5 comments about Calder Jewelry.

1. An absolutely wonderful book! The jewelry Calder designed and constructed is without compare. Top quality photography!



2. It is amazing what he did with only wire.It pushes your mind to the creative edge.Every page gives new inspiration!!!! Highly recommend to all that make jewelry.



3. The production quality of the book is wonderful. Photos are very high quality, and there are a lot of them. The paper is heavy-duty and will stand up to all the viewings this book will receive in our house.
   
   I didn't know much about Alexander Calder or his jewelry, but enjoyed the discovery of both through this book. My only complaint (if it can be called that) is that it arrived shortly before I needed to take a trip, and the size/weight of the book precluded me bringing it along!
   
   It's a great inspiration to see those pieces.



4. I have always loved Calder's work and am a jewelry maker myself, yet I hesitated before investing in this book. It is well worth every cent. The photos are beautiful and depict the liveliness and earthiness of Calder's jewelry amazingly.



5. The most beautiful book I own. The photos of Calder's amazing work are fabulous, and this book is ALL about photos.

4 comments about Kovels' Antiques & Collectibles Price List 2008: The Bestselling Price Guide in America- 40th Anniversary Edition (Kovels' Antiques and Collectibles Price List).

1. Really enjoyed thumbing through this book. Helped answer questions I've had for years regarding potential "treasures". Easy to use with lots of pictures.



2. This is a nice reference book. Not as complete as I wished. Sometimes difficult to find specific items. However, it is solid and full of information. A nice reference to add to your collection.



3. For information on a wide variety of antiques or collectibles, it's almost as good as Warman's. But, really, I like having both books available for use. I've found, however, that if I know what I'm interested in, I'm better off spending the money and getting a book specific to that antique or collectible (if there's one available.) Nevertheless, a good reference book to get someone started in collecting. Prices listed vary greatly from what one finds on internet market; you need to be aware of this with some antiques or collectibles.



4. The Kovel's book is by far the most detailed, entertaining and informative price book I have ever owned. It helps us sellers and buyers and on line shoppers understand real-time market values. I like that it is based on ACTUAL prices. ( after all things are really only worth what someone will pay). It helped me identify things that I was unsure of with some really clear four-color photographs.
   The book is packed with TONS of pictures! It also is easy to find things and the Kovel's seem to have a knack to know how to organize such a large group of potential categories. Overall, this book was worth every penny in terms of showing me what things are worth and what they are. No other place I have found that can do both so well.

5 comments about Bead Romantique: Elegant Beadweaving Designs.

1. The theme of the book is romantic, almost Victorian looking pieces. Most of the supplies called for are really easy to find in local bead stores, and the rest can be found searching online.
   The beginning of the book has some basic information about the supplies used, including what the author likes and dislikes about some threads and needles, and what the best application is for them.
   Then you get into the rest of the book, the projects. They are stunning. They range from very easy and elegant chain and wirework projects, simple beadwoven projects with some lovely surface embellishment, and then some incredibly dramatic looking bead woven pieces. The color photographs are inspiring and the instructions and diagrams are very well written. Many of the projects are meant for the intermediate beader.
   Don't be daunted though, the back of the book has stitch diagrams, and the text of each project is well written step by step.
   My favorite thing about the projects is that a few of them combine techniques. Chain as an accent on a beadwoven necklace for example. Some of her designs are completely unexpected pairings of techniques and beads that turn out looking amazing.
   Like I said, most supplies can be found easily at a good local bead store, and some projects are entirely made of easily found supplies, which is always nice in a book like this. The V Scallop necklace for example, you may have all the supplies you need on hand, or be inspired by it to make something similar with the supplies you do have on hand.
   My personal favorite project in the whole book is the intricate motif constructed Victorian Diamond Cuff. It looks difficult, but it's actually made of diamond shaped motifs that look easy enough one at a time.
   If you're an intermediate beader looking for inspiration and ideas, or a beginning beader looking for a challenge, I recommend this book.



2. I usually like to browse jewelry books at the store before purchasing them, but I couldn't find this one at Barnes and Noble, so I decided to take a chance on it. I'm definitely not disappointed!!! The designs run the gamut from a beaded rivoli Y necklace to a more contemporary lariat to a gorgeous pearl and crystal cuff based around a diamond motif. I would agree with other reviewers that this probably isn't the best book for beginners. I enjoy that the designs incorporate basic wirework, chain, filigree, and wire mesh, in addition to the typical beading. The designs also utilize a variety of stitches (right-angle weave, Ndebele, circular peyote, and so forth), making it a great way to expand your beading skills.



