Customer Reviews:
sewing freak.......2007-05-08
We have a group of ladies who get together to sew each month. One friend got this book at our local quilting store. We loved so many of the patterns that 4 of us decided to go ahead and get it also. The price was better online. So now we are off and ready to make one of the runners in the book. This was a book that all of us loved most of all the patterns. There are clear and easy instructions, and a great selection.
Flowering Quilts.......2007-02-17
Absolutely WONDERFUL quilting book using applique! Beautiful use of color and unique applique designs! If you have never done applique before, you will definitely want to after reading this book. Instructions are very clear. Designs can be appliqued using machine applique, needle turn applique, or applique method of your choice! Enjoy!!!
A beautifully presented and "user-friendly" needlecraft guide to making sixteen artistic quilting projects.......2006-05-05
Flowering Quilts: 16 Charming Folk Art Projects To Decorate Your Home by quilting expert Kim Schaefer is a beautifully presented and "user-friendly" needlecraft guide to making sixteen artistic quilting projects. Introducing readers to an easy-to-follow mapping of the construct and design of quilts ranging from Potted Flowers Table Runner, Big Happy Flowers Table Runner, and Checkerboard Tulip Table Runner, to Sunflower Table Runner, Sun Flowers Wall Quilt, Log Cabin Pot Wall Quilt, Raggy Flowers Wall Quilt, A Bloomin' Dozen Wall Quilt, Flowering Quilts provides an extensive and impressive collection of unique and intricate flower-quilts as well as the pattern layout designs for ease in their creation. Flowering Quilts is very highly recommended to all readers searching for a comprehensive and easily read contribution to the flower-design of do-it-yourself quilting projects.
Book Description
Got a weekend? Make a wonderful gift!
* Full-size patterns
* Speedy techniques plus adorable designs mean darn cute, darn quick projects!
Big shapes, full-size patterns, easy fusible appliqué, simple projects...and the results are cute as a button! It's embellishment playtime with rickrack, simple embroidery, even buttons, all used to make accent quilts, table runners, placemats, pillows, and totes. These projects are bright, beginner friendly...and cute to boot!
Customer Reviews:
Cutequilts.......2007-03-11
This book is a delight! I am making my first quilt using grandchildren's onesies, dresses etc and this book provides excellent directions and fun ideas.
Average customer rating:
- Useful, easy to follow guide
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Decoupage: Ideas and Projects to Decorate Your Home
M. MacChiavelli
Manufacturer: Ward Lock Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Sculpture
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Papercrafts
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Interior Design
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0706374622 |
Customer Reviews:
Useful, easy to follow guide.......2004-01-04
The author presents several projects using a variety of objects to be decorated, from boxes to furniture. The instructions are easy to follow and complete without being overly fussy (like some guides to decoupage). Helpful without being encyclopedic.
Product Description
Features over 40 how-to projects for home decor done in African textiles like mudcloth, kente, korhogo, kuba and adinkra. The first chapter explains the fabrics, how they are made and used traditionally, and each of the following chapters covers a room in the house. Projects are designed for various skill levels, utilizing a mix of sewing, glueing, fusing, staple gun and other easy techniques. Visit www.CulturedExpressions.com
Customer Reviews:
Love this book!.......2004-12-10
This was exactly what I was searching for...beautiful, inspiring photos of projects that you can easily do for yourself. If has great graphic designs you can copy and use for stenciling, stamping, etc. Loved the cardboard spear and the textiles.
I must have bought 10 other books on exotic decor, ethnic decor and this is the only one that really thrilled me.
Wonderful.......2003-03-25
Shephard created a book satiated with texture, woven in embroidery of dyes and rituals. In African Accents, the author shares with us her stories through textiles. She recreates African accents for readers who have formerly collected pieces of cultural tradition and for the newly converted. Scanning through the craft section of any bookstore, one could notice a scarcity of African crafts, house style, and decorating books. With this book, Shephard undertakes a worthy task. The author's time spent in Senegal piqued her already flourishing interest in African design. Shephard prefaces each chapter with anecdotes, the significance of fiber technique, and facts about the fabrics used for the easy to follow hand-made crafts she shares later in the book. The author separates the fabric regionally and explains the social and rich cultural aspects tied into the various designs and processes.
The first part of the book is devoted to recreating the essence of each separate style of fabric, (that is, if you choose to). Some fabric recreations are simple and others are intricate including embroidery and weaving. Shephard cautions that replicating the fabric does not replace the real thing, but could rather deepen one's appreciation for the years of apprenticeship. In reproducing the designs on the fabrics, the book includes actual sized symbols with their meaning. Some of the Ashanti designs on the fabrics, the author indicates, are the equivalent of the European family crest.
In part two of the book the chapters are devoted to each room of your home and the art of gift giving. Secrets and tricks are provided to lend your pillows, clocks and picture frames the professional touch. There is certainly no limitation of "how to" procedures. I tried a few myself and although the suggestion of the staple gun for the kente stool fell short of my expectation (probably the gun itself) I pulled out the old hammer and nail and my stool looked unfailingly as Shephard had promised. Some of the crafts, if you were not handy with a sewing machine would be better left to the local tailor. Yet, there was a time when a sewing machine was a staple in most family's homes. The art of sewing and the practicality of its uses have been forgotten. But if sewing seems impossible for you, Shephard happily offers other easy alternatives.
