5 comments about Amigurumi World: Seriously Cute Crochet.

1. What adorable critters you can crochet with the help of this enchanting book. I'm more a knitter than crocheter, but I find these patterns so easy to follow, and so fun to complete that I'm really enjoying crochet more than I ever have. These cute creatures are great gifts for all ages: teenagers like them just as much as babies do.



2. I ordered the book, and it was supposed to arrive on the 31st of the month. I called on this day, and the order had reached my city, but had failed to be delivered. After 2 more days of not getting the book, I contacted them again, and it was finally shipped and arrived at my home.



3. Ana Paula Rimoli is the best ami author out there. You will be spoiled as she tells you exactly when to stop to work on the faces and other details that will make your crocheting a fun experience.



4. I bought this book for my 10 year old, a beginner in crochet. She made the bunny all by herself in less than 3 days! The instructions are clear and easy to follow. There are lots of cool designs to choose from. Now, she's hooked and eyeing book 2.



5. This book is what started my amigurumi obsession. These patterns are SO cute and the instructions are terrific. Prior to picking this up, I hadn't crocheted in oh, a million years. Both of my daughters and their friends are constantly going thru the book and 'putting their orders in'. Yeah, I'll be making these things till I'm 110. That's okay. Puts a smile on everyone's face!!

5 comments about Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2010 (Greenberg's Pocket Price Guide Lionel Trains).

1. I have Lionel Train Pocket Price 1901 - 2010. Print quality remain good and price adjustments for valuable asset collectibles show slight rise item values than Lionel Train Pocket Price 2007.
   
   Purchased Lionel Train Pocket Price found good deal at Amazon.com
   
   Smile,
   Randall Biell



2. I'm new to the game of collecting / buying Lionel trains. I was looking for a guide that would give me a broad description of the various trains, accessories, etc. made by Lionel over the years (INCLUSIVE OF PHOTOS OF EXAMPLE ITEMS), along with a range of fair-market prices.
   
   Unfortunately, I found that this guide must be tailored to the experience, serious collector who already (and completely) knows Lionel stock. The guide has pages and pages of listings (a good thing), but they only include:
   
   Lionel Item Number; a five or six word description (no photos); excellent price; mint price.
   
   Again, perhaps a good resource for the experience collector. But definitely NOT helpful to someone like me who is trying to learn more about the Lionel family of trains and how to distinguish / recognize them.
   
   Sorry ... but I'll be returning my copy to Amazon.



3. Greenberg's Guides Lionel Trains 2010 Edition offers a pocket-sized guide packed with the basic facts on Lionel train collecting, covering all the basics of buying, selling or trading Lionel trains and accessories from prewar to modern times. Product listings include brief descriptions of each item, variations, and fair-market values. The truly pocket-sized slim format lends to take-along toting and is a fine pick for any Lionel collector's library.



4. Excellent rtesource for the train collector. Easy to use and understand. Pricing is spot on.



5. Need this guide to get a good idea if you are getting a good deal on purchasing items at train shows, etc.

5 comments about Amigurumi Two!: Crocheted Toys for Me and You and Baby Too.

1. Appreciated the little cards and book marks that were added to the order. Nice touch.



2. I had purchased Ana Rimoli's first Amigurumi book to learn how to crochet and loved it, then when her second book came out I bought it as well. She explains the directions very well on how to create these cute little items. I have looked at many other crochet books and the directions haven't been as good yet more confusing. This Amigurumi book has cute ideas that make great gifts. I can't wait until she comes out with another book. The only item I have made from this book so far is the Large Fish which turned out really cute. Looking forward to making more items from this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who currently knows how to crochet or is a beginner wanting to learn.



3. My daughters and her friends have 'ordered' every project! Now to find the time! Great instructions and great photographs. I bought this book for the peas in a pod pattern but what I didn't realize was that they were so BIG! Oh, well, the book is still awesome! I'll buy every one you put out. AMIGURUMI LOVE!!!



