5 comments about Encaustic Workshop: Artistic Techniques for Working with Wax.

1. This a wonderful book full of extremely helpful information, especially for someone that is new to encaustic painting. I love it.
   I purchased this book as "used" and it's condition was pretty much new. I would buy again from this seller.



2. They explain really well from how to get started (knowing the paints and preparing them) to finished products. The book includes some projects that can be done that are really interesting.



3. I am still reading this book and it is an amazing journey into the world of encaustic painting. I can't wait to get started on the actual creative process; the book is very inspiring and informational.



4. Excellent book on encaustic techniques. This and Joanne Mattera's encaustic book would have to be the best books on the subject.



5. I am new to encaustic art but i will tell you, this book will guide you from setting up to exploring techniques that you never would have dreamed up yourself. It is a "hands on" guide to creativity. I recommend it!

5 comments about Extreme Pumpkins II: Take Back Halloween and Freak Out a Few More Neighbors.

1. Add this to your shelf of holiday decorating books. Definitely not for kids to use alone, but a lof of fun for power tool enthusiasts!



2. This book describes everything that is needed to make creative, professional-looking jack-o-lanterns. After following the short tutorials and examining the photographs, I easily carved really nice and imaginative pumpkins, myself. If you enjoy Halloween, you need to own this book!



3. I was scared just reading the book! It has great ideas for pumpkin carving to make your house memorable for the tricker treaters.



4. No more triangle eyes. This book has great ideas for creating the perfect pumpkin that will leave your neighbors speechless. Have a pumpkin carving party with your friends and family and use this book as a resource.



5. Not very creative. Fairly flat and not particularly creative. Very little to inspire or spark. Ho hum!

5 comments about Joint Book.

1. I am just starting woodworking and I have no clue on the "right" process to create many joints. Sure I have an educated guess, but this book includes little tricks on measuring and layout and process. I think it is invaluable for newbies like me



2. I read this book while recovering from surgery one day. It was a great read and I was very impressed with the illustrations. This book will be a reference in my shop until I learn this like a pro...



3. definitely informative. Some terms are not explained for the less experienced but I think you can look those up in a different book. I enjoy the brevity.



4. This is a gorgeously illustrated little book. It's a "must have" for any beginner/intermediate woodworker. It will show you what can be done, and give you a good idea of when you should use a specific kind of joint. The terminology is precisely defined (a big plus for books of this type, where the authors often irrationally assume the reader is an expert). My only complaint is that the `how to' sections are sketchy at best. There is an emphasis on joinery `by hand', but in the real world everybody does these things with a router or table saw and an assortment of jigs. So, don't expect that this book will be the definitive story on the `how to' side of joinery, but it most definitely will open your eyes as to what is possible. And when you start making these joints, don't be disappointed when they don't look as good as the illustrations. The illustrations are perfect.



5. I could wish this was more comprehensive. But it is well organized and has a nice pictorial index of joints. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. But some common joints are omitted, like the locked tendon. I am beginning to feel that it is impossible to detail every joint as even some fairly useful joints like the Parsons joint are not often documented.
   
   Overall very useful and well done.

5 comments about Genuine Origami: 43 Mathematically-Based Models, From Simple to Complex.

1. Things we love about this book:
   + Very detailed instructions
   + Models grouped by complexity
   + Lots of side notes explaining various origami concepts and symbols
   + Variety
   
   My 10 YO bought this book to improve his origami and we have been working through it together. He is becoming very skilled. The fundamental models really improved his techniques and taught him what all the symbols meant. Sometimes it took more than one try to get the hang of it, and we are still working out way though the book.
   
   This is a great book for beginners and intermediates who want to expand their origami techniques and build some very cool models.



2. Genuine Origami has become my favorite origami book. If you've had some experience folding, you will find this book to be very satisfying. Don't let the subtitle "43 Mathematically-Based Models..." throw you - this book contains clear diagrams of great models, with well-written text and tips that will help you to improve your folding skills.



3. I've been doing origami for many years, and I got to say, this is one of the hardest book to master. The diagrams are very easy to read and is quite colorful. This is a very good book for any origami enthusiasts.



