Expert Advice Books - Page 12

The Rose Bible

Rayford Clayton Reddell, Robert Galyean

List Price: $24.95 By: Chronicle Books Amazon Marketplace: 14 new & used starting at $11.46

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Editorial Review:

In one engagingly written, frankly opinionated, lavishly illustrated volume, America's leading authority on roses reveals everything the gardener needs to know about the most popular of all garden plants: from how to grow and maintain them to critical information for the most experienced gardener on such essentials as harvesting, propagating, grafting, and breeding new varieties.

Sandra Betzina Sews for Your Home: Pillows Window Treatments Slipcovers Table Coverings Kids' Accessories

Sandra Betzina

Amazon Price: $21.86 List Price: $29.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Taunton Amazon Marketplace: 44 new & used starting at $2.18

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Expert Advice -> Sandra Betzina

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Down to earth useful book 4 out of 5 stars.
11 of 11 people found this review helpful.

I received this book as a gift and am buying it for a friend. I found the instructions down to earth and based around how to create patterns for furniture, windows, pillows etc in a non-intimidating way.

Some creative ideas that I haven't seen before (like a house for kids designed to fit over a card table.

Uninspired 2 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

Sandra Betzina is wonderfully talented when it comes to garment contstruction. I have several of her books and love them. However, her expertise and creativity do not seem to extend to home sewing. The projects in this book are not inspiring. The fabric choices are questionable. It is difficult to glean the 'tricks of the trade' as this book is organized entirely by project, not technique. Save your money. If you are truly interested, check it out from the library before you invest in this publication.

Editorial Review:

Best-selling author Sandra Betzina has teamed with interior designer Debbie Valentine to produce a home decorating book that is stylish and appealing. This book includes dozens of projects for sewers at every skill level, along with complete step-by-step instructions and more than 400 color photos and illustrations. Betzina is renowned in the sewing world, and this is the next installment in her line of very successful sewing books.
-- Includes dozens of projects that can be personalized to suit every taste and skill level
-- Complete step-by-step instructions included for every project

Secrets from the Jerry Baker Test Gardens: Over 1,436 Tips, Tricks, and Tonics from America's Master Gardener for Lush Lawns, Amazing Annuals, Eye-Popping ... More! (Jerry Baker's Good Gardening series)

Jerry Baker

Amazon Price: $21.86 List Price: $29.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: American Master Products, Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 40 new & used starting at $11.14

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Gardening & Horticulture -> Flowers -> General
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Gardening & Horticulture -> General

Editorial Review:

Using common household products, gardeners can create a variety of quick tricks, super shortcuts, and terrific tonics that will turn a hum-drum landscape into a flourishing botanical wonderland. Readers will discover more than 1,400 garden secrets, including Jerry’s beer-and-tea tonic for roses, how to turn sandy soil into dandy dirt, a seed booster that will fill in bald lawn spots, and a spicy salsa to paralyze veggie-munching varmints. Each technique has been studied and proven over years in Jerry’s Test Gardens and are effective ways to save time and money while focusing on natural solutions for gardening woes. This treasure trove of plant-care wisdom shares fast and easy tips that empowers any garden lover to create lush lawns, amazing annuals, brilliant perennials, tasty vegetables, and terrific trees and shrubs.

Color: Natural Palettes for Painted Rooms

Donald Kaufman, Taffy Dahl

Amazon Price: $31.50 List Price: $50.00 Usually ships in 2 to 5 weeks By: Clarkson Potter Amazon Marketplace: 26 new & used starting at $4.45

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Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Architecture -> Building Types & Styles -> Residential
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Architecture -> Interior Design -> General
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Architecture -> Interior Design -> Style

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

I was a little disappointed.... 3 out of 5 stars.
38 of 40 people found this review helpful.

that there wasn't more info on what pigments the author used to create the colors for each of his beautiful palettes .

I later found on the web that he sells his paints (called, surprisingly enough, the Donald Kaufman Color Collection) for $40 to $75 per gallon. They are available only through the Color Factory (Englewood, NJ) or Painter's Supply (Santa Monica, CA).

Other than that, a beautiful book with plenty of pictures and in-depth discussion of each house.

Sweet but dated... 2 out of 5 stars.
3 of 6 people found this review helpful.

In 2006 this book looks quite dated. The photos don't seem quite... modern. I can tell that this was published more than a decade ago just by looking at the super-annuated home fashions. Pretty but not of today!!!!!

Editorial Review:

The first lifestyle book to show groups of colors inspired by nature and how they work on the interior walls of 26 homes. Kaufman's colors are distinctive in that they are designed to capture the nuances of color in nature. The authors reveal their paint-mixing techniques, and recipes for five neutral Donald Kaufman paints are included. Illustrations.

