3 comments about The Joy of Origami.

1. This is a nice book of general origami figures. For those who have never done it before, the book gives clear instructions and a good introduction to the basics of folding the most common and enjoyable of the figures. To you I would suggest reading ahead before you complete a fold. It will make the concept clearer for you and prevent frustrating mistakes.
   
   For those who have practiced origami for a while, there's probably nothing new in the book except the delightful papers provided at the back of the book. While not the traditional designs, these papers provide some pretty new ones motifs and some thoroughly delightful scenic designs that fold up into a shape that presents a unified image. You'll enjoy them, I think. I plan on using my copier to duplicate them for use in projects so that I can kept them nice.



2. Great book for the beginer in origami. Many great and fun projects.



3. This is SUCH a cute book! What a great idea to package the models, directions and paper all in one book. The choice of models range from the basic to the more complex (for those serious folders) and the paper (included in the back) is FABULOUS--from the super colorful to the super fun. I am almost through the whole book and am buying a few more copies as gifts for Christmas.
   If you liked her calendar, you will totally love this book. I hope she is working on Volume 2.

5 comments about Silversmithing (Jewelry Crafts).

1. you dont find these books any more. Old traditional silversmithing is in extinction and moreso are books being written on this subject in a fully descriptive manner. This silversmithing compendium rigorously explains each process involved from botttom to top taking full notice of every detail and possible situation. This means that you dont need to take things for granted or fill blanks by using your imagination or common sense, since all processes are outlined extensively. This is a technical book in the most full extention of its meaning. For any experienced silversmith it will bring to light concepts and facts that are not always fully understood nowadays, such as the crystaline behaviour of metals being raised or formed, the extense variety of stakes and the possible uses for them, etc. Even thogh some of the traditional processes are too time consuming or obsolete given the technology involved in metalsmithing nowadays, the information contained in this fabulously written book is of essential importance for any silversmith or aspiring metalsmith.



2. Some great information in here... Not a lot about jewelry, however. Great for learning use of tools, polishing, etc. More geared towards large items like silver bowls and utensils. All black and white, maybe not as appealing as full color photos. Nice reference book.



3. The 3 stars represent disappointment on applicabiity, not the quality of the book. I did find some useful instruction which will apply to my size scale, like bending flat strips, raising, tensioning and a few other things, but if you are looking for something on the wear scale, this ain't it unless you want to do really tiny teapots and bowls.



4. Good book, good photos and explanations. Nothing takes the place of a good teacher but this is worth the read.



5. There is little that can be added to what the other reviewers have already said in terms of the quality of the information and material in this very good book. The high point for me is the large amount of black and white photos, all of perfect lighting and quality, that accompany the text. If, like me, you are a novice but are learning the hard way without someone to personally guide you then these will be a god send compared with the other high quality books out there that lack them.
   As to the book itself the authors have broken it into six main sections:
   1. Introduction to Silversmithing
   2. Basic Treatments
   3. Basic Tools and their uses
   4. General Procedures
   5. Special Procedures
   6. Projects
   From my own point of view the Projects section is the best because we get to see these very able men firstly "Sink a Bowl" then they "Sink a Plate and Tray". Next they "Raise a Bowl without crimping" and then one with crimping. They then raise a "Creamer with Self-Spout". "Construct a Box", "Forge some Flatware", "Forge a Punchbowl Ladle" and finish with "Stretching a Gravy Boat". The accompanying photos show the tools for each item and we get almost a complete set of photos showing the stages from start to finish.
   The items they manufacture have little decoration which is not required due to their design. So whilst there is a section on Chasing and Repoussé work it is not as extensive as in some of the other books out there. However it gives the basics to start from. If someone is looking for a more exhaustive treatment of that subject then they would be better to consult "Metal Techniques for Craftsmen" by Oppi Untracht. Anyway that is really a side issue and does not detract from what is a brilliantly clear exposition of a skill and art form which is disappearing in the age of mass production. Indeed they state their desire in the preface to the book to pass on to an interested new generation that which is fast being forgotten. Luckily for us they have helped us by doing such an outstanding job.
   Finegold and Seitz round the book out with some conversion charts and add some charts relating to gauges, weights and tempering temperatures.
   I highly recommend as others have that you do not go without a copy.

