5 comments about Crazy Shortcut Quilts.

1. This is a fun book of quilts! I would purchase another book from this author.



2. I was very disappointed in this book because I'm an experienced quilter and was just looking for inspiration. This book is very basic and meant just for beginners - no inspiration here unless one is just starting out as a quilter. It was a waste of money for me and I'd love to re-sell it at half price to get back some of what I wasted because I can't use any information in it. I could have written a better book, for less of a price and with more information. Very redundant material.



3. This is a great book to have for creating quilts quickly. The instructions were clear and concise. This book will help me create charity quilts quickly, in large quanitites and in a short amount of time. This book was worth the money I spent.



4. Oh my, for years I have been trying to make a crazy quilt with one piece of fabric at a time and it has been a mess. With Marguertia and Sarah's book, making these quilts is easy as 1, 2, 3. Save yourself time, headaches and you don't have to follow quilting norms. BUY THIS BOOK!



5. I'm an advanced amateur in terms of quilting and I found this book to be very informative and helped me with some techniques I was struggling. I made 2 quilts in record time garnering praise.
   
   I'd recommend this book just for the educative value of it.
   
   Thanks,
   Michelle

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 Sock and Glove: Creating Charming Softy Friends from Cast-Off Socks and Gloves.

1. Oh my goodness this charming little book is adorable!! I couldn't wait to start making my softies! Just as the author noted, I found cotton work gloves at my local Home Depot, and they were unbelievably soft, which only added to appeal of my softies! The gloves were cheap, too, only $5 for a dozen. I made a couple of dogs like the one on the cover immediately and my stepkids *loved* them!
   
   I wanted to make the pig but couldn't find pink gloves anywhere...then in an epiphany it occurred to me to dye the cotton gloves I already had...a couple of bucks on pink RIT dye later, and I had the perfect shade of pink for several gloves. I made two pigs and by this time was familiar enough with the instructions (very well written!) that it only took me about a half hour each.
   
   I am a very visual person--I do much better with picture instructions than written, and this book was the perfect combination. It was easy for an amateur sew-er like myself to follow the directions for a nearly perfect result, even on the first try. Really these things are so cute they would be hard to mess up!
   
   I highly recommend this darling little book! My stepkids are in love with their softies and I can't wait to make more!



2. With the economy the way it is now throughout the world, how wonderful to find a book with such simple and endearing ideas. The fact that everything can be made from recycled materials just makes it that much better.
   I have already started work on loads of little Christmas presents for my friends and family from this one little book!
   This is one of my favourite craft books in years!



3. I came across this book today at a local bookstore, I really wanted it but didn't want to pay the price they were asking so I was really excited when I found it here at half the price. I haven't began any projects yet, but I have 3 orphanages and these would be great!! (Anyone want to help?)



4. I LOVE this book. So cute and fun, and easy. My first sock dog was pretty frightening in a frankenstein kind of a way but I did use red thread..Hah hah.
   
   I modified the designs to make a mouse, and the most trouble I have had is with the ears. They are a bit of a pain.



5. I just noticed this book was released on my birthday in 2007, which is wonderful appropriate because I got it on my birthday this year from my son.
   I love it so much. None of the projects are really complicated or require specialized skills or equipment. If you can hand sew a good seam, and embroider, you can do everything in it and the projects are adorable.
   What makes it really special is the introduction, which takes up most of the book to all the animals in it. It's sweet, and the photographs are fantastic.
   I think my favorite project is the zebra made from a striped sock.
   The construction ideas and tips will give a lot of crafters other ideas for things to do with socks and mittens. I think a lot of the stray socks accumulated in my family will start finding their way into my sewing basket and my daughter's sewing basket after reading this instead being used to dust. I highly recommend it.

5 comments about Cloth Doll Artistry: Design and Costuming Techniques for Flat and Fully Sculpted Figures.

1. I really like this book. But I felt it was just a miniature version of Patti Medaris Culea's books. However, I really ate up the flat paper doll version! Book has a lot of good ideas and templates.



