Reviews (4)

Very Useful to the Bear Crafter
I gave up on the price of this book coming down and made the plunge and purchased a copy.As a bear desingner and crafter for over twenty five years I can say for sure that this book has priceless ideas and creative bear projects for anyone who would like to create with a pattern or to use a pattern as a jumping off point for your own creativity.I can recommend this book without hesitation and will use it from time to time for inspiration or for a pattern from the experts.

An excellent book
I have to disagree with the previous reviewer, and ask whether or not that reviewer actually tried making the pattern.I have made three of these splendid bears, and they came out beautifully.This is a wonderful selection of different, appealing bear styles, you are sure to find many that you love and wish to make.The instructions are easy to follow.The ideas you get from this book will serve as a springboard to designing your own if you wish.An excellent book for anyone interested in making miniature bears!!

Don't bother
The patterns included with this book are completely useless. They look as though they were drawn by hand with no regard as to whether the pieces would actually fit together. Making a bear with these pattern pieces would be impossible. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts & Hobbies / Miniatures    3. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    4. Crafts & Hobbies / Stuffed Animals    5. Crafts & Hobbies / Toymaking    6. Crafts / Hobbies    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Miniatures    9. Puppets & Puppetry    10. Stuffed Animals    11. Sewing    12. Soft toys    13. Teddy Bears    14. Toymaking   

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Soft toy making    4. Stuffed Animals    5. Soft toys   

Reviews (7)

Excellent
As a professional teddy bear artist who has sold internationally, I must say I owe a lot of my education to this book. While I have read just about every teddy bear making book out there (once you get started, it's addictive), I never found another quite as good as Teddy Bear Art. In this guide, Jenniger Laing addresses the true spirit of making artist teddy bears -- designing your own patterns.You can never be a complete artist until you can do this, and Laing will give you a good push in the right direction. She discusses each aspect of each pattern piece individually, shows you how to make changes in your finished product by altering the pattern, and finally tells you how to put all the pieces you've created together to make sure they'll fit -- before cutting your valuable mohair. She also addresses series of bears and ideas of names, collections of materials, and more. Again, this is the best book I have read on creating your own patterns from scratch and truly becoming a teddy bear artist. A stand out book
Jennifer's book is packed with a lot of useful information for beginners and experienced bear makers. This book contains information to help those who want to design their own bear patterns, as well as plenty of information for people learning how to make their first bear. A must for all bear artists.

Brilliant book
This book covers absolutely everything, from designing your own bear to putting it together and dressing it.It has patterns for a few bears and its the book you must have if you want to become a bearmaker without spending a lot of money on workshops ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Soft toy making    5. Stuffed Animals    6. Teddy bears    7. Toymaking - General    8. Soft toys   

Reviews (2)

What a find!
This is a great book, full of different and delightful dolls, babies, women, men and animals. I can't stop looking at it! Get yourself a soft sculpture needle and be glad the dryer eats one of every pair of your socks.

Sock dolls are not just monkeys!
When I was a kid, I made sock dolls. They were simple and I didn't have to do too much sewing before I could start playing.This book took me back to those happy days and also gave me some new ideas. There are"character" dolls (including a ballerina, a family, and SantaClaus) that children would probably enjoy.There are also lots of cutebaby and child dolls.Many of the socks used for the dolls pictured in thebook are "unusual" socks (patterned or textured) and the dollsare designed to be made of "new" socks (unlike my childhood toysthat I made of the odd socks who had lost their mates).The dolls in thisbook are quick and relatively easy to make - a good way to satisfy a childquickly with a "new toy".Also, older children who know how tosew could make many of these with a little help from an adult friend orfamily member. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Reference    5. Stuffed Animals    6. Toymaking - General    7. BG-RELIGION - BG-RELIGION GENERAL    8. Toys, teddy bears & dolls   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Doll clothes    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Patterns    6. Soft toy making    7. Stuffed Animals    8. Teddy bears   

Reviews (7)

Advanced embroidery
This book is for those that understand stitchery with ease. The designs are really good to use with anything, even making bookmarks. This book is for the advanced cross stitcher, or embroiderer.

Mixed Reviews
I like the designs, but the total black and white with tiny blocks makes the patterns hard to read. The designs are good, but lacking in color, so if you feel like playing around with them a bit, this is a great book - especially considering the price. Otherwise, I'd probably recommend staying away from it and going with a more expensive, though much more readable and more colorful alternative.

