Make Your Own Board Game by Jesse Terrance Daniels

Make Your Own Board Game
by Jesse Terrance Daniels

ISBN-13: 9781635863413
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
Released: August 30th 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Tabletop board games are having a comeback, and especially within a younger, tech-y audience who enjoys the challenge and opportunity to work in an analog sphere. Game design expert Jesse Terrance Daniels teaches all the fundamentals of game design, from rule-setting to physical construction, along with original illustrations.

Readers will learn the “building blocks” of game design, including game components, rules, and gameplay mechanics, and then how to craft a game, with a variety of examples and design prompts. After completing Make Your Own Board Game, readers are equipped with a broad understanding of game construction and flow and ready to create games that are playable and satisfying, while also expressing the makers’ unique creativity and passions.


My Review:
Make Your Own Board Game talked about designing tabletop games like board, tile, card, and role-playing games (with the most time spent on role-playing). It's solely about the concept, not the manufacture or marketing of a game. The author started with pretty basic stuff, like playing cards are usually these sizes and have the same pattern on the back. You could figure these things out just from playing a variety of board games. He then moved onto game play rules. He explained a variety of ways to handle taking turns, using currency, etc., and the pros and cons of using the different methods. He sometimes pointed out or used an existing game to demonstrate the idea, but not always. At the end, he provided a few example games, from a basic game to a complex one.

The descriptions weren't always easy to follow. Since the author explained different ideas in different areas, he might refer to a concept (like a "bank") in one place but you have to flip to another section to learn about that concept. He pointed out some complex game play possibilities that might make a game more interesting, but it's also trickier to understand how to make it work. This is a good book for inspiration about the possibilities, but I would have preferred more examples of how the more complex ideas worked in an actual game play and the steps of actual game design.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Smithsonian Makers Workshop by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Smithsonian Makers Workshop by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt ISBN-13: 9780358008644 Hardcover: 304 pages Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Released: September 8th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
The Smithsonian Institution presents a uniquely curated collection of lively how-to projects and historical narratives of four realms of American domestic arts: cooking, crafts, decorating, and gardening. Perfect for hobbyists interested in the historical context of what they create for their homes, this beautifully illustrated book contains fifty DIY projects—from a uniquely American quilt pattern to on-trend crafts like terrarium making and pickling—that all offer satisfying ways to bring history and culture to life. For those craving more, features provide rare insights from Smithsonian experts on prominent figures, events, and trends. Readers can learn about influential Americans who've had an impact on each realm; look at visual timelines of significant events that pushed development forward; or stay in the present and see how American arts in contemporary life is being redefined, all while enjoying satisfying and unique projects.


My Review:
Smithsonian Makers Workshop provides an overview of the Smithsonian collection in several areas: crafts, cooking, interior decoration throughout history, and gardening. Each section talked about different types of crafts, for example, providing an overall history of that craft, profiles of notable people who promoted the craft, how some old craft is now popular again, a closer look a technological development that has changed how the craft is done, etc. They also provided several step-by-step projects related to the things under discussion, like how to cook a poundcake or directions on how to decoratively mend some jeans. This book was not very in-depth on any specific topic, but it was an informative overview. There were many pictures showing different quilt styles throughout American history, for example, or a style of furniture popular in a certain time period. Overall, I'd recommend this book to those interested in a brief overview of these topics.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

The Wood Burn Book by Rachel Strauss

The Wood Burn Book by Rachel Strauss ISBN-13: 9781631598920 Paperback: 144 pages Publisher: Rockport Publishers Released: August 18th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
In The Wood Burn Book, Rachel Strauss (@woodburncorner) teaches you everything you’ll need to know to master pyrography, whether you're brand new to the hobby or you've been "writing with fire" for years.

This essential guide opens with a brief background to the art of wood burning, a list of tools and how to use them, basic techniques that can be used over and over again, and even what to burn and how to be safe doing it. You will also find a detailed explanation of the process from start to finish, with patterns, techniques for lettering and adding color, as well as dozens of projects ready for gifting, including picture frames, cutting boards, coasters, cards, wooden spoons, and jewelry.

Mastering the art of writing with fire begins with the ability to follow a line. If you can trace, you can burn.


