5 comments about A Beginner's Guide to Kiln-Formed Glass: * Fused * Slumped * Cast.

1. i have made fused and slumped glas for 15 years, but there was still something for me to learn.......... a super bok for beginners, you will get many of the tips, you otherwise will learn by dooing........



2. 
   I wish that I had begun my glass work with this book at my fingertips. Not only is the layout attractive and clear, but the topics are covered in a clear and logical manner. Her projects are imaginative, with a stretch for true beginners, but they lend themselves to application of techniques and the user's creativity. This should be in every fuser's library!



3. I have not bought my kiln as of yet, but this book has given me a great deal of instruction for "how to" and I can't wait to try the projects out! Love the illustrations and project ideas. Most of the projects look fairly to somewhat simple to do....excellent beginner's book.



4. The book is beautiful and does have a lot of great information and pictures. However, I think a better book to start is Contemporary Warm Glass. It costs a bit more, but it answers 99.9% of your questions.



5. I was looking for a book that would give me some insight and inspiration for making small fused glass pieces for jewelry. I found this book to be too general in it's information, a lot of which I had already been able to find in various internet articles. I don't fault the writer or the book for it's content but it just wasn't what I had hoped for. So far I havent found any books out there that really delve deeply into this artform. There is so much trial and error in this process of fusing glass that it would be nice to find a guide that shares those mistakes and successes in more detail.

5 comments about Pure Sea Glass: Discovering Nature's Vanishing Gems.

1. What a supurb book! Terrific illustrations and interesting. A must read for any beach comber.



2. This is the quintessential book written on sea/beach glass for the sea glass collector, beachcomber or anyone interested in making sea glass jewelry. The photography is beautiful and the book is very well written by Richard LaMotte. I especially like the detailed descriptions of each of the different sea glass colors. I have spent hours looking at this book and have also bought the Pure Sea Glass Identification Card Deck which helps determine age, color and rarity of sea glass shards. It was one of my favorite books to receive and now to give as a gift.



3. I purchased this book for my husband for his birthday. He loves it. He knew a little bit about sea glass as he is an avid bottle collector. He was very impressed with the information in this book. It also helps that it is local to us. A great addition for his collection.



4. A beautifull, informative and educational book that I have been enjoying....it has given me more appreciation for what I have! great book!!



5. A couple months ago, I stayed at a friend's place on Martha's Vineyard for a few days. One evening, while relaxing inside for a bit, I found this book on her coffee table.
   
   While I spent most of my time bike riding and exploring the island, I somehow managed to devour almost the entire book before leaving. I promptly placed an order for it on Amazon once I got back home.
   
   This book, as seen by my example, is not just for the collector. In addition to being full of information about sea glass itself, there is much in the realm of interesting historical information that any curious person would be delighted to read. Not only is there an abundance of textual information, but the reader is also presented with picture after picture.
   
   This is, simply put, an excellent book.

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

1. Excellent photos and descriptions. I was blessed to attend classes from Michael Johnston (author) in Harrisburg. Mike is a patient man who loves his craft as much as he wants you to do your best. This book is one you will want to keep close for references; just having it on your shelf makes you more confident. Looking forward to the next book!



2. This is a great book for learning to make stained glass. It doesn't get any easier than this.



3. Excellent, complete, step by step instructions for the beginner. Refer to it all the time. Can make entire projects by following the book.



4. I bought this book for a friend who is just starting stained glass and he loved it. Said it is very informative, easy to use, lots of good information, absolutely a great asset and absolutely recommend buying.



5. Excellent layout and binding that allows you to leave it open to the page your following. Easy to follow instruction and pics for the visual learner. Love it and looking forward to the projects!

5 comments about Collector s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass,19th Edition (Collector's Encyclopedia of Depression Glass).

1. Book arrived quickly and in excellent condition. The book is extremely informative and I have been using it often. I would definately recommend buying this book if you are a depression glass collector! It has been extremely helpful in my e-Bay business.



2. I am a collector/dealer that loves Depression Glass but am far from an expert. This book gave me information on some other patterns that were not in some of my other references. I have already used it some and will keep it as a great source of information in the future.