This is a consummate reason for a recommendation of this slim book to be on the shelves of all art leagues. The book makes it apparent that Spanish and French artists popular in the 19th and 20th centuries have gained much of their appeal with the use of African art infused with their own. Shephard's passion for the continent exudes throughout the book, aquatinting the reader with crafts and fabric otherwise inaccessible. It is a craft-book du nouveau, a comprehensive history lesson, and a full color tabletop book. It is a significant forefront of a happily growing movement. Through this thoughtful undertaking the beauty of the textiles, that have been admired and used for years, could now have intimate meanings and representations. Choosing that kente, Kuba or mudcloth after reading Shephard's book will add new substance to its use.
Yasmain Broady-Soya...
GOOD...............2001-09-28
I enjoyed lisa's book but I'm not much of a craftsperson. I love african style, and came away with some good ideas. Some of these projects require more than I am willing to give. I'm into simplistic projects that look like there was alot of effort. The projects range from easy to not so easy. The are some good internet sources but some of them are no longer avalible. I have not attempted any of the crafts in the book but I'm looking foreward to Lisa's next release (coming out in October). I think her next release may be what I'm looking for.
Lisa Shepard's African Accents Has Great Decorating Ideas!.......2000-09-13
Ms. Shepard's knowledge and appreciation for African textiles and crafts is shown with style throughout this book. The craft instructions are clear and easy to follow (even for a novice craftsperson like myself!) The photographs are terrific also, they act as real motivators to try some of these great decorating ideas. How refreshing to see a crafts and decorating book with culturally diverse appeal!
More Than "Just Another" Decorating Book.......2000-03-26
African Accents by Lisa Shepard is more than just another book with homey decorator projects for the Do-It-Yourselfer. As Shepard makes clear in her introduction, her passion for genuine African fabrics is based on admiration for their strong colors and designs coupled an educated appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into their creation.
Since she recognizes that collection of these beautiful fabrics may well be beyond the reach of the average pocketbook, she sets out to teach us how to duplicate the look with affordable materials and then provides detailed instructions for sophisticated decorating projects that are reasonably easy to accomplish.
Make your own stamps with potatoes, compressed sponges or rubber stamps to get the look of Adinkra cloth. Shepard provides over 20 different Adinkra symbols to copy together with their African names and meanings.
Choose from over a dozen images to create unique Korhogo designs (and I dare you to resist trying the panels and floor cloth projects in the book). Try mudcloth, Kuba cloth or Kasaii velvet.
The instructions are clear and the power of the designs would enhance just about any room in your home or office.
They would also be fairly easy for a school group or Scout troop to teach children about the strength and beauty of the cultures they represent. I can easily imagine a group of kids having a good time creating Adinkra stamps at a children's birthday party.
Shepard expresses the hope that working on the projects will increase the readers appreciation for the real thing. A quick glance through this lovely book will convince you.
Book Description
-20 projects all small in size, but huge in creativity.
Customer Reviews:
a different view.......2005-10-12
I think the previous reviewer is a little harsh. I would call the quality of the projects "varied", which is to be expected when there are 20 different designers. I thought most were ho-hum, but a few quite nice, including the eyeglass case on the cover. I think "grade-school level" is an exaggeration--most of the projects are fairly simple, but some show interesting techniques and/or would be suitable for a beginning (adult) quilter, especially one who doesn't necessarily want to tackle a bed-size quilt. Also, instructions are clear and templates are provided--I've definitely seen "project" books that are a lot worse!
Disappointing.......2005-03-15
I did not find the projects included innovative nor inspiring and have returned the book for a refund. The items were simplistic on the order of grade school art-projects and certainly nothing I would want to decorate my home with.
Book Description
With more than 50 projects to choose from, this is a great idea book for the beginning to advanced wirework enthusiast.
Readers will find fresh, creative ideas for using wire, as well as clear instructions for basic elements in wire design. Author Jane Davis begins with simple projects, such as an open spiral bracelet, and then progresses to more advanced variations by adding beads and construction details for more elaborate projects, like a hinged box with ornate decorative elements. She demonstrates everything from loops and clasps to hinges and cages so readers can make brooches, bracelets, earrings, ornaments, candleholders, and window treatments.
More than 100 photos and illustrations guide the reader through this must-have wire project and idea book.
Jane Davis writes how-to books on a variety of creative crafts. This book is an extension of her best-selling The Complete Guide to Beading Techniques. She teaches classes on crocheting, knitting, and beading—which include wirework.
