Reviews (2)

Perfect Meld of Inspirational and Practical
This book is beautiful and practical. It inspires its readers to get creative with their homes and their wardrobes. It includes techniques like assembling a makeshift "light table"(p. 49) that would work for anyone who fancies a craft that requires tracing. Mothers of preschoolers, fathers interested in raising creative children, and pre-school or elementary school teachers. Those who teach art to adults will also find much here. Beautiful Book, Fabulous Ideas
Whether you're new to fabric painting, or have been working in this rich art form for years, you'll find something to love about this book. The methods are beautifully presented and the writing is clear, concise and expressive. Authors Margaret Allyson and Michelle Newman inspire through techniques that range from simple to advanced, alwaysproviding enough information to get you started on your own project.The artistry of handpainted fabric is shown along with clear craft and design elements that inspire you tobegin your own projects.Techniques range from simple to advanced and you can find your own pace to begin working in this ancient, and beautiful art form. Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Painting    6. Textile Arts - Costume    7. Needlework & fabric crafts    8. Textile arts   

Reviews (6)

This Book + Your Creativity= Great Rooms!
As someone who has endlessly watched design shows like Trading Spaces and While You Were Out for ideas, I feel at a loss when it comes to actually making those projects happen. This book focuses on not so much design, but the "how to" on how make the projects happen. The book is filled with projects such as various moulding and painting techniques. One can get ideas for stenciling, tiling, wallpaper, windows, doors, etc...The beginning of the book give basic design styles and color schemes that usually go along with them. The projects are easy to follow. This book won't help you pick out a theme or interior design, but if you use your creativity and design ideas, you can make just about anything happen.

Very low-brow in terms of style
I guess I thought that a book with the word 'decorating' in the title wouldbe more stylish than this. If you want a decorating book (a book full of ideas), do NOT buy this one. What this is is a mishmash of projects using decorative objects or materials. So, it teaches how to do faux finishes or how to install lighting but there is never any information on how to decorate. If you want to see rooms or get the 411 on how everything goes together in design terms, this is not the book you want.

Excellent reference for home decorating and painting
_Decorating 1-2-3_ begins with the "Color and Style" section.This section explains the colors, hues, tones and intensities used in the "Seven Basic Styles."The theme of these styles continue to re-appear throughout the book.Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. General    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. House painting    8. Interior decoration    9. Paperhanging    10. Wood finishing    11. Home furnishing & decoration    12. House & Home / Decorating    13. House maintenance   

Reviews (5)

Well worth the money.

great for all skill levels!
I bought this book as a just in case my other book didn't have all the information I needed but I ended up using this book as my main book to do my house. Great illustrations and explanations.

A Great Resource!
I bought this book in preparation for painting rooms in our first home. Having always rented, I didn't know what all was required in preparing your surface or how to choose the proper application tools. This book started from the beginning and included these topics. The examples throughout the book are marvelous and the directions for achieving such great effects, as stenciling, colorwashing, stippling, sponging, ragging, etc. are easy to understand. The instructions also include applying the these techniques to not only walls, but objects like picture frames, candlesticks and furniture if appropriate. A must have for anyone who is redocorating their home and wants to stretch their budget a little further by using paint techniques. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Construction - General    3. Decorating - General    4. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. House painting    9. Interior Design - Style Books    10. Interior decoration    11. Home furnishing & decoration    12. House & Home / Decorating   

Editorial Review

The pleasing visual trickery of trompe l'oeil painting can add character to any room in any style of home. Many people are intimidated by the painting skills seemingly required to producing convincing trompe l'oeil, but as Roberta Gordon-Smith reveals in Read more

Reviews (4)

More Mural than Trompe L'Oeil
This book covers material, preparation, planning and perspective in a very basic, quick introduction. The photographs are very nicely done and some of the projects include photographs of the steps. The reason I only gave the book a 3 star is because some of the projects seem more like murals than trompe l'oeil (French for "fool the eye"; a two-dimensional painting designed to look like a three-dimensional object).
For the Beginner
This is a good book for a do it yourself-er, or homeowner who wants to learn to paint for a child's room, for example. I wouldn't recommend it for a person who wants to do this for a living. A better choice for someone just beginning, but is serious about learning would be one of Chris Westall's books on trompe l'oeil.

