5 comments about Origami Step by Step (Origami).

1. This book was originally published in the 70s under another title. My High School library had a copy.
   I'd found the simpler models to be quite nice, as a beginner at the time. The more complex models were absolutely eye popping, and gave me something to aspire to.
   Five years after grad., I'd tried to buy a copy, and found it out of print. I was glad to see it's come back.
   The mermaid is very cool, and seems to be floating through a tuft of seaweed, and the fully rigged ship is a truly
   majestic vessel. The unicorn in this book is one of my favorite models.
   Don't pass up this book, especially at this price



2. This is one of the best. 30+ model in a thin and inexpensive volumn. It's really step-by-step if you fold the model page-by-page. I recommend beginners not to skip. It really like an exercise book. For advance folders, there are many great models to fold. Because of this step-by-step approach the number of diagrams are kept to the minimum. Beginner picking models (not from the start) will find this a difficult book to follow.



3. Although I have started folding for about 3 months, I would consider myself as an advance folder having folded models such as Voyer's horse, pegasus, Brill's elephant, Ronald Koh's rocking horse, etc. The first time I came across this book, the cover say "step by step", so I skip it. During my last visit to the local book store I browsed through it by chance and was pleasantly suprised. 30+ models and mostly advance, for just US$4.95, what a great deal! The diagrams are not "step by step", but adequate for advance folder, it does save a lot of space.



4. Well, the book is ..., contains interesting models that you will not find anywhere else, BUT: Title absolutly misleading. Even thought it contains several easy models, majority of interesting models are very complex. Even if you could handle it, be aware that: Diagrams are awful and I would like to emphasize it: every model contains a steps that are difficult to follow , from misleading to sometimes erroneous, imcomplete - some very complex steps are just sketched and you will not even see a result picture on next one, text description of steps is very pure. May be that is what autor wanted to say in the title: you will fight for every step to find out what is drawn here. I would recomend it to buy only for VERY expirienced folder who loves to solve puzzles.



5. Good things with Origami Step-By-Step: 1) it's very inexpensive, and 2) it has a good number of fantastic models the likes of which would be very difficult to find in another anthology. Patricia Crawford's designs are innovative and original not only in form but also in content. A few of the more original models include a birdbath (with birds), a squirrel on a log, a mermaid swimming along seaweed, and Christ praying on the Mount of Olives(!). Her other models are perhaps slightly more characteristic of origami -- cat, kangaroo, unicorn, scorpion, three-masted sailing ship -- but are also very well-conceived.

   A few caveats of Origami Step-By-Step: 1) the overutilization of foil-backed paper. The intro states that the tensile strength of foil is actually a necessity for many of the models. I have not tried folding all of these models yet, but I suspect you may be able to get similar results using wet-folding techniques. Still, I would have liked to have seen less models that depended on the malleability of the paper for its effects. Also 2) the instructions are anything but "step-by-step." In most of these models, many steps are combined into single steps, making a first-time fold very difficult if you don't already understand the mechanics of the folding. These models rely heavily on pre-creasing, and you can expect to see the first step of a given model to be a square with numerous dotted lines criss-crossing everywhere indicating the creases, but not the folds that lead to said creases. Needless to say, this book is not one for beginners, and even intermediate to advanced folders may be stymied by the lack of instruction.

   Still, this book has some models you won't find anywhere else, so it's definitely worth a look. Just don't expect to go through it in a day.

5 comments about The Complete Salt and Pepper Shaker Book.

1. Schneidly Whiplash has done it again! He and his wife have such a wonderful talent for showcasing the values of collectibles!!!!



2. Probably the best reference book to date on collecting shakers. Chock full of pictures and information cover to cover.



3. This book is what I would term user friendly. It is set up in such a way that you can easily access the information you need. In the back of the book is a listing of many importing companies and information on them. This is my favorite of all of the shaker books.



