5 comments about Elegant Knotted Jewelry: Techniques and Projects Using Maedeup.

1. Lots of good information in this book. You learn everything from what supplies to use, how to tie basic knots to the more intricate knots. Specific projects are offered that can easily lead you to experiment on your own versions. The supplies used are easy to locate with a quick internet search. While you're searching, look for Becky Meverden's postings about her time in Korea where she learned this beautiful age old tradition. I'm so glad she was able to learn and share her knowledge with the rest of us. I'm unlikely to travel to Korea but through her and this book I feel like I've experienced a small glimpse into one of their beautiful artistic traditions.



2. This is not macrame! This is wonderful traditional Korean knots that make up into beautiful jewelery. Looks like quite a challenge, and Becky even says so. But she assures you that once you start you will get the hang of it and be smitten with the wonderful projects you can make.



3. Global handicrafts hold a particular fascination for me. My husband and I had a Fair Trade Craft gallery for five years and tried our best to spread the powerful message of fair trade and the power of appreciation for the art and craft of other cultures. I have always loved to see the dialog that begins when a person from one culture is introduced to a craft from another and they begin to infuse it with their own unique vision. Becky Meverden moved to South Korea with her husband in 2007 and discovered the ancient art of knotting known as maedup (pronounced mae-doop.) She found a willing instructor and some partners in craft and together they studied this meticulous art form of intricate knots. Becky returned to the United States with a newly cultivated craft passion and beautiful photographs and stories to share.
   
   Her new book Elegant Knotted Jewelry is a joy to behold. The reader feels as though they are transported to another country and immersed into an exotic art form. Becky has created an array of stunning projects that incorporate the knots she shares in detailed step by step pictures in the front of the book. She infuses this ancient craft with her own modern twists adding interesting materials and accents. I loved the seed beads she wove into the Beaded Garakji bracelet, what a novel touch! Using CRYSTALLIZED-Swarovski Elements columns gives the Faceted Crystal Columns necklace an upscale appeal. Her use of color is exceptional and the designs are all modern and appealing. The book is filled with wonderful color pictures that guide you through learning the knots and recreating Becky's beautiful designs.
   
   If you're looking to expand your jewelry making or craft repertoire in new directions, this book will be a perfect addition to your library. Touch the 'art and soul' of South Korea through Becky's lovely photographs and stories and through her exploration of the ancient art of maedup. The language of craft is universal and these ancient art forms are rapidly disappearing. Kudos to Becky for her hours of patient practice and her willingness to share what she's learned with the rest of us. What a wonderful gift indeed.
   
   Margot Potter
   Author
   The Impatient Beader Series, Bead and Wire Jewelry Exposed and Beyond the Bead



4. This book is good for beginner knotters (explained well) but do not expect to learn anything more than the basic knots. Lots of projects (jewelery) and some good recommendations on the tools and findings that work well with Korean cording projects. Gives you some good ideas but the projects are a little repetitive and use the same knots throughout. Friendly and amical content.



5. This book not only presents clear and simplified instructions to create intricate Korean knot work, or maedeup, into stunning jewelry, but it also allows a glimpse into the artist's journey of learning the process and life in South Korea. Everything is beautifully presented with colorful pictures that incorporate several different lampwork artists' glass along with other unique and some traditional findings as well; while some of the other designs simply showcase the exquisite knot work. I would highly recommend this book for the new skill you can learn, but just as much for the gorgeous photography!

5 comments about Sweet Needle Felts: 25 Projects to Wear, Give & Hug.

1. Based on some of the glowing reviews about the instructions and techniques for three dimensional project needle felters, I decided to take a risk and purchase this book. I've been muddling along on my own for a while, experimenting and making mistakes and learning without a book. I've been having fun, but wanted to learn some more techniques, like pose-ability. Based on what other reviews have said, I thought maybe I'd learn some new techniques here.
   
   Plus cover is adorable.
   
   Incredibly misleading, but adorable.
   
   From this point on, when I mention needle felting, or a project, assume I am talking about 3d objects. Dolls, toys. Things like the front of the cover.
   
   My first needle felted project, on my own, was far more advanced than the instructions this book gives you. Here, allow me to save you some money: The instructions on making each needle felted toy in this book consists of:
   Make core. (OR, Wrap roving around a bamboo skewer and felt.)
   Cover Core.
   Make ears.
   Attach ears.
   
