Editorial Review

Originally published in two separate volumes (Read more

Reviews (7)

The "How Things Work" book for the late 19th to early 20th centuries.
This book is simply amazing.It collects within it, the major skills used to make the items one used during every-day life in colonial america and late 19th century england.Items are described in great detail, as well as the trades and craftsmen who made them.Diagrams, photos and pictures are all clear.
Do Not Time Travel Without This Book!
I have been having a great run on historical luck lately, finding books on everyday life of bygone days. The Forgotten Arts and Crafts by John Seymour is the latest in a line of excellent social history books that I have recently acquired, and I must say, for any historian - beginner or seasoned - this book is an absolute must. Broken into two parts (Forgotten Arts and Forgotten Household Crafts), detailed information on how survival in the past was accomplished by our ancestors is given, written in a very entertaining and easy to read style using both modern and period directions. Sketches and photographs enhance the textgreatly, giving the reader full understanding of the subject studied - and the subjects are too numerous to list here. But just to name a few of the occupations and survival crafts from the first half: blacksmithing, becoming a wheelwright, well digging, chair making, coopering, working a millstone, basketry, building an actual wooden house, ladder making - all shown how it was done in an era long past.
Great book
I really enjoyed browsing through this book.It has a ton of information.Most items though, you would need to find another source of instructions.This is already a big book and would be enormous if the author gave step by step instructions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Handicraft    5. History    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Reference    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Reference   

Editorial Review

"The first step to building a profitable crafts enterprise at home,"declares noted crafts-business expert Barbara Brabec, "is to think of it as abusiness, not a hobby ... whether your annual income goal is $500 or $50,000."Read more

Reviews (7)

The best made book about personal and objective strategie to sell crafts !
I didn't hear about this book since long, but beleived at once it was the book of an experienced author.IT JUST WAS WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT : very clear,logically constructed,giving a lot of links and the best last observed trends about selling crafts.
Great book!!
This book is wonderful!!! I don't even usually read but I've gotten halfway through in about 2 weeks. It's so great! I thought I couldn't really learn anything, but I was amazed at the helpful info in here. Now I am totally in love the Barbara Brabec!! I'm about to order 2 more books now! and I already got Creative Cash too. She is wonderful! The book is so well written and informative!! More then worth the money it cost. It should be on artist/crafters bookself.

My Most Used Reference Book - 2002 Edition!
Barbara's new book is awesome!Lots of new information and quotes from "real" folks.Reading the first edition encouraged me to change direction in my business and has introduced my handmade glass beads to an entire new buying public on the internet!Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Business & Economics    3. Business/Economics    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. General    6. Handicraft    7. Handicraft industries    8. Management    9. Reference    10. Sales & Selling - Techniques    11. Self-Employment    12. Selling    13. Small Business - General    14. Handicrafts    15. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    16. Sales & marketing   

Reviews (2)

A Masterpiece
This is a wonderful guide to the history, production, and collecting of Lincoln cents. The date/mintmark analysis is particularly useful for consultation everytime I purchase one of these coins. I found no faults whatsoever with this book.

Hey Buddy Can you spare a dime?
When I read this book I came to my cents. Yes I did. And you will too. It covers the history of low-self esteem that has plagued the penny ever since inflation made it worthless.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Reference   

Reviews (1)

great for the truly green
I have not been in the crafts business long, and I must say I found this book far more informative than others offered online.Highly recommended for newcomers like myself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Handicraft    5. Handicraft industries    6. Home-based Businesses    7. Management    8. Marketing    9. Reference    10. Small Business - General    11. Crafts & Hobbies / General    12. Decorative arts & crafts    13. Handicrafts    14. Small businesses & self-employed   

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. General    5. Handicraft    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Reference    8. Crafts & Hobbies / General    9. Handicrafts   

Reviews (5)

Great information!
This book needed writing!Thank you, Ellen for sharing years of experimentation and innovation. as you created your art.The specific information contained within its covers could well save an artist much time and money.
Interesting Surface Techniques
Some techniques in this book were new to me and some I have done for years.I like this book because it is a good collection of surface treatments all in one place.

A Must Have!
This is definitely a "Must Have" for your polymer clay library.Ellen's surface design techniques are very inspiring, the photos are stunning, and the instructions are clear and concise. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Polymer clay craft    6. Reference    7. Sculpture    8. Art Forms, Treatments & Subjects    9. Arts & crafts design    10. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Reviews (9)

A Great Resource
This book is a great resource. It is packed with exciting, richly varied visuals and clear, informative exercises that will enrich daily appreciation and application of principles of good design all around us. As a professional artist and teacher, I enjoy this book for myself as well as share it with my students.Design! is a great resource for the student or professional.

