Editorial Review

Extremely thorough and beautifully designed, Read more

Reviews (18)

Good, basic book for easy hand-crafted soap
I found this book very helpful for basic techniques. One complaint, however: a list of resources would have been great. There are so many suppliers of melt and pour soap base that it's hard to figure out which soap base to buy. Recommendations would be a real boon. Some other resources for fragrances, essential oils and especially colorants would also be a desirable addition.

A Definate Must Have!
This is one of the first books I purchased on this subject and I thought it was the best.Besides having some good receipes the book goes over equipment, moods of color and other topics.I have purchased her natural soapmaking book and her designer soapmaking book.I see that she has an updated soapmaking book which I am planning to purchase in the near future.I wish I found about this books earlier. Anyone teaching melt and pour soap making should recommend these books to your students. Now that I am teaching, I will be recommending these books to my students! All of her books are great for beginners in this subject.I recommend this books to anyone who is on the fence.

This is a Great Start!
Melt and Pour Soapmaking is a great book for beginners like myself. The directions were incredibly easy for me to follow and my finished products exceeded my expectations. I really got into making the chunk soaps and layered ones. Once I got the hang of it (good thing about soapmaking is that even the ones that didn't turn out were still useable!), I went out and purchased some candy molds from the thrift store and made some super cute little "guest soaps". Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Reference    6. ART - Art Technique TRD PB    7. Crafts & Hobbies / General    8. Handicrafts   

Subjects:  1. Construction - Carpentry    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Engineering Instruments    4. House & Home    5. Reference    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Wood    8. Woodwork    9. Woodwork - General    10. Woodworking    11. Woodworking tools    12. Carpentry    13. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork   

Reviews (4)

Extravagantly disappointing
There is some info in this book I haven't seen elsewhere about the sources for these luxury fibers, their history and care, etc.This part of the book reads like a travelog, with nice pictures of goats on the steppes and silkworms.The author has strong opinions about what brands of yarn you should buy, and coindentally, they are all sold at her shop.
One of the BEST!
This is a FABULOUS book.Elegant and informative....definately on my top ten knitting book list.You will not be disappointed!

SO SOFT!!!
I HAVE BEEN KNITTING FOR ABOUT 3 YRS NOW & GET TO EVERY KNIT STORE I CAN. I JUST HAPPENED TO BE IN NYC LAST SATURDAY & STOPPED IN THE AUTHOR'S STORE FOR SOME CASHMERE. I WALKED OUT WITH A LOT OF CASHMERE & A FULL PRICE COPY OF THIS GORGEOUS BOOK! THE DESIGNS ARE BEAUTIFUL, ESPECIALLY THE PLEATED DRESS. I BOUGHT THE BOOK FOR THAT PATTERN ALONE. YOU WON'T BE SORRY UNLESS YOU PASS UP THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Knitting    5. Reference    6. BG-COOKBKS - BG - COOKBOOKS    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Editorial Review

Because making a handmade gift takes time--one of our most precious commodities--Sally Pasley Vargas points out in Read more

Reviews (10)

Food for Friends:Homemade gifts for every season
This book has so many fun and wonderful things to make for yourself or for a friend.I have made several of the recipes and have received "rave" reviews for all of them.

Great ways to make your friends feel special!
I was given this book as a door prize at a fund raising event. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed to have won a cook book, since I am not a cook. BUT...I love making my friends and family feel special, and this book has some great ideas on how to do just that. It has everything from very simple ways to make cordials and wines to jams and jellies and even a wonderful recipe for toasted pecans. The ideas for packaging are wonderful. The book is even very pretty, so it makes a great coffee table book or a pretty little hostess gift! (That is...unless you want to choose a simple recipe in the book for your hostess)! Two thumbs up!

A book to keep
I thought to give this book to a friend, but then I read it and decided that the creative ideas were so good and unusual, and the practical tips were so helpful that I would keep it myself, and give away the finished products she describes rather than the book itself.I have just made the hazelnut shortbread, and altho' I knew the tip about rubbing toasted hazelnuts in a cloth to remove the brown skin, she suggested a damp terry towel, and the dampness is the key!It was so much easier than with the dry towel I used before.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. General    5. Gifts    6. Reference    7. Seasonal    8. Cookery dishes & courses   

Reviews (8)

Learn a wonderful art form
I first became aware of Temari when I saw some balls on display by a lady offering lessons on how to make them.The lessons were $65.00.I decided to check Amazon.com before I gave up learning it on my own.I ordered this book and was thrilled with the results.The instructions are very easy to follow with lots of drawings showing exactly what to do.I was successful on my first try and I am delighted with my new hobby. I have just ordereda second book by Diana Vandervoort and can't wait to get it.By the way, the balls that I had seen on display were all from this book.

