Reviews (7)

Wedding details.
I love this book, will use often to make sure that every wedding I plan have those touches to make this special for each bride.

Pretty Pictures - but that's about it
I flipped through this book in about 10 minutes and did not get many usable ideas from it. Some of the projects seemed like they would take forever to do for even a medium sized wedding. Some seemed pretty expensive. If you like Martha Stewert and Design magazines, you might like looking through this - but otherwise just flip through it at the bookstore. Its not worth the money.

A huge disappointment
I think many of the ideas are only practical and affordable if you have a tiny guest list. The pictures show weddings that are in a house, not a large ball room. There was a few ideas on how to present seating arrangements that I found useful, but most of these I had seen for free on the internet. Some of the ideas include attaching bunches of flowers to chair backs for the reception, or putting a flower in each guests napkin. Although these are great ideas, anyone who is budget minded will have trouble adapting most of the ideas to a large scale wedding.Read more

Subjects:  1. Handicraft    2. Planning    3. Reference    4. Seasonal    5. Wedding decorations    6. Weddings    7. Reference / Weddings   

Reviews (1)

The best ever!
She wasn't kidding! These really are quick. The directions are simple and easy to follow and the designs are darling. It's the best Holiday book for quick projects I've found.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Holiday decorations    5. Patterns    6. Quilting    7. Quilts & Quilting    8. Seasonal    9. Textile painting   

Editorial Review

Those who yearn for spiritual meaning but aren't strongly affiliatedwith a specific religion sometimes feel left out of winter holidays. Read more

Reviews (39)

Save your money!
This book offers more information about Santa Claus than it does the gods/godesses associated with the Winter Soltice.The craft projects are cheesey and the recipes terrible.Save your money and do a little research yourself and if you want recipes or craft projects pick up one of those special Christmas magazines for ideas you can adapt for a pagan holiday theme.

It Could Have Been So Much Better
First off, let me point out that I have high standards when it comes to pagan books.I expect for my faith to be presented to the general public as something that should be taken seriously, not poked fun at.I realize that these may be high expectations, but nonetheless...The first chapter was funny to me because although I could understand where Dorothy was coming from in her explanation of the history of how Yule came to be I could almost hear the right-wing Christians raging on their pews.It was the way she explained it that seemed a bit of a stretch.On the other hand, I liked the way she presented the symbols of the season and where they originated.There were some good prayers.Also helpful to me were the recipes for the Yule Log Rolls and how to make a real Yule Log.Other than that I decided against purchasing this book.I'm hoping to find a concise book on Yule that digs deeper into the history and gives me a clearer picture of how people practiced Yule.(A NOTE TO EDITORS:If you are expecting to sell more pagan themed books of this kind, you need to start including full-color photos.If I am going to pay money for a book like this I want to see photos that go along with the recipes-what would a typical Yule table from 2006 look like for example?- and photos that go along with the craft projects.You cannot expect people to try the craft projects without knowing what they will look like.)This book is helpful for beginner pagans or nonpagans who just want a look at some fun history facts.

Put Martha & Wicca in a Blender - More Crap Fluff
Put Martha & Wicca in a Blender - More Llewellyn Crap Fluff
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Christmas    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    5. Holidays - General    6. New Age    7. Seasonal    8. Winter festivals    9. Winter solstice    10. Witchcraft & Wicca    11. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    12. Customs    13. Paganism    14. Wicca   

Reviews (4)

Another great McGraw book!
Mary Jo McGraw always makes a good technique book and this is no exception.There are lots of good techniques for using walnut ink in here.I had always just used it to stain paper by spraying in on with a spray bottle but here she shows other ways to apply it (like using a brush) and get different antique effects.All the techniques are broken down into easy to understand steps, each with a picture showing exactly what to do. In addition to the walnut ink there are techniques using beeswax, stamping on mica, using napkins, alcohol ink, omni gel transfer techniques, etc.She does all these with copies of antique photos and boy they are just so cool and so easy.So many techniques to play with - this book will keep you busy and learning for a long time.I've had it for a few months now and keep picking it up to try new things.An absolute must have if you like that antique look.