4. I own the first book and bought this one as soon as I knew it was out. I made 6 projects in the first week and got a ton of compliments. Everything works up very quickly and can be finished in a few hours. Easy instructions and just basic stitches this book is great for beginners and fun for everyone.



5. I'm so happy to have a crochet pattern book where I want to make everything in it! This is a great book with lots of cute patterns in it for all ages. My daughter and son have loved every toy I've made from both this book and Ana's first book. The patterns are really quick and easy too. I'd call myself an advanced beginner and I have no problem working through the patterns. Ana also has a ton of cute patterns on her etsy site. This is deffinetly a book to add to your collection!

5 comments about Little Felted Animals: Create 16 Irresistible Creatures with Simple Needle-Felting Techniques.

1. Great book easy to follow instructions both written and picture.
   
   Will certainly look for more lkie this one.
   
   Rgds
   Lesley



2. This book has beautiful pictures and gives 3 basic animal-forms, so you can use them to make as much animals as you want. Although the technique is more difficult than it looks on the photo's, I find this book a very good source of information and a musshave in my collection!



3. I'm new to the craft of needle felting, and I found this book to be very helpful. The instructions are very helpful, and the projects are wonderful and well photographed. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in felting toys.



4. I love this book. I have not tried to make one of the projects yet, but I still love the book anyway.



5. ...but there isn't much in the way of serious instruction. She gives the basics and they are basically the same for each animal. There is not a single photo of someone actually felting in this book - just photo's of the finished project, and of the supplies needed for each project. I had to go online to see someone needle felting just to get the, "Oh!" that I was missing from this book - my first on felting. There are no notes or anecdotes on why you should use different needles, tips or tricks to using different types of wool, etc. I really love the photo's and inspiration though, so I gave the book 4 stars - but if I were not as crafty as I am I probably would have been disappointed with the lack of useful information.

5 comments about The Pop-Up Book: Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Over 100 Original Paper Projects.

1. Each year, I take a look at some of the most valuable resources for creative artists, graphic designers, crafts people and anyone who enjoys participating in the visual arts. And, each year I stress that it doesn't have to be expensive.
   
   In this year's column, "Creative books to give... and get!" I review this book along with many others that offer exceptional opportunities in low-priced packages. They're all excellent, and represent probably the biggest bang for your book or gift buck!
   
   The Pop-Up Book: Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Over 100 Original Paper Projects is the mother of them all. While the exercises can at times be complicated and frustrating -- the outcome can be uniquely spectacular. After you've accomplished the exercises, you move on to your own creations. There's nothing more fulfilling than completing some of these projects. And once you do, they get easier and easier.
   
   The bottom line -- design your next business marketing piece, leveraging some of these techniques, and I guarantee-- you'll get a call-back or thank-you note! For the business person, sending your own creations like these to your clients will lock in your esteem in their eyes!
   
   For less ambitious exercises, try these:
   
   3D Pop Up Greeting Cards is particularly good at this time of year -- nothing sends a more sincere or flattering message than a hand-made card. And these are really cool
   
   Pop-Up Cards: And Other Greetings that Slide, Dangle & Move is not only freshly written and illustrated, for all ages it's and easy way to really appreciate the craft of paper engineering. As a gift book, it offers another very important benefit :: you learn how to easily and inexpensively make MORE GIFTS to give away.
   
   Be careful though! Once you circulate some of these creations, you'll be swamped with people's requests ... "Can you create one of these for me?" (Of course, there's nothing wrong with being a successful paper engineer or greeting card designer!)
   
   I'll share more at the [...], but you can count on these three to bring hours and hours of enjoyment to yourself -- or those lucky recipients on your gift list!
   
   Thanks for reading,
   [..]



2. Another book without templates. The tester shows you a cute Santa pop up and several other things and no instructions or templates on how to do it. I am sending it back.



