Best Craft & Hobby Painting
This beautifully illustrated and inspiring guided watercolor-a-day book is perfect for beginning watercolor artists, artists who want to improve their watercolor skills, and visual creatives. “To the outside observer, Jenna Rainey’s work seems completely effortless, but it is in fact built on an extremely solid foundation of techniques, materials, and color theory.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"In EVERYDAY WATERCOLOR: LEARN TO PAINT WATERCOLOR IN 30 DAYS, author Jenna Rainey gives us a step-by-step approach to learning how to paint. By Day Thirty, we are finalizing our “Jungle Piece.”. So all in all, I found EVERYDAY WATERCOLOR to be an outstanding book. All it takes is practice, a lot of passion, dedication, and most importantly, patience.”. The author concludes the book with this encouragement: “Keep painting and dedicating this practice to yourself as an artist and creative individual.” I appreciate the author’s helpfulness, and warm encouragement."
"In this technique, you paint in the darkest part, then use clean water to wet the lighter areas, and a final stroke joins the two to create a bleed of the dark into the wet areas. In the lessons, you learn how to paint various leaves, flowers (roses, paradise flower), plants (trees, cacti), fruit (papaya, dragon fruit), animals (chickens, hummingbird, toucan, elephant, macaw), and several landscape or collage-like paintings using these objects. She frequently urged "add lots of water," leaving it mostly up to the reader to figure out how to keep the paint from escaping the desired bounds."
"However, what I found more important is that it doesn’t only teach but also entices you to start practicing: – It gives a defined time frame “30 days of watercolors”, so you can see the goal. – The example images are not intimidating and portrait only what you are supposed to learn (not astonishing pieces that obviously required more knowledge than what they teach and you go “no way I can do something like that” and give up). It doesn’t focus on making you achieve a specific stylized design, but if you want to build solid foundations in watercolor and go beyond the examples provided, then go for it!."
In this book I will teach you everything you will need to become a paint pouring artist. How to set up your paint pouring studio on a budget. complete supplies list. share all the techniques that I use like; dirty pour flip cup, puddle pours, pre-lift slide technique, open cylinder, ribbon pour, swipe technique and more.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The author's paintings are quite lovely, but the text reads like the outline of a real book, or a well-illustrated book proposal. How can pouring be combined with other acrylic techniques?"
"Rick Cheadle, a highly regarded talent in the world of fluid pour painting, has written an excellent, informative primer for the art form."
"Excellant help for those interested in trying their hand at this form of painting."
"The book includes examples of his artworks which I liked and found them very useful in the context of the technique explanation. One thing I found a little distracting is that the text of every line in this book is centered, rather than using the traditional type setting technique of filling each line start to end."
"He begins with a very brief history of the art form and then lists a few recipes followed by short chapters describing a variety of techniques. The reason I gave this book 3 stars is because it reads more like a white paper - notes for a presentation."
"Just like his paints, there was an easy flow of information - color photos in each section, list of actual products and brands that he uses, friendly layout and sequencing, a glossary, other artists to check out, and how to set prices when selling artwork."
"This book has everything you need to do successful fluid art work.Recipes, techniques, and supplies for anyone's budget!"
Popular stone artist F. Sehnaz Bac, a seasoned archaeologist who markets her painted Sassi dell’Adriatico (Stones of the Adriatic) on Etsy, presents step-by-step instructions for creating 30 fantastic designs. Starting with the basics — including finding and choosing stones as well as tools and materials — the guide offers a variety of techniques, including painting stones with colors or inks, painting on natural stone, and sealing the finished work. Istanbul native F. Sehnaz Bac studied archaeology at Ege University and has a master's degree in restoration and conservation from the institution's Faculty of Architecture.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"One unique idea that stood out to me in this book was that by outlining the painted details with a fineliner pen, it really makes the colors and design pop. We found a shell shaped rock to make a pretty shell and my daughter did a really great job creating a cute cactus design on an oblong shaped rock."
"This book helped me tremendously to paint rocks."
"A lovely book with beautiful pictures and many different ideas for painting stones."
"wonderful BOOK , MY SON LOVE IT AND IS ENJOYING EVERY INCH OF IT."
"It’s an ok book."
"Great book of rock painting ideas and step by step photos of help!"
"An excellent book with many fun projects."
"Very helpful in learning some technics for rock painting."
Best Crafts, Hobbies & Home
The Home Distiller's Workbook - Your guide to making Moonshine, Whisky, Vodka, Rum and so much more!