3. This book is a good description and selection of Depression glass. Most of the photos are B&W with a few color plates in a section there are 225 pages with a 22 point table of contents and a decent index.
   This covers glass from the early 20's through the 30's this was machine-made and fairly inexpensive. They used bright colors including ruby, amethyst, bright green, iridescent carnival orange, aquamarine, cobalt blue, pail pink and yellow. The pieces are mostly tableware.
   
   Warmans Depression Glass: Identification And Price Guide (4th Edition)



4. I have been buying Gene Florence's glass books (Depression, Elegant, 40's-50's-60's, Kitchen, Fire king)since the late 1980's. I have kept them all to use as they have different pictures. I've seen him branch off from a few books to a lot of books. For years his books were the leading resource to buying glass. In the last few years I have noticed a decline in his materials. I started buying Barbabra Mauzys glass books to go along with the ones from Florence. Florence was sadly way behind in getting up to date reproduction news in his books-Mauzey was much more up to date with describing the fakes pouring on the market. Mauzy's book have WAY more pictures. Mauzy seemed to price items a little higher than I was seeing, while Florence priced items a little lower. I found a good medium in comparing the two. I have dealt in selling glass since the late 1980's-in Antique malls and on the internet. When this edition of this book & his new 40-50-60's book came out I rushed out to buy them. I have NEVER been more disappointed in a buying experience in my life. Florence slashed prices in both books on almost all of the patterns by 40, sometimes 50% or more (seriously-a cherry blossom pink dinner plate only listed as being worth $1 ?!)! I, and other dealers have been noting the fact that with each edition he is seeming farther and farther out of touch. I believe his age and time in the field is showing and he is getting ready to retire?....sad thing is it looks as though he's trying to take the glass business with him. I plan to never again buy any of his books (unless they're dirt cheap on here for picture value only). I say if you want a book with lots more pictures, more information, more patterns, and more up to date reproduction news-don't buy this book-buy Mauzys!



5. This book had a lot of interesting information with prices and rarity of pieces of depression glass. This book helps a lot in knowing what I have.

2 comments about Kiln-Formed Glass: Over 25 Projects for Fused and Slumped Designs.

1. This book is good for ideas, but really does not have many new techniques to offer. It is also a little thin on beginner notes. I would rate this as a book for intermediate fusers. If you are looking for inspiration, it's not a bad book.



2. It's hard to decide whether to give four or five stars. It depends on what you're looking for. The projects are almost all very attractive (to me, anyway!) and well-designed with clearly written instructions.
   
   The author states that these projects are intended for those who have had some experience with cutting and fusing glass. I pretty much agree with her and think she pulled off the presentation of these intermediate projects well. (I'm tired of craft books that devote precious space to info that's easily found elsewhere.) She does, of course, cover some basics, but a beginner will need other references and some hands-on practice. However, none of the projects is extremely challenging, either, so someone with basic knowledge could easily do any project that appeals to them. I plan to use it with my students: with me to guide them, even the beginners should easily be able to manage any of the projects.
   
   The instructions are extremely clear and easy to follow. They are well-illustrated with excellent photography. However, a small quibble about the gorgeous photos: sometimes they excel more at the photography than at showing me what I really wanted to see about a piece. Several times I found myself looking for a different view--a down-to-earth perspective in addition to the artsy one. I don't know if anyone else would agree.
   
   There are two things I want to mention about the techniques she covers. First, she includes the use of such things as Glassline pens, bubble powder, mica powder, fiber paper cut-outs, and inclusions such as gold and silver leaf and copper. I wish she had more prominently identified which projects used which techniques. Also, she might have given each a wee bit more of an introduction: even experienced fusers may not have tried all those options, as acquiring all can be expensive. But at least they are included and are integrated in nice ways.
   
   The other thing is that many of the projects seem to be variations on the same theme with only minor differences. That's ok up to a point: her creations are beautiful, and her style should have wide appeal. However, I would like to see more than just variations of "layer these pieces on a clear backing." (For instance, I prefer the look of dichroic glass when it's under clear, but I don't think she ever used clear on top, nor did I find a mention of using the dichroic-on-clear upside-down. Sorry if I just missed them.) For those following her projects exactly, it's fine, but I would have liked to have seen a bit more style variation to provide inspiration. I don't recall that any of the projects require more than two firings, which is good from a production or teaching studio's perspective but does limit some things.
   
