"Sherry Serafini's Sensational Bead Embroidery" by Sherry Serafini

* * * * *

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Lark Crafts (April 5, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-13: 978-1600596728
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches

Another 5 start crafting book from Lark. I've been interested in bead weaving - and have thought I would like to try my hand at it. This book is one of the best I've seen. The designs are original and gloriously beady. Bling in all the right places. Clear, well illustrated instructions are a hallmark of the way Lark does books - and this book is no exception to the rule. I can always count on being able to understand the way something is made when the photographs and written instructions are clear enough.

This is 'feast your eyes' book as well and instructional. Exquisite creations that will, I'm sure, make you want to adorn yourself with beaded beauties - and make gifts for your friends as well.

I hope these photos from the book are grist for your creative mill!

"Sewn By Hand" by Susan Wasinger

 * * * *

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Lark Crafts (April 5, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-13: 978-1600596681
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches 

As a real believer in the 'slow cloth' philosophy I was really pleased to see this book. I get tired by all of the advertisements that everything, seemingly, must " fast, fun and fabulous" - or some similar iteration of that sentiment. Going slowly is more meditative and, especially with sewn articles, you can really sew a it of yourself into what you make when you do it by hand

Table of Contents

This little gem of book is venerates both the art of slow cloth - sewing by hand - as well as the eco-friendly philosophy of recycling with aplomb.  The projects are very well illustrated, fairly simple and eminently useful. Hand sewing makes the look. 

Well illustrated dictionary of hand stitches

The table of contents says it all. A well illustrated dictionary of hand stitches is thorough and well done. I really like some of the included projects. A great apron (not some skimpy little thing) made from recycled button down shirts. Salvaged shirts make another appearance as very well thought out "cafe napkins" that make great use of the buttons on the shirt. Another favorite project I found is for a tote bag - that includes simple directions for making your great looking covered buttons.

A great apron made from recycled button down shirts

I think that this book should hold wide appeal to sewers of all persuasions - hand and machine as well as to eco conscious recyclers. The projects are useful, fresh and delightful. I also think this book is a great value. Both in monetary cost but also  for the seriously good feeling that slow, hand sewn, cloth combined with serious re-purposing can bring to you.

Shirts are again highlighted in these wonderful cafe napkins

Perfect use for the buttons that are already on the shirt!

Fashion and function plus recycling - a win/win combination!

Making your own covered buttons tutorial

note: this book was provided to me by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. No other remuneration was received

"Focus Letters Your World Your Images" from Lark Books

* * * * *

• Hardcover: 180 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books (May 3, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-13: 978-1600597114
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 7.1 x 0.7 inches 

Lark Books ( an imprint of Sterling Publications) does such a great job with both their "Focus" and "500" series. These are, in a way, special interest publications, but I also think of them more like creative fodder for all artists. I love seeing the way different people view the world around them - and nothing really does that better than the "Focus" series. This Focus - Letters plays on one of my favorite things. I love letters in all of their glorious variations. 

"B"

This book is a treasure house of letters - viewed any way that people find them. What I really appreciate about this series is that in looking at the photographs your own creativity is sparked. I often think "would I have noticed that?"  or "what a great way to depict that!". Grab a copy of this modestly priced book and get your own creative juices going!

"T"

"M"

"E"

"Y"

Note: this book was provided to me by the publisher for the purpose of an honest reivew. No other remuneration was recieved

"Elizabeth and The Prince Of Spain" by Margaret Irwin

* * * *

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (April 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-13: 978-1402229985

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Originally published in 1953 this was the last book in Margaret Irwin's "Young Bess" series. Because it was written in an earlier era the book is not a racy bodice ripper - something that I appreciate. It's not that I'm a prude  - but I do get a tad tired of  the "sex sells" philosophy- especially in relation to good historical fiction writing. 

This book revolves around Philip of Spain's relationship with Elizabeth. The  staunch Catholic, philanderer (depending on your point of view I guess) and husband of Elizabeth's half sister Queen Mary, lusted for Elizabeth. This aspect of Elizabeth's life provides a fresh point of view which I quite liked.  I think Ms. Irwin did an excellent job of portraying the historical context and  the book is rife with court life details. It's a book that I enjoyed reading and thinking about all of the "what ifs"  made for some interesting "grist for the mill".

I don't believe that I have read the first two books in this series - but would like to. It's a good stand alone book but reading it in series might be worthwhile. Sourcebooks does such a great job of bringing back some of "the best of the best". This is another highly recommended read for all historical history fans - especially those of us who love Elizabeth I .

 

note: this book was provided to be by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review - no other remuneration was received

"Surface Treatment Workshop" by Darlene O. McElroy and Sandra D. Wilson

* * * * * 

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books (May 3, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-13: 978-1440308246
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches

I love this book! I was hesitant about it because the author's previous book "Image Transfer Workshop" is, in my humble opinion, one of the best books I've invested in (and I invest a lot in books!) and I wasn't sure that a new book could live up to that opinion. I am SO happy to report that this book is another home run, totally out-of-the-ball park winner of a book.

