Subjects:  1. Amatuers' manual    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Jewelry making    9. Reference    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    11. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Architecture    4. Coins, Currency & Medals    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Criticism    7. Reference   

Reviews (16)

Very Informative but Lacking Important Details
I am a total scrapbooking novice and purchased this book because I hoped it would bring together the questions I have about scrapbooking, namely, what Ishould be thinking of when I scrapbook, what materials are out there, what's right for me and what I should skip, what are good techniques to use in scrapbooking, and some good layout ideas.
great starter book
If you are truly a beginner at scrapbooking then this is a really great book. I would've given it 5 stars but there are no color pages, and that was a little disappointing to me. dissapointed
I bought this book prior to being admitted to the hospital for a surgery and 3 day stay. I am an avid scrapbooker but I love reading about ways to improve my pages. I was so bored with this book, and I am a true scrap-addict, I will read or buy practically anything scrapping related. I couldn't give this away in swaps and show my face again.Read more

Subjects:  1. Conservation and restoration    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Handicraft    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Photograph albums    7. Photographs    8. Reference    9. Scrapbooks    10. Scrapbooks, Memory Books    11. Fiction / Suspense    12. The Arts: General Issues   

Reviews (1)

Clever Crafting with Flea Market Finds
Didn't like the book as it was really out of date, most items in the book have been done years ago, and it didn't show me anything new. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Care & Restoration    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Framing    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Pottery & Ceramics    8. Reference   

Reviews (3)

This is the best beading book I've found!
I'm absolutely crazy about this book!The instructions are the easiest to understand that I've ever seen. For instance, I have a couple of other beading books that neglect to inform one how to start or finish off threads, and how to hide the ends in the beadwork. The technique this author uses is sturdy and invisible. The charts are fabulous; very imaginative and the colors are beautiful.I couldn't be happier with this book.I especially like the fact that each chart states how many beads will end up being in the finished product, how many rows and columns there are in each piece, and clear instructions on which stitch to use.The spiral-bound spine is a lifesaver, as the book will lie flat on your work surface, unlike books with regular spines that need a weight to hold open.I first encountered this book at my local library, and wish I would have found it first rather than the other books I have been using.I wouldn't have made as many time-consuming mistakes as I have.We beaders know that it's the time put into the project, rather than the materials, that ends up costing you money!

Patternsare childish, hard to make out.
Most patterns in this book are childish, hard to make out and not worth the time. This one went back to Amazon. I would hardly call it a "bible"

i took a gamble
by buying this book sight unseen.sometimes the gamble pays off, and i find a new author, but this time i lost and have returned the book to amazon.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Metal Work    6. Reference   

Reviews (2)

Very Informative
I disagree with the previous review.I think this book does a good job of explaining things that beginners need to know.I especially liked the introduction/history of needlework and the many color photographs included.The book discusses materials and equipment needed to start stitching and gives clear instructions with visual aids in how to do the various stitches.It also talks a bit about designing your own work, and finishes as well as caring for your work once it's completed.This is a good resource!

Ok but not super
It's a mixed bag book.It's really not for beginners though ti shows lots of stitches and how to make them because it does not have attendant informationRead more

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    7. Reference   

Reviews (7)

Great book; classic info
Anyone who enjoyed the boy scout handbook would love this book.It's full of all the diagrams and how-to's I enjoyed as a kid.This one's for grown kids and covers dwellings of every type - temporary to permanent, small to large.Great drawings; I'mso glad I found this book.

a must for your survivalist collection
Well written, easy to read, and full of details and pictures. Presented in a clear and concise manner this book will take you naked into the wilderness and give you the basics of survival structures but build you up to a full understanding of large permenant structures. a pleasure to read, recommend to everyone of all age groups.

For "boys" of all ages
When I was a child, I would look for this book when I went to the public library. I checked it out frequently and marveled at the lined drawings of various kinds of wilderness dwellings, especially the "Boys Hogan"-a type of hidden shelter built into the side of a hill.No doubt this book became the inspiration of the "forts" we built in the woods and the lean-tos constructed in Boy Scouts. Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Design and construction    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Huts    7. Log cabins    8. Outdoor Skills    9. Reference    10. Residential Construction    11. Sheds    12. Wilderness survival    13. Active outdoor pursuits    14. Handicrafts    15. House & Home / Reference   

Reviews (1)