4. Not only does this book have a great array of models, it includes the theories and principles behind them, which is something that most books of this nature lack. Each model if focused around understanding a particular technique, ranging from the most fundamental to advanced. Another thing I like about this book is rather than just exposing the reader/folder to one type of origami, there are models for different types so you can learn about multi-piece, 3 dimensional, modular, tessellation, and even teabag folding. There is also a model for each of the Chinese zodiac which I found to be really cool. The diagrams are all very clear and easy to follow showing 2 toned paper (as most origami paper is), which tends to be a fundamental problem among origami books. I'd also like to point out that Genuine Origami caters to all levels. A beginner can pick this up to learn the basics and get started with some really neat models and still be learning from it much later. I would say I'm fairly intermediate and I still have quite a bit to absorb from this book, and I still enjoy the simple models as well.



5. This book is not for the novice folder. The instructions are a little vague but the end results are amazing. I love this book.

5 comments about Extreme Pumpkins: Diabolical Do-It-Yourself Designs to Amuse Your Friends and Scare Your Neighbors.

1. I absolutely loved this book! Even just flipping through the pages and reading the hilarious and entertaining things Mr. Nardone has written to accompany the fantastic photos was fun. Getting to the actual carving is easy and creative, and the detail in the photos included make it easy to grasp what you're aiming for and how to get there, even for the novice carver. I highly recommend this to anyone who's looking to up their game for carving and displaying some seriously twisted fare this Halloween.



2. I like some of the pumpkins in this book, but most are just too gory or sick for me to even think about creating. I like, "Cannibal Pumpkin", "Property Defender Pumpkin", "Road Kill Eating Pumpkin", and "Conjoined Twins Pumpkins" (although I could do a much better one than the one shown in the book). The others were either too gross, sick or simply lame. "Moldy Beard Pumpkin" was just a rotten pumpkin. "Drowning in a Bag Pumpkin" was just too sick - it's just too sick.
   
   But, the book definitely awakens new ideas in my imagination, and I can create some super cool pumpkins of my own. This book doesn't come with patterns, but has very good explanations of how to create the pumpkins, what tools to use, vivid photographs of each pumpkin creation, and will your sick/gross pumpkin merit a call from the neighborhood association president.



3. Forgettable. Little to inspire. Lacking in creativity. Filled with air and space and little more. Skip it!



4. I recommend this book if you are into Halloween like me. Not only is there unique pumpkin ideas, there are witty educational tidbits on each theme pumpkin. He tells you what tools to use and even how to make fake blood..... and don't forget the proper way to dispose of your pumpkin carcass.



5. this was a great book but i bought it new form amazon and there was writing on the sides and cover.

5 comments about The Little Book of Whittling: Passing Time on the Trail, on the Porch, and Under the Stars.

1. My son developed an interest in whittling after seeing someone at a craft show, and he wanted to try it himself. I bought him this book over a year ago, and he still pulls it out and works on the techniques. The instructions are easy to follow, and they give some good ideas for projects. It is written in such a way that he can either follow step by step, or he can just read through and then apply the techniques to his own projects. He has enjoyed doing both. The book itself is small, so it is easy for him to carry around. He has really enjoyed using the skills he has learned from this book.



2. I would reccommend buying the version that comes with the swiss army knife. You'll finding yourself wishing you had if you don't have a SAK already. This is a great jumping off point for anyone wanting to get started in wood carving, especially the finer points of whittling.



3. Brian lives in Germany near Frankfort and would like to whittle. I think this book will teach him the best way. He speaks very good English as he does speak German. The book is easy to read, so he might take to school as a project for all his classmates to learn also.



4. Great book! Pictures and written instructions both very helpful. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to get started learning to whittle.



5. This is a lovely little book and written in a very charming humorous manner. Every page is packed with clear coloured photos. Each project is easy to follow and there are loads of ideas for adapting the basics so that you can make your own stuff. There are lots of little tips about being on the trail and camping too. I love it.

5 comments about The Beginner's Handbook of Woodcarving: With Project Patterns for Line Carving, Relief Carving, Carving in the Round, and Bird Carving.

