Koncocoo

Best Crafts & Hobbies

I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence
Take a cue from entertaining expert. Amy. Sedaris and host an unforgettable fete that will have your guests raving. "In A t Home with Amy Sedaris , Ms. Sedaris offers deliriously twisted takes on the homemaking skills she skewered in her books I Like You and Simple Times ." The fourth disc contains a PDF file with all 76 recipes for her "15-minute meals in 20 minutes," which were read aloud on the previous discs, in addition to 70 more "Jackpot Recipes." The actor, caterer, film star, comic, and sister of David Sedaris charms, seduces, entertains, instructs, amuses, and just plain invites readers into her somewhat eclectic life. Readers will revel in the more than 100 recipes with menus for dozens of occasions (or not), from blind date at home to table for one (an evening alone, that is, with steak and salad). Her recipes, by the way, are no rivals to the Culinary Institute of America; for instance, the directions for "carrot coins" call for slicing carrots so they look like coins and sauteing with butter, salt, and pepper.
Reviews
"Serious recipes interspersed with "serious" humor read by Amy in her adorable voice."
"Visually, the layout is great and the art is varied and fun (I can't decide which I prefer: the photos or the illustrations). What I learned from the book was about relaxing, whether in terms of cooking, entertaining or just life in general. I was never an uptight cook or baker but I often felt that entertaining was a lot of pressure. My teachers ranged from my mother to Martha Stewart, neither of whom would suggest a sombrero with a brimful of chips = Fiesta Night."
"This is the second copy of this I have had to buy."
"There are numerous references to material by page number which are useless here. So, with graphics that are incomprehensible and text that zig zags all over the place, it's a testament to the authors enormous talent and my perseverence that I give this book 4 stars."
"so why would i have a book like this? it is the most amusing, funny, clever, delightful, helpful, informative book about ANY subject i've read about anything!"
"I found this hilarious book in the stack of reading material at my dear friend Linda's house (well, okay, it was in her bathroom) during one of our girl pal weekends in October."
"Irreverent Sedaris humor is to be expected in this perfect hostess book."
Find Best Price at Amazon
100 Easy Recipes In Jars
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
"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."
Find Best Price at Amazon
Make It Fizz: A Guide to Making Bathtub Treats
In Make it Fizz: A Guide to Making Bathtub Treats, Holly Port will explain the easiest way to make bath bombs so that you don’t have the challenges you may have had in the past with other recipes.
Reviews
"Finally, (and maybe this is a minor point) she recommends cold process soap as a topping for one of her bath bomb recipes. I think it's kind of silly to suggest cp soap for a first project as topping for a bath bomb cupcake."
"This book has a Lot of specialty and "exotic" recipes for the person who really wants to make bath bombs that stand out from all the rest."
"I couldn't begin to figure out how to make bath bombs & fizzies."
"I have now ordered things from them and have been very happy with their products and pricing."
"These recipes are amazing, only thing that i did that is not in this book is try to use a blue shimmer mica and it turned the bath tub blue and my spouse lol you could say he looked like papa smurf :)."
"Her basic recipe and the photo directions are great!"
"This book have a lot of interesting recipes."
"I've tried and failed at many many bath bomb recipes, but the ones in this book are brilliant!"
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Applique

Wool Appliqué Folk Art: Traditional Projects Inspired by 19th-Century American Life
Savor the richness and beauty of wool appliqué—its texture, depth, color, and design. ( The Canadian Quilter, Autumn 2015 ) Rebekah L. Smith studied graphic design at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and specializes in wool work, murals, and American folk art.
Reviews
"As the title suggests all the projects in this book follow the folk art (primitive) aesthetic and were inspired by artifacts of the 19th century and this is reflected in both the motifs and colors used throughout. Also given are illustrated instructions for the easy embroidery stitches used in the projects: blanket, outline, running, whipstitch, French knot, and stars. The tools and supplies list for creating the projects is a fairly short one with easy to obtain items that most sewists probably already have, such as: scissors, rotary cutter/mat/ruler, Sharpie marker, various needles, pins, freezer paper (I get mine at Walmart), and embroidery floss."
"The artist has shared some beautiful hand applique projects for us to create."
"Excellant source for primitive Americana wool applique stitches and method."
"REBEKAH SMITH IS A BEAUTIFUL WOOL APPLIQUE STITCHER."
"Something I really want to do and think the directions are great making wool applique look doable for me."
"I love working with wool and this book makes me want to make every project."
"Good ideas, well written, easy to understand, I changed up the colors as it is rather civil war drab, but good book."
"There's not enough information in this book for someone that knows nothing about wool appliqué."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Basket Making