Gets to the point
This book is great for the crafter with little to no business experience.Not only does it tell you how to get your product out there, but it tells you how to run your craft business.This book includes sample forms for the upstart entrepreneur and delves somewhat into internet presence.An excellent resource for any crafter intersted in selling. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Handicraft    5. Handicraft industries    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Management    8. Reference    9. Selling   

Reviews (9)

A BOOST for those who want to leave a legacy....
This book was the ONLY idea book that I read cover to cover, many times! Angie has done a phenomenal job encouraging the reader to do a search within and then place it in layouts/journals. I have used this resource multiple times in my own scrapbooking trek. And since reading this book, I have found when I have scrapbooker's block, once I do a layout of myself, my creativity is unleashed once again! It's as though I am "being true to myself"! Thank you Angie for this boost for all of us who are trying to leave a legacy!

Shockingly disappointing
I was disappointed in this book on many fronts.First of all, the price for the amount of information you receive is very steep, especially when compared to the $10 Making Memories books and various companies' Scrapbook Encyclopedias available.Second, this author seems to have very little expertise in the area of scrapbooking, despite her self-promotion.It is definitely a book geared toward a beginner as the information is what one would find in any free beginner scrapbooking class given at your local craft store.Lastly, I can summarize this book in the following way:Do a layout about these areas of yourself--
Finding out who I am.
This is an excellent book/project for anyone who wants to understand themselves better.I'm free from an abusive relationship now, and with a man who treats me like gold.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Papercrafts    5. Reference    6. Scrapbooks, Memory Books    7. Paper crafts   

Reviews (1)

Destined for the Bargain bin
I can understand why there are so many used books! The Binding Is Poor and will soon fall apart, Just turning the first few pages showed me that.. Very Nice Color BUT very brief instructions On lots of different Beading techiniques. The first part on Tools and Materials is well done. This book is an introduction ONLY.The wire work part does get you started but leaves you wanting more. It gives a few pages to each techinque leaving you wondering what happened to the rest? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Reference   

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Quilt Making    6. Quilts & Quilting    7. Reference   

Reviews (1)

Rodale Press, Inc. must have hit a home run with this one.
Rodale Press, Inc. must have hit a home run with this one, since it is currently out of stock.I borrowed my copy from the public library. Anyway, it is a helpful little volume, lavishly illustrated, with very well written instructions that can be read by even the most artistically challenged among us (I'm thinking mostly of myself!).I picked up this book at the library just to see if there was anything I could do with all those hundreds of pine cones that are still accumulating in my backyard.I was not disappointed.Now if I could just summon the courage to actually try some of the projects suggested here... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Nature craft    6. Reference   

Reviews (14)

A Wealth of Knowledge
I picked this book up based on an exhaustive search for a guide that met a few simple items of criteria:
Many Topics, Little Detail
This book had many topics but only provided very basic information on the topics.

Storey's Basic Country Skills
Good book to put the subject on the map for the beginner. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country life    2. Home Economics (General)    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. Home economics    5. Home economics, Rural    6. House & Home    7. Reference    8. Self-Help    9. Home & House Maintenance    10. Reference works   

Reviews (1)

A True Delight!
I was absolutely delighted by this book! The unique (and fun!) projects in Artful Memories burst off the pages with bright, juicy colors. The instructions are easy to follow and their "make it yours" suggestions are clever and really got me thinking about my household items that are just waiting to be painted, collaged, and embellished with my own memories. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conservation and restoration    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Paper Crafts    6. Papercrafts    7. Photograph albums    8. Photographs    9. Reference    10. Scrapbooks   

Reviews (1)

Not just another candle making book!
This is probably the most creative candle making book that I have ever seen.Sure, it has all of the same information about making candles as the other books, but Claire Leavey goes above and beyond all of the others when it comes to making beautiful and unique candles.From the "Coco Cabana" candle which is made using a half a coconut to "Cafe Creme" with it's embedded coffee beans, you won't be disappointed.There are instructions for making Easter candles out of actual egg shells, Advent & Hanukkah candles, candles made using balloons to shape the "mold," garden candles, candles that look good enough to eat and tons of other cool ideas!Leavey explains how to make your own latex molds and how to perform the pouring technique.She also has more "exotic" scent suggestions than I've seen in other books.This book also has a lot of great pictures and step-by-step instructions.If you're a candlemaker, you need this book in your collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Candlemaking    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Reference    6. Toymaking - General   

Reviews (1)

Unintimidating Stumpwork and Needlelace
I've looked at several other stumpwork and needlelace books and was very intimidated.This book makes these techniques seem doable and achievable by normal people.I haven't done everything from this book by any stretch, but I've done a few bits and pieces and her instructions WORK.And again, her instruction style is very unintimidating.This has to be one of the best places to start for stumpwork. ... Read more

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

Reviews (3)

Great book!
The book all model railroader must have. Blueprints are perfect to check dimensions of models and there is also the models' histories.

