YBC Book Review - "Modern Printmaking" by Sylvie Covey

Today's review is brought to you by my daughter Amanda Haskin.  You may remember her from years ago, she was my partner when we started this business, and this blog.  When I saw this book available through Blogging for Books, I thought it would be great to have Amanda review it, since she does has a masters degree in Graphic Design and has a dream to own her very own printing press and graphic business.  So, here we go....

“Modern Printmaking: A Guide To Traditional & Digital Technologies” – Sylvie Covey

Through her book, “Modern Printmaking: A Guide To Traditional & Digital Technologies” by Sylvie Covey, we are taken on a historical journey on techniques and applications of printmaking. From the basics of relief printing all the way to digital transfers, each process is meticulously outlined with historical reference and step by step instructions on how to properly achieve the specific style outlined in each chapter. Each style of printmaking outlined showcases one or two artists renowned for their respective process, giving credit to the innovators of the printing style period. From student to professional, this book is accommodating informationally no matter the expertise level. It reads much like a history book, but not so much that the content is unbearable to read through. With that said, I advise the reader start on a chapter that interests them the most. The book is written with a solid template for each chapter to where jumping around is easy, slightly predictable, and not confusing. I would categorize this piece as a solid reference book worthy of an artist’s bookshelf.

Now for some background on the author.  

"SYLVIE COVEY was born in France and studied graphic arts at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Arts Decoratifs in Paris. She has taught digital and photo techniques in printmaking at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York since 2001 and has been an instructor at the Art Students League of New York since 1995. Her work has been exhibited throughout Europe, Asia, and North and South America and has been acquired by major museums and institutions. She lives in New York City."

You can purchase this book by following this link to Penguin Random House Publishing.  At $35.00, that's a great price for a hardcover reference book that you will use for many years.

Until tomorrow (I promise)

Have a blessed day,

Debbi

 "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

YBC Book Review - "Little Felted Dogs" by Saori Yamazaki

I love to create.  What about you?  Do you enjoy the sense of fulfillment when an idea in your head becomes something tangible?  Something you can touch, see, hear, and even eat?

Creativity uses parts of your brain that do not get utilized in everyday activity, and learning new techniques expands your mind even more.  That's why it is depressing to see that the arts (and play) are slowing but surely being removed from the public schools.  But they say, "it's never to late to learn".  Or, "teach an old dog new tricks".  

So with that in mind, I got Saori Yamazaki's book, "Little Felted Dogs".

Felting is an old technique that is making a comeback, and when I saw the word easy on the front cover, I figured, what could possibly go wrong?

Hmmmmm, a loaded question for a not so graceful gazelle like me. hahaha

Looking through the book there are pages after pages of really simple instructions (with pictures) for many breeds of dog.  So I set out to learn something new.

I made an *ahem* quick stop at Hobby Lobby for supplies, and was going to take pictures of my progress making my first felted dog.

Wellllll, let me clue you in, those felting needles ARE SHARP!  And the finger covers, while they are thick and strong, and NOT needle proof.  Plus they made it hard to manipulate the wool.

After much grumbling and blood letting, I decided to not share any pictures of what was definitely NOT a dog that I had created. hahaha

But, I will never, never, never give up.  I will continue to try and learn this technique (without all the crying and blood) and when I have mastered it (meaning I can create something besides a lopsided ball) I will come back and share it with you.

Now for my review of this book...I like it.  I give it a bloody thumbs up.  And I am keeping it in my book case in the studio.  Saori created this book to be as easy as possible.  The directions are clear, and the pictures are wonderful.  All the dog breeds look real, and I do highly recommend this book for artists looking to expand their crafts.

Here's a little bit about the author, Saori Yamazaki.  She is the author of several felting books written in Japanese and English, and she lives in Japan with her 3 dogs.  This will be my next book of hers that I want, because I love baby stuff, and there are no legs to try and attach. :~D

Now it's your turn, click on a link, and check out this book for yourself.

Expand your mind.

Challenge your creativity.

Learn something new today.

(then share your new talent in the comment section for the rest of us to enjoy)

Be blessed,

Debbi

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.  But the opinions are totally mine."

