Product Description
Domino: The Book of Decorating cracks the code to creating a beautiful home, bringing together inspiring rooms, how-to advice and insiders' secrets from today's premier tastemakers in an indispensable style manual. The editors take readers room by room, tapping the best ideas from domino magazine and culling insights from their own experiences. With an eye to making design accessible and exciting, this book demystifies the decorating process and provides the tools for making spaces that are personal, functional and fabulous. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (83)

L.O.V.E.
Awesome book, really good ideas and beautiful pictures...I'm actually going to rip out some of the pages that have only patterns on them and frame them...they're that cute.

few contemporary/modern examples
The book's just great, well organized and full of ideas, tips & tricks
but as I'm a big fan of contemporary/modern styles, I wasn't totally satisfied with it
needed much more examples within these style, as most of the examples are bohemian, country, elegant or french

really like this book
This book is great for if you just move into a house, or already have the house you want but want ideas for how to add little touches or extra and its great ideas for storage.
Its got things sectioned out and its easy to follow.
I had never even heard of the magazines, but came across this book in anthropology and filmed through it and then decided to buy it....
I really like it and its great to go back to again and again

LOVE!
I never write reviews for anything though i online shop all the time and depend on reviews to make purchases but this time i had to! this book rocks - i am in the middle of renovations on a house we moved into a year ago so i've been itching to decorate and this book has EVERYTHING you can think of! lots of pictures, which I live for, great tips on getting a look, floorplans, and not too much copy which is perfect for someone who is very visual. get this book for any room you are fixing up....i'm about to order one for my sister right now!

Fabulous DOMINO!
Domino: The Book of Decorating: A Room-by-Room Guide to Creating a Home That Makes You Happy ... Read more

Product Description
Everything you need to create stunning cake decorations

Cake decorating is an art with specific skills that must be studied and practiced before they can be mastered. Professional Cake Decorating is the first guidebook, reference, and at-your-fingertips resource to the special methods and techniques unique to cake decorating.

Professional Cake Decorating is:

• a comprehensive set of lessons designed to teach the skills needed in cake decorating, including basic, intermediate, and advanced piping skills; hand modeling; and gumpaste flowers
• a powerful tool for making dramatic improvements in the overall look and design of cakes
• a valuable training handbook and resource for bakers and decorators
• a comprehensive reference of successful professional skill sets

Using more than 200 step-by-step and finished cake color photographs, as well as over 125 illustrations, this highly visual book covers a wealth of techniques for cake borders, piped flowers, cake writing and piping, royal icing designs, marzipan fruits and figurines, rolled icing, floral patterns, petit fours, gumpaste floral art and design, and much more. Thorough coverage also includes such foundation skills as making shells, rosettes, reverse shells, zigzags, fleur-de-lis, rope, garlands, scrolls, rosebuds, and other confectionary designs.

Complete with more than three dozen tried-and-tested recipes, Professional Cake Decorating is the only book that places the rewards of thirty years of training, traveling, teaching, and private practice in your hands! It is a must-have for today's bakers, cake decorators, specialty shop owners, and independent cake designers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Very pleased
I'm very pleased with their shipping speed. I received my book in two days.The book was in an ok condition it had a frayed egde, but that's ok. You get what u pay.

great book
I found this a very informative book full of photos and easy to read directions. I was pleasantly surprised on how much information was in this book. I would recomend it.

Amazing Lady...
Toba just knows to perfection how to explain step by step to people from around the globe, she gives you all types of measurements and explanations, leaving you without a doubt and wanting to go ahead and work just like her.
Her work is so wonderful, her recipes are the best and the pictures are stunning. Every single time that I want to bake and decorate something really nice, I do it with her books aside.

The Best Teacher there is.
I am a self taught decorator and baker.4 years ago, I decided to take my skills to the next level and worked my way through this book....chapter by chapter....assignment by assignment...taking care not to move on until my work would "pass."Ms. Garrett's book took my own work from being "very good" to excellent.My work has gone from a "hobby" to a career....and I have her to thank for it!I am looking forward to working through her Professional Wedding cakes book.

By far my most treasured cake decorating resource!
I have several books in my collection- most of them pastry/baking books. I will say that this isn't a book for everyday use exactly. I consider this to be more of a professional learning resource. I have taken culinary courses, and I hold a certificate in Baking & Pastry, and I recently finished with my degree in Baking & Pastry. The courses that were offered at my school weren't focused on cake decorating, although I certainly wish that they were. I actually am going to pay a visit to my school and my past Pastry Chef instructor- and I'm bringing this book. It is definitely textbook quality, and it reads exactly like that. I think my Chef instructor will actually consider teaching a course, based on this textbook. Whether or not the school will fund it, is another matter! But that's a whole different topic....

Not all of the skills in this text are foreign to me of course. But I am so excited to get started with these lessons, as I intend to go through the text as if I were actually taking a class, with Toba Garrett. =) I have already used a few of the recipes for buttercream, with excellent results. I have also tried the recipe for modeling chocolate, and completed my first lesson- the chocolate rose. I'm not exactly starting from the beginning of the book with my lessons. ;P I was very pleased with the instructions, recipe and results. The photos that accompany the lessons are incredibly useful. The lessons themselves, are very detailed, step by step instructions. I am very eager to try out many of the recipes, and so glad that I finally have all of my favorites in one book! Not many "cookbooks" have curd recipes, much less pineapple. And as I mentioned the buttercream recipes- awesome. Another thing that I LOVE- The yield is given for every recipe. Well, I could go on and on about what I love about this book- there really isn't anything that I DON'T love!