Not quite what I was looking for
This book has beautiful photographs of Trompe L'Oeil and it does offer a few explanations on projects but it's more photos then anything else. It gives a good stone wall and sky project explanation and a few small projects but it doesn't give any information on a lot of the photos. If you are a beginner I wouldn't recommend this one. Very few templates offered for the amount of projects they illustrate. I hoped for more with this book but it's just not there. I think I could of found a better book for the money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. House painting    7. Mural painting and decoration    8. Painting    9. Trompe l'oeil painting   

Reviews (5)

What a waste of money...
I bought this book hoping for some good ideas and a little inspiration.Instead I got book full of so-called murals and tompe l'oeil that the average person would never use. How to Paint Murals if you are expierienced!!!
I purchaced this book to get another perspective on painting murals. I am a beginner and I found that only the mid to advanced artist, would enhance their ability to do murals. This book is not for beginners!!! I have since purchaced other books that deal with all levels from the beginner to theadvanced and felt I could follow and learn more as I gain confidence and expierience. I have not opened the book since, Maybe in 5 years I may relate more to it. Sorry. JR

not what I was looking for
I purchased this book hoping to get some good pointers on how to move from landscape painting into the mural stage, but I found the book quite simplistic.It would be a great guide if you are wanting a fast, simple, stencil-look, but not for the serious artist. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. House & Home    5. Mural painting and decoration    6. Techniques - General    7. Techniques - Painting    8. Trompe l'oeil painting   

Reviews (13)

uninspiring
The book lacks both technical details and inspirations. Contains several basic boreing projects so meticulously drawn line after line as for to be copied. The "trompe l'oeil" title is too ambitious either. Sorry to admit but very like other books offered.

Good IF you're a beginner...
This is just a so-so book. It is most helpful for novice painters or total beginners. The projects in the book are relatively basic and they have been "done before" (many, many,many times). Professional and serious decorative painters will find the projects in this book elementary. A really great book to own after all
I have been using this book for a while now, and i would like to increase my previous review rating from 3 to 5 stars. I have had a chance to compare this book with other literature and i now realise what a great resource book it is. The instructions are easy to follow and i was able to apply the simple techniques it contains to the more elaborate trompe l'oeils that i wished to attempt - where other materials had led me to beleive that this would be beyond my ability. I have also come to appreciate the short and simple list ofmaterial needed for each project making this book a true source of inspiration. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Painting    6. Techniques - General    7. Art techniques & materials    8. Home furnishing & decoration    9. Painting & paintings   

Reviews (2)

pretty good
The book gives you a lot of good ideas but they don't seem to be anything different than what the BHG website offers.My opinion, check with the website first before buying the book.If you don't find it in the website than I recommend it.

For people who like to paint everything in the house (and out)
The main reason I like this book is because in the back it has a chart for whichever kind of surface you'd like to paint.The chart will tell you how to prepare the surface and which kind of paint would be best to go on that particular surface.If I want to go paint my walkway, the chart will tell me exactly what needs to be done so that it will last. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Home furnishing & decoration    7. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself   

Reviews (6)

A Great Reference
The Author, Tera Leigh, does a fantastic job "breaking down" decorative painting.The pictures and descriptions are fantastic.If you are contemplating starting decorative painting or just need a great reference, this is for you.Everything is broken down step by step and the diagrams, demos, and descriptions cannot be beat!

Create professional quality results
Tera Leigh's Complete Book Of Decorative Painting (1581800622 ...) tells how to use color basics, brushes, and techniques to create professional quality results in crafts, home decoration, and projects. From lettering and faux finishes to brush techniques and antiquing options, this uses a reference and question/answer format along with color photos to encourage easy experimentation.