1. If I had to pick just one book to get started carving wood this one would be in the running.
   
   A book that will get you started in a hobby for under $8.00? That's almost unheard of. It's true in this case. If you want to learn how to carve there is plenty here to build your skills.
   
   This book gives you projects to get started carving wood right now. Plus, it gives the tools and methods to design your own projects. I really can't ask more of a beginners book than that.
   
   The projects are explained in clear language. The pictures are well done and there's plenty of them.
   
   Most importantly, this book has plenty of patterns and designs to get you started. Yes, there are a few campy and cartoonish patterns, but there are also patterns based on National Wildlife Federation stamps, wild animals, Abe Lincoln, dogs, birds, etc.
   
   I found it useful to see the level of detail for the various patterns in order to design my own projects. There is also a section that talks about pattern making.
   
   I'm giving four stars rather than five because after almost 30 years it could stand a new edition with some updates for the computer age and new resources. All in all though this is a solid book and a steal at $8.00.



2. The biggest negative to this book is the lack of color illustrations. This disappointed me. It would hace been nice, in the chapter on birds, to show how color is applied, and what finishes to use.
   
   After reading this, I realized this book is just about carving wood. Wood is wood. You can stain it, paint it, using oils or anything else that sticks to wood. This not about canvas, or glass. The authors use a conversational style, which I liked.
   
   The initial publication was in 1983, before digital photography. The publisher is Dover, and they have a reputation for good books at a low price.



3. If you need an overview of woodcarving and were not very picky about the need for step by step assistance, this book would work for you. It does go over the basic cuts and offers text on a variety of topics in wood carving, i.e. types of woodcarving, tools, materials, painting, etc. It provides a number of patterns, many of them fairly cheesy and probably would not appeal to most starting out. There is a nice selection of bird patterns, but not much pictoral instructions on how to carve them. You would probably be better off with a different beginner's book with more appealing projects and then find books on specific woodcarving interests from there.



4. Like many beginning woodcarving books this book describes the basic cuts you need to practice and it gives some information on wood types. Beyond that, the only reason to purchase this book is if you need the patterns in them.
   
   Being new to wood carving I like the price of the book and I thought I would give it a try. Once I saw the patterns though, I changed my mind and bought another book. This is just a matter of taste but the cutesy mouse and the fisherman weren't what I wanted to carve and I feel that you really need to find carvings that interest you (especially while you are learning) to prevent boredom. Once again, if the patterns on the cover look interesting to you, then by all means get this book (if you are a complete beginner).



5. After reviewing the book, I returned it. I would guess that there is an audience out there that want to carve cutsey figurines but, ugh! Who would want them around the house? I have several carving books from which I have gleaned useful information but, frankly, this is subject matter deserving of a video demonstration. Until you see how a carver twists, turns, and taps the chisel to accommodate the grain of the wood, I just don't think you are going to get it. Not at least without chewing up a lot of valuable wood as the masters do doubt have.
   
   That said I have to take responsibility for my bad judgement in selecting this book as the author/publisher provided ample glimpses to the interior pages. So, my bad.

5 comments about Beyond the Basics: Gourd Art.

1. I found this book about gourd art to be an excellent choice. It is full of information, ideas and techniques.



2. Beautiful book, could be used as a coffee table item. I really am enjoyong the book. However I feel that it does not offer the level of learning tecniques that I had hoped for. Not for the beginner.



3. I had only made my first piece of gourd art in February of 2004 after spotting some gourd artists at a local woodcarving show here in Mesa, Arizona..... I threw up (literally ;-) a pretty sorry web site at the time but sure enough, 8 months later, I got a call from Mr. Dave McFarlane @(Sterling Publishing, NYNY.) He asked me if I wanted to be in this book and at first, I thought it was a joke!!!! It was for real and you see the results!!! If you ever winter in Arizona and want to take a class, look me up!!!! Thanks Dave!!!!!



