Showing posts with label North Light Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label North Light Books. Show all posts

Monday, September 2, 2013

Keys To Drawing Purchaser Review



Keys To Drawing Purchaser Review
Lively and valuable format throughout the book! If you already don't have this book in your library you should really get a copy.
- Helen Apperson

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Keys To Drawing for developing drawing skills, basing his approach on 55 keys to drawing rules that don't need to be memorized, but realized. ..

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Collage Lost and Found Customer Reviews



Collage Lost and Found Customer Reviews
This is a great book. I am only about 1/4 of the way through the book and have enjoyed reading about the projects. The photographs are fabulous and the instruction will be easy to follow. I am anxious to get going......
- Julie K. Lawson

Usually I buy these types of books and page through them - loving the pictures, but never thinking it is something I could actually do. With this book I immediately went and purchased some materials and sat down and tried some of the simpler ideas. I love how the author took the time to make clear step-by-step instructions and included a LOT of pictures for the steps. There are projects that are very simple (magnets) to things much more complicated. I think there's something for everyone.
- C. Ekman "Cobweb Corner Owner"

This book is lovely. The photos are clear and the instructions are as well. It is a great resource for making something different. There are many ideas and finished products to jump-start your imagination. Nicely laid out and balanced with instructions and photos.
- Toni Ratzlaff

Even if you never complete one of the projects in this book, it is stunning to look through and is so inspirational. The book is filled with tips, ideas and very easy to follow instructions. A key buy for any crafter!
- P. Both

I enjoyed everything about this book. I love Collage using Vintage materialsand found many helpful suggestions, and easy instructions for projects suchjewlery made from glass slides, making paperweights, shrine from a cigar box,altered book covers, you name it, this book has it. This book is my new favoritein my library of many "How to" art books.
- Bonnie Schulte

I bought this book because I am interested in collage. My interest lies mostly in ATCs (artist trading cards), and I was hoping to find some techniques here that I could scale down and use.There are lots of nice examples and instructions, but I found myself getting overwhelmed in some sections. Plus, I would probably have to buy a lot of supplies for some of the projects (especially the ones that involve soldering). I've read through much of the book, and I'm trying to remember what I liked and didn't like about it. What I've realized is that the projects must not be all that memorable (at least not to me) because few examples come to mind!I suppose, for inspiration, it's an okay book to have. And if you're looking at doing three-dimensional collages or other altered artwork, it's just fine. It just wasn't quite what I was looking for.
- La Coccinelle

I think this book is an excellent resource for those of us who are new to collage or altered art. Her instructions are clear and complete. The book covers many different projects from greeting cards and soldered jewelry to shrines and collaging onto sheet metal. She even gives directions on making your own chains for the jewelry. I especially like the quick and easy projects like collaging in tiny tins and making magnets out of glass marbles--very nice for gift giving. Her sample art is beautiful, and I didn't find her work to be mostly sepia tones and muted colors as another reviews says. I love vintage so maybe I'm biased.This is a book you can pick up and right away get started creating beautiful vintage art.
- Kathy Vance "Kathy"

I believe everyone should indulge in their culture and make some art. Josie has not only done that with this book, but offers oodles of ideas to inspire others to do so too. The projects are unique and the presentation is beautiful, great directions too. Way to go, Josie!
- Kathy Cano-Murillo "The Crafty Chica"

I enjoyed seeing how vintage ephemera can be incorporated into a new piece of art. Although collage and altered art are not my typical media, I was very inspired to try it. There are wonderful illustrations in this text and great ideas for how to create different effects. I have revisited this book often and it will continue to inspire my pieces.
- Smart Cookie

It you are interested in vintage altered art and collage this book is for you...good part of the book is working with tools. the instructions aer clear, the pictures helpful and the examples inspiring for everyone. For those who have done collage for a while the best part fo the book talks about using family history and culture in your work as well as some great ideas about where to find different materials.
- Melissa J. Woolsey

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unusual crafts with not only style, but a story to tell, as well. Highlights include: 20 stepbystep projects with easy, fashionable ..