My Review:
The Wood Burn Book teaches how to do wood-burning projects. The author started by describing the different equipment and materials you'll need, then she described various techniques for wood burning. She also discussed how to transfer a design onto the wood, how to add color to the wood-burned art, and how to finish a piece. She then provided step-by-step projects for adding decoration to various types objects made of wood. You can see examples of these projects on the cover. Overall, I'd recommend this book to those interested in learning how to do wood-burning.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Origami Fold-by-Fold by John Montroll

Origami Fold-by-Fold by John Montroll ISBN-13: 9780486842424 Paperback: 128 pages Publisher: Dover Publications Released: July 15th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
This unique collection of 35 original origami models, presented in order of difficulty, is the invention of bestselling origami artist John Montroll. The projects start with simple one-star models (ladybug, angelfish, sailboat) and progress to very complex four-star models (grasshopper, wooly mammoth), with a crane, lion, peacock, and several geometric shapes in between. This comprehensive volume includes step-by-step instructions and full-color illustrations to allow folders at all levels to gradually develop their skills.

Internationally renowned author John Montroll has significantly increased the origami repertoire with his original designs. Best known as the inspiration behind the single-square, no-cuts, no-glue approach, the American origami master presents meticulously developed folding sequences that allow folders to create better models with fewer steps.


My Review:
Origami Fold-by-Fold teaches you how to fold 35 original origami models. The author started by explaining the different symbols that show where to fold and which direction to go as well as how to do the most common folds. He started the projects with simple models and worked up to the most complex so that you can learn the skills you need as you go along. He had 10 simple projects, 10 intermediate projects, 8 complex projects, and 7 very complex projects. For each step, he had an illustration as well as the symbols, but minimal to no text.

On the digital version, each step's illustration was rather small and it was sometimes difficult to see the difference between the symbol for folding forward and folding back. I had trouble following the directions even on the first project. I had to carefully study the picture (rather than the symbols) to catch on to what I was supposed to do since the symbols were not clear in one spot. He then had you go back and repeat several steps (starting with the wrong step) but doing it on the other side. If you have trouble flipping/reversing instructions, this could be challenging. If you are familiar with the folding symbols, I think this would be much simpler to follow. However, this may not actually be the best book for a complete beginner (like me) to start with.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Creative Woodburning by Bee Locke

Creative Woodburning by Bee Locke ISBN-13: 9781465492685 Paperback: 128 pages Publisher: Alpha Books Released: August 11th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
If you're a crafter or an artist looking for something new and different, try pyrography. With this type of art, you use a heated instrument to burn images and words into wood. By using techniques from drawing, such as shading and stippling, you can also add depth and embellishments to your creations.

It's easy to get started with pyrography--and Creative Woodburning can help you jump into this hot new craft. This book features an introduction to pyrography and the tools you need to get started; expert advice on how to choose the right materials and how to create a safe working environment; 20 projects, including a jewelry box, a cutting board, a wooden egg, a clock, and a gourd birdhouse; more than 180 patterns--from animal and nature designs to borders and geometric and decorative shapes; and techniques for shading, adding color, and sealing your projects.


My Review:
Creative Woodburning is a guide on how to do wood-burning projects to make works of art. The author started by describing the different equipment you'll need for safe use during the wood burning and provided tips on the easiest-to-work-with wood. She described various techniques for wood burning, like shading, blackening, and stippling, in enough detail that I felt confident that I could do it. The author used templates to create her designs, and she provided the templates for the projects in the back of the book. She also described how to get the template onto the wood. She also talked about things like staining the wood or the different ways you can color the wood-burned art. She then provided a variety of projects, from decorating a jewelry box to a wooden egg or a clock face. While she described how you would do the project, it's not the usual step-by-step description with matching illustrations, but I felt the earlier techniques sections provided all that was needed to complete the projects. Overall, I'd recommend this book to those interested in learning how to do wood-burning art.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr

The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr ISBN-13: 9781419743030 Hardcover: 304 pages Publisher: Abrams Press Released: March 10th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
There have been many attempts to understand what makes a good story. In The Science of Storytelling, Will Storr applies psychological research and neuroscience to show how we can tell better stories, revealing, among other things, how storytellers—and also our brains—create worlds by being attuned to moments of unexpected change. Storr’s examples range from Harry Potter to Jane Austen to Alice Walker, Greek drama to Russian novels to Native American folk tales, King Lear to Breaking Bad to children’s stories.


My Review:
The Science of Storytelling provides an evolutionary story for why humans like to tell stories. He talked about the "hallucinatory neural model of the world" and included explanations like "The controlled hallucination inside the silent, black vault of our skulls that we experience as reality is warped by faulty information. But because this distorted reality is the only reality we know, we just can't see where it's gone wrong."