A Great Beginners Book!
I first was introduced to temari while channel surfing, and stumbling onto the Carol Duval show on HG network when Diana Vandervoort was demonstrating her craft.I could not wait to get my hands on her book and try it formyself-mostly because I could not believe something so elegant and complexcould be so easy to do!This turned out to be one of the easiest crafts Ihave ever tried, and I have tried my hand at A LOT of things.The photosare truly inspiring, and the instructions are some of the easiest tounderstand and follow.I can't wait to get my hands on the next book, andnew patterns.

Temari- How to Make Japanese Thread Balls
This is an excellent guide to help you create beautiful, and fun-to-do, Temari balls.Simple and easy to follow intructions are given. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - General    5. Reference    6. Textile Arts - General    7. Handicrafts    8. Japan    9. Textile arts   

Reviews (9)

Review on Black Powder Handbook (3rd ed.)
An excellent book for anyone who is even remotely interested in blackpowder shooting or hunting and an essential book for someone who is already blackpowder shooting and hunting.

Should be called the Blackpowder Bible
I bought this book with just an interest in muzzleloading. Then I went to a long gun store and had some long talks with the store owner who has many years in muzzleloading experience. Every tip, explanation, anecdotal experience he shared with me on buying, loading and shooting a muzzleloader was in this book. I particularly appreciated the emphasis on safety with black powder guns. By the time I decided on a gun and purchased the accessories, I had confidence and comfort in being able to load and shoot safely and correctly. This is the ultimate book for learning about muzzleloaders.

One of the best
I had to respond to the reviewer from Ballston Lake, NY who referred to my review as sounding"unobjective" and like a "PR blurb from a friend of the author". I don't know Sam Fadala, and have never met him. I don't work for his publishers. I HAVE been involved in the muzzleloading hobby for over twenty years. Fadala knows of what he speaks, I should know, since I've "been there and done that". Oddly enough Ballston Lake NY, you said that you HAD NOT READ this book. I suggest you READ the book and gain more knowledge and experience. Fadala has spent more hours in actually testing and using these firearms than the majority of "gun writers" pounding a keyboard today. Oh and by the way, I'm not related to Fadala and NOBODY is paying me for this review. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Hunting Sports    4. Muzzle-loading firearms    5. Reference    6. Shooting    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Small firearms, guns & other equipment   

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Clip Art    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Reference    8. COMPUTERS - LINUX TRD PB    9. Crafts & Hobbies / General    10. Handicrafts    11. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design   

Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Reference    5. Sports Cards - General   

Reviews (15)

A little disappointed
I read all the good reviews and bought this book. I have to say I am disappointed. There are not a lot of content in the book, as you can tell that the author intentionally increase the margin of each page to greatly increase the total page number. The diagrams are sketchy, of low quality.
Definitive Guide To Shed Building
Out of all the shed books I have read, this book stays by my side while I hammer in the yard.The book is well written by what appears to be a non professional book writer (A Good Thing).It reads as if you are getting advise in laymans terms from your neighbor "The Craftsman", a welcome change from the DIY books, that assume a level of expertese.The level of detail is high and discusses gotcha's, advise, and trade "secrets" that could have only come from years of personal experience building sheds.
A great help and great read
This book was great, fun to read too.It gave plenty of ideas and advice.It wasn't the only book I used when building my shed but, certainly was the one I used the most.I recommend this book for anyone who's never built a shed before. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Buildings    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Design and construction    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Reference    8. Sheds   

Editorial Review

Relatively new to the candle-making kingdom, gel is a readily available, adaptable substance that can be transformed into all sorts of fascinating candle looks. By melting the jelly-like goop, adding color and perhaps fragrance, and pouring into a heatproof container with a wick, anyone can whip up one-of-a-kind candles. Dawn Cusick's Read more

Reviews (6)

Creative & Beautiful Candles to Make
This book is fantastic,I really love all the information.Excellent!

