Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Decorating Ideas
This book truly lives up to its title.The books takes you a tour of varied decorating styles, ideas and functionality.It's a must for anyone who is ready to make a change or just loves home decorating.

Perfect Book Slow Delivery
The book arrived in very good condition.The only complaint that I have is it did take a long time to get to me. I know I can't blame that on the seller but I just thought I would mention it. Also, the slowness of the delivery will play a big part in my decision to order from this seller again.So, long story short, loved the book, hated the delivery time and oh yes, not willing to pay for the fastest delivery option. I think5-7 business days is plenty of time to get a buyer thier merchandise. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (15)

good
it seems to stick with one "style type" than exploring many different styles, the pictures were great though but sadly not what i was looking for.

Excellent Book.
The book came in exactly the condition that Amazon said it would, which was excellent.
It has great decorating information.This book was $22 new at our local store.
With freight, this was about $7.00.Great Buy!!

Love this Book!
I searched Amazon for plenty of decorating book and this was the absolute best! I wanted to find some ideas for decorating and many of the other books had so much writing in them but for this occasion you really need a book with PLENTY of PICTURES! And boy does this have them! This book is so well designed and offers so many great suggestions. It's suitable for every kind of decorating. It goes through every imaginable part of a house. Amazing book! It entertains me for hours! BUY IT, you won't be let down!

Great ideas!
Great ideas, I'm decorating one small area at a time, and this book is helping a lot. Ideas very clear and it's well written. Budget ideas especially good.

Decorating Idea Book
I saw this book in a decor shop and loved it, but not the price they were asking. I came home, looked it up on Amazon and ordered it for a fraction of the original price. It arrived in 5-7 days like new. I will definitely order again. Lana M. ... Read more

Product Description
This kit has everything needed for making and decorating dozens of festive cup-sized confections: 14 scrumptious recipes, 250 decorative cup liners in two sizes, a pastry bag, and an assortment of piping tips for creating one-of-a-kind masterpieces. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

I was hoping for better
I thought I would be getting a kit that would really excite me to make cupcakes - it didn't.It probably works better to purchase as a gift for someone as the packaging is very nice, but the contents are really nothing extrodinary.The only really useful contents are the cupcake liners, which I could have purchased for a lot less money or a lot more quantity for what it cost me to buy the kit.

Decorating tips are plastic
The decorating tips are plastic, which might not be bad, but metal tips create more sharply defined lines. I returned it not because of a product defect but because the box arrived crushed and couldn't be given as a gift.

Perfect for its audience
The cupcake kit includes colorful, decorative cupcake papers for regular-size and mini cupcakes. It also includes a decorating bag with coupler and four different tips, and a small cookbook with a handful of recipes. No, it isn't a huge amount of stuff, but remember, this is aimed at a very specific audience--folks who want to do a bit of simple decorating and don't want to buy big sets of tips and tons of paste colors. It'll serve you well as a quick beginner intro (making it also a great gift), a quick fix if you need to make a few dozen cupcakes and don't have the equipment to do it, or a great way to learn how to make a few pretty cupcakes if you already know you can't or don't want to do the really fancy stuff!

The recipe booklet is pretty, with nice layout and photos, and includes both the basics (yellow and chocolate cupcake batters, cream cheese and chocolate frostings) and some nifty diversions. Personally I like the "hummingbird swirls," which have fruit and nuts in them, and are topped with a lovely ivory-colored cream cheese frosting. (This is the first time I've seen a cream cheese frosting that called for both cream cheese and butter, and it's really good!) Simple decorating ideas range from swirls of frosting piped from a star tip, to easy spiderweb designs, jelly bean "eggs" in a nest of coconut shavings, chocolate shavings, glazed lemon peel, and a few other easy-to-implement and delicious decorations.

It's a narrow-purpose item, but it's perfectly designed for its target audience!


[Review book courtesy of publisher]

Beautiful Kit
This is a beautiful kit, I love the presentation, the overall design is so beautiful, the only thing is that the book is too short it has very few recipes, and doesnt have that many pics, but as a whole it's a beautiful and useful thing. Got it for my girlfriend because she loves baking cupcakes. So, recommended. specially for the liners and tools.

Good times!
I bought this product for my granddaughter and her mother as a fun activity they both can do in the kitchen.It is wonderful and gave opportunities to make fun cupcakes in all sizes with several types of decorating. ... Read more

Product Description
Enchanted Cakes for Children contains over 20 endearing characters and scenes, including familiar characters from favorite fairy tales such as the Snow Queen, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella. You'll also meet several new characters from the world of make-believe, such as friendly elves and bewitching mermaids playing with sea creatures. Clear, step-by-step text is complemented by color photos of each cake. Cake decorators of all levels of experience will soon be producing delightful cakes that will enthrall children and adults alike. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Flowers
As always I love all of Debbie Browns books, this one is no exception.All here books are top of the line in pictures and instruction.She alway does a great job on giving you something to inspire.Will always buy any book she comes out with!

Great ideas
Can't stop reading this book.I got so crazy just looking at the pictures.I WISH i could at least build one of the cake in there.I'm not too sure about this book.Maybe it's for a more higher level person?But just looking at the book is fun, lots of GREAT ideas.

Wonderful
This book is totally wonderful. I can't believe how easy it is to make these cakes.

Amazing
Are you kidding!! Debbie is Amazing,this book is so much fun. I have made a few of her cakes, so easy if you follow her easy instructions. Everyone loves her cakes. Thanks Debbie, keep your ideas coming.

