Sew Many Passions!
You can't have too many cats or too much fabric!

PASSION: I love to share product reviews! After taking a break I am back to help others find great products! I love doing DIY home projects! WORK: I'm an office manager for three businesses under one roof. The bulk of my work is in logistics and freight. COMMITMENT: CATS... I've become a Professional Cat Wrangler! DREAMS: As I near retirement, I have enough machines and fabric to start my own sewing business!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

High Rated Craft Books
for adults and children!

Unfurling, A Mixed-Media Workshop with Misty Mawn: Inspiration and Techniques for Self-Expression through Art

5.0 out of 5 reviews (41 reviews)
One reviewer states:
"When I heard that Misty was including so many topics under one cover I was concerned that her book might look unfocused but boy was that not the case. She has gone into depth in the areas of painting, journaling, book making, mixed media collage and more; honestly, it is hard to put into words how stunning and comprehensive this book is. It is not just a class in a book it is weeks of classes in one book. This is a beautiful, soulful, deeply inspiring book and I can't recommend it enough."

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Collage Couture: Techniques for Creating Fashionable Art

4.9 out of 5 stars (23 reviews)
Book Description:
"Collage has never been so fashionable! In Collage Couture you'll learn how to sketch fashion figures, create stylish dresses from patterned paper and apply a variety of textured backgrounds to your collage pieces. With styles ranging from cute to elegant and sweet to sophisticated, these mixed-media projects will transport your art from the studio to the runway!"
How cute is that cover art?!

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Artist's Journal Workshop: Creating Your Life in Words and Pictures

4.9 out of 5 stars (30 reviews)
Be sure to look at the Customer VIDEO Review.
A Reviewer States:
Johnson's book is stuffed with the work of 27 artists, along with ideas for launching both the budding and seasoned artist into the world of visual journals. It's quite simply the most comprehensive book on journal techniques that I've ever seen.
Another Review:
"My teenage daughter wanted some more information about starting and keeping an art journal/photography sketchbook. Most of the books we came across either had great ideas or beautiful techniques, not both. None of the books we looked at talked about why you would want to keep an art journal, what you might put in it and HOW TO create pages that express your ideas & thoughts. I love this book! I teach art and would recommend this book to anybody wanting to start a sketchbook or art journal. "

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I wish I would have had this type of inspiration when I was young and playing with Barbies! I think you could apply this technique to other size dolls as well!
Hankie Couture: Hand-Crafted Fashions from Vintage Handkerchiefs

5.0 out of 5 stars (61 reviews)
Book Description:
What is Hankie Couture?
A stunningly original collection of doll-sized fashions--everything from pajamas to wedding gowns--meticulously crafted from vintage handkerchiefs. Accented with slyly witty Hankie Couture girl "philosophy," this book is a stylish showcase of 125 unique fashions and accessories. It is also a how-to guide that allows you to transform treasured heirlooms or colorful flea-market finds into one-of-a-kind fashion ensembles.

Whether it's a floral sundress that fans out as it twirls, an apron dress with a scalloped border, or a neatly pin-tucked linen dress with pearl buttons, the book encompasses a seemingly infinite variety of exquisite dresses. Neither crafters nor doll collectors have ever seen a book like this, making Hankie Couture a uniquely irresistible challenge to crafters. And with its beautiful design and kitschy lifestyle advice, this makes a great gift book.

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Green Crafts for Children

5.0 out of 5 stars (7 reviews)
Book Description
"Kids love to make their own toys and games, gifts and ornaments. It encourages them to give full rein to their creative flair - and if they can use component parts that are adapted or recycled, so much the better for them and the planet! None of the projects in this book use any special materials. Instead, they all rely on ingredients that you are likely to have in the cupboard or items that can be found around the house or garden, or out on walks in the park or at the beach."

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Kid's Herb Book, A: For Children of All Ages

4.9 out of 5 stars (17 reviews)
Reviewer states:
I have about 100 books on herbs in my personal library. I gave this kids' version to my 5 year old son for a gift and we are in LOVE with it like no other. There are stories, facts, lessons, potions and recipes, identifiers and Mr. Greenleaf who is a loveable Gnome who leads you through this lush garden of text and illustrations. BRAVO to this author, someone got it RIGHT!"