If you are looking for something to reference everyday, or something that reads easy and has lots of photos, this probably isn't worth the investment. However if you are like me, an aspiring pastry chef, cake artist, and are in this field or are wanting further instruction- this is one awesome reference. As for the price- I justified it by telling myself that ONE culinary course + supplies FAR exceed the $60 price tag. ... Read more

Product Description
Create wedding, shower, holiday, and festive kids' cakes

Easy at-home instruction for making and decorating fabulous cakes

Want to make beautiful cakes? This fun, instructive guide gives you simple techniques for creating cakes for all celebrations. You get expert advice in all the basics -- from baking to icing to decorating with style. You'll also find delicious foolproof recipes, great ideas for themed cakes, and savvy tips for starting a cake decorating business!

Discover how to:


* Find ingredients and supplies
*

Make a cake from scratch
*

Use frostings and fillings
*

Cut and serve a cake
*

Troubleshoot cake catastrophes
*

Master creative techniques ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Great Book!
If you would like to learn how to decorate a cake then I would reccomend buying this book. It gives you the basics of how to make the beginner designs and how to hold the pipping bag. It also has good recipes in it.

This book helps!!!
This book helped me out a lot. I have been doing cakes now for 3 years and it showed me A LOT of ideas and tips. You'll be happy you bought it. I'm giving it 4 stars because I like a lot of pictures and there wasn't a whole lot but some. Thanks Amazon for the great deal and FAST shipping!!!

Disappointed
I thought the book would illustrate the "how to's" of cake decorating.It really doesn't, there a some recipes and a few decorating ideas, but if you don't already know how to use the decorating tips, this book will not help you.

Excellent resource for the novice baker and entrepreneur
Tons of really valuable knowledge in this book. Presented in a format that has a good flow to it and is easy to grasp (hence the "Dummies" moniker). However, I agree with other viewers that it needs more photos for reference and to create visual interest. Also, I expected there to be more on the subject of starting up your own business. I thought that section was a bit thin. Other than that, a really good book for what it is.

Love it
I have done cake decorating for many years and have now decided to do it as a side business.This book has really helped me with a lot of things I thought I knew, but actually didn't.I ordered several other books but they still look new, this you can tell has been used.Great cake recipes and ideas about starting a business. ... Read more

Product Description
This all-new 9th edition of the Better Homes and Gardens^(r) New Decorating Book features tips on how to achieve a great new style within your budget. This book is packed with ideas for storage solutions, color combinations, floor-plan solutions and furniture arranging along with source information for featured items. With gorgeous photos to demonstrate a complete look, as well timeless secrets of good design, even the beginning home decorator can put together a great look while capturing your own individual style. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (88)

FANTASTIC
I bought this book used but if I didn't know better I would have guessed it was fresh off the shelf. Great seller, and fantastic condition.

New Decorating Book (BH&G Decorating)
The book wasn't what I had anticipated it would be ... too many photos of what I DON'T want for my home.Would be a great book for someone who is into contemporary styles.Too bad for me ... I have always greatly enjoyed the books put out by BH&G.I was just a little disappointed this time round.Still, when push comes to shove, I'll be purchasing many more decorating books from this company in the future.Usually it's difficult to beat BH&G!(Please note:I became bored with this book 3/4s of the way through so I didn't finish it ... maybe all the good stuff is in the last 1/4 ... I may have spoken too soon.)

best deco book ever
I have tons of interior design book and I would rate this one as the top 1. It almost has color pictures on every page. All beautiful pictures with detailed introduction. It also gives tons of good tips on decoration. I love this book and I read it every night before going to bed.

Never disappointing if put out by Better Homes & Gardens
This is the second interior decorating book that I have bought from Better Homes and Gardens.I have found it to be very colorful, helpful and just fun to browse through.I honestly recommend it to those of you who like to try new ideas for your home.

Unfortunately, Nothing New
Ironically, there is not much that is "new" in the "New Decorating Book." Anyone who is hoping to find inspiration or fresh ideas is better off buyingthe magazine or another book. After reading it, I felt as though I had been duped by the "All-New Edition" title. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Fun to look at.
This book is great.I borrowed it from the library and then decided to buy it. It has so many little ideas that are usable.Little changes to spice up an old and forgotten corner.Really enjoyable.

Country Living 500 Quick & Easy Decorating Projects
I have a passion for design books that are practical and fun.This one fits the bill.The suggestions would fit any casual comfort filled home.
The use of color is great and appeals to the relaxation of the eye. ... Read more

Product Description
Lauri Ward created a revolution in interior design-the most accessible and affordable approach to decorating ever. In Use What You Have(r) Decorating she shows readers how to do it themselves-quickly identifying the ten most common decorating mistakes, offering simple principles to correct them, and giving DIYers a proven system for making their home look better than they ever dreamed it could. Filled with dramatic before-and-after photos, this guide shows anyone how to turn "ho-hum interiors into inspired spaces without undertaking bank- breaking shopping sprees" (Ladies' Home Journal).Amazon.com Review
Finally, finally, a practical home-decorating book for thereader who is not a millionaire! Rather than call in a professionaldesign consultant to tell you which walls "must go" and throwing outeverything you own in favor of new and expensive designer fabrics,furniture, and fixtures, Ward starts with what you already have andmakes dramatic transformations by arrangement, use of color, and a fewinexpensive additions of objects or materials. Her idea is to use whatyou already have and like, and operate on a budget you can afford tomake your home more satisfying and aesthetically pleasing to youwithout being a slave to passing trends, fads, and radicaltransformations that end up making you feel like a stranger in yourown home.

Among the many tips and guidelines, Ward starts with thetop 10 decorating mistakes that professionals all know about, but thatanyone can recognize and fix. She covers diagnosing problems that jarthe eyes, offers suggestions on items to banish and others to borrowfrom elsewhere in the home to create more visual appeal, talks abouthow to shop for furniture that will work with what you already own,offers tips for new homeowners and people just starting out to makeolder furniture work in new spaces, and covers the kinds of dramaticimprovements 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 homedecorating without breaking the bank. --Mark A. Hetts ... Read more

Customer Reviews (136)

I do not like those black and white pictures
It might have been a better book if the pictures are colored. You just cannot imagine the look based on black and white pictures. You got to have color pictures for decoration books.