He also referred to psychology when talking about building personalities and flawed characters. He occasionally referred to scientific studies that show things like how our brains like cause and effect and prefer sentences that allow us to "see" the story unfold like a movie. He admitted these principles are already found in common story writing advice like "show don't tell" and "use active rather than passive sentences."

I didn't find his musings very useful. In fact, I didn't agree with some of his conclusions--like you should build suspense by including a lot of detail to draw out a scene. I suppose it depends on what sort of suspense you're trying to create, but this is bad advice for a fast-paced thriller or suspense genre novel.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Spinning and Weaving by Lynn Huggins-Cooper

Spinning and Weaving by Lynn Huggins-Cooper ISBN-13: 9781526724526 Paperback: 128 pages Publisher: Pen and Sword History Released: Novemeber 1, 2019

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
This book offers a whistle-stop guide to the history of spinning and weaving. The story begins in prehistory when people first wove yarns to create clothing and blankets. The book explores the ways in which spinning and weaving has continued to be important throughout human history (or should that be herstory), in artistic, economic and functional terms.

The second part of the book brings us up to date, via interviews with modern day spinning and weaving artisans. These textiles artists generously allowed the author a window into their studios and discussed the way they use and adapt traditional methods, techniques and tools for the twenty first century. Photos of their work, and their working environment offers a unique view into the world of this ancient craft.

Finally, if you are inspired to try your hand at this fascinating and most ancient of crafts, the book also has a resources section. It includes a valuable list of suppliers of fibre, dyes, tools and yarn, as well as information about training courses, useful websites and more - everything you need to get started.


My Review:
Spinning and Weaving looked at spinning and weaving throughout history and as a modern handcraft. The author started by explaining what type of tools were used for spinning and weaving in ancient times and what fibers were used for clothing. She then talked about the new technologies that changed how spinning and weaving were done up until modern day. The second half of the book contained interviews with modern weavers who talk about how they got into traditional weaving, what they make, what tools they use, how they learned the skills, their advice to others, what their business is like and a typical day. At the back of the book, there were lists of suppliers and educational websites. I'd recommend this book to someone interested in trying out weaving who wants some background on the possibilities for learning and using the skill.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Uncommon Paper Flowers by Kate Alarcon

Uncommon Paper Flower by Kate Alarcon ISBN-13: 9781452176932 Hardcover: 240 pages Publisher: Chronicle Books Released: October 15, 2019

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
This book unveils the alluring world of uncommon botanicals, including a prickly cactus that played a storied role in the founding of an ancient city, a tiny pink mushroom that glows green in the dark, and a magnificent blue cactus with rows of golden spines.

Celebrated paper designer Kate Alarcón reveals the rich histories and unique characteristics behind 30 remarkable plants alongside instructions for crafting stunning paper versions of each one. These eye-catching creations make perfect wedding centerpieces, beautiful arrangements (that never wilt!) to brighten a home, and cheerful gifts for any occasion. Brimming with fascinating botanical trivia, vivid photography, and essential design techniques, this is a breathtaking resource for flower lovers, crafters, and anyone fascinated by the mysteries of the natural world.


My Review:
Uncommon Paper Flowers taught how to create 30 unusual plants from crepe paper. The author started by providing trivia and historical information about each plant (different flowers, mushrooms, cacti, etc.). She then briefly described the types of tools and materials needed for the projects. You basically need different colors and types of crepe paper, glue, and some paints and markers. She also briefly described the basic techniques for cutting, forming, and decorating the petals, leaves, and stem.

She then provided step-by-step projects for creating the unusual plants that she talked about earlier. There were clear, full-color pictures for each step along with written text describing what to do. Unfortunately, my review copy was missing most of the text directions, so I'm not sure how easy the instructions are to understand and do. I got the impression that a complete beginner might want more direction but that someone used to paper-cutting projects would be fine. There were templates for the petals, leaves, and such in the back of the book that you're supposed to photocopy and cut out. I'm not sure how that would work with an ebook, so buying a paper copy of this book may be best.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Zentangle(R) Dingbatz by Brian Crimmins

Zentangle(R) Dingbatz by Brian Crimmins, CZT ISBN-13: 9781497204171 Paperback: 160 pages Publisher: Design Originals Released: June 11, 2019

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Dingbatz are an easy way to incorporate the fundamentals of Zentangle into a wide variety of creative projects. Use Dingbatz to add flair to whatever you're working on-they provide a wonderful complement to any hand lettering, scrapbook and art journaling project. Beginner-friendly with few materials required to get started. Small enough to provide a sense of instant gratification when you make them, these "Zenbellishments" require few materials, making them accessible to all skill levels from beginner to advanced.

