Book Description
Indulge your creative cravings! Explore dozens of stories, exercises and instructive projects, all designed to feed, encourage and sometimes flex your creative muscle. You'll tap into the joy of drawing, be encouraged to create art in bed, create your own folded-paper shrine, discover the liberation of stream-writing, practice idea brainstorming, make your own duct-tape purse, learn to quiet the negative voice in your head, dream up your own creative studio space and much, much more. Inspiring art and eye-candy on every page--a Kaleidoscope of creative energy awaits you today!
Customer Reviews:
Nice, but............2007-08-14
This is a very beautifully illustrated book in the way that it is put together. Although, many of these images are available online for your viewing, it is nice to have them compiled into one book. My only complaint is that some of the pages are not easy on the eyes as far as being easy to read. I think that the print could have been larger. On some pages more of a contrast between the background page color and print color would have made it easier and more enjoyable to read. If you are looking for inspiration and ideas, there are a number of very nice ones here.
I Like It.......2007-08-13
While I am not an ephemera artist, I found this to be a very enjoyable book, if only on a philosophical level. There are a few practical ideas that I can use, but mostly I think that this is a book that feeds the creative spirit through the expressions of other artists. The 'zine format makes for easy little tidbit reading experiences and I always enjoy looking at other people's projects.
Explore a different side of mixed-media.......2007-08-01
I ordered this book before I could browse through based on a review that said Julianna Coles is a contributor. I love her style and teaching. I am a scrapbooker at heart but I love the challenges to do something different and it adds to my scrapbooking.
Many of the other contributors offer editorial essay about why the are artists but little else. Overall, it's a good book and I'd recommend it.
Great Book.......2007-07-22
I love this book. I keep looking at it over and over. I am not really that talented of an artist but I love The great ideas to spark my creativity.
Not a how-to...but a why-not?.......2007-07-22
After reading all the other reviews I knew that I had to get this book. It doesn't matter what sort of art or craft you practice...get this book! It is filled with superb writing from people who are passionate about their creativity. This book affirmed to me that I am an artist and that I shouldn't hesitate to let the world know that. There are some projects in this book, but that is not the reason to get it. It is not a how-to. It is a why-not book. The pages literally drip with the most eye-popping collage art and the writing is inspired. Even if collage art, or mixed media art, or altered art is not your thing, there is at least one article in this book that will speak to your particular brand of creativity, but I think it is the articles that I might not have been drawn to at first are the most challenging to me and force me to see the world through different colored lenses. Don't buy this book if you want a how-to, but if you are looking for validation that creativity lies within and all around you, this is the book for you.
Book Description
• Two super-speedy, surefire projects
• Easy random cutting! No planning, no fussy cuts, no mess-ups
Simple steps to dazzle friends and impress people: 1. Buy One-Block Wonders. 2. Follow precise directions to choose a large-scale print, calculate yardage, and cut and piece these drop-dead gorgeous quilts. 3. Graciously accept cheers and accolades from all. Big pieces and clever shortcut methods make these quilts go together fast so that quilters can spend more time with their admiring public.
Customer Reviews:
one-block wonders.......2007-09-16
what a great book. I never knew you could achieve such a complex looking block with just 1 fabric. I've made 3 different blocks the hardest part was chosing the one I liked the best.
What Fun !!!!!.......2007-09-15
If you love those lucious large-scale prints, but don't know how to make them work in a project, try this technique! The piecing is easy and FUN, because every block is different. You'll get addicted !! Very clear instructions and lots of photos to make the process simple.
Lovin' it!.......2007-09-13
I took a class with Maxine to learn this technique before the book was published. I bought the book just to have it. It is well written. The quilt blocks are really quick and easy to make and I've gotten wonderful responses to the quilts I've made using this technique.
One-Block Wonders.......2007-06-02
When the book is used in conjuction with a class it is a wonderful teaching tool. The author's visual examples help you in making the best selection of fabric for any of the projects listed in the book. Learning this new technique will open your eyes to the large scale prints in quilt shops that you might otherwise have passed over.
I *LOVE* this book!.......2007-06-01
I am so glad I found this book. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys quilting. The quilts are exhilarating to make-- each block is different than the last, and taking the blocks to the "design wall," as the author calls it, is an amazing process: There are so many ways to put things together, and so many ways to use color with this technique.