CROCHET: Crochet for Beginners: The Ultimate Step by Step Guide with Illustrations and Pictures!
"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
"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."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Book Making & Binding

Happy Journal, Happy Life: How drawing your day ignites creativity, boosts gratitude, and skyrockets happiness.
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
"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"!"
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Candle Making

The Everything Soapmaking Book: Learn How to Make Soap at Home with Recipes, Techniques, and Step-by-Step Instructions - Purchase the right equipment and ... and sell your creations (Everything®)
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
"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 👌👌."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Crafts for Children

Happy Journal, Happy Life: How drawing your day ignites creativity, boosts gratitude, and skyrockets happiness.
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
"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."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Crocheting

How To Crochet: A Complete Guide for Absolute Beginners
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
"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."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Cross-Stitch

Crochet Afghans: Discover How to Crochet a Perfect Afghan in Less Than a Day
This is because crocheting afghans is presented by most crochet books as a very difficult and arduous process that can only be accomplished after mastering many different kinds of crochet stitches. Whether you are just learning how to crochet, have mastered crochet for beginners, or know every stitch in the book, Crochet Afghans can help you improve your technique and learn how to crochet an afghan in less than one day. This is why this book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to crochet afghans , whether they have no crocheting experience, or having been crocheting for decades. Now, all you have to do is read Crochet Afghans and you will be able to follow even complex crochet patterns. To speed up the process, the book also includes a full list of pattern abbreviations , to explain the crochet terminology that patterns and other crocheters use. Here are only a few of Crochet Afghans’ benefits: • Full-color illustrations and diagrams. • Teaches how to choose yarn and how much to buy. • Beginning and advanced crochet techniques. • Teaches how to start your afghan. • 22 gorgeous Afghan patterns from beginner to advanced level. • Teaches how to find more patterns. • Best yarn color combinations. • How to divide a crocheted afghan. • Most common crocheting mistakes and how to avoid them. • How to start and finish any kind of afghan.. Together theywould figure them out, and then, soon, Emma did not need her grandmother's helpwith the patterns any more, and they could just sit side by side and crochet.Emma Brown's knowledge of crochetingis more extensive than most and was built by trial and error-so she knows what reallyworks for someone who is first starting to learn or who wants to progress from thebasics to more advanced patterns and techniques. She has started crocheting circlein just about every city she's lived in, passing her knowledge on to others, beforedeciding to write a book that would encompass the entirety of experience and expertise.
Reviews
"This book has what about 95% of the other books don't have--photos! Ms. Brown has included enough of each element of crochet needed to make this book of value to everyone who is just above beginner to experienced crochet. There is really something for everyone in this book."
"This book is perfect for a total beginner. All you have to do while trying a pattern from the book is look at the beginning to clear out all the information before you start."
"I have been crocheting for a while and I have always wanted to make a Crochet afghan but I've never really got the courage to."
"Wonderful for the beginner, and excellent for busy people that have a desire to offer a homemade gift but are short on time."
"Very interesting and really could understand the directions and explanations."
"I loved that there was a provided link to videos for the different kinds of ways to stitch, to give me a little more help, its different when you can watch someone else do it just to make sure you're doing it right."
"Great descriptions of all stitches and patterns with links to video for more detail."
"I have been crocheting for many years and my crocheting books are over 20+ years old."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Home Decorating

The Loverly Wedding Planner: The Modern Couple's Guide to Simplified Wedding Planning
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
"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."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Dollhouses

SCULPTING THE EASY WAY IN POLYMER CLAY FOR BEGINNERS 2: How to sculpt a fairy head in Polymer clay (Sculpting the easy way for beginners)
The second book in the series sculpting in polymer clay for beginners shows how to sculpt a fairy head in a very easy to follow process.
Reviews
"They're step by step, and offer directional arrows so that you know which way to blend clay."
"Very easy to follow and I shall enjoy trying it."
"Love this book, I have made a few fairies and they look soo much better then when I was just "winging it"."
"This book shows wonderful clay techniques and it has helped me a lot with my doll sculpting!!"
"Great little booklet."
"I an learning to sculp and it gave new ideas and encouraged me to try."
"I've only read through this book, but it looks easy enough to try."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Craft & Hobby Dough

