5 comments about Pine Needle Basketry: From Forest Floor to Finished Project.

1. I guess I liked this book a lot . Have purchased it twice. One was a gift. With all the pine needles around the country just think of it as recycling A great book that covers all phases of pine needles. It is like a class.



2. I was surprised how expensive it was!! It's used, originally $18.95 & I had to pay $44!!



3. This is by far the BEST instruction book ever written on Pine Needle creations. The pictures are EXCELLENT and abundant. Well worth whatever you have to pay for it. GREAT JOB !!!



4. Great book. It came quickly and this company is one I will order from again.



5. This is an excellent book. It gives detailed instructions for beginners and lists all the supplies needed. Then it also has instructions for more intermediate and unusually designed baskets.

5 comments about How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business, 4th (Home-Based Business Series).

1. I found this book to be very helpful. I am in the beginning stages of starting a Home Based Gift Basket Business and this book really opened my eyes to all the energy that goes into opening a successful business. I have another book by her and it is just as informative.



2. I really enjoyed this book. Ms. George-Frazier provided a jump start for creating and running a sucessful home-based gift basket business. I found that the contents contained all the needed steps for starting this home-based business. The author communicated her information in an encouraging, "best friend" manner, guiding the reader in a step-by-step process: the creation of business plans, the profit factor, financial resources (startup), product and supply contacts, industry fairs, networking, marketing for consumers, extending marketing base -- this book is useful and informative. Plus, I was really impressed that it was a great follow-up to a prior purchase on gift basket-making--also by the same author. The only drawback seemed to be in small amount of color display featured. This, however, did not diminish any of the great information the book itself provided. I look forward to collecting more books by Ms. Shirley George-Frazier.



3. This is a great " simple and basic book, covering all you need to start this type of business. Some day I will put what I learned from it into play. I recommend it and the author's other ideas and products.



4. This book is a great start in setting up a Gift Basket business for those thinking about or those who want to start a gift basket business. The information given can also be transcended into starting other businesses.



5. This is the second book I've read written by Shirley George Frazier. I've wasted a lot of money and time on information and research. If I would have bought this book 4 months ago, I would have spent far less money. This book is information packed. She has done everything for you. This book has everything from start-up to marketing and promotion. The only thing you have to do is implement what's there. I've said it, and I'll say it again, this lady is brilliant. This book should be apart of every home-based gift basket business. If you haven't read it, you are doing yourself and your business an injustice.

5 comments about Coiled Designs for Gourd Art.

1. This book is very informative and well illustrated. The techniques are detailed and are explained clearly with excellent photos. Highly recommend!



2. Well written, easy to understand, so many beautiful examples of what can be done with coiling....and how to do it. For somebody like myself who didn't know anything about coiling this book has been invaluable. I find myself referring to it often, even if it is only to look [again] at what can be achieved.



3. Excellent book. It has in it what I had hoped for. Pictures, descriptions and directions. Thank you. Geri



4. This book is really good for the individual who want to go forward with gourds and incorporate coiled designs. Very detailed and easy to follow. Recommend highly.



5. Wonderful publication to have in your gord crafting library. Some very interesting techniques and beautiful art.

4 comments about The Gift Basket Design Book, 2nd: Everything You Need to Know to Create Beautiful, Professional-Looking Gift Baskets for All Occasions (Gift Basket Design Book: Everything You Need to Know to Create).

1. I really enjoyed this book. I am interested in starting a Gift Basket business and this really started my creativity flowing.



2. This is a great book. It gives lots of ideas and great visual. A must read for anyone who wants to start a business or just be creative.



3. I have read many how-to books especially business-related ones; however, seldom have I found a more clearly written book than "The Gift Basket Design Book". Ms. Shirley George Frazier's instructions are thorough, easy to understand and follow. Her explanations don't leave you guessing as to why she chose one method over another which will help one avoid costly mistakes. Her "tips" are an added feature that distinguishes her book from so many others. Finally, Ms. Frazier's resource lists and recommendations are on target for getting good prices for supplies, tools and basket ingredients. This book makes me believe that Ms. Frazier wants me to succeed in my new gift basket business and shared all her secrets to ensure I do so.
   
   That said, I do have a criticism. While Ms. Frazier's instructions for arranging baskets are superb, I find that several of her finished products look a bit unprofessional. I believe the problem is two-fold. First, in some cases she has not selected ingredients with packaging that compliment each other, color-wise. Therefore, certain arrangements look bland versus cheerful. Second, in general, the pick embellishments (and some ribbons) do not look to be of good quality; do not share a common bond with each other or the gifts; and/or are skimpily placed. Usually, less is more but I believe the interior of her baskets would look more professional with an abundance of metallic shred, curled ribbon, ting ting and/or star sprays.
   
   These comments are not intended to minimize the benefits of this book. The step-by-step photographed instructions are worth its price, alone. And if you have an eye for color and balance you can overcome the ingredient and embellishment issues. Plus, generously she has provided photos of baskets prepared by others that when studied will give insight into how to better embellish your baskets.



4. After reading the book I have learn how to present a better finished product. I can stop reading it,this is one of my gift basket reference book now. It goes everytwhere I go.

5 comments about The Ultimate Basket Book: A Cornucopia of Popular Designs to Make (Diy Network).

1. My Sister-in-law wanted this book for Christmas...and I was thrilled to find it for her. It's a great book for any basketmaker. It arrived so quickly too!



2. This is an excellent book for making a variety of baskets, from beginner level to advanced. The directions are clear and concise, and the baskets are artistic even at the beginning level.



3. Before reading some of the poor reviews, I always thought of basket-weaving aficionados as being patient and maticulous individuals. That may still be the case, but it is obvious that some are VERY poor at reading comprehension. Amazon's description of this book clearly states that it is a combination of her PREVIOUS two books PLUS ten extra patterns.
   