YBC Book Review - The Gap of Time by Jeanette Winterson

I decided to relax this week with a good fiction book, and so I cracked open "The Gap of Time" by Jeanette Winterson.  I should have left it closed.

 I was excited about it because I do love Shakespeare.

 And this book is based upon one of his later works, "The Winter's Tale". 

"The Winter's Tale" is about 2 kings, Polixenes and Leontes who are good friends, until Leontes believes, incorrectly, that his wife, Hermione, is having an affair with Polixenes. Leontes tries to kill Polixenes, who finds out and runs away with Hermione. Hermione gives birth to Leontes child, and is killed. The child is raised by a shepherd, unbeknownst to Leontes. After some more drama and tragedy, the child grows up, falls in love with Polixenes child, and everyone reunites. Hermione comes back to life, and it's happily every after.

Maybe it was because I am a lover of Shakespeare that I had such high hopes for this story, because it is suppose to be a modern take on the Shakespeare tale. I thought it would be great to see how Jeanette translates the ancient tale to a new love story, but I was woefully disappointed. I couldn't even finish the book. In fact, I barely made it to the 3rd chapter. Mostly because the author depended too heavily on sex to try and tell the story. The first 2 chapters go into unneeded  graphic detail of Leo's (Leontes) and Xeno (Polixenes) childhood friendship and homosexual relationship. After growing up Leo is married to MiMi (Hermione) who is pregnant with his child. But the author chooses to describe, in graphic detail, another story of Leo's sexual encounter with a prostitute, which is also unneeded, in my opinion, to develop the story. By chapter 3, which started with mostly cussing, I was so disgusted I closed the book. As I've said before, I am not a prude, but I do not understand the need for modern writers (and I use that term lightly) to rely on sex and vulgarity to tell a story.   And I will not waste my time reading it. 

Jeanette Winterson lives in England and is an accomplished author with many novels under her belt.

As I looked over a list of her works, I realized that I would probably not enjoy any of them.

Now back to "The Gap of Time", I will not share this book, or recommend it to anyone.

I'm only giving it one star, and this warning....if your looking for a wonderfully written story to take your imagination on a ride, you won't find one between the covers of "The Gap of Time" by Jeanette Winterson.

Be blessed,

Debbi

 ** While I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review, the opinions are wholly and honestly mine. **

YBC Book Review - The Watercolor Course You've Always Wanted by Leslie Frontz

As an artist, I love to create beautiful things.  And as an artist, I love to try many different mediums.  One medium I have never really tried was watercolor because I thought it was too difficult.

Than along came this...

"The Watercolor Course You've Always Wanted"

by Leslie Frontz.

First, I just skimmed through the book.  Then I browsed a little more closely.  Then I got excited.

Every chapter is stuffed full of information for both the experienced watercolor artist, and for beginners like me.  I realized while reading this book, that you can't just jump into watercolor paint if you don't understand how they work.  It's not like painting with acrylic or oil.  The blending is different.  The shading is different.  And it looks like so much fun!  

Guess what's on my Christmas list this year.  A new watercolor set.  lol

This book takes you through everything you need to know to start painting.  How to choose the correct paint, brushes and paper.  Understanding the values of color for depth and shading.  Textures.  Mood.  And so much more.  When you get this book (and every serious artist should get it), you will want to keep it handy for easy reference while you work.  I know I will.

Now for a little background on the author.

Leslie Frontz is a studio artist with over 40 years of experience.  She teaches watercolor classes at a local community college about 2 hours from me!!!!  (I'm squealing with excitement.  Now I can join one of her classes to learn even more.)  And her work has been featured in several magazines and books.  You can learn even more, and enjoy her work, by visiting her website, Frontz Studio, and you'll meet her husband Harold, who is an accomplished artist in his own right.

I highly recommend this book for artists, and wanna-be artists.

Let your creative juices flow.

Be blessed,

Debbi

 "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

YBC Book Review - The Gracekeepers by Kirsty Logan

I finished reading "The Gracekeepers" by Kirsty Logan, but I have to tell you, this story is never really  finished for me.  I enjoyed it so much, the story just wrapped itself around my heart.  It is one of those stories that just lives inside you, evoking emotions and making it hard to put down.

