Reviews (4)

A great reference for both beginners and advanced potters
Making Marks is an excellent reference book that both beginners and advanced potters can benefit from.It delves into all aspects of potting, and not only illustrates the results that can be achieved, it provides the "how to" for many of the processes.Any potter who has this book in their library will never run out of ideas for creating unique pieces.

Books like this one -a definite necessity !
This is an exciting book, it is not just about painting marks on surfaces.The list of options is quite comprehensive from liquid slips, clay colour modifications, carving, underglazes,slip-trailing, lustre-ware and of course impressions and incisions made by tools.Robin Hopper is a master of clay due to the years he has be absorbed by it.He has used good quality work by various potters to display the different forms of decoration.
For the dabbler or those needing inspiration to try something new
While I'm relatively new to the art and craft of pottery, I beginning to find my own voice in my work.This book is helping me to think about differnet ways to express myself in my work.While I will probably never go out and buy a sand blaster or work with lusters, I know I have the inital reference source I need should I decide to go that way.
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Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Ceramic Arts And Crafts    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Pottery & Ceramics    7. Ceramics   

Reviews (9)

A welcome addition to ANY knitting library!
A beautiful book for knitting fanatics, or a great coffee table book for the eclectic. The designs are both simple and elegant, and with a little personal creativity, can be used for much more than your grandmother's bedspread. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I consider myself an intermediate knitter and found most of the patterns to be a breeze.

A fantastic knitting resource
This book is great - the patterns are surprisingly easy to follow, and the designs are sensational. I gave this book away as a present, and now I want one of my own!

Nicky has had better
Not what I had expected. The yarns used in the book are yarns that are hard to find or that I have never heard of before. The patterns are not very exciting. Too many felted projects. I am actually thinking of returning it. I have seen better flower patterns in the free patterns and the knitting magazines. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. BG-HISTORY - BG-WORLD HISTORY    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (6)

Must have cable collection
Even though you have several collections of cable patterns, this volume is well worth the price. It has cable patterns that I have found no where else. I'll use it a lot.
6-st RPC??????
I change to 4 stars!
A Gold Mine!
This book is very logically laid out. The pictures of the patterns are beautiful. It is a reference book every knitter should have. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Patterns    7. Reference    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    9. JUVY-PICTURE BKS - BG-LITERARY $5+   

Reviews (6)

A compendium of 60 of the most beloved and popular block quilt designs
Thimbleberries Big Book Of Quilt Blocks is a compendium of 60 of the most beloved and popular block quilt designs, each created for a different quilt-making style. The author, Lynette Jensen, is the founder of Thimbleberries Design Studio, which has brought about more than 850 Thimbleberries Quilt Clubs devoted to her original designs. Featuring color combinations that herald classic quilts, a range of projects from casual to formal, and streamlined techniques such as rotary-cutting and quick-piecing that save time while producing quality results, Thimbleberries Big Book Of Quilt Blocks is a collection of patterns, color diagrams and straightforward piecing instructions ideal for intermediate to experienced quilters.
Wonderful collection of some of the best patterns!
This book is a wonderful collection of some of Thimbleberries best patterns.The cutting instructions and assembly instructions are also very good.
Its value depends on what you're looking for
This book is a hard one to evaluate. If you're interested in a certain kind of quilting, it's a 5-star book without question. If you're looking for something different, it's somewhat disappointing.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Quilt Making    5. Quilts & Quilting    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Quilts & Quilting    7. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (33)

V. F. B.
Very Fun Book... for any creative type or even for stifled creatives in search of an outlet for their pent up energy!
Therapy for the fearful journalist
As the authors say, "You don't have to be artistic, all you have to do is be."