While the quilts look complicated, they are actually pretty simple to put together.The seams are all straight seams, and the author's directions are easy to follow.
The only thing I would mention that the author didn't, is not to use hand-dyed batiks with these projects. While they seem like a perfect fit, the patterns are not exact enough to make the kaleidoscope-like blocks work.
The next two quilts will be for my kids, and I can't wait to take them to the design wall. The fabric will be the same for both quilts, but we'll end up with two very different pieces of art for my children. I am so excited that I can involve my family in my hobby.
Book Description
In Kaffe Fassett's Kaleidoscope of Quilts, Kaffe offers the reader a range of 20 individual designs that feature both the new fabrics in Rowan's patchwork range and some firm favorites. Photographed against the glittering backdrop of the Mediterranean island of Malta, these quilts echo the bright sunshine colors in a glorious array of new designs from both Kaffe and his team, Liza Prior-Lucy and Pauline Smith. With each quilt comes illustrated step-by-step instructions with colored diagrams, a 'flat shot' photo, and the quilt template.
Customer Reviews:
Fassett is for those who love great design & bold colors!.......2007-07-04
The quilts are beautifully photographed. The designs are bold, the colors rich and expressive. Best of all there are instructions for construction and piecing diagrams. I am sure it looks easier than it is, but I am excited about creating one of these quilts.
so disappointed.......2007-07-01
I had looked forward to receiving this book but have to say I was extremely dissapointed. I had heard so much about Kaffe and was keen to branch out into brighter less traditional quilts. My first impression was, "traditional blocks in ugly fabrics". I put the book aside for a few days and took another look and my next impressions was "paint by numbers" - hardly creative.
While some of the quilts do come up as stunning when complete I havent learnt anything new. As I am unlikely to track down the fabrics used I am unlikely to ever recreate the quilts. The instructions are scant and there is nothing new to learn with regard to colour. I feel that I have actually gone out and purchased advertising material, which usually doesnt make it from the mail box to the house. Otherwise a nice coffe-table book.
--Kaffe Fassett continues to push the button on the creative use of color--.......2007-06-06
With every Kaffe Fassett book I read, I think it can't get any better, but each book is different and has more wonderful quilts and they are all over the top! This book is no exception!
KALEIDOSCOPE OF QUILTS has the perfect title! As a child, I enjoyed coloring books and crayons, but my most favorite toy was my kaleidoscope! I've been pouring over the colorful photographs in this book and enjoying my day dreams of making some of these designs. The quilts were photographed in Malta. That beautiful island in the Mediterranean lends itself as a splendid backdrop to this series of quilts. I love the way the old fashioned designs such as: fans, stars, diamonds and pinwheels are used to set off the wonderful Rowan fabric line.
Twenty different quilts are featured and besides Kaffe`s, there are designs by several other talented patchwork designers. My favorites: Victoria Fan, Hot Diamonds, Bottle Pinwheel, Deep Ohio Star, and Morning Garden all by Kaffe Fassett; the New Orleans Star by Liza Prior Lucy; Moonflowers by Ruth Eglinton and Matisse Villa by Roberta Horton. Instructions are given for making the quilts and they are rated for the level of sewing experience required. There is also a fun and interesting article by Mary Mashuta featuring some of her colorful quilt creations.
Kaffe is a master of uninhibited color and pattern........2007-05-07
I love color and pattern, especially almost anything from Kaffe Fassett. The patterns in the book are simple, not complex, especially if you use his wonderful fabrics. But the patterns can be used with any fabric you like. His patterns are written differently than most of the current strip piecing books we see these days, so that's a little more challenging at first. I have all of his books and love 'em all!
Kaffe's Kaleidoscope.......2007-04-03
The author continues to share with us his ideas for dynamic color. It is okay to use those large florals and striped patterns in the same quilt! Another book of awesome, beautiful quilts to make. The instructions are concise and easy to read. All the templated needed to complete the projects are included.