3. First, I was born without a genetic predeliction for anything that involved cutting paper; following written instructions for folding things; coloring maps,paperdolls etc., pasting; or, heaven forbid, having a clean looking product when I did finish. After 70 years of being mesmerized by pop-up books, I decided that if I started with children's books, I might just get something to work for me. It took time, lots of time, but I finally graduated from three tiered cakes amd simple 'v' cuts, to a grown up book. Other reviews convinced me that this author had a successful teaching method and after five prior books, I decided I was ready to test myself against Mr. Jackson's claim. After many, many, many, hours of working with his book, I finally mastered the free standing dove on the front of the book. I cried.



4. I was tentative about buying this based on other reviews here, because I had never made pop-ups before, or even done very much paper cutting, but wanted to learn advanced techniques. This book is great because it shows the basics without spoon-feeding you; instead of giving precise patterns or instructions to be printed or copied, this book shows simple diagrams that explain only the necessary components to make the pop-up work, like which cuts/folds need to be the same size as others, where certain folds should be in relation to edges, and so on, so they can be applied to any shape and size of paper or pop-up. When I first opened the book and looked at the gallery of examples, I was daunted, especially when I compared them to the first few step-by-step examples. But I've found that I can figure out and replicate most of the designs that use the methods I've used so far, and I'm hopeful that by the time I work my way through the whole book I'll be able to more or less duplicate every example in the gallery. I've already been able to implement some of my own designs from some of the most basic techniques in this book, and I'm hopeful about continuing to create my own pop-up work.
   
   Simply put, if your goal is to actually master the skills involved rather than simply to produce the designs pictures, this book is a wonderful tool, visually inspiring and formally instructive. Being math-minded might help somewhat, but not in the sense of understanding specific measurements of lengths and angles. Being visually-minded is probably a batter match for this book.
   
   One reviewer mentioned that there are no specific instructions for the dove picture on the cover. This is true. However, all of the techniques necessary for creating it are in very early pages of the book. I was able to recreate the dove within the first hour of working from the book.



5. This is a great book for not only picturing pop ups but showing how to make them. There is help available on each page from the simple to the complex. I highly recommend it and have used it successfully to make several pop up cards myself.

5 comments about Forbidden Lego: Build the Models Your Parents Warned You Against!.

1. This book has piece by piece directions for building different objects. You use household items with the legos to make things work.



2. Forbidden Lego has some innovative and fun designs, and the description of the process Lego uses to design, approve and produce models is especially interesting.
   
   The models in this book would not pass this rigorous approval process, and the authors tell you exactly why - they might fire projectiles too fast or too quickly or require the alteration of an approved Lego piece. But the building instructions would also not pass Lego's quality control process, either. Some illustrations are missing the box that shows the pieces needed for that step, leaving the builder to search the diagram to find what has been added and where (Step 14 for the Candy Catapult, for example).
   
   The instructions are definitely for experienced builders, as they do not always show the intermediate building steps - you may have to partially insert an axle piece before placing an assembly on the main model, for example, and fully insert it after the assembly is in place. This shouldn't give experienced builders any trouble, but might be frustrating for younger builders.
   
   These models call for some parts that are uncommon, but the best thing about Lego pieces is their adaptability. It is possible to modify the models to accomplish the same function with other more common pieces. Advanced builders will enjoy this challenge, but it may frustrate those who want ready-to-build models. A similar challenge faces those of us who don't want to alter our Lego pieces to find a way to do the same thing with whole pieces.
   
   If you are considering this book for yourself, you'll know if you're the kind of builder who enjoys this kind of challenge. The completed models are worth the effort. If you are considering this as a gift for a young builder, you'll want to be sure they have an advanced builder around to help them out. If not, you might consider a book like Lego Crazy Action Contraptions: A LEGO Inventions Book (Klutz) which is not only geared toward younger builders, but also includes all the pieces needed to build the models.



3. I can't wait to send this stuffed inside my son's stocking for Xmas ... I'll include the requisite parts so he and his fellow airmen can have a blast



4. I was excited to get this book for my 12-year-old budding engineer. He was too, until he looked through it and saw that he would need to have a Lego robotics kit to make a good number of the creations. Since the kit is $250, that ain't happening, so back it goes.
   