A Breakthrough!
This book is the coolest, funniest combo of art and writing advice and techniques. It shows you how to express your personality or the personality of the people and places around you, with mixed media art and words. There are different styles of art and writing shown, so you can see how to make a fast art journal page that really captures your mood in an easy, simple way, or you can spend more time on, like, a self portrait that uses more difficult steps for the art. I like that there are lots of ways shown to do art journaling, with paint, collage, pictures, just writing, combining things, etc. The chapters build on eachother, so as you do what is in each one, you get better and better at the writing and art, and you have all these ideas for journaling about your life and looking at life differently. I am laughing more and art journaling more, definately! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Bookbinding    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Diaries And Journals    6. General    7. Handicraft    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Papercrafts    10. Scrapbook journaling    11. Decorative arts & crafts    12. Handicrafts   

Reviews (7)

500 Cups: Ceramic Explorations of Utility and Grace
It is a good reference book for the ceramic artist andcollector.It provides wonderful pictures, inspiration, and ideas.

A formidable tour of the art of ceramic cup-making
Anyone who thinks there is very little difference between one cup and another would have that notion blown away by simply flipping open any page of this book.When the teacher of a local community college pottery course saw this book, she asked everyone in her classes to refer to it before beginning to design their next cup projects.It opened their minds to some of the infinite possibilities available to practitioners of the potter's craft.

Awesome!!!
Lark publishes fabulous books for ceramic lovers and this is no exception. The Cup book is the series' third in my personal library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 21st century    2. Catalogs    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Drinking cups    6. History    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Pottery & Ceramics    9. COOKBOOKS - Cookbooks Gen TRD PB    10. Ceramics    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Pottery & Ceramics   

Reviews (48)

Even If You Don't Craft, Buy It For the Humor!
This book reads like a snarky, no-nonsense conversation between yourself and that favorite roomate of yours who made all their own clothes, and somehow managed to live off of $50 a week (and liked it!). Ms. Nicolay is by FAR my favorite craft book author, simply because she writes with less pretension, more results. I'm a crafty pre-med student on a strict budget (of time and money), and this guide makes it possible for me to enter a thrift store and have a year's worth of outfits/accessories for twenty dollars or less when I walk out. Who'd have thought my worn-out Little League tees would make a cute messenger tote or that concert tee I spilled Tabasco on could find new life as side panels of a 10-minute A-line skirt? My girlfriends and I recently hit the thrift shop and bought a myriad of colorful tees, and just spent a rainy afternoon watching a stack of movies and making halter tops and safety-pinned armwarmers for that night's clubbing! Any book that inspires thrifty fashion sense, and unlimited fun whether enjoying your own company or a roomful of friends is well worth a few bucks!

Repetitive designs and NO SEWING
If you do not sew and do not mind the same type of design slightly re-worked into ten different things than get this book.Most designs are slash and tie and require little to no sewing.Not what I had in mind.

Fantastic!
I LOVE THIS BOOK. :) I am 24 years old and I bought this book because I have tons of band tees that are too large for me. I wanted to jazz them up and this book is perfect for it! The author[Megan] shows you the stitches you need to be able to do the sewing, and even if your hand isn't so good, 1/3 of the projects are NO SEW! and you can even make SKIRTS out of your old tee shirts! I am just so excited about this book and I'm not even finished reading it yet. Megan's writing style is so easy going and hip too. The book is quite funny as well heheGo get it!Thank you, Megan! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alteration    2. Clothing and dress    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Fashion    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Remaking    8. Sewing    9. T-shirts    10. Textile Arts - General    11. CRAFTS & HOBBIES / Sewing    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Fashion    13. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (5)

Great quilts but poor layout of instructions
The book has terrific quilts and the directions are good too but the directions for the quilt are scattered around in the book.For the directions for any one particular quilt, you are referred to multple different pages for your insturctions.Very irrating. I do plan to make a quilt from this book but I sure don't like the format.
Great book and process
This is a really awesome book that offers so many options for customizing a very simple cutting and assembly technique. Whether you are a traditional quilter or want something more unusual, this technique has endless possiblities- I am on my third full size quilt.Using the simple chart at the back, youcanpurchase and assemble your materials to make your project any size you wish, from wall hanging to bed size. This will satisfy the qulter who wants a fast result with great style and almost endless variety.