This eBook is now FREE* with purchase of the paperback version via Amazon's MatchBook service! I wrote this book to pass along the knowledge that was taught to me in the hills of Kentucky over 25 years ago. I’ve developed designs that can be used right in the comfort of you own kitchen or out back in the woods! The truth is that Moonshining, aka “Home Distilling” is a folk art that helped build this country. Cooking up spirits isn’t any harder then properly roasting a Thanksgiving turkey. Open up a whole new world of creativity and step into the hobby that is truly one of the founding traditions of our country. Maybe you are looking for a new culinary branch to explore, maybe you just like the idea of knowing how to do things for yourself, perhaps you just like to keep the old ways alive or maybe you are just tired of our government telling us what we can and can not do! After you read this you will understand just how easy it is to make your own Moonshine, Whiskey, Vodka, Rum or even alternative fuels. So if you are a customer please know that we honor and respect your choice to pay for our content. His father was shortly thereafter discharged from the Army and the family moved back to the Midwest where Jeff spent his early years attempting to recreate Huck Finn's aquatic adventures . From learning the art of Moonshining in the hills of Kentucky to getting lost in the jungles of Central America, fly fishing the Yellowstone river in Montana, white water rafting in the Sierra's or even single handing a sloop through the islands of the Caribbean.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"A very excellent primer for those looking for specific information on the theory of distillation."
"The book is very informative, written in a light hearted manner but serious when necessary."
"Easy to read and understand."
"Easy read and simple solutions."
"A great start to distilling and a good read."
"Not much here that cannot be found for free on the net but I still enjoyed it."
"First of all, the book is tiny. Had I read the reviews more thoroughly before purchasing this I would have seen the warnings for everything I've listed here, noted the strange way the author responds to constructive criticism, and gone elsewhere. If you want a short and sweet guide to whiskey and distilling that actually provides all the steps you will need to make your first batch of whiskey or bourbon I recommend How to Make Whiskey: http://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Whiskey-Step-Step/dp/1480174408/ref=pd_sim_b_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1EW7Q3MVSRZ54CEAREJD."
Best Craft & Hobby Rugs
Every weaver weaves a rag rug--or two, or three. "...his enthusiasm, encouragement, and personal advice make it seem like weaving a rag rug is very, very doable." "The history and instruction alone make Weaving Rag Rugs well worth owning, but the crowning glories of this book are the thirty-two projects, woven by Tom and friends, that show the wide-ranging possibilities of this homely art...Whether you're an experienced rug weaver or rug weaving has just been on your bucket list, this book is a perfect combination of how-to, eye candy (loom candy), and a darn good read." "Anyone considering weaving a rag rug would do well to have Tom Knisely's book in their hands to guide them along the way...Knisely's warm personality and teaching strengths are apparent throughout the book...Inspired by Knisely's supportive tone and instructions, the only problem weavers should have with this book is deciding which project to tackle first."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Tom Knisely makes weaving an exciting adventure."
"Tom Knisely has put together a wonderful resource full of TONS of photos- really above and beyond."
"I'm a beginner with the wrong kind of loom for it's content."
"Wonderfully written book on how to weave rugs well."
"Interesting concept in weaving by one of the best weaver's out there."
"He gives such clear, precise information about all aspects of rug making plus an AMAZING collection of beautiful rugs with detailed instructions on creating each one of them."
"Another winner from Tom Knisely!"
"This was recommended to me by a number of weavers -- and they were right!"
Best Craft & Hobby Stenciling
With illustrated step-by-step instructions, The Big Awesome Book of Hand & Chalk Lettering shows the complete beginner how to master the art of hand lettering, the composition/design of phrases on the page, and flourishes to embellish the design. The Big Awesome Book of Hand & Chalk Lettering covers 15 lettering styles-from Black Letter and "melting" to circus and Victorian, as well as serifs and scripts-along with numerous borders, corners, banners, bursts, frames and other accents. Dina Rodriguez is a freelance hand lettering artist.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I have purchased several hand lettering guides and this one is definitely a great addition to my collection."
"and that's it - there are tons of tips and guides to go through each alphabet step by step."
"I found this book so inspirational!"
"Nice, big book perfectly full of beautiful examples and how-to's."
"Simple and direct instructions, A+."
"I'm enjoying the book very much!"
"The book !"
Best Craft & Hobby Ribbons
Now you and your family can eat healthy meals with simple and delicious five ingredient recipes. •Healthy and common ingredients. •Easy to follow, step-by-step directions. •100 healthy recipes in 5 ingredients or less to be use with your instant pot. Less is more because you will be spending less time shopping and cooking, and more time eating healthy foods with your family!
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"On the off chance that you would prefer not to need to utilize a huge amount of fixings or time, this is an extraordinary cookbook for you."