The lay out is very well considered and the instructions are superlative - perfectly illustrated with photos that relate directly to the image. I couldn't wait to begin experimenting! One of the things that intrigued me as I read through the book was a description of Venetian Plaster  - something I had never heard of before - "...Venetian Plaster gives you a unique finish that cannot be replicated with any other medium....". A tall order in my opinion. I got some of this miraculous stuff though and experimented and now have a new favorite mixed media tool. You can see my experiment from using the instructions on my other blog - mzjohansen.blogspot.com.

I can't wait to try more surface treatments from this book. It's a must have for the bookshelf of artists of all sorts - especially for fine arts, mixed media artists and visual journalers. You just can't go wrong by buying this book!

"Ugly "Beauty Helena Rubenstein and the Belmished History Of Looking Good" by Ruth Brandon

 * * * *

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Harper (February 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-13: 978-0061740404
• Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.3 inches

This wasn't a book that I had anticipated reviewing here. It doesn't fit my "usual" categories - as quirky as they can sometimes be. I was offered this book to review and became intrigued by it enough that I decided to post my review.

The name Helena Rubenstein struck a chord with me - seems like I remember my grandmother using some of her cosmetics or something. I knew that she had been "the" woman in the beauty industry at one time. Since I have always been intrigued by the world of fashion and cosmetics - despite the fact that I am neither fashionable nor a heavy user of 'product' - I thought this book would be interesting - and it is!

The book is a dual biography of two of the early cosmetic industry's biggest names. Helena Rubenstein whose impoverished roots in Poland drove her to create one of the the largest cosmetics firms in the world. Her life as "Madame" was lived large around the world.'Madame' believed in working women and it was the money that working women made and spent on her cosmetics that made Helena Rubenstein the first female millionaire.

Her nemesis, Eugene Schueller was French and came from an extremely hard-working family of bakers who slaved from dawn to dusk to make the money that allowed for Eugene to attend the best of schools. Eugene was trained as a chemist and was paid 50 francs by a  noted hairdresser of the day to  find " a safe and reliable artificial hair dye" .. the rest, as they say, is history. Eugene became the founder of L'Oreal which ultimately took over the Helena Rubenstein company. Eugene's beliefs countered those of 'Madame' as he believed that women should be in the home - he used the 'beauty business' "as a source of cash to buy economic and political influence".

This is a book, however, not only about these two driven individuals but also about history. Through two World Wars these two complex people made their ways through the sometimes murky business of beauty, fashion and politics. The author, Ruth Brandon, has done an excellent job of presenting the lives of these two protagonists in relation to the historical events that were ripping countries and belief systems apart. It's a fascinating read that flows easily like a novel. 

 

When I first picked the book up I had not intended to read it right then - I thought I would finish another book first. I became riveted to the story though. It's a fascinating view into the world of 20th century politics and into the lives of two mega humans - equally driven but for differing reasons.

An interesting tid-bit from the book is about the name. Eugene originally named his line of hair dyes L"aureole after a hair style that was popular in 1905. Soon afterwards he changed the name to what we now call L'Oreal.

"Vintage Jewelry Design Classics To Collect and Wear" by Caroline Cox

* * * * *

I am delightfully book boggled right now. 

What a delight to have piles of brain candy right before my eyes! 

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Lark Crafts (April 5, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-13: 978-1600597145
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.9 x 0.9 inches

I was thoroughly surprised when I opened this book. For some reason the title made me think it was more about designing jewelry - but as I paid more attention I became captivated by this gem of a book.It is, in fact, about jewelry design - the history of jewelry design! Most of you who have read my blog for awhile know that I am a history junkie - so this book was actually really up my alley! Although I don't wear a lot of jewelry myself I sure do appreciate it. Thanks to this book I can now identify the period style that most appeals to me. Who knows - when I win the lottery I may go in search of Belle Epoch jewels!

As you can tell from the contents page the book breaks down jewelry design into decades. What was fashionable during this time - and why was it fashionable? How the particular period of history influenced the design and appeal of fashionable jewelry. Fascinating!

As always Lark books are visually appealing. The layout and photography is always spot on. The author, Caroline Cox is a visiting professor at the London College of Fashion and the focus of her work "explores the relationship between fashion, beauty and culture". Ms. Cox is  a lecturer and a cultural trends advisor. I can't think of much more interesting work

 Lark layouts often seem to employ a grid such as in the photo above. I think this approach works very well -it gives the reader a glimpse of what the pages in the next chapter will cover. Here you can that the period covered is 1910- 1919, there is an example of the fashion, jewelry designs and art that was in vogue at the time

The books covers baubles, bangles, beads, gemstones of incredible value and beauty as well as examples of the fashions and art. Historical notes about well know jewelry designers are included - Faberge, Tiffany, Schlumberger, and Schiaparelli just to name a few. Want to know the history of Bakelite and celluloid? This is the book to grab and read. I love the photos in the book - of famous models, celebrities, high society folks and the titillating world of high fashion

I love the way the book ties everything together. Historical references refer to why certain styles, trends and materials came in to fashion when they did. That information is rounded out with a perfect collection of corresponding fashions, make-up styles and artistic works that defined the decade.