What a Find!
I found this gem of a book in the library and now I am going to buy a copy. Why? because it is so full of ideas I don't want to forget a one! Mary Jo's ideas range from modest to WOW! She uses materials in ways I never would have thought of. Inspriring me to use my own vintage pictures on fresh new ways. I can not wait to try the rubber stamping on copper and the photo transfer onto metal. One of my grandfather's was a tinsmith and I am looking forward to doing a picture of him on that metal. I recomend this book to anyone who is looking for new ways to enjoy card making and scrapbooking.

Way more than the cover suggests.
Somewhere along the way I've become far too jaded, because when I first saw more pictures of sepia-stippled, faux-aged, faux-vintage cards, my spirit withered within me and unintentionally I issued a tiny faux-sigh.You know, I loved the whole walnut ink thing when it got started.But a girl has limits.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Greeting cards    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Papercrafts    6. Seasonal    7. Paper crafts   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Gingerbread houses    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Seasonal    7. Cakes, baking, icing & sugarcraft    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Seasonal    9. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes   

Editorial Review

A domestic dervish whose Read more

Reviews (5)

Good purchase
Exactly the book I was looking for - great photos, good hints, clear explanations. A pleasure for the eyes!

Nice, but nothing to get hugely excited about.
Roehm makes pretty things and to do that she relies upon items such as hellebores (a winter-blooming flower) which are quite hard for the average person to find.If her projects were less work or so dazzling that you didn't mind running all over East Overcoat to find the necessary components, then I'd be more enthusiastic about this book.As it stands, it's kind of a pricey picture book.I'd recommend Tracy Porter or Martha Stewart for a more hands-on experience.

VIVE LA DIFFERENCE!
WHAT A TERRIFIC BOOK! This is"la creme de la creme" and i find it very difficult when other reviewers compare her product with Martha Stewart's line!It is as if we compare Opera with Andrea Bocelli,this collection of notebooks are so refined and so classic at the same time thati rediscover them each time i need them. The winter notebook giveswonderful ideas of presents for the guests and the flower arrangments areone of a kind. The level of artistry is demonstrated in each pages andplaces Carolyne Roehm as one of the most elegant designer of all. I alsoappreciate the fact that Carolyne Roehm understands the need of elegance inthe day-to-day life and that it doesn't have to be expensive. I'm a youngOpera singer and in my field you receive a lot of flowers and with thisbook i was able to create wonderful bouquets and appreciate another form ofart. I admire her flair and her sense of style, for me Carolyne Roehm isnot only a designer but a real artist who search for the very best in everydetail. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Cookery    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Entertaining - General    5. Flower Arranging    6. Flower arrangement    7. Gardening    8. General    9. House & Home    10. Seasonal    11. Gardening / Flowers / General    12. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    13. Home & House Maintenance   

Reviews (3)

A Christmas book with pumpkins
What I found really weird about this book was (besides having nothing really new or interesting in it) was that it was essentially a Christmas craft and gift book with a Halloween theme overlay.
The Ultimate Halloween book this is not!
Any book that bills itself the "Ultimate" had better be at least very good. This book doesn't fit the bill. A beautiful book, but the contents are reworked ideas most crafters have seen before. You'll get morebang for your buck buying a Halloween crafting magazine. Most projects aremuch too difficult for kids. Cute food ideas.

FANTASTIC!!
This is a GREAT Halloween book, perhaps one of the best! It has a little bit of everything, including some wonderful and original ideas for Halloween. ie- recipies for Halloween cookies, designs for Halloweenjackets, how to turn your small pumpkins into excellent looking cats andyour squashes into black and white ghosts. Also has tons of fantasticdecorations and many cute and original Halloween costumes for little kids.This is great, and totally worth it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Halloween decorations    4. Holiday - General    5. Seasonal    6. Sociology    7. Fiction / War   