"These 5 ingredients recipes delicious, I get this book on the demand of my husband because He needs some delicious and healthy food."
"Still trying new things in my Instant Pot."
"Also on the plus side, there are a lot of recipes for side dishes and beans, which is nice to see. I would call Easy Soft-Boiled Eggs and Baked Avocado Eggs breakfast recipes, and think Caramelized Onions are more an ingredient than a side dish on their own, but whatever, there are still a lot of side dishes, although darn few with rice. Be aware that, some recipes appear to be problematic. Creamy Source Rice, what is that? You dump a package (doesn't say what size) of french fries in the pot, drizzle a tablespoon of oil over them, then season with salt and pepper, finally spreading a package (again, size is up to you) of shredded cheese over the top. I can think of no way this recipe will be a success, with soggy fries (likely burned on the bottom) and separated, oily cheese."
"This is one of the best book in my kindle collection because the book is a big value addition in my kindle collection thanks."
"The recipes are easy to follow and delicious."
Best Craft & Hobby Dough
- 3 easy steps to sculpting a cute animal.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"You can make them with plasticine clay or even polymer, which i used to make the monkey, and possibly even play dough."
"I love how clean and simple this book makes crafting."
"This book maybe for molding using clay or plasticine but I used these techniques and models to make some cute fondant characters for cakes and cupcakes."
"Cute book, easy instructions."
"A book for beginners, without words .."
"Only pictures to guide you so you must have a decent knowledge of working with polymer clay before you embark on these projects."
"I love these ball animals to make for kids as presents."
"I think the designs are cute but the author only gives 3 steps for each piece."
Best Craft & Hobby Models
The LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 Idea Book explores dozens of creative ways to build amazing mechanisms with the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 set. "Minimalistic but highly informative...encouraging young engineers to apply problem solving and creativity to the endless combinations of mechanics."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"So many interesting gears and mechanisms I would have never thought of on my own."
"Best book ever for my son!"
"Lego is wonderful, my son learns how to program using this toy!"
"I feel I have three years worth the projects for my LEGO Robotics Clubs/Teams to explore."
"I bought it for my daughter and she loves it."
Best Craft & Hobby Mobiles
Some creative ideas for your lanterns: You can have some creative fun by thinking up some further ideas such as: 1.Hanging one lantern inside a larger one. 4.Making the lantern into a permanent shape by placing a folded cylinder of contrasting coloured paper inside the lantern and gluing at the top and bottom.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book is wonderful, is so easy do the paper lanterns because the explication is perfect."
"it was ok but i guess i wanted more than it offered."
Best Craft & Hobby Reference
Choose the proper tools and set up your workbench Ensure personal safety and use proper eye and ear protection Understand how electrical components work and why they fail Perform preliminary diagnoses based on symptoms Use test equipment, including digital multimeters, ESR meters, frequency counters, and oscilloscopes. His involvement in ham radio led to his writing career, first with articles for ham radio magazines, and then with general technology features in Electronic Engineering Times, Desktop Engineering, IEEE Spectrum, and The Envisioneering Newsletter. Along with building and repairing electronic circuitry, he enjoys table tennis, restoring antique mopeds, ice skating, bicycling, and banging out a jazz tune on his harpsichord.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I NEVER thought of circuits this way and the author was able to explain that the active elements are the players in the story and everything else is a supporting cast. Bottom line, this is the book that I couldn't put down...and it is about some of the driest material you can find. I cannot recommend this book enough and I would pay triple just for the section where the author walks through a couple sample circuits, describes each component's function, and what would happen if that component failed."
"Well written and organized."
"Read it slowly and use it as a reference."
"B&W pictures of some of the older devices are understandable but most of the pictures could've easily been replaced with new coloured ones."
"Needed so to learn more about plc.."
"Good book that gives some insight to those new to troubleshooting."
"the Item Excellent and the seller is good thank you."
"Informative!"
Best Craft & Hobby Stuffed Animals
With just two weeks to go before baby Edward's due date, yarn enthusiast Kerry Lord picked up a crochet hook for the first time and a new obsession began. Kerry Lord is the designer and founder of the TOFT Alpaca Shop, a modern British knitwear company offering exclusive knitting and crochet patterns, alpaca yarns and workshops.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"However, there are several negatives that kept this from being one of my favorite books. The author happens to be fortunate enough to have grown up on an Alpaca farm and be an owner of a luxury yarn co. All the animals derive their wooly huggable appearance from the texture of alpaca yarn, which is not available to everyone and is not especially practical for children's toys. I thought I might use the patterns to create my own versions, but it is simply too much frustration and there are many other books and patterns available that are much easier to use."
"Great directions that are clear and concise."
"The patterns online are great but inconsistent in size."
