Crafts & Hobbies Books - Page 4

It Itches: A Stash of Knitting Cartoons

Franklin Habit

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Knitting

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A delightful little book 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

It Itches is a charming, delightful book. I'm not normally much of a cartoon person, but I fell in love with it. The book contains some essays as well as the cartoons Franklin is famous for, and all are witty and amusing. It's refreshing to see that someone can still make innocent humor work in this scary and depressing time--this book is comforting, like putting on jeans still warm from the dryer on a cold morning. I give it my highest recommendation.

Editorial Review:

An affectionate and humorous celebration of every aspect of the craft of knitting, from buying—and hiding—massive quantities of yarn to wrestling with projects that go seriously awry to prescriptions for alleviating the stress brought on by holiday knitting. This witty collection represents a pitch-perfect send up of one of the most rapidly growing hobbies today. Including 75 cartoons, deftly rendered in pen and ink with watercolor wash, and several humorous short essays, every knitter is sure to find elements of themselves in this collection.

The Lost Art of Towel Origami

Ivy Press, Alison Jenkins

Amazon Price: $10.19 List Price: $14.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Andrews McMeel Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 36 new & used starting at $8.78

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 23 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Great for a gift 2 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This book contains many fun ways of shaping towels to give as gifts, or to decorate the towels you leave out for guests. While I agree that it's not really origami, it's still a lot of fun and a very cute idea.

All of the projects that I've tried have worked out.

The book itself would make a good gift for any quirky people that you know.

Editorial Review:

From the lost ancient art of towel folding (yes, there is one, and it does stem from ancient times) comes the newly revived and hot trend The Lost Art of Towel Origami.

Filled with hilarious completed-project photographs and step-by-step instructions and illustrations, this book will provide hours of entertainment. Stun your company by skillfully creasing and crinkling your linen into works of art. You've got everything you need, right in your own bathroom.

Creations include:

" Elephant

" Monkey

" Luscious Lips

" Skyscraper

" Ladybug

" Palm Tree

You'll never look at laundry the same again with The Lost Art of Towel Origami. The absolute perfect coffee table (or, ahem, bathroom) book is bound to get you and your guests folding masterpieces.

The Best of Sewing Machine Fun for Kids

Lynda Milligan, Nancy Smith

Amazon Price: $11.53 List Price: $16.95 In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served. By: C&T Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 9 new & used starting at $11.47

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Sewing

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

The Best of Sewing Machine Fun For Kids 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I purchased this book for my 9 year old grandaughter. What a wonderful introduction to sewing. First and formost, it is fun, visually attractive, in a easy to use spiral format on durable stock. It begins with some nice graphics and games that involve learning the parts of the sewing machine, moves on to some FUN drills that teach little hands how to control sewing lines, curves, points and so on. It ends with some very basic projects that kids can complete on their own giving them a real sense of acomplishment. This is a must have for children learning to sew.

Editorial Review:

Offering a delightful introduction to the world of sewing for children ages seven and older, The Best of Sewing Machine Fun for Kids offers clear, colorful directions to help kids have fun as they develop skills that will last a lifetime. Thirteen kid-friendly projects easily teach children how to sew. As kids work their way through the book, each project builds on skills they have already learned. Easy-to-follow instructions and safety precautions start with sewing basics, allowing children to learn at their own pace.

Acrylic Revolution: New Tricks and Techniques for Working with the World's Most Versatile Medium

Nancy Reyner

Amazon Price: $18.47 List Price: $27.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: North Light Books Amazon Marketplace: 40 new & used starting at $16.25

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Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Instructional & How-To -> Watercolor Painting
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Instructional & How-To -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 55 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Liberate Your Creativity With Acrylic Paints!

Acrylic Revolution is your essential, all-in-one guide for acrylic painting techniques and more. It features over 101 ways to break through the boundaries of conventional painting and re-define the creative potential of this all-purpose medium.