5 comments about Cameos: Old & New, 3rd Edition.

1. When I first started collecting Cameos it was very confusing which ones were worth collecting. This book showed me what to look for and what to watch out for. Well worth the money!



2. The book is very thorough and spotting every important and relevant issue concerning old and newer cameos. Very easy to read and remember, giving all that's good to know about cameos. Recommended for anyone interested in knowing them - collectors, dealers, teachers...
   
   The only thing is that almost all of the photographs are in black & white, and in a rather poor quality. If the photos were in good quality color, this would have just made the book perfect. I, for one, would be happy to pay for the difference.



3. I liked the book. It could of had alot more information in it because there was a few things that I did not get answered...like I had hoped. But I guess you can't expect one book to give you all the information that a person seeks.



4. If you love cameos and collect them this is a wonderful little book for you. Tells you the history, the types, the reasons for certain styles, how to tell the age, how to tell the value, and all the necessary terminology for discussing them. Good illustrations are also a plus.



5. When most people think of cameos, they think of the standard woman's profile carved from shell and mounted as a brooch or necklace. But the art of the cameo encompasses far more than that. Historically, it dates back to the ancient world, and over the centuries many materials have been used in making these works of art. Although female heads are probably the most common subject, mythological figures, animals, portraits of individuals, and many other things have found their way onto cameos. The quality can range all the way from cheap mass-produced modern items to fine hand-crafted pieces worthy of any museum.
   
   Anna Miller's "Cameos" is a wonderful introduction to cameos. She covers the history of the form, the subjects normally found and what each one looks like--very useful in an age where few people know their mythology. She describes the different materials that have been used in making cameos--including lava from Mt. Vesuvius, shell, agate, onyx, plastic, and glass. There's an extensive section on how cameos are made and on the people who made (and make) them. One particularly useful discussion describes the differences between traditional hand-carved works and those made by modern ultrasonic machines (vital for any modern buyer). The author also gives information on how to evaluate quality and condition and on market value. The book is illustrated throughout with black and white pictures, and there is an extensive color section in the middle. One of the best things about this book is that the author is able to convey her appreciation of the art of cameos to the reader. "Cameos" is an essential reference for anyone who wants to acquire a knowledge and understanding of this art. Highly recommended.

4 comments about Erwin Hauer: Continua-Architectural Screen and Walls.

1. If you want a book that can be used as a tool for deriving patterns and architectural forms, this is a great book to add to the library. Very innovative works.



2. this book is done very nicely and provides me with aesthetic and informative material !!



3. Excellent b+w illustrations and clear layout. Very informative and inspiring works.



4. The Greeks used the word LOGOS to refer to reasonable speech, articulated reasoning expressed in words. Our modern word LOGIC derives from this root. Erwin Hauer has, over the many years of his career as a working artist, elaborated a visible LOGOS, a logos not of words but of forms. These forms were initially realized to serve a commercial, architectural purpose -- they were built as walls or screens -- but the logic they embody will delight, or thrill, any observer who pays close attention to the display they present. One comes to suspect that this logic, and not just the commercial commision that occasioned them, is the driving force behind Hauer's investigation.

   The book is designed and produced with an eye towards clarity and precision, making it totally in sympathy with the vision it presents. Anyone who enjoys seeing an idea recognized, seized, and elaborated with intense concentration will enjoy this book.

5 comments about Family and Friends in Polymer Clay.

1. I love Maureen as an artist and my rating has nothing to do with her or her book in general. The detail in her artistry is fantastic and her instructions are easy to follow.
   