• More than 50 projects for creating jewelry and home décor items
• Easy-to-follow, detailed instructions with beautiful photographs and illustrations guide the reader
• Appropriate for all skill levels
Customer Reviews:
Excellent book.......2005-04-27
(...) This is not a book for a beginner; she doesn't focus extensively on the "basics" - looping, bending, and wrapping wire, although she does give some instruction on how to do these things. For that, I would buy "All Wired Up" by Mark Lareau. But there are some very unique designs in this book, that I feel make it worth adding to your library, if you're a wire wrapper and already have some experience. I have been making one of her wire snowflakes every year now, and give them out as Xmas presents. (picture here at: http://webpages.charter.net/garyb444/Snowflake%20008.jpg).
She also does not give illustrations for every single step of the projects, but I found that the instructions were detailed enough for me to complete the projects, based on previous wire wrapping experience and ordinary common sense. A good book to buy, if you want to expand your repertoire of designs and try something new.
Disappointing: interesting projects, poor visuals.......2004-07-28
I bought this book on the strength of its projects - it contains some interesting designs that range from jewelry to tiny baskets to ornaments for the home or Xmas tree. My main complaints about the book are the abysmal quality of the photos and the incompleteness of the directions.
Not only are many of the projects photographed on very busy backdrops, but the photos are so blurry and badly printed that I find it very hard to see how some of the connections and shapes are made--this is especially annoying since the how-to directions are neither well-written nor complete, so I am having to refer to the photos to try and guess how some of the construction steps are supposed to be done. Not recommended.
Amazon.com
Fans of the cheerful and charming Mary Engelbreit look can now bedeck all sorts of home accessories with her delightfully colorful ideas. Engelbreit's instantly recognizable retro-1930s-style illustrations grace the chapter openers, and her hallmark motifs--checkerboard stripes, cherries, stylized flowers, teapots--are in evidence, but the dozens of projects are nicely generic enough that crafters' own versions will shine with whimsy and not look like mere Engelbreit wannabes. Pull up a multihued barstool to a sunny table set with button-flower place mats; create brightly festooned lampshades, pillow shams, beribboned tassels, and painted vases to enliven any room; perk up your windows with playfully embellished shutters, pegboard-shelf curtain toppers, and etched-bottle tiebacks; or bring your creativity outdoors with ornamental birdhouses, vivid citronella candleholders, and a clever bubbling fountain made of colorfully painted flowerpots. Each of the imaginative projects is shown in three color-scheme variants so you can chose the palette that best fits your style, since, as Mary says, "We should surround ourselves with our favorite things," which are often the special things we've made ourselves. --Amy Handy
Book Description
The engaging artwork of Mary Engelbreit has gained a tremendous following nationwide. Her simple, yet refreshing style translates beautifully into decorating projects.
More than 130 projects inspired by Mary Engelbreit illustrations.
Ideas for crafting accessories, tabletops, window treatments, lighting, outside decorating, and more.
Projects presented in step-by-step photographs and illustrations.
Three different color palettes presented for each project.
Includes patterns for three exclusive Mary Engelbreit designs for readers to copy and paint.
Research shows very high interest among crafters in Mary Engelbreit projects.
The only decorating crafts book with projects inspired by Mary Engelbreit illustrations.
150 photographs inspire readers to try the projects.
Plays upon Mary Engelbreit's increasing popularity.
Customer Reviews:
If you love Mary Engelbreit's cottage look, you'll love this.......2000-02-25
I love the cottage look, and this book is giving me lots of projects I can create to give my home that feeling. I highly recommend teaming this book with a decorating book that I got from amazon called Cottage Style, which gives you over-all decorating help.
It is a great craft book to use to decorate your home!.......1999-09-25
Mary Engelbreit's "Crafts to Decorate Your Home" contains six chapters of great crafts. It has crafts for every part of your home: kitchen, living room, garden, and front porch. The majority of the crafts are fun and easy. Their are a few difficult crafts for the more advanced craftsmen. Mary Engelbreit's artwork can come to life through your own hands. I recently finished painting a footstool and it turned out so good that I am going to paint another for a gift. It is worth the cost and your time. Also, check out Mary Engelbreit Cross-Stitch book.
Book Description
Get the Christmas spirit early this year with the quick and easy holiday projects in A Cozy Quilted Christmas. Mix and match adorable appliqué designs for Santas, snowmen, sleighs, snowflakes, and snow much more to create tree skirts, table runners, and other holiday accessories. Great for gifts and great for making holiday festivities more festive than ever before, these projects put the ho-ho-ho in home décor.
Customer Reviews:
Don't buy it if you're short of time.......2007-09-28
Do you often get the feeling that you bought the wrong book? The cover looks nice, but there are just a few, perhaps only one project that really inspires you.
This book is different. The book is filled with exciting and beautiful projects. I just wish I could by some more time as well. The book is really hard to put down.
Books:
- Gardening All-in-One for Dummies
- Gardening with Children
- Gardens in the Spirit of Place
- Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise
- Halloween Propmaker's Handbook
- Handknits for Kids: 25 Original Designs for Girls and Boys
- Help for Your Shy Dog: Turning Your Terrified Dog into a Terrific Pet
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- Home Landscaping: Texas (Home Landscaping)
Books Index
Books Home
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