5 comments about Precious Metal Clay In Mixed Media.

1. As the book's title suggests this is for Precious Metal Clay only, in some ways this is a draw back for many people who use both Metal Clay's on the market. Sherri Haab clearly says Metal Clay as opposed to Precious Metal Clay or Art Clay Silver in her publications so you know straight away both are covered. The ideas and designs will appeal to those people who like "Bling", no clean clear, minimalist lines here. Certainly not a beginners book, it was in fact used as the "text" book for people who do Level 2 Certification with PMC. Overall, it is nice to have and use as an ideas book for students or reference library. The instructions are fine as long as you know what you are doing, or it could become a little confusing at times. One thing ALL authors/editors need to realise, you are catering to an International Market, therefore do not be so American Centric, i.e. please use both Celcius and Farenheight in publications which will help all those wanting to use your books.



2. NOT FOR BEGINNERS and for PMC BRAND CLAY!
   This is my #1 pet peeves in the metal clay book world. They do not make it clear that this book is for use of their brand name of metal clay. Also that this book is not for beginners. I guess the publisher assumes that because of the use of the terms mixed media in the title people with little or no knowledge of clay/metal art world. Could figure it out.
   Yes you can use the other brand of metal clay only if you adjust the temps and shrinkage rates and all the other minor differences.
   But thats another story! So getting back to the book at hand, She does cover information about all the types of clay offered by the company she works for and does go into depth on the properties.
   Also covering the fundamental techniques. The projects do run the range of items. Not all jewelry from slumped glass to dolls.
   The pictures are a little on the small size. But they do show the subject matter and not a excess of the work surface as so many do. They are not number or indicated to the procedures which are numbered.A major flaw for beginners. The material and equipment list for each project is at the start. The real nice touch in this book is the Observations & Alternatives sidebar, which covers safety or substituting items. The gallery pictures are nice and they relate to the chapters. The last chapter is a much to short trouble shooting question and answer section. The section on mixing the gold and silver clay was a nice touch. I own it



3. Great book with lots of examples and how-to information. Helpful for someone with some experience in working with PMC.



4. As a beginner this book isn't for me. The detailed written instructions become confusing and I wish Mary Ann would have placed step by step picture examples with the project for me to double check myself to see if I'm understanding her concept(s). To me this book is more of a gallery book that has some great photographs and ideas in it. It'll give your creative eye a different perspective in how to mix color with silver, gold and black to make pretty items.



5. The first chapter gives a good introduction to PMC, tools, a brief overview of techniques, firing and finishing the piece. All essential information for a PMC novice, but if you have any experience with PMC you would already know this information. This is followed by projects with specific instructions. The instructions would be very clear for someone who has experience working with PMC, but I'm not sure how clear they would be to a beginner. Most of the examples of the projects are not very attractive, but the author shows an interesting combo of techniques including fused glass and enamel with PMC. An experienced PMC artist would probably not do the projects as shown, but could get good ideas about incorporating the featured techniques into their own work. There are lots of beautiful photos by various artists for inspiration (without instructions)- and they show the wide variety of looks that can be achieved with PMC. It would have been nice to have fewer specific projects and more information about how and why the different techniques work with PMC.

1 comments about The Art of Crystalline Glazing: Basic Techniques.

1. Yes, this book is full of beautiful pictures to drool over. After an hour or so of taking in the photos, you may begin to notice there's words and stuff around the photos. Words about the importance of maintaining consistent clay body chemistry when fine-tuning your glaze recipes and firing programs, how to protect your kiln from the caustic "runny" glazes that will ooze right off the bottom of the work, and so forth.
   
   What particularly impressed me as I paid more attention to the words was the author's emphasis on systematic experimentation. There are a lot of variables that affect the formation of zinc oxide crystals, or even whether you'll get any crystal formation at all. So, from the very start you're going to have to run a series of controlled tests to find the "sweet spot" for crystal formation in your kiln, on your particular clay body chemistry, for a particular glaze recipe and firing program. Once you've dialed that in, you can tweak individual parts of the system (glaze formulation, glaze application and thickness, firing program) to alter your baseline crystal glaze. The authors provide detailed recipes and firing programs as well as notes on directions the reader can explore through further experimentation to develop your own unique signature glazes.

5 comments about Century Girl: 100 Years in the Life of Doris Eaton Travis, Last Living Star of the Ziegfeld Follies.

1. This book is so unique, I would recommend it for anyone who loves the history of the stage or just unique perspectives and biographies.
   Not only is the story engaging, but each page is tasty eye candy.
   You will not be disappointed with Century Girl!



2. Loved everything about this book: the subject, the era, the layout, the photographs, the ephemera. This was an enjoyable read and I've purchased copies to give as gifts to friends that I know have an interest in this time period. My only caution is that the text is "handwritten" and sprawls across the pages. I found it charming, but others may find it difficult to read. All in all, a delightful glimpse into a life led in the glory of days long gone.



