Book Description
Instructions enabling the reader to reproduce the charming origami works of Kunihiko Kasahara, which are filled with the artist's love of his art and his sparkling sense of humor.
Customer Reviews:
One of the best overall books.......2003-04-08
I have about 300 origami books and have designed several hundred of my own models and Origami Made Easy is still the book I most recommend.
Kunihiko Kasahara is one of the most prolific origami writers. Origami Made Easy is one of his older books but it has been constantly in print and that is rare in origami books.
The book is nicely organized in sections by theme and the drawings are quite clear. The diagrams follow the standard Yoshizawa\Randlett style using just diagrams and almost no text to show how to fold figures.
Some of my favorite models are in this book, including my favorite peacock.
I have always felt it was best to learn origami by example with a teacher or tutor and not straight from a book (as I was forced to do), but for folders just getting into the art I would always recommend this book.
thumbs down.......2001-08-23
this book is good for giving instruction on the different forms of folds but the illistrations and diagrams are were this book lacks. the diagrams are there but there is only one or two explinations of the different steps. I find it very hard to follow instructions when all I see is a picture telling me to do something and I don't have an explination. so I say if your in need of learning how to make certain folds then by all means use this book but using it to learn how to make an item is very difficult and I don't recomend this book.
Good basic book for beginners.......2001-05-07
This was one of my first origami books. I now have several dozen origami books, but I still come back to this for a few models every now and then.
It is a very good book for learning/teaching the basics, and the models reflect the attribute I most admire in Kasahara's work - elegance. Be they simple or complicated, Mr. Kasahara's models have just the right balance of detail, to make them look full, and restraint, to avoid looking forced.
This makes an excellent introduction to origami, not only in its instruction of the techniques of paper-folding but also in the esthetics of what makes a model successful.
Good for children and beginners, but very short.......2000-07-15
This is a pretty short basic origami book. It has simplemodels that are fairly well illustrated. It's geared more towardschildren or for classroom use. Frankly, I felt ripped off taking this book out of the library. There are better uses of your origami dollars. I could see this, along with a pack of paper, making a nice gift for a child. I would definitely not buy it for someone past 12.
Product Description
"Please Notes: This is the NTSC format 1VHS, no books, playable with multisystem VHS players in the world."
Average customer rating:
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Origami Made Easy
Manufacturer: Main Street
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1402707002 |
Product Description
An illustrated introduction to Origami. Colorful and includes step by step instructions.
Customer Reviews:
The masks are stunning.......2005-01-30
I have recently been trying to add new books to my craft book collection, and since I enjoy doing origami and I've recently been getting into handmade books, I thought I'd expand my library of origami books to provide myself with ideas for page elements and cover decorations. I have been designing a large "first book" for the two year old son of one of my coworkers. Tammi and I have known one another for over a decade now, having met while we both worked on the ICU ward in our hospital. We now work on the recovery ward together. She and her husband were blessed with a child during their thirties, and no one could be a more enthusiastic Mom than she. An interactive book that she could read with her son seemed just the thing, and origami forms to illustrate it seemed a splendid and simple way to go about the project.
Although I have several books in my library that include origami plants and animals they are a little on the old side (some dating to the 1960s), so I decided I'd see what new had been published. I selected three origami kits out of curiosity: Origami Made Easy by Irmagard Kneissler, Origami Jungle by Michael G. LaFosse, and The Great Origami Book and Kit, by Zülal Aytüre-Scheele.
First let it be said that I'm all for creating innovative and attractive ways for involving more people in the fun and creativity of origami. I've done paper folding and paper crafts for almost 30 years now, and I'm still learning about the art. Kits make sense in that they provide the beginner with everything they require at a known price. One doesn't purchase a reasonable book and discover there are a dozen other things one requires that all cost a fortune. It allows the novice to pick up a kit, try a few projects and decide whether this is a hobby they would enjoy enough to go out and find new materials to try and new more sophisticated books to study.
This said I also have to point out the caveat to this form of "boxed learning." In each situation, the packaging is designed to attract the purchaser. It tells what is included and stresses that it's all you need to do the projects, some of which are displayed on the package itself. What it doesn't do-short of opening it or having an open copy available- is let the purchaser look through the book itself to see if the illustrations appear too confusing to follow, or if the projects are useful and interesting enough to bother with. Furthermore, the choice of papers included is at the whim of the designer, rather than at the discretion of the novice artist. While none of these kits is particularly expensive, I felt that the drawbacks were not negligible. Two of the three kits were deceptively large but consisted mostly of packaging designed to attract attention.