Gorgeous and Easy
The quilts in this book are beautiful and impressive. Easy to make, too. Choosing fabrics that will carry out the subtle shadings is probably the most difficult part of the whole project.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Patterns    5. Quilt Making    6. Quilting    7. Quilts & Quilting    8. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (6)

Beautiful designs, delightful photos!
This book has been a staple in my crochet library for a couple of years, since its publication.I think it is a wonderful book, chock full of novel ideas.I have always been happy to select a pattern from it to make for other people's children, but now that I have my own 4-month old daughter, I am thrilled to make these things for her!

Extremely disappointing
I found most of the patterns offered to be blatant retreads of early 1970's fare.The granny sqaures and heavy yarns look cheap and dated to me, not cute.The eyelash yarn bolero and fur trimmed coat are worthy inclusions, but not worth the price of the book.Also I was quite surprised at the lack of finishing information.Correct seaming and finishing can make the difference between a beautiful, handmade heirloom garment and a "tacky homemade" item; surely some time spent explaining the best techniques would be worthwhile?
Bulky designs
I pre-ordered this book hoping it would provide lots of ideas and inspiration.The designs are bulky and blocky, and I have two boys and I would not put them in any of these designs.I own the Lesley Stanfield and Betty Barnden books and love them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's clothing    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Crocheting    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Infants' clothing    7. Needlework - Crocheting    8. Patterns    9. BG-SPORTS&RECREATION - BG-SPORTS    10. Child care & upbringing    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting    12. Crochet   

Reviews (4)

An invaluable book on Fair Isle and Shetland knitting
This book is a classic. Ms. Feitelson starts off by laying out the history of Fair Isle knitting and progresses to technique and color theory. The patterns that she provided are beautiful in terms of fit and silhouette, not to mention color choices and pattern designs. I have knitted a few Fair Isle articles and I wish I had bought this book first before knitting my caps and socks. This book is a must-have for anybody wishing to embark on the wonderful journey of Fair Isle and Shetland knitting.

Fad or classic resurgent
At this time it looks as though the art of Fair Isle is making a huge comeback.Books that are out of print are selling for ten times the original price. Old magazines are being sought in every nook and cranny. Newer yarns are now colored to automatically create Fair Isle color patterns.
formidable exposition of knitting lore
When, as a naive young knitting-ingenue, I bought this book, I did not realize what a veritable corncopia of woollen joys awaited my delectation. Having opened that Pandora's Box, I now find myself unable to concentrateon my daily life. I eat, drink, breathe, and sleep, Fair Isle knittingpatterns. Ah, Ann Feitelson, see what thou hast done to me! Thou hastverily unwoven the weft of my wool. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fair Isle    4. History    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. Scotland    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (14)

Good, but not the best
I have purchased this book to learn about the fundamentals of metalsmithing. Unfortunatelly in most cases the final product is shown and only theoretical description is provided without pictures or description of tools needed. The book is more theoretical than practical and other literature is needed in order to get a full idea of what is needed and how job gets done.

Fundamentals of Metalsmithing
This book is a required book for a college class I'm taking.
Great Introduction with beautiful pictures
This book covers basic jewelry metalsmithing techniques in a way that you can understand.The step by step instructions allow a good jumping off point for creative minds.Everything is very detailed and the images give reasonable explanation on how to create pieces.Included instructions are how to achieve heat scarring with SS, making bezels, designing boxes, and different forms of casting.With that said there are pictures that have techniques that are not included and seem very interesting; it is somewhat annoying to look at something and have no idea how to make it (Pg. 50, 81, and 86). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jewelry    5. Jewelry making    6. Metal Work    7. Metal-work   

Reviews (37)

The Knitters Book of Finishing Techniques
Excellent teaching book, didn't know there was so many different ways of ending your project