Too elementary
You can save this book and buy a much better book.The pictures are all black and white........not much help in decorating.It seems a lot older than the year it was published.Ifound little if any good ideas in this book........glad I bought it used and cheap as it isn't worth much.

nothing new here
This was just "furniture rearrangement 101". Not a thing here that a person with half a brain could not come up with on their own. Very disappointed in this book, it would be better as a an article in a magazine.

Beware: Black and White pictures
I love decorating books and was disappointed in this book. It is not a keeper - I have about 25 such books that I enjoy looking at over and over again. What's wrong with this sad little book? First: the pictures were dull in black and white - making it hard to see details. Second: you are encouraged to use the furiture you may have - but this book does not encourage too much use of your personal collections and other decorative items. They are "banished" from the room. Third: all this informmation on placement of furniture is free every day on the several TV channels that are strictly formated for home/room design. Okay - maybe not completely free - you need to pay your cable bill! Fourth: I won't get back the money I spent on this book when I put it out at next year's Yard Sale.

Good book but it gets tiresome
Laurie Ward has hit on a great idea here - redecorating with your own stuff. And she does give some great advice in this book about creating a conversation area situated around a focal point, and about how high to hang art. I have been "tweaking" my house ever since I read the book and for the most part her suggestions are very helpful. I also enjoyed the "before" and "after" photos of real peoples' homes. But a couple things bothered me about this book. The first two-thirds of the book are basically paraphrased repetitions of this idea: create a U-shaped conversation area around a focal point. By the fifth or sixth example, you're thinking "gee, I wonder what genius furniture arrangement she'll come up with this time...SURPRISE! U-shaped conversation area!" She gives only a little information on how to re-arrange a dining room, bedroom, bathroom, or ANY OTHER room in the house (and what about those of us with open floor plans? throw me a bone here!), and what few suggestions she does give seem to have been added as an afterthought. The other thing I did not like is a matter of taste more than anything else: I thought some of her advice was a bit old-school (and not in a good way), in particular her advice about how to arrange and group art and other decorative objects (i.e., "don't mix media"), but also her advice against using fridge magnets and patterned paper towels comes off as a bit snobby. However, overall I do recommend the book if you need some help rearranging your living room. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (20)

Waste of money!
Don't waste your money on this one.It's extremely vague, offering nothing but rambling generalities and anecdotal stories that offer little staging advice unless you're into flea market chic.

I don't like decorating; my husband loves it... and we both love this book!
It is very rare that my husband (who loves design and reads PAPER, Dwell. etc) and I (who focuses her "decorating" energies exclusively on her wardrobe) should both love a decorating book... but Jill Vegas' SPEED DECORATING is exactly that book. She combines do-able tips with astute observations and attractive images that make sophisticated and novice decorators alike love this book... NOW!

It was OK
It had some nice pictures. The part about outside spaces inspired me to redo my apartment patio.
I liked APARTMENT THERAPY better.

Fast... and effective!
While not normally a fan of decorating books, Jill Vegas' breezy, informative book was an instant hit with me. The most intimidating part of home improvement can just be getting started, and the Speed Decorating approach really gives you the tools to dig in and make changes. I've applied some of Ms. Vegas' ideas to both my rental apartment (which, sadly, I can only change so much) and my vacation home; even with a tight budget there's so much you can do, starting with working with what you already own!
The photography is gorgeous and real-estate lust-inducing. Sure, in a perfect world, we would all live in magazine-spread ready homes, but until then, Speed Decorating is here to remind us how to make high-impact changes everyday.

so practical..so easy
This book is perfect for the average girl like me with no artistic talent..and for someone like me who is unsure of her choices..or wants..or needs..and as an added bonus..as many people are wont to do..I need to watch my budget..so the practical suggestions are so much appreciated..thanks Jill..Pat Sirois ... Read more

Product Description
Give every room in the house a fresh breath of cozy country style (minus the gingham) with Sunset's new Country Style Decorating. This book is all about the 'new' country style-a fresher, lighter approach to country colors, fabrics, furnishings, and decorating elements. Filled with over 300 full-color photographs and inspiring text, Country Style Decorating offers hundreds of ways to update your home with today's new country look, from porches and entryways to living rooms and home offices. Includes a resource guide for stores, manufacturers, and mail order. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Great Ideas For Decorating
I really like this book. It is full of many ideas for decorating a cottage home or any home that you would like a cottage feel. There is a variety of styles and color schemes. This book is also great if you are on a budget. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves the cottage style.

Great -- especially for color cottage design
I checked this book out from the library the maximum number of times.Finally, I decided it was time to get my own copy!

If you want cottage style with more color than the usual mostly white palette, this book is for you.It has plenty of "white" rooms also for those who prefer that look.

Additionally, many ideas can easily be used in one's own home.The looks can be reproduced with normal items.No too-expensive-to-own antiques form the focal point of the room here.

Just a beautiful, functional book.Now, to decide if I can bear to return the library copy before my own gets here......

This is a good book.
I am happy with this book. I will use it often for a very long time.

Goldmine of ideas
This is one of my favorite decorating books.If you want ideas for cottage style decorating, this book is a must.It has ideas for so many different looks that you are bound to find something that appeals to you.I highly recommend it if you enjoy cottage, country or vintage decor.

Cottage Eye Candy
Sunset books are great for getting ideas, and this one is fun to look over if you want inspiration for a light cottage look. There aren't any instructions or sources for what's inside (there are specific Sunset titles for projects), but I don't think that's a drawback with this book. Hint: If you like Sunset shelter books, try Taunton books, too! ... Read more

Product Description

• Easy makeover ideas to refresh every room in the house.

• Riveting before-and-after photos clearly show the benefits of even small changes such as rearranging furniture and accessories.

• Dramatic transformations with paint, wallpaper, new lighting, slipcovers, or storage pieces will inspire consumers with a little more time to invest.

• Ideas for every decorating style, from contemporary to traditional to eclectic, will appeal to a broad range of homeowners.

