Italian Country Living

Book was so interesting, I accidently purchased one that I already had.......2007-05-31

Vineyards and rolling hills
From the Maremma coastline to the countryside around Siena, from the vineyards of Chianti to the famous beaches of Viareggio, not forgetting the ancient cities of Florence, Siena, Lucca, Arezzo, Cortona . . . the ever-changing scenery of Tuscany is a source of infinite delight.

Gardens of Tuscany
Famous for its sumptuous villas, Tuscany welcomes the garden lover: the Boboli Gardens in Florence, the gardens in Lucca or Siena--less well-known but just as beautiful--Living in Tuscany brings these havens of tranquility to the reader.

Tuscan Interiors
A room with a view over the Piazza del Campo in Siena, medieval terraces in the heart of Florence, grand villas surrounded by vineyards belonging to Tuscany's ancient nobility, the homes of artists and writers. Tuscany opens its doors to reveal its cultural and creative riches.

Artistic heritage
Tuscany is justly proud of its artistic and cultural heritage: fabulous museums in the heart of ancient cities displaying all the glories of Italian decorative art; the workshops of sculptors from all over the world come to work in the small town of Pietrasanta; artisans breathing new vigor into the traditional crafts of the region--Impruneta pottery, silks and perfume from Florence, mosaic art, marbled paper and leatherwork.

Places of special interest
Well-known Florence restaurants or tiny trattorias in isolated hamlets, local markets, the village butcher who is also a poet, wines from Chianti and purest olive oils for the gourmet palate, Tuscany is a synonym for good living. Old family villas turned into hotels, small farms that welcome families exploring off the beaten track: discovering Tuscany's hidden treasures becomes a real delight.

Visitor's Guide
The best addresses, as recommended by the Tuscans themselves, to discover the true Tuscany beyond the tourist trail. From little-known museums to the best vineyards to visit, from where to find the finest handmade gloves to where to eat the best tagliatelle, the Visitor's Guide tells you all you need to know to make the most of your stay in this enchanting region.

Tuscany . . . The name evokes a unique lifestyle, the legacy of an extraordinary historical and cultural heritage. In Tuscany, daily life is steeped in art: villas and gardens are wonders of balance between man and nature; interiors harbor treasures jealously guarded through the centuries. In this sumptuously illustrated book, we discover villages where time seems to have stopped; the extraordinary interiors and gardens of villas and palaces; and the traditional crafts, cuisine, and wines which make this region so exceptional.

Ah, Tuscany. Where the hills are soft and the valleys wide, providing some of the most magnificent vistas in the world. Where on top of every hill is an enchanting medieval town, and in between lies sun-drenched countryside covered with vineyards and olive groves. A seasoned traveler's fondest memory, an armchair traveler's fondest dream. This private tour of the most spectacular Tuscan villas, houses, abbeys, and castles introduces us to the beauty and deep-rooted culture of Italy's most famous region. Here are interiors and exteriors of 25 of Tuscany's most dramatic and unusual dwellings, from grand Renaissance villas to simple farmhouses, transformed by expert restoration into modern homes. More than 400 full-color photographs allow us to slip inside and explore the period furniture, collections, and architecture within, while an illuminating text reveals their unique history. A terrific sourcebook of design ideas and a fascinating travel book all in one.

-25 step-by-step mosaic projects, most featuring a convenient, ready-to-use design template

-Tips on how to use a wide variety of creative materials, including stained glass, china, pottery and shells

-Contemporary techniques including groutless mosaics and both the direct and indirect methods of laying tile

What's more is that Ms. Chin provides the pattern stitch multiples so you can adapt her savvy pattern stitch combinations to other projects of interest. She even encourages you to do so with a few non-afghan teasers.

It would be preferable to have some crochet experience before trying the designs in this book but by no means do you have to be an expert. For novices and experienced crocheters alike, this book will inspire the creative person inside you by opening your eyes to the multitude of stitch and color combinations you can simply achieve through crochet. I most definately agree that knitters will want to take up crochet!

This book shakes up the notion of what crocheted items look like - yes, we crocheters know it isn't all those granny square pochos in forest green and harvest gold, but the world doesn't know that yet. M's Chin's designs for afghans and wearables are very interesting and look quite elegant.

This is not, however, for raw beginners although the instructions are clear and precise. This is for crocheters who want to stretch their talent in a different way and do not have to worry about exactly how the stitches turn out. This is a good book for somebody who has some experience crocheting so they can see what is possible to do with the art of crochet.

Crochet has never gotten the respect knitting gets and I believe this items in this book will help people see crocheting in a new way. So until that day, nake an item (or three) from this book and be prepared to explain "No, it's crocheted" to the unknowing. You'll enjoy the book and the projects and spreading the word that crochet is cool.

Better Homes & Gardens - Mosaics Made Easy (Leisure Arts #1938) (Creative Collection)

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Better Homes & Gardens - Mosaics Made Easy (Leisure Arts #1938) (Creative Collection)

Manufacturer: Leisure Arts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000LIPK60

I also used Martin Cheek's book Making Mosaics: 15 stylish projects from start to finish. I felt the Cheek book cave more comprehensive advice to the novice. If you can only get one book, I would recommend Cheek, but if you are attracted to the projects in this one, you will also find it worthwhile.

Contains good traceable outlines for: a daisy, sunflower, tulip, leaf-type motifs, duck, chicken, fish, stars, shell, starfish.