"Fantastic book and patterns."
"OH MY GOSH ~ what a wonderful book !!!!!!"
"My girlfriend loves this book and has made several of the designs that are included in the book."
"ABSOLUTELY LOVE and will be ordering Kerry Lord's other book so I can crochet some wonderful looking birds for my grandbabies!"
"I have found a couple pattern errors and agree with other posts that there could be more pictures for direction and details."
Best Craft Framing
Kistler, a leading framing expert and author of numerous books and articles on the subject, teaches the do-it-yourselfer to frame like a pro. Vivian is the author of numerous books and videos, including the seven-volume Library of Professional Picture Framing. Her monthly articles appear in Art World News, Picture Framing Magazine and Profile magazine.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"While the author of this work sadly passed away a few years ago, the book is not in the least outdated and is as clear and as comprehensive as one could possibly wish."
"I don't know if you could call this the definitive framing publication, but it's a pretty good starter for beginners, such as myself, and should enthuse you to delve deeper into the creation of your own frames."
"Good, easy to read and use guide on framing."
"I joined a local art gallery recently and found that if I sent my photos to be framed I might as well just give the products away."
"A lot of info with great pictures to help you see what is going on."
"If you have framing experience, this book won't tell you much you don't already know."
"A great overview of framing."
"I absolutely love this Guide."
Best Craft Dye
Create mixed-media art quilts starting from your digital photographs. ( Down Under Textiles, Issue 25 ). Wen Redmond has been experimenting with different styles and techniques for many years, and this book distils her work with digital images and various materials. The book is helpfully divided up into sections such as using fabric or paper as substrates, using Pre-Coats (such as InkAid) and basic Digital Photography printing before moving onto more experimental chapter, using acrylic mediums, overlays, creating textured surfaces for blending or printing over and using nonporous substrates. Inkjet printers can be used to print on a variety of substrates, and mixed-media artist Redmond shares how best to combine printed fabric or paper with paint, photographs, and art supplies such as gel medium to create one-of-a-kind works of art. This stimulating guide to combining digitally altered photos and surface materials to create mixed-media designs centres around artist Wen Redmond's passion for photographs and fabric. With stunningly illustrated ideas for digitally printing/layering images onto fabric, paper and other surfaces suing a variety of techniques, it is jam-packed full of information covering computer software and scanner/copier techniques, layering and blending images, printing processes and paint methods. Whether you're interested in photo quilting, fabric and paper art, digital and mixed-media art, photography or art and design, you can't fail to be inspired by the transformational approaches in this book. Wen Redmond, a distinguished quilter and mixed media artiest, experiments with manipulating and printing digital images on a multitude of substrates including fabrics and paper. Showing complete familiarity with the tools, techniques and products she describes, Wen's inspirational combination of textiles and digital images will surely motivate the adventurous-spirited reader to compose, create and print innovative textile art too. Wen Redmond is a mixed-media artist whose work embraces digital printing, surface design, fiber art, and collage.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"gets into detail about using the computer to make digital fabric art."
"Wonderful instructional material."
"Easy to follow and the photos are wonderful."
"This book is filled with wonderful images from this talented artist."
"Great guide for working with digital photos to create art quilts - many great pictures for creative motivation."
"I own a few of Wen Redmond's pieces and love her book too."
"Lots of digital collage techniques to work with."
Best Craft Patchwork
Grab this easy. beginner quilting guide. and get 3 fun. quilt patterns. with complete step-by-step instructions that anybody can use to. make a quilt. , even if you have never sewn before! Three complete quilt patterns: Quilt-as-you-go table runner, Rail fence lap quilt, and Double four-patch baby quilt. She is always looking for and writing about simpler and faster ways to quilt.Felicity is currently working on her second quilting book, and contributes to the quilting blog Quilter's Diary.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Overall it is an excellent book to start quilting!"
"I like the size of the book, and I knew as soon as I opened it, I had really gotten the quilting book that I had been looking for all along."
"I like the book for beginning quilting & want to give a 5 rating but it needed editing/updating on pages here/there (one was on the instructions #3, where is the mention of the yellow fabric)."
"great book for Beginners,"
"this as a gift & she likes it & picked a pattern fir her 1st quilt."
"Since I know nothing about quilting, this book was extremely informative...."
Best Crafts for Children
Want to ignite your creativity, boost your gratitude, and skyrocket your happiness in ten minutes a day? This creative and motivational book invites you along as I discovered the Happy Journal method. A happy journal's premise is you drawing images to describe what brings you joy, so you end up illustrating your life. - Notice the little things that make up your beautiful life. - Combat negative mindsets that will kill your happy journal before it starts. - Start your own happy journal with a couple of supplies. - Pass on the gift of a happy journal to your children and friends.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I'm not much of a writer but found myself excited to sit down and draw out my day; events that made me smile throughout the day."