A must have for steam enthusiasts
Maybe I looked at a different book than the previous reviewer. This is dynamite. It's obviously great for model makers, but I like it just for the reference info and the photographs. Couple this with Drury's Guide to NorthAmerican Steam Locomotives and it's a great reference set.

Good review of many steam engines for modeling.
This is a good overview of mostly standard guage steam engines.There are some good drawings that could be used to create or enhance an engine model.There is very little information on narrow guage and none on two footguage engines. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Model Railroading    5. Reference    6. Model railways   

Reviews (3)

Outstanding problem prevention info
A wealth of solid advice on how to prevent (or solve) a wide variety of ceramics problems.Well-written and easy to read.A unique collection of topics, but well-organized, making it easy to find what you're looking for.Includes details about clays and glazes, buying materials, firing, safety, and even business considerations.The title is accurate: you really should know what's in this book, and much of it you won't find elsewhere.

Must have for beginners
I am a self taught potter.This is one of the first books I bought on the subject and I still find it very valuable.It gets to the point and addresses practical problems in clear and specific ways.The glaze recipes that are given work, however it helps to have a bit of knowledge first.(I didn't understand about the thermal expansion of lithium and one of the base glazes give is overloaded with it.It broke my clay body apart completely, not surprising from its chemistry.On the proper clay body it would have been fine.) The solutions to the problems work well.I am using, with good results, a clay body that uses advise from this book.It doesn't have every solution to problems, but I haven't seen any book that does.It is interesting and covers a wide range of important issues for the potter, issues that are often left out of other books.I highly recommend it for anybody who works in clay, specifically those who mix their own clay and glazes.

Beginner's Paradise
As a beginner in the world of pottery, I found this book to be useful in alanguage that is easy to follow and understand. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Pottery & Ceramics    5. Pottery craft    6. Reference    7. Safety    8. Ceramics    9. Handicrafts   

Reviews (3)

Great skills to learn!
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (6/06)
Soooo Many Things To Choose From
If you get the book,or look on Amazon, you'll see that there are 4 1/2 pages in the table of contents. There is a whole lot to choose from. Buuuuut, sometimes, the author gets a little confusing, and I can't see what he's saying. It's a really good book though, ESPECIALLY if you are a person interested in native americans.

A good book but a little vague
I enjoyed reading this book and still use it quite a bit for reference. I just wish the writer of this book would have spent a little more time on the details of the subjects of this book. It is quite vague on many things. The best part of this book is the different animal track markings. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Ethnic Studies - Native American Studies    3. History    4. History: American    5. Indian craft    6. Indians of North America    7. Industries    8. Native American    9. Reference    10. Active outdoor pursuits    11. Handicrafts    12. History / Native American    13. North America    14. USA   

Reviews (3)

Well worth the money
The two things I like most about this book is its thoroughness in the techniques it shows and its easy to understand and follow instructions. Not only does it give step-by-step written instructions, but it also shows you pictures at each step, unlike some craft books that only give you a picture of the final project. The book also contains a variety of projects, and they are decorated in different styles. Most other craft book only offer one style, such as very -artsy- (i.e. colorful) or very -country-. There is nothing wrong with these styles, but it is nice to have a variety of inspiring choices, such as this book provides. I reccommend it to both the beginner and more experienced crafter.

Excellent Resource for those who want to make books or paper
Altho' I am somewhat of a beginning artist, I want to use my form to make books and embellished items.After comparing this book to others, I found this WELL worth the investment -- even at full price.I can hardly wait to get started!It covers very basic techniques to more advanced, "artsier" stuff, and makes it simple enuf to follow along and figure it out.Complete with great photos and simple instructions...if you're interested in making books or paper, this is a great resource...

Excellent Book
I have 5 books on making photo albums and books. I love this book. The book describes how to make paper and then get's into how to make books. It is by far a useful resource to own. A+++ in my book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bookbinding    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Papercrafts    6. Reference