Every page provides insight on how to use acrylic paint in ways you never thought possible to create stunning visual effects and textures. Ten complete sections detail a range of empowering applications, including how to:

• Prepare and paint on virtually any surface
• Create textures of all kinds
• Work with transfers, collage, resists and mixed media
• Achieve innovative stenciling and line work
• Customize your paint to adjust thickness, transparency and drying time
• Simulate other mediums, such as oil, tempera or watercolor
• Create faux finishes, magical effects, sheens and more

To give you additional insight and inspiration, this book features a gallery of finished works by fellow painting revolutionaries that blend various acrylic techniques to create amazing effects. You'll also find practical advice that covers the basics and beyond--from selecting materials and cleaning your brushes to finishing and preserving your artwork. There's even a complete glossary of terms for fast and easy referencing.

Pick up a brush and start your own acrylic revolution today!

Use the techniques in this book to free your creative spirit and create the paintings you've always dreamed of.

Amigurumi World: Seriously Cute Crochet

Ana Paula Rimoli

Amazon Price: $12.89 List Price: $18.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Martingale & Co Inc Amazon Marketplace: 26 new & used starting at $11.64

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 32 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Easy but.... 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Easy but...

I liked the patterns in here they are seriously cute and after a few attempts I got them. BUT...I had a few problems and I think they might be the fact that I am a true beginner and not experienced. like it took me a awhile to get that SC 1 , 2 sc in next sc, meant to SC in next SC then do 2 SC in the next SC after that first one. I don't know why. I felt like an idiot. but in general. the patterns are all SC and a few decreases and were easy. Which meant that that they were repetitive. I don't know why we needed baby monkey and his daddy. and elephant and his daddy.

I also didn't get that the ami were inside out until I read a review so the two that are shown in the pictures above are inside out. *sigh* I wish she had said that somewhere. I also wish that each pattern has said exactly what felt what embroidery etc was needed. although I guess it was such a minute amount. but I found myself thinking oh yeah I should have bought pink thread to sew my pink felt. duh.

but the results are cute and I love them and everyone loves them and wants me to make them for them so a great buy!!!

Editorial Review:

Get hooked into the quirky world of Amigurumi! Crochet these irresistibly cute creatures today's coolest craze in crochet.

* Over 20 projects are super hip and super quick to make you need only basic crochet skills and small amounts of yarn
* Funky designs include mommy and baby owls, hedgehogs, and penguins, plus silly crocheted treats like cupcakes and ice-cream cones


* Find complete instructions for crocheting designs and adding facial features and other embellishments

Mixed-Media Self-Portraits: Inspiration & Techniques

Cate Coulacos Prato

Amazon Price: $15.61 List Price: $22.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Interweave Press Amazon Marketplace: 37 new & used starting at $14.25

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

More than self-portraits 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

I could not wait for this book to come out. I am always looking for new sources of inspiration. This book is a keeper! The book has a nice selection of artists with different perspectives. There are different self-portraits using different media. Cate Prato has done an excellent job with this book! It is not often that I find an art book that I keep going back to as a reference and for inspiration in what I am currently working on.

It can be a difficult thing to look at yourself in the mirror and turn that into a piece of art. This book gives you a great jump-start on the process.

The book starts out with a bit of history behind self-portraits. Don't skip this part. It was very interesting to me to read about other artists' self portraits. There is a little section on getting yourself out there and on blogging. I am a huge blogger myself. Love to keep one and love to read other artists' blogs.

Some of the artists do not do just one self-portrait. Some do several different ones and some do variations on the same picture. There are all sorts of tips in the book to help you - such as digital imaging. I enjoyed reading the thoughts behind each self-portrait. Some of the reading was very personal. You could see it in the very revealing self-portraits.

As I said before, there are a lot of tips and techniques to help you get started on your own self-portrait. There is even a short quiz to help you think about yourself. There are some detailed exercises to help and inspire you. The techniques are easy to follow.

You do not have to be able to draw to make use of this book. I am a mixed media artist that cannot draw diddly. I used a headshot I had, altered it on the computer, and used that to create several different self-portraits of myself.

I really liked how different materials are used in the self-portraits. The pictures are very large and are in color. I love to work with fabric. I really loved seeing how I could incorporate fabric into a self-portrait quiltie or art doll. I will have to see how I can create my own copper self-portraits.

I loved the details and colors of Kelli Perkin's journal dolls. It was a very original idea that I am going to have to try. Kelli's section on how to draw your own self-portrait looks very fun. I am going to try that and see if my self-portrait comes out as well as hers does.