A pleasant reading
True! Design is everywhere you look but if you don't understand what you are staring at then design is useless. Fortunately, Steven Aimone's Design! will open up your mind and guide you to see the purpose of design. What are descriptive, narrative, emotive, utilitarian, and decorative of designs? What are the elements of design (lines, shapes, textures, colors, etc.)? Why are a certain elements arranged they way they are? Why is design space important? If you're unclear about the answers to these questions, this book will help you straightened out.
a must have reference for any artist
This book is informative and inspirational. Each page was like a light bulb experience. Steven is generous with his knowledge and talent. This book is a great reference for all artists. One of the best books I have bought! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Design    3. Design - General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Reference    6. Technique    7. ART - Art Technique TRD PB    8. Art / Design / General    9. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design   

Reviews (31)

Really easy diagrams to follow
This book is great reference book for many of the various techniques used in making wire jewelry.Good pictures, easy to follow.

Great book
I am very much a beginner in jewelry making and have found this book to be a great help.It is written so simply and very well illustrated (even my 11 year old is using it).

On Time and On Point!
Fast service. just as described.Excellent condition.Great Seller and great service. Definitely buy again.Thank you.! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry making    8. Reference    9. Wire craft    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Reference    11. Handicrafts    12. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games   

Reviews (24)

Unbelievable!
Any book by this wonderful lady is worth buying and using! She is so talented. Her love of her subject comes through every time and her instruction is clear and understandable!

Denny, Satisfied-beyond-belief
This is a great book!My fingers were itching to get started on the different projects.I would highly recommend to anyone.Well worth the money!

How to Make Clay Characters
This is an excellent book for the novice or the professional. Very good instructions and great pictures. What fun to make the characters along with Maureen. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ceramic Arts And Crafts    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Miniatures    6. Polymer clay craft    7. Reference    8. Sculpture    9. Art techniques & materials    10. Ceramic arts, pottery, glass    11. Modelling (in clay, wax & other plastic materials)   

Reviews (8)

Well-organized
Our local farmer recommended this book & I've really enjoyed it.Good for beginners.

Very Helpful
I am new to bee keeping, my first hive didn't make it through Ohio's winter, when I picked up a new package to repopulate the hive, the owner of the apiary, Queens Right Colonies, recommended this book.Each time I get into my hive I look through the book to learn what I have seen. Has been very helpful. Great book!

Good Introduction, But Lacking
This is a fine book, but there are many basic concepts missing, and it is a little pricey considering what it lacks. But adding it to your library will be a good move if it's complemented by other authors. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Apiculture    2. Bee culture    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Insects & Spiders    5. Life Sciences - Zoology - Entomology    6. Nature    7. Nature/Ecology    8. Reference    9. Apiculture (beekeeping)    10. Insects as pets   

Reviews (2)

Traditional techniques very different from ours
Men have always decorated their weapons. The main items being decorated in the United States have been guns. But in Japan it is the traditional Japanese sword. Being more of a land of tradition, the Japanese sword became more or less standardized in shape as long ago as the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries and polishing the sword had to have followed shortly after that.
A very good introduction to sword polishing
I wish I had this book 20 years ago when I first started to investigate the art of polishing. This book provides a wealth of information on the technigues, the material and the different ways that can be used to get a sword polisihed. In fact, the diversity of the art is highlighted by the book and certainly dispells the notion that there is only one way to restore a blade. The section on foundation polish discusses how to achieve the proper shape without removing too much material. The different stones are described and how each is used to establish and refine the shape. The finishing section covers the range of materials and tools used to bring out the grain and tempered edge unique to the Japanese sword. It also shows the burnishing and how to highlight the boshi.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Japan    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Grinding and polishing    4. History - General History    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Japan    7. Metal Work    8. Reference    9. Swords    10. Art techniques & materials    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Metal Work   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (1)

Perfectly concise
This collection of books, which is priced substantially lower than bookstores by the way, is really a great wealth of knowledge about woodworking in general. I enjoy woodworking, specifically I'm a carpenter so my days have some variety, but there's only so much you can figure out on your own. You'll learn something just flipping through these books. This collection really gives you a direction to go with your craft and they really help you improve. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. House & Home    4. Reference    5. Woodwork - General    6. Woodworking    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork   

Reviews (1)

Yeaaaaahh, I'm the first one to write a review for this book !!!!!!!!
This is a solid book with great crafting ideas. It's ideal for someone who may want to learn a new craft. There are lots of ideas and instructions for a variety of crafting topics. There are also variations on the ideas that they give you. Some topics are candlemaking, soapmaking, mosaics, jewelry making and lots more. I'm a little surprised that currently Amazon is not offering the book at a cheaper price as that's why I usually buy my books on Amazon. But at least you get $25 worth of tips and ideas. Although my favorite crafts are scrapbooking, cross stitch, wreath making and home decor, I'm always looking for that something extra to learn about. This book is a great all around craft book. Enjoy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Handicraft    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Reference    7. Crafts & Hobbies / General    8. Handicrafts    9. STUDY NOTES - SparkCharts   

Reviews (5)

Fabulous and Funky!
What an incredible book!Inspirational, lovely, fun, and energetic!!!This is a great book for those who know how to spin and who are ready to challenge themselves to think "outside the box".Lexi Boeger features not only interesting techniques, but gorgeous pictures that you will want to look at again and again.She self-publishes this book, therefore, the cost is higher, but worth every penny!This is by far my favorite fiber-related book in my collection!!!