   It is the same for every project. "Make this piece and attach it." And by 'every project', I mean the three dolls on the front cover (Which do not have their own images. They show you one, and tell you to do it for kitty/bear/bunny.) A doll, a dog, and then three more projects that I have difficulty distinguishing from one another. Some round fruit, or a round mouse, or a round bird. The difference between them being you glue on a piece of fabric to one, and give one ears and the other a beak. The bird doesn't even get eyes, the poor thing. There is also a house, but I'm not sure I would include it as needle felting a figure, considering they are simply having you cover foam shapes with a layer of felt.
   
   There are no real instructions on the best way to attach something. (Such as: you can wrap some loose roving around a joint and use that to strengthen the seam. Leave the area where you are going to attach one piece - like a leg, a bit loose so that it is easier to felt onto the body. The book makes NO mention of incredibly simple things like this. It just says attach.)
   
   In fact, when attaching "delicate parts" like smoke on a chimney, it says to use fabric glue. Um. ...Wait a minute, what? Doesn't using glue to attach pieces kind of miss the point of being able to felt your fabric together?
   
   
   As a book for PROJECT IDEAS, I suppose it would get five stars.
   As an instructional book on how to do anything, I would offer one.
   
   For the flat felted projects, it does offer different ideas. The projects seem to be a bit kitschy, (Felting a giant purple critter onto your kid's shirt?) but some are quite cute, if this is the demographic you're going for. The three toys on the cover are the most sophisticated this book gets. Otherwise it is swirly flowers and yarn pincushions (okay the pin cushion is actually cute.) Again, the instructions for those are incredibly one dimensional. (Cover with roving. Needle felt onto another object. Use a cookie cutter. Those instructions show up in almost every project.)
   
   
   So... to conclude, I guess I'll reiterate. Project ideas, perhaps for things going to a younger audience: This is the book for you. It'll be cute and offer a variety of things from adding flowers and animals onto scarves and shirts to covering a wallet to give it a felted look. It isn't advanced, and gives projects that you don't really needto know anything more than "poke this with a needle."
   
   Looking to learn something new, or to learn ANYTHING AT ALL about felting dolls/toys/etc: Go somewhere else. Run there, if at all possible, and don't look back.



2. A mi me ha parecido un libro interesante, y con muy buenas fotografias, totalmente recomendable, es una pena que no hagan buenos libros de esto en español.



3. It was very vague about how to use the needles and how to complete a project. I took it back to the store for a refund the next day.



4. This book has some really cute projects. The bear, birdie mobile, and the Dog on Wheels are projects I'd like to work on soon. Instructions seem easy to follow too.



5. Cute pictures and colorful book, not what I wanted. Not enough challenging projects, quite elementary, good for starter or kids.

5 comments about Designer Bead Embroidery: 150 Patterns and Complete Techniques.

1. Bead Embroidery is a new skill for our family. From the initial reading of this book, I think it is going to be very helpful for us - clear instructions, good photography and many choices for a variety of techniques and styles. We will try to update some rather tired-looking garments and give them a whole new look.



2. This book has very clear info on beads and their use. A must have for beginners!



3. I checked this out from my library today hoping for some interesting ideas for embellishing clothes. I'll be returning it tomorrow. The designs here simply aren't impressive or aesthetically pleasing, just bead heavy. Here you will find silly designs for large beaded trumpets, gaudy sequin flowers and such not. The sort of things you would see old ladies wearing...in the 1980's. I suppose this could be milked for kitsch appeal, but without a firm sense of irony I wouldn't try any of these.
   
   I suppose I should have seen it coming when in his intro the author said he got in to fashion design because he wanted to make sequin covered gowns. Gag.



4. I really like this book. I am a fan of Kenneth's from my garment sewing days. It is excellent for that purpose but can also cross-over into the art quilt and surface design genre. Many techniques are actually quite old and are being rediscovered by fiber artists. Kenneth brings everything to life in this book. I just want to know where I can find the left-handed Bernina that appears in one of the photographs! Trust a non-sewing individual to flip the picture and print it backwards!



5. If you love to embroidery and think you might like to do bead embroidery you need this book. It will inspire you.

5 comments about Fabulous Fabric Beads: Create Custom Beads and Art Jewelry.