Magical!
As soon as I got this book, I started getting orders for the cakes in it. I have been using it a lot for little girls' birthday cakes. My only dissatisfaction [and this is minor] is that I would have liked it to contain a greater number of interesting cakes for little boys. Nevertheless it's a very good book - I am happy with it. ... Read more

Product Description
Explains the art and science of interior design. Shows how to work with space, color, pattern, and texture with professional flair. Tips about furniture placement; window, wall, and floor treatments; and how to pull everything together into one great look. More than 300 color photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

The Smart Approach to Home Decorating, 3rd Edition
The Smart Approach to Home Decorating, 3rd Edition Very well done book on home decor super pics and easy application.

Wonderful decorating ideas and photos
I've read and re-read this several times. Great ideas and beautiful photos. Sometimes it's just something in the corner of one of their pictures, but it gave me an idea for my home. It's so much fun making things beautiful!

Good Decorating Book
I purchased about 7 decorating books on Amazon since getting my first house about 9 months ago.I would put this one in my top 5.The information inside is great - I love the measurements it provides as well as info on how to place furniture.I actually used some of the tips in the book for my combined living/dining room furniture and it came out perfect - and I never would have thought to do it on my own.She's a big advocate for keeping furniture off walls if possible and I was impressed with my results.I gave it 4 stars because, as a visual person, I would have liked to have seen more larger pictures showcasing the whole space instead of the little ones featuring sections of a room, but nonetheless, I was impressed.Definitely a good decorating book to have on hand!

Outdated pictures, timeless concepts
This book was published in 1999, and the shown styles in the pictures are very much outdated. It's an easy read, though, and it still touches on the general concepts that will apply today and in the future. I wish I had paid attention to the publishing date. I was looking for a more organized book of design do's and don't's. This is not that book. It's in more paragraph form.

Great product
Book was in excellant shape and prompt shipment.Enjoyed seeing all the great ideas at a much reduced price compared to retail. ... Read more

Product Description
In this fresh, fun, and unique book, design consultant and Today show lifestyle expert Elizabeth Mayhew shares essential insider tips for making any space stylish and timeless in a snap. Forget expensive fixes or labor-intensive endeavors, Flip! for Decorating can show you how to redecorate with what you have on hand, or with the simple purchases you’ll need to create the room of your dreams. Flip through the upper right hand pages, and watch four rooms receive an instant makeover! Inside you’ll discover:

• step-by-step instructions for decorating the four most commonly used rooms: living room, dining room, family room, and bedroom
• the fundamentals of color, including no-fail wall and trim colors, when to use wallpaper instead of paint, and the facts on different paint finishes
• the ways to treat a window, from Venetian blinds and Roman shades to simple curtains–and the secrets to making a window appear taller or wider
• the art of picking the perfect sofa, chairs, tables, and lighting
• strategies on how to prioritize your decorating decisions

Flip! for Decorating also features time-saving “reality checks,” handy shopping tips, and easy and informative sidebars that will give you instant solutions if you’re stumped, stymied, or need to add a quick jolt of style to virtually any room in your home. With this amazing, practical book, decorating is so easy you’ll flip! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Very helpful for the novice decorator
I echo what the other reviewers have said about this being a really practical, useful guide to decorating.I like her design aesthetic.Her tips are helpful and things I would not have thought of, i.e. when buying a lamp shade, bring the lamp to the store. My favorite chapter was the "No-fail Paint Colors."If she does a sequel, I would love to see even more of those, since there are so many colors out there.You definitely must sample the paint before painting your room, though.I know many people on Garden Web find her recommended Hawthorne Yellow to be excessively bright. I can see how this book would not be as helpful if you have extensive experience in decorating, i.e she uses one trim color for everything rather than varying it by warm color, cool color, etc.Elizabeth Mayhew is the editor-in-chief of Women's Day now.I'll have to see what she is writing in there.

I flipped for this book!
FLIP! For DECORATING is a great source for turning the most inept DIY-er into a chic interior designer. Concise, practical advice on everything from the best wall colors to perfect placement of furniture, this book is perfect for that individual who is completely overwhelmed by all things decorating.And it's fun! It actually works like a flip book where you can see rooms transformed right before your very eyes! A great way to learn the basics while developing an eye for style, this book is one you can't miss!

Misnomer! Should be called "Deco for Dummies"
If you have absolutely no ideas whatsoever about decorating and would like to decorate exactly like the book, this may be for you. But if you want inspiration, motivation, ideas, creative solutions, this is not the book for you. Boring, boring, boring! Did I mention its boring? I was let down. Just visit any number of the current decor blogs out there (where you'll find someone has done all the tedious work for you) and you'll realize that this book should probably be relegated to the local library's shelves.

Great flipbook for grown ups: Breaks the decorating process into manageable tasks
So many home decorating manuals are discouraging. The pristine, polished interiors photographed inside seem entirely unattainable. After looking through them any urge to start a remodel project typically evaporates. Elizabeth Mayhew's new guide Flip! For Decorating is a welcome change because it's both inspiring and practical. There are photographs of beautiful rooms inside, but also step-by-step instructions about how to get there.

The book breaks the decorating process into smaller, manageable tasks. The chapter about designing a living room, for example, consists of guidelines about selecting a couch, a carpet, tables, chairs, lighting and accessories. In addition there are sequential photographs showing how each element is installed in an actual room, so that you can literally flip the pages and see the design come together. Someone decorating her own living room can follow these steps methodically or search the book for specific information, like what kind of sofa filling is most durable, or how high a coffee table should be.

Refreshingly, Mayhew isn't governed by a single style. Her process is to start with one element, like a paint color or an artwork, and assemble the rest of the room around it. This leaves plenty of freedom to mix and match between different styles. She says, "Follow your gut and buy what you're crazy about and you'll see a style called 'You' emerge." That seems like the perfect mantra for someone furnishing a home and trying to make it her own.

flip
I can't review this as I sent it as a present, only after reading other reviews of how good it is. ... Read more

Product Description

In Sweet Celebrations the woman InStyle called "New York's reigning cake diva" shares her recipes, designs, techniques, and tips in a gloriously illustrated book.