I recently bought Kelly Rae's book. Her part in this book was an added bonus. She does a wonderful job of layering, making use of textures, and blending colors. Debbi Crane's masks really spoke to me. I thought about the different masks we all wear every day. I do a lot of assemblage and thought it was great that there was an assemblage section to the book. Self-portraits can make use of found objects and be 3D!

Editorial Review:

Featuring artwork from a wide range of contributors, this resource explores creative self-portraits through fun and easy exercises and essays that instruct and inspire artists working in all media. Examples of collage, fiber arts, and mixed-media artwork offer visual inspiration while essays throughout the book act as a guide to personal and artistic self-discovery. Step-by-step techniques and creative prompts are used to direct artists through different approaches to creating self-portraits while exercises utilizing collage, drawing, photography, and stitching will jump-start the creative process and get ideas flowing on paper and fabric, encouraging artists to express themselves in new ways.

Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders

Amazon Price: $12.89 List Price: $18.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Storey Publishing, LLC Amazon Marketplace: 45 new & used starting at $6.89

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 34 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Knitters have spoken! Single-skein projects are all the rage because they're portable, fun, quick to finish, and the perfect answer to that stash of orphan yarns. Already, Judith Durant's One-Skein series has delighted knitters everywhere with fabulous single-skein patterns contributed by yarn shops and noted knitwear designers.

Now, Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders, the third book in this popular series, brings indulgence to the one-skein concept! The newest one-skein patterns are the most decadent yet, featuring the most sumptuous yarns on the market — from snuggle-worthy cashmere to the exquisite qiviut, and from the lustrous alpaca to the ecofriendly soy, corn, and bamboo yarns.

Contributors include designers, yarn manufacturers, and well-known knitting and crocheting teachers. Like previous One-Skein books, Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders features two-color illustrations throughout, as well as a full-color photo gallery of projects.

Patterns include baby items, personal accessories, toys, and garments — from an adorable babysweater knit from merino and bamboo to beaded cashmere socks. Not only are these projects fun and fast, they offer knitters a great excuse to pick up several skeins (really now, no one can buy just one!) of to-die-for yarns.

With Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders in hand, knitters who crave something special will create fabulous, heirloom-worthy projects without breaking the bank.

Christmas with Southern Living 2008: Great Recipes - Easy Entertaining - Festive Decorations - Gift Ideas (Christmas With Southern Living)

Amazon Price: $19.77 List Price: $29.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Oxmoor House Amazon Marketplace: 33 new & used starting at $13.10

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The Christmas experts at Southern Living magazine continue the holiday tradition with this all-new 28th edition of Christmas with Southern Living, the cooking, entertaining, and decorating classic that's steeped in gracious Southern style.

One-hundred forty brand-new recipes—the most ever in this book series—include ultimate show-stopping desserts, innovative chocolate and vanilla treats, incredibly easy side dishes, and a Quick & Easy Christmas Dinner that features a freezer-to-oven turkey recipe with a two-ingredient glaze.

Entertaining friends and family is a breeze with the "Simple Christmas" chapter, featuring a collection of two dozen quick recipe options that require little effort yet yield luscious results.

In addition, you'll also discover fresh decorating ideas that begin at the front door and take you all through the house. Whether you fancy a traditional look, whimsical style, or casual elegance, dozens of festive wreaths, garlands, and door and mantel decorations will stir your creativity.

Big, colorful photographs inspire your holiday table settings with designs that are "see and do" simple. From a centerpiece that holds individual take-home bouquets to twig balls stuffed with glittery tinsel garland, you'll be amazed at how quickly your table transforms from everyday to holiday.

Whether you need help planning the perfect holiday menu, baking special treats for giving, or trimming your home with welcoming, seasonal flair, this filled-to-overflowing book from the Christmas cooking and entertaining editors at Southern Living magazine has everything on your wish list for the most wonderful time of the year.

Napkin Origami: 25 Creative and Fun Ideas for Napkin Folding

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Easy to follow 4 out of 5 stars.
9 of 10 people found this review helpful.