4. If you are going to own just one book on salt & peppers, this is the one in which to invest. It is quite comprehensive and very well organized.



5. Mike Schneider keeps raising the bar a little higher--so high that Sergei Bubka couldn't vault over it. When I got the book I showed it to friends and that was the acid test. Over and over I heard, 'My grandma had that pair,' or ' We have those in the basement...they're worth that much?!?' These people were enthralled with the book. Mike Schneider's book runs from routine shakers to really obscure ones to ones that are absolutely unbelievable. The prices are true and the colors are crisp. Mr. Schneider's previous work caused me to be sure I got this volume--and as always I am very pleased with his efforts. Schiffer Publishing has a rising star.

2 comments about Carving Wood Spirits in Tree Bark: Capturing Unique Faces & Expressions in Wood.

1. This book is good for the very young and for those who know little if anything about carving. We wanted a book that goes quick after a particular project such as carving a nose or an ear or an eye but the book was very slow to complete a rather middle of the road project. We were searching for a book that effectively flows quicker than showing each stoke.
   
   We wanted and expected to see more than a few particular woods that a carver would target for a particular project and the book fell short of our expectations.



2. I'm just starting to carve and whittle. This book was recommended to me by a sales person at Woodcrafters as a good basic book. Was he ever right! It gave me the fundamentals I needed from making a bench hook, to finding the correct type and piece of wood right on through the carving. Made me feel like I could actually do this and not fumble around.

1 comments about Carving Totem Poles & Masks.

1. Very detailed diagrams and helpful pictures. Steps to produce results were not overly detailed yet specific enough to leave out guess work. The intro to each project gives a significant background of the history of the carvings. MAJOR COMPLAINT:Purchasing this book based on the title was found to be very dispointing since very little information or projects were on Totem poles.

5 comments about Fish Carving: An Introduction.

1. This is the second edition of a very good primer on fish carving by one of the world's best fish carvers. All of the necessary techniques to produce a convincingly life-like fish carving are illustrated. The paint schedules are easy to follow and the addition of the colour section on step by step trout painting is excellent. The book contains a number of projects that build on each other. It is profusely illustrated and the instructions are easy to follow.
   Patterns (side view only) are provided for all of the projects in the book, plus several additional species. If the book has a major fault, it is that top view patterns are not included: a beginning carver will have difficulty in getting the top view proportions correct. Otherwise, this book is a good investment and I do, in fact, recommend it to my carving students.



2. I found Bob Berry's book informative, however, it assumes that the reader has had some experience or previous knowledge of carving and painting techniques.



3. Fish Carving: an introduction by Bob Berry is the best fish-carving book I have ever read.

   This book is a how to book on carving fish out of wood. The book is neatly organized, so even a beginner wood carver could understand it. The book covers all the areas of carving fish out of wood. Easy to follow step by step pictures and explanations also make this a very user-friendly book, because of this it makes your carving experience that much more enjoyable. Berry walks you through the process of selecting wood, general carving and even painting and finishing the carving. There are lots of patterns and color pictures of his award winning woodcarvings to inspire you and help you along your way to becoming a fish carver.

   I have found that this book is one of the best of its kind if you wish to learn to carve wooden fish. He is also very thorough when it comes to explaining difficult steps in your fish carving. This book has helped me greatly in expanding my carving knowledge and expertise. This book will not disappoint you. I would recommend this book to junior high students and older.




4. Bob Berry has produced what is arguably the best fish carving book on the market. There are several good instructive books; but this one has very easy to read instructions. The book itself is not lengthy but packs a tremendous amount of information in it. The instructions are well witten and the pictures excellent. I still find this book, after reviewing most of the others available on this subject, the one I refer to the most.



5. Bob Berry has produced what is arguably the best fish carving book on the market. There are several good instructive books; but this one has very easy to read instructions. The book itself is not lengthy but packs a tremendous amount of information in it. The instructions are well witten and the pictures excellent. I still find this book, after reviewing most of the others available on this subject, the one I refer to the most.