Bon Appétit called master baker and decorator Weinstock "the Leonardo da Vinci of wedding cakes," and her stunningly original creations have graced the celebrations of Oprah Winfrey, Ted Turner, and Whitney Houston. Her repertoire includes not just grand, romantic, floral wedding cakes but cakes appropriate for all of life's festive moments. Now she shares her expertise with bakers who want the perfect cake to commemorate that very special occasion.

Sweet Celebrations includes cakes for birthdays, anniversaries, bon voyage send-offs, victory parties, and more. Graded according to difficulty, there are cakes for the beginning as well as the experienced decorator. Present your favorite graduate with a richly bound pile of books, welcome a newborn with a delectable stack of pastel-colored blocks, or serve the charming cottage cake at a housewarming. Each of the featured twenty-four cakes is shown in full color, with complete step-by-step instructions for baking, assembling, and decorating. In addition there are many inspiring photographs of the fabulous cakes Weinstock has created for clients around the world.

The book provides recipes for cakes, frostings, and fillings, as well as detailed illustrated instructions on decorating techniques. Sweet Celebrations is a must-have volume for home and professional bakers who want to make and serve cakes that taste as good as they look.Amazon.com Review
Sylvia Weinstock designs beautiful cakes. Sharing that opinion are Oprah Winfrey, Donald Trump, and several Kennedys, among other clients ofWeinstock's New York cake business. In Sweet Celebrations, Weinstockand coauthor Kate Manchester show readers how they can produce similaredible fantasies--bedecked beauties for all occasions, from weddings,birthdays, and anniversaries to bon voyages, bar mitzvahs, and babychristenings. Readers wanting to learn or refine cake-decorating skills, orthose interested in this ever-evolving craft, will welcome the book.

Beginning with basic cake, filling, icing, and wash (syrupy soak) recipes,Weinstock then presents fundamental and advanced cake-designing techniques,including sugar dough work, flower and ribbon creation, and piping methodsof all kinds. She then offers 24 cake projects of her own design,each illustrated in color, with detailed blueprints for their construction.Of these, readers will doubtlessly be most entranced with Weinstock'ssignature flower- and fruit-wreathed marvels such as her Peach Rose WeddingCake and Marzipan Fruit Cake, but other Weinstock classics, including theHatbox Cake, the "lace"-covered Cornelli Heart Cake, or the Clown Cake(perfect for children's parties), will prove equally tempting. Weinstockoffers a level of difficulty notation for each cake so readers can choosetheir projects wisely and advance as their decorating skills develop. Notthe least of Weinstock's success is due to her commitment to producingcakes that taste as good as they look, further cause for celebrating withher special creations. --Arthur Boehm ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

not too informative if you are a novice
Beautiful cakes, of course, they are Sylvia's! But as a novice cake decorator I didn't find the book helpful.

Sweet Celebrations
Oh my goodness! The recipes in this book are to die for.Sylvia has The Best Spice Cake recipe in here, you've just got to try it. Yummy!!! No wonder she is in such demand, her cakes are fabulous and her flowers, are unbelievable. This is the got to have book if you never get another one.

Horrible
This Book is horrible. I was so eager to get it and when i did i was extremely disappointed. All the cakes are so old and outdated
and nothing is done in fondant. Even the tutorials suck. Theres just some crappy sketches. I'd return it but it probably cost more to ship
it back than what i paid for it. Now I know why i got it so cheap from the seller.
I read the reviews before i bought this book and i really wish i had listened. Now I know better.
DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK. DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK. DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK.
I've actually gottan some good advice about cake books. Borrow them from the library first. If you find one
you really want, then buy it. That way you wont be disappointed like i was with this book.

Not impressed
I bought this book because I wanted scrumptious cake recipes and in my opinion the food network has better tasting and less tedious cakes. The chocolate cake in my opinion was too blan not rich and decadant as expected and the buttercream frosting was good but I've had others that were just as good and didn't require as much work with the egg whites.

Outstanding
Upscale - Gives great ideas for cake suggestions.This book will be a great working tool and assist me in my every day work as Sr. Mgr., Meetings and Special Events, specializing in Weddings, in a 5 star 5 diamond property. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Not what I expected...
This book was not what I expected.However, it was my fault that I did not look at the item dimensions, it's only about 4 sq. inches.Half of the 112 pages just has a large number to tell the number of the tip!It had some good tips, but I would recommend it more for gift-giving, would be nice for a beginning cake decorator. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (13)

Books as decorative objects
Yes, it's book-porn.This selection features page after page of full-color photographs featuring various home libraries.I didn't think this was quite as satisfying as "The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World" but a lot of the photographs are really quite fetching.Put together by House Beautiful magazine, the book features a lot of "old money" styled homes, with pretty architectural features and a hint of shabby chic.The most unique idea I found in the book was the idea of turning book jackets inside out... so as to create a uniform, white bookshelf.I could totally picture myself doing that.I'm not such a big fan of leaving piles of books artfully arranged about the house, however. (how will I tell them apart from books I'm reading and have simply set down?)As a librarian, and book lover, I was naturally curious to see what kind of titles were on the shelves... seeing someone's personal book collection can tell you so much about them.Most of the books featured in these photos were home decorator titles, books about art, plenty of biographies and a few non-fiction titles.Aged, leather-bound gilt volumes were heavily in use as well.The kind of books that typically get used by home-stagers and the like.In other words, non-readers who want a lot of books around the house in order to appear smart.This was a very pretty book, but not terribly memorable.

Sumptious Pictures/The Associated Patter is Weak
Ignore the text in this book, its just decorator patter. The photography however is magnificent as is the selection of libraries on display.I would love to own or visit with most of the shelving displayed and in fact the canoe structure on pp98 is close to something we almost bought (and should have) a year ago.Sigh. The A-frame structure on pp112 is quite intriguing as is the library ladder leading up to a sleeping loft on pp126.I'm not however sold on the idea of hanging pictures in front of books.