This book will introduce you to how Dingbatz are constructed, and how to build from that basic structure to create designs uniquely your own. Zentangle Dingbatz includes a variety of projects that will allow you to practice using Dingbatz not only as stand-alone designs, but also as accents and enhancements to other art projects.


My Review:
Zentangle(R) Dingbatz teaches a method of adding abstract designs as embellishments to cards, envelopes, place cards, journals, etc. The author first explained step-by-step the method of Zentangle for making abstract art, then he built on this by explaining the basics of how to do this to create embellishments. This book is for complete beginners--no previous art or Zentangle experience needed. It's a simple way to add unique designs to things to make them look "arty." Many of the pages were work sheets to practice the designs, frames, and such. He also provided several step-by-step projects for embellishing greeting cards and envelopes, weathergrams, and zines. He also suggested other places you might use these embellishments, like gift tags or name tags. Overall, I'd recommend this book to those who don't feel artistic (but want to be) or those interested in art as a meditative practice.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Papercutting by Patricia Moffett

Papercutting by Patricia Moffett ISBN-13: 9780764358081 Paperback: 128 pages Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Released: Sept. 28, 2019

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
These 25 projects show how ammonites, lichen rosettes, honeycomb, and other natural forms can help you apply the rules of mathematics to create complexly beautiful works. Clear, paper-art-focused explanations teach you the principles of mathematics we see in nature, including the Golden Section and Golden Angle, Fibonacci numbers, and symmetry. Learn about using flaps and piercings with various projects, including "A Murmuration of Starlings." Benefit from lessons in the Japanese art of kirigami and geometric principles, with projects such as "Kirigami Cascade" and "Rotational Symmetry." Tesselations and 2-D weaving, 3-D form assembly, woven 3-D forms, and stacked layers come into play for projects such as "Radiolarian" and "Sea Urchin." The role that display plays in your work is covered too, including flexagons in the "Undersea Frieze," black light in "UV Jelly Fish," and light-box effects in "Art Deco Scarab" and "Diatoms through the Microscope."


My Review:
Papercutting is a how-to instruction book on papercutting. The author did a great job of explaining different papercutting skills and techniques and building these skills with each new project. Each project had templates so you can copy what she's done, but she taught how to come up with ideas and use the techniques on your own. She clearly explained how to do each project, and even complete beginners should be able to follow the directions. She started with flat, cut-out projects, then she talked about weaving and explained different types of 3D projects. She even talked about how to display the finished projects, including lighting ideas and framing. Overall, I'd highly recommend this informative book to those interested in trying out papercutting.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

How to Do Things by William Campbell, Brian Barth

How to Do Things by William Campbell (Editor), Brian Barth (Foreword) ISBN-13: 9781452171678 Hardcover: 272 pages Publisher: Chronicle Books Released: April , 2019

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
For anyone who wants to learn how to catch a runaway pig, mend a fence post, milk a cow, or throw an unforgettable barn party, this engaging volume delivers timeless advice on accomplishing tasks big and small around the house, garden, and farm. Featuring original text and illustrations from the 1919 first edition, this 100th-anniversary volume presents a new generation of readers with expert guidance on every facet of homesteading in a very handsomely crafted package. With projects that range from practical (ridding a yard of poison ivy) to downright bemusing (organizing a potato peeling contest), this delightful book is equal parts useful and entertaining. An ode to self-reliance brimming with wit, wisdom, and nostalgia, this is a must-have for anyone who enjoys doing things with their own two hands.


