Product Description
Celebrate the season with these fabulous gift ideas. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The title doesn't lie!
The projects in this book are in fact pretty fast, pretty easy, and really fun! This book had techniques (paper piecing) and materials (stabilizer, fusible interfacing) that I had never used or even heard of before. But by following the instructions (with just a bit of help from the nice people at my neighborhood quilting shop), I was able to create two really cool Christmas stockings, one from the book and one that I designed myself, in three or four days. And I had so much fun making them that I bought more Christmas fabrics on sale and plan to make several more stockings while my kids are at camp this summer. I've never done any quilting before, and although I learned basic sewing as a kid, I'm no expert seamstress. So I was really thrilled that my projects were so successful.

Fast, Fun & Easy Christmas Stockings
I like all the "Fast, Fun and Easy" books.I have not had a chance to practice any of these projects, but they look fun and diversified ... and Christmas 2006 is really not all that far away! ... Read more

Product Description
Using traditional Victorian methods of decoupage and painting techniques such as faux-plaid and simple gilding, the authors have designed ten Christmas gifts that anyone can make. In addition to complete instructions, the book also contains a history of all the customs and rituals of Victorian Christmas, charming festive quotations from literature, and seasonal recipes. 75 embossed cut-outs.Amazon.com Review
With 18 sheets of embossed die-cut paper scraps packagedtogether with a 48-page source book, this nifty package provides step-by-step instructions for 10 projects, and even gives you the paper motifs with which to make them. The technique is basically a variant of decoupage, but most of the cutting has already been done for you. As Victorian Christmas explains, the lovely scraps can be used to decorate a cookie tin, pie platter, table centerpiece, wassail bowl, potpourri jar, or your own decorations. Sprinkled throughout are beautiful photographs and paragraphs explaining various Victorian customs, such as the traditions of gift-giving, card-making, and tree-decorating. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

You Will Think It's Christmas 1900
This double book has it all-instructions and the materials to make projects.The very beautiful book has several Victorian projects to make using the Christmas "scraps" which are included in the second half of the book.The projects are somewhat disappointing, however, the reproduction paper pictures called "scraps" make up for the lack in originality of the projects.The rather lackluster projects were the springboard for my own ideas with which to use the paper "scraps" of Father Christmas, Victorian angels, flowers, etc.Overall, the paper pictures were the stronger of the two halves of the book, but well made up for any weakness in the project suggestions.Gorgeous pictures.Well worth the money. ... Read more

Product Description
The talented staff of a favorite American magazine has condensed everything they know about Christmas into one handy book to help make the holidays extra special for families everywhere. A comprehensive guide to creating your own fabulous Christmas, the Big Book of Christmas contains over 100 craft, gifting, and decorating projects as well as more than 80 tested, proven, and scrumptious holiday recipes. With clear and concise instructions, it`s easy for readers to create the stunning patchwork star tree topper as well as king-sized candlesticks to set the mood. Handmade gifts help them send the love of the season to family and friends, while table treats like the Rocky Road Clusters make the holidays extra sweet. Organized in carefully planned sections such as `Red White and True Christmas,` `Merry Mini-Trees,` and `Gifts Galore,` this is the one book to get and to give for those who hold the holidays dear.Amazon.com Review
Ornaments, edibles, and gifts fill the pages of Family Circle Big Book of Christmas, some in fairly traditional style with Victorian flavor, others with a bit more of a country orientation. Projects include a mantel full of elegant stockings, a wreath heavily encrusted with buttons, folk-art treasure boxes adorned with felt hearts, and a pair of host and hostess vests boasting sporty red and gold stripes.

Directions are somewhat brief but generally adequate; the materials sections, however, are hard to decipher at a glance because all the items are run together in a paragraph instead of separated into a list. Although not terribly inspired, the photos are reasonably clear, and most projects are relatively easy. The bulk of the book is devoted to recipes, such as a full brunch, a complete Christmas dinner, a round-robin dinner party, and lots and lots of desserts. --Amy Handy ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Vey Nice Christmas Craft Book
I recently purchased this book and really enjoy it so much. It has a lot of nice Christmas projects that don't take a lot of time and uses basically common items. This is definitely a nice book for anyone who is interested in making Christmas crafts like I do.

excellent book with a variety of crafts...
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is one of the better ones in this series. Some of the projects take longer than an hour but they are worth it. Lots of unique ideas. ... Read more

Product Description
Simple-to-make projects using everyday materials such as cardboard, paints, glitter and glue. ... Read more

Product Description
Lights, ornaments, decorations, quilts, wreaths, greens, food, gifts, table settings, and treasured traditions combine the best of the old with the new in Lynette Jensen's home and family Christmas celebration. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Great quilting book!!
This is my first Thimbleberries Quilt Book purchase and i can't wait to start using it!! Great and easy to follow directions and beautiful quilts to be made!