OK for a library read or if you are into decorating. I enjoyed looking at it but probably not a keeper.

Decorate With This Book
I initially had loaned this book from the library before purchase and it has to be one of my favorite decorating books so I headed to amazon to purchase.I have a large book collection and a small 1200 sf house so finding places to put them has been a chore.This book helped me use the nooks and crannies of my house, plus give me some "bookcases" to look for and I love the idea of putting a library in the bedroom & the dining room if necessary.Not to mention this book actually makes a good coffee table book - perfect size and neutral colors.

Well-illustrated
This book has some great pictures and is useful for looking at how other people have decorated with books. Not much substance but certainly some good ideas, placing them in context of space and types of books. I think it could have hit more of the spectrum in doing these illustrations.

Not for Booklovers
For anyone trying to solve the problem of living with books, Ms.Hueston provides no help.She arranges books by size and color, for what she perceives as visual interest.One of her displays even uses trompe de l'oeil wallpaper to create the illusion of a library!Many of the rooms shown are in architects' houses, "seaside" homes and European castles.Most of theresults are cluttered:every surface in every room (including surfaces created by stacks of books) is covered withvases, ceramics, sculptures, candles, flowerpots, fringed shawls and what she calls "cherished possessions."In addition, many of the bookshelves are encumbered with framed prints or hangings that hide the books.Unless you share her flamboyant taste (including an inordinate fondness for the color red) and have a budget to match, look elsewhere. ... Read more

Product Description
Decorating Without Fear is the step by step, how-to book that will allow even the least gifted person to create their perfect home environment.Everyone wants a beautiful home that reflects their personality and is a true sanctuary and retreat for their family. While some people have an innate understanding as to how they can create a beautiful room and others have the cash to hire a decorator, many more are intimidated and unable to seek help. This book takes the fear out of decorating and allows you to achieve a beautiful home that is right for you. It addresses the big questions to determine what type of environment best fits your personality through a trademarked color test and provides step-by-step instructions that will allow you to achieve just that. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent advice
This is the best decorating book I have read.Although I confess to being an HTV addict, the emphasis on trendy design on that network sometimes gets old; this book is refreshing because it is filled with practical advice about how to make your home suit your own tastes.I found the photos less inspiring than photos in most home decor books because most of the rooms shown are too formal or too country for me.However, the excellent text more than makes up for that.I borrowed this book from the library but now I am going to buy a copy.

What and easy read and helpful hints!
I am in the process of having a new home built for me - I haven't a clue what I am doing but this book helped. The book is written with a ease that the do-it yourself decorator will understand the basics and the pictures help you to see this in your own way for your own style. I have found that my decorating style is Cottage design and I now know what I have been doing will always be with me and now I can begin to pick up pieces for my new home and it will work - for me. ... Read more

Product Description
In this fabulous book, queen of cakes Annie Rigg offers more than 40 ideas for easy-to-decorate cakes, cookies, and cupcakes, as well as step-by-step photography to guide you through those tricky bits. The book starts with the Basics: all the cookie doughs, cake, and cupcake mixes you need to make the recipes in the book, as well as step-by-step decorating tips and techniques. Why not begin with some shoe-shaped Cookies in pretty pastels for Mother's Day? Small Cakes can be as cute as a cupcake, or as decadent as a square of brownie. Put a spring in someone's step and bring them a basket of freshly baked Carrot Cake Cupcakes topped with adorable marzipan carrots and bunny rabbits. When you want a bake that packs a punch, turn to Cakes for inspiration. Follow the step-by-step instructions for decorating a Striped Dark and White Chocolate Cake to rival anything you could buy ready-made. Even if you've never made frosting or used a piping bag. Annie's foolproof instructions will inspire you to get creative and whip up a batch of handcrafted treats.

. More than 40 easy, gorgeous ideas for decorating cookies, cakes, and cupcakes for birthdays, Mother's Day, weddings, Christmas, or just every day.

. Step-by-step photographs make the trickier projects easy to follow and fuss-free.

. With mouthwatering photography by Kate Whitaker. ... Read more

Product Description
The crisp, fresh combination of blue and white is a classic design partnership with numerous variations. From the deepest indigo blue to the palest sky blue, there is a shade of blue to suit every room and every mood. And there's a surprising number of options when it comes to choosing the shade of white to complement the blue, from the soft historic whites which are almost creamy in appearance, to the bright whites that always look so smart. The beauty of blue and white is that any combination of shades works effortlessly together. This book divides blues into chapters according to their shades. Classic Blues introduces you to colour schemes and interiors that have stood the test of time, while Country Blues shows how these colours work beautifully in informal settings. Jewel Blues brings an intense depth of colour, while Coastal Blues reflects the softer shades of the sea, from grey-blue to aquamarine, and Outdoor Blues takes its inspiration from nature. The final chapter, Collections, shows how to display your collections of china and ceramics, glassware, art and fabrics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Blue and White Chic
Beautiful book filled with my favorite color combination--blue and white. Love the English country theme on some pages. Although lovely, I find Carolyne Roehm's style too fancy for my taste. I am more into English country and Shabby Chic. This book is just right, the colors and themes are restful.