The story is captivating and inspired in part by Scottish myths and fairy tales, but it could also be about our world. In Gracekeepers, there are two worlds, two peoples, those who live on land, and those who live on the oceans, with hints of those who may live in the oceans. Callendish lives on a small island, alone, overseeing funerals, when she meets North who works on a circus boat. And once their lives meet, their worlds change. You feel that their paths were destined to cross from even before their birth.  I don't want to spill the beans, but I do highly highly recommend this book for all those who love fantasy.

Kirsty Logan's writing style is ethereal, and misty, perfect for this story. You don't just read this book, you feel it. And when you're done...the story stays with you.  I was amazed when I discovered that this is her debut novel, she is truly a talented storyteller.  She has definitely become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to her next novel.  

I so enjoyed this book, I know I will be reading it again. And again.

I give this book 5+++ stars.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for my honest review.*

Be blessed,

Debbi

YBC Book Review - The Marauders by Tom Cooper

I like to read, and I like music, and I love most genres (except horror...and rap).  So while most of my reading is faith based, I do enjoy trying new things,   That's why I picked "The Marauders" by Tom Cooper.  Boy, was that a mistake. :0(

Here's what I read about the book and why I ordered it...

"When the BP oil spill devastates the Gulf coast, those who made a living by shrimping find themselves in dire straits. For the oddballs and lowlifes who inhabit the sleepy, working class bayou town of Jeannette,  these desperate circumstances serve as the catalyst that pushes them to enact whatever risky schemes they can dream up to reverse their fortunes. At the center of it all is Gus Lindquist, a pill-addicted, one armed treasure hunter obsessed with finding the lost treasure of pirate Jean Lafitte. His quest brings him into contact with a wide array of memorable characters, ranging from a couple of small time criminal potheads prone to hysterical banter, to the smooth-talking Oil company middleman out to bamboozle his own mother, to some drug smuggling psychopath twins, to a young man estranged from his father since his mother died in Hurricane Katrina. As the story progresses, these characters find themselves on a collision course with each other, and as the tension and action ramp up, it becomes clear that not all of them will survive these events."

And what I got was....more cuss words and un-funny situations then you would find on an active navel vessel!  Seriously...it was that bad.  I was only able to get through the first four chapters, and still looking for anything even remotely funny.  Nothing.  And with EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER using toilet vocabulary in EVERY SINGLE SENTENCE....well, all I could do was close the book and move on to another one.  I tried several times to read this book, and I even skimmed through the middle and the end, but it was still the same...f*** this and f*** that...ugh.

While I am a faithful child of God, I am certainly not a prude, this book was just distasteful.  As a writer myself, I totally understand creating and filling out characters and settings and maybe needing a word or two for gritty effect, but the excessive use of this language was simply laziness on the part of Tom Cooper.  The story line may have gotten better, but the repeated use of simple cuss phrases took away any interest in the story.  I have spent time in Louisiana, and have meet kind and funny people, who had a better grasp on the use of the English language.  The people of Louisiana should be insulted to be portrayed this way!

And to close up this review, let me just say that while I usually keep or give away the books I receive for my reviews, this one I burned.  I don't have any enemies that I dislike enough to share this book with them. lol

Have you ever read, or tried to read, a book that just was not worth your time?
Be blessed,
Debbi

 "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

A 50 Year Silence by Miranda Richmond Mouillot

I want to share with you this wonderful book I just finished reading, "A Fifty-Year Silence" by Miranda Richmond Mouillot.

Published by Random House, this is the story of Miranda's grandparents, and their life during, and after WWII.  Through conversations, and letters, and documents, Miranda spent most of her life tracking the ebb and flow of her aging grandparents broken relationship, and gave us a glimpse of how their lives affected hers.  It is truly a love story, and while it may not have the required "happy ending", it is real, and it is captivating, and it is worth remembering.

WWII is more than just a time in history, a school lesson, or a documentary.  We must never forget that it was life, peoples lives, and families, that were forever changed by the circumstances of war.  Any war.  Every war.  There were times reading this book that I almost forgot about the war part of the story, and became more involved in the people part of the story.  But that is what life is about...the people, and how circumstances change people.

