Product Description

The Philadelphia Flower Show is a visual celebration of the world's most spectacular indoor flower show. Organized by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the event is staged each year in early March and attracts some 300,000 visitors to the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Covering more than ten indoor acres, the event features a breathtaking array of horticultural subjects. Included are elaborate flower-filled landscapes with blossoming trees, exquisite floral arrangements, impeccably groomed perennials, cacti and other succulents, orchids, topiary, bonsai, and much more. All proceeds of the Show are dedicated to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's education and urban beautification programs.

This beautiful book is a behind-the-scenes tour of the Show with interviews and profiles of exhibitors, organizers, and designers. Lavish full-color photographs of the prizewinning plants and large displays capture the proceedings in stunning detail. Also included is a brief history of the Show along with a passionate foreword by gardening guru Ken Druse that captures what makes the Show so compelling and popular year after year.

Wonderful stories, inspiring advice, and gorgeous photography combine to make The Philadelphia Flower Show the ultimate companion to the greatest plant and flower show on earth.

Customer Reviews (4)

The Book is Great!
Its just that I'm very dissapointed that there were no landscapers, who included Leprechauns in their "Legends of Ireland" display for the 2007 Flower Show at the Philadelphia Convention Center :-(

Philly Flower Power
Having been to the Phildaelphia Flower Show for the past 20-odd years I am thrilled to finally see a book about this amazing annual event.And what a book!It's filled with page after page of gorgeous photos and wonderful stories about the exhibitors.The subtitle is Celebrating 175 Years and that's just what this book is, a fabulous party of flowers and plants, just like the show!

An amazing look at an amazing show!
I love this book! Beautiful pictures, and the text really makes you feel like you are a Philadelphia Flower Show insider. A wonderful present for gardeners, even armchair gardeners!

Like a bouquet of plastic flowers on your birthday...
What a disappointment!I love the Phila Flower Show and have been attending since the days at the old Civic Center.That was what I was hoping to see -- photos from the old days when the escalator lowered you into a garden of Eden.Instead, the book contains photos (very nice indeed) of recent shows, most from this past year's show (2003).Only a few photos of old appear in the beginning of the book.I would have liked to see photos of the shows through the years, diagrams, layouts and photos illustrating what it takes to set up this immense show.The interviews with show stalwarts such as Lee Radon, were great, but just not enough.The show has been in existence for 175 years.The book does not demonstrate this phenomena or the passion of its staying power.All-in-all, its just another coffee table book with pretty pictures.Too bad! ... Read more

Product Description
Provides instructions for making cardigans, pullovers, turtle-necks, dresses, jackets, coats, vests, gloves, blazers, skirts, and tops, and includes tips on finishing techniques. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Great summer boredom buster!
You could pay for a therapist to help you survive the summer with the kids OR get this book full of ideas and recipes to entertain them!I have purchased this book for my family, their teachers, and all of my friends with kids.The ideas are very creative and the kids have just loved them.There are so many choices, they'll be busy enough for you to kick back with an ice cold margarita!I mean iced tea!It's all about responsible parenting.....ENJOY!

So many ideas!
If you like the family Fun magazines, you will not be disappointed by this book. I also have My Great Idea. Love them both!

Brilliant!
Very interesting,nice photos,clever ideas.The only disadvantage is that you can not easily find the materials you need.

Good variety of projects
Nice ideas and covers a big age span.I ended up buying several copies as they make great gifts for parents weith young children.

Moms take note!!
If you're a mom of a toddler, preschooler, or elementary age child, get a subscription to the magazine Family Fun, and then get this book as well as "My Great Idea" put out by that magazine.Soooo many wonderful and creative ideas for those of us who are a bit challenged when faced with playing with a youngster! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Don't waste your money!!
Ugh. First of all, in the forward of the book, the author says that calling a fairy a "fairy" is insulting to them and they prefer to be called "gentle folk". Right. Then why is the word fairy in the title? This book is more a rundown of current and antiquated holidays with some fairy "lore" thrown in from time to time. And really, she only mentions parties in the very last chapter as an aside. A total waste of time and money. If you must read this book, I'd recommend checking it out at your local library. I'm sure there won't be a waiting list for it!

Title is MISLEADING!
Ugh. First of all, in the forward of the book, the author says that calling a fairy a "fairy" is insulting to them and they prefer to be called "gentle folk". Right. Then why is the word fairy in the title? This book is more a rundown of current and antiquated holidays with some fairy "lore" thrown in from time to time. And really, she only mentions parties in the very last chapter as an aside. A total waste of time and money. If you must read this book, I'd recommend checking it out at your local library. I'm sure there won't be a waiting list for it!