Little Sculptors - Animal Ball: Sculpture book for kids and beginners
- 3 easy steps to sculpting a cute animal.
Reviews
"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."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Dried Flowers

Health book : HOW TO GET RID OF HPV AS SOON AS POSSIBLE: The new ways to get rid of Human Papillomarvirus (HPV) within 7 months
HOW TO GET RID OF HPV AS SOON AS POSSIBLE : The new ways to get rid of Human Papillomarvirus (HPV) within 7 months. Read For FREE with Kindle Unlimited Subscription. For a limited time you can download “ HOW TO GET RID OF HPV AS SOON AS POSSIBLE : The new ways to get rid of Human Papillomarvirus (HPV) within 7 months " for Special Discounted Price of Only $ 3.59 from the full price $ 6.99.
Reviews
"I MUST FIRST READ FOR BASIC EASY FOR ME AND AFTER I CAN READ A BOOKS ANYTIME."
"It's a basic eat vegetarian book by someone who speaks limited English."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Craft Dye

Wen Redmond's Digital Fiber Art: Combine Photos & Fabric - Create Your Own Mixed-Media Masterpiece
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
"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."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Embroidery

Embroidered & Embellished: 85 Stitches Using Thread, Floss, Ribbon, Beads & More - Step-by-Step Visual Guide
· Step-by-step photo instructions show exactly how to sew 85 different stitches. · Includes 8 complete embroidery projects to stitch and embellish. · The essential embroidery reference for everyone from beginners to experts. The second book by Brown (Ribbonwork Gardens) is a cornucopia of fancy stitches, which she has divided into four styles of embroidery: traditional; silk ribbon; raised and textured; and bead. Brown also provides a thorough overview of the ribbons, floss, threads, and tools likely to be needed, along with idiosyncratic advice taken from her many years of sewing. Embroidered & Embellished features over eighty stitches using thread, floss, ribbon and more, providing a strong step-by-step guide in full color and including written instructions that leave nothing to wonder. I thought her Embroidering With Confidence chapter offered lots of good tips for the novice as well as a refresher for those who have not picked up an embroidery needle for a while. Her ribbon work has been featured worldwide in galleries, fashion shows, and magazines such as Martha Stewart Weddings.
Reviews
"Embroidered & Embellished: 85 Stitches Using Thread, Floss, Ribbon, Beads & More Step-by-Step Visual Guide The newest book by Christen Brown is truly amazing in its color photography and amazing details for design, instruction and inspiration."
"It says e.g. Colour A light pink, Colour B medium pink, Colour C Shell pink, Colour D Lilac and so forth."
"This is a fine example of how a specialty book should be constructed."
"I love Christen's books - her instructions and photos are very clear."
"Full of pertinent information, well written, understandable."
"Visuals for these lessons are needed, and that has been accomplished. with great care for the reader to understand. Ladies in. my family, for over 100 years, have made some exquisite embroidered. pieces that I cherish!"
"Beautiful book full of ideas, directions, georgous pictures."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Fashion