Classic Country Christmas Book
Very nice book.I cannot wait to make some of the patterns.Thanks again.

Not happy!
I ordered the 2006 Christmas book. I received the 2000 book. I was told it shipped the day after I ordered it and did not receive it until yesterday.

Thimbleberries Christmas gifts and quilted ideas
Great book.Lots of great ideas.Christmas presents for this coming Christmas look real good.Lynette make the instructionseasy to follow.
As with all of her projects and patterns they are fun to do and a joy to receive.

WARNING:NO PATTERNS WORTH MY TIME
This was just a disappointment from the word go.I was expecting patterns and the few that were provided were mundane craft items, and not any quilts at all.This was a hustle pure and simple. ... Read more

Product Description
This holiday collection is a treasury of Christmas traditions, stories, songs, and recipes that promises to bring readers young and old together to celebrate the spirit of the season. Everyone will enjoy this delightful guide to all things Christmas, featuring:the perennial classic Christmas stories, poems, and carols; recipes for family gatherings, parties, and holiday gifts from the kitchen; ideas for thoughtful and creative handmade gifts; decorating ideas for any room; and holiday customs and traditions from around the world. As a gift or a book to be treasured, this book will help readers create new traditions that can be shared year after year. ... Read more

Product Description
Williams-Sonoma American Christmas features eight regionally inspired holiday menus with over 60 recipes, highlighting holiday occasions coast-to-coast, from a snowy New England farmhouse to a tranquil California Wine Country kitchen. With gorgeous color photography and a friendly tone, it also provides scores of creative staging and decorating ideas for the busy host, including easy table settings, lovely centerpieces, and gifts from the Christmas kitchen. Williams-Sonoma American Christmas demystifies holiday entertaining with ease and warmth.

Key Features:

* Beautiful full-color photography shows everyrecipe as a finished dish, plus key preparation, cooking, and serving techniques

* Over 60 delicious recipes, including ideas for holiday beverages

* Easy-to-follow timelines for party preparation ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good for the Holidays, Good for any other Time
Obviously this is a cookbook for the holiday season. That being said, leafing through it, I saw some things I wanted to try straightaway, like Toasted Coconut Thumbprint Cookies on page 38 and the Cranberry Chutney on page 56 and the Tangerine Curd on page 51. All these were gorgeous and divine.

But this book isn't only about dessert. The Roasted Shrimp with Black Pepper and Thyme on page 66 is sumptuously scrumptious and it goes well with the Sauteed Mushroom Salad on the opposite page. Turn the page and you get the Salt and Fennel Roasted Pork Loin and let me tell you, Hubby Dub love, love, loved it. I did, too. So don't be put off by the "Christmas" in the title, you can use this book all year round.

I found this cookbook a while back, while touristing off in beautiful Laguna Beach in sunny Southern California. I spotted a sign for an estate sale. Hubby Dub never likes to go to these, he hates garage sales too, likewise thrift stores, but I poked him in the arm, he made a U turn and I discovered a soul who really liked to cook, sadly she'd passed away before I got to meet her. She had dozens and dozens of cookbooks, many of which I already had, but I discovered some gems. I made a lot of meals from them and, as usual, I took notes, which usually consists of me writing in the margins by the the recipes. I love cooking. Hubby Dub loves eating, I do, too. I hope you do as well and I hope you enjoy my reviews here.

Very Pleasant... Some recipes not to my taste
Williams-Sonoma makes a quality cookbook, and this is no exception. Food is well photographed and recipes have colored pictures. The layout is nice, featuring sections for every sort of taste.

I am giving this book 4 instead of 5 stars, because the selection of recipes were at times a little "out there."Particularly "Great Lakes Christmas Breakfast" with whose highlights include: beet and apple salad, radish salad, Kugelhopf and Gravlax. Erk.

I admit I'd much rather see more mainstream recipes including turkey, stuffing, and different family-friendly desserts. There were a few...But nothing that was really a keeper.

4 stars ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Crocheted Christmas Ornament Covers
Please see review on Crocheted Christmas Ornament Covers 2...assuming it is published.I would, however, look into some of the beaded covers.

An twist to try
Great book with beautiful results.I saw a great idea online and tried it with some of these patterns.Make them without the ball inside, starch them (VERY heavily, don't dilute the starch), insert a deflated balloon, inflate inside ornament, let dry completely, pop and remove balloon.You now have a lace only ornament.