More of a Shabby Chic/English Country approach
I felt the other review was a little unfair. I found this book to be very inspiring, and the mix of interiors and exteriors from Morocco, South Africa, and the UK to be an interesting and varied mix. Its more of a Shabby Chic or English Country approach than "A Passion For Blue and White", but nevertheless very beautiful. I completely disagree with the comments about the photos - they were crisp, fresh, detailed and often stunningly beautiful. This is NOT an in-depth guide to the details of interior decoration - its more of a book to day dream over; to linger over with a cup of tea. I actually broke out my sketch pad to copy details of some of the kitchen cupboards, so it can't be THAT awful :))

Very Disappointed
Purchased this book expecting some really great blue and white photos,I was so disappointed in this book as it only had a couple of pages that interested me towards the very back with the blue and white dishes,transferware pieces,etc. I guess just seeing a page on a blue wood door just does not excite me at all. Terrible photos as a 5 year could of done better. I would not purchase this book and wait for Carolyne Roehm A Passion for Blue and white book to come out on Oct 28th,2008 now this book will be nice as all of her books are. No wow factor in this above book. Hope this helps! Save your hard earned cash!! ... Read more

Product Description
Decorating with Antiques explains how some of the most talented interior designers approach a room and its contents.The first section of the book, shows how furniture, fabrics, and fittings from very different periods can be mixed successfully. The Rooms chapter illustrates how antiques can be used throughout your home. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

LOVELY PHOTOS...GREAT IDEAS
If you are the type of decorator who likes to mix antique or just plain old furniture and possessions with new furnishings, this book is loaded with ideas on how to make it work.The first half of the book is dedicated to the elements of design--chairs, mirrors, lighting, pillows, etc.I did not find the text in these sections to be as educational as the text in the 2nd half of the book.The photos in this first section are wonderful (very high end) and the writer talks a lot about balance, scale, etc., but doesn't say what you actually need to do to accomplish the balance, scale, etc.The second half, dedicated to the indivudual rooms in the home, is much better.Not only are the photos beautiful, but solid suggestions are given as to what works and what does not.Most of the photos are of the homes of world-class designers or the very-rich.That was as problem for me because there is no way that I can afford the kinds of furniture and decorative accents used in the photos.For that reason, I'm giving the book a ****.I bought mine from an individual seller at a discounted price, so it was worth it for me.

the BEST decorating book, and I have at least 20
This book explains in so many useful ways how to create a home, that makes you proud of living in it. The photographs are very beautiful and well chosen, and the author explains step by step how to mix colors, patterns and not to forget how to arrange furniture and pictures in order to create a relaxed atmosphere. You will not regret buying this book, it is next to the awesome pictures really worth reading! ENJOY!!!

Finally, a book that really explains HOW to decorate!
This is by far my favorite decorating book!! If you have antiques (or just old or quirky things you really love) this book explains how to arrange them with other furnishings in a way that is both beautiful to look at and also very livable. I'm decorating my tiny house, and have been reading a lot of decorating books. This is the ONLY book I've come across that explains HOW to decorate. It breaks down this daunting task (it seems daunting to me since I don't know where to begin) into smaller components that make sense. Each chapter explains how to work with the different elements of your home, such as Furniture, Fabrics, Lighting, but also explains the elements of each room, such as choosing Flooring and Wall Color. It also tells you how to pull together items that don't necessarily match through use of Color, Texture, Pattern, and through Proportion & Scale (yes, even I was able to understand these concepts because of the direct, yet eloquent wording of the text and great pictures that reinforced the concepts being explained). Some of the pictures had the typical 14-foot ceilings and grand spaces that I will probably never live with, but many others were of small-sized rooms that were beautifully done. Even the 14-foot-ceiling pictures had many, many ideas that I could use because these rooms were decorated by function--most contained small groupings of furniture (i.e., sitting areas, dining areas, etc.) that broke up the large spaces and made them look comfortable and inviting. I just finished reading the book, and I'm looking forward to going back and really study it again. I do feel more confident that I'll be able to create a home that is lovely and comfortable.

A book for those who appreciate the eclectic look
In many ways, the pictures in this volume reminds me of interiors shown in books on French style.Rather than trying to create museum-perfect rooms that represent a certain period in time, this book is about combining what you love in ways that are pleasing to the eye and easy to live with.So, if you wish to have a stylish home that mixes antiques with more modern furniture and is accented with collections representative of cultures from around the world, this book is for you! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Modern for 1957...
Modern for 1957... Not what I wanted, or expected.First kindle book I regret I bought.

Collector's Item
I bought this because I taught for Wilton Cake Decorating Classes, and love all things "Wilton".
This book is a real piece of history for cake-decorators like me!
... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

Your fingers will itch
i felt a need to finish a whole lot of serious stuff to make room so I could start enjoying the ideas in this book. It's full of interest and useful techniques and the materials used will not seriously affect your credit card.

Great book
The book is great, with detailed explanations on each kind of binding, from the classical techniques to very inovative ones. It is also good because it uses tools and techniques that can be made at home, without expensive or pro materials.

Good Introduction to the Book Arts World
This how-to book starts with an introduction to materials and tools used in book arts. It also points out some basic bookmaking rules on paper grain, cutting and gluing.

The first chapter is heavily focused on binding methods. Thirteen book structures were shown with highly detailed and clear step-by-step instructions from start to finish. Its primary focus is on various on how the signatures/pages and covers can be bound using the simple gluing and/or stitching. It seemed to me that this chapter's basic goal is to create a repertoire of basic bookmaking skills for the novice, and it is my opinion that it did succeed in meeting this goal.

The second chapter covers most basic principles and processes for creating the pages and covers. Various methods were shown in a demonstration type photo-illustrations such as cutting, "surface sculpting" (debossing and embossing), and folding.

Its third and last chapter is a gallery type section that shows how the techniques covered in the previous chapters were used. With the book as an art form in mind, eighteen books created by the author and other bookmakers were presented by using the book structure/pages as a `canvas' or `media' creatively and imaginatively to tell stories or communicate via visual and/or textual means. I found the last three books at the end of the chapter to be very intriguing and fascinating because of the way the "boundaries" were being pushed to the point where they almost ceased to be viewed as "books".