Am I little 'gushy' about this book? Yes! Why? Because it was such a delightful surprise and because it fits right in with my enjoyment of all things fashion, costume, and historical. This book will have a wide appeal I think because it does cover so much. It's perfect, of course, for jewelry designers and all of us who love gems and jewels, but it also will appeal to artists, designers, fashionistas and history buffs . I love this book and it does - for certain - have a spot in my permanent library!

note: this book was provided to me by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. No other remuneration was received.

Twelve By Twelve: The International Art Quilt Challenge

* * * * *

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Lark Crafts (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-13: 978-1600596667
• Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches 

In my heart of hearts this is the sort of challenge I would love to be a part of! I was truly grateful when  offered the opportunity to review this book. I know several of the artists whose work is beautifully portrayed and I applaud the wonderful job they have all done in the creation of their art and the design of this simply "must have" book.

The Mathematics theme page.

The book, is course, about the artwork, but it is also so much more. The idea was that twelve themes were chosen and each member of this 12 person  group would make a 12 inch X 12 inch interpretation of the theme. All I can say is "WoW"! Themes included things such as chocolate, community, window, passion, shelter etc. The book is arranged so that one page provides small images of all twelve quilts with more in depth information about the quilts on the pages that follow. Each chapter also includes so much more information though - about meeting each other, how they explored the theme, how they approach the design process, their creative spaces and small, significant highlights about the the inspiration for their designs.

Meet the Artist information and so much more

As with all Lark books, the design of this book is a knock-out. The photographing is perfection. I have to give to Lark. When they do a book- they do it right. Yes, I am a tad prejudiced - but that happened long before I was given the opportunity to review some of their books. Lark makes it all happen.

A page that gives you information about tools and process. Potato Masher?!

The book also includes wonderful tutorials,inspirational glimpses, method/process information as well as tips and tricks about the artist's creative tools, paints, brushes and process.

Instructional and method tutorials are included.

I believe that this book will hold great appeal for art quilters and textile artists of course - but also for artists in general because it really highlights the creative process and will spark your own imagination providing you with creative ideas that will apply to whatever medium you choose to work in. You could follow the themes yourself and see what your interpretation would be. Explore the some of the tools and instructions and make them your own. Feast your eyes on the artwork. Sit back, relax and get your creative mojo going!

The artistic inspiration for their work comes front and center - or right or left!

Creative spaces are highlighted too

note: this book was provided to me by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. No other remuneration was received. When I give 5 stars to a book I mean it!

"500 Raku: Bold Explorations of a Dynamic Ceramics Technique" by R.Hemachandra & J.Romberg

* * * * *

• Paperback: 420 pages
• Publisher: Lark Crafts (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-13: 978-1600592942
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 1.3 inches

This is  the latest in Lark's pith-perfect 500 series. If you love objects the way I do then this is a series that you should investigate - because if you like it - there is "500" book for you - or will be soon!.

When Lark Crafts (a division of Sterling Publishing) provided me with the opportunity to review this book I had to chuckle to myself. There are times when the kind folks I communicate with at Lark seem to know my tastes better than I do! No one at Lark could possible have known what a bowl fetish I have! I collect bowls that I enjoy holding - it's such a satisfying shape. I have never thrown a bowl or vessel before but I know it must be magic - looks at the amazing results!

Raku is an ancient technique originating in 16th century Japan. I have always admired the array of effects that seem to be possible with this unique technique. The juror for this book was Jim Romberg who is the "master ceramist ... of the Eagleheart Center for Arts and Inquiry; Romberg headed the Ceramics Department of Southern Oregon University for two decades. " The editor is Lark's own Ray Hemchandra who has a lot of experience with all things beautiful -  he heads the Beading and Jewelry division of Lark Crafts, among other things.

I wanted to provide you with some glimpses of the pages in this book - but I suddenly found that I could, quite easily, be photographing all of the pages! It's too difficult to select just a few. Who knew - surely not a non-potter like me - that Raku could produce the diversity of styles and beauty that are contained in the pages of this book. 

The photos below are, therefore, a very small sampling of some of the pieces that grabbed my as I first opened the book. You will find delicate beauty, humorous whimsy, bold design and serene simplicity on the these pages. For some reason this "500" book has grabbed me a bit more than some of the titles - perhaps that's because I am not a potter by I admire the medium and covet the results of  the art form. What's a bowl and vessel lover to do but continue to look through the pages of this book - and dream!

Enjoy the preview!

Note: my usual disclosure that this beautiful book was provided to me by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. No other remuneration was received. I really do love this book!