Tuesday, October 21, 2008

New Wood Puzzle Designs: A Guide to the Construction of Both New and Historic Puzzles


New Wood Puzzle Designs: A Guide to the Construction of Both New and Historic Puzzles
By MD, James W. Follette








Customer Reviews

Puzzle1
Not a good value for the money even though it was on sale. All the puzzles are very similiar and once you have made one it doesn't seem to hold interest to make the rest.

For woodcrafters of all ages and skill levels5
New Wood Puzzle Designs: A Guide To The Construction Of Both New And Historic Puzzles is a detailed, involved and definitive woodworker's guide to creating timeless classic wooden puzzles as well as new and innovative wood puzzle types. Superbly illustrated throughout with full-color photographs and unambiguous sketches, New Wood Puzzle Designs is clearly and cleanly written in language the lay reader and novice woodworker can understand as readily as the long-devoted hobbyist. New Wood Puzzle Designs in a truly excellent and highly recommended book for woodcrafters of all ages and skill levels.

Product Description

Wooden puzzles are fun to solve, but with this guide to the almost perfectly square sticks, rings, disks, and other shapes that they require, they are even more fun to make. Twelve puzzles of four different, basic types are described in this guide, along with the tools and techniques needed to make them. There is also expert advice on the woods, glues, and finishes that will give the best results. These puzzles are beautiful and intriguing objects in their own right, and they offer woodworkers a delightful means of sharpening their skills and entertaining their friends.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #34698 in Books
  • Published on: 2001-06-01
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Paperback
  • 96 pages

Feltcraft: Making Dolls, Gifts and Toys


Feltcraft: Making Dolls, Gifts and Toys
By Petra Berger









Customer Reviews

so cute5
My mother picked this book up from a store in Brooklyn and I just had to have one for myself. The projects are incredibly simple yet the results are adorable. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon with your children. Many of the supplies can be found on doll-making websites as well as at chain craft stores. This is NOT a feltmaking book but rather a book on how to use felt sheets and roving to make small dolls. Once you start making them you can't stop!

Disappointing1
I got this book and was immediately disappointed by it. I was expecting more hand-felted toy instructions and there were few to none. The toys in the book are mostly from flat felt sheets like you'd buy at the craft store, not from actual wool that you actually felt. I returned it immediately.

Craft Felting5
Nice project to let your imagination create. Terrific step by step instruction. Fantastic graphics.

Product Description

Feltcraft, an old creative art, is being revived in many homes and schools. Felt, a durable, flexible material made from recycling woolen scraps, is ideal for children to work with. Petra Berger offers detailed, colorfully illustrated instructions for making a wide range of lively, creative dolls, animals, tapestries, and more.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #29999 in Books
  • Published on: 1994-07
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Paperback
  • 88 pages

How to Make Clay Characters Book Review


How to Make Clay Characters
By Maureen Carlson









Customer Reviews

My Daughter Loved It!5
My daughter loves polymer clay and my wife saw this book so she told my daughter about it. My daughter got so excited she couldn't wait to order it. When we got the book, it was in excellent shape. Maureen Carlson is a awesome sculptor and my daughter said she does not know how Maureen created those realistic faces even though there are steps for it!

Great detailed instructions5
Maureen is such an amazing artist. If you are wanting to make figures in clay, then her books are a great place to start. I have several of her books now, and I love them all. Each one teaches you something more. Also this book came in great condition for a used book. Really good seller.

How to make Clay Characters 5
How to make clay characters by Maureen Carlson is not available to buy in Australia. I had it on loan from my local library but only for limited periods and it was never long enough. I am happy to say that although it may have been printed initially a long time ago I am delighted to have obtained it as it has such excellent instructions and lots of handy hints for the polymer clay first timer onwards.To anyone reading this revue who wants another hobby to try (even in Australia) buy this book and you will be hooked.

The mere fact that it is still in print is a sign of how good it is for any age. Easy to follow and great fun all you need is polymer clay your imagination and this book.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #57496 in Books
  • Published on: 1997-03-15
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Paperback
  • 128 pages

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Creepy Cute Crochet: Zombies, Ninjas, Robots, and More! By Christen Haden



Creepy Cute Crochet: Zombies, Ninjas, Robots, and More!
By Christen Haden









Customer Reviews

Cute!!!4
Gosh!! All the creepies are so lovely that I would create a cute monster army! This is a nice work, all the stitches and patterns are so well described step by step that any crafter could make them. Good book.