1. This book is a must have...Beautiful designs. Very good instructions. Kristal is a very talented artist.



2. This is a great book for anyone interested in learning great tips, techniques and methods for creating your own fabulous fabric beads! Krystal Wick's work is beautiful. The photo's in the book are very helpful in congering up your own creativity. You really don't need any special tools or supplies. I give this book an A+.



3. Wow, I just received this book and have to say that it is one of the most beautiful craft books that I have ever seen. I read several reviews that called it eye candy and they are right! I have been a quilter and crafter for over 20 years and have just started experimenting with jewelry and beading. The directions are clear and easy. I still have a long way to go, but the techniques described are applicable to many fiber arts and I've even done some foiling on my quilts. Absolutely a must have!



4. The ideas in this book for creating your own custom beads are boundless, allowing you to expand on those shown by letting your imagination flow and take wing. The photography is beautiful, showing great detail to the designs. Instructions for designs shown are well written, and the color palette alternatives are a nice touch and very helpful. The Resources List is a good starting point to find supplies, but some supplies are still hard to find and may take some time to locate (I suggest using "Google" search). In all, this is a great find for my Bead and Jewelry Making library.



5. After reading this book I have to say that it is one of the best craft books that I've read this year. Not only does the author teach you how to make fabulous fabric beads, but she also teaches all sort of techniques for creating and embellishing fabrics that could be used in so many other projects. She also teaches you how to make great little charms. Maybe this book should be called Beyond Fabulous Fabric Beads since this is a book that would be just as valuable to quilters, scrapbookers, altered art crafters as well as jewelry designers!

5 comments about Connecting Art to Stitch.

1. This inspired me to get moving and being more creative. There are exercises to open up intuitive guideance and have given me many new insights. Sandra took me to new areas that I previously had not used in my fiber arts. I was thrilled to see the results that took place as I looked at things in a new way...This is a treasure in my library and will inspire me for many years...highly recommend it!



2. Just the thing for quilters who need a little inspiration. Love to look through this book and get new ideas!



3. I found this good quality hard cover book full of good information, lots & lots of pictures & heaps of colour. I found it very inspiring. It was well set out, easy to read yet packed to the rafters with information with regards to colour, drawing, mixed media & designs. Just what i was looking for.



4. An excellent book to jump start your creative juices as are all of her books.



5. Sandra's latest book is a visual feast, like her previous books. This one in a way goes back one step, to focus mainly on how textile artists can use various fine art techniques to improve their composition, texture and colour skills. Stitch is the final stage in a fairly lengthy process.
   
   Sandra shows her own sketchbooks as source materials in all her books, and this one gives even more instruction on how to develop sketchbooks and allow your creativity to evolve through them. There are no easy shortcuts to doing the work, and in this case, it is playing with pencils, charcoal, crayons, and paints.
   
   This book demands that you do something, whether focused or playful. Most of the illustrations are art related rather than stitch related, so it is more of a manual of inspiration and less of a picture candy book.

5 comments about The Needlepoint Book: A Complete Update of the Classic Guide.

1. Every stitch ever invented and how to do each one in an all-encompassing volume. Perfect for finding new stitches to try on your own.



2. I purchased the first edition when I was learning to needlepoint. Now many years and moves later, I found the book was missing just when I wanted to start to needlepoint again. All I could remember was the green and yellow cover. No author name. No title. No publisher. What to do? Try Amazon.com. It was the first needlepoint book that came up. I remembered the author's name immediately when I saw it. What joy to find I can purchase an updated version of my lost treasure! This book is everything previous reviewers have stated. It contains a wealth of needlepoint knowledge and it should be the first book needlepoint novices purchase. They may not need to purchase any other.



3. This is a really comprehensive and well put together to help any embroiderer. However, I'm disappointed at the black-and-white photos of the stitches, which makes them harder for me to visualize. I would gladly have paid extra to have the photos of the stithces in color.



4. This was an excellent book on needlework when it first came out. Now it has been revised and updated and it is even better. She has included different and modern techniques as well as many excellent patterns of pictures to follow.



5. This book was advertised as a classic guide for all levels. I can only speak as a beginner, but the material I needed was covered well. Recommend this book without reservation.

5 comments about Beading on Fabric: Encyclopedia of Bead Stitch Techniques.

