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 The Polymer Clay Techniques Book.

1. I have hundreds of craft books in my hobby areas of sewing, photography, and jewelry making. I read them all, carefully, and with a pen in hand. I circle photos of projects I might like to try, underline key points, and write occasional comments, like "cool!" "try this!" or "amazing!". Well, I just had to drop by Amazon and write this review because I'm halfway through this book, and it is completely covered in ink. I've underlined half of every paragraph! I can't believe how much useful information the author was able to pack into limited space. Each page is a masterpiece, describing one particular technique, with each building on the next. If you have a friend who is in a funk, bring her some polymer clay and a cookie cutter and try the simple millefiori technique on page 34. It is impossible not to be delighted.



2. This book is one of the best books ever on polymer clay! I have been a clayer for three years, and have taken a lot of classes and read a lot of books and have come up with some fun techniques on my own... but I still refer to this book frequently (to remind myself of some technique or review a new one I'm lerning or simply for inspriation and/or to get my creative juices flowing). For new clayers or old pros, there is a lot to be learned from this book!



3. I got into polymer knowing nothing. This book gives a wonderful overall look at what tools you need and what you can do with the clay. As a first learning book I think it is great.



4. The projects included are more or less useful and fun but the instructions are not. They are often incomplete or badly thought out and written. The publisher, North Lights,should have had a decent editor check the galleys with the author and these errors would have been corrected- not a big deal, a few sentences on pages 25, 40 and 91, and maybe a few things added and clarified. Also, in common with many polymer clay books is the confusion over its safety. They claim that polymer clay is non-toxic but warn you do not have it near food. Okay, but then they give food accessory projects! Also they practically scream at you not to burn it as it emits very toxic fumes- this appears to be a poisonous product. I really wish that they would decide about the clays toxicity then let us know. People create and bake the clay in their kitchens at home, children use it at home and at school and they all know it. I really can not hardily recommend this book but it may give you a few project ideas.



5. One of my best buys as this book provides a full and robust insight into tools, and materials.................just what I needed and I will be using this one for my apprentiship LOL
   I doubt if I would ever get going without this buy.

5 comments about The Art of Enameling: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration.

1. This is, without a doubt, one of the best enamling books ever written. Linda is a genious in the field of enamels and has the rare ability to pass on what she knows in a clear, simple manner. The selection of visuals are inspiring and compliment the topics she is writing about. This book can be used as a textbook for an enameling class, or by the solo artist interested in enamels.



2. I got to meet Linda Darty and attend a seminar at ECU, where I saw one of her workshops. She covered a lot of the material in this book and is a treasure trove of enameling knowledge. The book really covers everything you could want- materials, tool, skills, in a way that you can understand even if you have very little jewelry making background.



3. This is the best book I have on enameling. Very easy to read with clear information and lots of eye candy. Gives historical, technical and artistic information. The development of that information is logical and easy to follow. This will be one book that will have that well worn look as I plan on using it over and over again. I would highly recommend this book for anyone, beginner and advanced.



4. I have never written a review but feel this book merits applause! It is beautifully written with concise easy to follow instructions. Obviously, Linda Darty is an inspired teacher who loves her subject and students. This book is very complete detailing many techniques of enamelling and assorted materials. The Table of Contents is rational and chapters are consistent. The only down side is that supplies are not detailed enough for a novice. The illustrations are beautiful and inspiring. Besides being very instructive, this book makes a beautiful coffee table addition.



5. I received this book within 2 weeks of ordering it and found it to be in excellent condition and am very pleased with the service I received from Amazon.com.

5 comments about The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques: Projects and Inspiration for Creative Canework.

1. The techniques are very well explained. The book is an overall delight. I highly recommend it.



2. This is one of the best polymer clay technique books I've ever bought. Great pictures, easy to follow instructions and the most beautiful beads to date.
   
   Some of the books I've bought in the past were full of the same old techniques and corny beads. I think I loved almost every project in this book. I recommend to anyone who likes to make clay beads or other clay projects. You will learn a lot in this book!



3. Donna Kato the author knows her stuff. The book has good instruction, both words and pictures, to accomplish the projects in this book, I would recommend it to any polymer clay artist for their library.



4. Incredible book, very easy to understand even the most complex of designs! Enjoyable to read and work with over and over!



5. Kato's books are packed with information one that should be included for your home Library

5 comments about The Complete Guide to High-Fire Glazes: Glazing & Firing at Cone 10 (A Lark Ceramics Book).

1. If you are getting a BFA and your specialization is Ceramics THIS BOOK IS A MUST!!!! If your a beginner in ceramics, THIS BOOK IS A MUST!!! If your a master potter and don't have this book, THIS BOOK IS A MUST!!! So much info as well as Glaze recipes to try (there are tons).
   
   My ceramics instructor has this book and I remember copying recipes from it to test. If you have a copy of this book and you walk into a Community studio, expect to have it taken from you.



2. A MUST HAVE for anyone working at Cone 10. Pictures of the glaze samples are unusually clear and the text by Britt (truly a master potter) is clear, precise and accurate. For what you are getting as a potter, this volume is a steal and a real tweak for the imagination.



3. John Britt's book on high fire glazes is the most comprehensive glaze book I have ever read. If you are firing at cone 10 don't waste your time googling glaze recipes on the internet - Get this book! Read it! It offers deep understanding and easy to read explanations of why glazes look the way they do. Great photos of pots and test tiles. Britt opens doors- give ideas on how to experiment with the knowledge and what to try to make an original glaze of your own, plus dozens of recipes mostly organized by color. ..including crystalline and shino.



