4 comments about Card Making with Cricut.

1. This book is awesome. I do not have all of the cartridges that are used in this book but the creations in this book make me want to get those cartridges. Some of the cartridges used in this book are Walk in my Garden, Wild Card, wedding, storybook,Plantin Schookbook,Graphically speaking, Indie Art, Home Accents,Doodlecharms,zooballoo.
   I hope this helps you to decide to purchase this book. I am very happy with my choice.



2. Maybe I was wrong in expecting something more and different. I own MANY cricut cartrages and was hoping to gain useful ideas as to how to best use them. The MAGAZINE is overpriced and just does not come off as useful for many of us that were looking forward to THIS FIRST, which is not really a book............ Sincerely written......



3. This is a wonderful source for deciding how to use your Cricut machine. I really like the magazine.



4. I was so excited to get this book since I just bought my Cricut. The ideas are wonderfully done and they included the names of the catridges that were used for each project as well as where or what supplies were used. As a first of this kind of book for Cricut, it's a nice book to have especially for a beginner like me. I do hope future books will include more cards and specialty paper crafts since Cricut is limitless when it comes to projects. Overall, I enjoyed this book and will more than likely buy the next one.

5 comments about Collage Lab: Experiments, Investigations, and Exploratory Projects (Lab Series).

1. I rated this product a 4 because I have not really used it yet. As I have read it, it is impressive. I bought it for ideas to use when my grandchildren come to visit and I think it offers some great projects to consider. I hope my grandchildren are inspired and enjoy making original collages.



2. Highly recommend! This is the best book that I have ever purchased related to teaching techniques for collage art. It is a welcome addition to my studio library. It contains a lot of very useful information in a format that is the best that I have seen in a book of this type. It teaches many collage art techniques that are very easy to follow as well as it inspires creativity. If you are interested in collage as an art form or want to include collage as a component in an art project then this is a must have book. You will be amazed at how much this book teaches you! I agree...It is like having a private session with an experienced artist as your teacher, right in your own home or studio. Wish all "how to"/technique books were written just like this one.



3. "Collage Lab" is a beautiful book, printed on heavy, quality paper. It jumped out from all the other collage books we have read, used, borrowed, purchased, or skimmed.
   
   Bee Shay's artwork examples are elegant and interesting, with harmonious colors chosen for each section. The book is actually quite a different, and visually more sophisticated, book inside than its hot pink cover would indicate.
   
   Even though Kay and I have been collaborating on collages for over six years, we were inspired by the idea of 52 weeks of collage techniques. We also loved the idea of being organized and keeping a record of what we learn.
   
   In fact, we liked this book so much we have launched a blog dedicated to "Collage Lab" called Collage Lab by Two. We plan to complete all of Bee Shay's weekly labs and publish our findings, opinions and creations as we go.
   
   Get yourself a copy of "Collage Lab" and join us on our journey!
   Nan and Kay



4. Sometimes you can be pretty disappointed when buying a craft book... especially on the art of collage! Wellllllll.. not with this beauty!
   I am so glad that I went for it and bought it because this will be a book I will go to time and time again for inspiration and design technique.
   Just starting out, getting your feet wet? This is for you!!! Collage to your hearts content all the time? Well this will breathe new life into techniques that you already do!
   
   I highly recommend this book it's great quality..covers ALOT of terrain for the buck!
   Happy Collage Art everyone GET IN THE LAB!!!



5. Bee Shay has written a seriously useful and inspiring addition to the collage/mixed media technique genre. I can't recommend this book highly enough. If you have any interest in collage, or in mixed media or just love to look through creative and entertaining books stuffed with great art and clear, inventive tutorials, this is one you will want for your personal library. I have been drooling over the projects all evening and plan to get out my art supplies and put into action some of the great ideas Ms. Shay puts forth in her projects tomorrow morning.
   
   Collage Lab has me jazzed up and bubbling with new ideas to try. I bet is will plant many artistic seeds in your psyche, too. Try it, I think you'll love it!

5 comments about Creative Paint Workshop for Mixed-Media Artists: Experimental Techniques for Composition, Layering, Texture, Imagery, and Encaustic.

1. I consider myself an intermediate level mixed-media artist. A few years back, this would have been a much more helpful book. It's great for getting started, gathering essential materials, and diving into mixed media works. However, because only one artist's work is shown, it's a very limited book. I would have liked to have seen at least 5 other artists, as this field is so broad, and learned some of their techniques. So again, this is a great beginners book, but only for beginners. Good how-to section on encaustics is helpful to those who haven't tried it, it's not easy to find that in a book.