Some ideas worth considering
This book does have some pics with short wicks(which the candlemaker could fix) and one or so of the crafts could be fixed differently to keep the wicks away from embeds.The rose candle on p.49 could still work in a larger container with a shorter wick.The paper used in the candles is against the glass and away from the wick. As with all crafts, the crafter can use his judgement and change around things.That said. Creative and helpful
I don't know what either the Michigander or the Nashbabe are talking about.Rankin goes into depth about flash point and the importance of a clip-on thermometer and the dangers of gel.Read more

Subjects:  1. Candlemaking    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Reference    6. Candle-making    7. Crafts & Hobbies / General    8. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes   

Reviews (42)

must be an idiot
Was not helpful in starting, had to have someone show me. Wouldn't recommend the book.

Adequate for the basics
Some people have complained that this book wasn't in-depth enough for them...Well, the book is a guide!It doesn't claim to be an all-inclusive, comprehensive text.But it is definitely a great reference tool to learn the sheer basics.The illustrations and accompanying descriptions for learning the crochet and knit stitches are very good.Previously, seeing a pattern for a project would have intimidated me.Now I can understand them and have successfully created some articles that I'm very proud of.
Great tutorials
I have always been a fan of Ms. Barbara's via the [...] website and I was thrilled beyond words when I found out she was going to be putting her never ending knowledge about knitting in a book.If you want to learn to knit, grab this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Reference    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (4)

Excellent Resource!
I have always considered myself hopelessly inept when it comes to doing anything crafty.Ms. Maloney's book has changed all that!Charming projects, inviting photos and clearly written instructions allow me to complete these favors with confidence and ease.My local library thought the book was so great that they have put it in their collection too!

This is a MUST buy book!
You will never need another how-to book for ideas and instructions to make a favor again.The instructions are excellent (so are the close-up pictures) and, the where to buy what you need items to make these favors are listed.Simple but elegant, beautiful, unique, oh how cute, favors for every occasion are in this book.Brilliant ideas and favors, Mary Lynn!

You get more than you pay for!
If you are going to undertake hand-crafting a few dozen Favors you want them to be easy but also fun and different. This book shows 75 ideas that perfectly fit the bill. Additionally, with most projects, the author gives an additional "tip" that effectively doubles the number of ideas. The color photography clearly shows each idea. The lists of necessary items and the "How to" steps are complete but leave plenty of room for your own creativity. I especially liked the "Rubber Ducky" favor!I have found this to be a very useful addition to my creative ideas library and, in fact, have given a couple to my friends. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Handicraft    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Holiday decorations    6. Party decorations    7. Reference    8. Seasonal    9. Wedding decorations    10. Crafts & Hobbies / General    11. Handicrafts    12. Paper crafts   

Reviews (4)

Absolutely necessary for collectors
You cannot even think about collecting locks unless you have this book.This is the "bible" which I carry everywhere I go.It contains photos and prices for almost every lock I have ever come across. Exhaustive piece of work on the subject.

Excellent!
Best book written on collecting locks, period.Great photos, descriptions.One of the best "antiques/collectibles" price guides on the market.

Contat
Havent been able to read the book yet. I would like to get in contact with the reader from Argentina Would it be possible to pass me his E-Mail. Thank you for your kind attention Claude Schilling. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Catalogs    2. Collectors and collecting    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Padlocks    6. Reference   

Reviews (4)

The Illuminated Alphabet
"This book contains the best things to know to begin doing Illuminated manuscript writing. The authors list great resources, give useful lists, and then help you get started!!
Illuminate your journals
A gorgeous book showcasing and demonstrating decorative calligraphy. Step by step instructions for a wide variety of styles and period pieces of illuminated lettering. A great way to add some interest to sketchbook journals. HOWEVER! A patient and attention-to-detail mindset is required for this exacting art form.

Solid starting point for anyone doing illumination
When you start illumination, you want to try different styles to see which fits your interest and talents best. This book creates a step by step walk-through for many different styles in a do-able manner for a beginner. But beyond that, the book provides examples of where to go from there. For instance, start of with the letter used as the example. When you finish that, try including one of the borders shown in that section using the same skills developed by following the example. Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Reference    5. Techniques - Calligraphy    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Reference    7. PHILOSOPHY - PHLSPHY GEN TRD PB   