Amazon.com
Kaleidoscope quilts are one of the show-off pieces of a quilter's repertoire. They're judged not only on how perfectly the pieces are sewn to a point in the middle, but also on the cutting: if each piece isn't cut from exactly the same part of the pattern on the fabric, the effect is spoiled. The traditional way of making kaleidoscope blocks involves a special window template, much exaggerated care in cutting--and too often, much wasted fabric. Reynolds's revolutionary method of measuring and marking pattern repeats on the fabric, then cutting all the pieces for the kaleidoscope at once, is more precise, much less time consuming and wasteful, and keeps quilters from being slaves to the cutting process. Reynolds leads the reader smoothly through the process for half-square triangles, 45- and 60-degree triangles, and 45- and 60-degree diamonds. Magic Stack-n-Whack Quilts is an essential addition to the library of any quilter who's interested in the endless design possibilities in kaleidoscopes, stars, pinwheels, and hexagons. --Barrie Trinkle
Book Description
Working with medium- to large-scale prints, quilters can create dynamic pieced blocks without hours of planning and precision cutting. The kaleidoscope effects occur spontaneously, thanks to the ingeniously simple 'Stack-n-Whack' cutting technique. By stacking identical repeats of fabric, quilters can efficiently cut the pieces needed for all the blocks. Each block will be unique and unexpected, keeping the quilting experience fresh and exciting! With over 200 how-to illustrations and dozens of color plates. Designs include the classic LeMoyne Star, Hybrid Lilies, Kaleidoscope Pinwheel, Hexagon Star, Diamond Ring, Morning Star, and others, all pieced with construction methods that eliminate set-in seams and ensure quick, successful results. AUTHORBIO: The originator of this highly successful quilting technique, "Stack-n-Whack", she also publishes her own quilt patterns as part of BSR Designs. REVIEW: Whether you are looking for a way to create a dazzling quilt in a few days or whether you are simply a quilter who loves to play with fabric, I am confident you will love making [these] quilts.
Customer Reviews:
Amazing book!.......2007-10-01
This is an amazing quilt book. The blocks are easy to do and it is absolute magic when you are assembling them. It really reminds me of a kids kaleidoscope, as when you rotate the triangles, you get an entirely different look to the hexagon. I've had such fun with this book, and would highly recommend it.
GREAT BOOK.......2007-09-22
I MADE A STACK AND WHACK QUILT FROM THIS BOOK. IT WAS THE FIRST "REAL" QUILT I EVER MADE, AND IT WAS SO EASY AND FUN. THE DIRECTIONS ARE EASY TO FOLLOW AND THERE ARE LOTS OF PICTURES FOR YOU TO FOLLOW. THE KALEIDESCOPE DESIGNS THAT IT SHOWS YOU HOW TO MAKE ARE REALLY NEAT AND EVERYONE LIKED THEM IN MY QUILT.
magic stack-n- whack.......2007-05-30
excellent ,easy to follow directions and fun to do,and beautiful when you're finished. Believe me the price is right too. Quilt stores are much more expensive.
I'm still seeking to learn to fussy cut Lemoyne stars.......2007-05-28
I am frustrated with this book. I find the directions confusing and unclear. Also, I don't want to copy exactly any of the author's quilts and am having trouble translating her instructions to the size and layout I want. For one thing I'm having trouble using her charts to figure how much material to buy.
I'd previously purchased Stars by Magic by Nancy Johnson-Srebbro and readily learned to make eight pointed stars. Now I want to fussy cut them. I think that I need a class as this book alone does not do it for me.
Stack and Whack book.......2007-01-16
This book is good if you are not a beginning sewer. It has wonderful colorful pictures of finished products and good instructions. This is not an easy technique to master on your own but results are amazing once you figure it out, perhaps with the help of a teacher and the book as reference. Several different patterns in the book keep a person busy for many hours quilting this style.
Average customer rating:
- Covers the subject like a favorite blanket
- Trult Inspirational
- Magnificent Heaven for Kaleidoscope Lovers'
- Wonderful Book!
- What negative reviews?
|
Kaleidoscopes: Wonders of Wonder
Cozy Baker
Manufacturer: C&T Publishing
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Binding: Hardcover
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Kaleidoscope Artistry
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Through The Kaleidoscope and Beyond
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Build Your Own Kaleidoscope (Miniature Editions)
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Kaleidoscope : Artistic Techniques for the Creative Soul
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The Kids' Book of Kaleidoscopes
ASIN: 1571200630 |
Customer Reviews:
Covers the subject like a favorite blanket.......2006-09-01
I have to say I am not a true believer,in that all the worlds ills can be cured with a look tru a kaleidoscope. I did find the book well done, nice layout,crisp bright pictures. It also started with history, and progressed thru the current crop of people building and experimenting with the scopes. Ms. Baker does a very good job of covering all the aspects of the in's and outs of the different scopes and mirror set ups. Gives the reader looking for only entertainment. Just enough information on any of the chapter subjects to make it clear and then moves on to the next.