Of the three books, I found the Aytüre-Scheele the most useful for my specific project. It contained the most interesting flowers and the most recognizable animals. It also contained patterns for buildings. While a little less diverse, the Kneissler book had patterns for a cat and an owl that were quite charming, and designs for masks that were stunning (I could see doing these in large pieces of handmade paper or expensive craft paper to hang on a living room wall). The LaFosse jungle animals were a little disappointing, because they often required quite of bit of interpretation to see the animal in the folded product. Of all of them I was most impressed with the Butterfly in Book One and the Tortoise and the Arrow Frog in Book Two.
On the whole, I think I'd suggest finding a book on origami and paging through it to see if the designs appeal. You might pay even more for a good book of designs than for the kit, but you'd know that the patterns were ones you would really like to try. You will also get an idea of how easy or difficult the designer's method of illustrating the folds is to understand. You can start out folding plain old xerox paper then purchase more colorful-and expensive-papers at a local craft shop when you gain more experience.
Amazon.com
Finally, finally, a practical home-decorating book for the reader who is not a millionaire! Rather than call in a professional design consultant to tell you which walls "must go" and throwing out everything you own in favor of new and expensive designer fabrics, furniture, and fixtures, Ward starts with what you already have and makes dramatic transformations by arrangement, use of color, and a few inexpensive additions of objects or materials. Her idea is to use what you already have and like, and operate on a budget you can afford to make your home more satisfying and aesthetically pleasing to you without being a slave to passing trends, fads, and radical transformations that end up making you feel like a stranger in your own home.
Among the many tips and guidelines, Ward starts with the top 10 decorating mistakes that professionals all know about, but that anyone can recognize and fix. She covers diagnosing problems that jar the eyes, offers suggestions on items to banish and others to borrow from elsewhere in the home to create more visual appeal, talks about how to shop for furniture that will work with what you already own, offers tips for new homeowners and people just starting out to make older furniture work in new spaces, and covers the kinds of dramatic improvements possible through the use of the right artwork, accessories, and lighting. This is a great gift book for newlyweds, new homeowners, or anyone interested in creative, lively home decorating without breaking the bank. --Mark A. Hetts
Book Description
At last, a decorating book that teaches anyone how to achieve the look they want, using the space they have, the things they like and the budget they can afford. In fact, Lauri Ward demonstrates how to make dramatic changes to any home without spending a penny! In her unique book, Lauri Ward identifies the ten most common decorating mistakes and illustrates how they can be corrected without hiring a professional decorator. Using real before-and-after examples, complete with photographs and drawings, Use What You Have Decorating shows what most people do wrong--and how errors can be remedied in short order, easily and economically. Different from any other interior design book, Use What You Have Decorating provides the principles and techniques necessary not only to create an instant transformation but also to make the right choices and purchases in the future. And unlike most decorating books, this one remains timeless because it doesn't depend on current fads or fashions. It allows anyone to have the most inviting home based on the best taste--their own. Use What You Have Decorating works with any style of furniture, from traditional to contemporary; with any size room or home, from studio to estate; with any budget, at any stage of life and regardless of style or taste of each individual.
Customer Reviews:
I love this book!.......2007-08-26
I am a professional interior designer and I found this book great because it provides great information in a easy to read format. I read more than half the book in one evening. Some people have stated that even though they love the book they wished it was in color. I love the book in black and white because the emphasis really is on the placement and not so much the color. I find that when items are related in color it is easy for the eye to make the "connection" and ignore the real placement of the items. When the pictures are in black and white, it forces the eye to look at where and how the items are placed. This is a great book and I would recommend it to the novice, lay person, or professional designer/decorator looking to add an additional service that they can offer their clients. I give it two thumbs up!
Use What You Have.......2007-05-29
This is a good book for people who have no experience or formal training with decorating. I found the top 10 tips for avoiding design disaster to be helpful and easy to understand. The pictures in the book are very outdated, but made me feel like I might have a fighting chance with my own space.
One of my favorite decorating books..........2007-04-26
...and yet I only give it 4 stars. Why? Because first of all, there is very little advice that applies beyond the living room, and that's a formal living area - not the family gathering and watching TV area. I would love to see a book of hers that will address other areas in the house.
Beyond that though, I love this book. I'm a down to earth person, always looking for a quick and cheap way to re-do things. This book taught me decorating principles that were easy to put into practice. I like the before and after pics, explanations and the occassional room layouts. After studying this book a few times, it took me less than an hour to re-arrange my living room. It's so much more inviting and comfortable now, that I don't want to leave it! As for color vs. black and white photos, of course I'd prefer color. But I can live with it, because the content is so helpful. I have the older version too that has a middle insert of color photos as well.