My Review:
How to Do Things was published in 1919 as a collection of the best articles from The Farm Journal. It's an interesting look at farming at a time when technology was changing things. They talked about a wide variety of topics, like how to best do various farming activities (relating to cattle, pigs, chickens, and horses) and pest control, or the most efficient way to wash dishes or clothing, or how to build an ice house or cellar, or the best layout for a barn or porch, or food recipes and information on canning, carving and preserving meat, or a long list of indoor and outdoor games (which usually only used common objects). It's an interesting read for those curious about how things used to be and, in some cases, useful advice on how to do things even now.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Complete Guide to Soap Carving by Janet Bolyard

Complete Guide to Soap Carving by Janet Bolyard ISBN-13: 9781565239210 Paperback: 160 pages Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing Released: Sept. 11, 2018

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
This comprehensive guide provides everything readers need to know about carving soap, from basic carving methods for beginners to sophisticated techniques for accomplished artists. Complete Guide to Soap Carving shows how to choose the best carving soap, and how to test soap for carving quality. Twenty-six step-by-step projects range from quick carvings to elaborate soap sculptures. Fun and easy-to-learn, soap carving is a perfect craft for children, who won't need to handle sharp knives--this book shows how to make simple wooden carving tools that are safe for kids.


My Review:
Complete Guide to Soap Carving teaches the reader how to carve soap. The author started by demonstrating how to make simple, wooden carving tools from popsicle sticks. (These are safer to use than wood carving tools.) She also explained how to select soap for carving and the basic carving techniques. She provided illustrated step-by-step instructions on how to make 26 different soap sculptures like the ones on the front cover. She included templates in the back of the book for the animals and objects in the projects.

Most of these projects created 3D sculptures, but a few involved simply carving a shape into the front of the soap. Many of the projects were beginner projects, but she also included more advanced projects. This looks like a fun craft to try and it doesn't take a lot of time or expense. Most of the projects take 15 to 45 minutes, with a few of the more advanced projects taking an hour or two. Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in carving soap to make cute, stylized animals and objects.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Kumihimo Wirework Made Easy by Christina Larsen

Kumihimo Wirework Made Easy by Christina Larsen ISBN-13: 9781632506351 Paperback: 114 pages Publisher: Interweave Released: Sept. 11, 2018

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Whether new to kumihimo or looking to take your skill to the next level, Kumihimo Wirework Made Easy is the companion you need. Author Christina Larsen will show you how easy it can be to transition from traditional kumihimo materials to wirework with her expert guidance, comprehensive instruction, and inspiring designs. In this must-have resource, you'll find:

A complete guide to understanding wireworking tools and materials specific to kumihimo wirework.

Full step-by-step tutorials for 3 basic kumihimo braid structures perfect for wirework jewelry designs.

Project instructions for 20 inspiring kumihimo wirework designs including earrings, bracelets, and pendants.


My Review:
Kumihimo Wirework Made Easy describes how to create wirework jewelry using a kumihimo square. I've done kumihimo using thread or cords, and the beautiful pictures tempted me into reading this book. However, I think the actual weaving of the wire will be too hard on my arthritic hand...though there's one beginner project I intend to try.

The author described the basic equipment you need--basically, a kumihimo foam square, some soft, thinner wire, and some jewelry making tools and materials. She described her method of making the wire weave neatly and how to do the three basic braid patterns that she uses in the 21 projects. She also described how to finish the jewelry when you complete the wire weaving.

The projects detail what materials you need and the steps you take to make the project. There were pictures demonstrating each step. There were 7 beginner projects, 12 intermediate projects, and 2 advanced projects. The projects were mainly for making bracelets and earrings. There were 9 projects for making bracelets, 7 for making earrings, 4 for necklaces, and 1 ring. Seven of the projects used beads (plus some "variations" on other projects also added beads), and four projects wove leather as well as wire into the braid.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Cræft: Traditional Crafts by Alexander Langlands

Cræft: Origins and True Meaning of Traditional Crafts by Alexander Langlands ISBN-13: 9780393635904 Hardcover: 352 pages Publisher: W. W. Norton Company Released: Jan. 2, 2018

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
In the midst of a seemingly endless supply of mass-manufactured products, we find ourselves nostalgic for products bearing the mark of authenticity—hand-made furniture, artisan breads, craft beers, and other goods produced by human hands. Rediscovering craft helps us more fully appreciate human ingenuity and the passing on of traditions from generation to generation.

Archaeologist and medieval historian Alexander Langlands argues that our modern understanding of craft only skims the surface. Reaching as far back as the Neolithic period, he combines history with scientific analyses and personal anecdotes. We follow the author as he herds sheep, keeps bees, tans hides, spins wool, and thatches roofs. We learn that scythes work much better on tall grass than the latest model of weed trimmers, that you can spin wool using a large wooden spoon, and that it was once considered criminal to work on animal hides before a requisite twelve-month soak.