3. As a designer I judge a book by two criteria. First, does it inspire me to think of my own jewelry designs in a new way? Secondly, does it offer enough new techniques to help me further my knowledge and spur me on to add some new tricks to my design repertoire. Lisa's book offers both.
   
   You may be new to the world of beading, nary a thread and bead to hand or you might know every beading stitch under the sun. I believe Bead Romantique has something for every level. The designs range from basic stringing and wire wrapping to complicated right-angle weave.
   
   If you are new to beading, don't fear. There are earring projects to start out with that will help you with the basics. You can build up your skills as you work through the projects in this book. I love that many of the beading projects are small components that repeat and build together to create larger and more complex designs. The mix of chain and brass filigree add depth to the construction of some of the simpler beaded pieces, which is oh so clever!
   
   I'd also recommend this book to someone who is an advanced beader. I could see this adding some creative sparks to those who have seen it all in the world of seed beads. I see quite a few projects that call for size 15 seed beads. (Those are the tiny ones smaller than regular seed beads!) In the beginning of the book Lisa says she wanted to create projects for the intermediate to advanced beaders who are looking for new inspiration.
   
   Another bonus is the historic inspiration behind the jewelry, from the Renaissance period to Art Deco, along with a generous sprinkling of Victorian and Art Nouveau styles, Lisa covers 400 years of art history with style and grace!



4. Well worth the money. Lots of projects to work on. Can't figure out which one I want to start with.



5. Lisa Kan has a wonderful sense of color and design. She brings a lot of elegance to her designs and at the same time makes them very wearable. The enthusiastic beginner can follow her directions and create exactly what's pictured, while the experienced beader can use the pieces as a starting point for their own work. I'm looking forward to making at least half of the items in the book! And as one of those beaders that has a HUGE variety of beads, I really enjoy the different types of beads in the projects.

5 comments about The Official U.S. Mint 50 State Quarters: Complete 100 Hole Collector's Folder, Complete Collection 1999-2008.

1. I had a large coin book, but wanted the 100 hole for the 2 mints. This worked perfectly. It would have been nice to have them (D & P) side by side, but it folds up nicely, better than my last one. Yes, the quarters can be hard to place in the book, but for me, they stay put. I do not like the thin backing under the holes. I worry that if I push too hard, I might tear right through. I am still pleased with it, and have ordered several. It has made the quarter collecting more fun.



2. this is an excellent book to keep your state quarters in , a very nice folder showing both p asnd d mints- well made.



3. It is not a hard cover like it said it is. Philidelpia mints are on one side and Denver on another. I would have like to have seen the two mints together. Otherwise, coins fit in slots great and has interesting facts to read on the interior cover.



4. Wow, great fun as a little project with my daughter to teach them about saving and collecting.



5. I bought this Collector's folder because my current collectors folder only had room for quarters from one mint. This folder has holes for quarters from both mints, and they are separated nicely, so at a glance you can tell which mint you are missing coins from, and it all folds up neatly and compactly into a small folder.

5 comments about Wristwatch Annual 2008: The Catalog of Producers, Models, and Specifications (Wristwatch Annual).

1. Great compliation of wristwatches for those who want to know what's new to the wristwatch world. Great info on the manufacturers and their history.



2. This large book has a wealth of information on many watch types and styles, and primarily showcases a limited array of various manufacurer's offerings. Plenty of photos, and information on many brands, a few of which are very obscure and known to only a few true watch aficionados. Each listing, however, gives only a cursury history of the brand, and only a few of the watches they showcase. Helpful for the beginner, although most watches are financially out of reach for most people. A nice inclusion though is the addition of new brands, and rare watches they offer. Obviously not all manufacturers are included, or should be, and while the lack of certain brands and individual watches is frustrating at times, most people will be quite satisfied to drool over the many pictures and will undoubtedly come away from it with a broader knowledge and appreciation of horology.



3. If you like fine watches then this is a great book. It has a good range from almost all the major manufacturers and includes prices. Highly recommended.



4. I have read the reviews here and have to disagree. How can anyone give this book just 1 star.
   Its a very nice book and has some great quality pictures. It does not have too much content but its not that sort of book, it is a 2008 catalog. The author has done a super job putting it togther.



5. This has always been a great watch reference book with exceptional pictures but this year the pictures are way too small so there's no detail. Don't know if I'll purchase next year if they continue with the small picture style.

5 comments about Bushido : Legacies of the Japanese Tattoo.

1. Recommended to me by a well known tattoo artist, this book truly gave me the nuts and bolts info I needed to make the big leap. Especially helpful
   to me were the explanations of the different areas of the body that are typically tattooed w/their Japanese names. There was also a stunning picture of a gorgeous girl with a ray of butterflies tattooed in the body suit style. As the art evolves from a badge of the criminal class to pure art, I believe we will see more feminine interpretations
   of this masculine art form. Excellent from text to pictures!