This book will be helpful if you already have a house of furniture or maybe suffer from TMS syndrome (too much stuff) and if you enjoy being creative with what you have. If not, then this book will probably frustrate you.
Good, But Not Great........2007-03-06
The pros: it has before and after shots showing different living rooms and how to arrange the furniture and pictures on the walls to make the room flow. it is an easy read and doesn't get boring half way through. The suggestions are easy to implement into your home. in the book, each room shows what has been re-arranged, taken out, bought, and borrowed from other rooms in the home.
The cons: all the pictures are black and white, a few color pics would have been helpful for color ideas. it needs more pictures of the rooms instead of just one or two. as newlyweds we came from an apartment into our four bedroom home and we don't have the furniture to "borrow" from other rooms to complete the look. one of the reasons i bought this book is to learn how to decorate with what we have without having to buy a lot of new things. this book is good if you have an established home with more furniture.
Best do-it-yourself decorating book.......2007-02-21
This book is the most down-to-earth realistic book I have seen for the DIY person. The most important things individuals need to know, design principles are all included. The layout of the book with before and after picures and sidebars that list what is wrong and then what has been changed I consider to be priceless. Each chapter is easy to read. This book will always be at hand in my home.
Thank you Lauri Ward for giving me the encouragement and know-how to get my home looking its best.
Sylvia B.
Book Description
Masako Takahashi, coauthor of the best-selling Mexicolor, now turns her attention to the vibrant tiles that are such a key element in Mexican style and design. Bring a festive new look to any home or garden with the ideas in Mexican Tiles. Masako Takahashi leads a colorful architectural tour through Mexico, revealing the many ways tiles are used for function and decoration, adding color and interest to everyday surroundings. Over 175 beautiful color photographs present inspirational examples of classic and contemporary tile work, from colonial-era church facades ornately covered with talavera tiles to vividly detailed modern treatments of bathrooms and kitchens. Including a delightful introduction by Tony Cohen about the history of tile-making in Mexico, plus installation tips and a resource guide, Mexican Tiles is both a fascinating initiation and a practical guide to this key element of Mexican style and design.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Tile Summary.......2006-02-28
I'm in the process of building on the Maya Riviera so this isn't a book read for fun. This is real research looking for real ideas. Building in Spanish Colonial style can't be done without some incorporation of Mexican Tiles. This book is basically 90% pictures and 10% background and history of Mexican Tiles. The background write-up is excellent and gives good history of Talavera and Talavera-Style Tiles. Then it's on to different uses, floors, kitchens, bathrooms, walls and stairs, and patios and gardens.
I'm very simple in the colors I like in homes so these tiles can be "over the top". This book has a lot of these type pictures. It has more tile usage than I've ever seen on exteriors. The kitchen section has huge tile usage but I've seen more attractive usage in other books.
Overall, I did not get any ideas I will definitely use but I did get a different perspective on tile usage. There are definitely pictures I will take back to discuss with my architect and designer which may be incorporated. This book can be consumed in an hour. But it may take many hours of review going over the pictures again and again.
A bit of a let down........2006-01-18
I love Mexican tiles but I felt the book was a bit of a let down. The pictures were a bit small and there wasn't enough information about tilemaking in the book. I think the book would have been much more effective in a larger format where the tiles would have been more impressive. There are some wonderful talavera tile websites on the net for anyone who wants a better overview.
Great content.......2005-08-02
Book has great ideas. Wish it had been hardback. Book binding, does not want to hold together, considering the wear and tear it shall receive. This is also a great book.
AWESOME!!! Fulfilled ALL my expectations!.......2003-04-12
After I bought Masako Takahasi and her husband Tony Cohen's book "Mexicolor", I thought no other book I purchased would EVER compare to that experience. When I discovered "Mexican Tiles", I opened it with fear and trepidation, hoping against all hope, yet hardly daring to believe that it could be even half as good as their first.
But this book is AWESOME!! I think I finally figured out why, after reading Tony Cohen's book "On Mexican Time": these people simply ADORE Mexico, and it comes through in everything they do. All of the wonder and breathless anticipation and teary-eyed beauty that I feel and am so hopelessly unqualified to express when I am either in Mexico or adding to my collection of artesania, Tony vividly portrays in his prose and Masako captures with her camera.