My Review:
Cræft is a mix of the author's experiences and thoughts about various traditional skills that were once vital to our survival. The author is an experimental archaeologist who was involved in BBC shows like Victorian Farm, Edwardian Farm, and Warime Farm. He told stories about his experiences while trying a craft or using the products of traditional crafts. He also contemplated the costs of modern ways of doing things and some advantages of using traditional methods. For some crafts, he described the labor that went into gathering the raw materials and how the craft is done. He provided enough detail that I could understand the basic principles of how it's done, but it's not a how-to guide. It's more an attempt to get readers to fully appreciate traditional crafts.

The author periodically delved into the origins of various words, and he started off with cræft and how it's meaning has changed over time. Then he talked about the tools and considerations that go into haymaking, evolutionary flint tool development, various ways we still use sticks (like in shepherd's crooks), making wicker hives and beekeeping using these hives, building drystone walls and maintaining hedgerows, taking flax and wool from harvesting/shearing to making yarn and weaving, and making wattle hurdles.

He examined the various local materials that were used in thatching and how they were used to thatch a roof. He talked about how leather was tanned and the many ways leather has been used (like shoes and harness). He talked about his visit to a traditional farming spot in Iceland and about how British farms used to be very diversified. He talked about dew ponds and how livestock ponds were traditionally constructed, the many ways that pottery and baskets were used in the past, how baskets are made, and his adventures in lime burning. He also talked about digging, both as an archaeologist and in clearing land for a garden.

The one thing I found lacking was pictures. Except for one set of sketches showing some tools, there were no pictures of the places or objects he talked about nor pictures of people doing the craft. I think I would have been able to follow his explanations better if there had been some pictures. Overall, though, it was an interesting book about the author's involvement with traditional crafts.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Start Your Own Etsy Business by Jason R. Rich

Start Your Own Etsy Business by The Staff of Entrepreneur Media, Inc., Jason R. Rich ISBN-13: 9781599186092 Paperback: 180 pages Publisher: Entrepreneur Media Inc. Released: Sept. 12, 2017

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from NetGalley:
Whether you’re a master crafter, a carpenter, a jewelry designer, or have become passionate about making the best home décor in town, now is the time to go from hobby to full-time business owner. And with million shoppers ready to discover your unique offerings it only makes sense to join the largest, most successful online community of creative entrepreneurs on Etsy®.

Our experts have teamed up with successful shop owners to provide you with Start Your Own Etsy® Business, an easy-to-understand, comprehensive blueprint that takes you through setting up, branding, marketing, and managing your store. You’ll learn how to:

• Create listings and marketing plans that attract the right customers
• Choose keywords and tags design to drive traffic to your shop
• Pick the right shipping and packaging methods to meet your inventory needs
• Define your brand with carefully crafted logos, product listings, and images
• Reach more shoppers with targeted social media and advertising campaigns
• Create storytelling product listings and professional looking product photos
• Decide when it’s time to turn your part-time hobby into a full-time business venture

Plus, gain worksheets, templates, resource lists and tips designed to go from passion to profits. If you’re ready to share your passion for your craft with millions around the world, this guide is for you.


My Review:
Start Your Own Etsy Business is a book about starting your own small business and effectively selling your crafts on Etsy. The book started with an overview of Etsy and starting your own small business. Then the author went into more detail about what's involved in setting up a small business, from business plans and tax IDs to inventory management and accounting. He talked about determining what you need to get set up, your costs and prices, your target audience, and branding.

He then described step-by-step how to open an Etsy account, set up your store, and add product listings. He also discussed fees, setting prices and shipping costs, taking (or hiring) professional photographs of your products, choosing and including search words, writing effective text to describe your product, and more. He also discussed promotion and marketing using paid advertising and social media.

He included advice from successful Etsy sellers, including specific things they did that increased their sells. I found this advice both interesting and helpful. The author included plenty of links to online help pages and included some sample worksheets. While this book will help anyone who wants to set up an Etsy account, it's targeted at those who want to create a profitable business from their crafting. Overall, I'd recommend this book.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Natural Color by Sasha Duerr

Natural Color by Sasha Duerr ISBN-13: 9781607749363 Hardback: 272 pages Publisher: Watson-Guptill Released: Aug. 23, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
An exploration and appreciation of the brilliant spectrum of colors derived from plants, with seasonal, project-based ideas for using these natural dyes to color your clothing and home.

Natural Color explores the full spectrum of seasonal plant dyes, using nature as a color library. Unlike its competitors, Natural Color is structured by season, not plant, focusing on achievable projects with easy-to-follow recipes for dyeing everything from dresses, scarves, and hats to rugs, napkins, and table runners, ensuring that even the most savvy home decorator will be inspired.