":). I struggle with perfectionism, so I love the author's emphasis on releasing the need for your happy journal to be perfect and instead embracing whatever it is that brings you joy."
"What a nice thing to do to relax... brainstorm or not even think of anything at all...you can use the extra bonuses she gives you to come up with prompts, you can’t help but smile doing this journal."
"I am in no way an artist, but the encouragement that Jennie gives - i find myself doing little stick figures in the margins of my happy journal."
"I'm no artist, i have always been afraid to incorporate drawing into my journals."
"I loved this book and how it reminds you to find the happy in your every day life and to keep a record of it."
"I have fine tip pens, gelatos, colored pencils and watercolors that are languishing in their cases."
Best Crocheting
With bright, modern, full color illustrations, anyone can quickly learn to crochet, master new stitches and make a selection of cute and easy first crochet projects, including beautiful scented hanging hearts, baby hats, granny squares, scarves and mittens and lots more !. Alison McNicol is an expert in teaching crochet, knitting and sewing, and has written a series of best-selling craft books for adults and children.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I’m a complete crochet novice so I loved the clear and easy to follow illustrations which were so easy to follow."
"Working on Christmas gifts. Thank you for such a easy to understand book!"
"sorry I did not buy 2 or 3 to give as gifts great book for learning how to crochet."
"I like this book because it is simple and it shows step by step how to do the stiches."
"Great book to learn how to crochet."
"Love how easy it sounds to crochet."
"I have been using this as a reference book and because this is the Kindle version it is easy to reference and bookmark."
Best Puppets & Puppetry Crafting
Crochet is also an art for more experienced crocheters to allow their skills to flourish by mastering some new stitches. With “Crochet Books: 30 Crochet Patterns In 30 Days With The Ultimate Crochet Guide”, you'll be able to whip up fun new gifts, surprises, accessories, and everything in between in practically no time at all. ~"Anna really put together some great crochet patterns. ~"I'm so happy I made this my first of many crochet books". < tags: crochet patterns on kindle free, crochet patterns, crochet books, crochet for beginners, crocheting, crochet magazine, crochet afghans, free crochet pattern books for kindle, crochet stitches, crochet free kindle books, crochet baby, knitting, sewing, Crochet baby blanket patterns, Crochet baby patterns, Crochet baby booties, Crochet baby blankets, Crochet baby clothes, Crochet baby afghans, Crochet baby beanies, Crochet baby dress patterns, Crochet baby booties patterns, Crochet baby bibs. First, I'd like to say my mother taught me so many of the skills I have today and every book I publish is in memory of her. Throughout the year you may find us traveling along the east coast due in large part to my children being home schooled.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Easy to follow directions with pictures when needed."
"Great variety of projects.Basic, simple format and instructions."
"Nice patterns and not too difficul to read."
"Looks like an awesome book so far."
"I chose to give this book a 5 star rating because it's a great book."
"Easy read and cute ideas what more could you want for any beginner."
"It is not always easy to find the right crochet pattern book ."
Best Hobby Model Trains
This book provides ideas for the model railroad enthusiast to develop automated signal projects. The first book is titled Arduino Heat Transfer Science Fair Projects and the second book is titled Arduino Force Pressure and Acceleration Science Fair Projects.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"After having issues with the first project, the author assisted me and I am happy to upgrade my review to 5 stars."
"Note I'm not a model railroad person, I wanted to see yet another application of Arduino technology."
"I liked the arduino model rr specific discussion and coding suggestions but was hoping for a bit more depth and other applications."
"Great book!"
"Somewhat simplistic and not very comprehensive in scope."
"This book is a really good reference for arduino and how you can use it for model railroading."
Best Hobby Miniatures
He takes the reader step-by-step through the whole process, from choice of materials (unlike other available guides it is not linked to any specific figure manufacturer) and preparation of the miniatures to basing and even advice on photographing the finished item. "... recommend this book to anyone who has maybe tried to paint wargaming figures in the past or is contemplating creating an army in order to play these types of games.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book will help you learn how to paint figures in a loose style that will be adequate for tabletop gaming."
"A fun guide, this book offers advice on painting a variety of model scales in different depths of detail."
"WARGAMERS BEWARE!"
"Lots of step by step examples."
"A wonderful guide both for novice painters and well as experienced figure painters."
"Very informative for both novice and more experienced figure painters."
"A great book for the wargamng miniature painting novice as well as veteran."