2. What a gorgeous book this is-- I wanted to frame every page! Anyone would be inspired by the artistry of these dollmakers, who put forth their best works for this book. It makes me want to try them all!! The important thing to know is that she gives you the information you need to reproduce the dolls and leaves you to your own muse for inspiration. My dollars were well-spent for this beautiful book(mine was slightly used and still in perfect shape), and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be creative in this direction.



3. Cloth Doll Artistry: Design and Costuming Techniques for Flat and Fully Sculpted Figures (Paperback)
   VERY INSPIRING!



4. This book is absolutely gorgeous! When not in use, it would be lovely as a conversation piece when placed upon a coffee table for all to view. Barbara's passion for color and fabric is evident on evey page of this beautiful book. I am not a seamstress or crafter, however once a year I do attempt a project to bring out the feminine side of my creativity. Barbara's step-by-step instructions on face sculpting with needle and thread are seamless and if followed as presented, you too will create a stunning face for your cloth doll!. Girly hats off to Barbara and a big thank you for sharing your talent with us all.



5. I originally saw this book in a local craft/quilting store. When I went back to buy it, it was out of stock, so I bought it through Amazon instead of waiting. First of all, the book is pretty basic with two dolls, but multiple variations made by a number of fiber artists. The photography is beautiful, the images are inspiring, the patterns and directions are pretty clear. I've been wanting to try dollmaking, and this is giving me a good starting point. I haven't actually made anything yet, however, I'm pretty sure that I can get some good results with the aid of this book. The first doll is a flat doll, much like paper dolls, but executed in fabric with stiff backing, then clothed and decorated three-dimensionally. I've been sewing a long time, so I don't anticipate any problems with this project or any variations. Personally, I think the flat doll might make a great decorative gift for someone who has everything - just theme it to your friends favorite colors and possibly dream image. The second doll is more traditional, with basic techniques for needle sculpting the face and attaching hair. Again, the directions are so clear, I don't anticipate any problems attempting this project either. Looks like a lot of fun, and since the holidays are coming up, what better excuse to try these dolls out?

5 comments about Paper Puppet Palooza: Techniques for Making Moveable Art Figures and Paper Dolls.

1. It's a great book for instructing you on different techniques for making movable paper dolls and puppets.
   
   I'm now using the things I learned in the book to create puppets of my own designs.



2. The artwork in this book is fantastic! It is like taking a tour through a magical kingdom, where fantasy and reality meet. Norma V. Toraya has provided templates that can be copied onto cardstock, colored, cut, and assembled into fully working puppets - there's even 2 gorgeous puppets that are ready to cut and assemble. However, a skilled artist could use the techniques provided to create original puppets. The materials are easily available in any art and/or crafts store. I highly recommend this book to school teachers, artists, doll makers, animators, and anyone who enjoys dramatics.



3. Beautiful Art and a Beautiful Book! I enjoy this book and feel inspired to create my own characters. The author has wonderful stories for each of her paper people and offers tips for your own inspiration. This book offers detailed yet simple directions and even patterns. I bought it with the idea of making a moveable paper doll for a Christmas card and this book makes the idea attainable. If you're interested in paper crafting this is an excellent book to add to your collection and you'll use it for reference over and over again.



4. This book is Amazing, such an inspirational book filled with artful eye candy, simple instructions, and templates. Its a must have for any art library!
   Magic and Joy!
   Lisa!



5. Easy to follow instructions, includes templates for projects, a couple of ready to make templates and resource list. The wonderful graphics inspire AND make you smile! One of the best art books I've purchased. Paper Puppet Palooza is definitely a keeper!

5 comments about Puppet Planet: The Most Amazing Puppet-Making Book in the Universe.

1. Just got this book and am so happy with it, i practically ran online to write a review. it's exceptionally well-written, and loads of fun to read through. many different options and ideas, fun pictures and excellent instructions. the techniques are entirely professional yet easy to do and understand. love it love it love it!!!!



2. Another helpful book if you want variety when making puppets. These patterns can easily be adapted to personalize your group. I like the fact that you can use different materials to create your puppet. Thanks alot!



3. I bought this book for my husband. He is the local fire Chief in our town. He wanted to make a dragon puppet for fire prevention week to help teach the children about fire. He got many good ideas from this book. The dragon looks great so far!