   Any studio should have all the equipment necessary with the exception of things like the specialty products mentioned above. None of the projects requires a ring saw for cutting. She does use a grinder, and an appropriate kiln is necessary.
   
   Ultimately I chose to give five stars because I think she did what she intended to do--write a book of nice intermediate projects--very well. This would be an excellent follow-up to Petra Kaiser's books, Introduction to Glass Fusing and Fuse It.

5 comments about Introduction to Glass Fusing.

1. This book is great for beginners. I've got the "big" eye candy books as well, but always return to this one for the best firing schedules. I've got notes on almost every page and it's always the first one I grab. Also good is that it shows what a piece will look like with 2 or 3 layers of glass compared to just one. New to fusing? Get this one.



2. As others say, great for beginners. I have a small kiln and most projects in the book are suitable for a small kiln. While I don't think I've actually made any of the projects in the book, I have used the firing schedules extensively. Many firing schedules you find in other books or on the web are for larger pieces and are "overkill" for pendants, 4-5" plates, etc.



3. I haven't completely read this book, what I have read is helpful.
   I like that it takes you through projects that teaches different fusing skills.



4. never mind - i said i hadn't received the book but i think i have - it's around here somewhere. I haven't really had time to look at though, i am just getting used to the idea of trying fusing.



5. I sat for hours enjoying reading this book upon receipt. The images, easy to understand text was great. I am very pleased with the book and can't wait to get started on creating glass products. Wonderful book and very informative. I would recommend it as part of anyone's library.

5 comments about A Passion for Sea Glass.

1. Wonderfully illistrated, carefully choosen artists and amazing content...I absolutely loved the book and it helped in planning future art projects..



2. Wonderful book-lots of great ideas-people are so creative!! Too bad beach glass is getting rare.



3. Thoroughly am enjoying this book. Wonderful stories about seaglass collectors and terrific ideas for how to display all the gathered treasures.



4. Author C.S. Lambert and photographer Pat Hanbery showed us the beauty of those colorful beachside finds in "Sea Glass Chronicles: Whispers from the Past." Now Lambert has gone one step farther by documenting what avid sea glass collectors *do* with all of their treasures.
   
   Sure, dropping the sand-burnished bits into jars and letting the rays of sunshine enflame them is a perfectly wonderful fate for sea glass. But the people we meet on these pages go above and beyond that artistry. They make jewelry or wind chimes or mobiles. They assemble mosaics on tabletops or walls. One man uses sea glass to simulate the windows and doors of the gnome homes he creates. Another artist crafts panels that look much like stained glass windows, until you examine them more closely. And those are just some of the projects featured in this book. While a few of the profiles include directions for making your own artwork, the focus here is on beauty and art and imagination. Most of the artists live in Maine, as do Lambert and photographer Amy A. Wilton; but this book will have appeal for many a beachcomber, regardless of location.
   
   "A Passion for Sea Glass" is inspirational as well as beautiful. Any coffee table would look good with both sea glass books resting on its polished surface. And by placing them there, any host would be presenting an irresistible temptation for guests to pick them up.



5. 
   A Passion for Sea Glass great book for ideas and Candy's book store is wonderful!!!! There was a small glitch in my order and Candy's resolved the situation right away without my having to do anything. I highly reccomend their web site and products.!

5 comments about Warm Glass: A Complete Guide to Kiln-Forming Techniques: Fusing, Slumping, Casting.

1. This book is a great source of information. Comprehensive, thoroughly illustrated and graphically appealing. It is a shame the translation is a poor job. I am a translator and a potter and I am new to craft glass. I'm sure I'll use this book a lot, but I really wish it hadn't been translated from Spanish, because the English rendition is definitely not good.



2. Purchased this book basically because of the title (fusing), but there really isn't alot of information about fusing and slumping. Good background on glass though.



3. My friend Andy works for a local stained glass studio and teaches classes at BYU. I enjoy talking to him about stained glass and he is full of really good advice about kiln fired glass. Recently he recommended Warm Glass to me. I got it and I love it.
   
   This volume is full of examples of work which has been created in a kiln, but it's much more, it's like a classroom in a book, a primer on what went right and what went wrong. It is by far the best book I've seen to learn about kiln fired glass.
   
   You really need to get this book.