Customer Reviews (2)

Before and After Decorating: Ideas to Refresh Every Room
Packed with tons of gorgeous, glossy photos, Before and After Decorating: Ideas to Refresh Every Room by Better Homes and Gardens is a fantastic source for design inspiration.It's the perfect book for someone who wants lots of visuals but not a lot of text to get through. What is written, however, is succinct, straightforward advice on what works and what doesn't in home decor. It also features instructions on totally do-able DIY projects. I love the no-sew valance project, which produces chic valances with minimal effort - a trick anybody who needs to decorate a home should have in their back pocket!

A very good decorating book
This is a good book for ideas and inspiration.Nothing is better than seeing a before and after done well.For the price of two magazines you won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Product Description
An exceptional guide to window coverings featuring more than 1000 photographs and illustrations, The Window Decorating Book is both unique and compelling in covering the scope of window products available on the market today. You will be encouraged to explore and consider all of your options, including sections on specifications and fabric quantities, should you wish to do so. The Window Decorating Book not only provides an inspiring visual catalog of ways to use draperies, blinds, shades, and shutters imaginatively, but also delves into the details; providing vital information on the pros and cons of various products, and how to choose fabrics and treatments that create the right atmosphere for any room of the house.

Each chapter includes
Advantages and Disadvantages
Cost
Lifespan
Most Appropriate locations
Care and Cleaning
Good to Know Information about each treatment
Yardage Calculations
... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Superb book!! I count it as one of the top five in my library.
If you're looking for a good overview of window treatments, buy this book. It's a wonderful reference with beautiful pictures and clear explanations of the advantages and disadvantages of a variety of window treatments and combinations. The ideas are up to date and fresh. In two weeks I have already tabbed at least 10 treatments that I love and plan to make up or change out for the windows in my home. It would be a great first book for anyone who wants to learn more about creating their own window treatments or wants a better understanding of window treatments in order to talk to a decorator or work room.

A Contemporary, Updated Look at Window Decorating
Unlike some other window decorating books on Amazon.com that focus only on draperies, this book includes sections on shutters, blinds, woven-woods, verticals and combinations using these important elements. Many of these treatments also combine top treatments (valances, swags, etc.) and draperies.

Room settings with photos from top designers helped me decide what style and treatment looks best for my windows.There are so many books out there with crazy, overly elaborate, and outdated styles, and those books just didn't do anything for me.I prefer modern, simple lines and contemporary styles, and I found many treatments in this book to give me inspiration.(However, there are also many images of styles that are tastefully elaborate featured in the book, for those whose tastes lean that way.)

The exhaustive section on yardage calculations helped me to decide if a treatment required a lot of fabric or just a few yards. Surprisingly, many of the most elegant treatments (swags & cascades for example) only take few yards of fabric.This afforded me the option of obtaining more expensive fabrics than I thought my budget would allow.

I highly recommend this book.

The Window Decorating Book
Love this book. I use it for ideas to make window treatments and to show my clients what I can make for them. I use it so much. It's alwasys with me in my workroom. I really recommend this book.

The Window Decorating Book


I enjoyed reading the book. It was very helpful in my finalizing the ideas I have in mind.It was presented in a very concise manner which directed me to the portions that I wanted to see.

The Window Decorating Book
Beautiful photography, great content. This book is very well done, and full of helpful information. A real resource for both novices, and those in the industry. ... Read more

Product Description
The Cake Decorating Guide offers hints and notes on unusual ingredients, while step-by-step photographs guide the reader through many tricky techniques. Included is a comprehensive pictorial guide to essential equipment with detailed instructions on the best ways to use and maintain them. Preparation pages with step-by-step photographs and easy-to-follow instructions explain different methods that make this book perfect for bakers of all ages and abilities. Beautifully photographed glossaries show unusual ingredients and food varieties with their common and not-so-common names. Snippets of related history add interest while colorful double-page features provide a wealth of information on buying, storing and preparing some of the more unusual ingredients. Over 500 full-color photographs are featured. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

So-so book
The book, while having the information i DID need, isn't the best overall. there's a lot of cake ideas but they're kind of strange. i guess that's just opinion though. It's a european book and all the ingredient directions are ...well they're nt american. not good for someone who doesn't want to take the time to convert.

But like i said, it had the info i needed so im happy!

Good but a little disappointing....
This book is beautiful and helpful, but I was disappointed there are no instructions for the small purple flowers on the cover (violets?).Still and all, a good book.

Excellent Book
I took this book out of the library and ended up buying it.I been doing cakes for many years and took at least 5 classes and still learned a lot from this book.I would recommend this to anyone interested in cake decorating.

Helpful Tips, and Strange Snakes...
Hello All,

Yes, this book was full of useful cake decorating tips, and ideas. I learned many things that I was curious about. I would not feel that I had done the right thing, though, if I didn't leave a review about the book, as it contains imagery that some may find offensive. They do not bother to tell you that on the cover, or in the description above, so I thought I would take care of that for the rest of you, because I have acquired a copy of this manual, and I care.

The director of this book was obviously very into Christendom. In the "MODELING" portion of the book, which runs from pages 92-103, there is a small section under the subheading, "ACCESSORIES," on how to create a "book" from your paste. There is only one example showing there, and there is a huge, gold cross on theirs. I guess they thought it was cute.

Pages 140-191 cover "CHILDREN'S CAKES." The image of the "SPOTTY SNAKE" cake, on page 144 of the manual, may cause your adult friends to either be amused, offended, or both. The head of the snake is shaped rather strangely, and it was obviously distracting enough to the makers of it, that they even forgot to fork its tongue. I had to mention it, because it was offensive to me. I wouldn't make that particular dessert for any child. Not like that. It looks weird.

Pages 192-225 are nothing but "CHRISTMAS CAKES." I don't celebrate Christmas, so I could not view this part of the book as being anything "essential."