The glossary,bibliography and internet sites are a nice touch.
Along with the other appendix's artists list,tips for building your own,source list and the copies of the main two patents.
In all if you have only a passing interest in the what,where and how of kaleidoscopes then this book is for you. If you are more involed then you will want to add it to your collection.
Trult Inspirational.......2006-06-20
A friend of mine, kaleidoscope artist Roy Cohen-Gilad, received this book from Cozy Baker herself, who complimented him on his artistry and beautiful handmade kaleidoscopes. The images are inspiring, the story touching, and overall this beautiful book provides us with a glimpse of understanding why countless people are thus fascinated with this extraodinary form of art.
Magnificent Heaven for Kaleidoscope Lovers'.......2002-04-10
I have everyone of Cozy Baker's books. Each one is worth at least five stars. I didn't think Cozy could improve on her last book full of the festive colors and imaginations of kaleidoscopes and their makers', but she certainly has. I am a devote lover of kaleidoscopes and have been collecting them since 1982. My collection must be over 300 scopes by now. Everyone of them is completely original, beautiful, and loved by my family and I. I am always looking for more information regarding the artists and "industry" of kaleidoscopes. This book is filled with just that kind of information. I 've been collecting for over 22 years, but found out there is a lot I didn't know about my passion and the creator's that have made a difference in creating it. The one thing I never knew until I read this book was that these exciting, talented artists started out as collectors', just like me. I always assumed it was the artist's talent in either glass, marble, brass, wood, ect. that led them into saying "maybe I should try using my art to make a kaleidoscope". This book has taught me that all these spectacular artists are not only "artists", but "scope lover's as well. This book is a gem and you get to see and learn at the same time. Pure enjoyment! Just the same as when you look at a kaleidoscope. I love this book and it will be added as part of my collection and enjoyed forever! Thank you, Cozy Baker, you are indeed the "First Lady of Kaleidoscopes". All of your hard work and honest love for this craft shows brilliantly in this new book. The book deserves as many "stars" as when you look at a "star" with a teleidoscope. You "scope lovers'" will know exactly what I mean!
John B. Mannes, Jr.
Collector & Lover of Kaleidoscopes
Also part of the "Cozy Baker" Fan Club!!
Wonderful Book!.......2002-04-09
This is a GREAT Book. Someone gave it to me as a gift along with a kaleidoscope and I'm hooked. The beauty of the photos as well as the well-written text are a harmonious blend--just what a kaleidoscope is supposed to be!
What negative reviews?.......2002-04-05
I would like to see those negative reviews if they were posted. Why did they get removed. It is clear that not everyone agrees with the reviews presented here. I did not find the book as informative as the others here. I found it leaves out a lot of other high-quality and very creative artists. Please return the negative reviews a mentioned in the one review so we can make our own decisions.
Book Description
Layering and cutting multiple pieces are the hallmark of Bethany's process. Patterns include contemporary and classic choices from: Butterflies, Fans, Flowers, Optical Illusions, and more. *Same easy-to-follow format and charts as 'Stack-n-Whack'. *12 new 'Stack-n-Whack' quilt patterns using three simple methods: Basic Stack-n-Whack, Stack-n-Select, and Magic Mirror-Image. AUTHORBIO: The originator of this highly successful quilting technique, "Stack-n-Whack", she also publishes her own quilt patterns as part of BSR Designs. REVIEW: The unbelievably talented Bethany Reynolds has given us "Stack-n-Whackier Quilts" to provide us with more hours of great fun and incredible quilts.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book - speedy delivery.......2007-03-08
I purchased this book to go with the companion book. I received it the day before I got the companion book from a friend who went to town and purchased it and brought it back.!! Speedy delivery.
Thanks
Some interesting variations on Stack N' Whack.......2003-04-21
If you are just getting into Stack and Whack, get Karen's first book. If you really love it and want more ideas, this book will inspire you. It's such fun to see what Karen makes using today's large scale prints - she deserves a quilter's hall of fame award for inspiring many to play with prints! The mirror-image variations in this book are interesting, but I've had a hard time finding fabrics that are appropriate for them (the color saturation on the back needs to be almost as rich as the front for these to be effective since you are using both sides).