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My First Hand Sewing Book: Learn To Sew: Kids

5.0 out of 5 stars (3 reviews)
Book Description:
"Alison McNicol is an expert in teaching children to sew and has written Learn To Sew: Kids, a series of best-selling sewing books for children. This first book introduces beginners to basic hand-sewing techniques in a fun, easy to follow way. With bright, modern and clear illustrations, children can quickly learn their first sewing skills and make a selection of super cool projects too ! This book is perfect for the young beginner. With bright, modern and fun illustrations and photos, children can quickly learn to sew and make a selection of super cool projects - cupcake pincushions, crazy creatures, lovely love hearts, beautiful birdy garlands and more.! Let characters Daisy Doublestitch and Billy Bobbin help show you how easy it is to learn to sew !! * Easy to follow Learn To Sew illustrations * Fun and simple projects to make * Patterns and templates included * Let Daisy Doublestitch and Billy Bobbin show you how!"

Several reviewers note that their BOYS were making the Alien Creatures from this book!

Please be sure to leave a comment if you own one of these books or come back to leave a review if you purchase one.

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Saturday, December 24, 2011

Highest Rated Snow Boots
and a review for the boots I purchased.

Kamik Women's Snowmass Boot

5.0 out of 5 stars (4 reviews) Read the 4 reviews on this. The boot is rated to -25°.
This one comes in three colors. Black is the cheapest.
Reviewer states:
•My wife purchased these after I purchased a Men's pair of them. She loves hers as much as I love mine. Worked great up here in North Dakota this winter where it's been -25 or colder for lots of the winter.

Columbia Sportswear Women's Ice Maiden Lace Cold Weather Boot

Comes in three colors.
5.0 out of 5 stars (5 reviews)
Reviewers state:
•The tag says they are good down to -25°.
•They also have lug soles to help with traction on ice.

Columbia Sportswear Men's Liftop Cold Weather Boot

Available in five colors.
Reviewers state:
•As a whole the boot provides for a no cramp, no binding, well supported fit.
•Extremely light for something so sturdy and warm.
•Even walking through ankle-deep water many times, kept my feet absolutely dry.

Columbia Sportswear Men's Bugaboot Max Cold Weather Boot

Available in the color shown and black.
5.0 out of 5 stars (3 reviews)
Reviewer state:
•I purchased these boots for my son who is at school in the Adirondack mountains...he's very fussy about comfort and he LOVES these boots.

Baffin Eiger Insulated Boot (Little Kid/Big Kid)

Comes in brown & pink or black.
5.0 out of 5 stars (8 reviews)
That is a terrific rating! Reviewers State:
•Super comfortable, Super warm and durable!
•Baffin makes the best winter boots...PERIOD.
•They are light weight, very comfortable and extremely well made. No more worring about cold or wet feet.

Kamik Shadow Cold Weather Boot (Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid)

Comes in several colors (boy & girl) 5.0 out of 5 stars (2 reviews)
The child who wore these said:
"They're so comfortable they feel like part of my feet."

NOW FOR MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE!
These are the boots I bought last winter!
ToeWarmers Women's On-The-Go Boots

Here is My Personal Review:
I'm typically a bargain shopper. I had read reviews about this boot on another site and decided to give them a try even though this price range was way beyond my budget. I'm glad I did! We had our first snow this morning. I put these boots on to clean off the truck. I took the dogs out for a walk. I stood outside as My Guy shoveled the drive-way. My feet never got cold!

These boots are true to size and very comfortable! Walking in them was not the same experience I have had with other boots. I just cannot stress enough the comfort of these boots. I am a little bit over weight but do not consider my calves to be large. I was able to put my jeans inside my boots and zip them up with no extra effort. The zipper is on a slight angle, and I think it makes the boot easier to zip and unzip.

The price: worth having warm, dry feet along with comfort!

If you order any of these boots, please re-visit this post and leave a review.

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