5 comments about Alabama Studio Style: More Projects, Recipes, & Stories Celebrating Sustainable Fashion & Living.

1. I have the Alabama Stitch book, and was waiting with great anticipation for the follow-up, Alabama Studio Style. I was worried it would not be as wonderful as the first book, which was simply magical, but I was truly amazed by the new book. It offers an even greater array of project and techniques that are inspiring and visually stunning. I made several projects from the first book, and am sure I will make several from this one as well. I was most impressed by the dress patterns, as those are the pieces in the Alabama Chanin line that I find most appealing, and there are several option to make stunning variation of your own. I didn't get the feeling it was a watered-down version, which some "DIY' projects can appear to be, but an authentic version, to which you can add own individual touch. Plus, there are a bunch of recipes I can't wait to try, especially the Bloody Marys. It is definitely worth getting and exploring on your own.



2. Alabama Studio Style is a must, a must for anyone who yearns for simple beauty with a little flair, a little something extra, a little unexpected pop thrown in for good measure. While it might be nice and easy to run to the nearest big box decorating or clothing extravaganza, Natalie Chanin invites the reader to take a moment and consider what you really yearn for and how you can achieve it...artfully, simply and perhaps most importantly, authentically. Often times, that can be by your own hand. With simple tools, instructions and patterns, she instructs you in the fine art of making something, whether a simple pillow, a plate of deviled eggs, or an entire dress, the reader is encouraged to try. I encourage you to read this book with an open mind...an eye toward thoughtful, simple bliss...handcrafted...by you.



3. More than a continuation of the first Stitch book, Alabama Chanin has delved deeper into the handicrafts and taken design to a new level. Whether you use this book as a practical guide for making things or a resource for information and inspiration, it is a must have.



4. Unique, engaging, informed and informative, "Alabama Studio Style: More Projects, Recipes, & Stories Celebrating Sustainable Fashion & Living" by Natalie Chanin (founder and head designer of Alabama Chanin, a fashion/lifestyle company that promotes sustainable style and design) is a superbly illustrated, 176-page compendium of twenty clothing and home decoration projects that will enable even the novice beginner to create skirts, carves, pillows, woven chair seats, a stenciled scrap-wood table, distinctive placemats and napkins, market bags, camisole and tank dresses, canning-jar covers, and eyelet doilies, as well as palate-pleasing, gourmet quality dishes suitable for any and all party menus. Thoroughly 'user friendly', step-by-step instructions are enhanced with a profusion of color photographs and line-drawings. The result is a remarkable tour-de-force with an underlying message of re-use, re-cycle, and re-purpose that is environmentally friendly. "Alabama Studio Style" is a highly recommended addition to personal and community library reference collections and supplemental reading lists.



5. Putting Alabama on the fashion map took some doing but Natalie Chanin makes it look easy! An inspiring look into an authentic lifestyle that mixes traditional crafts with contemporary sensibility.

5 comments about Printing by Hand: A Modern Guide to Printing with Handmade Stamps, Stencils, and Silk Screens.

1. I waited untill I actually used this book to write a review.
   
   I like it a lot. She explains what type of ink you should use on what type of fabric and which technique to use, all on a handy chart. This is very handy and helpful when deciding on what to do with a project at hand. I decided to do some stenciling on canvas. I found the book to be helpful on what materials to buy (she even explains why you use it) and the technique. The only problem for me is that she uses fogged mylar and I cannot find that anywhere. I found clear ones but I wish she would have listed where (the references on the back were not of much help) but everything else I could find at an art store or Hobby Lobby/Michaels.
   
   The projects included in the book are really cute too. I'm going to try and make a baby blanket for my cousin.



2. I have been wanting to enter in the world of printing fabric, but had no idea where to start (what fabric, what paint).
   This book not only clearly describes how to do a handful of painting techniques, it does it in such a clear/helpful way. There is no guessing involved, the author has put down all the information you need to know.
   
   I highly suggest this book if you are interested in learning how to print (fabrics, papers, etc). This is a truly great book.



3. Saw this one at an art museum gift shop -couldn't wait to get on Amazon and buy it! So useful!



4. Fantastic book. Beautifully presented and easy to follow information. Now I just need the time to experiment!



5. Great pictures showing the process of printing by hand....directions are easily understood.
   Overall the explaination of this whole process was really good. And what a great surprise to see the designs used throughout the book are included with the book.

2 comments about Beaded Allure: Beadweaving Patterns for 25 Romantic Projects.

1. I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. Although I have not heard of the author, I was very impressed by the designs featured. The projects look like they get more complex in stitch and design as you progress through its pages. It makes a great addition to any bead addict's library.



2. If you love beads and beadweaving, this book is a must have.
   I received the book yesterday and I could not put it down. I have read it from cover to cover and cannot wait to start. It is not very often that a book grabs my attention as this one has.
   It is perfect for all levels of beaders...some of the projects are easy enough for a beginner...rated one star, and yet there are plenty of projects to build upon as your skill levels increase two star and three star for advanced.
   The stitches used in this book are not stitches you'll see in most beading books. There are a lot of netting variations (new to me) and peyote. The photos and step by step directions are great.