Anyhow, other than that, this book is a nice addition to anyone's collection of culinary manuals. I am not trying to deter anyone from purchasing this book, I just thought it would have been nice if I had been forewarned about the aforementioned, by someone. I am glad that it wasn't sent as a gift for someone! I like to know that I am sending nice things. It wasn't a bad purchase, I was just caught a little off guard, that's all.

If you do decide to purchase the book, enjoy, and just WATCH OUT FOR SNAKES!!!

Sincerely,
Nidus Productions

POSTED: 10:33 p.m. PST, May 11, 2010

Lots of great information
Being a new cake decorator I've been searching all over Amazon for cake decoration books.I'm pretty much a sponge right now trying to absorb all I can.This book is really a great find for those looking for information beyond the basics.As one other reviewer mentioned this book doesn't cover much in regards to butter cream designs but it does tell you tons of information on working with fondant, modeling chocolate, gumpaste etc.The book has great pictures and step by step instructions.The only thing I didn't like as much is that the cakes they created are really more to get you familiar with the techniques and not necessarily cakes in line with today's trends.I found some of the designs reminded me of things from the 80's.So I won't be replicating any of the cakes in the book but the techniques can definitely still be used for today's styles. ... Read more

Product Description
Painter and former Tiffany's designer Colette Peters presents complete instructions for reproducing 34 of her most gorgeous and inventive cakes. Step-by-step directions and more than 200 line drawings and color photos guarantee that even a novice will be able to create exceptional cakes from the very beginning. Includes recipes for white and chocolate cake, icings, and more. Color photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Colette's Cakes: The Art of Cake Decorating
Mydaughter is juststarting out making cakes, and cupcakes. This was a greatgiftfor her, from an expert...

This book is wonderful
I am so impressed with this book. Not only are the cakes beautifully illustrated, but the instructions on how to create them are detailed and easy to understand. I'm not a professional, and only decorate cakes as a hobby, but I have to say that I'm looking forward to using this book.

Not for a beginner
This is a great book but it is not for a beginner you have to have already mastered some real skills on cake sculpting and lots of fondant experience.

Disappointed.
I also purchased this book because of the cover . The rest of the cakes in the book are nothing like it. The instructions are hand drawn which would have been much better with actual photos. It seems a cheap way out for production. I found the majority of the cakes very old fashioned (lace, flowers). So if you are after a book that is modern and full of stunning cakes this is not the book for you!

Awesome book
This is a great book. I love all the creative cakes and step by step instructions. I will continue to by Colette's books. ... Read more

Product Description
Make the cake?

Yes, you can.

If you love to bake and are willing to plan ahead, you can make a spectacular wedding cake--and you don't have to be a pastry chef to do it! Let prominent wedding cake expert Dede Wilson guide you through every layer of the process--from choosing among flavors and styles to baking, assembling, and decorating your way to a beautiful and delicious cake. This accessible cookbook not only gets you ready for the big event, it helps you lend a truly personal touch to the celebration.

"If you want to make your own wedding cake, Dede Wilson is the perfect guide. She helps you bake with confidence every step of the way to a delicious personalized result."
--Donna Ferrari, BRIDE'S magazine ... Read more

Customer Reviews (69)

Wonderful book for beginning and advanced bakers, alike!
I love this book!Dede Wilson's directions and recipes are excellent - despite the number of cake books I own, I have quickly found this book to be my "go to" cookbook for cakes!Her recipes are very easy to execute, and allow for various sizes of pans.I use her essential chocolate cake and essential white cake recipes - along with her variations on these - constantly.I bake special occasion cakes as a side business, and these recipes never fail to receive rave reviews.Lots of helpful hints on planning out your baking, as well as transporting, assembling, decorating, etc.She also lists sources for specialty ingredients, which is extemely helpful!Highly recommend.

Perfect book for first time wedding cake bakers!
This book gives excellent, step-by-step directions on how to bake a wedding cake.Perfect for the first timer!I had baked birthday cakes in the past, but until a couple months ago had never attempted a wedding cake (for 125 guests - yikes!).I absolutely could NOT have pulled it off without the information in this book.Got the book from a local library first, but actually purchased my own copy on Amazon to to keep on hand for the next wedding!This book's worth buying for the butter-cream frosting recipe alone, which is now a family favorite.

Great for amateur bakers!
If you've never baked before or your cookies always come out burned and your cakes never seem to rise right, this book isn't going to turn you into a pastry chef.But if you bake for fun and you're good enough to have friends/family request tasty treats from you, this should be all you need to take on the challenge of creating a wedding cake.

This has all the basic directions you'll need to pick flavors for a wedding cake, bake, decorate, construct, and deliver it successfully.There are charts for serving size, how much syrup, frosting, and filling needed for a given size cake, and cutting methods.The cakes in this book all have the same components: 1 of 3 basic cake recipes (white, yellow, chocolate), a moistening syrup w/ flavor, filling, and frosting.Once you figure out what flavors you want incorporated, it's easy to find the recipe you want or to improvise from the ones given to make your ideal cake.

My sister-in-law and I both used this book along with The Wedding Cake Book to bake each other's wedding cakes.We both enjoy baking, but had never taken on a task like this before.This is a must-have for any first-time wedding cake bakers.The Wedding Cake Book is a nice addition if you're looking for more complex recipes and flavors.

Great book!!!
I am making my friend's wedding cake in the fall.I took a cake decorating course where I learned to make and decorate with frosting that is made of crisco and powdered sugar.It looks great, but tastes blah.Same with fondant.The cakes and frostings in this book are soooo delicious.I made the lemon and blackberry cake for a friend's birthday and it got rave reviews.

What I like most about this book is that it gives specific, step-by-step instructions on making a wedding cake, how far in advance to prepare parts of the cake, and lots of 'troubleshooting' help.The taste of the frosting is pure heaven and it is nice to pipe with as well.I can't wait to finish making every recipe in the book!This is a must buy.