2. Ann Baldwin is a marvelous instructor. Her workshops are very informative and loads of fun, & having this book is like continuing her classes right in your own studio.



3. This book is "full" of basic information for the beginner artist or a good reference book for the more experienced artist....excellent purchase !!



4. My own personal interests don't run to collage, which she relies upon almost exclusively. Don't get me wrong, she does it well. But I had heard so many good things abt Ann Baldwin that I bought this w/o looking at one first. So, I'm disappointed since it's more about collage than painting.



5. Baldwin introduces her techniques in great detail. It is a great 'Technique 101' bible. The lessons on composition are inspiring, as are her layering techniques. If you've never taken brush to canvas but have the need to try, start here. If you already create mixed-media art, continue here. Everyone will learn something from this valuable book.

5 comments about Human Anatomy Coloring Book (Colouring Books).

1. never received this product . never send me this items the order date is 2 month ago



2. We have a 4 year old daughter that has a fascination with the human body particularly the skeleton. As she is also at the age where she loves to colour in pictures, this book was the perfect gift for her, she loves it and is learning anatomy as well.



3. I teach Medical Billing, but my students have to know quite a bit of anatomy. This little book is great for showing them the different body parts without making it complicated. They use the drawings as guides for projects that I assign.



4. This is a very detailed coloring book of human anatomy. It was too advanced for my kindergarten class, but would be great for older grades.



5. This is a great book for a more complex look at human anatomy. It covers the basic anatomy and goes to a deeper level on some systems.
   
   A good start in my anatomy revision but I will now be looking for something better still, if such a thing is available.
   
   Would certainly be of benefit to high school and new nursing students.

5 comments about Journal Spilling: Mixed-Media Techniques for Free Expression.

1. This book is really well written for people who are relatively new to the concept of art journaling. Diana Trout has shown in this book with photos and words how to do many different techniques common to art journaling, as well as prompts to start a page and resources for materials. The most important message from the book is to just do it!



2. The world of Journal art can be intimidating. I found myself looking at completed works of art thinking, "How did they do that?" Well, Journal Spilling lets you know each technique and explores some new ones. I really like Amazon for paper art craft books. In bookstores, you might find 15 books on hand at any one time.
   So if you are interested in spicing up your journal, but feel you are not an "artist," this book leads you to create art on your own. You'll be saying, "Wow! I did this!"



3. I have been spending time with Diana Trout's new book, Journal Spilling. Diana's relaxed conversational tone resonates quite clearly throughout, making it an easy read and creating a comfortable environment for art making. She introduces readers to a number of valuable techniques, using a wide variety of art supplies that will leave any stark white page imbued with an explosion of lush color. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on confronting your inner critique, where we are encouraged to describe this negative voice, as that is something all artist's must handle when creating. Journal Spilling is a book artists at any level can appreciate as a way to get their creative juices flowing.



4. I have just recently started art journaling and love Jane Davies book, Collage Journeys. When I got Journal Spilling, it presented me with a whole new fresh approach to journaling. I like the light tone, the inclusion of techniques, and her free flowing style. Having prompts and quotes to start from is a great tool. This is a book I would recommend to someone starting on their journey of journaling.



5. It looks so simple, you just dare to start. That is the hard part. Love how all materials are used.

5 comments about Delight in the Details: 40+ Techniques for Charming Embellishments and Accents.

1. Great, great book. So many beautiful things to look at. I'm totally enjoying taking my time, savoring each and every page.



2. Her style is towards the very ornate and elegant. The projects and ideas in this book are just gorgeous and impressive while being very simple to make, do and adapt.
   
   It's a lovely book printed in full color throughout, and it's very inspiring.
   
   The first chapter is about making a nice place to create in. Her studio is gorgeous and her ideas for organizing supplies is inspiring and lovely. From crystal dishes and spoons filled with glitter to old cupcake tins with natural weathering to keep beads in, there are some wonderful ideas for making your work space beautiful and functional.
   
   The first few projects deal with sparkle and shine, detailing several ways to add sparkle to projects. Detailing how add glitter edging, completely covering things in glitter, adding subtle touches to patterned paper, using mica, wire and other embellishments. My favorite projects in that chapter are the shiny alphas which put me in mind of holiday decorator accents and the wire spray of flowers made with beads and wire.
   
   The next chapter is paint and ink, with instructions for using chalks, waxes, and alcohol based permanent inks. This chapter is full of ideas that I'd never thought of. I've used waxes to refinish vintage frames for hanging in my house but never thought of them for smaller frames for paper crafts. The crackle paint distressed letters are lovely. My favorite in this chapter though hands down is the texture paste design which creates an embossed image that's accented with glitter and crystals.
   