"Just a peach of a good book on painting model figures...I do not hesitate to say it is the best one I've seen."
Best Lace & Tatting
Learn how to work from a knitting chart; instructions for 15 striking shawls are charted and written out Get tips for choosing the right yarn--from fiber content to color--plus tips on using stitch markers, making shawls bigger, and more Make great gifts; find a variety of knitted-shawl patterns to suit yourself and your friends. Find lovely knitted-shawl patterns designed specifically for today's popular sock-weight yarns.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I also love the fact that Jen Lucas had the forethought to add in to each pattern a section on how to make your shawl bigger."
"I particularly like that there are both charts and written instructions for all of them.I have completed several and have found no errors in the patterns -- which is common in patterns I've gotten online."
"The kindle version charts lose all contrast and are difficult to follow."
"Great variety of patterns well written and detailed pics!"
"Great photos, nice projects, and clear directions."
"Did not realize these patterns were for intermediate knitters."
"The pattern instructions are a little confusing since she gives you the lace pattern before the instructions for starting the shawl and carrying on."
"The two color shawl is my favorite one, but I have sat here for 10 minutes and I can’t make heads or tails of that written pattern portion as far as how to order the sections, and I have done plenty of pieces that are as complex as those here."
Best Quilts & Quilting
With an illustrated index, 70 free-motion quilting designs, crystal-clear instructions, and gorgeous full-page photographs, this is the go-to resource you'll want handy before starting any quilting project. Noted long arm quilter Walters is here to help with her engaging new book, detailing quilting designs to fit specifically into squares, triangles, circles, hexagons, and borders. Angela Walters is a prolific writer on free-motion embroidery and her books are always worth a mention being well explained, illustrated and executed. Here there are squares, triangles, circles, diamonds, hexagons, negative space and borders and they are all great designs, ready to combat ‘quilter's amnesia' for those times where you look at a shape and cannot think of the best way to quilt it.The author provides clear and simple instructions which are useful in enabling some complex patterns to be broken down into lines and stages. Angela Waters has quilted for fabric designers, authors, and pattern makers and has been published in numerous books and magazines.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"At Last a how to book that tells you, how to...I have so many other quilting idea books and none of them come close to this one."
"Beginner quilter here, so i bought to use for practice free motin quilting."
"I have enjoyed the book "Shape by Shape Free Motion Quilting" very much."
"Modern free motion quilting guide."
"Fair book I wish I could figure out where to start, stop and how to travel."
"Love Angela Walters ideas for quilting, These give me lots of designs to practice on my quilts."
"received on time and in new condition...Angela makes things seem very easy and has very practical and easy to understand instructions."
"A must have book for quilters .Angela has it well. organized according to the shape of the block and even included design ideas for borders."
Best Leathercrafting
Aetheric ray deflector solid brass goggles Calibrated indicator gauges Ferromagnetic self-scribing automated encyclopedia (or, the Steampunk book drive) High voltage electro-static cannon (or, the lamp gun) Tesla-pod chrono-static insulating field generator (or, the mobile device enclosure) Altitude mask with integrated respiratory augmentation Armoured pith helmet Mark I superior replacement arm with integrated Gatling gun attachment. Thomas Willeford has degrees in physics, history, and art.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The pages hidden between the lovely covers are full of fun and amazingly well layed out projects created, innovated and presented in a wonderfully easy to follow and incredibly well written and thought out style."
"Steampunk Gear, Gadgets, and Gizmos: A Maker's Guide to Creating Modern Artifacts. I've bought lots of DIY books, and read many steampunk books."
"Willeford's step-by-step, cautions and how-to hints are a treasure and we are all the better for his opening the doors of Grimmelore Manor to show us what's inside that genius brain of his."
"It's really remarkable how some of those concepts eventually materialized (portable wireless communication devices, flying machines, trips into outer space, etc.). This book - Steampunk Gear, Gadgets, And Gizmos - is a great look at the designs, and means to create and build your own, Steampunk styled stuff."
"This book contains 12 step-by-step projects for building your own steampunk artefacts from the essential goggles right up to a steam powered artificial arm with gatling gun."
"I started getting into steampunk and wanted a book with some info to make steampunk accessories."
"Really nice to organize my make up and personal items in a small space."
"Also, the cannon on the helmet decoration can be substituted with a different item, or you can find a how-to video on YouTube of Mr. W showing how to make a mini cannon out of a brass rod!"
Best Home Decorating
Your Modern Guide for Planning a Wedding that’s Perfectly You. Wedding planning can be a bit overwhelming, but with the helpful how-tos and insider advice in this handy wedding book, you can forget the stress and focus on creating a day that truly reflects you as a couple. Get a head start on being the best MOH ever and give her this essential guide to bridal everything from the creators of inspirational site Lover.ly.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"My fiancé jokingly says that this book, the Loverly Wedding Planner, may have been written as a “wedding planning guide for the guy”."