Fabulous, from Start to Faux-Finish!
Ms. Leigh's book, unlike so many others entitled 'complete,' is the genuine article, and comprehensively surveys the many styles and techniques used in creating decorative paint effects for craft. Whether you are a complete beginner (like myself) or an experienced artist, this is the only resource book on the subject you will need. Beautifully illustrated and written in Ms. Leigh's informed and engaging style, The Complete Book of Decorative Painting is as enjoyable a read as it is a valuable guide to painting. Each technique is illustrated with step-by-step instructions (including technique tips such as how to hold the brush and recommended types of paint that many other publications overlook), an honest evaluation and rating of the skill required for each (so the novice painter can select projects more likely to produce satisfactory results), and interesting details on the origins and historical development of individual styles. If you get the chance to see Ms. Leigh in person, as I recently did, do so. She is as engaging in person as she is in print. Long a Martha Stewart wannabe, I was genuinely surprised as how simple some of these techniques actually are, and found Ms. Leigh's instructions clear, comprehensive and easy to follow. I recommend this book without reservation to anyone interested in decorative painting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Decoration and ornament    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Painting    7. Technique    8. Art techniques & materials    9. Handicrafts    10. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games    11. Painting & paintings   

Reviews (2)

Definitely for beginners
The book is well written and has great illustrations and especially good information on products for the beginner.It really shows how much fun textile surface design can be however I must stress that if you have done much work with surface design at all, this book will not be very challenging.It is a great book for beginners!.

Great Ideas and Instructions
What a lot of great ideas in this book.The instructions were easy to follow, and the designs were so beautiful.I am just a beginner with designing for my home, but with this book I know I can do it.Thanks for the wonderful book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acrylic painting    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Dye    6. Furniture painting    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Stencil work    9. Technique    10. Textile painting    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    12. Decorative arts & crafts    13. Handicrafts   

Reviews (1)

Fantastic and very inspiring!
I just received this book yesterday, and I am so pleased! I paint murals for part of my living too, and I thought this book might provide more ideas.Well, Ms. Whitaker's ideas are so inspirational, and I loved her artwork as well.Although I have already painted a number of murals for children's rooms, this book contained some great tips and techniques that I have not tried.All in all, it was well worth the money to me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Children's rooms    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    5. Design - Decorative    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Mural painting and decoration    8. Painting    9. Painting In Specific Media    10. Remodeling & Renovation - Children's Rooms    11. Technique    12. Home furnishing & decoration   

Reviews (7)

Excellent Book an Excellent service
this book arrivedin wonderful condition in the specified days.It has proved to have all the receipes I required an more.

decent
Even though it is very well illustrated.
Easier methods available
Although I liked the general layout of this book, it fell short in providing actual how-to recipes. I have had this problem with many books on the subject of faux painting. I finally did a little research on the Internet and came across Creative evolution's online "how- to's".Plenty of unique faux finish designs with how-to, step by step instructions made easy.Creative Evolution's free online tutorials can be found at www.creativeevolution.net.
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Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Decorating - General    3. Decoration and ornament    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Finishes and finishing    6. House & Home    7. House painting    8. Interior design    9. Painting    10. Techniques - General    11. Techniques - Painting    12. Techniques - Painting - Specific Subjects    13. Texture painting    14. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (8)

A unique and wonderfully inspiring book
Two reasons to write this review.One is to counteract, or attempt to balance, the negativity of some of the other reader's reviews.The other is to bring to notice this exceptional book.The ideas that atmosphere, air and geographic location can influence color are not novel thoughts - Dutch master painters and the Provence of Van Gogh come to mind.But to apply such theories to the architectural and interior use of color has not been explored by enough people.Donald Kaufman was first an artist - this obviously influences his perception and methods of working with paint. The book is fascinating for the way it balances ethereal ideas with practical suggestions.The power and influence of localized light is described with excellent prose as well as lovingly selected photographs.Alongside such beauty are supremely helpful suggestions for using color and light in your own environment or in the spaces you are creating for others to enjoy.I have all three of Donald Kaufman and Taffy Dahl's books.Now I await a fourth!

