Reviews (15)

Think About What You're Buying...
I for one, LOVED this book & the enclosed DVD. Both were thoughtfully and artfully arranged, but it seems after reading other reviews people were looking for something different. This is not a catalogue of wendy's on the market products. If that's what you want, visit her website. This is not a book about someone else's kids. Personally, I was extremely interested in seeing how a married mother of four successfully and creatively manages her life; it gives a glimpse of that. The title is COMPLETELY acurate. It's called, Nesting, people. She gives suggestions for layouts of the nursery with photographic examples. If you didn't want something from her point of view, why buy the book?

Murals done by Pennys from Heaven
As an artist myself I was interested in finding out about the murals.After NOT receiving any info back from the Wendy Bellissimo phone/email I did some research myself.A woman named Penny did the murals!!! NOT ENOUGH CREDIT WAS GIVEN TO THE MURALIST.(Other than maybe a mention in the beginning.) In any case I passed the info to my girlfriends before they bought the book.The Wendy Bellissimo line on it's own is nice...but the murals are what put it all together!Bravo to Penny!Great ideas from Wendy on placement of furniture and bedding materials. Certainly a book that you can get inspired from but disappointed that the muralist didn't get the credit she deserved....that was where I found most of my inspiration from.

love this book
I just received this book from my friend as a congratulations (we just became pregnant with our first) and absolutely love it.I can't stop flipping through it, its so beautiful.I can't wait to start "nesting" myself and was excited to learn that Wendy Bellissimo has her products in Babies R Us.You can bet I'm going to be registering there.I highly recommend this book for first time parents. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's rooms    2. Decorating    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family/Marriage    6. General    7. Interior decoration    8. Parenting - Motherhood   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (5)

Outdoor Mosaic: Original Weather Proof Designs
This book had a great chapter on technical information and weather proofing outdoor mosaics.Was extremely helpful in determining which products I should be using on my own water feature and protecting it.Well worth the effort and time to have it sent to Australia for this chapter alone.

Not really a how-to book
The book is mainly devoted to showing various projects made by the authors. Very nice and inspiring, as they do wonderful work, but if you are looking for in-depth instructions or practical knowledge, this is not the book. Try Encyclopedia of Mosaic Techniques by the same authors, instead.

Pretty Pictures, But Not Enough Technical Information
I purchased this book specifically for technical information on creating outdoor mosaics.I was particularly interested in recommendations for grouting, adhesives, materials, etc.The majority of the book is taken up with lovely pictures and projects, but the technical portion is given the short shift at the end of the book.I'd recommend other books if you are just starting out and are looking for good, detailed information. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Decoration    5. Handicraft    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Mosaics    8. Outdoor living spaces    9. Pottery & Ceramics    10. Technique    11. GARDENS_DESIGN    12. Gardening / Garden Design   

Reviews (6)

Wabi-Sabi, Huh?????
In answering the question of what Wabi-Sabi means to me, I have to go with the concept that less is more, and it really doesn't matter if the expense of doing something is astronomical or well within one's budget. What does it all say abut you and what your attempting to achieve? Are you talking about your home, your life style, your neighborhood and or your friends and family? What will tell everyone and anyone who just walks in off the street that you are practicing Wabi-Sabi? How can they see that you are not being a whacko or over extravicant andare just showing you that life can be what is just right for you and your place of abode and not be the perfect place to beat all perfection?
A good organizational reference book
There is so much beauty in simplicity.This book offers many helpful suggestions in how to simplify your decor and your life.

A wonderful book!
I have told everyone I know to get this book as a starter to the world of Wabi-Sabi-- a beautiful cover also makes it lovely to look at and I like the sepia pages... I have re-examined my life using some of her practical tips.Get it if you are curious about this art of imperfection... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Decoration and ornament    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Influence    8. Interior decoration    9. Japan    10. Psychological aspects    11. Themes, motives    12. Zen Buddhism    13. Home furnishing & decoration    14. House & Home / Decorating   

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Ribbon    7. Textile Fabrics    8. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (79)

Dreadful...Outdated design even for 10 years ago...
The interior design featured in this book was absolutely horrid. Even though this book is almost 10 years old I find it hard to beleive that garish clashing floral prints and variations of plaid were all the rage in 1997. Judging by the quality of BHG's magazines I expected so much more. Thank goodness I got it used for $1.59...

