanced technique.This is just a plain wonderful book and I could not say enough good about it!

I've seen plenty and this is the best
Jackie Shaw does an excellent job of showcasing all that is possible in decorative painting. Her examples of stroke work apply across the board for any kind of painting. But, what makes this book work is the way she breaks down each stroke into its individual parts to show how to form them properly. Along the way she imparts words of encouragment and motivation to get you going!Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Arts And Crafts    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Decoration and ornament    6. Design - Decorative    7. Painting    8. Technique    9. Techniques - General    10. Art techniques & materials    11. Decorative arts & crafts    12. Painting & paintings   

Reviews (4)

Northwoods style designs
Like the granola girl designs for quilts to use in the cottage.

Smallish quilts and lots of applique. Is that what you wanted?
Abraham Lincoln once said (I paraphrase), "For the kind of person who would like this sort of thing, this is just the sort of thing they would like." That's the best description I can give of Quilting the Lodge Look. If you're seeking a collection of woodsy, bungalow-ish quilts primarily for home decoration, this may be the book for you. If you were hoping for larger quilts suitable for beds (as I was), you may be a little disappointed.
Great book for the outdoor lover
Instructions very good.If you like the outdoor look you'll like all the projects in this book ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Appliquâe    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Decorating    6. Decoration and ornament, Rusti    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Patchwork    9. Patchwork quilts    10. Patterns    11. Quilt Making    12. Quilts & Quilting    13. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (7)

Excellent
I learned a lot from this book.It is the best book for a beginner that I know of.The explanations are clear and no nonsense.It's not a beautiful book; it's a good book.

Awful Awful Layout
Like other reviewers, I bought this book (along with Woven Wire Jewelry by Chandler and Ritchey) thinking how on earth could a book be that bad. It was. The layout is simply amateurish and the photography of the projects isn't on the same level as other instructional books I have.
I like it
While this may not be the most comprhensive book I have ever seen on this subject, I find it to be quite attractive and useful.I have been artsy/craftsy for a LONG time, and have seen more than my share of pattern/craft/idea books, so I think I have a decent basis of comparison.A very good book for those just getting interested in using textile techniques with wire. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry making    7. Silver jewelry    8. Wire craft    9. BG-TRAVEL/REGIONAL - BG-REGIONAL/TRAVEL    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    11. Gold & silversmithing    12. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (5)

The Ultimate Basic
Anyone interested in ONE-Stroke painting (Bless you Donna) must have this as basic reference material - a wonderful gift for any you know who have gotten into this form of painting.

My painting frenzy
I bought this book as part of my efforts to learn Dewberry's methods.It has numerous tempting projects, clearly written instructions, and an understanding of its audience's needs.Dewberry's method is the easiest I've ever tried, and the results are outstanding with just a little practice and concentration.I am very grateful to Donna for introducing the world to her painting techniques and I look forward to more books like this one.I have more projects lined up now than I'll be able to finish in a year, but I'm sure I'll complete them and be gratified with the results.

not for beginners
The book is very good but not for the beginner, it did not go in to enough detail with the strokes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acrylic painting    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Decoration and ornament    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Painting    7. Technique    8. Handicrafts    9. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games    10. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - General    5. Decoration and ornament    6. Handicraft    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. House furnishings    10. Interior Design - Style Books    11. Louisiana    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Decorating   

Reviews (7)

Inside the Bungalow: America's Arts & Crafts Interior
Great source for anyone who is considering doing and architectural project, either interior or exterior, with an Arts and Crafts feeling.

Beautiful photographs of interiors
This book contains big color photographs of interiors; reference guide at the end of the book detailing resources of Arts and Crafts literature and furnishings

Friendly Resource
This is auser friendly book to have close at hand. If you're like me I am always looking at ways to incorporate colors, designs and arts and crafts style into our 1922 Chalet Arts and Craft's home.I especially appreciate all the colorful pictures and the textiles shown. Paint, stenciling and wallcoverings being modest in cost and are realistic changes that are indeed affordable. Lots of ideas and examples to pull a room together. I refer to the book frequently and I am pleased I bought it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Arts and crafts movement    3. Bungalows    4. Domestic    5. History - Specific Styles    6. House furnishings    7. Interior Design - Style Books    8. Interior design    9. Residential Buildings Architecture    10. Residential Interior Design    11. United States    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Decorating    13. Home furnishing & decoration    14. Residential buildings, domestic buildings   

Reviews (6)

So beautiful and filled with ideas
Until I got this book, my favorite decorating book in the last year or so was French Influences. This book is in the same vein as French Influences, but it is shot in what look to beAmerican homes. The European styledecorating ideas are translated for you. Not only do I love this book, but so many of my friends pick it up and want it when they come over that I've started giving it as birthday and wedding gifts.

Romance for American homes
I had to write my own review because I just read a review from someone who said that the book was about European interiors (or something like that). The book is clearly photographed in American homes and is full of romantic ideas that I can use here in the northeast. I can easily translate the ideas in the book using new furniture and decorative accessories from local stores and from some of my favorite catalogs (like Ballard Designs and Rue de France).

What's missing are the "details" ...
If you're expecting a DIY 'how-to' of Romantic Style, you will not find it in the pages of this book. Granted, it is filled with beautifully-breathtaking photos of all of the homes showcased but, if you're looking for the "real" how-to "details," they're sorely missing.Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. Interior Design - Style Books    6. Interior decoration    7. Interior design    8. Psychological aspects    9. Home furnishing & decoration    10. House & Home / Decorating    11. House maintenance    12. romantic