Best Fun with Paper & Wood, Stones & Knives
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
Find Best Price at Amazon"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!"
You'll learn to carve a female face, a cowboy face, a Native American face, a Santa face, and more. As a founding member of the Caricature Carvers of America, the legendary Harold Enlow has taught thousands of people how to carve in his sold-out classes. Best of all, you'll discover Enlow's secret to success is learning how to render highly detailed eyes, lips, nose, hair, and ears before moving on to carving a complete face. These helpful study sticks, offered in kits that also contain a booklet of instructions culled from this book, are ideal for guiding you through each and every cut.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Though each step mentions the tool used, one minor thing that would have been useful is an index of all the tools used throughout the book."
"Great book."
"Exactly as described and even came with template pictures."
"Unique character creations step by step."
"This is an easy to follow step-by - step guide to a real art form."
"As a beginner carver I found this book so very helpful."
With more than 225 photographs of Vogel's stunning specimens, this visual introduction to the craft is an invitation to explore an age-old art and to create a timeless gift. Seth and Kendra Smoot have created images for Kate Spade, Garnet Hill, and Williams-Sonoma and have been published in Real Simple , Anthology , and Country Living , among others.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It seems as though the process of making a spoon gets in the way of flowery pargraphs about being connected to nature, and the birth of something new through the destruction of something old. I did very much appreciate that the author does not approach carving as some manly-man survival skill that any "real man" needs to master. Fonts change randomly between sections, the captions for pictures are cut off and displayed on the next page."
"As a beginner spoon maker, this book really helps me look at and examine different carving and finishing techniques."
"Love it-interesting with creative and fun projects at all different levels."
"Very informative and wonderful photo illustrations for more visual type of people."
"Great book, low price for a hardcover too."
"Excellent and I formative book ."
"As an avid collector of contemporary hand carved spoons (see my A Gathering of Spoons), i'm delighted to see such an attractive and well thought out book that should encourage its readers to explore putting it to practical use."
"Buy "The Artful Wooden Spoon" for all ages that care about how they spend their free time."
Best Papercrafts
Join thousands who have rediscovered their creative talent, using Jonni's revolutionary techniques and recipes. The sculpting techniques shown in this book have been used by middle school kids, university art students, theater prop-makers, and adults of all ages who have rediscovered their love for sculpting, using methods and materials that are affordable for everyone.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"this book is about a new type of papermache recipe making it easy to. create any thing you have ever wanted to copy and make yourself in an. easy to follow description,with easy to obtain ingredients."
"She gives clear, precise directions, lots of pictures, and really walks you through everything thoroughly."
"When I became interested in paper mache."
"My 7-year-old made the MOST AMAZING penguin sculpture for a class project based on the information in this book."
"Extremely good value for the money."
"Just received my book over a week early!"
"The author is a talented artist who generously shares her talent in a very user-friendly style."
"She is good about telling you which brand she uses for the ingredients--for the brand of toilet paper, for example, can make a difference."
Best Wood Toys
Professional designer and woodworker Jim Makowicki's 22-project collection reflects uncanny historical detail and technical accuracy. Jim Makowicki's wooden toys show an attention to detail and sophistication of design that set them apart from the usual run-of-the-mill toy projects. Whether you're making a toy to entertain a child or grace a desk, this book will teach you how to create toys that your family will cherish for generations.|. Jim Makowicki's wooden toys show an attention to detail and sophistication of design that set them apart from the usual run-of-the-mill toy projects. Whether you're making a toy to entertain a child or grace a desk, this book will teach you how to create toys that your family will cherish for generations.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I can't say enough good things about this book."
"This book and lots of projects for children's toys!"
"Nice Book...Now I need to get busy and make grandkids some toys."
"Good book for following the patterns of making heirloom toys."
"I did not find the fact that not all plans were full-sized a problem This is common and the %enlargement (if needed) is given The instructions were clear. Makowicki is concerned with toy safety, e.g., the crane uses a magnet to lift barrels, not a hook, and he specifies child-safe finishes - references in appendix. (If you aren't going to produce for sale, in many cases you can use a band saw with a narrow blade or a scroll saw and sand smooth, instead of making the jig.)."
"If you are new to wood working these instructions will be good to use the rest of your woodworking journey!"
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 Woodworking
One Man's Wilderness, written by Sam Keith from the journals of Proenneke, is a re-released classic that first captivated readers twenty-six years ago. Though few will follow Proenneke's lead, his story can be quite inspiring.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Read how Richard Proenneke built his cabin by hand and thrived (mostly alone) in the bush. What This Book Is: - An important introduction to Richard Proenneke's story. - Heavily edited (I would even say rewritten). - A pleasant, easy read (goes great with the 2-part documentary that airs on PBS). - Easy to get your hands on very quickly. What This Book Is Not: - Richard Proenneke's authentic journals, in his OWN words. - Proenneke's story told in his own voice. I was captivated after watching the 2-part PBS documentary, "Alone in the Wilderness". Bottom Line: - I would rate this book ("One Man's Wilderness") 3.5 stars if I could. - I would rate "The Early Years" 5 stars, hands down. - I recommend this book as an easier, quicker read."