The World of Color
This and the two related books (Natural Palettes and the Suzanne Butterfield book on palettes based on D. Kaufman colors)should be read attentively by anyone faced withpainting a room.As beautiful as some of the illustrations are, these are NOT coffee table books to browse through.They are full of practical information for painting rooms, including rooms like mine with dark woodwork, hardwood floors, uneven walls, odd-shaped and leaded glass windows, etc.For example -- balancing cool and warm, contrasting or matching color values, using hue to stand up to strong trim, using flat paint to create a soft, smooth wall surface, what to do with dark rooms (Don't paint them white -- the resulting shadows emphasize that they are dark.), the importance of mixing paint colors without using black pigment and the importance of having the full spectrum of pigments in any paint hue, the effect that the color of light in the room will have on the wall color, and much more.The room descriptions are not prescriptions for what one must do but rather examples of the many different effects that can result using fully-pigmented paint of different value, hue, contrasts, etc. under different light conditions.The Butterfield book is a fairly simple presentation."Natural Palettes" and "Color and Light," particularly the latter book, are sophisticated illustrated explanations of the basic "rules" of light and color through some of the myriad possible results.Read these three books with attention and be rewarded with an appreciation of color and light everywhere(in every house, apartment, store, restaurant, office, etc., on the street, the highway, in the sky, city, country -- you won't be able to help it!)Read these books and you will see, know and care about color and light forever.You'll also have no problem painting your rooms.

Useful and Illuminating
Beautiful book with great practical advice about how to choose colors for your home.I've gone gaga over Donald Kaufman's paints, and, although they are expensive, they are only a fraction of the price of Martha Stewart's line for Schreuder. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Color in interior decoration    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    4. Decoration    5. Decoration & Ornament    6. Do-It-Yourself    7. Exterior lighting    8. General    9. Home Improvement / Construction    10. House & Home    11. Interior walls    12. Lighting, Architectural and de    13. Lighting, Architectural and decorative    14. Home furnishing & decoration    15. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (5)

Great instructional book
If you want some trompe l'oeil tips along with photographs of finished work, this is a great book.Step by step instruction of many illusions.

uninspiring
The book lacks both technical details and inspirations. Contains several basic boreing projects so meticulously drawn line after line as for to be copied. The "trompe l'oeil" title is too ambitious either. Sorry to admit but very like other books offered.
Good book but more out there
Good book but I have found a good site that offers free online tutorials for Trompe L'oeil at http://www.creativeevolution.net/school/howto.php ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    5. House & Home    6. Painting   

Reviews (15)

Lots of Ideas Here
This book has lots of ideas, some quite unique, for decorating your walls. Unfortunately some are so unique that they edge over into the weird territory. In Fong's case, this happens with:
This book is written for teenage girls
The book has few inovative ideas.Come on Spirograph and sticky notes on the wall...Watch a few shows on the home and garden network for better more unique ideas and save the $20.

Amazing creativity!
I loved this book.The ideas were amazing -- I never thought I'd find so many creative ideas that I would be excited to try.The format is very thorough and easy to follow with great photography, so that even I feel I can actually do it despite not being very handy.And Jonathan's dry wit throughout makes the book a fun read.I'm sure I'll be referring back to this book many times over the years. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    4. Design - General    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Interior Design    7. Interior Design - General    8. Home furnishing & decoration   

Reviews (2)

pleased
This is my second favorite choice for beginners on faux finishing.I read it cover to cover.Very detailed explanations, although the finishes are mediocre.

Over 300 color photos offer plenty of tips on how to work with different types of paint
Sharon Ross & Else Kinkead's Decorative Painting & Faux Finishes could have been featured in our 'homeowner's helpers' section but deserves mention here for its special attraction to crafters who enjoy working with paint. Over 300 color photos offer plenty of tips on how to work with different types of paint, color schemes, and how to prepare surfaces. Different methods, from ragging to antique and basic stippling and creating a parchment effect using newsprint, are covered in plenty of detail.
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Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    5. Finishes and finishing    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. House painting    9. Interior decoration    10. Painting    11. Home furnishing & decoration    12. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (2)

Linda's best book--lovely photography!
I'm a big Linda Barker fan and this is certainly her most visually appealing book yet.The photography is gorgeous.I'd love to see Linda publish a book in the USA that featured examples of her applications in real British homes (not Changing Rooms homes).Her own London home is gorgeous!That would earn 5+ stars in my book.