Well-written with clear instructions and good step-by-step. I liked that there are a variety of shapes included. Many of them are quite challenging. Overall, think this book has the proverbial "something for everyone." If you're looking to dress up your table, this book is a good choice.

Editorial Review:

Why fold a napkin into an ordinary square when it can become a swan, bread holder, or pirate’s ship? Like magic, these amazing origami projects turn humble paper or fabric napkins into restaurant-worthy centerpieces that transform the table. There’s a napkin sculpture for any and every occasion: simple patterns, such as a leaf, fish, or heart; designs for those special moments, including a baby bootie for a shower or a bunny for Easter dinner; innovative creations like a peacock, dessert server, and carousel; and complex shells, rosettes, and pleated wraps for formal dining. All the traditional origami techniques, tips, and symbols are beautifully explained; elegant photography throughout makes the process easy to follow and showcases the remarkable results.

 

Knitted Jackets: 20 Designs from Classic to Contemporary

Cheryl Oberle

Amazon Price: $15.61 List Price: $22.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Interweave Press Amazon Marketplace: 7 new & used starting at $15.61

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Knit jackets from subdued to dramatic--a fascinating collection 5 out of 5 stars.
16 of 16 people found this review helpful.

Cheryl Oberle is a knit designer who often takes her inspiration from various cultures and traditional garments. Then she fuses the ideas with other cultures or techniques to come up with something unique. The jackets here are quite varied, from traditional structured cabled fabric to more free-form kimono style jackets. When traditional shapes (kimono for example) or Salish jackets are used, there is always a twist or a fusion with an unrelated technique of lace, texture or colorwork to surprise you. Wow! Lace and kimono shaping? Celtic knotwork and Native American knitting? Andean design on modern unconstructed shaping? Wow, that's really interesting--and beautiful.

The book is divided in to three sections:
1. Simplicity (simple shapes)
2. Contrast (color work)
3. Texture (lace and cabling)

As I mentioned above, there are some very interesting fusions--a Celtic-Salish jacket for one example. The jacket is knit in the style of Northwestern Native American knitting in natural wool colors, but the light pattern on the dark wool is a Celtic knot, not a traditional Salish motif! This is sure to please anyone who likes the comfy jacket-style Salish sweater but wants it to look rather different. I also loved the "Wabi Sabi" kimono jacket, which is knit using panels of shaded yarn--a great use for hand-dyed yarns if you can find one in a similar gauge and certainly adaptable if you are handy at modifying patterns (and with simple shapes, this can be done with a bit of thought.) The Cusco jacket has beautiful textures and uses two rectangles to create a short swing jacket with lapels in a modern unconstructed shape that is pleasing and flattering to many figure shapes. The shapes in this book will inspire you to create ideas of your own--especially those based on flat rectangles. These are very adaptable to other knitting techniques and ideas, even to machine-knit fabrics in some cases.

What I didn't like as much were some of the cabled patterns; I thought they were mundane and even some of the designs seemed too similar to one another. However, you might want more structured garments or more traditional (ie Irish or Aran) knitting, so you'd love these. Plus, the book has designs that would work, in some cases, equally well for men or women. I didn't find any of the cabled designs I wanted to make, but that also may reflect my personal tastes in knitting these days. I'll bet there are plenty of knitters who will totally disagree with me about the cables and find they are just what they've been looking for in designs.

As for me, I want to knit the long Edo coat, a mix of Japanese shapes from a hanten coat with lace panels (wow!), the Wabi Sabi (that's the shaded yarn jacket closed with an ornamental buckle) and the Cusco wrap. I have a feeling that there is a jacket in here for every knitter, and that the jackets may inspire your own variation. Just like Cheryl's book of shawls, I think this book is destined to be a staple on many knitters' bookshelves. Recommended --a really wonderful new knitting book.

Editorial Review:

These 20 patterns, ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced, take knitters on a world tour of coats, jackets, and wraps. Inspired by open-front garments and textiles from around the globe—including Austria, England, Japan, Peru, and Norway—these figure-flattering designs bring a contemporary edge to a variety of knitting traditions. Step-by-step instructions and copious photographs illustrate how to use standard stockinette, garter, and cable stitches. More advanced techniques for fanciful lace and colorwork and the history behind beach pattern is also included.