The Curated Closet: A Simple System for Discovering Your Personal Style and Building Your DreamWardrobe
Is your closet jam-packed and yet you have absolutely nothing to wear? "it never hurts to take inventory of what's in your closet already in order to make good decisions when you're staring at a pile of "yeses" in the dressing room. [she] is dedicated to helping women curate their perfect wardrobes using all kinds of handy charts, infographics, and lists that make the process less emotional and more data-oriented." – Glamour.com "Fans of the author's blog, Marie Kondo devotees, and anyone who's tired of having a full closet but 'nothing to wear' will treasure this superb resource." "Lifestyle blogger Rees’s first book, based on the blog Into Mind , is a fun and practical guide to discovering one’s personal style. The goal is for women to easily choose an outfit that they like every single morning, to wear a large portion of clothes from their closet, and to be able to dress for their own lifestyles. “In a world inundated with fast fashion and rapidly changing trends, it’s easy for our closets to become graveyards of misguided purchases. Anuschka Rees’s The Curated Closet is a smart, straightforward manual that encourages readers to discover what they like and to develop a wardrobe that makes getting dressed easier. She has a master's in social psychology from the London School of Economics and has spent years studying the intricacies of human decision making, which she's used to develop her unique system of personal style-defining techniques.
Reviews
"I'd be a bit lost on color, personalized style words, and garment basics without the prior read of Bobbie Thomas, The Power of Style (similar approach with clearer guidance on personal style & color palettes), Nancy Nix-Rice, Looking Good Every Day (required text for FIT NY Image Consultants), and Jennifer Scott, Lessons From Madame Chic (light-hearted stories underscoring and explaining personal style, quality, upkeep, yep, no quizzes her either). Having read those books, Anuschka is exceptional at the final mechanics of building and updating a wardrobe that meets YOUR needs and style personality. Madame Chic -- put me in the proper mindset. Looking Good Everyday -- provided the nuts and bolts. The Power of Style -- prompted detail work on my style personality, color palette, and clothing details. The Curated Closet -- solidified my rules, set my outfit formula, and established an on-going "curating" approach."
"For years I did the whole “buy whatever I like on clearance” routine – only to wind up with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear, because nothing matches or it turns out a shirt I loved for 30 seconds in a dressing room (that was on sale of course) just doesn’t fit quite right at home. Less focused on having a minimalist wardrobe (although that’s part of it), this book teaches the reader how to develop a personal style that works with your budget and how to be a smarter shopper. One of the biggest mistakes I was making was just having a general idea of a piece I needed –say a blue shirt- and then going shopping and finding something (on sale) that more or less fit the bill. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that finds themselves with a closet full of close and nothing to wear, or who is ready to develop a personal style and become a smarter, better shopper."
"She asks you to take pictures of your outfits for two weeks and then looks at your FAVORITE outfits, that you felt the best in, and helps you analyze them to figure out WHY you love them and then build your whole wardrobe around those elements. This is different from every other challenge I've looked at, which have you look at all the clothes you WORE and build your wardrobe around the pieces you wore, which is NOT the same as building it around your favorite outfits."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Flower Arranging

Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden: Grow, Harvest, and Arrange Stunning Seasonal Blooms
From Erin Benzakein, a leader in the locaflor farm-to-centerpiece movement and owner of internationally renowned Floret Flower Farm, Cut Flower Garden is equal parts instruction and inspiration—a book overflowing with lush photography of magnificent flowers and breathtaking arrangements organized by season. - Stephen Orr, editor in chief, Better Homes and Gardens. "One of the leading voices in the farmer-florist movement, Erin is a tireless advocate for locally-grown flowers. "I met Erin Benzakein more than ten years ago when she was a young mom growing sweet peas and dreaming of making her living from flowers. And now she's sharing that dream with the world - everyone from fellow flower enthusiasts to emerging farmer-florists to veteran designers yearning for a new, seasonal and sustainable model of floristry. In her debut book she not only introduces us to the basics of growing our own flowers, she shares her deep love and understanding of gardening in a way that will leave even the most doubtful grower feeling inspired to get their hands in the dirt." Her first book is deliciously gorgeous and incredibly comprehensive- combining practical advice alongside a huge overdose of seasonal inspiration. Erin Benzakein's gorgeous new book, Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden, is equal parts inspiration and education. The layout is simultaneously appealing and practical; Floret's signature lush photographs beautifully illustrate all stages of cut flower production and design through the seasons. Filled with clear growing techniques, detailed harvesting instructions and other tips of the trade, this book is a true gift to anyone wanting to generate good income from the craft of flower farming on a small-scale.
Reviews
"broken down into flowers of the season... author gives several varieties of her favorite flowers."
"What a book, just about everything you need to know, and her years of experience have been put into this book."
"Beautiful, inspiring, complete, thorough, full of heart and current guide, that can be adapted to farms of all sizes."
"I was so inspired after reading this book that I took a leap and bought my first dahlia, now that I know how to take care of it."
"I don't even have a yard/garden right now as I'm renting but this book has been so fun to read and to dream!"
"If you love flowers, you will love this book."
"I wish I bought this as a digital copy so that I could carry everywhere to read."
"Love this book!"
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Craft Framing