Debbie Travis' Painted House: More than 35 Quick and Easy Finishes for Walls, Floors, and Furniture

Debbie Travis

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Clarkson Potter Amazon Marketplace: 52 new & used starting at $1.79

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Interior Design -> Painting & Wallpapering

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Use the book how it was intended... 5 out of 5 stars.
19 of 20 people found this review helpful.

This book wasn't intended to make everyone happy with Debbie's color choices or furniture selections, it's intended to teach you painting techniques and preparation, which it does, beautifully. Debbie is fearless and very adventurous when it comes to painting and re-decorating, her colors don't have to suit you, but all of us decorating fanatics can definitely glean some helpful hints from her trial and error in technique.

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 Debbie Travis's Painted House.

Shadow Redwork with Alex Anderson: 24 Designs to Mix and Match

Alex Anderson

List Price: $14.95 By: C&T Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 18 new & used starting at $6.29

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Embroidery
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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Quilts & Quilting

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Casting a New Shadow on Redwork 4 out of 5 stars.
14 of 14 people found this review helpful.

What could be more American than Redwork? How about Redwork with inspiration? Alex Anderson has spun a new twist to an all-time favorite needle art, by producing a clever and creative book on this uniquely American craft entitled, "Shadow Redwork". By including a subtle message of inspiration or love in the background using ecru embroidery, Alex has devised an interesting look, which causes the viewer to ponder more deeply our handiwork. For those of us who labor to produce personalized heirlooms for special folks, a few extra oohs and ahs goes a long way! Ms. Anderson's directions are simple to follow, with some handy tips interspersed along the way. Most appreciated are her Stitch Directions including diagrams for both right and left-handed needle crafters. She includes some simple enough designs for those new to Redwork, including her "Nasturtiums Pillow" as well as the "Seasons Banner", along with some more challenging projects for the seasoned Redwork enthusiast. A tip from one of those seasoned Redwork enthusiasts - when tracing the Redwork part of the pattern, try using a red, .05 Micron permanent pen. If your stitches are slightly off the tracing line, you will never notice! Keep up the great work, Alex; we look forward to your next imaginative quilting venture!

Editorial Review:

8 1/2 x 11 58 color illustrations US Distribution only crafts Every level of quilter can join the redwork revival with Alex Anderson at their side! Alex invented the concept of shadow redwork, adding a wonderful new element to this popular style of embroidery. These elegant, creative designs are coupled with subtle, white-on-white lettering in the background to create a beautiful, uniquely nuanced effect. This fabulous guide features 10 complete, step-by-step projects, including wall hangings, pillows, and a quilt, as well as 24 original designs by Alex Anderson. Readers will find hands-on advice on choosing fabric and thread, full instructions for stitching and finishing, and everything else they need to create gorgeous, unique redwork designs!

Debbie Bliss Knitting Workbook

Debbie Bliss

List Price: $24.95 By: Trafalgar Square Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 25 new & used starting at $4.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Wonderful! 5 out of 5 stars.
75 of 75 people found this review helpful.

Like all of Debbie Bliss' books, the Workbook takes you through a variety of projects to concentrate on different techniques. Every project is simply gorgeous, and takes you from simpler/beginner projects to more advanced/difficult ones. You'll find things for children, for yourself, and for your home.

You might be tempted to teach yourself from this book, but I would recommend starting with "How to Knit" instead, which provides an excellent step-by-step course for new knitters. After you have worked through the basics, pick this up to help you perfect advanced techniques and embellishments. Speaking of embellishments, the chapter on embroidery is great! My favorite project is the embroidered jacket, made with denim yarn. I can't wait to make it!

As always, Debbie Bliss provides clear instructions, beautiful photographs, and inspiration for knitters of all skill levels. She also gives useful advice on making up and caring for knitwear, which are critical to having your work look it's best for years to come.

One caution to anyone interested in making plus-size garments: the women's patterns are designed in sizes 32-38 (roughly x-small through large), so you may have to adapt patterns if you wish to make other sizes.

Editorial Review:

Best-selling author Debbie Bliss returns with a complete guide to creative knitting, with step-by-step instruction, personal tips, and more than 20 stunning original projects for sweaters, jackets, and accessories. 85 color photos & illustrations.

Mary Engelbreit Cross Stitch for All Seasons

List Price: $29.95 By: Meredith Books Amazon Marketplace: 43 new & used starting at $3.66

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Cross-Stitch
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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Seasonal

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Gorgeous Designs 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 11 people found this review helpful.

The cover of this book gives a taste of the wonderful things to come. The designs are colourful and refreshing, and the charts are coloured and easy to read. I can't wait to stitch the 'Home Sweet Home' sampler. There are also great ideas for using the designs in innovative ways. This book is a classic for cross stitchers. Designs run over all the seasons, and include Christmas designs, things for children, and lovely things for the home. I have enjoyed just browsing through it and reading the helpful ideas and suggestions!