Creative Wall Coverings
I never thought of using glitter or giving my wall a tattoo.This book opens your mind to new ways to treat walls.Some ideas, like murals, require some artistic ability.Other ideas include applying rhinestone designs or using gilding.
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Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Interior Design    7. Mural painting and decoration    8. Wall coverings    9. House & Home / Decorating   

Editorial Review

Believing that wonderful paint effects need not entail the many complications of oil-based materials, acclaimed painted-finishes expert Debbie Travis has developed easy step-by-step methods for terrific-looking treatments, all achieved with water-based supplies. With large, beautiful photos, clear instructions, and well-chosen colors, she demonstrates 35 different finishes for walls and floors (textured, patterned, and stone types) and for furniture, trim, and accessories (antique and specialty, metallic, and stenciling methods), plus four "master techniques" (colorwashing, ragging, sponging, and dragging). Travis also gives careful attention to getting started, which she believes intimidates people even more than learning the actual techniques. She explains how to find inspiration, choose a style appropriate to your own tastes, and select colors. Even the most timid of amateur decorators should be able to handle most of the techniques presented in Read more

Reviews (20)

terrible
That book was expected AUG 25 tHIS IS Oct.14 I still can not get satisfaction I can not find e-mail addreaa for bestbookdealers I do NOT hve the book And Someone has my Money Terrible! Merry Margaret merry2b1@vom.com

Ugly rooms and ugly color
I find the rooms in this book to be so overdone that it is painful!Tacky, dated interiors and poor color choices.Just plain messy and often ugly! I expected more...
I was looking for a design idea for my house and I got a quick overview of detailed techniques. I didn't get a good idea of all of the techniques to use on a floor, what I'd need for vinyl..It is alright to look through. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Decorating - General    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Furniture painting    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. House painting    8. Interior decoration    9. Home furnishing & decoration    10. House & Home / Decorating   

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Color    3. Color In Art Media    4. Decorating    5. Dictionaries    6. Graphic Arts - Use of Color    7. Light    8. Art techniques & materials    9. Painting & paintings   

Editorial Review

Aimed at professionals and dedicated amateurs, Read more

Reviews (20)

Top notch presentation
This is not the next step for those who have been sponging and doing strié on the wall. This book outlines the top end of decorative finishing. These are difficult-to-master techniques and you should be a trained artist (realistic painter) before attempting much of what is described in this book.

Very detailed, but not worth that much money.
I couldn't wait to get this one! It is very detailed. Teaches you step by step AND gives you the names of all colors used. The method to get to the end result is a bit tricky, the brushes he uses can get very expensive, and I think that there are other ways of getting the same result, without all the expensive brushes.

Stellar! Stellar book! Stellar results!
This is a great book, and I highly recommend it. I have a few books on Faux finishing but they are no where near as complete, and with the others the results can be considered questionable, or shoddy compared to this one. The teachings in this book will astound you. Everything is pictured step by step. You will learn to achieve complete, and believable transformations. There are also some great examples pictured of finished interiors that will inspire you to create.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    4. Finishes and finishing    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House painting    7. Interior decoration    8. Residential Interior Design    9. Art techniques & materials    10. Decorative arts & crafts    11. Interior design    12. Painting & paintings   

Reviews (1)

A must on your bookshelves.
I thought, Oh another book on color ! But this one completely surprised me.A classic and timeless lay-out of beautiful photographs and truly educating text tailored this book into a must have for anyoneinterested in decoration.
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Subjects:  1. Color Theory    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. Interior Design - General    8. Architecture / Interior Design    9. House & Home / General