The Complete Photo Guide to Framing and Displaying Artwork: 500 Full-Color How-to Photos
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
"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."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Fun with Paper & Wood, Stones & Knives

Soap Crafting: Step-by-Step Techniques for Making 31 Unique Cold-Process Soaps
Make your own custom-tailored and perfectly formed cold-process soaps! Further information, including videos of the soapmaking process, is available at the author’s website.VERDICTFaiola’s enthusiasm for her subject is apparent, and with her guidance, beginners will easily take to this craft.” — Library Journal. Anne-Marie Faiola, The Soap Queen, makes cold-process soapmaking accessible and fun with complete descriptions of the entire process, from selecting your oils to staying safe when working with lye.
Reviews
"The beautiful and stunning directives in this book really turned on my inner creativity, and I was ready to get to business. Firstly, I only used the EXACT ingredients listed by the author, who incidentally owns Brambleberry, which she guiltlessly plugs every chance she gets. The delivery time is unbelievably long, so expect to wait at least a week before you can do any of the recipes you have saved up with those specialty ingredients. I waited a week and a half for one fragrance oil, which was supposedly in stock, but they didn't ship until 5 days after my order placed. It's a basic swirl made by pouring, and I've had enough soap success to figure I could do that one easily. Also, the most useful part of the whole book, aside from color techniques, is an in-depth look at the properties of the oils used in soap making. Basically, the recipes are a nice starting point, but you might check the percentages and double-check the suggested FO to make sure it doesn't accelerate trace. To use the beautiful color patterns listed in the book, you need to have the longest trace possible to give you time to work."
"It has complete recipes and techniques for making a number of gorgeous and varied soaps, and a plethera of facts, tips, and information you can clearly see and easily find."
"My wife and I started making soap a couple of years ago and now we want to start doing some interesting color."
"Some of the projects in this book are similar to the ones on the blog, still I am happy to have this book as a reference and for inspiration."
"Lot's of different recipes."
"Before I ordered the book, I printed out a bunch of info and recipes from her blog and put it in a binder, but ended up ordering this book anyway and I'm so glad I did."
"The quality, glossy paper, photography, detailed instruction and information was excellent!"
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Glass & Glassware

Basic Stained Glass Making: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started (How To Basics)
Each technique illustrated with color photos. Michael Johnston is a stained glass expert who has been perfecting his craft for more than two decades in the central Pennsylvania region, where he owns and operates Rainbow Vision Stained Glass.
Reviews
"Good overview and some nice templates (although this isn't an activity you can easily pick up by reading a book)."
"Very informative."
"Great pictures and explicit instructions."
"I feel confident in making my choice for a new hobby and how to do it is explained very well."
"Book is great for beginners like myself."
"DIYer or the serious student."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Jewelry Craft

Stoned: Jewelry, Obsession, and How Desire Shapes the World
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
"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."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Knitting

Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible: 260 Exquisite Patterns by Hitomi Shida
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
"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!"
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Lace & Tatting

Sock-Yarn Shawls: 15 Lacy Knitted Shawl Patterns
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
"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."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Lapidary

Simple Guide to Over-the-Air Free TV (Non Technical Guide To Cord Cutting Book 1)
Simple Guide to Over-the-Air Free TV sets itself apart by providing non-techs with over 110 pages of useful cord cutting information and a step-by-step guide to successful cord cutting. Simple Guide to Over-the-Air Free TV explains how supplementing OTA TV with streaming media players like the Roku 4, Amazon Fire TV and Chromecast, in combination with streaming media services like Netflix, Hulu, Showtime, HBO Now, Amazon Video and Sling TV, can create personalized, inexpensive options to bundled cable or satellite programming packages. If you are looking for a straightforward how-to manual to help you cut the cord, read Simple Guide to Over-the-Air Free TV and to learn how to save money and start enjoying TV on your terms today!
Reviews
"I've already ordered a Mohu antenna which will have a trial run next week in my son's apartment."
"Roku 3 love the free "Crackle" channel; 3. Subscription to SlingTV (may upgrade to add HBO when that becomes available) and took advantage of their free Roku Stick offer (for MIL's TV)."
"I was thinking I wished someone had written something like this as I was crawling through the options one by one - and lucky for me, someone did."
"Applying the ideas in this book and purchasing some of the suggested products for two different homes has ended up saving a total of $2640 per year in Cable TV cost."
"Great, short overview of one way to simplify your life and still get what you need."
"Well written and informative in a language that makes it easy to understand."
"An excellent book for anyone who is considering going to a over the air antenna or who is interested in lowering the cost of TV."
"For the total newcomer to OTA use it provides many insights and links to more information."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Leathercrafting