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Craftcycle Customer Reviews



Craftcycle Customer Reviews
Heidi Boyd has once again created a craft book that is both inspiring and hip. She gives ideas of what to do with all that stuff we've been saving such as old albums and obsolete CDs. She demonstrates how to turn a favorite old sweater into warm felted mittens. Our over packaged and cluttered homes become a source of materials for these craft projects. Some examples include using plastic toy soldiers to make snack bowls and old slides to create a lampshade. Take that collection of plastic bags in the kitchen to make a tote that can be used again and again at the Farmer's Market. This book also offers construction projects and ideas towards living a green life.
- lauren Mofford

I have read my fair share of craft idea books. This book has come up with different ideas that don't fall into the standard craftiness. It is broken down into Seasons... winter, fall, summer and spring craft ideas for repurposing items. My only gripe was that there weren't more projects!
- Mom2three

The day after I got the book I showed it to my daughter and we cleaned out my cupboard of old material and sheets and she started making the laundry basket that day. Fun and easy stuff. Nice pictures and good directions. Something for everyone.
- L. Parish

This does look like a good book but it doesn't translate into kindle well - it's pretty impossible to read and see what the diagrams are on kindle.
- Vicky "Vicky"

Not much that was new under the sun....really no better than what you can find on the web. I don't think it meets the description. I LOVE craft and art books. I want something very useful or beautiful...this is not. I found the recipes for food out of place. Just not my cup of tea
- Deborah Diemer

sent this as a gift for my almost-14-yr-old niece. she was immediately asking her mom for her younger brother's old pajamas to make some kind of bag. lots of fun ideas to keep her busy over the holidays.
- Jen

The book Craftcycle has great pictures, but had a little struggle with some of the directions. I would give this book as a gift.
- Sonya M Bob

The projects are fun and whimsical as well as useful. There's a nice mix of knitting, crocheting, sewing (by hand, no machine needed), several projects using melting/iron/heat gun (so it would be okay for older teens, but not children), etc. The author mentions that the odd project might not be green (there's a lot of plastic melting and use of polymers) but this should only bother the purist. These projects truly repurpose items you'll have around the home into useful and appealing items. I've actually seen these some of these items in department stores, so you can get the same look for a fraction of the cost.Since I've recently purchased this book, I haven't tried the recipes that are scattered throughout, but they appear to be easy, with foods that are readily available in any grocery store and using items in just about any kitchen. I plan on trying several, which I can't say about other similar books I've bought.Finally, I've read a lot of book reviews for the Kindle where people complain about typos. I guess I rarely notice the typo problem in a book of fiction, I'm too wrapped up in the story. However, now I understand what the armchair editors are talking about. This book is LOADED with typos that are distracting from the great, fun projects the author put together. I don't know yet if the typos impact the instructions/end outcome of a project. Also, since this book/author is from Australia, you might also be doing some internet research on a few of the words used and weren't Americanized. It appears that measurements for the crafts and recipes were converted.Overall, I really wish the publisher had taken the time to work with this book for the Kindle. In addition to the typos, little to no attention seems to have been made to formatting of the pages, making for more distraction and awkwardness of use. The pictures of the projects are not good on the Kindle, but I also view the book on my PC to see the same pictures in color. The nice thing about the Kindle, I have the project lists and recipes when I'm out, so I can pick up what I need to work on them. However, I'm not entirely sure this is enough for me to buy another Kindle edition of a book from this publisher.
- K. M. Howard "looking for good mind candy"

The projects in this book are easy to do and make great family projects if you are interested in teaching your kids to "re-purpose" items rather than throw them away. I was amused to see the bag that is made from used chip bags (front cover) - these were selling like hotcakes in Mexico last fall. I couldn't help but laugh out loud when I saw so many women buying them - after all, how many chip bags have you thrown in the trash?
- Ellen Knowles

I believe in leading by example so I try to lead as green a life as I can. It's easier than you think. I realized however, that my biggest consumption outside food is crafting supplies. It takes up a whole closet in my tiny apartment. If I could reduce my consumption while still feeding my crafting habit I'd be thrilled. This book has given me some really great ideas. I loved the potato chip bag. I'm asking friends at work to save thier chip bags so I can make one. The ideas for green living are also well thought out and practical for daily living. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to "green" up thier life.
- Meghan

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for using recycled goods other materials in your crafts Crafting projects for Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter A Word From the ..