   Pattern and Texture come next, also full of wonderful ideas. My favorite in that chapter are the crepe paper rosettes and the miniature banner which I really plan on using very soon. The ruffle edging project would be amazing in a bridal card or a baby shower project.
   
   The last chapter, Vintage Finds is full of ideas for little trinkets, old buttons and things of that nature. The button bouquet would be a lovely dimensional accent to a scrapbook cover or a box using buttons from favorite clothes. The vintage paper leaves are a nice idea for old books.
   
   The whole book is amazing, cover to cover, with ample examples of what can be done with the basic techniques.



3. This is my first mixed media book. The moment I opened this book I fell in love with it. I have a friend that keeps trying to get me involved in mixed media. I told her I wanted to create something for my mom's memory. I lost mom last year, and the projects in this book are what got me into doing the project.This is the best book I have ever seen and worked with. Highly recommend this, you too will love it.



4. This book is so full of beautiful projects, wonderful techniques, and stunning photos of Lisa's scrap space. Great inspiration abounds.



5. This book has very nice step-by-step instructions that can be applied to lots of other projects. The resource guide in the back is wonderful. I've discovered a typo for the German Corner LLC company. While their URL of [...] is correct their phone number was listed incorrectly. The correct number is 888-393-0402, as listed on their website.

5 comments about Origami Paper Traditional Prints 8 1/4" 49 Sheets.

1. This was a nice sized set for a gift. Price was right and made my daughter very happy. Beautiful colors and paper was just right for a beginner to learn with.



2. I am thrilled that this paper is double sided, which I didn't realize when I bought it. I have never seen double sided Origami paper. The patterns are lovely. The paper is not cheapy thin at all, like toy store papers. Because I am starting again after many years, I am pleased that with the pattern on both sides, my little mistakes won't be as obvious! As I increase in skill I feel the double side will give me more scope for creativity. Will buy again!



3. This paper is a nice quality with a good size for youngsters learning the craft. The patterns are quite pleasing and provide distinction for the learner in the folds. My 10 yo daughter loves it. Nice product.



4. Just as advertised. Very nice paper, bright colors, same pattern with opposite placement of colors on reverse side.



5. These papers are very nice, easy to use and work with. The sheets are thin, making origami easy for a novice crafter like me.

5 comments about Journal Bliss: Creative Prompts to Unleash Your Inner Eccentric.

1. I love Violette and when I found out she was putting out a book I ordered one immediately. I have been enjoying this book since it was released and go back to it again & again for inspiration. Violette has such a great inspirational soul & it comes forth and really motivates people thru this book and all of her work. If I could go higher than 5 stars I certainly would! LOVE IT!!!



2. Visually appealing, a springboard to help you on your way to encourage journaling in your own creative style. Violette bares all, revealing a warm, caring and extremely creative individual, sharing her colorfull world, and how easy it truly is to embrace journaling. Her message is demonstrated throughout, a great resource to keep on hand, and this book will truly prompt your inner muse to come out and play!



3. Journal Bliss is totally inspirational...encouraging me to be more creative!! I love this book!



4. I purchased this book for inspiration as part of a group of female artists in new York.
   We have decided to embark on an "altered" book project and I was fortunate enough to come across this amazing artist Violette on line. I haven't been the same since! She is an awesome
   talent and shares all of her wonderful secrets in this book. I can't put it down. She instills
   confidence and courage in artists of all ages. It will remain a treasure in my collection
   and this is one book I can't lend out! As a result of her "lessons and gentle suggestions" I have become absolutely fearless and feel so much more free with my art style.
   Violette is wonderful and so is Journal Bliss. Every artist should own a copy.
   A++++++++++++++++++++++++



5. While so many art journaling guides are full of directions for cut and paste, Violette has taken a step above in creating a book that encourages participants to explore their own creativity. There is nothing more satisfying than creating one's own backgrounds, textures and designs. When all an artist does is cut and paste onto preprinted paper, there is no invention and very little creativity.
   This book is whimsical, and colorful. Violette encourages the reader to explore their own patterns and artwork to produce new and exciting journal pages.

5 comments about The Cardmaker's Workbook: The Complete Guide to Design, Color, and Construction Techniques for Beautiful Cards.

1. this book has helped with various aspects of color harmony and also of balancing applied pieces of card or fabric on main cards. it's tips have helped me when designing cards.it's also given me new ideas to try out.



2. I a am a beginner and find the book to be very helpful, informative, and a pleasure to read and browse. Great sketches on how to make beautiful cards. Great information on card techniques. Wonderful information on how to use color when making your cards. Also gives you ideas on who to give out your cards to, etc.
   