Overall, this book serves as a nice introduction to the world of book arts. The photographs are beautiful, and the instructions are pretty clear. I would most likely use its first chapter to refresh my memory on various book structure designs. No matter how many books on book arts I have bought over the past years, I always find something new to learn. In this book, I have learned a few new things from this book such as hybrid structures and "debossing". But for some of the techniques presented in this book (one example - pop-up), I would look in other books for more detailed information.

Bookcraft
This is a wonderful book.I received it from the vendor in a very timely manner and in the condition described.I will order from this vendor if it has a book I want.The book is very informative, has great illustrations, and in very comprehensive.

Beautiful Books Achievable for Crafters of Any Level
In this book, author Heather Weston breaks down the art of bookbinding into a simple, straightforward process.

Covering 13 different forms of bookbinding as well as half a dozen kinds of decorative page and cover details, this is one of the most thorough bookbinding resources on the market. With step-by-by step instructions and pictures to match, it also contains examples of books made by professional book binders that used the techniques outlined in the book.

In addition to detailed instructions, Weston also provides a thorough list of necessary bookbinding materials. For readers who don't want to invest the money in professional grade bookbinding materials up front, Weston offers ideas for less expensive options that will still achieve the desired result.

This book is the perfect starting place for those who would like to pursue bookbinding professionally, or as a hobby. Weston makes beautiful bound books an achievable goal for crafters of any level. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (14)

LOVE THE BOOK!
The book arrived in great condition, better than I even thought. Fast shipping. Would use this seller again.
And the book is one of my favorites

one of my favorite mind stimulators!
I absolutely love this book! so many beautiful photographs. it kept my mind racing through ideas of how to re-create in like fashion but in my on way with my own things and budget! I've gone through it again and again and think of new things each time! one of my creative friends adored it so much thatI bought her one and she was soooo pleased!5 stars from me and my friend Pat!

Let Them Eat Cake!
This has to be the ultimate in self-indulgent publishing!
What oh-so-smug Jessica McClintok SHOULD have added to her title was "....on an Income of at Least $2,000,000".
This self-styled Marie Antoinette sits smugly, posed ever so elegantly on her oh-so-chic cushions, draped in "tasteful" old lace and expounds her proscriptions and dictates on what to buy and how to arrange it to achieve "romance", .....unfortunately forgetting to even imagine that not everyone can afford to spend the stupendous sums to achieve her contrivations quite as easily as she seems to toss off. In fact, I really don't think it ever crosses her vapid mind at all! (You can almost hear the tumbrels rolling up outside her dreamy enclave!) You simply cannot imagine anyone else ever being admitted to her overly-contrived airless set-pieces, unless of course previously groomed, styled and co-ordinated by herself personally. Every thing's set in layered off-white aspic!
There are a few half-hearted "how-to" afterthoughts at the end of the book, which I'm sure Ms. McClintock has never ever soiled her own delicate hands by attempting, ....but they are really only the most basic things that anyone with half a flair already knows. The professionally taken pictures are sumptuous enough, but unless your income runs to genuine 18th century antiques, shipping home the actual shop-fixtures from some little Parisian boutique, "millionaire" row housing and a whole troop of decorators, painters, gardeners and other assorted lackeys hovering by to cater to your every whim, ....there's not much for the average person to do here but wonder at the conspicuous consumerism and the ability (and disposable income) of some people to indulge themselves so shamelessly.
In short I suspect this book is little more than an ego-driven "look-at-me-in-envy" exercise in self-promotion by Jessica McClintok.
If you are easily satisfied by an outsider's glimpse of how the very rich people choose to splash their cash around, you might enjoy this book, but quite frankly after a quick glance through this overblown ego trip I tossed it aside as overly indulgent frippery and pretentious fairy-floss.
I added the second star ONLY for the photography, .....oh and for the "author" having the utter gall to masquerade this as a decorating manual for the public! The photos are of the author(?) sitting around, sweatless of course, fully made up and frozen against her expensively decked out interiors.
If you are seeking a REAL how-to book with usable and achievable ideas, (and they ARE out there!), this is most definitely NOT it, despite the implied promise of it's title.
I bought it for a dear friend as an intended present, but it's now destined for the local charity shop. Save your money, you'll never look at it again after the first time.
Fluff, frippery and false advertising...let the tumbrels roll!

SIMPLY GREAT - COVER TO COVER
SIMPLY GREAT..START TO FINISH. MANY IDEAS TO APPLY TO YOUR OWN DECORATING TASTE WITH SUPBERB PICTURES AND PERSONAL THOUGHTS RELATING TO THE AUTHOR'S SYLE. BONUS...FIRST BOOK I HAVE OWNED TO HAVE ACTUAL PICTURES AND DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS FOR CREATING THE VARIOUS FINISHES PICTURED IN ROOM SETTINGS. HIGHLY RECOMMEND OWNING THIS BOOK!

Jessica is just "too much"
While I enjoyed some of the pictures in this book, I was definitely turned off by Jessica's commentary. She really does not seem to have any conception of how the average American lives. At one point in the book, she comments that she told her butler to "dim the lights so I can rest my eyes". Oh Please!! Get a grip on reality will you? She states that she did this and did that to remodel her home. It is quite evident, however, that she simply told someone else what she wanted and then wrote a check that would probably amount to the average person's annual salary (or more!).If you are looking for pretty pictures, this book is fine. But, if you are looking for something you can duplicate in your own home, look elsewhere unless you have TONS of spare cash handy. ... Read more

Product Description
Come on in!

Hello! Welcome to my book. Please step inside for a visit. Grab a mug of tea, put your feet up, and enjoy. As you'll see, this book is all about making your home so wonderful and compelling and cozy that people will want to visit you and stay for a second cup of tea. By using the ideas and skills in this book, you'll create a home that is nurturing to you and your family. It's not about impressing anyone, or keeping up with anyone. It's about you feeling good in your home.