Monday, July 29, 2013

Interactive Art Workshop Shopper Reviews



Interactive Art Workshop Shopper Reviews
This is a fun book! Its hard to decide which project to do next. There are SO many fun and creative ideas in this book for making unique multi-dimensional, cards and other art projects that move. Clear directions and colorful artwork images really help get the creative juices flowing.I've been sharing a book with my kids. We're ordering another so my daughter has her own copy. We especially like the large variety of artists' examples offered in the book to inspire us!
- GG

The person who said she learned nothing from this book could not have read it. The projects are all new, I have seen them in no other book and I have a lot of books. Kim is inventive and unique, and personally, I think almost anyone who journals or make books will find something to use here. Go for it!
- J. K. Berry "jkberry"

I heard about this workbook from another group of artists. It was all they promised and better. The projects are unique, the examples come from lots of different artists and are diverse and interesting. A good resource!
- D. Kattenbraker "bluekatt"

I received this book as a gift from a special friend. I am a young mother and appreciate all the character and special touches this book has to offer. I have done many little scraps of art but had little ideas of how to add a unique and intriguing feel to it. Now with all of the ideas I can add many features to my simple art to give it the spice it needs!Making art that moves not only catches the viewers eyes but keeps them focused on the different aspects that is the art itself. This is something I am still trying to get a hang of.I would also like to say that this book also has a touch of antique beauty to it! For those of you who like to make the old look new and the new look old, this is a great asset for you!Kim is a great and inspiring individual! I am proud own any work she has done and hope that her work continues!!
- Example

When buying a book on-line, you gotta go by what little info offered and you really have to judge a book by the cover. I thought this book was like no other I had seen as soon as I got it in my hands. Interesting spin (no pun intended)It's a good book if you want to ad something different and fun to your art.Reminds me of a Monty Python cartoon
- S. A. Anderson

Kim Rae Nugent has some really fun ideas in here. It brings me back to childhood when making art in school. I think we all need to find our inner child. Easy to follow and apply you own ideas to the projects. I loved seeing everybodys use of the techniques. Seeing others artists work inspires me. Loved this book.
- Cynthia A Dean

This book has my brain spinning! (I think I just picked the first project from the book to use in my journal!) Kim's book has so many creative and fun ideas that add surprise and whimsy. I loved how the book plays off of our childhood nostalgia for interactive books and toys and then applies the concept to our modern journals. The book certainly demystifies how to add moving parts to a project. AND, a big round of applause to the book designer... the book is beautifully designed too!
- Shelly Massey

I love this book! I Have tried the various activities and the directions and ideas are stimulating! I highly recommend this book!
- gina louthian-stanley

Goodness knows how many paper collage & assemblage books are now being cranked out, and I try to keep up with them all and so get tired of seeing the same thing over and over again. So I was happy to read Interactive Art Workshop and actually get some fun NEW ideas that I hadn't seen everywhere else. The best part is that these techniques can be applied to just about any paper or book arts project and don't demand you do exactly what the author is doing. Kim Rae Nugent encourages you to take her ideas and run with them!
- Carolyn B

Interactive Art WorkshopWe all have those favorite children's books that allow us to play along, to take an active part in the story, or the greeting cards that encouraged us to have a role in making them come to life. Interactive Art Workshop explains the mysteries of "how'd they do that" and provides the reader/artist with a plethora of examples of talented artists putting their spin on the adult version of those interactive mysteries, adding both humor and wit to the element of surprise.Kim has provided ample photos of works in progress to help answer those questions the visual learner is often left with when `reading the directions'. My only regret is not being able to manipulate and interact with all the wonderful examples. I look forward to Kim providing that opportunity in her hands-on workshops.As an adult learner and instructor, I find a multitude of projects for all ages, great fun ahead for everyone.
- Jackie Hefty "whispering woodlands"

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projects, each with a unique interactive element ranging from paper wheels, to fully functioning pull tabs, to flapping doors and slide ..

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Art Journaling with Gina Rossi Armfield: The No Excuses Approach to Mixed Media Collage Purchaser Review



Art Journaling with Gina Rossi Armfield: The No Excuses Approach to Mixed Media Collage Purchaser Review
I have had the pleasure of taking many classes with Gina Armfield, both online and at art retreats. Her artwork and style are inspirational. Gina's videos give wonderful detailed instruction. For those just beginning an artist journey...this is the video for you. No matter your skill set, this will spark your creative spirit.
- Christine M. Kalina

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this engaging workshop, Gina Rossi Armfield shows you step-by-step techniques for adding collage to your art journal. You'll get expert advice ..