Usually, once I am done with a book, I will pass it on.  But not this one.  This will be in my bookshelf, for another read in the future, and to share with my kids when we study WWII in our homeschool.  Because it matters, and we all need "to remember".

So I highly recommend this book.  And I also challenge you.  Once you finish reading this book, think about what happened during the Holocaust, and then look around you.  See what is still happening around the world, and try to make a difference.  One life at a time.

Be blessed,

Debbi

 "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Book Review - DIY Type by Dana Tanamachi

I recently received the book "DIY Type" by Dana Tanamachi for review.

I was sadly disappointed.

When I first requested this book for review from Blogging for Books, I was hoping to get some really new and creative ideas.  Instead I got a book with 50 stencils, and a few run of the mill project ideas.  Now the pencils are of sturdy paper, and nice size, but they are not what I would consider a unique type. You can purchase these stencils at any local craft store for a lot less then what you would pay for this book.  So unfortunately, I can only give is a 2.5 stars.

Be blessed,

Debbi

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

The New American Herbal by Stephen Orr - A Random House Book Review

I have begun to really enjoy a more natural diet (with a McDonald's visit down to only twice a month), and while I still don't fully enjoy cooking, (or cleaning up), I do enjoy trying new recipes.  I also enjoy gardening and preserving, so my herb garden fulfills all my fun hobbies.  So choosing my next book to review for Blogging For Books was fairly easy...

The New American Herbal by Stephen Orr is published by Random House and is a HUGH and BEAUTIFUL reference book on most every herb you can find growing in The United States.  The good, the bad, and the "ugly". lol

The first section of this book explains how to recognize, grow, harvest, and preserve different types of herbs, then the major portion of the book lists ALL the herbs in alphabetical order, so if you are wondering about what herbs to grow for your needs, you can find all the information here.
 And the photos are absolutely gorgeous!!!
This is definitely a coffee table book that will be used often in real life, not just moved around and dusted.

STEPHEN ORR is the author of Tomorrow’s Garden and the former Editorial Director for Gardening for Martha Stewart Living. Previously he was the garden editor for House & Garden magazine and has written extensively for Domino, The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. He has been a regularly featured gardening expert on The CBS Early Show and Today, and lectures at garden clubs around the country. Orr writes about extraordinary gardens on his blog, What the Skies Were Like.

This only thing I would have loved that was missing from this book is a section of recipes.  Fresh herbs just make your food explode with flavor, but since I'm not a "chef" I am not always sure what herbs to use when I cook.  Other than that I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a tastier and healthier lifestyle.
Tell me, do you use fresh herbs? Or store bought dried herbs?
Be blessed,
Debbi

 "I received this free book from Blogging for Books for this review,
 and the opinion is my own."

The Young Entrepreneur's Guide To Starting & Running A Business - A Book Review

I got this really great book last month from The Crown Publishing Group, "The Young Entrepreneur's Guide To Starting & Running A Business", and it has revived my dream of a unique brick and mortar shop in downtown Statesville.

This book is not just an overview of running a business, but it is 480 pages of information, personal entrepreneur's stories, and step by step instructions for dummies like me to follow while pursuing my dream.  From writing a business plan, to looking for funding, to managing your money, this book covers it all.  I have highlighted parts, noted parts, and have stuck pieces of papers with ideas into its pages, and I am sure that I will be referring to this book often, if not daily.

Here is some info on the author Steve Mariotti.

"Steve Mariotti is the founder and president of the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), a non-profit organization that has taught over twenty-five thousand young people across the country how to start their own small businesses."

You can purchase this book from Random House here.
 "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Would you like to hear my dream?

(Besides being a famous author) I would love to make The Yankee Burrow Co. a physical presence in downtown Statesville, NC.  Statesville just updated and improved it's downtown business section with brick sidewalks, benches and outside tables, and actually narrowed the streets in encourage tourists to stroll and visit the local shops in historic buildings. I love it.