Here’s what you’ll find inside my book. . .

Overview: At the beginning of each chapter, I share my thoughts on how to approach bedrooms, kitchens, dining rooms and so on, with clever ideas and affordable solutions.

A Private Tour: Join me as I "walk my talk," showing you how I’ve put these ideas and principles to work in "My Home."

Let’s Go Shopping: I’m taking you along on my flea market outing. Best bring a basket, as you’ll be amazed at what we find.

Get Your Hands Dirty: Let me show you projects I’ve done that are fun, fun, fun. Try these, if you wish, and then create your own.

In My Opinion: You know why I love giving advice? Because I get such great questions. In "Ask Kitty" I help solve some decorating dilemmas.

Got a Minute?: Here are some "Last Minute Ideas" that might make your own home even more beautiful, comfortable and cozy.

Please enjoy this book, and then feel free to email me through my website at kittybartholomew dot com. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Kitty Bartholomew's Decorating Style: A Hands On Approach to Creating Affordable, Beautiful and Comfortable Roms
I was so happy when this book arrived and looked brand new.I was very happy because the condition of a book is very important to me.Thank you so much.

My favorite decorating book
Initially I checked this book out of the library with a lot of others.However, I kept returning again and again to this book.I finally bought one of my own.I still get ideas from it!Kitty shows you her own home photos through the years and tells you how she did it.I like her ideas..that you don't need a lot of money to have a great home. This book has started my searching second hand stores and I have come up with really great buys.Her suggestions to shop at the top (so you know a good piece when you see it..)have helped me to see the value of an item that may not be brand spanking new.I call it my decorating bible.

Kitty never lets you down.
As always Kitty is her interesting self. Why can't we have her back on T.V? I would gladly watch all her shows again. She is so down to earth and her book is full of good information. Kitty could be any thing she wants and what she wants is to be real. Lucky us!

One of my favorites
I had never seen Kitty Bartholomew's show, but I bought the book based on the positive reviews.It is one of my very favorite decorating books - I won't even loan it out to friends!If you enjoy cottage decor, or just cozy surroundings, I don't think you will be disappointed by this book.Her whole decorating philosophy is one that readers can adapt to their own personal taste.I highly recommend this book.

A "Keeper" Book
Kitty Bartholomew never lets me down.Although her style is a little "busy" for me, I picked up many ideas through-out her book and just enjoy looking at her pictures and reading her suggestions.

Her book will be one that I keep and refer back to often.Hopefully, one day I will own a cottage too.Until then, I'll dream . . . . ... Read more

Product Description
Interior decoration has never been more popular, yet at the end of the day few people achieve the look they envision when they start a room. Now renowned English decorator Nina Campbell shares the secrets that have brought her world acclaim, offering a step-by-step design strategy that will help turn your original ideas into a beautiful reality.

Nina Campbell's Decorating Secrets is a practical decorating guide based on Nina's unique "layering" approach of combining the different elements in any given room -- from furniture and lighting to pictures and flowers -- to create a unified scheme. The first section covers such basics as determining what you want out of a room, how to assess a particular space with an eye toward natural light and existing architectural details, and why rooms need focal points and how to create one. Next, she walks you through the main rooms of a home and addresses the key decorating decisions for each one, such as choosing the right colors and fabrics to create a certain mood, deciding what to put on the walls and floors, and how to properly position the furniture. This is the heart of the book and where her "layering" philosophy really takes effect. Finally, the last section examines the all-important finishing touches, such as display items and soft furnishings, that add a personal feel to any room.

Lavishly illustrated with two hundred stunning full-color photographs and written in a lively anecdotal style, Nina Campbell's Decorating Secrets is an enjoyable and practical resource.Amazon.com Review
"A room may be crammed with hideous furniture, be painted in shriekingshapes or have the sort of patterned carpet that makes you feel giddy, but you have to rise above this and see only the structure that lies underneath," says decorator Nina Campbell. In Nina Campbell's Decorating Secrets, the acclaimed British interior designer takes you through the most integral steps of home decorating, room by room.

Nina Campbell's signature design is "layering," which means every element--the furniture, wall coverings, carpet, lighting, accessories--should complement each other and the overall scheme of the room. She starts with the hall, the first impression of your home, then moves into the drawing and sitting rooms, the dining room, the kitchen, the study and library, the bedrooms, and then thebathrooms. Campbell uses her own home and other posh London residences asher examples, but you may not have this many rooms, the wallet, or the will to acquire them; however, you can still come away with ideas for your own home. The style she prefers is lush, rich, and elegant but some may find a Campbell-decorated home overstuffed and ornate. Whether or not you're a fan of chintz, you can still find inspiration from her thoughtful process, her emphasis onharmony between function and aesthetics, and her insistence on acomfortable home in which you can have both private retreats and areas forentertaining. "Your home is an extension of your personality," she says, "and it is this that you want to capture when putting your decorative scheme together." --Dana Van Nest ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Nothing new
I didn't get much of value from this book, nor did I get any new ideas about professional decorating.I think it would only appeal to a very upscale market.

Thoughtful and well written
This was well ahead of my expectations.I was hoping to get a few ideas, at best.The book takes the reader through the steps a designer must take in the process of determining the best use and functionality of the space.There's so much more to decorating than the color and pieces and Nina has now become my guru.Loved the book.A must have for people who like decorating - especially with the English influence.

support for decorating and creating a living space
I have two living spaces in my home that I have random ideas but was having difficulty putting anything together. I read Nina's book which caused me to rethink my ideas and to show me how to put my ideas into a working mode. I like Nina's down-to earth communication with her readers making it easy to visualize my space as she describes how to do someting. I have one other book by Nina that I am finding helpful also, DECORATING SECRETS.

