The Michaels Book of Arts & Crafts (Michaels)

From Michaels--America's largest specialty retailer of arts and crafts merchandise and the place to get supplies for painting, floral and home décor, needlework, scrapbooking, and more--comes an extraordinarily big, beautiful, and encyclopedic collection of techniques and 175 projects. Whatever a crafter's pleasure, it is in here, from beading and woodworking to glass and fabric crafts. The 30 subject areas are divided into 9 chapters that all feature a basic instructions section packed with plentiful color pictures and designer tips; 5 to 10 projects; and a two-page spread of gallery photos of additional projects for inspiration. What's included in this unequalled treasure trove?

* Beading: wire and bead jewelry, wire crafting, and decorative beading
* Clay: polymer and bread dough
* Painting: stenciling, faux finishing, and gold leafing. With the gilding techniques, even the simplest box can look like an heirloom.
* Paper: memory books and cards, decoupage, rubber stamping
* Floral crafts: dried flowers, silk flower arranging, potpourris and sachets. A rose floral silk pillow brings springtime indoors year-round.
* Glass: glass painting and etching. The lovely flasks with stars, leaves, and swirls would make a beautiful display.
* Home decorating: candlemaking and decorating (including gel) and soapmaking
* Wood: wood finishing and burning, plus clockmaking
* Fabric: painting on fabric, tie die, and sun painting
An appendix covers basic materials and techniques, including typing the perfect bow, lettering, and basic mat cutting.

Whether you want more projects using your favorite craft, or are interested in learning a new one, this volume is a must-have.

Yeaaaaahh, I'm the first one to write a review for this book !!!!!!!!.......2006-01-22

Some characters needed more poses, and some were just plain excluded from the book. Like Lanky, or Funky, or Cranky from Donkey Kong 64. Do not get me wrong, I love this book, but it is somewhat lacking in the selection of poses.

Any time is party time with this kit on hand! It has everything needed to make simple, fun, and bright balloon art. First, there’s The Ultimate Balloon Book with easy, illustrated techniques for 46 marvelous projects that will delight old and young alike; 24 balloons in six cheery colors; and one nifty pump. In just a few quick moves, create a stegosaurus, butterfly, dragon, tropical palm tree (and a parrot to put in it), eye-popping spaceships, Halloween spider and web, and birthday centerpieces. Even build a funhouse! Colorful photos show finished projects and close-ups of each loop, tie, and twist.

I have two gripes with the book. First, after a long spiel explaining why you should buy good quality balloons, they simply state that you can balloons from party stores or the internet. Now, while the balloons that come with the kit are okay, you as a buyer end up just buying balloons by trial and error until you find a good source. Fortunately, these balloons are available in several places so I am sure we will find a good supplier over time.

Second, I was extremely disappointed in the poor quality of the "pump" that came with the kit. It's sharp lip tends to tear the balloons that were supplied with the kit; it takes a while to inflate the balloons using the pump; and since you do not want to go past the sharp lip, once you are done inflating the balloon, you end up struggling to tie a knot at the end of the balloon. We remedied the problem by buying a very easy to use balloon pump from Wal-Mart for under $$$. If only the authors had included a better pump, this kit would have ended up with a 5 star rating instead of the three stars that it is getting right now.