The best dressed ornaments on the tree!
I purchased both of Susan Allen's Crocheted Christmas Cover books and was truly pleased with them.I enjoy many types of crafts, but especially crochet, so when I started working on her patterns, and saw how quickly they made up it was a real treat!I especially enjoy the gasps of pleasure and awe that I receive from family and friends when I show off my finished ornaments.They're such a treasure and a great way to make a few extra dollars during the holidays.They can also be an easy but special gift for your 'long list' of friends and co-workers.I can't wait to start my batch for Christmas 2001.Thanks Susan!

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..."
From the minute I received Susan Allen's 1st book of crochet patterns to cover ordinary Christmas balls with a crocheted cover in metallic thread, I couldn't wait to get started.Not only was I fascinated with "the look" of the metallic crocheted thread, but her clever way to cover the Christmas balls made the task go lightning quick.The patterns are easy to follow and the color photos are so glittery and festive.

I had tried other ornament cover patterns before, but they were cumbersome once you had to insert the ornament.But those days are over since these patterns use a very innovative way to cover ornaments.There are a variety of patterns to follow in this book, so you can have fun creating different color combinations.I gave some of my crocheted ornaments to a friend wrapped up in a Christmas basket this year and she said she didn't have the heart to put them away after the holidays because of their beauty!

If you love to crochet as I do, you will find this book to be a valuable addition to your collection of patterns.

So beautiful, and easy too!
Susan's books are wonderful for the beginner as well as the experienced crocheter. The directions are clear and easy to understand. Her designs are beautiful and include a full color photo for each pattern. These books are a must-have for any crocheter! ... Read more

Product Description
Provides easy-to-make and inexpensive guidelines for more than seventy projects, including wreaths, baby quilts, frames, Christmas stockings, ornaments, and decorations, and offers supply requirements and comprehensive charts. ... Read more

Product Description
This guide is packed with original projects to copy, from the traditional nativity figures to novelty items. Techniques for bas-relief and three-dimensional figures are fully explained, with different recipes for the dough, handling and storage tips, and advice on painting and finishing touches. ... Read more

Product Description
For the first time, Southern Living has collected in one volume all the inspiration, advice and instruction you need for the best of Christmas decorating, entertaining, and gift giving.Building on 30 years of Southern Living Christmas creativity, you'll find glimmering table settings, beautiful room decorations, charming gifts, and the most filling and fulfilling Christmas meals ever. Southern Living 's signature approach supplies readers with no-fail instructions, tips, and illustrations that, working together, create a Christmas season beyond compare. Whether a guide or a gift, The Ultimate Southern Living Christmas Book is one book that will keep on giving Christmas after Christmas. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

I've seen better
Don't get me wrong - the photos in this book are gorgeous and there are some lovely ideas, and some fabulous recipes.However, when it comes to Southern Living books, this just isn't as spectacular as others I've purchased.It certainly isn't a total waste of money or anything that drastic, I just think there are other Southern Living Christmas books out there that are better.

Great Gift
Great gift for my daughter, Brandie.She loves to cook and this book is loaded with fantastic recipes and beautiful photographs.I have sampled several scrumptious delights thus far and look forward to the delights to come. "Southern Living" seems to never to let you down with recipes or decorating for the Holidays.

Wonderful Christmas Book
I checked this book out from the library.Fell in love with it! I had to have my own.I immeditately ordered one from an Amazon seller.

Excellent
This is a beautiful book with lots of decorating ideas and recipes. It will inspire you to get ready for Christmas.

Ooh, I just couldn't wait for this book!
Well, it finally was released.I was so excited to see that this book was on the way and I certainly haven't been disappointed.I just love all the decorating ideas in this book - my husband grabbed it and off he went to the store to buy the stuff it recommends.Sure was beautiful when he was done.This book makes decorating elegantly so very beautiful for the holidays, and it just gives you so many nice ideas.But, the RECIPES!Yikes!Better buy those elastic waisted pants because you'll need them after these awesome dishes.You know it's bad when you want to start with the first recipe and just make everything else afterwards.That's how it is with this book.It's really that good!You won't be disappointed with this book.I just love it! ... Read more

Product Description
Crafters join celebrated artist Laurel Burch for an enchanting Christmas filled with beautiful quilt and craft projects. These fun, imaginative projects range from very easy to more challenging. Ideal holiday designs for beginners include projects using hand appliqué; no-sew; and fast, easy fusible web options. Secrets and shortcuts for creating festive Christmas quilts and crafts include embroidery, painting, stamping, and beading. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Laurel Burch Christmas
Laurel Burch Christmas is a great book for quilters who like lots of color and "folk art".There are several quilts that interest me and instructions/guides are easy to follow. Her quilts are always FUN to make and to receive.

love laurel burch stuff.
i truly love laurel burch designs and was very saddened by her death.i feel this book has some cute ideas, just probably not stuff i will make.