4. Well written with lots of instructions and ideas on how to do warm glass. Good history.



5. I'm trying to learn to make fused glass jewelry and made the mistake of buying this "general" book on all types of fused glass projects. My bad.

5 comments about Mosaic Renaissance: Millefiori in Mosaics.

1. I am a huge fan of Laurel Skye's mosaic style. She and her daughter Kiah, have a unique way of teaching that is fun and funky. They have found a way of incorporating many easy to find materials as well as conventional ones in the mosaic world, in to a workable art process for all to try. Their process works great. She gives great attention to detail and the photos are both visually pleasing and educational as we novices attempt to tile our way into her world. Her uses of many different materials and found treasures, make this style of mosaics very attractive to everyone. Laurel is a very electric, colorful, compassionate woman who has lived a very interesting life that she incorporates in to this book as well. Her personal home mosaic photos, are incredible and a must to see. Beware, once you start reading her book, you will be on your way and you won't want to stop doing mosaics, and nothing in your world will look plain again!



2. I have many tiling and mosaic books and this one quickly made it to my top ten list. The instructions are easy to follow and the photos really helpful. The projects are quite beautiful and are easy to adapt. I looked at the book as soon as it arrived and that same day ordered all kinds of millefiori for the different projects I have in mind.



3. This book came at the perfect time for me. I have been making lampwork beads and started mosaics to use the broken beads. I have used some of the slices of glass from the canes we use to make beads for my mosaics but this brings it all together into a beautiful method for using both millefiore and plain colored glass disks. Now I am making flat beads to use in mosaics.
   Thank you Laurel!!!
   If you are just beginning mosaics or have been doing them for years, this book will bring new ideas for materials and designs. It is both beautiful to look through and instructive in the use of the material.
   
   I would recommend that you find a place to purchase some of the millefiore in cane form and cut your own slices as it is cheaper and you can control the cut and you won't run the risk of running out of a design in the middle of a project. You can also purchase solid color cane or fillagrana and cut them to have solid rounds or rounds with little dots of color in the middle. There are also some canes that are ridged and cut like little stars. The possibilities are endless.
   
   This is a great addition to mosaic information!



4. I LOVE this book. It is the first book I have seen that gives so many milli patterns. The artists holds nothing back. This is required reading for all those who love to mosaic. It is rare when an artist offers up so many trade secrets. From patterns, to glue, to placing tiles, Laurel Skye is a master at her craft and a generous teacher. Get this book!



5. If I had to recommend only one mosaic book, Laurel Skye's,"Mosaic Renaissance: Millefiori in Mosaics" would be the one. It is well-written, beautifully illustrated and gives insight into the fascinating mosaic of a top-class artist. I have been acquainted with Laurel for a number of years and have been exposed to her work in person upon many occasions. I am a fan. Her art is exquisite, and while it is complex, she explains how to make the projects with ease. This book conveys Laurel's unique mosaic style in a personable, accessible way that allows even the beginning mosaic artist to create works of which to be proud. However, it is challenging enough for the more advanced mosaic artist as well. The book is packed full of expertise and a core knowledge of the mosaic arts. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you have an artist friend, even if that friend is not spefically a mosaic artist, this book would make a fabulous gift. It is chock full of stunning art that anyone would enjoy.
   
   Stacy Alexander

5 comments about The Stained Glass Garden: Projects & Patterns.

1. The book is great! The projects look like a lot of fun. However I think it took way too long to arrive. The cost was withdrawn from our account almost three weeks befor it arrived. A friend also got a copy; hers arrived within a week.



2. I gave this to my father-in-law for Christmas. He has been doing stained glass for about a year now. He loved the unique project ideas in this book and so did I.



3. very nice book, only that proyects are not simple, and requires quite a bit of knowledge of the tiffany art, and also soldering etc.
   But the proyects are very nice, and the book in itself is beautifull, and all in colour.
   I recomend it either if you are novel to this art, or if you are advanced, as if you are not so advanced (as we are) you can grab a lot of great ideas!
   thanks!



4. This is a great book with easy to understand instructions as well as creative ideas. The patterns in this book are also great starting points for your imagination.



5. This book is full of step by step easy to read and construct glass projects for the garden. Even though I have a deep respect for Art Noveau and Victorian sometimes I like designs that are modern and fresh. This is the book with simple yet eye appealing projects. It takes glass to a whole new level.