Not a fairy book but an ok survey of traditions
This book is definitely misnamed.There is hardly any reference whatsoever to fairies in here other than the author weaving in the word "folk" here and there but even when she does try to weave in something to do with "folk" it seems forced or an after thought - like they decided later to name the book the fairy party book and then added in some words to make the title fit.If you're looking for a book that hits on all sorts of holidays/celebrations (pagan, christian and commercial) throughout the year then this book can provide a good survey of traditions but that's about where it ends.For New Years, for example, which starts out the book, there are about 4 pages of text on the holiday and you get a couple of paragraphs on how its celebrated in the US, a couple of paragraphs on how its celebrated in Germany, in Finland, in Puerto Rico, in Indonesia, in Cuba, etc.Then there are a couple of recipes - none of which look very good to me - most are meat-based and I'm vegan - but even if I did eat meats the recipes are not very creative.The New Years chapter is one of the longer ones.Most holidays only get a page or two.I was taken a back with seeing certain things like valentines day, independence day (4th July), mothers day, fathers day, labor day (why not memorial day or George Washington's birthday too?).Anyway, I definitely don't recommend buying this book but if you feel compelled to look at it - check it out at the library first.Again, ok for a very superficial look at holidays/traditions across cultures, very light on fairies and hardly any creative ideas. The cross-cultural look is interesting but so superficial you don't get any sort of understanding as to why a certain ritual/tradition was/is practiced. I also thought the sections on things like weddings (one page), retirement parties, baby showers etc were generic and didn't offer any interesting ideas.Wouldn't recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
Privides ideas and instructions for creating wreaths for every holiday all year round. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Snow Week, published by Thomson Gale on April 17, 2006. The length of the article is 1716 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Climbing to new heights.(SNOW WEEK RACER OF THE YEAR)
Author: Tim Erickson
Publication: Snow Week (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 17, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 33Issue: 14Page: 18(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
Who thought of building a catapult that could sling a cow a couple of kilometres over a castle wall? What made Leonardo design a parachute? Who fired the first cannon ball and how can a lemon power a digital clock? You can find the answers here, in this title of the Crafty Inventions series, and then model your own inventions -- from a miniature flush toilet to a cracking pop-gun.Table of Contents:CatapultTorque TwisterFirst parachuteAir resistanceSpectaclesLens refractionWater ClosetGravity and weightPrinting PressScrew mechanismCannon powerExplosive gunpowderWatchSpring EnergyMicroscopeReflected LightThermometerMoving atomsBatteryCreating electricityGlossary and IndexTools and materials ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Greatstories telling how inventions really happened.
Wonderful book showing how a problem became a great invention.A must have book for any kid interested in inventions, science or history. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (24)

Still Stripping
I'm new to quilting(just one year) and I found this book to be extremely helpful.It's easy to read,has clear directions, and contains several projects I'm ready to attempt in the next few weeks. An excellent choice for any quilter's library.

Very Good Instructions
I just received this book.Flipping through the pages - I am very impressed with the instructions.This book can be used by beginners and seasoned quilters alike.The book has finished quilt pictures and illustrations to go with the instructions (which makes it much easier to understand).It gives the yardages and finished dimensions of each quilt.There are approximately 17 patterns.The book also has a suggested general supplies list (rulers etc.) and finishing instructions (which include binding instructions).I have not attempted any of the patterns yet, but am looking forward to it.This book is very organized and is very easy to understand.

Quilting
This was my first quilt book that I've bought. I'm now on making my secong quilt from this book. Eleanor Burns is a great quilter, easy to follow and easy to read patterns. I showed my sister the book, she had to have it too.

Still Stripping after 25 years
This was a great book by Eleanor Burns.It was wonderful as a beginning quiltr and has many quilts to make by strip piecing for more advanced quilters also.Has all the directions for making each quilt in various sizes.Excellent buy--someone had borrowed mine and didn't return it but i had to get a second copy!!