   I was dissapointed in the condition of this book though from the seller. It was used, but I was surprised at how bad the condition of it really would be. Out of all the used books I've purchased through Amazon, this was the worst...... Again, this has NOTHING to do with the author or her book in general. It is still worth your purchase.



2. this is a fun project one both young and young at heart will enjoy. Mom if you want a project you and your childern can do together, this is it. What a great feeling when you see the finished friend your child created. They will want to do more and more. It is very additive.



3. Polymer clay figures are difficult to make at first, but the book is easy to understand and entertaining to read.The author discusses topics from choosing clays and tools to learning to see the different shapes of faces and body proportions. She includes a variety of facial shapes to practice, with step by step guidance. There is no confusion and loads of clever ideas for caricatures. There is also a chapter on problems and solutions. I am working on caricatures of my family right now, and I don't know of another book that could be as helpful as this one. I am very pleased with it. I have a few others, but this is the one that I recommend to friends, and basically the only one I need.



4. Whether you are a beginning sculptor, or an experienced doll maker, this book is a good one to have on your reference shelf.
   
   The artist has a playful way of explaining/showing you how to do things, and the step-by-step color photographs are really helpful. She even shows you how to make tools from common everyday things you'll find around the house.
   
   I was impressed by her ability to sculpt perfect caracatures of her friends and family. There was no mistaking who it was when you saw the finished sculpt along side the photo of her person.
   
   Enjoyable book.



5. In this book, Maureen Carlson presents all of the information you will need to get started at making either figurines or art dolls . . . or both!
   
   Not limited to friends and family, the book contains basic information you can work from to also create your own characters. The information can be overwhelming if you just page through the book, but the author's fun tone and excellent photography work hand in hand to create a text that truly welcomes you into what should become a fulfilling hobby.
   
   I especially appreciate her focus on how everyday items probably already within your home will work just as well as the more expensive tools available in craft stores. So be sure NOT to stock up on supplies while waiting to receive the shipment of your book from Amazon!
   
   My one "complaint" is that the author focuses so much on her more mature friends and family. It would be nice to have more examples and instruction relating to children and babies.

4 comments about Direct Stone Sculpture.

1. I am very picky at buying books because of the high shipping costs to South America, sometimes as high as the cost of a book.
   I purchased Direct Stone Sculpture because it was well praised at an art forum by highly renowned artists. After reading the book, I must say that I fully agree with them. It is worth reading and enjoying the photographs of many works. It teaches carving and use of carving tools.
   I am not only learning to sculpt but also appreciating art made by great "stoners" at the Sculpture Gallery of the book.
   The book has many photographs of the carving process, and shows detailed views of many hand and power tools that I found useful.
   I think this book should have a special place at any home library even at non carvers' shelves.
   HR, Bolivia



2. After reading the two previous reviews, I purchased this book on sculpture and was surprised to find that "soapstone" carving was dismissed from the very beginning of the book. Liebson makes clear that he does not even allow "soapstone" in his classroom--on the grounds that (his opinion)it is dangerous to the sculpter's health, and also crumbles when worked.
   Since I am new to sculpture, this was disappointing because "soapstone" was the only material I had worked with, and hoped this book was going to give me some valuable advise. Beyond Liebson's dismisal of "soapstone" the book is everything that those other reviews said it was. Tools, methods and merchandising are all covered with ample illustrations. I hope to take full advantage of Liebson's valuable lessons once I have graduated up to limestone and the like.
   A.B.



3. Every sculptor should own this book, and it's really the only one you need. Meilach's volume makes a good supplement, but really that's all it is; Liebson's book easily stands on it's own as the standard reference.

   Why? Almost the entire book is devoted to the craft and mechanics of carving stone. Liebson looks like someone's dad, and writes like it, too -- this book eschews all discussion of "art" in favor of simple, practical advice on "how to do it." From selecting a stone and tools to using and caring for those tools to finishing, polishing, mounting, and displaying your sculpture, even to gaining exhibitions and marketing your work, Liebson covers absolutely everything you need to know to get started, and to keep going. I've been carving for over five years now, and I still refer constantly to this book.