As for subject matter, I LOVE Talavera tiles, Talavera pottery, Talavera ANYTHING, because they are so INCREDIBLY Mexican, and this book is simply PAGE after GORGEOUS PAGE of Talavera-lined kitchens, bathrooms, stairs, floors...you name it, it's tiled. If you at all appreciate ethnic interior design or Mexican handicrafts, this is an AWESOME book!!!
Amazon.com
Skilled decorative painters can make their intricate artwork look tremendously difficult to accomplish, but Priscilla Hauser knows precisely how to teach her art even to beginners. In Priscilla Hauser's Decorative Painting Secrets the doyenne of decorative painting takes a flower-of-the-month approach, serving up 12 charming projects, each loosely related to the time of year. Thus January brings a bright patch of crocus painted on a weathered architectural bracket; May offers wisteria delicately trailing over a long wooden fragment that's become a headboard; and November features a chrysanthemum-strewn frosted glass platter. Each project is introduced by a little diary entry that explains the piece's genesis. In July, for instance, Hauser focuses on miniature watering cans bedecked with tiny rosebuds--originally created, she tells us, as bridesmaids' gifts for her daughter's wedding shower. An extensive introduction to technique shows exactly how to use various brushes to paint specific types of strokes and how to work with blending gel and floating medium. This volume is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get started in decorative painting. --Amy Handy
Book Description
No one has taught more people decorative painting than Hauser, whose first book on the subject sold more than a million copies. This lovely, personal introduction to the basics of capturing flowers features handwritten pages with her reflections, worksheets for each project and brush stroke, patterns, and a photographic breakdown of all the necessary skills.
Customer Reviews:
Deceptive title, but overall a good book.......2001-11-18
Although I couldn't figure out what decorative painting secrets were revealed in the book, basic techniques (floating, blending and simple blending) were covered more thoroughly than in some of Priscilla's previous books. Those interested in pen and ink will appreciate this one.
Book Description
Using this book and some basic paint supplies, you can transform your tired old wooden furniture into functional works of art. This book is great for turning "flea market finds" into "shabby chic" style furniture. Beginners and even experienced craftspersons will enjoy these organized projects and easy to follow step-by-step instructions.
Customer Reviews:
Carolyn Quatermaine A Genius in Decorative Arts! .......2006-12-26
For Years I was clipping from the European magazines the genius of Carolyn Quartermaine, not realizing they were all the same lady. One day, I finally analyzed this collection of photographs. Soon, I had a portfolio of her beautiful fantasies in decoration, food and collages, then I found the book. She changed my way of living toer "anything goes as long as it is beautiful". I am her fan forever !!
perfection!!!.......2005-04-10
I adore Carolyn Quartermaine! Several years ago I was captivated by a House Beautiful cover that featured gorgeous, lusciously colored printed silks. I saved the magazine, and later bought this book, only to open it and find the same photo. I was thrilled to finally find the artist who I'd been carrying in my head all those years. Carolyn is absolutely amazing, an incredible textile artist, as well as a beautifully creative individual. This wonderful book includes not only pictures of her work, but also a section on arranging food, and everyday objects that will make you feel like you've slipped into some heavenly version of Wonderland. An excellent book by an inspiring artist!
Incredibly Original.......2002-05-21
This is my favorite decorating book of all time. It inspired me to experiment and create different looks, and I highly recommend it.
Pretty in Shocking Pink, Tangerine, and Robin's Egg Blue.......2001-11-14
French 18th century chandeliers swathed in organza, colorful Japanese candies in charming boxes, luxuriant fresh garden roses scattered across a ballgown skirt-if these images appeal to you, Carolyn Quartermaine Revealed is a must see. The book is a hybrid of fashion and interior design, and showcases fabric designer and collage artist Quartermaine's London flat.
Her home is also her studio, where she is constantly experimenting. She favors the romance and elegance of antique French pieces tempered by clean, airy surroundings. Passionate about color, Quartermaine appreciates beauty in both grand and mundane objects-from the peeling paint of a fine old gilded chair to a pretty ice cream wrapper. The exquisite photographs show yards of luscious silk in robin's egg blue, vivid pinks, and tangerine against a backdrop of crisp white. Calligraphy-both Asian and Western-is another passion of the artist. Her contemporary twists on the classics are smart, fresh, and entertaining.
Essentially Quartermaine seems to live in a splendid world of her own creation, and the book gives readers glimpse in to it.
Some research on Carolyn Quartermaine.......2000-03-31
I found the book first class, but need more help from Carolyn's followers. I am studying at Staffordshire University for a BA (HONs) in Surface Pattern and my research is covering Carolyn Quartermaine. Information about her is limited. Can anyone help me anywhere please by sending me information at sylviroyal@aol.com Thank you so much.