4 comments about Thomas Mann: Metal Artist.

1. I confess, I am a Thomas Mann fan! This is a wonderful book that anyone who loves Mixed Media, found objects and unique jewellery will love. A wonderful variety of "essays" written by others about Mann at different times in his career, starting in the 1970's including pieces written by Mann on his creative process. It is a wonderful read and you can see clearly how his unique style has developed.
   
   The glorious images that adorn the pages of his work are beautifully taken and reproduced in page after page of work that you can not help but gasp at, sigh at and hopefully appreciate this remarkable artist's talent. The book may be "old" in terms of publishing (2001) but you just have to track this book down and keep it before it is out of print. This book is one of my most loved.



2. This is a wonderful book. I was not familiar with Thomas Mann at all until I purchased this book. To say the man is a creative genius is almost an understatement.



3. A book well done for the fan of Thomas Mann. It gives LOTS of detailed photos of all his work through the years, as well as an account of his life. I'm glad he gives acknowledgement for all the people who contributed to his success. Well done!



4. This book displays a beautifully photographed representation of Thomas Mann's creative genius that is not to be missed. Thomas Mann is a true modern master and this book details his life's work and inspiration from the past three decades. From the use of non-precious metals, found objects, and objects that are created to look old, Thomas's highly recognizable industrial style is an inspiration to many, and he will be remembered for his contribution to the world of jewelry arts, for many years to come.

5 comments about Collectible Silver Jewelry: Identification and Value Guide.

1. "Collectible Silver Jewelry" provides a brief, yet reasonably comprehensive, guide to silver jewellery and jewellery makers from around the world. This book covers most of the major silver jewellery producing countries of the world, including the U.S., Mexico, Peru, Scandinavia, the U.K., Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, China, Japan and Siam, and for each country, it provides a guide to all of the main silversmiths and manufacturers of that country. For each manufacturer, a brief history is given, along with a photograph or illustration of the maker's marks used. A valuation guide (with pictures) is also provided at the end of each section to give the reader some idea of the style of jewellery produced in each country and its value (although this book was first published in 2001, all values were updated in 2005).
   
   This book is very well presented. It is a large size hardback with glossy pages and full-colour photographs throughout. A glossary of jewellery terms is provided at the back, as is a detailed index, making this book very easy to use.



2. This was a general book on Silver and I felt it did not go into depth. I do not like it as much as others but it covers many country silver jewelry.



3. I haven't found another book that covers what this one covers. It is well organized and has lots of good photos. There are written commentaries about the various manufacturers of silver jewelry, discussions about mid century artisans, and great information about silver jewelry from Scandinavia, Mexico and other places in the world. There are additional resources in the back of the book and lots of information about hallmarks as well. I can go on and on but take it from me, this is the best book out there on silver jewelry.



4. This book has been fabulous because it includes a broad span of silver jewelry, not just one specific type. It has helped me identify many pieces. Great pictures, great explanations. Includes many different marks. I love it and use it all the time.



5. Whether you are an expert collector or a neophyte, you will find this book a valuable reference source. It is illustrated in full-color and covers the range of silver jewelry makers exhaustively, maker by maker, including illustrations of makers' marks.

No comments about Shaping Space.

1 comments about Sculpting Basics: Everything You Need to Know to Create Three-Dimensional Artworks.

1. This book has project for all levels of skill. If you want easy projects to make for students I think this book has great ideas.

1 comments about The Art of Whittling (Woodworking Classics Revisited).

1. First published in 1930, The Art of Whittling is a classic introduction to the hobby of woodcrafting through whittling. Linden Publishing offers an unabridged edition of the original guide, offering over a dozen woodworking projects including continuous wooden chains, working wooden scissors and pliers, balls in cages, entwined hearts, fans, and even ships inside bottles. Black-and-white illustrations and diagrams round out this time-tested primer.