Reviews (5)

the title sells it all
i think this book is very informative. Barbara knows how to market, and can give you tips on how to do it yourself
A wealth of information!
Creative Cash by Barbara Brabec is THE book to have if you are considering turning your crafting hobby into a business and/or profession. Marketing your crafts - even hostess party plans!
Hi - My name is Opal Leasure, The Apron StringsCountry Home Party Lady.Barbara's book, Creative Cash is chock full of helpful hints and downhome advice on getting your crafts business going and growing.As one of thesmall business entrepreneurs mentioned in the book, I feel the author doesan excellent job of showing others "how-to" sell, market andotherwise, expand, their home based business endeavors. Creative Cashoutlines hundreds of ways to market crafts including party plan (hostess)selling, home shows and boutiques. Italso reflects on how one thing canlead to another, in life, and your own small business. Many listed, myselfincluded, went on to self publish their own how-to books. I was very happyto note in the book, that Barbara included a resource section listing theprofessional crafters mentioned in the book. This is a good way for readersto benefit from the talents, ideas and creativity of many people. I urge others to order Creative Cash - it helps readers realize how gifted theyreally are and gives them incentives to get started with their own homebased business plans.With Barbara's easy to read text, the book is a plusfor every crafter's reference library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Handicraft    5. Home-based Businesses    6. Marketing    7. Reference    8. Selling    9. Skills    10. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Beauty & Grooming - General    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Fashion    6. General    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Reference    9. Antiques & Collectables    10. Costume    11. Fashion design   

Reviews (6)

Excellent reference
This is a very useful book for studying tribal or regional designs of bows.Most bows on the market have incorrect or nil provenance on the origin of the bow.This book gives the ethnologist some indication of common characteristics of bow design from the regions listed.If you are looking to build your own bow, Hamm (and others) have different works specifically written for would-be bowyers.
From an arrow collector
This book, thanks to the very accurate drawings and precise indications (length, diameter, type of wood and fletching, colours indications) have enabled me to duplicate native American arrows with precision. I have often counterchecked the descriptions with some information I have found in museums and found the book very reliable. First pity, there aren't enough photos or colour drawings. Second and most catastrophic pity: why has the publisher apparently given up the idea of publishing the second volume about the Great plains, Columbia and Southwest?

One of a kind, at least for now
It is true that this book is not a how-to book, but I think that was the author's intention.What it is, is a much-needed reference work, indeed, it is the first and certainly most up-to-date record of American Indian archery equipment.It's been at least 50 years since a book of this sort has been published.My only objection is that the book does not (cannot?) provide enough context or provenance; this is a minor objection.Perhaps fans of Hamm would be more satisfied with Bows and Arrows of the Native Americans.I'd say the book is directed more towards the ethnographer or anthropologist; however, the book is clearly an invaluable reference for the traditional archer/bowyer (hey, this is a "living" hobby - be creative), as it provides dimensions, materials used, colors, and closeups of designs.Fans of American Indian art in gerneral will also appreciate it.Volume II, which should be available before the end of the year, should be at least as good. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Archaeology / Anthropology    2. Archery    3. Bow and arrow    4. Ethnic Studies - Native American Studies    5. History    6. History: World    7. Implements    8. Indian weapons    9. Indians of North America    10. Native American    11. Native American Archaeology    12. North America    13. Pictorial works    14. Sociology    15. American history    16. Crafts & Hobbies / Reference    17. History of specific racial & ethnic groups    18. Hunting or shooting animals & game    19. North American archaeology    20. The Americas   

Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Catalogs    3. Coins, Currency & Medals    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Paper money    8. Reference    9. Reference - General    10. United States   

Reviews (9)

Excellent Book For Anyone With Basic Candle Knowledge
The Encyclopedia Of Candle Making by Sandie Lea is an excellent book for anyone with the least be of knowledge in candle making. However, with that said you really need to know the basics to get this book because a few things are not explained in detail in the beginning.

Appears to be a great book!
I bought this two weeks ago off of amazon with some other books. I am really impressed with how well written and informitive this book is. I am really looking forward to applying it.

Loved it so well started selling candles
My wife was inspired to candle making after reading this book.You can view her soaps and candles at www homespun-candles-soap .com . ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Candlemaking    2. Candles    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Reference    7. Techniques - General   

Reviews (3)

Pretty Good Book
I'd thought this book was pretty good. Although the whole book is in color which is fantastic and a lot of neat ideas, there wasn't instructions for each of the projects. Great Samples & Instructions
Not just for scrapbookers, this is for anyone who loves to play with photos.The instructions clearly explain the angles and mirroring to create the results you want, and the samples provide a wide array of ideas to get you going. Cool stuff!

A Must Have For Great Scrapbook Pages!
This book has clear instructions, and great step by step photos for creating fabulous layouts that will stand out in any book!! ... Read more

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