Inspiringand informative
The pictures alone are beautiful and inspriring.You can get so many ideas just from looking at them.Add the text and you have a book full of ideas, advice and suggestions for all styles. It even inlcudes organization tips.I will definitely refer to this often.It's hard to find a book that has both excellent info and pictures - this one's got it all!

Suburban Dream
I have a sick fascination for the BH&G series of decorating books. On the one hand, the BH&G look is not my style. On the other hand, there's something weirdly compelling about plate after plate that illustrates a suburban dream of comfortable home life: the big, cushy sofa; the chintzes; the wide coffee table with its stack of askew coffee table books and its vase of flowers; the iconic Flea Market Find filling a niche on the largest wall; the tasteful juxtaposition of a floral and a plaid in the same color way. These books also promise the entertaining sport of seeing how many times the same identical accessory appears in different rooms, belonging to different owners. The major downside of this book -- other than the soothing sameness of the designs -- is that coverage seems less comprehensive than in previous BH&G decorating books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Interior Design - General    7. Interior decoration    8. Interior design    9. Home furnishing & decoration    10. House & Home / Decorating    11. House maintenance    12. decorating; color   

Reviews (2)

Disappointed -- designs not stylish
I was hoping this book would have cute sweatshirts like the ones I've see at craft shows selling for $40++. There isn't one pattern in this book that I would consider making or wearing.
A guide to adding extra touches to ready made sweatshirts
Experienced, passionate, and professional seamstress Lorine Mason presents Fashion Sweatshirts: 25+ Easy Projects To Alter And Embellish Ready-Mades, a guide to adding extra special touches to ready made sweatshirts from fur trim to buttons and beads, and much more. Each sample project is described in-depth with explicit, step-by-step instructions, which are adaptible to a broad range of colors and fancies. A collection of consumable sewing patterns packaged with the book round out this superb guide to affordible embellishing for fun and fashion.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Beads & Beading    3. Beadwork    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Decorating    6. Dress accessories    7. General    8. Jewelry    9. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    10. Reference    11. Seasonal    12. Wedding costume    13. Weddings    14. Reference / Weddings   

Reviews (1)

A sumptuous collection from the pages of COLONIAL HOME
Poor "Colonial Home" magazine.After decades as the premiere magazine of antique American homes, it changed its name to "Classic American Home" and then was out of business in the ad-pages slump that followed September 11th, 2001.It was a great loss to those who love viewing and learning about historical American homes.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Decoration and ornament    5. Decoration and ornament, Early American    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Interior decoration    8. Residential Interior Design    9. United States    10. Home furnishing & decoration    11. Interior design    12. Sale Books   

Reviews (8)

A bit overwhelming for a beginner...
I just started into Chinese knotting. Though this book has beautiful photos/ideas, the projects are more advanced so the instruction photos/directions were insufficient for me to grasp how to create the beautiful projects. If you're a novice, look elsewhere. I returned mine. Gave it 4 stars just because it isn't for everyone.

First time knotter
First, I haven't actually tried the knots in the book.But I have enjoyed reading the history of Chinese Knotting.And the diagrams and instructions look clear and easy to follow.Some of the photos are clearly from the 80's, but the basic knots are timeless.

Good For Beginners and Experts
Lydia Chen has written a book that shows detailed, easy to read instructions.The book has interesting historical information.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Weaving    6. China    7. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Arts And Crafts    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Decorating    6. Decoration and ornament    7. France    8. Handicraft    9. Hobbies/Crafts    10. House furnishings    11. Interior Design    12. Interior Design - Style Books    13. Crafts & Hobbies / Decorating    14. STUDY NOTES - SparkCharts   

Reviews (4)

Designer Style Jewelry: Techniques and Projections for Elegant Designs from Classic to Retro
This book is of a great help to me in jewelry making.It is easy to read and instructions are clear.Thank you for such a fine book.

Beautiful Jewelry to Make for Mixed-Media Crafters
I'm an avid crafter and have recently started beading and making jewelry. After checking out every jewelry making book in our local library and browsing through many others at a couple of craft stores I decided I wanted to purchase this great book. All of the projects are for jewelry I would love to wear myself or make for others. The pictures are beautiful and the instructions are very clear. There is a project for everyone in this wonderful book.