Helpful, beautiful pictures, but...
While the content is generally helpful and the finished product is a beautiful cake, the recipes for the cakes were not very good. They smelled good, but basically that was it. The layers tasted almost cornmeally and were very, very dry. Even after brushing on the syrup flavoring, they still had a cornbread texture in the mouth. If you're looking for ideas for a wedding cake, this is a good read. If you're looking for recipes, please pass. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review
Product Description

"Whether blowing out birthday candles or cutting the first piece at a wedding, there are no cakes better suited to wishing and dreaming than Colette’s enchanting creations."
--Donna Ferrari, Food & Wine Director, BRIDE’S Magazine

"Colette is an inspired artist who follows a road never-before traveled. Her cakes are amusing and loveable, and they defy gravity. Colette’s creations awaken the childlike spirit in all of us."
--Jacques Torres

"Colette’s innovative style and approach are vivid and unique. Her work is an inspiration! This is a brilliant and innovative composition of edible art!"
--Ewald Notter, Notter
International School of Confectionary Arts

Cake Decorating Tips from Cakes to Dream On

"Comfort Food" Pillow Cake

Aqua Applique

Colorful Cloisonné

Customer Reviews (64)

Not What I thought
I borrowed this from the library before I bought it.Thank Goodness.If is no way a learning book and way to much money for what is taught.I think the cakes are way to gaudy.I even showed two neighbors the book and they totally agreed.

Great product.
I ordered this product to give as a present and wasn't sure it would arrive on time.I was plesantly surprised when it did.The book was very well packed and was exactly as described. Recommend this seller to anyone!

Fantastic!
This book is my day by day Cake decorating book!
Any doubt that I have I can find the answer inside.
I totally recommend....

Amazingly accomplished, awfully tacky
To be fair, I am not the target audience for this book, ie. a cake pro. I am an experienced home cake baker and avid reader of cookbooks on baking and decorating.

I give this book a two star rating for originality and lots of pictures. Unfortunately, to me the visual style of these cakes is just off-putting in its (very American) garishness. They do not look like something one would wish to eat, in fact to me they are mostly amazing, can't-believe-this-is-a-cake eyesores. I'm sure they do impress a lot of people though which would make them ideal for corporate events, tacky weddings and such.

This is not a fair review to be sure - I'm sure that people who would want a cake that looks just like the (hideous) thing on the cover will be pleased. However, the book won't tell them - or anyone else - HOW to make such a cake. It seems that the whole idea behind the book is to promote this "author's" cake-making business.

Amazing!
This book is amazing!So many great ideas.I love the included recipes.I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Make every Christmas a cookie craft Christmas! The holidays offer just the right combination of cold weather and family togetherness for cookie crafters to elevate their skills to showstopping new heights. With more than 60 new Christmas cookie designs, along with festive New Year’s cookies and lovely Hanukkah treats, Cookie Craft Christmas delivers colorful inspiration to cookie decorators just when they need it most.

Each spread features a full-page, close-up photograph of one cookie cutter shape with detailed decorating instructions on the facing page. Some pages feature one gloriously decorated cookie, while others might feature two or three interpretations of the same shape — ornaments in complementary colors, Christmas trees decorated in varying styles, or gingerbread men wearing a rainbow of colors and patterns.

Decorating instructions are as simple as tinting cookie dough green before baking Christmas trees or as intricate as piping hair on a gingerbread grandma, creating a frilly pattern for her apron, and decorating her dress using a pretty feathering technique. Techniques are described in full in a Decorating Glossary, and cookie and icing recipes are included.

Fresh inspiration and fabulous decorating ideas fill the pages of this handy little sourcebook. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who has ever picked up a pastry bag.

Publisher's Note: 

The chart on page 17 gives ingredient quantities for making royal icing with meringue powder. Please note that you should use only 4 teaspoons of meringue powder for 2 cups of confectioners' sugar in both the piping and the flooding recipes. (The table incorrectly gives the meringue powder quantity as 4 tablespoons.) This will be corrected in reprints of the book.

Customer Reviews (13)

Cookie Craft Christmas
Nice book with many ideas. A book I will enjoy for many year. Nice addition to my collection.

small but inspiring book
This book is a must have for cooking decorating.I got lots of great ideas.From how to set up my work area and tools to unusual but beautiful color combinations.

just the perfect book for decorating cookies
This book is just what i was looking for.Simple, with easy explanations and amazing ideas for cookies. It's just the answer to all my questions about cookie decorating for Christmas. The authors are quite generous and humble not only sharing their recipes but their desing ideas. Great little book, it made me orderCookie Craft: From Baking to Luster Dust, Designs and Techniques for Creative Cookie Occasions days after, and i'm excited for the next cookie baking time.

Thank you Valarie and Janice for another amazing book......
I have so many post-it note flags in this book! I was so inspired (see customer images) I had to share my photos!! I am a beginner at this, I have been watching Martha Stewart do it for years, but really needed a book like this to get my groove on, LOL! Thank you Valarie and Janice for the much needed inspiration.

To all you busy moms out there, it is not impossible to make gorgeous cookies. Follow the directions of this wonderful book (small but mighty) and you will be amazed at what you can accomplish! I have 6 kids underfoot, and was able to decorate over 150 cookies as gifts this Christmas. I didn't buy any gifts or go to the mall, I just got in the kitchen with this book and went for it. I took 1 day to bake, and the next to decorate. Next year I will start earlier. They keep well in clear favor bags sold at craft stores, with a pretty ribbon of your choice to close the top. Hope you find this book as inspirational as I did! :)

good decorating book
Explains how to decorate many types of Christmas cookies.I wish it had more recipes using buttercream icing and less with royal icing.I think buttercream tastes better. ... Read more

Product Description
Do you long to create picture-perfect rooms but can’t quite seem to achieve them? Do you want better functioning spaces for working, playing, or living? Do you clamor to express your personal style? If you said “yes” to any of these questions, you’ve turned to the right source for real answers from the pros.