"My sister in law is also planning her wedding and so this book will get a lot of use out of it."
"This is all along with recommendation on how far in advance you need to get it done ( for example while the wedding is 12 months away, 9 months, etc)."
"I thought this book will help a couple decide where to begin with wedding planning and to really express what is important to them including budget , where to hold the wedding and who are you inviting."
"This book will walk you through all of the planning processes for having a wedding. Planning a wedding can be a very stressful time, but this book will help you out a lot."
"It was also really nice that this book had places to write down your thoughts or worksheets that helped to guide you through the wedding planning process."
"It has photos, checklists, ideas, tips for choosing venues, tips for pitcures and anouncments, setting the date and much more information which is useful for those about to get married. Lots of great info a must read if your planning to get married."
"In addition to being a great guide, it can also become something of a keepsake, as you can write notes at the end of each chapter."
Best Candle Making
Choose the right soapmaking equipment Blend colors and aromatic scents Create all kinds of soap, from bath soap to facial cleanser Make soaps for holidays and special occasions. Alicia Grosso has been creating handmade soap and toiletries for more than a decade.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book taught me how to make soap."
"This is a decent book for anyone interested in soapmaking."
"It is very comprehensive in explaining any information a new soapmaker might need, including safety information, and I believe has enough info included that even someone who's been making soap for awhile might learn something new."
"Excellent book with lots of good information and recipes."
"The book was very informative, easy to understand, told me exactly what I would need to make soap."
"This is an excellent book for beginners in soap making like me."
"So much information.. great for a beginner in CP soap making."
"I like the book very much , It has the basic information + many recipes 👌👌."
Best Seasonal Crafts
100 Easy Recipes In Jars is a collection of easy to make, delicious jar recipes that will make a big dent in your holiday gift giving list.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Useful, depending on if you want to give gifts in a jar, and if you want to make all those things."
"Wish I had gotten this book to print out.Really don't want to save it for long Was OK some interesting ideas."
"I wish there were more pictures of the finished product."
"Its good, just need more than just the normal sweets everyone always gets."
"It looks good for Christmas, but I have not yet read it."
"This book was okay but the ideas just were not for me."
Best Pottery & Ceramic Craft
"Millefiori" means, one thousand flowers", this technique is used in Venetian glass work, and can be applied to polymer clay. In this book you will learn how to use your cane slices and designed clay sheets to make beautiful beaded jewelry, cover glass objects, and create a variety of home decorations.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I liked that this book gave clear instructions on the basic cane designs and that each cane built upon the previous one (s)."
"This is a small book with compact, with very clear and basic information."
"This is a great instructional book."
"this is exactly what i was looking for--straight, simple easy to follow instructions with many photos."
"Nicely written, very good instructions & photo's."
"I wish there were more stars to give this book."
"This book teaches you how to make a *cane* with a flower inside. it's a good reference book, and it has some good ideas, but I wished I had in paperback edition."
"Excellent reference & great instructions for the intermediate polymer clay artist."
Best Jewelry Craft
Masterfully weaving together pop science and history, Stoned breaks history into three categories—Want, Take, and Have—and explains what the diamond on your finger has to do with the GI Bill, why green-tinted jewelry has been exalted by so many cultures, why the glass beads that bought Manhattan for the Dutch were initially considered a fair trade, and how the French Revolution started over a coveted necklace. “Raden’s commentary on the often ugly side of human desire through the ages is consistently captivating, and her witty delivery makes the material shine.” (Publishers Weekly). What makes a stone a jewel? In this brilliant account of how eight jewels shaped the course of history, jeweler and scientist Aja Raden tells an original and often startling story about our unshakeable addiction to beauty and the darker side of human desire. With sharp wit and a light touch, Raden weaves together history, science, and economics to explore our enduring love affair with beautiful things, and shows us that just like their glittering surfaces, jewels have a singular power to reflect our desires back to us and show us who we really are.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I picked up Aja Raden's Stoned expecting a history of jewelry and was pleasantly surprised to find an in-depth social history of how human perceptions of value, desire and innovation have shaped the modern world. She starts with the beads that bought Manhattan (and in doing so makes a compelling case that it might not have been quite the con we think of it today) and ends with the wristwatch and its role in making modern warfare, aviation, navigation and personal private time possible."
"Personally, I rarely read non fiction books for the simple fact that they aren’t usually very captivating."
"This book started off snarky but interesting and ended up being educational and funny and I enjoyed it a lot."