"I have been to Alaska and my family made memories we will tell for the rest of our lives, the desire to go back and explore more is a fire that's been fully ignited."
"I was telling my husband about this book as I started reading it. There is nothing dull about this book and I suspect the people who find it dull haven't any interest in living in the wilderness without Blackberries, i-pods, automobiles and restaurants."
"I've read it a couple of times."
"Not because it has a sad ending, I was just sad to no longer share in the adventure."
"Dick could fabricate or make virtually everything he needed...pots and pans out of gas can tins, forks and spoons out of stump wood, tables, chairs, bunk beds, even wooden hinges!"
"If you have never traveled to remote Alaska, you will want to after reading his book."
"A very special book by a very special author."
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 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 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 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!."
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 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 Flower Arranging
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
Find Best Price at Amazon"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!"
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 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 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 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 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 Fashion
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
Find Best Price at Amazon"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."
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 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 Metal Work
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
Find Best Price at Amazon"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."
Best Dried Flowers
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Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"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."
Best Glass & Glassware
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
Find Best Price at Amazon"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."
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 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 Potpourri
By learning about your brain’s natural wiring, what makes you tick, and other successful anger management techniques, you’ll ultimately learn to rein in your emotions and be able to handle anything life throws at you. How your mind works—how and why you get angry in the first place Finding your emotional/anger triggers Proven techniques to manage anger Dealing with anger versus bottling it up Mastering your emotions in an effective way. It works because the methods used in this book are the same ones used by the professionals—although modified based on real-life, personal experiences with anger and emotional control.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book is what I need."
"Anger is a big enemy of your happiness and this is a dangerous situation when you are out of control of your self."
"Good exercises that help you to evaluate the extent of your issues."
"Now at least I can think of the things I learned from this book every time the anger kicks in."
"a hoot."
"A perfect book for anger management, this is one of the best book which is well written and easy to understand tips and techniques are proven helpful ."
"Small 37 page book, or short essay rather for 10.00, should have been no more than .50¢. Waste of money."
"This book is the thinnest book I’ve ever seen."
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 Printmaking in Graphic Design
A story-driven collection of essays on the twelve powerful phrases we use to sustain our relationships, from the New York Times bestselling author of Glitter and Glue and The Middle Place “Kelly Corrigan takes on all the big, difficult questions here, with great warmth and courage.”—Glennon Doyle. In her New York Times bestselling memoirs , Corrigan distilled our core relationships to their essences, showcasing a warm, easy storytelling style. “With full-bodied humor and radical sensitivity, Kelly Corrigan transforms the mundane pain of life into a necessary spiritual text of sorts, one that reminds us that we have the right to grieve but the obligation to be grateful. Advance praise for Tell Me More “ Tell Me More is a testament to the idea that the things we say matter, that our words have the power to comfort and uplift, empower and inspire. “With full-bodied humor and radical sensitivity, Kelly Corrigan transforms the mundane pain of life into a necessary spiritual text of sorts, one that reminds us that we have the right to grieve but the obligation to be grateful.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I fell in love with Corrigan in her memoir The Middle Place and although I've read her subsequent books since then, I haven't loved another of Corrigan's books as much as her first one until now."
"The author reflects on phrases we all use in life which are: - It's Like This. - Tell Me More. - I Don't Know. - I Know. - No. - Yes. - I Was Wrong. - Good Enough. - I Love You. - No Words at All. - Onward. - This Is It. For instance, in the "I Know" chapter, she reflects with raw emotion her relationship with Liz who she became very close to but who dies way too young."
"By the concluding pages of that essay, where Corrigan is herself settling in to what she realizes is her life (“It’s like this ... this is how [life] goes”), I realized these essays were going to be far more substantive (important, even) than I’d expected."
"These are the author's personal reflections as seen through 12 short things to say to loved ones. Also, one can go through an entire life avoiding these things in the context described. Even though events in her life are recounted, I found myself accessing my own life events in a similar way while in the book."
"On getting pregnant right after her honeymoon, she says, “I dragged Edward straight from the honeymoon right to the breeding shed.” It’s part memoir, a tiny bit how to, and all inspiration. It reminds me a bit of Erma Bombeck, with less humor and satire."
"The reader will be conscious how these phrases, each reflecting a particular attitude are helpful, but really, all that is just sort of a sideline here."
"Each of the twelve chapters in the book tell stories to illustrate her sayings."
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 Dollhouses
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
Find Best Price at Amazon"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."