Great book; great price
WOW!For the price this book is absolutely wonderful.All the patterns are in black & white, but it's still just as useful as most of the $...-$... celtic cross-stitch books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals in art    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decoration and ornament, Celti    5. Decoration and ornament, Celtic    6. Europe - Ireland    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Needlework    9. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    10. Patterns    11. Stuffed Animals    12. Embroidery    13. History / Ireland    14. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design   

Reviews (4)

EXCELLENT, OUTSTANDING, HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Excellent teaching, photography, examples!! Oustanding Book On Cloth Doll Making-A Must Have!!
This is an excellent book for those who would like to learn more about the craft. Ms. Gorley is an excellent writer, teacher and the diretions/drawings are super helpful even for the novice. Uncomplicated Rag Doll Making & Sophisticated Classics
This exciting book shows uncomplicated rag dolls a child can make and sophisticated dolls that will challenge experienced dollmakers -- and everything in between. Complete doll patterns including clothing. Tips, embellishments and secrets are shared by well-known dollmakers. Beautiful color photographs as well as clear drawings/black & white sketches. Among the 10 patterns given are Dirk,a flag-bearing American Revolutionary boy doll, the Princess Bride and Anne of Green Gables. If you're going to buy just one book on doll-making, this is the one to purchase. Great comprehensive book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Doll clothes    4. Dollmaking    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Puppets & Puppetry    7. Soft toy making    8. Toy Arts And Crafts    9. Toymaking - Dollhouses    10. Toymaking - General    11. Soft toys   

Reviews (2)

Great Book Great Bears
This book has the most beautiful patterns.The bears are adorable and fairly easy to put together.These make great gift for showers and birthdays.They truely are heirloom peices.

A really practical book.
I was given this book last Christmas, and I'm slowly working my way through all the patterns. The instructions are straightforward and practical, and the bears are easy to make and don't take a long time; they all turn out beautfully. You can make them with or without clothes - the clothes take a little bit of time and can be a bit fiddly, but the bears look fine just dressed with a ribbon. There are big and small bears, and many of them can be made up from odds and ends of wool left over from other projects. For a particular project eg. one of the larger bears, I'll buy wool specially. They make great presents, and this book would make an excellent gift for anyone that likes knitting, even those I'd say without too much experience. One of the best Christmas presents I've had for a long time! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Hobbies/Crafts    2. Knitting    3. Soft toys   

Reviews (4)

Well written book, very clear instruction, I am buying another
I have made lots of teddy bears and I wish I had found this book years ago when I first started making bears. It not only tells you how to do something but also shows you in detail. I have always wanted to use flex joints and now thanks to this book I now know how to do it. It is written by someone who knows what they are talking about and I am buying another book just in case I ever loose the one, I just bought. I can't praise this book enough and I would tell any one to buy it. Starting from a person who wants to learn to make their first teddy bear to someone like myself who has made quite a few bears. It will help me to make even better quality bears and improve on the techniques I use now,to purchase this book, it is well worth the price. I have been looking for a book like this since I first started making bears. Thank You

An excellent "how-to" book for aspiring teddy bear artists.
This book is a "must-have" for the beginner and more experienced teddy bear makers' library.There is a large selection of adorable patterns, easy instructions and good quality color photographs. I highly recommend this book if you are serious about making professional looking teddy bears. Everything you need to know in one comprehensive book, plus artist tips and even a bit of Teddy trivia to keep things interesting.

A good source of information.
This is a well put together book on how to make bears, for a novice as well as a person who has made a few bears. The patterns have a skill rating and I especially liked the artist tips that accompany each pattern. Just what the teddy bear fans need, more patterns to play with. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Soft toy making    5. Stuffed Animals    6. Teddy bears   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Stuffed Animals    5. Soft toys   

Reviews (1)

Every teddy bear...past or present....needs a home!
Linda Mullins identification book is a must for the teddy bear collector. I have followed Mullins' teddy bear shows in So. California for almost 20 years and this book captures the knowledge and experience of Mullins.Thisbook offers comprehensive information that not only clearly identifies pastcollectible teddy bears but provides bear "seekers" valuableinformation on the newer bears the collector should be watching.ThanksLinda Mullins for such a fine book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Collectors and collecting    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Reference - Price Guides    6. Stuffed Animals    7. Teddy Bears    8. Antiques & Collectables   