"I am still reading the book."
"Many of the stories Ms. Arden tells were familiar to me but to read them from from her perspective and with her research gave the stories new meaning and proved to be a delightful read."
"This book has a lot more general world history than I expected."
"Not as informative as I had hoped."
"In depth research on several popular stones."
Best Wreathmaking
Focusing on technique, authors Kasey Rogers and Mark Wood cover the basics of creating a character wreath, from making the face to adding the sleeves to complete the perfect outfit. Rogers played "Louise Tate" on the popular TV show Bewitched.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I remember seeing Mark Wood on an episode of the Carol Duval show many years ago and made his Scarecrow Wreath back then."
Best Knitting
The knitting projects include: A classic hat made using large patterns An elegant scarf in lacy patterns The ever-popular fingerless mittens Thick socks that can be made using various patterns A feminine collar using round stitching And much more! "You will be stunned by the complexity and beauty of these unique motifs — and the intensity does not diminish as you page through the book. "Roehm translates the imaginative work of Shida, one of Japan's best-known hand-knitting designers, into English for the first time. Shida gained an international following with the Japanese publication of a book of couture knitting patterns a decade ago, and here presents hundreds of other patterns, adding scallops, yokes, and edgings to her offerings … For intrepid knitters looking for a challenge, the pages of stunning stitches will prove well worth the effort." "…experienced knitters will be tempted to give it a go after paging through the handsomely photographed knit swatches, each of which is accompanied by unlabeled charts. She has been teaching, designing and writing books for over 20 years, and her work already enjoys a worldwide following among Japanese knitting fans. Gayle Roehm now devotes herself to fiber arts and happily spends her days with yarn and needles.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The book is divided into chapters, each with its own small project: Lacy Patterns, Overall Patterns and Crossing Stitches, Pattern Panels, Pattern Arrangements, Round Yokes and Edgings. This is a must have book for anyone who enjoys designing their own knits, loves texture and is a stitch pattern enthusiast."
"I could spend the rest of my life knitting patterns from this lovely book. It takes a bit of time for the eye and mind to decipher the symbols."
"It is a book I go to so often, Sometimes for a pattern idea but often just to browse as the work is so exquisite."
"An entirely new way of thinking about knitting."
"Waited for publication."
"Exquisite is accurate."
"Fabulous designs, can't wait to use them in projects!"
"Just when you thought you couldn't be dazzled any more, "Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible" comes along to blow you away!"
Best Book Making & Binding
Want to ignite your creativity, boost your gratitude, and skyrocket your happiness in ten minutes a day? This creative and motivational book invites you along as I discovered the Happy Journal method. A happy journal's premise is you drawing images to describe what brings you joy, so you end up illustrating your life. - Notice the little things that make up your beautiful life. - Combat negative mindsets that will kill your happy journal before it starts. - Start your own happy journal with a couple of supplies. - Pass on the gift of a happy journal to your children and friends.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I have fine tip pens, gelatos, colored pencils and watercolors that are languishing in their cases."
"This particularly stood out for me since I’ve struggled with how to help my kids focus on the positive, if they had a bad day at school and are only focusing on the negative."
"Wonderful book."
"If you're looking for one simple thing to do to increase your gratitude and awareness of the good in each day, Jennie gives you exactly that."
"It always brings a smile to her face, even though she sometimes chuckles at my drawings :-) If you have ever struggled with finding joy and happiness in your life, you NEED to read this book!"
"And, along the way, you'll begin to notice how seeking out and jotting down these moments changes the way you think about your day to day life, ultimately resulting in your own "happy life"!"
Best Basket Making
"The Ultimate Crocheting Guide for Beginners!” contains proven steps and strategies regarding everything that you need to know on how to begin crocheting. This book will teach you the basic stitches that you need to know first including the proper way to wind the yarn to your fingers and the way you should hold your hook.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The book started from very beginning with the diagrams which make it easy to understand and learn. She learned it from this book so anyone can learn from it."
"I bought this book for my mother, she loves to make crafts and all that kind of stuff, so I wanted to give her a new way to have fun making crafts."
"What I like about this book are the colored pictures. The book provides a step by step procedure with colorful pictures for each step."
"By the time my mom finishes reading this book, I believe she will have a full idea about crocheting and the different projects she can create during leisure time."
"This is really a magnificent and well detailed guidebook not only for beginners in crochet but also to those who are skilled in this kind of art!"
"She didn't become a crocheting master with this guide, but it is a beginners book, and it is good enough for that."
"What I like with this book is that it contains drawings, illustrations and pictures of the patterns for knitting."
"It has explained everything from the terms, yarn and other things to use in crochet."