No comments about Laura McCabe's Embellished Beadweaving: Jewelry Lavished with Fringe, Fronds, Lacework & More (Lark Books Beadweaving Master Class).

5 comments about It's a Wrap: Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets, And Bowls.

1. It's exactly what I needed to get started and I received it in good condition and in a short amount of time!!!



2. I'd bought this book because of reviews I'd read on the sewing forums. It was more difficult than I thought to find the cotton clothesline than I expected, but once I found some, I haven't stopped. It's really addictive - wrapping scrap fabric around the clothesline, then sewing the coil to form baskets of differing shapes. The book is well-written, with lots of illustrations, to make it easy for sewers. Even beginning sewists can be successful - essentially you only need to be able zig-zag to construct your baskets. These baskets make really neat gifts as well - much better than "Amish Friendship Bread"!



3. This is a beautiful book with lots of color pictures of many samples to give you many ideas. The diagrams are clear and the text is well written. Two of our local quilting groups are having fun making these. Now if Accuquilt GO would only make a cutting tool for the 3/4" strips, this would be a fairly fast technique.



4. Caution!! this craft is very addictive, I've made more baskets,purses & bowls than even a crowd could use. There is no end to the color combo's and shapes you can make with this craft. The great part is when you start something you actually finish it!! I just love the art & will continue with it till the neighborhood asks me to move.



5. Great product. I use it in teaching my fabric classes. Well written with easy to follow
   instructions.

5 comments about Inspired Wire: Learn to Twist, Jig, Bend, Hammer, and Wrap for the Prettiest Jewelry Ever.

1. I received this soft cover yesterday in very good shape. The book has through information and states what you will need in advance of you work so you will not need to stop what you are doing before getting involved. Thank you for making this book affordable.



2. I picked this book when I decided to buy a couple of wire jigs, and it is perfect for that and so much more. Having all of the tips and hints the author includes, in addition to the very clearly written and photographed step-by-step instructions is priceless since I am new to wirework. I am encouraged to try projects that don't include the jigs, but help me get a feel for working with wire. And the projects are lovely, too.



3. I bought the Inspired Wire book by Cynthia Wuller as a gift for my wife's birthday and she loves it. It is practical, well-written, and easy to understand. Highly recommended.



4. Inspired Wire: Learn to Twist, Jig, Bend, Hammer, and Wrap for the Prettiest Jewelry Ever
   
   This book is excellent for beginers or any level. She gives great directions with photo's as she goes along. Of all my Wire books, this is by far the best!



5. I have been making wire wrapped jewelry for over 20 years to help me "unwind" from teaching and working in the IT field. Being self-taught, over the years I have purchased many books and magazines on the subject to give me guidance and ideas. I passed on this book several times because the pictures on the cover looked a little "frilly" for my tastes.
   
   However, I glanced at a copy in a local art store and was immediately enamored and fascinating by the incredible designs, easy to follow directions, and logical hints that I should have thought of myself. Since the art store copy was damaged I placed the order on Amazon as soon as I got home.
   
   Since receiving it I have made and then modified many of the projects Ms. Wuller offers. Everyone I have given one of these pieces to has loved it and complimented me on the designs. While I have many excellent books on the subject, this one and Jewelry Studio: Wire Wrapping, stand out for their inspired designs, ease of understanding, and total enjoyment in crafting.
   
   As you may have guessed, I strongly recommend, even urge you, to enter the world of Ms. Wuller and allow her words, projects, and pictures to stimulate and expand your artistic abilities in the world wire wrapped jewelry.

5 comments about Kanzashi in Bloom: 20 Simple Fold-and-Sew Projects to Wear and Give.

1. I was so excited when I received this book, Having never attempted these techniques I was initially worried it would be too complicated. Me and my nine year old daughter have been making flower after flower, enjoying some time together and following the easy clear cut directions. The instructions were so easy, she didn't even need my help! We have made a few of the projects and all the petal designs. Now we are having fun creating new looks with different embellishments for the flower centers.
   
   I would definitely recommend this book for anyone interested in learning beginning Kanzashi!! Just eb careful.... it's addictive! :D



2. I was hoping to learn more varity of flower making and traditional Kanzashi. But the title is consistant with the content of this book. There are a few cute items to make some are not practical.



3. When I ordered this book I thought it would have instructions for traditional Kanzashi. Unfortunately the folds are not traditional, most of them are mock Kanzashi folds and 1 of them is a fold that a student in the authors class accidentally invented. That aside, the projects were very nice and fun. Before starting a project you can see the difficulty level, supplies needed and size of fabric squares.