4. Great book. I am very pleased with my purchase and the information in the book



5. I absolutely love this book. It was filled with some many different type of gourd projects that it expanded the way that I thought about the way a gourd could be decorated. The projects were varied and on a high skill level. I highly recommend this if you love gourds and are looking to expand beyond your status quot.

5 comments about The Pocket Paper Engineer, Volume I: Basic Forms: How to Make Pop-Ups Step-by-Step.

1. I found both Volumes 1 & 2 of this book at my local library and have been immensely pleased with them. As someone who was completely unfamiliar with the concept of paper engineering and making pop-ups, I found this guide to be very user-friendly, enabling me to create simple pop-ups through the various projects listed within the book. It provides users step-by-step instructions and there are wonderful examples provided as well.
   
   As someone who has always loved pop-ups books (I also collect them), this has finally motivated me to try making some pop-ups myself, and I have found it to be an enjoyable activity which I can share with my young daughter who loves working with paper. This is a wonderful guide and reference book for anyone who would love to learn how to make simple pop-ups and be informed about the principles behind pop-ups.



2. I purchased this book for my 10 year old son who has a penchant for making things out of folded paper and tape. Although his usual Saturday routine would be to turn on cartoons for a couple hours, instead he opened up this book which we had just received and proceeded to plow through the first 7 or 8 projects. Each lesson clearly explains one pop-up concept with an accompanying tear-out sheet to do it yourself. He worked steadily and was extremely proud of his progress and only asked for assistance when the projects began needing an Exacto blade. With very little help he was able to tackle those projects as well. Later he was able to reproduce the pop-ups on his own without referring to the directions.
   
   The book isn't just for kids and the art is retro-hip and pleasing to look at. I did a couple as well and then "popped out" a hand-made father's day card for my dad. I am planning to get the next book in the series.



3. I liked this book so much when I bought it myself that I ordered it for a friend. Kids can use it to make simple pop-ups for cards or their own books. It has simple instructions and plenty of ideas and examples.



4. I was astounded with the simplicity of the book in teaching three dimensional popups and the multiple hands-on examples that it provided. I loved it!



5. Pop-up books and cards delight children and adults with their unique and clever designs, but how are these intricate pictures created? If you've ever wanted to make one yourself, The Pocket Paper Engineer will show you how.
   
   This set of two volumes focuses on basic pop-up forms, platforms and props in a fully hands-on manner. Designed to be taken apart and used in construction, the pages are sturdy and include pockets to place your finished products. Clear directions and illustrations show you exactly how to put these pop-up designs together, and then explain how to use these newly acquired skills for creations of your own.
   
   The Pocket Paper Engineer is well-designed, and the step-by-step instructions are easy for anyone to follow. I highly recommend these unique how-to books on crafting pop-ups.
   
   Reviewer: Alice Berger, Bergers Book Reviews

5 comments about Pyrography Workbook: A Complete Guide to the Art of Woodburning.

1. I am new to wood carving and wood burning and this book is a great help. It explains what you need to start, without buying everything under the sun, and gives step by step instructions. I highly recomend it.



2. If you know nothing about wood burning and want to see what you can do with it, this book is perfect. Good explanations and examples. Has a list and pictures of what each tip can do, there are many kinds. Excellent book and very easy to understand. Best wood burning book I have seen. If you already know how to draw you will like this book a lot because it shows you that wood burning is a lot like drawing except more is possible.



3. Well written book. A little difficult for a beginner. It would depend on your present experiance. I do recommend it. Thanks-Patty.



4. This book is excellent for teaching the novice how to learn how to woodburn. I read and was able to start right out and wood burn fairly easily. Has nice designs as well.



5. I had been waiting for this book to arrive before I attempted to burn a picture of a wild animal. Until I read through this book, I had not had enough information or seen enough hints and examples to confidently attempt burning any animal pictures. I have now completed a wolf that only took a total of 6 and a half hours, and am very impressed with the results.
   
   [[ASIN:1565232585 Pyrography Workbook: A Complete Guide to the Art of
   Woodburning]]
   
   If anyone would like to see how much confidence this book has given me, they can visit my website at; www.carolynswoodburningart.webs.com
   
   
   Carolyn,
   Perth, Western Australia