Worse than before.
I bought this book because I agree that most what makes or breaks most hand-knit items is the finishing.So I tried a new "tubular" cast-on technique offered by Wiseman as the "most professional, beautiful, elegant" cast-on possible.The only drawbacks she identifies for it are that it takes more yarn and more time.Well, I'm all about taking more yarn and more time to get it right.So I closely, carefully followed the instructions, did everything right (which I knew because the "discard" piece of contrast-color yarn I started with pulled cleanly out of the tube) and I ended up with a RUFFLED edge that flares out away from the hips.And not in a good way.Gah.Why didn't I just stick with the old dependable long-tail cast-on I've used for 20 years?

Great reference book!
I keep this book handy anytime I'm finishing a garment.The pictures are great, and instructions are very clear.If you're planning on knitting a sweater/garment, I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting   

Reviews (3)

beautiful book
If you know nothing about resin casting, then this book is for you. Easy to follow projects and beautiful photographs make it a snap to get into the groove of resin casting.

Leading in new directions
I enjoyed Sherri's art metal clay book so I picked this one up as soon as it came out. She does cover the basic info on resin. Safety and all the important stuff you need to know is laid out a simple straight forward manner. Gives the average hobbists enough to protect themselves and complete any of the projects or some of their own designs with out hitting a wall because of something they forgot to put in the book. The use of mold making to make the Faux jewelry along with the complete guide to making the molds is worth the price of the book. The ideas about using the resin as a cap to other media made jewelry gives one ideas on what one can do with this material. Other than the use of yogurt containers for the mold frames I don't eat that much yogurt LOL.Making the frames for the molds out of cardboard shouldn't be a problem. The use of flexible candy and candle molds gives a large selection to the artistically impaired person for subject matter.
The basic keys to understanding layering, casting and other techniques for creating a contemporary jewelry style
Watch for this soon-to-be-published winner: it holds the basic keys to understanding layering, casting and other techniques for creating a contemporary jewelry style which offers a seasoned, vintage look. From producing a stretch bracelet to working with polymar clay and creating the look of faux carnelian using the appropriate colors combined with old-looking cords, THE ART OF RESIN JEWELRY involves more than just technique: it requires an eye to understanding some of the design elements which separate traditional from modern looks. Resin is the perfect medium for imitating countless materials, but it requires an appreciation for style to use effectively: an appreciation imparted in the fine techniques-oriented guide THE ART OF RESIN JEWELRY.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    7. Jewelry making    8. Plastics craft    9. Jewellery & jewellery-making    10. Resin & plaster work (moulding & casting)   

Reviews (52)

You'll Be Amazed
This book is filled with easy weekend knits that cover the gamut.Sometimes with these sorts of books there are a load of scarves, gloves, socks and hats.Not with this book.It has simple sweaters, ponchos, and home wears (and of course some gloves, socks, and hats).Most of the patterns are also timeless classics.
Fresh ideas for knitting.
After looking through this book at the yarn store a dozen times, I finally ordered it from Amazon.It is a colorful, fun, innovative book for knitters.I've already made the flower washcloth out of cotton chenille, and the fingerless gloves out of alpaca.I can't wait to find an old chair that I can knit the chair seat out of nylon twine!The directions are thorough, the pictures large and clear, and the clever ideas have inspired me to make some other items of my own design.This hardcover book is a bargain, and a great addition to your knitting library.

Weekend Knitting
Very happy with this book - lots of interesting projects, and a well laid out, well presented book ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Patterns    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (1)

How many knitting pattern books do you need? Well...
There were three Walker treasuries and now there are four. This book includes the previously-published "Sampler Knitting" and in addition, 82 stitch patterns never published before. Most of these are complicated all-over texture and lace, but there is an attractive textured teddy bear and a lace stitch that looks like a butterfly. The sampler has a lot of intricate cables. Fun for afghans.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. General    3. Hobbies/Crafts   

Reviews (26)

Does publisher or author care about errors?
The garments are beautiful.I am eager to start on several.However, a close friend knit one garment and found tons of errors.Since then errors in this book are described all over the web, but no way to get corrections from publisher.Consider this before purchasing.