   And as other reviewers mentioned, they show pictures of the pieces you need, but they don't label them with names or part numbers. It would be EXTREMELY hard to find the parts you need to build most of these projects. It's amazing to me that the authors would create such great projects but then provide such incomplete info, rendering their book virtually useless to most users. What a waste of the return postage!



5. The designs in this book are great! However, my son can't make most of them because he doesn't have the parts. If the writers had provided Lego part numbers with their designs, then it would be easy to order those parts. We talked to Lego and they tried to help, but couldn't because they can't tell exactly what part we are talking about! Without the part numbers listed in this book, the book gets only two stars.

1 comments about Barbie Doll Photo Album 1959 to 2009.

1. Book has alot of pink/grocery store versions, very little collectible dolls, Missing alot of dolls, from 2006 - 2009. VERY LITTLE details. Convention dolls are in this book for the 50th anniversary but prior convention dolls are missing???? Vintage doll collectors will be thrilled with book. Alot of vintage pictures never seen in prior books. Photos are much bigger than prior book versions which is nicer! There is a little bit of everything from 1959-2009.

5 comments about LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT One-Kit Wonders: Ten Inventions to Spark Your Imagination.

1. I bought this book for my seven year old son. He finds it difficult to understand the images. I have to constantly help him to build the models. I think if the images were colored he might have had a better chance of understanding. I very well understand that would have increased the price of the book exponentially. I book has good ideas but might be difficult for kids to do.



2. Very Inspiring book, a must for any serious NXT fan who love to learn from the masters by inspecting every aspect of the designs for fun and inspiration (like i do) then it doesn't matter what NXT set you own or is available at school but if the book owner plans on building the actual robots (10 of them) and has little LEGO TECHNIC available beside the parts in the NXT, then you need the first RETAIL NXT kit that has been on sale since 2006. TODAY LEGO repackaged the same NXT brick in a new version 2.0 and changed the parts in the box!
   
   So this book may not be the best one to get along with a the new NXT 2.0 kit, the WHITE and BLUE box
   It is however a great gift to give someone with the original NXT 1.0 (GREY and GOLD box) or someone who just loves any NXT ideas!



3. First of all I love the NXT and already have the block and lots of extra parts, separate from the main kit. When I saw this book I purchased it based on the name of the book (One-Kit wonders) solely. Since my child conquered his own designs I wanted to challenge his abilities to follow directions, thus I purchased this book thinking it meant what it stated in the title by "One Kit," meaning the main NXT kit and no other additional parts. This book requires many parts that don't come in the original main kit, and none of the extra parts I do have. The parts are not labeled and you must hunt and peck through your system to find the parts you don't have in your main kit and hunt them down and order them (not exactly a truthful title). Not to mention the pictures are poorly detailed making identification difficult, either by color or indentions in parts etc (black and white picture). This book by all means has some great intentions, but for the price nowadays, the pictures could have been better and in color. I gave this two stars for the lack of picture quality, poor labeling and Misleading title. I've yet to build anything with this book and I've had it for over a year now. Plus several parts I have ordered turned out to be wrong, do to poor picture quality and lack of measurements.
   
   
   Since Author of book replied to my review, I've updated it:
   Well, the picture and content of this book is exactly the same as the one I've owned for over a year, and I stick by my comments. I regret to disagree because I've loved the NXT system for quite a few years and have taught the Lego classes for over five. So I think I would know what I'm talking about. As for the "click" of supporters or publishers/writers payment seekers, of this book. I guess the lynch mob has spoken, I still caution anyone to carefully consider this book before purchasing and oh, keep your receipt. I'm the one out money while one of this books authors is trying to sell books and keep buyers in the dark. I have a right to voice my opinion and I will never purchase another book by this AUTHOR again, given the nastiness of his attacks on blinded consumers, and yes you may even be challenged. I have pages and pages of all your projects marked with parts that were not included in my "one kit" 2.0 NXT system.
   
   Since teaching the NXT class I do get premarket products, plus I have a class room full of kits both 1.0 and 2.0. I'm very familar with product.
   