Wonderful Decorating Reference Book!
I love this book! Who wouldn't? I'll tell you who won't like the book, people whose taste lean toward modern, contemporary or minimalist. That said it is a wonderful resource for those interested in traditional or English style. I love both and find it hard to get enough. I have owned the book for several years and still pull it off the shelf to refer to the great pictures or decorating suggestions. There is a section in the book that reviews how to approach a decorating project...that is by the use of the room first and foremost (practical advice no matter what your decorating style) to make sure that the room will meet your needs. I refere to this book often for window treatment ideas and wall decorating (placement of pictures, mirrors).I study the pictures to figure out why things look so beautiful.Careful study of this book is a good lesson in best use of space, spatial relationships, balance, color, textures, light and dark.I can't say enough of Nina's talent.Wonderful!

best advice
I just started reading decorating books and so far this has been the best one. It gives advice on what you need to think about before decorating and the specific elementS a room needs to successfull. This book gives you the underlying principles that can be applied to many differnt styles. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review
When you look past the cover of Martha Stewart's latest effort, you findit's not all about framing your fern collection. (Whew!)It is, however,about defining your home's style using accessories that look expensive but(generally) aren't.There's some very practical and budget-consciousadvice here in the chapters about pictures, tables and stools, lamps andshades, shelves, screens and mirrors, and pillows and throws.You candisguise the humble origins of inexpensive adjustable shelving by addingwood trim around the edges and painting everything, including the metalstandards and braces, to match the wall color. You can break up or concealspace with screens you make yourself from plain wood panels or old windows.You can update small outdoor tables with do-it-yourself mosaic tile thatgoes on in one piece.You can, of course, make a large framed entrywaymirror from an $800 slab of mirror glass, as Martha does-- but really, noone will check your bank statement to see how much you spent, and it willreflect just as clearly with inexpensive hardware-store mirror glass.Someof the best projects are for sofa pillows, bed and table linens, andlampshades.Though Martha's voice isn't much in evidence in the text, herconcepts are definitely here: the instructions are simple andstraightforward and the look clean, comfortable and unfussy. --BarrieTrinkle ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Great ideas!
This book is very typical Martha, if you like her style you;ll like this book. I do think some of the craft stuff would be easier and cheaper to buy than make but I think you always have to remember above all it's an idea book. And yes, a lot of Martha's stuff tends to be expensive but you can achieve that look if you buy (I borrow from the library)some of her books and take them with you when you're shopping! Anyone can duplicate some of the most expensive rooms and furniture as long as you put in the time to research and shop around and have a clear picture of what you're looking. I'm the kind of person who likes so many styles (from modern to country) I use Martha's books to help me streamline my ideas and create a cohesive room.

Decorating Details Marth Stewart
Really nice book, to read and to have as a coffee table book

I had a bad experience
I spent a few weeks following her suggestions and thousands on the materials.We had a dinner party to show off the ideas I used and some people were polite with compliments.My husband found a few of our "friends" laughing at Martha's ideas.

A friend later confided that some of the people thought the Martha ideas I implemented were pathetic.I changed most of the things back and my husband was furious. I cried for a week. Maybe she deserves jail time after my experience.

Interesting, practical ideas
This book is the follow-on to "How to Decorate," Martha's first book. This book concentrates on the small details: how to display pictures, how to arrange your collections, and so on. The introductory chapter on how to display pictures and photographs is particularly good, giving ideas (complete with beautiful photographs) on how to display pictures and explaining principles such as where to place pictures, how to arrange them, and why certain arrangements of pictures work in certain places and not others.

The book emphasizes Martha's trademark, which is finding inexpensive but beautiful pieces at garage sales, refinishing them, and adapting them to new uses. Many of the ideas she presents, such as refinishing an old footstool and turning it into a stereo stand, are practical and attractive.

Another winner by Martha
In the long line of excellently crafted books, Decorating Details qualifies as very useful, quality speaks highly for Martha. Detailed photos on top quality paper, have become a mainstay with her books. The book covers pictures, tables & stools, lamps & shades, shelves, screens & mirrors, and pillows & throws. Each section has detailed instructions, for making in making lamp shades there are detailed photos, as well as, written instructions for drafting, decorating, and making a lamp shade.Decorating Details give simple and easy ideas for decorating any space. ... Read more

Product Description
Here is solid, practical advice on how to adorn the Church's house for the seasons of the year and during Ordinary Time, too! Learn how to select quality and appropriate materials in ideas and designs. Each chapter includes a section on images of the season drawn from nature, the scriptures, and the liturgy. Illustrations will challenge your own creativity, and brief essays on debatable questions will help in your planning and preparations. For the liturgy committee, the sacristan, and all who work with the environment of the assembly.

AWARDS:Catholic Press Association 1996 Book Award winner, third place, in liturgy

Published by Liturgy Training Publications. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent resource
As the new Environment and Art person at my parish, I am delighted to have this resource for each season of the church year. It's an easy read, very clear, many excellent ideas. There are a few that won't fly at my church, but that's okay. Other things I will definitely incorporate even though "it hasn't been done before". Of all the books I bought about church environment, this is far and away the most complete. I refer to it constantly and it helps keep me on course creating purposeful environments that enhance worship and don't go overboard and distract instead. Worth every penny. Thank you, Mr. Mazar.

Maybe for a Brand-New Church Starting out.....
This book was ok.If I had seen it before I purchased it, I probably wouldn't have bought it.It does give a good overview of how to decorate a church for all seasons, but I think for an established church with established ways, it won't help.However, it would give one fresh ideas.

great ideals
It gave me lots of wonderful ideals to use inmy decorations.I liked the history and background it gave and the different meaning behind past trends.It was very helpful and I know I will use it as a reference guidefor years to come ... Read more