   So, for anyone that has not read or does not own the two previous releases, then this is a fantastic and extremely instructional book. You cannot go wrong with purchasing this -- Whether you are a beginner or an experienced basket weaver.



4. Being a gift basket expert and recommender of finished baskets, I decided to explore the basket making side of the industry.
   
   For me, the book provided good understanding of completed basket styles to treasure or give as presents, whether empty or filled with a collection of gifts.
   
   It's always helpful when a book starts by introducing you to the tools and supplies required to create these wonderful vessels, which is what you'll find at the beginning.
   
   The photographs encourage you to try each technique. Some baskets are made in one color while others are crafted in a variety of hues.
   
   I was drawn to the Traditional Egg Basket with its tight, center weave that creates an elevated midsection and the Market Basket in multiple colors, topped with a short handle.
   
   I'm glad to learn through other reviews that previous books by this author are worth a look. Meanwhile, I'll continue to be inspired by the 43 projects in this book.
   
   Shirley Frazier
   The Gift Basket Design Book, 2nd: Everything You Need to Know to Create Beautiful, Professional-Looking Gift Baskets for All Occasions



5. I was a bit disappointed with this book. I was excited to see a new book by this author and hoped to see new patterns, but most of these are in her previous books. However, in this book she includes skill levels which are helpful.

1 comments about Weaving Country Baskets.

1. It's been years and years since I've made baskets. When I decided that I missed making them, I chose this book to help remind me "how-to" again! It's just what I needed!

5 comments about 500 Baskets: A Celebration of the Basketmaker's Art (500 Series).

1. This very reasonably priced book is not an instruction book, per se, except in the sense that it will provide you with a tsunami of creative ideas such that you would likely be encouraged to learn basket making. All of the photos are in beautiful color and are large enough that the reader can see the minute details of the various methods used by the artists. Most of the artists also include a helpful summary of the techniques and materials used. In addition, the index in the back of the book lists the many artists in alphabetical order and the pages where their baskets are shown. The index made it easy for me to find the work of my favorite artists: two of whom are Kari Lonning, and Dona Look.
   
   Some of the materials used by the artists are mind boggling. Here is a short list: hornet's nest paper, melon seeds, craft-knife blades, pencil stubs, credit card fragments, small strips of colored card stock from cereal boxes, garden hose, valve handles, international newspapers, fish scales, recycled street-cleaning broom bristles, toothpicks, rubber from bike tires, recycled zippers, and of course traditional basket-making materials. And all in good taste.
   
   I strongly recommend this wonderful book.



2. Any basket maker or basket lover will enjoy looking at this book.
   The pictures are wonderful.



3. If you love baskets - you shall love this book. 500 items yes - but it feels like they shall never ever stop! They are so different - and many not really baskets at all. Different materials, differents forms, the only thing you want more - is to hold them in your hand. What does they feel like!
   Many countries is represented, but a great lot of the baskets is from the US, but hallo! three from Denmark, and that is why I discovered the book. Those basket makers had the book with them on their stand at an exhibition with new and old baskets here ind Denmark. [...]



4. I think the title says it all -- "A Celebration of the Basketmaker's Art." This beautiful assemblage of color photographs are pure "eye candy" for other basketmakers and to people that appreciate basket weaving. Whether you are a basket artist already, aspire to be one in the future, or are a collector of contemporary art, you'll find page after page of inspiring and captivating basketry photos in this book. There are no instructions, patterns or actual techniques featured in this book, only exquisite examples of the completed artwork. Each subject is based on the foundation of traditional basketweaving techniques, but has stretched the limit and broken free of the constraints of the traditional and time-honored look, to emerge as something vibrant and thoroughly modern. Lark Books and all these wonderful 500 basketweavers have produced a book that will live on for years, and since it's only "eye" candy, we won't get fat from eating it all up, page after every wonderful page!



5. I bought this book for my mother, who is an avid basket maker. She loves it!

5 comments about Fast, Fun & Easy Fabric Boxes: 8 Great Designs-Unlimited Possibilities.

1. I love this book. The instructions are great, the patterns even better. I plan to make many of the boxes to use as gift boxes for jewelry I am making for Christmas gifts.



2. Wasn't exactly the book I was looking for. I will probably donate it to our book mobile.



3. Finally fabric box instructions that are easy to read, includes options for materials, and builds confidence!!!



4. Fun looking projects, great color photgraphs. Explicit & detailed instructions. Still don't look "fast & easy" but I am not a detail person. Someone who loves to do intricate work would love it.



5. I ordered two of these book and they both came sooner than I expected and were in great shape. I had no problem with this purchase and would buy from this seller again.

1 comments about Basic Basket Making: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started (Stackpole Basics).

1. This is a great introduction and instructional book for beginner/intermediate basketry. Full color pictures with instructions make it so easy to make a beautiful basket and feel accomplished when completed.

5 comments about Big Book of Indian Beadwork Designs (Dover Needlework Series).

1. There's an enormous variety of seed bead patterns in this book, but they are all for loom or square stitch, no peyote/comanche stitch or brick stitch. I like the book enough to keep for if/when I ever venture into loomwork, but there's nothing I can use now.



2. Not at all happy with this product. Does not show what it says it does.



3. Big Book of Indian Beadwork Designs (Dover Needlework Series)I have worked a few of the designs and liked them. I found two mistakes on the fourth design on page 5. I guess it wasn't tested before publication. I found this annoying, and will not buy any more books by this author.



4. I haven't gotten into bead weaving yet but the designs have given me a lot of inspiration for other beading projects that I have in mind.



5. I was so excited when I received this book. There are lots of wonderful patterns to do. It is in my opinion the best bead book I have found so far. thank you...