4. Best book on glazes period. You need this as a reference so you have a clue what is what in the glaze world. Outstanding pictures let you know if you really want to pursue a glaze or not.



5. This is by far the best book on ceramics I have read. Britt organizes the information in probably the most logical way possible. This is not only a guide to educate you on creating his glazes, it is a reference that you can keep handy to quickly and easily create glazes of your own and formulate and reformulate to minimize any problem. If you are interested in mixing your own glazes...GET THIS BOOK. The information is vast and you will most likely never be able to use it all.

5 comments about 250 Tips, Techniques, and Trade Secrets for Potters: The Indispensable Compendium of Essential Knowledge and Troubleshooting Tips.

1. This is a super basics book for the newby to cermics & pottery. Great illustrations & ideas plus the things one needs to know to begin pottery - the wheel & kiln & glazes included.



2. I teach a high school class on ceramics and sculpture, and found this book to be a terrific reference for my classroom. Students have already found several new and interesting ideas for their ceramic projects. I had checked the book out of the library and liked it so much I ended up ordering it for myself!



3. I like this book, which is not for just a beginner. Any level can use this book. Recommendation to anyone.



4. Great overview for the potters, especially those that work from their own studios. Always handy to have a reference to utilize to remind you what is safe and good as well as the tips to help make your work better and easier.



5. Contains many interesting tips and tricks and plenty of ideas to stimulate one's creativity. However I felt some techniques glossed over some of the potential trouble spots and did not fully explain them. No doubt to cram in 250 ideas. Nice addition to a potter's library even though there was a lot of repetitive information that was in Atkins' book, Handbuilt Pottery Techniques Revealed.

5 comments about Encyclopedia Of Mosaic Techniques: A Step-by-step Visual Directory, With An Inspirational Gallery Of Finished Works (Encyclopedia of Art Techniques).

1. Excellent Book! Wish I had purchased sooner. Good easy to follow tips, clear instructions, needed details. I am back into my mosaic projects. Mary in NC



2. One of the best sections of this book shows how the same mosaic looks using different color of grout - the first time I'd seen this - and I found it very helpful. It is an excellent resource book; I keep going back to it for more information.



3. This book documents everything you'd want to know about all types of mosaics. It has great photos that show step by step "how to". I was left with all my questions answered and I felt ready to begin my own project.



4. I have to agree with some of the other reviewers. This is a good book for beginners to learn some of the basic techniques to create mosaics. There really are not any patterns in the book that you can duplicate to begin working your craft. But it will provide you with a great initial knowledge base to get you on your way.



5. This is a great book if you want to grow as a mosaic artist. I recommend this to all my mosaic students who are wanting to speed up the process and explore new methods in the medium. It visually depicts all the steps in a particular process in very colorful and vivid photos, and the section on laying techniques is excellent. There are no specific projects in this book, but if you are dreaming of a project that is more advanced, this is the book to buy.

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 The Essential Guide to Mold Making & Slip Casting (A Lark Ceramics Book).

1. This excellent book is an ambitious and extremely thorough survey of mold making and slip casting. In re-reading sections of the book, I regularly uncover additional information that is useful as I gain more experience. In other words, this book keeps on giving: the more experience you have with the techniques, the more you can learn from Andrew Martin guidance and examples. Great trouble-shooting sections.
   
   Randy Porter



2. does a fine job with simple molds. I was hoping for a more advanced text on more complicated 3 and 4 piece molds.



3. This is an essential for anyone interested in mold making & producing molds from pieces you have made & would like to duplicate in uniformity.
   
   It also has good examples & photos to explain the process. I would have liked more on the area of the clay bodies used in casting and the unique properties and problems you may encounter vs. the properties of the plaster to make the molds. As references go, this is a probably the best I've read & would highly recommend it for anyone interested in casting.



4. Andrew Martin's "The Essential Guide to Mold Making & Slip Casting" is simply THE definitive book on the process of making molds. The first edition was a challange to the beginner, but this new edition with many photos of every step really helps bring the art of mold making to every skill level. I use this book in the studio and refer to it all of the time.



5. I purchased this book as a gift. I received it in a timely manner and in excellent condition.

5 comments about Making Polymer Clay Beads: Step-by-Step Techniques for Creating Beautiful Ornamental Beads.

1. this is a wonderful book. The directions are easy to follow and they have given me many ideas.



2. There are tons of polymer clay books out there, but this one has more BEADS than any of the others. It has so many ideas, it's unbelievable. Almost every type of technique is covered, so there is something for everyone. I had purchased lots of books before this one--they are no longer needed because this book covers everything in those, and then some!



3. Being a beginner working with polymer clay, and loving beads, this book is fanastic commbining the two. It is a really easy book to read and there are pictures for every explanation. I'd recommend it to anybody who wants to make clay beads.



4. I was just playing around with making polymer clay beads, and not having a lot of success. So I ordered this book! Not only doesn't it inspire you with great ideas, but tells you EXACTLY how to accomplish each look. There's an incredible section on tools you need, and each technique is detailed in depth with wonderful photos. This is the only book you need on this topic--very comprehensive!



5. I found a lot of very useful information in this book, especially in the "Faux Techniques" section (it joins "Faux Surfaces in Polymer Clay" as being my current favorites in this category). The steps are not only listed and explained, there's very clear pictures to guide you along the way. Very helpful when you're trying to match what you've got in your hand with what they say it should look like! It's got the usual basics for the beginners, but I would say it's even better for those who already have a basic understanding of polymer clay. Definitely a keeper...