Steampunk Gear, Gadgets, and Gizmos: A Maker's Guide to Creating Modern Artifacts
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
"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!"
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Metal Work

The Big Book of Maker Skills: Tools & Techniques for Building Great Tech Projects
Makers, get ready: This is your ultimate, must-have, tip-packed guide for taking your DIY projects to the next level—from basic wood- and metalworking skills to 3D printing and laser-cutting wizardry, plus the entrepreneurial and crowd-sourcing tactics needed to transform your back-of-the-envelope idea into a gleaming finished product. Hackett likes his coffee strong and his physics Newtonian, and he is a firm believer in “build it, then measure it.”. Founded in 1872, Popular Science is the world’s largest science and technology magazine, with 6.7 million readers.
Reviews
"I feared this would insult her intelligence (she has some class and professional training with tools) but changed my mind after seeing the practical advice from the author, Chris Hackett."
"This is a cool book to read and look through."
"Well written (but with a couple of editing mistakes), funny, clever, and full of great advice on how to do it, and do it safe."
"I did not know how many things could be made....a bit of a handy guys book, combined with OH NO!"
"I haven't tried, but really want to is the homemade welding apparatus (basically 4 car batteries a pair of pliers and a metal rod)."
"Fantastic book covering the basics of most garage projects."
"Nice book if you know absolutley nothing about tools."
"Great book of projects to work on by yourself or with your children."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Hobby Miniatures

Painting Wargaming Figures
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
"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."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Craft & Hobby Mobiles

How To Make Paper Lanterns (Old Fashioned Fun Book 5)
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
"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."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Hobby Model Trains

Arduino Model Railroad Signals: And Other Projects
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
"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."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Craft & Hobby Models

The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Idea Book: 181 Simple Machines and Clever Contraptions
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
"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."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Needlepoint

I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence
Take a cue from entertaining expert. Amy. Sedaris and host an unforgettable fete that will have your guests raving. "In A t Home with Amy Sedaris , Ms. Sedaris offers deliriously twisted takes on the homemaking skills she skewered in her books I Like You and Simple Times ." The fourth disc contains a PDF file with all 76 recipes for her "15-minute meals in 20 minutes," which were read aloud on the previous discs, in addition to 70 more "Jackpot Recipes." The actor, caterer, film star, comic, and sister of David Sedaris charms, seduces, entertains, instructs, amuses, and just plain invites readers into her somewhat eclectic life. Readers will revel in the more than 100 recipes with menus for dozens of occasions (or not), from blind date at home to table for one (an evening alone, that is, with steak and salad). Her recipes, by the way, are no rivals to the Culinary Institute of America; for instance, the directions for "carrot coins" call for slicing carrots so they look like coins and sauteing with butter, salt, and pepper.
Reviews
"Serious recipes interspersed with "serious" humor read by Amy in her adorable voice."
"Visually, the layout is great and the art is varied and fun (I can't decide which I prefer: the photos or the illustrations). What I learned from the book was about relaxing, whether in terms of cooking, entertaining or just life in general. I was never an uptight cook or baker but I often felt that entertaining was a lot of pressure. My teachers ranged from my mother to Martha Stewart, neither of whom would suggest a sombrero with a brimful of chips = Fiesta Night."
"This is the second copy of this I have had to buy."
"There are numerous references to material by page number which are useless here. So, with graphics that are incomprehensible and text that zig zags all over the place, it's a testament to the authors enormous talent and my perseverence that I give this book 4 stars."
"so why would i have a book like this? it is the most amusing, funny, clever, delightful, helpful, informative book about ANY subject i've read about anything!"
"I found this hilarious book in the stack of reading material at my dear friend Linda's house (well, okay, it was in her bathroom) during one of our girl pal weekends in October."
"Irreverent Sedaris humor is to be expected in this perfect hostess book."
Find Best Price at Amazon