   *NOTE: SEE HOW MANY "USED" BOOKS ARE BEING RESOLD, GOOD INDICATOR



4. I liked the book, but it assumes that you are using the NXT 1.0 set and it turns out the sets have different parts. So when I purchased the book I found out that I could only make a few of the items. I have since purchased the additional parts I needed and can build them all now, but it was a little bit of a let down when I received the book and could not build them all.



5. This does look like an interesting book with several great projects. I was intrigued enough to order it along with the NXT 2.0 set, based on the Amazon recommendation. This book uses parts that are not in the NXT 2.0 (especially gears). You can not build some of these projects with just the parts in the NXT 2.0 set. As a novice to these kits I didn't know enough about them to even consider the differences. Now I need to find the pieces that I need to actually build these projects, because they are too compelling to ignore. I like the book, just beware of the differences between the older NXT set and the newer NXT 2.0 set.

5 comments about Stray Sock Sewing: Making One of a Kind Creatures from Socks.

1. This book is so cute and really good. The directions are clear and easy to understand, there are also nice clear pictures to help you get through the directions if you don't understand the text. There are tons of pictures to inspire you with other ideas besides the directions for the ones he gives you. I would recommend this to anyone who loves hand sewing crafts. Great for making gifts for kids!<3
   Shipping was also Extremely fast, I got it in 3 days with the free super saver shipping.



2. The book is well illustrated and charming. The instructions are clear and the creative ideas are unique. I am happy to add this to my collection of projects I wish I had time to complete.



3. This book was in excellent, like new condition, packaging was great, shipping time was a little slow but ok.



4. There are 2 of these, this is the first book and he has a second book which I actually bought first since I saw that in a bookstore and was able to flip through it before buying. Stray Sock Sewing, Too: More Super-Cute Sock Softies to Make and Love I actually made more from that book, you can see images I uploaded on that book. I liked it so much I decided to buy this first book for more ideas and uploaded what I made. I only started with this book. I think its great. Now I am always looking at socks when I shop!!!



5. I like this book but I was hoping it would have more instruction on all the photos. There are some great creatures but no specific instructions on how to make those....

5 comments about Wool Pets: Making 20 Figures with Wool Roving and a Barbed Needle.

1. I just love all the projects in this book. The instructions w/photos help make the beginning felter (such as myself) more comfortable on getting started with these projects. I have another felting book, which I also like but this book with the photos gives me more of an idea on how much felt I should be using. I recommend this book to anyone who would like to start making thier own felted critters.



2. The pictures in this book are Great..the best yet ive found on needlefelting..I was quite surprised by how much detail they give for each project....I can jump in and just do any of the animals...they are very nice..with detial..I have 4 of these animal felting books and this one is the BEST.....B.W.



3. Last Christmas I met the author, bought the book and also bought a few of her kits for the holidays. Wow! What a fun and creative way to enjoy being housebound during the winter. It's really fun, easy and gratifying to make these little animals for ornaments or for gifts. Even my normally grumpy teenagers enjoyed making the projects. This is also a great thing to do with sick friends while you visit or old friends who can't needlepoint anymore. A wonderful present for young and old.



4. Beautiful, hardcover book. Excellent for beginners, especially (which I am!) Explains different types of needle felting tools and wools/fibers. This book covers just what it says - pets and small critters with a mermaid or two thrown in for good measure. No purse patterns, here :)! Many projects with very detailed color pictures for each step of each project. Starts with easier projects and builds up to small dolls at the end of the book. This book was an excellent confidence builder for a new needle felter, like me - it's given me confidence and skills to branch out and try my own designs.



5. I have dealt with Laurie before on Etsy and when I stumbled upon this book I just had to have it! It is a really great book all the things you get to make are fabulous! And the price is really reasonable! She comes up with the cutest ideas and her directions on how to make a creature are really simple, easy, and always turns out really cute! I am going to get some more for presents for my friends over the holidays, I will definitely buy more! Keep up the good work!