Great book!.......2002-12-25
I decided to tackle a stack-n-whack for my second quilt and loved this book! The beginning couple of pages did a great job of explaining the basic process. I found that cutting out the pieces was the hardest part and once that was done, the blocks went together so quickly. I can't wait to make the same quilt again in different fabrics and compare the two results! The illusions in this book are also so amazing that it makes my quilts seem so much more professional because the design appears so complicated to a novice quilter!
Great book!.......2002-12-25
I decided to tackle a stack-n-whack for my second quilt and loved this book! The beginning couple of pages did a great job of explaining the basic process. I found that cutting out the pieces was the hardest part and once that was done, the blocks went together so quickly. I can't wait to make the same quilt again in different fabrics and compare the two results! The illusions in this book are also so amazing that it makes my quilts seem so much more professional because the design appears so complicated to a novice quilter!
Not for beginners.......2002-02-02
The projects in this book are very well documented as to
how to pick out fabric and how to cut it to get the
dramatic effects for these projects. Very clear directions
with lots of pictures to guide you in assembly. You must
have a basic quilting knowledge and be willing to put in
the extra time to turn out these quality projects.
A beautiful book for someone who wants beautiful projects
that are a little more challenging.
Customer Reviews:
Top Three Favorite.......2007-05-14
This book is a MUST for any crystal lover! The book contains the widest variety of crystals write ups contained in any one book!!! If you want to find rare stones or combinations of stones - look in this book. Beautifully written with love and easily used - many cross references of the multitude of variations found in rocks. This is a must have reference book for all collectors!!!
Unusual & Just Excellent!.......2007-04-08
I love this book for its metaphysical information. Unlike any other. Highly recommend.
Great Reference book.......2007-03-31
This is a great reference book if you are interested in stones and crystals and their meanings.
Don't be fooled........2007-01-27
The one and only place to look for original, real, concrete information on crystals and crystal healing is in Katrina Rapahell's books. Be careful because it is quite dangerous to get information from biased sources as this one.
The Hidden Meanings .......2006-11-19
This is a pretty comprehensive book about the meanings of various stones. Although it is not all-inclusive, it covers far more than most people will ever need. It is the best of this type I have ever seen. There are no photos, but the book describes the stone, it's appearance, color ranges, vibrational numbers, astrological signs and all the stones' properties. More importantly, it goes into significant detail on the health (helps with anxiety, blood pressure, etc.) and metaphysical properties of the stone (assists in clarvoyance, etc.). The book includes precious and semi-precious gemstones (diamond, topaz, peridot), as well as other stones (jasper, etc), even metals, such as gold and silver.
Even if you want to stay on the basic side of life, there are plenty of good energy stones, like rose quartz or amethyst. I recently gave rose quartz to a co-worker who was getting a little too stressed and told him to keep it on his desk. Now, you can "poo poo" me all you want, I see a huge difference. I used to laugh at this stuff too, till I realized I was wrong.
I have friends who cut, polish, and wrap various stones. I like to select a stone (or a combination of stones), have them wrapped, and then look them up in this book to see "why" I bought it/them. Whether you believe that stones possess and carry certain energies or not, you can have fun with this book. Personally, I've found it to be quite educational and revealing.
Customer Reviews:
How cool is this book?.......2007-06-06
This book will keep a child entertained for days on end. There is a huge wealth of fun and interesting information within, plus great activities. As a children's librarian I was able to plan a whole program around this title complete with activities. Loved it.
Dress, dance, draw, build and play like an Ancient Egyptian.......2006-03-11
I freely admit that as soon as I saw the over of "Pyramids: 50 Hands-On Activities to Experience Ancient Egypt," that I immediately saw in my mind's eye teachers yoking their students to harnesses so they could drag giant stone blocks around the playground (think of the scenes from "The Ten Commandments"), or subjecting a most unruly student to mummification. Now, all of this would be wrong, very wrong indeed, so you should just stick to what Avery Hart & Paul Mantell come up with for young students to do in this Kaleidoscope Kids book.