3. You must buy this sweet book if you adore the Ziegfeld Folies, fashion illustration, collage, lush photos of flappers, and want to know more about the last of the living burlesque dancers Doris Eaton Travis. This wonderful book makes a fab gift for collectors of nostalgia and vintage frocks. Features pages and pages of handpainted/tinted photos and whimsical creative collage spreads of 1920's photos.



4. Wow, this book is fantastic! Lauren Redniss put a lot of highly detailed work into this charming publication about the last Ziegfeld girl alive. Doris Eaton is a spunky little lady who, at the age of 104 has graciously opened the pages of her life during the days she was a Ziegfeld girl. The book is beautifully illustrated and colorful with lots of photographs and clippings follwing Doris' career as well as her siblings. Ms. Redniss did a marvelous job. I can't rave about it enough.



5. Century Girl: 100 Years in the Life of Doris Eaton Travis, Last Living Star of the Ziegfeld Follies is a new order of biography. Lauren Redniss uses hand-written text as an artistic element to guide the eye through the evocative images she has created using photo-collage and line drawings. The result is a visually stunning tour of the extraordinary life of Doris Eaton Travis
   
   The book chronicles the life of Norman, Oklahoma, resident and University of Oklahoma graduate Doris Eaton Travis. The book follows Travis and her siblings, once known as the Eatons of Broadway, from their lives as child actors, to their success in theater and early films, and ultimately to their sad and often tragic fates.
   
   Travis alone was able to leave show business behind. She had the strength to adapt herself when circumstances demanded; from dancer, to entrepreneur, to book-keeper on a horse ranch, to college graduate at 88 years old. She returned to the Broadway stage at the age of 94 and recieved an honorary doctorate at 100. Her's is a story of reinvention and ultimately of success.
   
   Lauren Redniss teaches at the Parson's School in New York City. Her work is often seen on the Op-Ed page of the New York Times, which nominated her for the Pulitzer Prize. She is currently writing a biography of Marie Curie, due out in the fall.
   
   This book is a work of art from cover to cover. Redniss knows her subject well and the story is told largely in Travis' own words. It is the author's unique, artistic approach that brings this fascinating story to life so vibrantly and with such immediacey.
   
   In one section of the book, for example, Redniss discusses Travis' sister Mary Eaton's beauty, and the eagerness with which men gave her expensive gifts. The text takes the reader to photographs of Eaton in a seductive pose layered over images of Eaton's name in lights on the marquis of the New Amsterdam Theater. These images flow into a still photo from Eaton's starring role in Glorifying the American Girl. As we read of Eaton's beauty, we see coming off the page a Broadway star at the height of her fame and a woman who epitomizes beauty in the early twentieth century....and we understand why men were so easily parted from their money.
   
   The artistic elements flow together seamlessly and carry the reader through this lovingly crafted biography. Redniss' incredible images allow the reader to experience the lives of Travis and her family in ways that text alone simply doesn't allow.
   
   This book would appeal to anyone interested in dance or theater history. It has appeal to the general reader as well. Doris Eaton Travis is an extraordinary human being. Her ability to overcome tragedy, to reinvent herself, and to constantly strive to learn is an inspiration to all. Lauren Redniss' extaordinary book is the perfect vehicle to bring her inspiring story to life.

1 comments about Polymer Clay Mosaics.

1. Krista's work is well known and much admired, not the least by yours truly. So it was with ill-concealed impatience I awaited her Mosaic book once I heard it was in the offing, expecting her usual top-notch standards and high calibre expertise. I wasn't disappointed. She exceeded my lofty expectations and then some. This book's a proper touch of class: mouth watering eye candy with the lid off, clear and concise instructions, and enough variety of projects to keep me out of the malls and off the Shopping Channel for quite some time to come. Smashing stuff, beautifully executed; I'd recommend this superb volume of work to anyone.

1 comments about Chris Burden.

1. I actually bought this book for myself, because my dad and brother had both bought it and I couldn't stand not having my own copy to spend loads of time mulling over. This book is a great retrospective book, full of pieces and images of pieces you may not even know, shedding new light on an already amazing artist...It also has some really great critical essays.. enjoy...

5 comments about Altered Board Book Basics & Beyond: For Creative Scrapbooks, Altered Books & Artful Journals.

1. Lots of inspirational pictures by the author and other artists, but there is little description of how some of the more interesting techniques were done, like accordian board books and other binding techniques. Found it overall a little disappointing, but at least it wasn't too expensive. Also I wish there was less use of scrapbooking supplies and more use of original background techniques or art papers.



2. This is one of the worst books on bookbinding it has been my misfortune to purchase. It lacks detailed information on techniques and substitutes what is generally a "go out and buy" attitude. It encourages the purchase of materials such as premade scrapbooking items rather than giving ideas for an individual to make and incorporate in the creative act.
   