Some new ideas here..............5
I bought this book not only because I love amigurumi, but because I have 3 boys and they love creepy stuff! I was hesistant to buy this book because all of the patterns have polymer clay eyes, and I have never used polymer clay before. I am one of those people who likes to make the project exactly as it is in the book, so I was unsure if I would be able to make the eyes. So, I went and read up on polymer clay on the internet, and found that it bakes in your home oven and is really easy to use, so I went ahead and bought this book. And I am really glad that I did, because if it were not for this book, I might have never given polymer clay a try....it is really easy to use! I have made all kinds of different eyes, and made the scythe for the grim reaper as well. My next task is to try and make the hair used in this book....the author uses a hairpin lace loom (or fork), which I have never used before, so I am not sure how that will turn out....but it is nice to try something new. So I thank the author for getting me to try some new techniques.

I will say that the majority of the patterns use the same body and head, and are just accessorized a little differently...so most of the projects look very similar. But, I still have enjoyed making them...so far I have made the skeleton and grim reaper. Both were very quick and easy, and the results were just like the book (I have experienced awkward results from other books). It is also great that the projects have charts as well as written instructions....all crochet books should have both.

Well done! (As a side note, at the time of this review this book is unavailable on Amazon, but I found it easily at my local Borders book store, and also saw it sitting on the shelf at Barnes and Noble)

Great Idea!4
While I like bunnies and duckies, I really love vampires and zombies. That being said, this book is pretty cool. What kept it from a 5 star: the instructions are a little complex when they don't have to be, and the author uses more expensive materials than is necessary. I like the idea of the handcrafted eyes as well..but definitely NOT child safe. That being said, I made the groom skeleton in an evening and he was fun to make. I recommend this book to people with crochet experience..and if no experience, make sure your LYS can help you through the sticky parts.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #4495 in Books
  • Published on: 2008-06-14
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Hardcover
  • 96 pages

Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts!: Amigurumi (Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts)



Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts!: Amigurumi (Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts)
By Chronicle Books








Customer Reviews

Super!5
I agree with some of the other reviews...the patterns could be difficult for a beginner, but what isn't? I made the little punk duckie in an evening, and he's adorable. Once you get the gist of the book and understand how the patterns are written and what the design is supposed to look like, you can pretty easily figure it out or go to your LYS to ask. All in all, I love this book!

I Like It4
This is the first amigurumi book I purchased. I like the look of the toys and I like the simplicity of the charts that are used. I've made several of the toys and have adapted some patterns to make my own patterns. My 11 year old daughter, who has never crocheted before, finished the duck (with prompting) in a very short time and is excited for the next one. She's making the tiny bear now.

On the down side, I've found that some of the directions are difficult to understand. I'm a long time knitter, so I understand shaping and such, but I've only just started crochet. The butterfly wings completely stumped me. I thought I understood what was being illustrated in the charts, but it didn't look at all like the finished product in the picture. I kept expecting to have an "aha" moment, but I finally just "did my own thing", based on previous knowledge, and finished the pattern--not rocket science, and maybe I'm just thick or something.

cute photos, but ...3
This book itself is darling with photos that will amuse and inspire, yet the instructions would be difficult for a beginner. If you are a crocheter already, you can figure things out on your own, but several things were left out that are needed if you are just starting to create Amigurumi. Perhaps there were elements lost in the translation, so be prepared to just go from the photos. I bought Amigurimi World right after this one and would have to recommend the latter much more for it's simple, complete directions.

The pictures are nice and they're great idea starters. I would prefer that the patterns be put alongside the color pictures, rather than the pictures grouped at the beginning and the patterns at the back of the book. However, this isn't enough of a distraction to downgrade an excellent volume of creativity.