4. This book has aroused in me a great deal of enthuiasm for the process of shaping stone and the creation of art forms out of stone. Liebson is an authority on the subject and he writes extremely well. Manufacturers and suppliers of tools and stone are listed in an index. A list of recommended tools is provided as well as a fairly comprehensive description of how to best utilize these tools. The photographs are interesting and informative. An inspirational book. Of the three books on stone sculpture which I've read, this is by far the best.

3 comments about Cloisonne Enameling and Jewelry Making.

1. The book is useful for a broad spectrum of initial enameling skills. While it doesn't delve into minute detail, enameling is a hands-on learning and application art. So I found the directions and and steps useful for my needs. I will take care of the details.



2. This is one of those books that you are giddy that Dover reprinted! it isn't for the very beginner in enameling but it will take the enameler thru all the steps for making some basic cloisonnes and then the settings and chains for them. The jewelry working/metal smithing section is worth the price of admission. The chain making section is old school just enough to get people thinking about the need for all the fancy gizmo's they sell today. I enjoyed the book as a whole. the B&W pictures are good being reprints. the project drawings, pictures and the wire bend diagrams are great. To bad more of the newer books don't include them. The resource pages were very complete and you will find most of them still doing biz and with web sites. If you have old Thompson Enamels you have picked up from some ole timer the list with numbers will be worth the cost itself. I own it, use it



3. Well written with many photos and a step-by-step guide for cloisonné. Sound advice and useful trouble shooting. It touches briefly on other techniques without enough detail information to use but enough to start an interest in expanding enamels and a few trial experiments.

No comments about Wangechi Mutu: A Shady Promise.

3 comments about Sculpture since 1945 (Oxford History of Art).

1. As an overview of a large amount of sculpture, this book is great. I think it would take multiple readings to get a full understanding since everything is discussed briefly. It's a perfect size to carry around instead of most art books that are about the size of textbooks.



2. This book is a effective and clear review of sculpture from 1945 up to the present. I enjoyed the color plates, the clear descriptions and use it often for resource.



3. I checked out this book from the public library and read it twice before I started learning sculpture. Now I finally bought it and I'm still reading it. It's a wonderful book a have to get inspired from the masterpieces. Know the trends and thoughts in the sculpture field. Helps you create artworks from a border point of view, also improve the criticism knowledge.

5 comments about Silverplated Flatware.

1. Please see my review of "Sterling Flatware Identification & Value Guide". This is a good companion guide, but for silverplated flatware. It's just a little more complicated to navigate, as there are so many silverplated patterns, and so many manufacturers. However, once you become familiar with the way it is set up, and with a lot of patience, you can ID silverplated flatware very nicely. I keep both right at hand..can't do without them.



2. This is a great book for collectors of silverplate flatware!! I have worn out one and found another one here on Amazon. Highly reccommend the book and Amazon. Claudia Cope



3. This book helped in the identification and listing the ages of different flatware I have found at yard sales, flea markets and thrift stores. I have shared it with several friends.
   Thank you
   Tom



4. I found many of the patterns I collect covered in Hagan's book. The drawings are large and easy to use to identify your pieces. I also bought Hagan's Sterling Flatware which is set up in a similar manner. You can also use both books to note which patterns you want to search for. The dates given in the books allowed me to note which patterns were contemporary with the china I collect.
   I've looked at other silver identification books and I liked these best.



5. I have owned this book for at least 3 years, it is the most used book I own. If you are interested in identifying many pieces of silver plate, this is the book for you. Very easy to use. I was just on Amazon to see if there was an updated version yet, or I am trying to decide if I should buy a new one. Mine looks ragged, I have used it so much.