   Altering books is one of the crafts that affords the integration of everyday materials in a way that is fun and INEXPENSIVE. This book should have a shopping list in the back and get it over with.
   
   Showing examples of other artist's work is fine but if that is all there is the author could just put together a book of "other people's ideas".
   
   There are numerous other books on altered books and journals and I would encourage anyone interested in engaging in this craft look to those instead.



3. Overall, I think that this book has a lot of information, great photos of lots of examples. The only reason I gave it four stars was that I think it could be better organized. It jumps around a bit and does not explain how some of the books are constructed. That may be simplistic for non-beginners, but this seems to be a beginning book! I found myself enjoying the pictures of the books, but wondering how some of them were made with rings, etc. This book is actually a very good value, but I wish there had been some photos of a book in progress, instead of jumping right in to finished pages! Overall, I am glad that I bought it, even though the instuctions are pretty general.



4. Although the size of the book is not large, the scope is great. It is full of solid text and ideas supplemented with wonderful illustrations. It combines how-tos and inspiration in meaningful ways. A true source of ideas for anyone who pursues, or would like to pursue, these crafts. Thanks to all her contributors - there are some great creations presented.



5. Altered Board Books provides tons of inspiration and creativity for the altered book enthusist who is seasoned or who is trying the techniques for the first time. Combining personal memorbellia with outstanding, easy to accomplish technqiues, Jan Smiley has created a book that is worth the investment.

5 comments about Wheel-Thrown Ceramics: Altering, Trimming, Adding, Finishing (A Lark Ceramics Book).

1. I bought this book by chance but it is my current go to book when looking for inspiration and reviewing technique. Don Davis is a master. He uses subtle changes in his pieces that give them a uniqueness I enjoy. My only complaint would be that I wish he had more pictures of his work inside the book.



2. When I first started throwing, I found this book an extremely useful source for reminders, clarifications, and pointers on techniques I'd learned in class. It's a great practical guide for beginners. Now that I've been throwing for a while, I find I continue to turn to it for ideas and pointers. I've purchased several other clay books that were touted as "must haves" for potters, but I've been disappointed with them. They often focused only a few pages on wheel throwing, or were not as clear when describing techniques. Davis' book, with its straightforward instructions, good illustrative technique photos, and interesting photos of varied designs and forms, is the reference I keep turning to for myself and sharing with my classmates.



3. This is a good book for beginners. The book has great pictures and the instructions are easy to follow. I also like the progression in the projects. It builds your throwing skills step by step.



4. A wonderful book for beginners and experienced potters alike. Lots of new ideas with detailed explanation and pictures. An absolute must, and a great price too!



5. I loved the step-by-step approach this book takes with the many different examples of pottery. Also, it is great to show the techniques of the different potters. The book also includes photos of other pieces made with similar techniques. I borrowed this book, but now have to have my own copy.

No comments about Art of Claudio Aboy Vol 2.

5 comments about Legs.

1. Talk about 'Judging a book by it's cover', DON'T. Out of all the photo's on this book, the best looking one is on the cover of this book. This photo's of this girls in this book were probably taken at a run down W****House which most of this women are not natural beauties. Some photo's on this book were badly taken and really does not describe the name of this book at all. I bought this book to see some natural beautiful LEGS on women, but the majority on this photo's were women with split teeth, fat elephant legs, and some of this women had minor bruises on their legs which the photographer tried to hide by having this women covered there bruises with black stockings. Again, 50% of this book has great photo's of good looking women, but if you want to see photo's of womens "LEGS" in this book, I would NOT recommend you to buy this book at all.



2. as a model I thought this book would be full of wonderful outstanding photos like the cover shot In my opinion the models and the photography wasnt that great :(



3. I throughly Enjoyed this Book !!!!!!!!!!!! Great Cover Pic !!!!!!!!! Being a Big Fan of Womens' Shapely Legs, especially when Covered in Nylons and wearing heels, this was a Great Book!!!!!!!!! Lots and lots of Pics of Pretty Ladies wearing Pantyhose, Stockings, Heels,barefoot and Bare-legged. A Must Read for All the Leg-Men and Nylon Guys out there.



4. This book contains professional nude/seminude photographs, primarily of homely and 'sturdy' looking models. The cover represents about ten percent of the book's content.



5. I've purchased much better photo books for alot less money. If you like pantyhose, stockings and garters, you'll love this book. If you like nude bare legs, you'll hate it. Also has some chunky and not at all attractive models.

1 comments about Bad Girls Hotel.

1. I adore Bob Coulters work! I love how he uses colors and sexual fantasy. Not many photographers can put together the camp, kitsch, gloss and lustre that this man can. All of this would be a steal... With the big Amazon discount, you might feel guilty for getting so much for so little. go out and buy it! END
   Great, great, great!!