Home Decorating For Dummies, 2nd Edition is for all kinds of people in all kinds of decorating situations, including:

• First-time buyers or renters. You have a whole new place to decorate. Where do you start?
• Second- or third-time home buyers. Whether you’ve gone up or down in size, stayed in the same region or moved to a whole new one, you need to know how to make your old furniture work in a new setting, how to add furnishings, and how to make your style seem fresh.
• Newly blended families. He has furniture, she has furniture, they have furniture. Can it all work together harmoniously? Indeed!
• And anyone else who loves decorating. Don’t forget: Imagination counts.

Each part of Home Decorating For Dummies, deals with a broad area of decorating, and each chapter contains specific and detailed information. You'll discover tips on

• Basic planning – where to begin when you want to start decorating
• Creating surface interest – the effects of color, pattern, and texture, and the problems created by too much or too little of them
• Creating backgrounds – what you need to know about the special decorating requirements of your walls
• Tackling tough rooms – how to effectively decorate rooms that have special functional requirements
• Accessorizing with art and other stuff – adding the final flourishes to every space in your place

Home Decorating For Dummies, 2nd Edition contains all the basics – including how to figure out what you can spend; how to spend it; and the latest and greatest in styles, trends, and technology. What do you do with your space next? The possibilities are endless. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Never Received Book
I purchased this book from Bookbrothers1 on October 5th , 2009 and I still have not received the book.The delivery date was suppose to be no later than October 28th.Today is November 5th and no sign of the book.I have tried emailing Bookbrothers1 and have not gotten a reply.I really wanted the book so now I have to see what actions I will have to take to get the book or my money back.I was really disapointed.

Susan
Virginia

Pretty good
This book isn't bad at all.I find myself picking it up when I'm trying to watch t.v.It has pretty good details about different things...fabrics, lighting, flooring, walls, etc.As another review stated, 'I wish it had more pictures', and I also wish it were longer.I really don't think it could have had any more detail though.It's well worth the money, no doubt.My next book will be "remodeling for dummies"....

It is basic but not really for dummies!
After checking out many books from the library and pouring over glossy photos of rooms as large as my whole house, I felt more discouraged than inspired.If you can get past the name of this series of books, thisparticular "Dummy" book has all the same information aboutinterior design as the books that cost three times as much. Get those outof the library and look at the photos for free. There are only a few photosof rooms in this book.It is mostly just the basics of what you need tounderstand very basic interior design concepts.Is everyone but me livingin a house with 12 foot ceilings, rooms that are 400 square feet andwindows looking out on the ocean!

Good, basic start
Like all the "handbook for Dummies" series, this is good, basic, straight forward information for the novice, written in a very friendly, unintimidating style.

At Last-- A Book For Mere Mortals!
Good,Solid advice on actually furnishing your home stylishly and comfortably instead of just fantasizing about the unaffordable and unattainable. I found a lot of helpful information to get me through eachstage of a project. I really liked the way the authors wrote...verydown-to-earth and friendly, unintimidating and real. I only wish there wereloads of pretty pictures too! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (15)

Nice Resource for Novice at Crown Molding & Trim
This book has beautiful photo illustrations of many kinds of trim work.We are putting in crown molding and found the diagrams of how trimwork is put together very clear and helpful.There is a section with photos and concise explantions of the tools that you might need and how to make your cuts.

Great Ideas!
If you are interested in how to use trim to decorate your house this book contains a lot of great ideas.

Almost all the information you want to know about Trimwork.
I'm a huge DIY.Therefore please take into account that I'm not a professional contractor that knows all of the ins and outs of trim work. However, I do have more than basic knowledge of interior design and this book definitely meets all expectations. If you are working on updating a home or adding a bit of flair....this is the book for you.Lots of pictures, examples, and easy to follow format.

Really good trim book
I am in the planning stage of re-doing a room in our house to a nursery. I've looked at/bought a number of books on trim carpentry, as this is my first time through any of this, and this book turned out to be a valuable purchase. The installation techniques and illustrations are very good, but what really makes this book shine are the pictures -- and there are tons of them. Just flipping through the book will give you lots of ideas of what's possible. 5 stars.

Lot's of great ideas and practical tips!
I'm in a middle of a remodel and this book answered a lot of my questions. It's a pleasure just browsing through this book. Richly illustrated and offers lot's of great ideas. Picked up a few good carpentry tips. A good miter saw and this book and the possibilities are endless. Tool tips came in very handy too. Hats off to Jay Silber! ... Read more

Product Description
Do-it-yourself decorators will discover creative inspiration in this book, along with smart shopping tips and easy-to-follow guidelines for giving a room unique character and personality with vintage finds.

Practical flea-market shopping advice.

Hundreds of illustrated ideas for decorating with vintage finds, room by room.

275 inspiring color photos of homes and rooms featuring creative decorating ideas.

Easy how-to for evaluating, salvaging, and refurbishing finds.

Favorite flea markets and antique fairs around the country.

Internet antiques-shopping tips, including the best sites for auctions, on-line antique malls, and state-by-state flea market guides. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

The pictures spoke 1,000 horrible words
I was so excited to get this book because I LOVE to decorate and I see beauty in basically everything. I have tons and tons of ideas, but you can never have too many. I definitely agree with the other reviewer who said to check out the book before buying it- because like her, I didn't care for the book AT ALL- I actually HATED it! In all honesty, it was a book of crap- they did nothing with the finds to make them more appealing (they are ugly) and it still looks like crap in their house next to all the other garbage they got from flea markets. I didn't bother reading any of the text because the pictures spoke 1,000 horrible words.

I love the better homes and gardens magazines called "100 decorating ideas under $100". Now, this is a magazine I learn a lot from and they have beautiful and cheap ideas using garage sale and flea market finds.

This book, on the other hand, I want to trash- wasn't worth the money I paid.