Eleanore has done it again
If you enjoy stip piecing this is the book to get.No page will be left unturned once you get started.Quick and easy quilt piecing with so many different options for blocks and quilts.Can you go wrong with an "Eleanore" book? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great ideas, great fun, great results!
I love this book and all the books within this series.I have been receiving these books for approximately 12 years, starting with my first book "Gifts of Good Taste."I've never been disappointed! ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Camping Life, published by Thomson Gale on July 1, 2005. The length of the article is 3305 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Kayak and canoe buyer's guide: new models and upgraded classics mark this year's stream of boats for the recreational paddler.(Buyers Guide)
Author: Tom (American golfer) Watson
Publication: Camping Life (Magazine/Journal)
Date: July 1, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 8Issue: 5Page: 40(10)

Article Type: Buyers Guide

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
This glorious book reveals the exquisite simplicity of decorating and designing with mosaics. As it delves into the history of the art, it draws on sources from Ancient Greece and Rome, the Renaissance, Pre-Columbian Mexico, the Victorian age, the Art Nouveau movement, through to the latest contemporary work. Enhanced with hundreds of color photos, Classic Mosaic explores the application of mosaics using classical influences. The versatility and decorative potential of mosaics is then interpreted in a dazzling array of historically-inspired projects. In chapters on materials, equipment, and techniques, Classic Mosaic explains how the process of application is an integral part of the design, whether using ceramic, Venetian glass smalti, gold, marble, stones, shells, or mirror. Elaine Goodwin, a respected mosaic artist, clearly demonstrates how a design is developed, from the initial idea to the finished piece. From intricate Grecian floor patterns to a shimmering Klimt chair mosaic, Classic Mosaic shows how to create splendid designs inspired by 6,000 years of mosaic art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Mosaics through the centuries
A wonderful collection of stone,smalti,glass,and tiles,have been created over the centuries for us to see through the years.
This book shows how some of the work is created with different stones and glass.It also shows the beautiful mosaics that through the centuries Greece and Rome created for their own living quarters.
Through this book being myself a mosaic artist,you will learn how to create from scratch wonderful pieces.Modern and old reproductions,for your own to keep or sell.

Inspiration for you
I saw this book at a Mosaic class and was impressed by it.I found that it had a lot of good ideas; interesting projects and provided a lot of information to the newbie.I love purchasing used books from Amazon, if I see a book somewhere that I like I always check to see if I can find it used on Amazon.By purchasing books this way I don't feel guilty. :)

Almostgreat but flawed
This is a book in search of an audience. It starts with some interesting text regarding the history of mosaics as well as introducing the fundamentals of creating them yourself. It then presents a series of projects completed by the author. The projects are mostly top notch and provide a window into the techniques used by this talented artist.

But that is as far as it goes. In the interest of protecting her art the author goes to great lengths to make certain that her projects are difficult to replicate. No where in this book will you find any patterns of original or classical motifs. Pictures containing these elements are intentionally distorted in order to make them impossible to replicate. In some cases (including the cover piece!) pictures of the completed artwork are actually omitted (presumably because they would be easy to copy).

I actually agree with the idea that budding mosaicists should work from their own original ideas and this book is certainly recommended with those constraints in mind, but it could have been alot more. Even some simple classical designs for reproduction would have made this work much much better. Instead the desire of the artist to preserve her "eliteness" gets in the way.

A Grand Mosaic Book
I bought this book for the historical effects. After reading during the past week, it has turned out to be one of the best mosaic books I own. The photography is breathtaking. Since buying a stack of mosaic books at an estate sale, I have always been a huge Emma Biggs follower.However, this author is amazing and shows how to use fragments of the materials to create fabulous pieces of art.I'm an instant fan and re-energized.

In my opinion, this is not a book for a beginner.I believe it is short on the necessary basics. But it is strong in displaying many step-by-step photographs to make the 16 projects from start to finish understandable for the experienced. A beginner artist should store the book away for immediate inspiration when the time is right.

Peace.

Five stars for illustrations and projects; not "how-to" book
The photos are breathtaking, full of inspiration for anyone interested in any kind of craft in which pieces are assembled, whether mosaics or quilting or large-scale projects like creating brick patterns in a patio. Aside from books I have about classical art, no other source seems close to providing the rich visuals.

This is certainly not a book to instruct beginners, in my opinion. The "how-to" information is cursory. For instance, a scant half page (and I do mean "scant") describes grouting. Projects, too, are probably beyond a beginner's ability. But the projects are, admittedly, really worth doing, not the kindergarten-looking bits featured in some books. There is a bit of information on cutting: only a bit. Comments along the lines of "with experience, you'll be able to master this technique" suggest to me that this author is more comfortable showing than describing technical aspects.