I'm very glad to have this book as my introduction to amigurumi. It's a great medium and I'm enjoying it, thanks to this author's introduction.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #23815 in Books
  • Published on: 2007-12-13
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Paperback
  • 80 pages

Melissa and Doug Maggie Leigh Magnetic Dress-Up


Melissa and Doug Maggie Leigh Magnetic Dress-Up
From Melissa and Doug










Customer Reviews

good value4
Good value for the money. I bought it for my 2 year old granddaughter and she is a little young for it (she loves it though!), she has to be supervised while playing with it or a small piece ends up in her mouth. I have put it away for awhile until she is a little older. Should be perfect for a three year old. It is annoying that there is no cover for it.

Great gift for 3yr old girls5
I purchased this for my 3 year old cousin. She absolutely loves it. I liked the fact that it is much more durable and easy to play with than traditional paper "paper dolls."

Magnetic dress up doll5
This is a great toy for my 3 year old daughter. I agree with some of the other reviews that it'd be better if it came in a box with a cover. My daughter has enjoyed it though and it's given me a few hours of quiet time, so I'll deal without a lid for that! Fast service! Thanks Amazon!

Editorial Reviews

From the Manufacturer
Help Maggie Leigh pick out an attractive outfit with these mix-n'-match magnetic pieces! She stands a big 8 tall and comes with a colorful collection of 27 magnetic-backed wooden pants; shoes; skirts; dresses and more; to wear whatever combination you choose! Includes a brightly painted storage box to neatly store the doll; stand and all the clothing pieces.

Features

  • Contains over 20 colorful, magnetic-backed pieces
  • Comes with a wooden stand
  • Develops motor skills, creativity, and matching skills
  • For ages 3 and above
  • Recommended Age Range 3 Years and up

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Amigurumi World: Seriously Cute Crochet




Amigurumi World: Seriously Cute Crochet
By Ana Paula Rimoli








Customer Reviews

Love it5
This book is really good. I haven't tried the patterns yet, but they look reasonably easy to follow and the animals are just fabulous. I like the section with one big and one small animal as it is not so easy to change that yourself othervise. Now I just have to learn how to crochet.

Very seriously cute!4
I've crocheted for a while but just recently discovered amigurumi. It's a wonderful hobby - you can use up your odds & ends of yarn and whipping up an adorable little doll gives you an instant sense of mastery. The amis in this book are very seriously cute, with a flair that I haven't seen in other books. If you're creative, you can put your own little touches on a pattern very easily: for example, I had some variegated peaches & cream colored yarn and used the apple pattern to make a peach (I also changed the leaf using felt). The only thing lacking is a good explanation of the basic crochet stitches, and the Sctog/single crochet decrease was not mentioned at all even though it is a very important thing to know when working in the round. That would prevent me from recommending the book to a rank beginner, but anyone with a decent knowledge of the basic techniques will have no problem. I can't wait to make more of these sweet little creatures!

AWESOME!!5
I'm relatively new to crochet, but this book is great! It was easy to follow and the items are easy to create!

Product Description

Get hooked into the quirky world of Amigurumi! Crochet these irresistibly cute creatures today's coolest craze in crochet.

* Over 20 projects are super hip and super quick to make you need only basic crochet skills and small amounts of yarn
* Funky designs include mommy and baby owls, hedgehogs, and penguins, plus silly crocheted treats like cupcakes and ice-cream cones


* Find complete instructions for crocheting designs and adding facial features and other embellishments

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #4367 in Books
  • Published on: 2008-02-25
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Paperback
  • 80 pages

AIR FRESHENER DOLL 5.5-GRANNY




AIR FRESHENER DOLL 5.5-GRANNY
From Fibre Craft








Product Description

Hide your cone shaped air fresheners with one of these delightful air freshener dolls. You can crochet sew or use a glue gun to create a unique outfit for your doll. Each doll comes with instructions for making an outfit or design your own!

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #9795 in Kitchen & Housewares
  • Brand: FIBRE CRAFT

500 Handmade Dolls: Modern Explorations of the Human Form (500 Series)



500 Handmade Dolls: Modern Explorations of the Human Form (500 Series)
By Lark Books








Customer Reviews

Beautiful Book5
"What exactly is a doll?" With that question doll artist Akira Blount begins her introduction to the book. By the end of the book we have been shown 5oo possible answers but left with the impression that we have only scratched the surface of possibilities for doll makers.

An Important Resource5
A compendium of figurative art, 500 Handmade Dolls opens the door to a facinating subject and the artists who work in the human form. Highly recommended.