My shop would be for local artists and craft masters, but instead of "renting booths" they will offer amazing pieces that I get to approve of first, so the quality will be high.  That's the front of the store.  As you walk to the rear of the store, I will offer local handcrafted, made in America, supplies.  Gumbacher paints, beads, local spun yarn, that sort of thing.  There will be a section where artists can offer classes, or do demonstrations, and I will also have a section for my customers who are hesitant to purchase "expensive" high end unique jewelry.  I've noticed that way too many people are buying junk jewelry with the idea that since they didn't put money into the piece, if it breaks or turns their neck green, just toss it, no big loss.  I want to "re-educate" customers about buying local and supporting small business, and if they purchase a high end piece of jewelry, and want something new, I will "re-sell" their pieces of wearable art.  

Sometimes I get so many ideas running through my head I start talking to myself.

Do you have a business dream?  Get this book, and start down that road.  To get what you need to make yourself happy, you need to gather your courage and take that first step.  What's your dream?

Be blessed,

Debbi

Book Review - The New Colored Pencil by Kristy Ann Kutch

I am so glad I chose The New Colored Pencil to review....it is chock full of tips and information to not only help new artists, but every artist can learn from this book.  This is not a step-by-step lesson book, it is so much more.  It does give directions on different techniques, and it also fully explains the tools used for each technique.  I'm looking forward to school starting in a few weeks so I will have some free ALONE time in the studio to put everything I read into practice.

Here is some information about the author...

KRISTY ANN KUTCH has taught more than two hundred colored pencil and watercolor pencil workshops to artists and students nationwide. She is the author of Drawing and Painting with Colored Pencil, and is a contributor to several colored pencil publications, including The Best of Colored Pencil, Creative Colored Pencil, and Colored Pencil Explorations. Her work has appeared in International Artist Magazine and Pratique des Arts. She also authored a DVD called Colored Pencil Landscapes: Beyond the Basics, released by Artist Palette Productions. Kutch is a resident of Michigan City, Indiana.

Here are some examples of what is covered in this book (from the Crown Publishing website)...

With lessons in color theory, combining color media, creating and enhancing textures, and 

experimenting with new surfaces, each chapter spotlights a number of demonstrations to make even 

the most novice of drawers into an adept impressionist. Some examples of the simple, easy-to-follow 

lessons include: 

 Applying and Lifting Colored Pencil 

 Creating and Enhancing Textures with Colored Pencil 

 Compatible Surfaces for Waxy Colored Pencils 

 Getting the Most Out of Color 

 Combining Color Drawing Media 

For artists seeking new inspiration and perspectives on this exciting and diverse medium, The New 

Colored Pencil will be the ideal go-to guide.

How do you like to learn new techniques?  Are you a reader?  Or a you-tube surfer?  I like books....they can last forever. :0)

Be blessed,

Debbi

 "I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."

Book Review - Framing Faith by Matt Knisely

Today I would like to share with you my review of the book "Framing Faith" by Matt Knisely published by Thomas Nelson.

 

 

Matt is an award winning photojournalists with a heart for God.  And in this book he shares with us the importance of slowing down and taking time to see God in the every day moments surrounding us.  My highlighter got a lot of use with this book, so many great nuggets of wisdom.

Let me share a few...

 

"Our lives are not lived in a vacuum, but rather they are interconnected, woven together, and inseparable.  For me to withhold my story would be to rip out a thread from the tapestry of humanity.  God has woven me in just as he has woven her in, and him in, and them in...and you in."

 

"At times we find ourselves in a spiritual crisis, and in those moments
God is speaking to us amid all the confusion of our lives, against all our comprehension and controlling...but we don't hear him.  Christ is making an appeal that disrupts the way we think and know and believe...but it disturbs us, so we tune him out.  God want s us to be story listeners.  He wants us to listen to our story and to his story."

 

"We've become so accustomed to God's Word and his story that at times we let it have little value in our lives.  When is the last time you celebrated the incredible gift of your salvation? So often we are bored by it - uninterested and apathetic toward the story that changed the destiny of all of mankind."

 

Man, talk about stepping on my toes.  There is so much truth and encouragement in this book that I plan to read it again, and again.  And I happily recommend this book to anyone that wants to enjoy life more, to slow down and hear from God on a daily basis.

 

Be blessed,

Debbi

 

**I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookbloggers.com® book review program.  The review is totally my own opinion.**