If you love Laurel Burch designs you;ll love this book
These are easy to duplicate projects and will make great gifts. I'm sure I'll keep one or two as well!

Gave as a gift
I gave this as a gift to my wife.She loved it.The book covers her two favorite things, Cats and Quilts. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you want a riot of sparkling colour or a restrained palette of silver and misty mauve, this book shows you how to personalize your Christmas tree with a variety of projects, ranging from delicate silver snowflakes and gilded baubles to edible gingerbread figures. ... Read more

Product Description
Mix n' match 90 appliqu, designs into festive, fast, easy piecing projects. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Cozy Quilted Christmas
Good quilting book for Christmas projects. The tree skirt pattern is for a table top tree and only 18". There are many templates to mix and match. It was a good purchase.

Very Cozy Christmas
I just love the applique projects in this book! Kim's directions are well written and her projects make for great gifts. Highly recommend this book.

Don't buy it if you're short of time
Do you often get the feeling that you bought the wrong book? The cover looks nice, but there are just a few, perhaps only one project that really inspires you.
This book is different. The book is filled with exciting and beautiful projects. I just wish I could by some more time as well. The book is really hard to put down. ... Read more

Product Description
All in color! 70 projects organized around five themes will help you transform your home into a Christmas wonderland. Many can be completed in only a few minutes using simple techniques, and all are showcased in festive color photographs. Families with young children will adore a toyland Christmas, complete with lollipop ornaments, cheerful Santa napkin rings, and a teddy bear wreath. A traditional Victorian Christmas features lacy angels, beaded icicles, and a classic swag. To suit other tastes, there are tartan, Scandinavian, and country themed projects, as well as plenty of advice for those who wish to create their own theme. Along with detailed instructions on tree decorating, these creative ideas will help you move beyond tired tinsel and battered baubles. Trim size: 7 1/2 x 10 1/2. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Wonderful Decorating Book
Although it was published in 1996 so the decorations are a bit dated, I think the ideas in this book are just adorable.You get your choice of 6 different themes for completely decorating your home for Christmas in a well-coordinated, matched way.That's a lot better than other books which just have a smattering of mismatched craft projects so your house ends up looking like a hodgepodge of different types of decorating.Now, if you're wanting an absolutely complete set of home decorations (tree ornaments, tree skirt, stockings, fireplace garland, wreath, table settings, and package wraps); you're not going to get it in all of these themes.None of them have package wrapping ideas.Most of them have the tree ornaments plus two or three other things.If you want more, you might be able to improvise:for instance, you could take the design from the table napkins in the "colors" theme and trace it onto some Christmas stockings, because "colors" doesn't include a stocking design.But, it's going to get a bit repetitive if you have to retrace the same design on a lot of things.Here's what you get:
"Colors" (red & gold or white & gold) theme:Tree ornaments, table setting, wreath.
"Tartan" theme:Tree ornaments, fireplace garland, 2 stockings designs, wreath, table setting.
"Toyland" theme:tree ornaments, wreath, 2 stockings, table setting, fireplace garland (photo only for the fireplace garland, no instructions).
"Scandinavian" theme:tree ornaments, table setting
"Victorian" theme:tree skirt, tree ornaments, table setting, fireplace garland
"Country" theme:tree decorations, fireplace garland, wreath, table setting

If you look at the cover of the book, you can see three of the themes pictured.In the upper left corner and lower right corner is the "Toyland" theme.In the upper right corner is the "Scandinavian" theme, and in the lower left corner is the "Colors" theme.There's also a few more pictures on the back cover.

It depends on which theme you choose how much it's going to cost and how difficult it's going to be to make the decorations.I think all the themes are beautiful."Tartan" is probably the least expensive."Victorian" and "Colors" are going to get pretty darned expensive, because there's no way to make them without buying a bunch of expensive craft supplies.I chose "Toyland", which is fairly low-cost (and it's also my favorite).I'm making the tree ornaments, 5 stockings and a tree skirt.It's going to cost me a total of about $60.It's made mostly out of inexpensive fabric, which I can buy for $1 a yard at Wal-Mart, and small toys, which I can get for about .25-.50 each at Goodwill.My 8-year-old is having an easy time making the decorations for the tree.I'm hoping I can count on her to make all the tree decorations so all I have to do is sew the stockings & tree skirt.She makes about 5 or 6 decorations and has a good time doing it, but then she gets bored.It's a good thing I started in May.I'm thinking if she makes about 6 ornaments per week I can have all the tree decorations made by Christmas. ... Read more