4. I bought this book because I was interested in kanzashi after seeing so many beautiful flowers a a website called kanzahi core. Don't get me wrong, the book is a good step by step guide for 2 or 3 basic petals and flowers. I was looking for instruction on creating different flower types like the chrysanthemum, wisteria, iris,kusudama etc.
   
   The main flower creating parts of the book is very small (only about 20 or so pages of actual flower creation). From page 39 to the end of the book (141) is all about applying the kanzashi to belts or bags,brooches, and other items.
   
   I can think of a million ways to put a kanzashi somewhere without a book! Gimme some more flower varieties!



5. I would rate this review higher, if I would have had a chance to get started on making these flowers. However, I have not yet had an opportunity to do anything more than glance through the book. The instructions are clear, with detailed photographs so you can see how each step is done. I am anxious to start making these great little flowers soon. I love making things for friends and family and I am certain, once I get going, I will LOVE this new craft.
   
   I am excited to start decorating my handbags and other items.

2 comments about Creative Mixed Media: Paint Print Stitch Stamp Embellish.

1. I love Sherrill's fabrics , stamps and books
   This new book is full of ideas.....it's very userfull and I cannot wait buying in France ....
   ( Sorry my English is very bad )



2. This book features how to stamp and stitch fabric to make mixed media artworks. The author shows how to use computers, printers, stamps, glue batik (something new to me and very welcome compared to wax batik), and other embellishments to create deep and beautiful works on fabric. You will learn not only the batik and stamping technique, but see where sewing free form fits in, as well as how to create beautiful backgrounds.
   
   The works could be stretched and hung as artwork, but they also could be used to make incredible placemats, room screens, lampshades or other objects.
   
   The demonstration of a mask from Benin was my favorite work in the book but there is so much "eye candy" in here, as well as new techniques and ideas, that even if you don't do mixed media (I mainly do watercolor with occasional mixed media additions) you will want to try many of these ideas for yourself.

5 comments about Amulets and Talismans: Simple Techniques for Creating Meaningful Jewelry.

1. I know some people have raved about this book, but I don't really care for the designs. Personally I feel the projects are just too primitive for me. However, I think it will be a good reference to teach me new techniques.



2. What can I say? WOW! I'm new to jewelry making, so maybe I'm not the most sophisticated judge of what a great book on jewelry is, but I am an avid crafter and artist who loves to create my own wearable art. I have a library of thousands [truly, just ask Amazon] of how-to books that I continually use for reference on specific projects and can see that this book will have a long shelf life -- both as a learning tool and as an inspiration. Kudos to Robert Dancik for his clear and concise instruction, resource listing, and most importantly his beautiful examples of work. Many books on the market today have decent instructions, but Robert's book is one of that rare breed that is willing to showcase outstanding examples of high quality art and craft. I couldn't ask for more...unless it is another book.



3. I purchase this book after I took a Faux Bone workshop with the author, Robert Dancik. Everything I learned from him is in this book, but the book is more than just Faux Bone. The instructions in the book are detailed along with vivid step by step photos of many jewelry making procedures. Beginners and artists alike will get something from this book.



4. If you have making jewellery as a hobby, this book is great. You will find many ideas and you will be able to make several nice pieces of jewellery that is inspired by amulets and talismans.
   However, if you are a professional jeweller, the book only gives you an opportunity to copy some of the work in the book. I myself did not get very inspired by it.



5. Learn how to make jewelry with meaning in a different kind of jewelry-making title: one that shows how to learn cold-connection jewelry techniques to expand creativity. From creating jump rings to blending inlays, concrete, paper pulp and more into the jewelry-making process, Amulets and Talismans: Simple Techniques for Creating Meaningful Jewelry is packed with images and directions perfect for any library containing jewelry-making basics.

5 comments about Photojojo!: Insanely Great Photo Projects and DIY Ideas.

1. I bought this book for my 18 year old who was studying photography in high school...I thought it was interesting, but he hasn't
   really taken any time to do anything with it yet..maybe a female who is into photography and is crafty...



2. This book is fun to read all by itself, and the crafts are simple and well-explained. The projects yield results that you will be happy to display. Refrigerator magnets, voodoo dolls, murals, calendars: there's something here for everyone. The whole book is presented in a lighthearted and engaging manner that made me want to do the projects right away. This will help you use some of those old photos languishing in your camera.



3. Bought this book for my 18 year old grandson and his new dog. He is really enjoying the photo ideas as well as his friends that he shares them with.



4. Photos have always been precious. But with digital photography it can be easy to bury those lovely memories and faces with ALL the files you can accumulate. It's time to do something with those photos. Print them out and make them extra special with one of the projects in this book.
   
   It makes a great gift for anyone in your life that owns a digital camera.
   
   I LOVE IT.



5. This book is so much fun. It does place the photograph back into the hands of people instead of on the computer. While some projects require more supplies than what I have on hand, they are not expensive. It has really great ideas for things that are easy to find or already around the house. I will say that these projects would be much easier if I had my own printer. I do have to borrow my moms photo printer, but it's worth it.