Book is not as big as it appears
Okay, the content of the book is great, but I'm not sure it is worth the $40 retail price tag.I'm very glad it is discounted here on Amazon, or I might feel rather upset about the book.
Creative
This book has wonderful insperation and ideas. If you want something more structured look for something else. Boeger makes the reader use their own creativity and knowlage. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Hand spinning    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Knitting    5. Reference    6. Spinning    7. Textile crafts    8. Yarn   

Reviews (7)

Outstanding tutorial
Clean, easy-to-understand illustrations make this book perfect for those who want to learn to tie these beautiful knots.

Awesome How-to's
This book is written by a member of the International Guild of Knot Tiers and is quite extensive. Not only does it give the basics of knot tieing but it moves into the the more advanced portions in later parts of the book. Very good images make tieing the knots very easy, but as always skill comes with practice. Excellent book for the beginner.

A timeless resource
This is the first book I reach for when I begin a rope working project. If you are a dedicated seaman, this should be one of your collection of books on knot tying. If you are just a hobbyist, this is the only book you will need. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knots and splices    6. Reference    7. Ropework    8. Weaving    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Reference    10. Reference works    11. Spinning & weaving    12. Textile arts   

Subjects:  1. Beadwork    2. Business Aspects    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Jewelry making    9. Marketing    10. Marketing - General    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Reference    12. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (2)

A 'must' for any actively involved in producing different scrapbooks
Plenty of books have hit the market covering all aspects of scrapbooking, the new popular hobby of building a family memory book - but Susan Pickering Rothamel's Encyclopedia Of Scrapbooking Tools & Techniques is about the only reference you really need if you're an avid scrapbook maker. All tools and techniques are described here, from acid migration and its problems to handling bubbling and edging problems with decoupage, understanding how journaling works, and handling photos and paper. A 'must' for any actively involved in producing different scrapbooks.
Wonderful resource
This long anticipated book doesn't disappoint!Beautiful photographs of layouts throughout.Lots of tips and techniques.Every scrapbooker should have this book! There is something for everyone, from the beginning scrapper to the experienced scrapper.A must have! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conservation and restoration    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Encyclopedias    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Photograph albums    8. Photographs    9. Reference    10. Scrapbooks    11. Scrapbooks, Memory Books    12. Crafts & Hobbies / General    13. Handicrafts    14. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB    15. Paper crafts   

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 (9)

Would give it a 10
For any of you who believe that dolls are just children's toys or cutesy collector's items, you have obviously not seen this book.Oroyan's Designing the Doll: from Concept to Construction, is a very impressive book.While it is as advertised, a book on making dolls, it is first and foremost an art book.Throughout the book, the author is addressing the student as artist.She covers issues such as color, texture, drawing, abstract and impressionism, scale, etc.The details of construction are included as are some patterns, but the greatest value of the book is actually in the illustrations of finished dolls, some by the author and some by others.These are exceptional works of art.Some are actual portrait works, capturing in miniature the personalities of those portrayed.Others, while they may have had human models, are designed to capture an essence or spirit, an impression or meaningful event.When one sees dolls such as these, one understands instantly why a person would collect them:they are Michelangelos in miniature.

designing the doll
I enjoyed the book it has great inspirational color photoswith lots of technique ideas

dollmaking in mostley known techniks
this book is recomanded for all dollmakers wich intends to makeRead more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Dollmaking    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Reference    6. Toy Arts And Crafts    7. Toymaking - General    8. Toys, teddy bears & dolls   

Reviews (5)

Great book for new woodworkers
If you are fairly new to woodworking and need a mantle, this is the book for you.I just finished our mantle and it looks great. All the materials used in the book can be found at Lowes or Home Depot and the entire mantle and surround cost me around $85.It does call for a table saw, biscuit joiner, brad nailer and miter saw, but if you are wanting to get serious about building, you will need these tools anyway.This book will lead you through every step so there are no questions.Save yourself $200-300 and buy this book and build it yourself!

Great book but dont order via the market place
This is a very good book with some basic designs.If you are a beginning woodworker or have some basic tools, you can build one of these.As pointed out, the design is simple, but it is flexible and you can customize your own design.I build a surround from stain grade birch with pine trim and moulding.It was finally painted white and primed.We are very happy.I give the book 4 stars, ...

Step-by-step, but not much variety
Great instructional book for building a traditional style fireplace surround (title a bit misleading - the mantel is only the shelf above a fireplace - the surround is the mantel, columns, etc.)Limited, though inthat it only covers one style surround with different variations.Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Design - Furniture    5. Design and construction    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Mantels    8. Reference    9. Remodeling & Renovation - General    10. DIY    11. Furniture & cabinetmaking    12. Home furnishing & decoration