My Review:
Natural Color explains how to use certain, common plants to make dyes and how to use them on natural plant and animal fibers. The projects included dying napkins, pillow covers, curtains, scarves, dresses, and more. The author started by explaining the basics and what tools and equipment you'll need. It looks fairly easy and safe and can be done without a lot of equipment or expense as I already have many of these things lying around.

The author talked about 28 different plants that can be used for dying, including avocado pits, rose petals, plum branches, mint, calendula, aloe, indigo, hibiscus, fennel, weld, onion skin, rosemary, black walnut, maddar root, red cabbage, blue spruce, sweet gum leaves, and citrus peels. Some of the other plants are common in California but less so elsewhere, like redwood cones.

For each plant, she explained what colors it produces, how much plant is needed per amount of fabric, what fabrics it works best on (and how to prepare them), and a step-by-step project so you can learn how to dye with it. The author also explained various ways to apply the dye to make different patterns and effects.

She explained things clearly, so I feel quite able to do these projects or to be able to dye with these plants on projects of my own. Overall, I'd recommend this book to those interested in using natural dyes on natural fibers.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Story Genius by Lisa Cron

Story Genius by Lisa Cron ISBN-13: 9781607748892 Trade Paperback: 288 pages Publisher: Ten Speed Press Released: Aug. 9, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher through Blogging for Books.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Story Genius is a foolproof program that saves writers from penning hundreds of pages only to realize that something's not working and they have to start again. Informed by story consultant Lisa Cron's science-based insights into how story structure is built into the architecture of the brain, this guide shows writers how to plumb the nitty-gritty details of their raw idea to organically generate a story scene by scene. Once writers reach the end of Cron's program, they will have both a blueprint that works and plenty of compelling writing suitable for their finished novel--allowing them to write forward with confidence.


My Review:
Story Genius is a guide on how to create powerful, character-driven stories using the Story Genius writing system. If you expect a lot of brain science, you'll be disappointed. The author only referred to a couple of studies. Instead, she resorted to speculative stuff, saying, "Evolutionarily speaking, our brain is wired..." followed by a story about what advantage we might have gotten from telling stories.

She believes that all powerful stories are ultimately character-driven, so she has you start your story creation with the character rather than a plot. She takes you step-by-step through deciding what the story is about, what your main character desires, and the misbelief that prevents him/her from gaining that desire. From there, you come up with what happens scene by scene to force the character to re-evaluate that misbelief. She described each step, then she had a fiction author--who is coming up with her next story--write that step to demonstrate it.

This system will prevent your book from wandering around aimlessly, full of filler scenes. Overall, I think a person could successfully follow this Story Genius system. It seems best suited for literary writing. She didn't really show how it might be used in genre fiction, where some genres are expected to contain very specific plot elements (which runs counter to her purely character-driven system). However, she does give some good advice on how to come up with a strong story and this can be used in any case.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

The Working Writer's Guide to Comics and Graphic Novels by Nick Macari

The Working Writer's Guide to Comics and Graphic Novels by Nick Macari ISBN-13: 978-0692577103 Paperback: 90 pages Publisher: Panel by Panel Released: Dec. 21, 2015

Source: Review copy from the author.

Book Description, Modified from Amazon:
A writing guide for the comic writer. This is the book I needed when I first started writing comics twenty years ago. Everything you need to know to take your existing story and outline to a completed, professional-level comic script. It covers the ten major rules to comic script writing and the four core considerations of every comic panel. It provides an easy to read, in-depth look at script format, process and story mechanics.

Whether you're an aspiring comic writer or a seasoned professional, the tips and techniques revealed in this book will hone your storytelling.

From page 12, "This guide is aimed at the working writer with a solid grasp of story structure, basic writing comprehension and a comprehensive outline in hand....While I may speak generally of premise, plot and structure throughout this guide, the intention isn't to walk you through the process of discovering or creating your story, but rather to help you apply your existing story to the comic medium."


My Review:
The Working Writer's Guide to Comics and Graphic Novels is a guide to taking an existing story and making it into a professional-level comic script. The author assumes you already know how to write and have a story but don't know how to tell the story in the unique format of graphic novels and comics.