Editorial Review:

Mary Engelbreit's cheerful designs have become almost ubiquitous, appearing on everything from greeting cards to home fabrics to clothing, and the 80-plus seasonal projects in this book are a happy extension of those colorful pick-me-ups. These designs cover the cross-stitch skill range, from 10-count perforated plastic ornaments and button covers to an embellished gardener's journal cover worked on 36-count linen. The tinted charts, instructions, and specialty-stitch diagrams smooth the creative process for those who want to use these patterns as a jumping-off point for their own whimsy.

Mary Engelbreit's Classic Library: Anne of Green Gables (Mary Engelbreit's Classic Library)

L. M. Montgomery

Amazon Price: $9.99 List Price: $9.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: HarperFestival Amazon Marketplace: 29 new & used starting at $5.78

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> People & Places -> Family Life -> Orphans & Foster Homes

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

5+ stars for the book itself, 1 star for this edition 1 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

Don't be fooled by the promise of illustrations by Mary Engelbreit. This is one of my favorite childhood books, and I bought this edition expecting illustrations by Mary Engelbreit throughout the book. The only illustration is the front cover. Do not buy this book expecting an illustrated volume.

An enchanting story no one should miss! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert have always been content with their lives. While neither of them ever married, the elderly brother and sister have always made the best of their situation, keeping one another company, and getting the chores done around the sprawling Green Gables, where they reside. But as Matthew nears sixty, Marilla can't help but feel that he needs someone to assist him with the daily chores that have begun to grow stressful on his aging bones. Taking this into consideration, they decide to bring an orphan boy into their home. An individual who will have the opportunity to leave the asylum they have spent much of their life in, and have a true place to call home, as long as they agree to lend a helping hand to both Marilla and Matthew. But upon reaching the train station, Matthew is darned to find out that the little boy they were expecting to take home is actually a little girl.

Red-haired and freckle-faced, eleven-year-old Anne Shirley has always been a talkative individual who has spent much time strengthening her imagination by indulging in daydreams and fantasies. Her number one daydream, of course, is to have a home, and a family to call her own; which is why she's thrilled at the prospect of living at the lush, beautiful Green Gables. When she realizes that Marilla and Matthew were expecting a boy, however, Anne can't help but feel as if her one true hope in life is quickly being taken from her. She can't imagine going back to the asylum where there was "no scope for the imagination," and leaving the wonderful food, delightful people, and beautiful property of Green Gables behind. Luckily, with a dose of her non-stop talking, Matthew and Marilla realize that they can't possibly live without the wonderful Anne Shirley, and decide to keep her. Little did they know, however, is that with little Anne Shirley in residence, Green Gables will never be the same!

No matter how many times I have been to the bookstore, I feel as if L.M. Montgomery's ANNE OF GREEN GABLES has been gazing at me, yet never, in all these years have I ever read the classic story. It wasn't until I discovered Mary Engelbreit's edition that I decided to delve in to the world of Green Gables. Now I don't know how I ever survived all these years without being introduced to the lovely Anne Shirley. From the moment she arrives on the scene, Anne is a captivating character who you can't pull your eyes away from. Her wild imagination, stubbornness, and strong-willed personality make her absolutely irresistible; and the fact that she is so determined to hold grudges, do well academically, and give back to the compassionate Marilla and Matthew only makes you love her more. The fact that Montgomery has managed to create an assortment of supporting characters who you can't help but adore - from Marilla to Matthew, and Diana to Gilbert Blythe - only adds another delightful dimension to the tale. An enchanting story no one should miss!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

Editorial Review:

Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert had planned to adopt a boy to help out around Green Gables farm. But waiting for them at the train station is freckle-faced, red-headed Anne Shirley—a talkative eleven-year-old orphan with a heart full of dreams and a desperate longing for a home. From the minute Anne sets foot in Matthew's buggy, Green Gables will never be the same! Discover one of the most delightful, irrepressible young heroines of all time in L. M. Montgomery's classic novel.

Mary Engelbreits Childrens Companion: The Mary Engelbreit Look and How to Get It (Mary Engelbreit's Companion)

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 3 to 6 weeks By: Andrews McMeel Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 80 new & used starting at $0.52

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Very Inspirational! 4 out of 5 stars.
14 of 14 people found this review helpful.

This is a terrific book to have on hand if one is looking for style and decorating ideas. There's not much in the way of actual how-to's, but a wonderful source to page through for all of those idea-starters. A surprising variety of decor and styles are represented.

Children's dream rooms... 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 9 people found this review helpful.

THESE are what I dream of children's rooms looking like! This is not really a how-to book, but more of an idea book...to be honest, I don't even think I read it, but spent a couple hours poring over the beautiful pictures to get ideas for my 2-year old daughter's new "big girl" room. There are sections on nurseries, girls' and boys' rooms, and also a few do-it-yourself decorations for good measure. If you enjoy a look that is nostalgic, colorful, and slightly cluttery, then you will love this book!