4. This book is worth its cover price just for the pattern for the foamman puppet which allows you to cut two foam rubber puppet heads economically out of one block of foam. I've used this design with great results. With dozens of other great ideas, it's a real bargain and a great starting point for your own creativity. It's a great companion to Kennedy's other book Puppet Mania.



5. This book is well illustrated and has some cute puppets, but they are not really what I would call "professional" puppets. The puppets look nice, and could be entertaining for children, but they are not the quality of "real" muppets. If you are looking for instruction for that type of project this is not the book for you.

4 comments about Fun with Hand Shadows (Dover Game and Puzzle Activity Books).

1. This book is simple to follow, but produces so many great animal shadows. It's great for all ages. My favorite part about it though is that each shadow comes with a cute little poem about the animal you are showing, making it even more entertaining. This was an excellent purchase, especially for the price.



2. As a kid, I was fascinated with my uncle's ability to create various creatures on the wall using just his hands. We're expecting a number of kids over the holiday season, and I'm honing my shadow making skills.
   
   There are plenty of websites devoted to this "art", but books are much easier to use, in my experience -- the portability can be very helpful when one is searching for a wall unencumbered with paintings and other extraneous stuff. This collection of older shadow figures is easy to follow and the results are very satsifying for showman and audience alike.
   
   During Victorian times, hand shadow creators gained a degree of fame, and Henry Bursill was one of the stars. I found this bit on one of his stone scultures at a site devoted to relatively unknown sculptors of the era:
   
   "Henry Bursill, who was a London sculptor who was better known for his writings on hand sculpture (popularised again by a Dover reprint, still in print today), but he deserves coverage on these pages for his statues for Holborn Viaduct in London. He made two of the four allegorical figures there and all four of the stone statues of great London mayors, of which only two survive. The allegorical figures are Agriculture and Commerce, depicted as rather full-figured girls in long gowns, large sleeves and sandals. Commerce looks the more ideal and calm-faced, while Agriculture is merely blank-faced. The Mayors are Sir Thomas Gresham and Henry Fitz Eylwin - both are strong figures, posed heroically. The only other work by Bursill I have actually seen is an 1869 work on top of the former Wiltshire and Dorset Bank, in Salisbury, and shows the city's arms supported by two seated girls, one holding a lamb, the other a cornucopia. Again rather full-figured, with long hair and nicely-posed hands. A shame they are too high up to be properly appreciated."
   
   This Dover edition lies flat, a great advantage when creating the figures. In addition, Frank Jacobs has included a bit of poetry for each shadow. It's easy to read the book aloud -- great emotion sells best -- since the light source has to be behind your hands.
   
   Lovers of "Mad Magazine" will delight in Jacobs's zany poems; he has contributed over 500 pages to the magazine over the years and is a master of light verse. These two examples from a book on fictional head stones of sports figures are a fair sampling of his work (from Mad About Sports):
   
   "Poncho Epstein 1952-1975 -- jumps the net with delight; one foot cleared; one not quite."
   
   "Big Al Busby 1937 to 1972 -- hits the pins; made them fall; with his hands still in the ball."
   
   I feel an odd sense of joy making the hand shadows taught by a sculptor well over a century ago. Jacobs adds a sense of life and satiric humor. Kids always seem to enjoy the show. I know I do.
   
   Robert C. Ross 2009



3. What is most important here is that my kids really like it. The instructions were easy to follow. Seller was good to work with.



4. This book is a gem! It is wonderfully old-fashioned with small poems, and yet it is timeless with the hand shadows. Illustrations show the hand and the shadow, giving the reader a clear idea of how to make the proper shadow and how it should ideally appear. The hand shadows are easy enough to do, and really look like the animal they are supposed to represent! Good fun for all ages... especially those who are home bound, in hospital, or wanting quiet time with small children. Easy to do, easy to learn, and gratefully--- easy to remember!

5 comments about Knitted Finger Puppets: 34 Easy-to-Make Toys.