Great stuff!
A fantastic book for anyone interested in creating original jewelry. Easy to understand even for the uninitiated. It was great that there are different types of techniques - sure to be something that captures your imagination or the possibility of combining projects. I warmly recommend this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry making    8. Handicrafts    9. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (16)

Very Happy
I am totally satisfied with the book that I purchased PERFECT in every way

Great reference book
This is a must have for most polymer artists. The projects in teh book show you just how versitle this clay can be. It makes a great reference for projects of your own as well

Wonderful Book!
This is the best book I've read yet on faux surfaces on polymer clay!Instructions are given in good step-by-step format that even someone new to polymer clay can follow!Irene really outdid herself with this one! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clay    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Decorating - General    6. General    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. Crafts & Hobbies / General    10. Resin & plaster work (moulding & casting)    11. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes   

Reviews (14)

Create Christmas Magic!
Want to create Christmas Magic? Want magical memories your family will treasure for a lifetime? Then remind yourself of what it felt like to be a child - to believe in your heart in the wonder and magic of Santa Claus! Nothing can rekindle that spirit like creating a fun, festive and yummy-licious Gingerbread House with the whole family pitching in! You'll have so much fun and so many laughs it's sure to become a great Christmas tradition in your home - just like it is in ours!And this great little book has everything you need to have a ginger-iffic time! Pick up a copy - you'll be happy you did!

Fantastic!
Words can't describe how helpful I have found this book.It is both full of tips and tricks that really work, and has lots of pictures for ideas.Its a great book for someone who doesn't know alot about gingerbread houses, it gives clear information, and its one of the best values I've seen as well.

"Tis the Season
Special baking is high on my list at this time of year as it is for many others.Just discovered a wonderful find in Cargas' "Gingerbread Houses"book.May others be so fortunate to obtain or be given this delightful, easy-to-follow, friendly "how to bake and build memories" as the sub-title so warmly suggests. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas decorations    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Decorating    5. Gingerbread    6. Gingerbread houses    7. Methods - Baking    8. Cakes, baking, icing & sugarcraft   

Reviews (5)

beautful book
usuful hints but not possible for me.who lives in Iceland and our shells are not so exotic.Still I try to buy some,when I am abroud. I got lots og useful hints from and ideas his beautiful, which isreally sweet for the eyes elvasigvalda@hotmail.com

Shellatious
Whether you craft or only crave shells, this book will do it for you.This book provides inspiration whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or merely an admirer of shelled creations.The range is from the extraordinary to the amusing to the out of this world.

absolutely beautiful!
This is the most beautiful book I've ever seen. Whether you like making things with shells or just love the beach, you'll be inspired by page after page of unique and even elaborate uses for shells in the home. It will leave you craving the ocean and inspired to do beautiful things. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. General    6. House & Home    7. Shellcraft    8. Shells    9. Crafts & Hobbies / General    10. HOUSE & HOME / Decorating    11. Handicrafts   

Reviews (1)

Floorcloth Magic
Clearly and concisely written, no confusion or contradictions like some other books on the same subject. Excellent section on contributing artists showing a wide diversity of styles. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - Floors    5. Floor coverings    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Painting    8. Textile Arts - General    9. Art techniques & materials    10. Handicrafts    11. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games    12. Home furnishing & decoration    13. Painting & paintings   

Reviews (3)

Why Do I Do This?
I do not know why I buy these books when the magazines publish all these designs anyway. Nice pics but why spend for the whole book when I probably have the stuff someplace anyway?
Useful technical book
Lots of design ideas, ground work for your own inspiration. Great pictures and use of various materials.

Lovely Designs, AndPacked with Great Inspiration!
I find that buying a new jewelry book is like taking a chance on a blind date: sometimes you want to call it a night at 6:00, and other times you want to linger and just totally enjoy the experience you are having...and then relive the whole thing as soon as possible!
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Subjects:  1. Beadwork    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Jewelry making    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    10. Handicrafts   

Reviews (1)

All the charm of a Christmas holiday on Nantucket!
As a ardent fan of Nantucket "style" and history, I can't be more delighted that the author has compiled a book devoted to the charms of a Nantucket Christmas! The copy and beautiful color photographs share all the beauty and uniqueness of the special holiday season on this "faraway" isle. In addition to sharing the special ambiance that is Nantucket, creative ideas abound in this book for bringing a bit of a Nantucket holiday to your own home. Thank you, Leslie Linsley, for a book I will treasure for many years to come!!
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Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Christmas    3. Christmas decorations    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Crafts & Hobbies    6. Decorating    7. Entertaining - General    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Holidays (non religious)    10. Holidays - Christmas    11. Massachusetts    12. Nantucket    13. Nantucket (Mass.)    14. Religion - Christian Life    15. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (5)

Wonderful
Very easy to follow the instructions.This is the type of book I had been looking for.It's absolutely wonderful.