1. I can't wait to make some of the projects in this book. I read it from cover to cover and now am in the process of gathering my supplies so I can get started.



2. I have not done alot of beading. This books instructions and illustrations are very clear. I am not planning on creating art pieces like the author, but would like to start working on my own belly dance costumes. This book had the basic beading on fabric and fringe variations. Just what I needed.



3. A GREAT SOURCE FOR BEADING ON FABRIC. ONCE ONE UNDERSTANDS THE BASICS, THE SKY IS THE LIMIT.



4. I thought this book was too basic, and didn't contain the stitch type information I was looking for. It almost seemed to pertain more to quilting stuff...



5. This is a wonderful book. Larkin Van Horn is such a talented beader. Her work is beautiful and skillful.

5 comments about Softies Only a Mother Could Love: Lovable Friends for You to Sew, Knit, or Crochet.

1. This book is whimsical. I can make these!! And I don't have a lot of sewing experience. I see stuffed creatures of the like at stores with high price tags for what they are. Instead, use this book with the patterns included and instructions and make them yourself. Give them to your special friends and loved ones. They will remember that you made them. ANd, you can also get creative and make alterations to the softies and make your own very unique one with just a little imagination and love.



2. I love the designs in this book, but I hate the fact that the templates are printed right inside the book. This means you'll have to copy and enlarge them. Enlarging can be a real challenge.



3. If you like funky-unusual stuffed animals, this is the book for you. I absolutely love its simplicity and the projects are delightful and easy to follow. I highly recommend it.



4. I just bought this book today on a complete whim. I wasn't even looking for something like this. It just stood out to me. It's wonderful, fun, cute, informative, easy to understand, and a great price. I think this book has sparked a new hobby interest for me.



5. This book is great and gorgeous. It's great to learn how to make your first softies (softies that I know well from the artist's blogs). It's gorgeous with beautiful pictures and a very inviting layout. The artists are so generous to share their patterns! I have tried already a couple and it was easy. And it also help me to open my mind and make my own designs!
   It's a book worth it to buy, have and enjoy!

5 comments about Making Beautiful Hemp & Bead Jewelry (Jewelry Crafts).

1. Great book to have in your collection for beginners and people that want to refresh their skills. The book has clear understandable instructions; it explains how to do all the knots needed to complete the project. Great illustrations , must have.



2. These projects are really cool. More than likely though you won't have the exact type of beads but they still come out good when you improvise. The instructions are very dry and they don't show you how to add cords when they get short. Also noticed that you need more cord length than it states. But that could just be my way of knotting. I've made lots of phatty hip looking chokers that get praise from the cool cats. Lots of nice stuff for the begginer to the advanced knotter.



3. This book is filled with great projects and wonderful pictures. I don't recommend it if you have no knotting experience what so ever, like me. It goes over the basics very breifly and left me wondering if I was doing the knot correctly or not. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for some ideas and you already have the know how.



4. Color pictures...that's all this book has to offer. The knotting instructions are vague at very best, and the projects all look essentially the same--a mess. In a nutshell, this book is for hemp weavers who already know what they're doing and want to try out something a little different. To all hemp weavers, I recommend Max Lunger's "Hemp Master" books instead of the above waste of glossy paper and glue. Lunger's instructions are beautifully detailed, and his projects are infinitely more pleasing to the eye.



5. I got this book for my teenage daughter who learned basic macrame from a book. This book expands her techniques and gives her many more design options. It begins with a section showing different types of knots with diagrams on how to make them. The drawings are good, but because of all the threads intertwining, you have to be a person with patience to study the diagrams and follow them step by step.
   
   The next section has quite a number of jewelry designs using all the different types of knots and incorporating beads. The instructions are as good as they can be, with a large, clear photo, a list of materials, a list of the knots used, written instructions and a diagram that shows how the necklace (or bracelet, etc.) is laid out... that is, where all the knots and beads are along the strand.
   
   Even the beginner's "Simplicity Choker" is attractive, and more advanced designs are quite unusual, including scallopped edges, split strands, pendants, and beads placed in a flower shape. Very nice! I admit my daughter can sit for hours doing this, but she has had a lot of fun and pride in her work.

1 comments about Get Spun: The Step-by-Step Guide to Spinning Art Yarns.

1. I love this book. It is very informative and clear. Has great pictures and easy to read. I use this book all the time!