1. thanks for the trade, parcel arrived quickly and in good condition for international purchase. Pleased with trade



2. I have found this book has wonderfully designed finger puppets for me to knit for friends and family, young and old. A very professional approach in design to much loved "friends" of nursery rhymes and nursery tales. Thank you for sharing your skills with me.



3. I love the book. It is in great shape. I don't mind the name on the inside.



4. Over thirty easy-to-make finger puppet toy projects are offered in a fine guide of easy patterns modeled on popular kids' characters and everyday figures, and will be perfect for beginning knitters with small friends to knit for. Three theme 'collections' are included in this outstanding resource.



5. I am beginning to knit again after many years away from it. I thought I would try my hand at finger puppets for my grandchildren. Boy was I wrong. These puppets are too tiny for my beginning status. I was thinking they would be something simple but they have several color changes and are worked in the "round" with double pointed needles.
   
   This would be a good book for a very advanced knitter. If you have made socks or done any other work in the "round" with double pointed needles, then you will have a grasp of what is needed to create these cute puppets.
   
   The directions are not overly complicated to read IF you know the abbreviations and how to work each type of stitch. Do you know what ssk means? It is a left slant: slip, slip, knit. Even reading the directions, I didn't get how to do this stitch. There is a section on "how-to" but most of it goes over my head. The patterns are also skill rated but even the ones marked as easy are still worked in the round, rather than worked flat and sewn together.
   
   There are over 30 different puppets to knit and they would make great gifts for children. These are especially nice when a child needs to be entertained quietly and without electrical power! Just make sure your skills match the difficulty level.

5 comments about The Foam Book : An Easy Guide to Building Polyfoam Puppets.

1. The photos and illustrations don't look professionally and leave many unanswered questions. The plastic spiral binding and the paper give the book a cheap look. So all in all, it's not worth the price. However, you do get some informations on building puppets.



2. FANTASTIC book. I made 4 amazing puppets with the 3 piece head technique. These were all my first puppets, and they have been incredibly popular. People cant believe how good they look. They really look like Muppets which was really my dream.
   
   The books binding is a little flimsy(its spiral bound) but it does help it lay flat when your working and looking at the diagrams.
   
   Now if your one who wants measurements and dimensions, this might annoy you a bit, but I think it ended up forcing me to be more creative, I think numbers would have kicked my math side into high gear.



3. This is a very informative book. I didn't realize you could do so much with foam! I am getting ready to start experimenting and see what I can create! Thanks alot!



4. This is also like photocopy of the book, it looks handmade, I was very disappointed! The information in that book is so basic and it looks old.
   Do not spend your money on this, is not worth it!



5. This book has a lot of helpful information for builders of all skill levels. Not only does it provide the prospective puppeteer several different techniques, but you also get a list of resources for the various materials that go into building puppets. From various foam suppliers to the rare distributor of the holy grail of fleeces this book will help you track down what you need.

5 comments about Puppet Mania!.

1. This was a very interesting book. My 16-year old daughter immediately started making one of the puppets and is almost done. I think she's making the chicken. There is alot of designs that can be modified to personalize your puppets! Thanks alot!



2. This book is an amazing resource for beginner puppeteers, as well as experienced puppeteers. It has great color illustrations, is easy to follow and gives great tips along the way. I used it to create a moving eye and mouth puppet for my next show and would recommend it wholeheartedly!



3. This book is full of fun puppet ideas. The drink-coaster puppet design and photos of guys from teen magazines were combined at birthday party of teen girls to create some very funny conversations with their heartthrobs. If you're open to new ideas from any source, then the recommended age should be kids from 9 to 90. The instructions are easy to follow. Also check out Kennedy's second book, Puppet Planet.



4. If you are just getting into puppet building or veteran looking for some creative inspiration this book is most definitely worth a look. Everything is clearly explained, including color pictures. Even if you are just looking for crafts to do with the kids this book is worth the money as it will help you with projects that use very basic craft supplies and items around the house.
   
   If you like this book I would suggest checking out another book by author John Kennedy, Puppet Planet.



5. This book is wonderful to use with the kids, all the puppets and very easy to make and my six year old has made just about every puppet in the book already! The instructions are easy for him to follow and the puppets always come out great!