Reviews (8)

don't make the same mistake
Dear prospective owner,
Great, easy art!
I like crafting very much. Greeting cards hold an especially dear place in my heart and I love to make them constantly. Just about everyone I know has received at least one homemade greeting card from me at one time or another. So yes, I'm always on the lookout for new books on the subject. This one, I have to say, is great! Not just cards, not just rubberstamping.
Not that there'd be anything wrong with a book being "just" about either subject, but this one in particular by McGraw happens to transcend the information on the cover as well as the niche one might casually file it away in.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Greeting cards    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Papercrafts    6. Seasonal    7. Handicrafts    8. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games    9. Paper crafts   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crafts for Children    4. Halloween decorations    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jack-o-lanterns    7. Seasonal    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Reference   

Reviews (5)

Disapointing
If you are interested in fun, playful cards, then this is not the book for you.Most of the cards in this book are what I would call, "boring."There are a lot better books out there.Save your money.

Just alright, not great
I borrowed this from the library and was glad I did, because while it was alright, it was not great.Only a few of the cards made me want to try them out such as the "stained glass effect", quilling.There also better books if you are a beginner to card making.

Its ok
I bought this just starting out, and to be honest. I find more fun stuff to do on-line. How many of us have these supplies to make stained glass looks and special gold stuff. Unless your rich and can afford all these supplies. Don't bother. Search the internet for ideas. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Papercrafts    5. Seasonal   

Reviews (4)

best book on wreaths
I bought 4 other books on wreaths by other authors, and this one is the most inspirational one with clear directions.Not fussy.We turn to it every year when it is time to decorate the house for Christmas.

Beauty!
I am not from the United States and still adored this book. The photographs are amazing and the ideas are astonishing and so symbolic. Martha and one of her staff members embarked to create a wreath for each of the states, and each wreath reflects some natural element of the state in question. Whether it's wheat, moss, succulents, palm leaves, pinecones, tumble weeds, sunflowers, grasses, pine branches or sea shells the ideas will inspire you. Martha's introduction shows a photo of Martha on the balcony of the White House where she writes about her exhilerating experience decorating the White House with Hilary Clinton for Christmas one year and how that very American event inspired the idea for the series of wreaths and the book. This is a must-have for any Martha fan!!

Great American Wreaths: The Best of Martha Stewart Living
Just as Martha's magazine is a joy of visual delights, this book get's the creative juices flowing.Divided into wreath making by types: wire wreaths, living wreaths, gathered wreaths etc. it is also written with a focus of wreaths presented by the 50 States with the bounties of each state proudly displayed in stunning wreath form. Maybe because it is fall and the beautiful changing leaves in Minnesota make me feel all homey, I am stirred to actual creation. Unlike some of Martha's projects when I say to myself, "yeah, sure...." I truly believe I can do these!This would make a wonderful birthday or Holiday gift to anyone who loves visual delight or poking in nature. "It's a good thing." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Dried Flowers    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Nature craft    7. Seasonal    8. Wreaths    9. Crafts & Hobbies / General    10. Floral crafts   

Reviews (2)

This one is classic for brainstorming ideas.
If you are at all crafty, you'll get tons of inspiration from these ideas.While you may not do these projects exactly, they are sure to spark more ideas.Definately a great resource for the do it yourselfer.

Much more flair and individuality than it's peers.
I found almost all projects in the book to be interesting and simple to do. The authours have complied a great range of funky unique projects, I especially like the origami invites, wind-up place cards and photo booth candle, all quick, easy & cheap to make. The best wedding book I have seen. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Equipment and supplies    4. Handicraft    5. Reference    6. Seasonal    7. Wedding decorations    8. Weddings    9. Etiquette & entertaining    10. Handicrafts   

Reviews (2)

