Little felted dogs

I have never done any kind of needle felting, so I was hoping this book would be a good introduction for a beginner, and was not disappointed in my expectations . From the very beginning the author gives very detailed instructions on how to get started and what tools are needed. Each tool and instruction is explained well and the overall process is made easy to understand. Each "chapter" contains a material list, diagrams and instructions to complete a specific dog. All of the dogs look so lifelike, and the photos are playful and fun.  Overall great book and I highly recommend it.
I received  this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Pop painting

I got this book in hopes of taking away some new techniques for painting and also to inspire other areas in my creative life.  As I read through it, I realized, I really didn't know anything about pop surrealism painting.  And to be honest, I found a lot of them images to be disturbing. That being said, the paintings are all very well done. The attention to detail is great. And while it's not a style I will find myself painting, the creativity is definitely to be admired. The artist does a great job with facial features and invoking a particular mood. There are lots of instructions, and a lot of pictorial guides. And the book is also full of her colorful artwork. As mentioned, the paintings that are a little to dark for my taste, I'll just leave be, but I do feel I  take from quite a few tips and techniques, and see things in a new light.  This would be a great book for those already painting this particular style, or those trying to broaden their horizons.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tile makes the room

As someone in the middle of purchasing a house and ready to renovate, I was looking forward to receiving this book.  I was disappointed.  While there were a few pages of unique tile, and tile I'd put in my own home, most of it was really bland, colorless and similar. The photography wasn't inspiring and in general, I found it boring. I liked some of the information, just learning about different types of tiles and their origins and process of  production. As I said , there were some pages I really enjoyed the tiles, patterns in which they were laid and spaces they were used in. Overall though not one I'd really recommend.

Doodletopia cartoons

I got this book hoping it would help me teach the basics of drawing to my children (with my assistance).  I was a little underwhelmed by the content. It was a lot more basic than I thought, and not really detailed as far as step by step. I think it could be helpful for an artist who already knows most of the basics. It does live up to its names as doodles.  It's not much more than that. Overall I think it could be a fun book for all its intents and purposes. But not one I fell in love with as a super useful too, in my collection.

The wAterrcolor course you've always wAnted

At first it was hard to read the info in this book because I wanted to look at every painting and all the detail! So many great watercolor works in here. But once I actually got to reading, I really gleaned a lot of useful information. All of the tips and hints are broken down into easy instruction. The implements used and color choices are explained. There are lots of great color mixing guides, and progressional paintings are used to show you the effects of layering color and how to achieve it. She explains even how different grips on your brush can create different effects. I also loved seeing how to convey a mood for your painting, how to capture weather and light and how interpret rhythm.  This will really be a useful tool for me as I navigate this new medium. I'm really excited now to set up my canvas and get started!
I received this book from the publisher is exchange for an honest review.

Amish Christmas at Northstar

I admit, my wife and I's accounts got jumbled up when we ordered our last books, so since the one I ordered showed up, she read this one for me.   This is what she said...

What a perfectly cozy way to start the holidays.  Not only will you find fun heartwarming stories, you'll find them by great authors. Cindy Woodsmall is by far my favorite Amish author and here yet again she doesn't disappoint. It was really fun having 4 different stories all in one book.  Perfect curl up by the fireplace on a chilly night book!!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Owls- our most charming bird

Really great book.  The illustrations are wonderful, Whimsical enough for a child to adore them, but grown up enough for adults.  The descriptions are fun to read and he gives just the right amount of information. Enough to tell the differences easily between owls, but not in depth as an encyclopedia.
I cross referenced every drawing with the actual pictures of the particular owl. I can say, some weren't a great likeness, but all the same, after seeing the real owl you'd know to which he was referring in his illustrations.
I am curious to purchase his other bird books as this was a fun read. Indeed recommend.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.