This is not a "how to" book, there are no instructions; just 500 beautiful color photos to inspire you. Some of the dolls left me scratching my head and wondering "why?" But even the dolls that I personally don't care for had something to teach. Materials I was not familiar with, tried and true materials used in different ways, this book is fascinating.

Highly Recommend5
I bought this book for inspiration and ideas. I can't say enough how pleased I am with the book. I look through it almost every day. I highly recommend for any doll artist or collector.

If you are new to doll making this is probably not the first book to buy; but maybe it is just for the inspiration. Worth the price just for the breathtaking photos. This could be a coffee table book, but is so much more.

Product Description

Contemporary and unique, these handmade creations range from representational to abstract, from skillful realism to provocative surrealism—and they’re made from every conceivable material, including beads, gourds, and polymer clay. Juror Akira Blount, a pioneer in the “art doll” movement, incorporates vines, twigs, and carved wood in her fabric dolls; with their expressionless faces and closed eyes, they appear absorbed by inner worlds. Dutch artist Marlaine Verhelst’s porcelain designs seem to have sprung straight from a medieval painting. Chris Chomick’s strange and slightly scary figures feature amazing detail and elaborate costumes. Dollmakers, crafters, collectors, and anyone who loves beautiful objects will love the amazing diversity showcased here.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #21163 in Books
  • Published on: 2007-11-01
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Paperback
  • 396 pages



Monday, October 13, 2008

Barbie Dolls of the Word: Octoberfest Barbie Doll



Barbie Dolls of the Word: Octoberfest Barbie Doll
From Mattel








Customer Reviews

Very Cute!!5
Great doll if you want to share your heritage with your children. Lots of detail in the dress and it looks authentic! On back of box cover quick information about Oktoberfest. I definitely recommend this if you are German and are proud of it!

Octoberfest Barbie5
I was disappointed because the doll's box was damaged when I received it. It had a huge slit in the back. I am a collector and do not remove my doll's from the original box. Who wants to collect a doll that has a huge slit in the back of it's box?

I wish that I didn't have to go through the aggrivation of sending it back. It was a big disappointment because this is through Amazon and I have high expectations with Amazon expecting the quality I paid for. They usually do a great job. I am a bit leary on ordering toys now.

Excellent5
This doll beautifully depicts lovely German beer waitress girls. The outfit mirrors authentic German attire, the face & hair style show a true German look. She is very beautiful too. I was very excited to find that they had made an Oktoberfest doll and it was well worth the [...] spent for it. Being a German, I know what to look for in the doll...and believe me, Mattel got everything right. Since I play the European accordion (Hohner), I was thrilled to see a picture of an accordion on the box. More people in America need to start playing the accordion...it is a lovely instrument (when played correctly) and it is definitely not as popular as it once was. This doll is very nice and in my opinion it is a good collectible piece.


Product Description

The original Oktoberfest held in Munich draws millions of people from all over the world who listen to brass bands, indulge in traditional German food and drink and celebrate for days - dancing, marching in parades and singing songs until late into the night. This special Oktoberfest Barbie Doll commemorates the special event with an authentic costume and exquisite detail. Doll cannot stand alone. Measures 13.5".

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #19393 in Toys & Games
  • Brand: Mattel
  • Model: J0929
  • Dimensions: 13.70" h x 6.70" w x 3.20" l, 1.05 pounds

More Doll Making Craft : Doll Making Craft

Sunday, October 12, 2008

3" Mini Craft Straw Doll Hats 24 Pcs 3" Mini Craft Straw Doll Hats 24 Pcs



3" Mini Craft Straw Doll Hats 24 Pcs
From Creative Elements






Product Description

Wonderful to decorate for crafting,doll making magnets, shower or wedding favors

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #13990 in Office Product
  • Brand: Creative Elements

Features

  • Hats measures 3" (7.5mm) from brim to brim
  • These have a height of 1

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Wednesday, October 8, 2008

How to Start a Cloth Doll Making Business - 2

There are many forms of doll making such as cloth, plastic, woodwork, porcelain and more. For many years women have been creating dolls from materials such as paper, and scrap fabrics. The hair and face of the doll can be shaped any way desired by the imagination. You may do some research at your local library to find out additional information on the history of doll making.