Ancient Egypt is presented in these pages as the land where magic and mystery meet, and young students are encouraged to "Egyptianize" themselves, forgetting about things like cars and televisions to focus on what sort of objects (e.g., rope, jewelry, balls, etc.) that were a part of the life of people living in ancient Egypt. You can play Egyptian-Style Tug 'o War, make your own scarab (so you can honor the beetle), and make up your own spell having being inspired by the ancient spell for a stomach bug. You can even make a pull horse toy or Egyptian lady (or goddess doll). Consequently, by the time you finish the opening section where you learn that kids are still kids, even when separated by thousands of miles and thousands of years, teaches and students alike will find these activities to be fun.
Granted, a class is not going to get to do four dozen activities for a unit on Ancient Egypt, but teaches can certainly pick and choose. Besides, some of these activities, such as making a Time Line, can be done for any culture or period being studied. Some, such as making a miniature Egypt or a reed boat, are pretty specific. No surprise here, but the section on Pyramids has some of the most interesting activities, such as making a sledge, to understand how they moved around those giant stones, creating a little clay or cardboard pyramid, a pop-up pyramid with a pop-out pharaoh, or actually making a Lego or block step-pyramid. I also like the instructions on how to "Draw Like an Ancient Egyptians" (are the Bangles still in vogue with elementary school kids?).
Actually, I think you can easily work in a dozen of these projects in the classroom, perhaps having different students do different activities. While some are making a cartouche, others can be making a Soul House model or an amulet. Students might be impressed if the teacher shows up wearing the White Crown of Upper Egypt one day, the Red Crown of Lower Egypt the next (with a Silver Cobra added on), and then a Nemes. You can also throw an Ancient Egyptian Costume Party and play Senat, an ancient board game, not to mention dance like an Egyptian. Certainly teachers looking for activities that are both fun and educational will find several to their liking n this book and the others in this series. The bottom line is that I wish we had books like this when I was in grade school.
wonderful creative ideas.......2003-06-10
This book is packed with many wonderful creative ideas to help children become very involved in learning about ancient Egypt. I was really impressed. We homeschool and found this to be one of the best purchases we've made while learning about this ancient civilization. I should note that online the recommended age is 9-12. However, on the back of the book it is clearly printed for kids ages 6-12. My daughter is 7 and we found it to be age appropriate.
What an asset.......2000-04-11
THis book is jam-packed with great activites and information. I have went through it numerous times and found new things everytime I pick it up. The activities are not difficult and do not require alot of expense to create. I really enjoyed the animation and colored type. It is nice to look through a book that is made appealing and is well illustrated.
Book Description
“A fascination with them shines through every page of this beautifully illustrated celebration that doubles as a craft book...Attractive full-color photos picture the devices. Sequenced black-and-white photos illustrate the 11 projects included...A lovely book designed with both the handicrafter and the pure aesthete in mind.”—Booklist. “Captivating...dazzling.”—American Bookseller.
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful, but..........2006-12-09
This is a beautiful book, with lovely kaleidoscopes for inspiration. However, I am looking for a VERY beginning book for someone who knows absolutely nothing. This book isn't it. Nice to look at, though.
Not challenging AT ALL.......2001-12-12
I purchased this book after reading dozens of reviews, saying it was challenging and wonderful. This book is for small children, it's not challenging, and it only explains how to make 2 and 3 mirror scopes, it doesn't even explain the 4 and 5 mirrored scopes. Buying this book was a mistake, and it was a waste of money. This book was supposed to have informative and easy instruction to build complex scopes, I've never built one before, and just glancing at the pages, im grossed out. The bulk of each instruction is about how to decorate the scope, the only challenge is to add stained glass, or make a wheel. My advice to any serious student is to not purchase this, keep looking for something that is more about kaleidoscopes, and less about who makes the prettiest kaleidoscope and how to make the best scopes. That's a basic summary of this kindergarden level book. I would give it no stars, but I can only go as low as 1! This book is a joke, stay away!!!!
Very informative book.......2001-11-30
I have been making kaleidoscopes professionally for years prior to this book coming out. When I found it, I fell in love. It inspired new creations, yet also returned the excitement of simplicity of the designs. I recommend this book to anyone getting started in kaleidoscope making. Some of the references need to be ignored, butitis worth buying. Nice, easy to read, good images, instructions are easy to follow. One of my top two picks in books on kaleidoscopes (I think I should know cause my library of kaleidoscopes books is now at 15).