   However I am surprised by some of the bad reviews out here.
   
   1. the cards do have directions and instructions on how to reproduce.
   2. you will need to spend some money on buying supplies like any other hobby.
   
   The only thing I didn't like about the book when I first flipped through it was about downloading templates from the computer b/c I don't use a computer in my cardmaking room, but was pleasantly surprised when I could substitute most of the items with cutouts from my cricut machine.



3. I am so glad I bought this book, not only because of its excellent info about color theory, how to "install" eyelets and ways and means of using embossing powder, etc. but also because the author's design ideas are well described and depicted in the book. The author is amazingly creative relative to card making and her ways of keeping the reader interested. I really LOVE this book and the author's presentation style. I hope some of her creativity rubs off onto me.



4. This book has a lot of wonderful photos of all of the cards, but for those like myself who are just starting to get into card making, it isn't as detailed in explaining some of the methods that are used. It is great as an idea book and gave me lot of ideas on what I can do. They do tell you what materials are used though so that was a plus.
   
   I think one of the best parts of the book is where they explain some of the basic principles of color, laying out items on a card and basics on tools and materials used.



5. This book is awesome. It covers almost every aspect of cardmaking and is easy to read and understand. The color pictures are great and they really give you a springboard to making your own cards and applying your own ideas. The price is great, especially for what you get!

5 comments about Scraps: An Inspirational Field Guide to Collage.

1. Loved the variety and innovation of this Field Guide to Collage Art. The artists draw from everyday media and offer new creative ways to tell the story that users are looking to tell, in addition to providing uses for collage art that I've never considered. It opened my eyes to resources I wouldn't have considered in the past. I've thoroughly enjoyed the book and have shared it with my crafting buddies, I give it a 4 Thumbs Up!



2. I adore this book! It is so packed with ideas it will never run dry as a source of inspiration for me. The collages are unusual (not your run of the mill stuff that is so often found in books these days), often humorous and kitschy, and the bits that the authors use in their work are a paper scrap lover's dream. Upon opening the book for the first time and flipping through the pages I found myself hurrying to my art table to create! And that was with a spare 10-minutes of looking through the book.
   
   What this book is not is stepped out tutorials with minute directions for putting together collages. What it is is a compendium of amazing work bursting forth from the pages to excite and inspire. If you are a beginner and find that you need to work from a template then this book may not be for you. If you have been in love with collage for a while and are tired of the same old same old, then I think you'll find this book as exciting and inspirational as I do.



3. This book is expertly illustrated and is full of inspiration and ideas. A must for a collage artist !!!



4. This is basically a book about arranging and presenting ephemera. While this stuff qualifies as mixed-media art and collage, it is one small sub-section, and I feel that the terms "mixed-media art" and "collage" are far too broad to describe the material in this book. The title, description, and reviews made me expect a wider range of collage ideas, so I was surprised at how very limited this book was in terms of the styles and materials discussed.



5. Second to my love of historical fiction & history books is my love for all books art & craft. I thrive on looking at a variety of different books for inspiration.
   
   "Scraps" by Elsebeth Gynther & Christine Clemmenson is a captivating new title from Lark Books about mixed media & collage. The subtitle of this book is ' an inspirational field guide to collage' and I think that about sums it up. The authors walk you through all of the basics of collage; what materials you need, where to find materials, the qualities of paints & other coloring methods, how to 'loosen up' & free yourself to begin your work - and finally they answer the question "when is a collage finished?" - see page 71! I have
   found several things in this book that I really want to do. I have a very special journal from Jenni Bick Book Binders that I have been hoarding for a special purpose - and I found it in 'Scraps'... make an alphabet book ! What a great idea ! Another captivating project from the book is creating envelope art - this is especially relevant to me since I have been making & mailing art cards a lot lately!
   
   The book guides you through issues that always come up when making collage & mixed media art. What do I do if I don't want to glue or cut a special item? Answer: sew it in! What kind of glues are best to use with special, treasured items? Answer: acid free. There is a lengthy discussion of what sort of glue is best for what & what each glue is best used for. Other sections of the book discuss paper types, composition, "first aid for collages in distress" and on & on. This is one great "go to" book for collage and mixed media enthusiasts. There are several pages in the book with inspired ideas for jump-starting your work; creating patterns, & a wide variety of theme ideas. Fun things that just gets your mind in gear to make art!
   
   I really went over this book and tried hard to think of a reason to NOT give it five stars - but I could not think of anything the books lacks, nor anything that would have made it better or more inspiring. This really is a 5 star, gotta have book for anyone who wants to improve their collage & mixed media art work. I feel in love with this book without really meaning to ! It's an addition to your library that you won't regret!