Complex, Beautiful Knots Demystified
This book is a beginner's dream introduction to knotting. Complete with clear, concise step-by-step directions and large color photos of each step, this text is sure to be an enjoyable resource to anyone looking to learn how to achieve beautiful knot work designs on the first try. I personally am applying many of the designs to some hemp work, so the contents are easily modifiable to your own creative ideas. There are "patterns" you can follow but these are secondary and the book focuses on showing you the main techniques so you can apply them however you like in your own works.

Chinese Knots for beaded jewellery
I had to return this book.
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Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Handicrafts    9. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (10)

THIS IS THE BEST T-SHIRT BOOK OF THEM ALL!!!
I was surprised to find so many t-shirt books to choose from so I took a plunge and actually ordered three of them.TEASE was by far the most practical and inspiring book of them all.The best part about it is that it not only gives you ideas on how to turn your t-shirts into other types of shirts, but it has projects for turning t's into bags (my favorite idea!), skirts, scarves, even seat cushions!I was amazed to find one scarf project that actually has you cut a shirt into thin strips and then knit them into a very cool and original scarf.I would have never thought of that!There are also much simpler projects, like a tote bag project that I finished in under an hour.The fact that the projects come from an assortment of amazing crafters from all over the country means that there are dozens of different styles and tastes represented, from classic and simple to slighty over-the-top (if you're in the mood for that sort of thing...).If you're looking for endless inspiration on what to do with those t-shirts that you just can't part with, this is THE book you NEED!!

t-shirt overkill
The reference to craft "superstars" should have warned me off. The lowly T-shirt shows up as a placemat, a lampshade, a car-lot hanging banner, café curtains, and a rug - oh yeah, and a couple of overworked wearables, too. Tricky projects show off the wit of their too-cool creators rather than enrich the lives of DIY readers.Who needs it?

a good teaser
In addition to the great ideas for transforming your t-shirts, it introduces you to real crafting superstars and a whole new world of inspiration.It goes beyond wearables and has great photos and directions. This is a must have book for anyone interested in alternative crafts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Textile Arts - General    7. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Reviews (21)

All my Beads just hit the wall
OMG!This could not be harder to follow if it were written in a different language!Even the first basic leaf is not logical with three different wires being called for but only one in the directions..... The pictures are nice, some beautiful flowers, great ideas on what to do with the things once you get them done.... but I'm going back to the internet to get the directions... those are written step by step and easy to understand...I'll get those basics and maybe come back to this for ideas how to put together flowersfrom those petals....

A Clear Guide to an Old Craft
Those who have ever admired the tradional Victorian beaded flowers under glass domes - or who have seen on the net how new techniques have added to this fascinating craft - will welcome the chance to acquire a clearly written, well illustrated beginers instruction manual. Many species of flowers are included from exotic orchids to native favourites; hints on arrangement and display help newcomers make the most of their work.I really got enthused by the photos and followed up with a search on the net to locate clubs and suppliers.I recommend this book to anyone looking to make antiques of the future, or to begin a profitable new hobby.

Not Quite a Beaders "Bible" but close!!
While these weren't the first beaded flower patterns in my collection, it was the first book...and I've never regretted my decision to purchase it!It is a wonderful resource, with clear patterns and assembly instructions.The fact that she gives general recommendations for colors then leaves the actual color selection up to the crafter/artist is commendable.(I very rarely use recommended colors in patterns, preferring to go my own way and trust my own color choices.I am most appreciative of the fact that Ms Kelly doesn't try to "hold my hand" when it comes to my creative choices.) Read more

Subjects:  1. Bead flowers    2. Beads & Beading    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Decorating    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework & fabric crafts