Average customer rating:
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Principles of Feng Shui (Thorsons Principles Series)
Simon Brown
Manufacturer: Thorsons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Interior Design
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Divination
| New Age
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
| Crystals
| Fortune Telling
| General
| Graphology
| I Ching
| Numerology
| Palmistry
| Prophecy
| Runes
| Tarot
General
| New Age
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Occult
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Feng Shui
| Stress
| Personal Health
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0722533470 |
Book Description
Feng Shui is the ancient Oriental system of organizing your home and work place in a way that promotes health, happiness and success.
Average customer rating:
- Trompe L'Oeil: Techniques & Projects
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Trompe L'oeil: Techniques & Projects
Jan Lee Johnson
Manufacturer: Guild of Master Craftsman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Painting
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Decorating
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Painting
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Painting & Wallpapering
| Interior Design
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Trompe L'Oeil Bible
ASIN: 1861082355 |
Amazon.com
The remarkable eye-fooling effects of trompe l'oeil painting can fully encompass entire rooms, but they can be equally stunning--and much easier to achieve--when applied to individual home décor items. Trompe L'oeil: Techniques & Projects by Jan Lee Johnson provides the necessary background and detailed step-by-step instructions to enable even the novice to convincingly portray stone, lace, grisaille, marble, fabric, and still-life scenes featuring realistic-looking imitation postcards, flower arrangements, and accessory-filled shelves. Try out the techniques on trays, plaques, cupboards, tabletops, and small wall areas; there's even a cool-looking toilet seat sporting an intricate faux mosaic design. Several of the 10 projects require a more experienced hand, but confident newcomers should be able to handle the easier ones after some practice and with Johnson's skillful guidance. Templates are included for all the design motifs. --Amy Handy
Book Description
Produce truly convincing fakes with an introduction to the skills, along with more than 400 color photographs and 100 templates and illustrations. Create the impression of woodgrain, stonework, grisaille, lace, fabric folds, and other 3-D effects. Build confidence, and sophistication, with projects large and small—including a permanent “checked tablecloth”; stone window frame and
view; Etruscan fresco; and Provençal mural.
Customer Reviews:
Trompe L'Oeil: Techniques & Projects.......2003-11-15
The only reason this reviewer gave 2 stars is for the faux finish stone effects. The remainder of the work, the so called trompe l' oeil effects, look as though done by a beginning artist.They are very unprofessional.Can't compare with Christofer Westall, Joyce Kerr Holding or Roberta Gordon Smith.
Average customer rating:
- Excellent reference for interior designer
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Color Your World
Maria Flynn
Manufacturer: Rotovision
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Interior Design
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Graphic Arts
| Graphic Design
| Design & Decorative Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Interior Design
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 2880466229 |
Customer Reviews:
Excellent reference for interior designer.......2003-01-06
This book stood out among the others regarding color in interior design. It contained technical and scientific information designers need to support their decisions, and was not geared to the amateur decorator market. An individual study of each major color was provided, along with the best and worst places to use these colors. This book talked about color theory and color psychology in as much detail as a designer might be interested in -- a bit more than the amateur decorator would want, but less than an environmental psychologist might want. The type is very small in the book.
Books:
- Picture Play Quilts
- Pyrex: The Unauthorized Collector's Guide (Schiffer Book for Collectors)
- Quimper Pottery (A Schiffer Book for Collectors)
- Samplers from A to Z
- Scuffy the Tugboat and His Adventures Down the River
- Simple Flutes: A Guide to Flute Making and Playing, or How to Make and Play Great Homemade Musical Instruments for Children and All Ages from Bamboo, Wood, Clay, Metal, PVC Plastic, or Anything Else
- Snazaroo Zoo: Great Faces and Easy Costumes to Bring Out the Animal in You
- Start Quilting with Alex Anderson: Six Projects for First-Time Quilters, 2nd Edition
- Sundials: History, Theory, and Practice
- SweaterBabe.com's Fabulous and Flirty Crochet: Gorgeous Sweater and Accessory Patterns from Los Angeles' Top Crochet Designer (Quarry Book)
Books Index
Books Home
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Memory Folding: Memory Makers
Tea Bag Folding
Tea Bag Folded Greetings Cards (Greetings Cards series)
Memory Makers Photo Kaleidoscopes: Creating Dramatic Photo Art on Your Scrapbook Pages (Memory Makers)
Creative Paper Techniques for Scrapbooks: More Than 75 Fresh Paper Craft Ideas (Memory Makers)
