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Customer Review: Well illustrated, eclectic, good information, and fabulous designs

I LOVE this book. I have tried a few things out of it already, and while I haven't got the hang of it quite, this is one of the best books i have come across for cake decorating and learnign it

There is a substantial section at the start which is all about cake decorating and how to do it - each chapter is a different aspect, such as run outs, flowers, lace work, piping, colouring etc.

In the back of the book are several recipes for cakes which have easy to follow instructions, but even better they have the size of cake tin and what amoutn of ingreidnets you need in a simple to use chart.

Now to teh designs - some of the best I have seen - some are just gorgeous - the truffle cake took a bit of work but it was well worth it for a friend of mine who was leaving and I wanted to do something really special and beautiful for her. The recipes also mention if you can make anything in advance, how and where to keep it etc so I was able to a lot before the event and assemble it reasonably quickly

I also made the girls castle cake - an absolute gem - my daughter ADORED it - she is really into Barbie as Rapunzel at the moment so those magical castles are her dream. There are a huge variety of ideas in here from fabulous tall jungle cakes, number cakes for kids, fabulous wedding cakes, traditional cakes, really lovely christmas cakes and so much more

It is a massive book at 428 pages, but is only just larger in proportions than a large format paperback. A lot heavier though as it is done on gloss stock

Sumptuously illustrated, my 3 year old daughter loves reading it - I am trying out the Humpty cake next. Each has its own challenges and while I am not a fan of piping and not very good at it, there is much more than piping here, and some great ideas for layer cakes too.

Each important stage is well illustrated in a clear colour photo and instructions - looks good and tastes good too!

Highly recommended for beginners or experts, something in here for everyone and every occassion

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Customer Review: Unique, unusual designs

Good directions & pictures. Interesting styles and shapes and designs. Loved the different techniques used, especially the stuff that looks like brick and stucco. And the watermelon house is adorable. Inspiring. Easy directions. Pretty.
Was disappointed that it was a paperback book - for $20 I expect a hardback.

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Customer Review: a great book featuring a variety of folk crafts

This currently out of print book is one worth searching for, if you treasure folk art with a country feeling.The book features a wide variety of crafting techniques, along with clear, easy to follow directions. Sterbenz is to crafts, in my opinion, as Erica Wilson is to needlework.From stuffed folk art animals to wooden cigar store Indians, this book is a true delight !

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Customer Review: Falling Pages

The day I received my book in the mail I opened it and began reading as I turned the pages it began to fall apart. All but a few of the pages have come off the binding. The book is in pieces. I would not recommend it to anyone unless you want a book you have to pick up the pieces evey time you want to read it.

Customer Review: a very helpful guide

I bought this book and found it very useful. the photos are beautiful and

the instuctions very helpful . If you are just starting out then this will be very helpful . If you are a pro then you will find many new and creative
ideas. this is one of the nicest books that i have .

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Customer Review: It's Superb!An amazing amount of useful information.

This is in regards to the 1997 edition that I won't buy until you get it so I can save money. OUTSIDE Midsummernights Dreaming Page 203 It had great ideas and was very helpful. I was Very impressed with the color coordination of the rooms. Thank you! It planned a beautiful 4 season room for the house.

Customer Review: Ideas, ideas, ideas!

This book is full of ideas for any decorating style. It shares suggestions with several examples for each. It's a great book when you just don't know where to start or if you want to get ideas for redoing a "decorated" room

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More than 750 how-to color photos complement concise instructions to guide do-it-yourself home decorators. They learn how to create more than 250 different paint effects on many different surfaces. The author introduces his art with a chapter describing necessary tools and materials, and gives step-by-step directions for preparing walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture for decorative painting. All important techniques are demonstrated in the chapters that follow. They include color washing, sponging, decoupage, marbling, and gilding. Readers learn how to combine many different colors to create painted effects that imitate wood grains, marbling, antiquing, and many other decorative finishes. They will be further inspired by photos that show stylish results achieved by leading interior decorators.

Customer Review: Really Detailed Instructions

This breaks each technique (verdigris, liming, stippling, etc.) down into 5 to 7 steps. Each step is shown in a photos. The book is compact, but covers a lot in 224 pages. Some effects I hadn't seen before in books or in the brochures at paint stores. There is one showing painting faux sandstone blocks.
I can hardly wait to get the paint and try one of these effects. They are shown for a variety of surfaces (walls, floors, furniture, accessories).
Highly recommended if you want something besides plain ol' paint.

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The Chicago Home Book, a comprehensive hands-on guide to building, remodeling, decorating, furnishing and landscaping a home in Chicago and the suburbs, is a "must-have" reference for the Chicagoland homeowner. At over 790 pages, this beautiful full-color, hard cover volume is quite simply the most complete reference to the Chicagoland home industry. This handsome, easy-to-use directory is designed in a concise and organized manner, to be both practical and inspirational. It covers all aspects of the process with information on local home industry professionals, accompanied by hundreds of inspiring photographs. You will also find articles to assist you in planning and completing a project. The Chicago Home Book offers consumers a detailed sourcebook for building, designing, and decorating upscale homes in Chicago. Whether interested in remodeling a kitchen or building a million-dollar-plus dream house, this book can give consumers the information they need to get the quality service and product they want...and deserve. Over 40 sections of home industry professional showcased to inspire the consumer, including: Custom Home Builders * Interior Decorators * Architects * Kitchen and Bath Designers * Landscape Architects and Contractors * Swimming Pools and Spas * and much more.

Customer Review: Over-rated book of pictures.

I bought this book as a resource guide book, and it didn't give me any information I already didn't know. It is basically a book of pictures that is very cluttered in how it is put together. Although the photos were beautiful, after 1 week, it now is a large paper weight. It basically just dissapointed me after I took a closer look at it.

Customer Review: Chicago Home Book

Nothing comes close to this book. I was going to build my dream house...I needed help, I needed advice....I needed to know who to use and what to ask...The Chicago Home Book brought me to my architect, my builder and my interior designer...my house is the best! The best thing about the book is the photos....beautiful idea generating photos of insides and outsides of the best homes in Chicago and the area. I understand it comes out each year...a new one with new photos...I love to look at what others are doing in their homes.

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