2. I was in the process of researching Japanese tattoos for my own tattoo design and purchased four books. Bushido was the best for telling the story and history of Japanese tattooing and the pictures were equally amazing. Bushido was informative and pictures were beautifully shot. By far the best book on the subject I have seen.



3. It's a cool book that shows us many curious aspects of the japan tattoo history and tradition.
   But, in another way, there's a lack of variety of photos, like koi fish and masks for example.



4. Horioshi work speaks for itself and this book is an impressive tribute to it. The pictures are fantastic and it's very nice to see that the family business has its heritage assured.



5. This book is a great reference for tattoo artists and other artists that enjoy the art of Japanese tattooing. It displays full page photographs (including close ups) so you can see the detail and subject matter quite well.

5 comments about The Jeweler's Directory of Decorative Finishes: From Enameling and Engraving to Inlay and Granulation.

1. I have lots of jewelry books. This is more of "class examples" and the like. It shows many ways to do textures, finishes, etc. and shows the finished product. It has saved me the time and expense of doing them myself. What a help!



2. I found this book well structured for me as a novice. It provides lots of beautiful examples of the techniques. I'll look for more detailed "how to" instructions elsewhere but this book is a great start.



3. Its title is the best description of this book; you must try all possibilities that you can find inside.



4. Awesome book with great illustrations and techniques for many different finishes in jewelry making!! Get this one!!



5. This is a wonderful reference book not only for a beginner but for a silversmith that has much experience. I have purchased several of these books for students!

5 comments about How to Sell Antiques and Collectibles on eBay... And Make a Fortune!.

1. Like ALL of Lynn's books, this one is just excellent. It clearly explains topics and links you to other information. This book is a must for eBay selling. You won't be disappointed!



2. I have found this book extremely helpful when setting up my eBay business. I know I will refer to it for many years to come.



3. Good book with many interesting and helpful details for buying or selling on E Bay. A favorite place of mine to hang out !!!!



4. I love this book. It is a constant companion when researching items. I enjoyed reading it too. Love the way Lynn and Dennis make it so easy to understand.



5. This book contains a great variety of information about using eBay, but it is not geared to the novice eBay user. The book addresses those wishing to use eBay as an antique/collectible sales business, and for those folks, it is a good book.

3 comments about 2009 Standard Catalog Of World Coins 1901-2000 (Standard Catalog of World Coins).

1. 
   Excellent book. Best review of currant coins. In fact, it is the only in depth series I am aware of.



2. If you collect world coins, you need to purchase the Standard Catalog series from Krause Publications. The 20th Century book that I purchased came with a DVD. I kinda look at this as a "2 for 1" deal as the DVD has the same contents as the book. I noticed that the prices on some coins went up while others went down. With the DVD, I can look up countries almost as fast as the book (there will be some of you who will experience either fast finds or slow ones depending on your computer processing speed). Overall, I only hope that Krause will include DVD's in future editions.



3. This is a book a coin collector simply cannot live without. Over 2000 pages packed with information on coins. Obviously, there are better catalogues for specific periods or territories but none so comprehensive. At some point your collection will reach the level when other catalogues are necessary but when you decide to go beyond your local coinage there is no better start. If you really concentrate on some period or country, you will soon outgrow it. If you begin to broaden your numismatic horizons, this is your guide and you may need no other.
   This is a book like an old friend. You know his shortcomings (not all were corrected from previous editions), you know he is not really up-to-date (whatever he may claim), you know that he gets more and more forgetful every year, you know he can be terribly obstinate and stick to his mistakes for years. But you reach for him in need because, well, you haven't got a better friend.

5 comments about Complete Price Guide to Watches 2008 (Complete Price Guide to Watches).

1. I got this for my husband to use in our business. He says it's been very helpful. I got it to update his old one.



2. A good source for information but to refer to the guide as "complete" would be streching it a bit.



3. Use the book often in my work. A great addition. Thanks for the fast shipping.



4. One of the best watch books around, it basically plods along, virtually unchanged, year, after year. Except for price updates, and a new cover every year, this book is getting long in the tooth. My main problem is realistic pricing, which would not serve the authors, primarily Tom Engle, who is a high-end watch dealer. Many items are underpriced, in my opinion, and do not reflect real world pricing.



5. The pictures are small black and whites, so bad they almost look drawn. The prices are inline with what 'SELLERS' would pay for a watch. The definitive guide to watches. Not very good, but where else are you gonna get this info.