Many women believe that the biggest problem they have is not making the dolls but marketing them. Many women turn to galleries, doll shows, craft shows, craft fairs, and the Internet to sell their dolls. You can start your own doll making business with little or no money by creating a simple cloth doll. Many doll parts can be ordered from suppliers and assembled to fit your particular design.

Doll making can be expensive when you get into making molds for mass production. The doll design can be expanded to cover all ethnic groups. For example, black dolls are very popular and are in high demand. You may join the doll association to get more information, ideas, and resources about the doll making business.

All you need are the supplies to start the business, along with your business cards, brochures, and any other available information about your products. To determine the income for a doll making business, you can start by looking at companies that sell the Barbie dolls and others who have been in business for many years.

To get additional information on cloth doll making, you should attend seminars, read books and magazines, and team up with other professionals in the field.

Copyright © 2007, Dr. Mary E. Waters, all rights reserved.

Are you interested in starting a business?

To the new and experienced entrepreneurs, getting help with your small business is very crucial to your success. Getting the right help will cause you to avoid costly mistakes, and it can also help you to save a lot of time, money, and energy. You will need to get the right help to form the legal structure of the business, financial, management, procurement/certification, marketing, pricing products, preparing a business plan, and more. If you are a business owner who is wondering if you can take your business to new heights, contact Dr. Waters at tina.waters@waienterprises.com

Are you looking to super charge your business? Did you know that you can start a legitimate business with little or no money? Sign up for Dr. Mary E. Waters’ free "Easy Business" bi-monthly ezine at http://www.drmewaters.com It has many tips and techniques to help make your dream of becoming a successful business owner to become a reality. Plus, each month one lucky subscriber receives a free 30 minute on demand business consulting session! Dr. Mary E. Waters is an author, speaker, business consultant. She is the author of “Easy Business for Women with Little or No Money.” She strives on helping people to start their own business with little or no money. For many years, she has been helping people make their dreams of becoming a successful business owner come true!

Sign up for FREE online Self Publishing Guide. FREE courses and FREE tips at

Business URL: http://www.waienterprises.com

Personal URL: http://www.drmewaters.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Mary_E._Waters

More Doll Making Ideas : Doll Making Ideas

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Adjustable Doll Stand For 3-1/2" to 6" Dolls



Adjustable Doll Stand For 3-1/2" to 6" Dolls (Lot of 12)
From National Artcraft








Customer Reviews

perfect5
I just love this type of doll stand. I have a curio with vintage Nancy Ann,vintage strawberry shortcake and friends, and Barbie dolls. These are perfect little stands. I just love 'em.

decent stands for small figures.3
i bought these hoping they would be decent for wobbly 5" or 6" figures like my marvel legends and dc direct figures. but these stands are way too small for anything bigger then standard sized star wars or gi joe action figures. and there are plenty of great stands already on the market for much cheaper for those sized figures.

Product Description

These Adjustable Doll Stands securely display your treasured dolls with pride. They can also be used for displaying bears and action figures. The waist-hold clamp extends from 2"H to a maximum of 3"H and can safely display dolls that are 3-1/2" to 6"H. (Please note that high waisted dolls may require a larger stand). These stands have adjustable chrome-plated clamps with non-marring jaws coated with white vinyl to protect your dolls delicate clothing. The stand is flesh-colored metal so as not to detract from the presentation. These stands are steady and durable and will provide the perfect display accessory for your collection. This offer is for a lot of 12 brand new Adjustable Doll Stands. Be sure to visit our National Artcraft Storefront to see more related items AND hundreds more products that fit all your craft, art and hobby needs!!! We have the creative component you need!!!

More Adjustable Doll Stand

Friday, October 3, 2008

SPRINFIELD COLLECTION SKIRT TOP & SHOES-DENIM SKIRT



SPRINFIELD COLLECTION SKIRT TOP & SHOES-DENIM SKIRT W/WHITE TOP & DENIM SHOES
From Fibre Craft








Product Description

FIBRE CRAFT-Springfield Collection has the latest fashions for Springfield Dolls. Everything you need to round out their wardrobes. Skirt Top and Shoes-Denim Skirt W/White Top and Denim Shoes. Made in China.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #162965 in Kitchen & Housewares
  • Brand: FIBRE CRAFT
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