Great book
I'm a bit of a science geek and a hippy, so this book is well suited to my tastes. It has lots of unique designs based on nature's patterns, with interesting construction methods. Fans of textured knits will be happy, but there's very few colourwork patterns.
Fun for the advanced knitter
Finally a book for those who know how to knit and would like a little more challenge. These have pleanty of challenge and a lot of beautiful patterns. Most, if not all wearable. Only 1 with multiple color work the rest are stitch texture. Not an odd ball book, these take planning and a trip to your yarn store to get the right materials. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Knitwear    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Patterns    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (18)

No Regrets!
I am thrilled with this purchase.I have had this book for about a year now and can honestly say that my only problem with it is that the spine is wearing out from over use!It has been a valuable resource.Brad Walker is a great communicator and teacher.You will not have any regrets if you purchase this book either!

most used reference book
I used this book as my reference guide for every project during my first year of working with kiln formed glass.It is a wonderful tool, easy to understand for the beginner, chock full of valuable information, and I still refer to it as I tread into unfamiliar waters.I have many books, but this one is the visibly "used" one with the dog eared pages.

Great Reference
This is the first book that I pull out when I have a fusing question. It is easy to read, covers a great range of topics, and as a bonus, has many pictures of work by some amazing glass artists. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Firing (Ceramics)    2. Glass art    3. Glass craft    4. Glass fusing    5. Hobbies/Crafts   

Editorial Review

To take something as ordinary as wire and present it as a trueart form is an amazing achievement, and this book does exactly that.According to Suzanne Slesin, the story of wire as a component of usefuland decorative household objects began in Slovakia in the 17th century,where tinkers used thin strands of iron to repair household pottery.The art of wirework flourished and traveled throughout the Austro-Hungarian Empire during the next century, becoming highly developed andquite popular by the end of the 1800s; utilitarian objects such asbaskets, bottle racks, serving dishes, plant stands, trivets, andbirdcages were both made of and embellished with wire. Sadly, wireornamentation as a decorative art is mainly a thing of the past, butbecause these objects are so sturdy, they can often be purchased asantiques. The book has a long directory of European and Americansources for wirework. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Comprehensive historical and technical book
As an artist and metal worker, I've found this book comprehensive. Great illustrations and historical documents. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Decoration & Ornament    5. General    6. Interior Design    7. Metal Arts And Crafts    8. Textiles & Costume    9. Wire craft    10. Wire in interior decoration    11. Antiques & collectables: gold & silver (other than jewellery)    12. Antiques & collectables: jewellery    13. Decorative arts & crafts    14. Home furnishing & decoration    15. Metals technology / metallurgy   

Reviews (12)

A Must Have for the Moebius technique!
I accidentally purchased this volume before the first one, having already played around with the Moebius. Its brilliant, and I've made and felted 2 of the projects already, with a couple more started - so its good value for money! Its very easy to understand, plenty of photos for technique, and her writing style is easy to read, so this is not too hard for the novice, like myself, who likes a challenge. Best of all, its good fun. 10/10

Not Disappointed!
I was pre-warned about the "chit chat" that takes place in the book. There are many paragraphs were nothing is said. I was more interested in the patterns and techinques than the chit chat.The patterns are awesome and very interesting. For anyone who is not an advanced knitter - this book is still worth the money... getting started is the hardest part.I also want to recommend the Turbo needles that are suggested - they are worth the money also.

CHANGED MY THINKING ON KNITTING!
I will follow Cat's knitting wherever she takes me!!!! If your looking to get excited about your knitting again,or if you've never knitted---learn with Cat. Her illistrations and directions are some of the easiest to follow and I can't wait till she comes up with some new stuff. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Needlework - Knitting    4. Patterns