He covered the basic rules of the comic/graphic format and explained how to write your story in script format. He talked about avoiding mundane panels and writing visually in your script. He discussed beats, pacing, tension, dialogue, and characters. He listed things to have and to avoid and provided three pages of question and answers. He finished by taking part of an existing story idea through all of the steps of story to script.

The author was concise, and I found the whole book easy to understand. The black and white illustrations provided clear examples of what he was pointing out. I think this book would be a good resource for writers who want to work in the comic or graphic novel format.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Pure Soapmaking by Anne-Marie Faiola

Pure Soapmaking by Anne-Marie Faiola ISBN-13: 9781612125336 Spiral-bound: 240 pages Publisher: Storey Publishing Released: Feb. 9, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
The pure luxury of soaps made with coconut butter, almond oil, aloe vera, oatmeal, and green tea is one of life's little pleasures. And with the help of author Anne-Marie Faiola, it's easy to make luscious, all-natural soaps right in your own kitchen.

This collection of 32 recipes ranges from simple castile bars to intricate swirls, embeds, and marbled and layered looks. Begin with a combination of skin-nourishing oils and then add blueberry puree, dandelion-infused water, almond milk, coffee grounds, mango and avocado butters, black tea, or other delicious ingredients -- and then scent your soap with pure essential oils. Step-by-step photography guides you through every stage of cold-process soapmaking.


My Review:
Pure Soapmaking is a step-by-step guide to making cold-process, natural ingredient soaps. You will be using lye to make solid soap bars. The recipes made about 9 to 20 soaps, so the book is intended for people making soaps to sell or give away rather than just personal use. She mentioned things to consider when selling your soap. These recipes don't use synthetic fragrance oils or dyes. We're told how the various oils and natural additives (for coloring, fragrance, etc.) will affect the final product.

The author started by explaining the science of soap making, safety measures, and the equipment that she recommends. This equipment will be dedicated solely to soap making. She included things like a scale and an electric mini mixer, and these are needed to do her recipes. She explained the overall steps for soap making along with tricks, tips on handling potential problems, and warnings of things to avoid. She included enough information that I felt I understood and could handle every step. There were also color photographs to illustrate these steps and the steps in the recipes.

The 32 recipes started fairly simple, but she quickly added more ingredients and steps. She showed how to create designs using layers, swirls, circles, embeds, and combinations of these. I suspect she used every ingredient that she talked about earlier. She also explained how to create your own recipes. I'd recommend this book to those interested in making "natural" solid soaps in large batches.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Out on the Wire by Jessica Abel

Out on the Wire by Jessica Abel ISBN-13: 9780385348430 Paperback: 208 pages Publisher: Broadway Books Released: August 25, 2015

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
A graphic book that takes readers behind-the-scenes of five of today's most popular narrative radio shows, including "This American Life," "The Moth," "Radiolab," "Planet Money," and "Snap Judgment." Each of these shows has a distinct style, but every one delivers stories that are brilliantly told and produced. Out on the Wire offers a look into this new kind of storytelling--one that literally illustrates the making of a purely auditory medium.

Jessica Abel, a cartoonist and devotee of narrative radio, uncovers just how radio producers construct a narrative. Jad Abumrad of RadioLab talks about chasing moments of awe with scientists, while Planet Money's Robert Smith speaks candidly about his slightly goofy strategy for putting interviewees at ease. And Abel reveals how mad Ira Glass becomes when he receives edits from his colleagues.


My Review:
Out on the Wire is a graphic book that looks at how narrative nonfiction radio shows are created. The author assumed the reader has a certain familiarity with narrative nonfiction radio, and she used examples from shows that have aired. Narrative nonfiction is basically taking a series of interviews and/or narration by an individual and piecing bits together to tell a story--like how a T-shirt is made.

The author interviewed various people involved in producing the five radio shows. She drew this book like she was piecing together bits of video interviews. The person's clothing, hairstyle, and background would change since she mixed together interviews done at different times. Unfortunately, many of the people looked very similar as drawn characters and she'd jump back and forth between people as well as in time. I found it difficult to keep track of who was from what show and what they did. Also, without audio clues, the frequent "ha ha" text sometimes felt out of place as it's not clear why they are laughing.

The book mainly focused on storytelling aspects like coming up with the idea and the focus, getting engaging interviews, how to put the interviews together to form a story, and edits/critiquing. It also talked about sound cues (music, sound effects, ambient sounds) and editing the actual audio of the interviews. But it's not a how-to on the technical aspects of radio shows; it's a collection of useful tips about forming an engaging story.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.