Another Great Book wtih all the Holiday Trimmings!
Farmhouse Christmas is another great Gooseberry Patch Book filled with charming memories and excellent recipes sure to warm your heart and feed your tummy! Great Ideas to Make a Christmas You'll Remember
This book is wonderful....reading it is like talking to a good friend about holiday traditions.There are ideas for homemade gifts such as pancake mix, cookies in a jar, ornaments, and keepsakes.The recipes sounddelicious and include items like an edible cookie bowl, Granny's Pot Roast,Caramel Apple Crisp, and Snickerdoodles.Build a fire, grab some hotcocoa, make some homemade gifts, and cook up some warm food for yourfamily....this one is a hit! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas cookery    2. Christmas decorations    3. Cookery, American    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Seasonal    6. Cooking / Wine    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Seasonal    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    10. Holiday - General    11. Seasonal    12. Cookbooks    13. Cookery    14. Cooking / Holiday    15. Crafts / Hobbies    16. Recipes   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decoration and ornament    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Painting    6. Seasonal    7. Technique    8. Techniques - Painting    9. Decorative arts & crafts    10. Handicrafts   

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 (1)

A kinder, gentler Halloween with style
Kasey Rogers has brought us a kinder, gentler Halloween.Although I think this one fell somewhat short of her first Halloween crafts book, there are still some great ideas and A LOT of inspiration in this book. Again, Halloween is the eerily elegant holiday she presented in her first book and enough to single out this book in the bulk of Halloween crafts and decorating books.Also worth note are 10 or so odd vintage images at the back of the book that you can use for her projects or your own. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Seasonal    6. Handicrafts   

Subjects:  1. Applied Arts (Specific Aspects)    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating - General    5. Education    6. General    7. Handicraft    8. Holiday decorations    9. Seasonal    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Decorating    11. Home furnishing & decoration   

Reviews (3)

Best Christmas Book Ever!!
I have several of the Gooseberry Patch cookbooks but I have to admit that this is one of my favorites!Mainly because I like reading about the traditions and I will read it all throughout the year.One of the best hints is to help defray the cost of a Christmas tree during the holiday season, we decorate an old coffee container and tape it around the top and throw in all of our loose change all year round and believe me by December you will have enough money to buy a very nice tree and it doesn't seem to hurt the pocket book so much.

Creative food presented in a graphic style I love ---Buy it!
Every one of this series is read and enjoyed both for the tasty, homemade, loving recipes but equally for the hand drawn country illustraions. the spiral binding is handy in the kitchen and the cover makes it a cuteaddition to a shelf or table set up for the holidays.. No I don't work forthe company I'm just a long time fan! Great for gifts, too. They are WELLreceived !

A one of a kind book
This book was definitely not a waste of money.It gives ideas for family traditions, homemade gifts, and lots of good recipes.This Gooseberry book would make a good holiday gift for any family member or friend who enjoyshomemade items or craft activities. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas cookery    3. Christmas decorations    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine    6. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    7. Holiday - General    8. Seasonal    9. Cooking / Holiday   

Reviews (2)

The title doesn't lie!
The projects in this book are in fact pretty fast, pretty easy, and really fun! This book had techniques (paper piecing) and materials (stabilizer, fusible interfacing) that I had never used or even heard of before. But by following the instructions (with just a bit of help from the nice people at my neighborhood quilting shop), I was able to create two really cool Christmas stockings, one from the book and one that I designed myself, in three or four days. And I had so much fun making them that I bought more Christmas fabrics on sale and plan to make several more stockings while my kids are at camp this summer. I've never done any quilting before, and although I learned basic sewing as a kid, I'm no expert seamstress. So I was really thrilled that my projects were so successful.

Fast, Fun & Easy Christmas Stockings
I like all the "Fast, Fun and Easy" books.I have not had a chance to practice any of these projects, but they look fun and diversified ... and Christmas 2006 is really not all that far away! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Christmas stockings    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Holidays - General    8. Quilt Making    9. Quilts & Quilting    10. Seasonal    11. Christmas books    12. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (1)

A unique DYI
Many churches have difficulty in finding good, useful vestments at a decent cost.Many churches also have a ready supply of creative people who would love the opportunity to turn their hands to providing good, useful vestments.This book is geared toward them.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Church Administration - General    2. Church vestments    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Seasonal    7. Christian rites & ceremonies    8. Needlework & fabric crafts