Not what I hoped for
I got this book used after reading good reviews but I was disappointed to say the least.It had nothing new or creative to speak of, in fact I found that it hardly had any ideas at all.I love thrift store shopping and I love to see how creative people have used or repurposed their treasures but this book fell flat.So glad I only paid a few bucks for it but ended up giving it away.

A keeper!
A very inspiring book which I go back to frequently still, after owning it for more than 2 yrs.It shows you that you don't need a lot of money to create interesting, even funky but cool, rooms.I especially like the how-to restoration section toward the back of the book.This is a great book to keep on your shelf for inspiration and quick how-to information.It's simply fun!

Good ideas
I enjoyed reading the book, it has several good photos of ideas used.It validates my decorating scheme!

Check it out of the library before buying
I agree the rusty chair/furniture and hospital guerny are not very appealing. This book is good for little tips and odds and ends but not as good as Better Homes "Cottage Style" book which I have to say is THE BEST. I am glad I checked it out of the library before I bought it. It went a little to over the top on the shabby chic/flea market look for me not very elegant. The pictures are good because of professional photos but I bet if you were in a home filled with some of this stuff it could end up looking a little too flea-ish. Check it out first at the library. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

One of the best!
This book is an invaluable reference for anyone interested in the process and end result of creating a beautiful interior.The photos are exquisite, and Cullman and Kravis does an excellent job of presenting their work.Most design books are written in a much too general style, and the copy is merely an adjunct to the images.This book is most certainly a "master class" in design, very well organized, and very specific as to the dimensions, style, and process necessary to achieve a beautiful and functional room.

Although the designers' work is very high-end, anyone can benefit from the knowledge and suggestions contained in the book, and apply them to a more cost-conscious project.(For example, in the chapter on floor coverings, C&K uses antique and custom-made rugs.The same sizing and color principles apply to ready-made area rugs purchased from stock as to the more expensive rugs shown in the book.)

This book is perfect for the serious lay person as well as the seasoned interior designer.

Lots to learn from
Probably the best "how" to book on decorating/design.Full of tips and insights - useful for the novice AND for the practitioner you might need a refresh.Pretty book and educational.

Very important and beautiful book!
This is an invaluable book for anyone interested in interior design.
Cullman and Kravis is, simply put, one of the finest design firms in the country, and, with this book, you can discover every step that they take in the process of creating their incredible interiors.
If you only want to look at beautiful pictures, they are here for you. If you want decorating advice for a do- it-yourself project, that is here for you. And, if you are planning a multi million dollar renovation , then you should read every word.
The genius of this book is that it has elements for everyone at every level of design. Of course, the deeper you look, the more technical it becomes, and the more valuable it becomes for high end construction and renovation. But there is information contained in the book that is valuable to everyone- even modernists.
You can buy the book for its beautiful photographs and be perfectly happy! And you can read further to learn invaluable information about interior design from a master of her profession.

Dated
The decorating ideas and concepts seemed dated.Even traditional looks don't need to look as stodgy as some of the designer's layouts.

boring and basic
The text of the book is decent but pretty basic. The pictures are anything but inspiring.Arrangements of furniture and choice of items are conventional to the point of dullness. The book will teach one how to hire a decorator, manage one's expectations is so doing, and ensure that one's home looks "decorated" by a professional rather than reflect any individual style. Fine book if that's the look to which one aspires. ... Read more

Product Description
The Complete Home Decorating Idea Book focuses on vertical and horizontal surfaces by examining not only windows, walls and floors but also celebrates the fifth wall ceilings! Readers will discover the clever possibilities for treating surfaces of all kinds with paint, wallpaper, tile, stone, fabric and more. A book unabashedly low on copy and high on brilliant four color photography, trend expert Kathleen Stoehr (author of the already published Dream Windows and Dream Floors books) developed a unique concept to attract thousands of buyers to this all-encompassing book. Thousands of photographs, consecutively numbered for convenient reference, allow users to easily note potential colors, designs and interiors that appeal. Beginning with a chapter on a personal favorite, window treatments, Stoehr covers all types of hard and soft window products, as well as how to approach the decoration of a large window wall. A chapter on wall coverings follows, including paint, paper, tile, stone, fabric and wood. In section three, the decorated ceiling pulls our eyes upward from the horizontal sweep we normally experience in a room, creating a sense of satisfied completion to any interior. Decorated ceilings, our interior sky is attention to detail at its best, creating drama in the dining room or a calm, restful environment in the bedroom. Finally, we look to the floor, an area frequently overlooked but is the ultimate component for finishing any room with style. All this and more, including thousands of today's top interior photographs, will be found in The Complete Home Decorating Idea Book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Wonderful Book that Shows every idea
As a window treatment designer this book shows every option (almost!!) that a homeowner could do for there home

Many good ideas...
This book is filled with great ideas for design ideas and window treatments (what we initially bought it for).The surprises for me were the number of ideas for storage which were inspired by the photos.

THE COMPLETE HOME DECORATING IDEA BOOK
I AM AN ASID INTERIOR DESIGNER LOCATED IN AUSTIN TEXAS. I HAVE WON 8 DESIGN AWARDS HERE IN OUR STATE. THIS BOOK IS INCREDIBLY USEFUL AS A TOOL WHEN I AM IN CLIENT MEETINGS TRYING TO CONVEY AN IDEA IN MY MIND TO MY CLIENT. IT MAKES IT SO MUCH EASIER FOR THEM TO UNDERSTAND THE DESIGN CONCEPT . IT'S BROKEN DOWN BY STYLES OF WINDOW TREATMENTS AND VERY USER FREINDLY. IT IS A GREAT TOOL AS IT IS CLOSE UP PHOTOS TO DISCUSS DETAILS. THE STYLES ARE CALLED OUT WHICH ARE UNIVERSAL, SO THE CLIENT KNOWS WHAT MY WINDOW TREATMENT COMPANY IS TALKING ABOUT. PS. ALL MY CLIENTS END UP KEEPING THE COPY I AM WORKING WITH FOR THEM. I CAN'T SAY NO. ... Read more