Reviews (1)

Interesting mostly for the bears clothing patterns.
Only two bear patterns (joint and unjointed), but a lot of clothing patterns included (casual to formal). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Soft toy making    5. Stuffed Animals    6. Teddy bears    7. Toymaking - General    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Papercrafts    9. Toys, teddy bears & dolls   

Reviews (1)

Great Step by Step Instructions
I have always wanted to make a bear out of recycled fur.Well this is the book that will teach you how.It is only for the person who is willing to be a patient sewer, but then aren't all teddy bear makers?A very exciting book, with beautiful photos and Nancy Tillburg is sharing everything with the teddy bear world.I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Artificial fur    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fur garments    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. Soft toy making    8. Stuffed Animals    9. Teddy Bears    10. Toymaking - General    11. Soft toys   

Reviews (2)

Dinosaurs are fun to make!
This book is filled to the gills with patterns and hints for making prehistoric friends.The first chapter contains almost a dozen different ways to embellish your beasts, from stitches to painting to quilting.Tips and techniques are given when needed, and each pattern is clearly marked in level of difficulty.
Great book for fabric crafters
Lipson has created an intriguing set of dinosaurs in various fabric crafts - from stuffed toys to mobiles to sweatshirts.She also gives a lot of pointers on decoration and techniques.Followed properly, the results are as good as the photos in the book. The only issue is that the patterns need to be enlarged - and Kinko's can only get them to about 85% of the desired size on their banner enlargement copier. However, kids go wild over the finished products - worth the effort. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Dinosaurs    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Soft toy making    5. Stuffed Animals    6. Toys   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Soft toy making    6. Stuffed Animals    7. BG-FICTION OVER $5 - BG-ANTHOLOGY $5/10    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Stuffed Animals   

Reviews (4)

very disappointed
I was very dissappointed when I received this book.From the other reviews I thought this was a quality book with multicultural dolls in it.If I were African American I would very affended by the AA dolls the author has included in this book.I would not recommend this book if you are looking for realistic doll or multicultural dolls.

excellent
i found this book very easy to understand yet interesting.
Wonderful!
This book is absolutely wonderful for begginers as well as more advanced doll makers. I have made and have given away so many of these dolls that I have honestly lost count. They are easy to make and come out so adorable that everyone that I have given one to, young or old, have fallen in love with them. They are very addicting to make as well. I do many crafts and make many dolls and I always come back to this book to make more of these great dolls. Thank you so much to the author for such a awesome book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Rag doll making    5. Rag dolls    6. Stuffed Animals    7. Toymaking - General    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Toymaking   

Reviews (2)

Truly Inspirational Cross-Stitch
This is a must have book. I first saw the book at the public library, and realized that there was no way that this pattern book would be one that I would be content just to borrow for two weeks - I had to find a copy that I could keep! The quality of the patterns is wonderful. The patterns are full color, and large so that they are easy to use. Unlike many patterns books that only have one or two patterns that I like well enough to do, each of the projects in this book are so beautiful that it was hard to decide which one to do first. The low price here certainly makes this a book that you won't want to pass up.

Inspired by Inspirational Cross Stitch
This has got to be the best cross stitch book that I have ever seen orowned. I have never been able to find its equal.I have made about onethird of the patterns in it and plan on making them all.I've given mostof them for gifts.The patterns are easy to follow.The pictures andsaying are just BEAUTIFUL.I can't say enough good things about this book. I've about worn it out and will soon need to buy another. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    5. Sewing    6. Embroidery    7. Soft toys   

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Dollmaking    3. Dolls    4. Soft toy making    5. Stuffed Animals    6. Toys   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Soft toy making    5. Stuffed Animals    6. Stuffed animals (Toys)    7. Toymaking - General    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Stuffed Animals    9. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB    10. Toys, teddy bears & dolls   

Reviews (1)

this presents doll-creating from an artistic approach
this book will get your creative juices flowing!many doll makers show their work and patterns are provided to reproduce a similiar masterpiece ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Handicrafts    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Soft toy making    5. Stuffed Animals    6. Stuffed animals (Toys)    7. Toys