Great job.......2000-11-23
I'm new in this art, but this book is very good to beginners like me, it teaches the secrets of the mirrors, so i can build my own designs. many pictures and well designs
An Eye Opening Book on Kaleidoscopes.......2000-01-02
Thom Boswell has written a wonderful book on the art of Kaleidoscopes. It opens with a brief history and explanation of the science behind these magical instruments. Next follows a beautiful gallery of color images which highlights not only the splendor of the inside of the scope, but also the creativity and artistic skill of many kaleidoscope makers. The pictures taken inside the scopes are the clearest and most beautiful I've ever seen. And the artistry of the exteriors is beyond belief. Many artists are featured and their scopes displayed for your enjoyment. You will be touched by each as they work their own unique magic in designing and building some of the most wonderful scopes imaginable. Finally, Mr. Boswell provides you with plans and projects for building your own kaleidoscopes. There are designs for scopes made from PVC pipe, stained glass, wood, brass and other materials. Each project is fully explained and illustrated and even a novice will be successful at kaleidoscope building using these instructions. This section of the book was a real eye opener for me, as I had never imagined that I could create a kaleidoscope myself. After reading this book, I have become an avid scope maker (...). I can highly recommend this book for anyone who likes kaleidoscopes or would like to learn how to make one. (...)You won't be sorry if you buy this book!
Gabe Wizard, Forum Host
Kaleidoscope Korner
(...)
Customer Reviews:
Read the all reviews first!.......2007-05-05
I was really disappointed by this book. It's very anti-Christian, anti-European, anti-Middle Ages, even. Avery Hart is warping history to suit a politicly correct agenda. I hoped to at least get a few craft ideas, but those were unoriginal and not well done. The "make your own code of honor" craft for example didn't even give an example of what a medieval code of honor might have been like. The book, in my opinion at least, is a big waste.
Lots to do!.......2007-02-13
Make sure you're ready to take on craft projects when you get this book, you'll be inspired to build castles and family crests!
Anti-Christian Zealotry at its worst.......2006-07-04
Apparently Christianity is at the root of all evil and the cause of most misfortune that occurred in the middle ages. If it weren't for those darned Christians, it seems the world would be a much better place. St. Frances of Assis was ok, (he loved animals), but all the rest of the Christians were closed-minded, violent and supersititous. I wasn't aware that the church wouldn't let people read because it might confuse them and that many people became monks because they didn't want to go to war.
I wish I had read all the reviews before purchasing this item, and I have definitely learned my lesson. I would never allow my children to read this trash.
Excellent for Modern-Day Thought and Practice.......2005-11-21
Ignore the obvious religious zealots who feel they have a right to shove their beliefs down the throats of everyone else in this country and the world in general: there is absolutely nothing wrong with a child learning about the realities of the middle ages, which was an era heavily influenced by the Catholic church. An adult subject matter, albeit an opportunity for quality parenting, this era was dominated by the church and many superstitious and malinformed beliefs we hold true today stem from this era of intolerance and brutality against human kind and religious freedom.
This book is a wonderful and refreshing guide to learning about the middle ages, and offers a perspective on the era which allows children to ask questions and open their minds to the possibilities of the belief systems of other people and families. Children asking their parents questions based upon moral ground and religious belief is extremely healthy, and it offers up an opportunity for parents to parent their children the way they decide to parent their children. This is especially true if your family happens NOT to be Christian, as non-Christians in this era were treated rather harshly (i.e. the Crusades of Christians against Muslims and Jews).
The activities are creative and allow children to begin an inquisitive mindset geared toward futher want of learning about the middle ages. In general, this is a fine place to start and it opens a pathway for learning more about the era. There are other books available with better and more indepth activities, however this book offers a balanced introduction to the times. Combine this with whatever religious classes or teachings your family traditions, and further the lessons with trips to museums to view tactile and artistic representations of the people of the middle ages, along with writings from poets and authors of the times for an even-keeled and well-balanced cirriculum.
Knights & Castles - what a great book!.......2005-09-23
We are studying the Medieval period; this book has been invaluable with lots of great reading, wonderful ideas and awesome crafts!! Well worth the money and enjoyed by both Mom and child!
Thanks!
Dayle Rewa
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