But what a grand showing this book provides. Many of the color photos are large enough to lend themselves to study in detail and there are a few sequences that show projects in process. Although the book will not provide in depth, specific information and instructions to beginners, anyone interested in mosaic will profit by studying the exquisite photos. The author shows some of this art's beauty that has allowed it to speak from antiquity far into the future. Drink in the colors, patterns, and forms -- and be seduced by the possibilities. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (14)

Necessary for all knitters
I bought the first edition of this book when it first came out. I bought this edition to make sure I didn't miss anything new. I have recommended this to all my students as the best all around reference for beginning and intermeditate knitters.

Mediocre and disappointing
Do yourself a favor, get it from the library and spend the money on yarn instead. I love buying books, and have an extensive library, knitting and otherwise.I highly recommend Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book, but this VK 25 is just stale and downright boring.How many times can you publish the same old stuff? Yawn.

Lucky enough to have acquired every issue of VK, I knew to expect a rehash.But even with low expectations, I found this a terrible disapponitment.I checked it out from the library and after flipping through it exactly once (and reading a few articles) I felt no loss when I promptly returned it to the library the very next day.

As of late VK books have been mostly compilations of old dated material. Even the latest edition of "Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book" is page for page the same old original book, with the old dated photos from the first edition.All they did was slap a new cover on it! (I actually do recommend this book though. Well written, every knitter should have it.) Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book

Sorry, I digress. The point is, one has certain expectations of Vogue, based upon the image they have so carefully cultivated...and they are not living up to this image of late.Even the layout on VK 25 is tired.

VK 25 serves to prove VK has become stale, predictable, complacent and downright lazy in recent publishing efforts. Hardly what we've come to expect from the once progressive trend-setters! Time for new editors, puh-lease!

Unless you are a brand-new knitter (and by that I mean you learned in the last 30 minutes) you can easily pass on this one and miss absolutely nothing. Come on VK, step it up...your readers, new and old, deserve much better!

High Quality Again
If you have come to expect quality from Vogue Knitting Books or Vogue Knitting Magazines, you will not be disappointed in the 25th Anniversary Knitting Book.Enjoyed the information pulled from the magazine copies on the different subjects in the past 25 years.I like the fact that they addintionally updated that same information and made it relevant to todays knitters and market.A real opportunity to learn new and old ideas.Loved the history lessons!

Disappointed
This is a nice book to read, but the illustrations of techniques are not very helpful and I consider myself an advanced intermediate knitter.I admit I was expecting some patterns and was not smart enough to note the book descriptions did not say that there are none. As an avid reader of Vogue knitting over the years, I'm glad I have kept as many as I have.I would have borrowed this from the library, but not purchased.

Bespectacled Readers of 50 + : Beware!
Do I wish I had read the reviews before ordering this book. I was not expecting basic information, as good as it may be. To knitters/crocheters who buy this book, techniques at a beginner's and even more advanced level are most probably not unknown. I expected more articles covering revolutionary knitting milestones - about the evolving of knitting. For my taste, the articles were not selected with the aspect: THE BEST....
however, I should say to younger readers that the various articles are worthwhile reading as it improves one's understanding of the history of knitting during the last 25 years.

The title: ...25 Years of Articles..." ALSO draws all those faithful Vogue Knitting Magazine readers who are at least in an age bracket between 50 + and ... well, very senior. And who very often wear glasses. Here comes my point: the book is SO hard to read! The very small print and particularly the pastel colors of the print (such as a diluted black or soft light yellow and pastel blue on a glossy white paper!) are a strain on the eyes and take away a lot of pleasure when reading the book. I wish I had been able to look INTO the book before I bought it with so much anticipation.

Do not complain though about missing patterns: The title does not mention ANYTHING about patterns. Please note: NO PATTERNS.

Experienced knitters over 50: You may prefer buying new Vogue instruction books for your personal level of interest and knitting expertise and/or subscribe to the magazine - this book is just too basic, despite some articles, which bring back memories (wonderful articles by E. Zimmermann and Meg Swanson, for example).

Unless you wish to have it in your library for completeness' sake - stick with those wonderful Vogue books on specific topics. It is a book to reminisce about the time Knitting grew up. ... Read more

Product Description
From an expert painter of pastels, here are hundreds of proven ways to capture the glory and color of the seasons.The palette and soft motifs of pastels are perfect for capturing the beauty of nature in every phase of the year. Now every artist can learn how to use them like the professionals.

In The Pastelist's Year: Painting the Four Seasons In Pastel, Master Pastelist Elizabeth Mowry demonstrates, step by step, how to paint pastels that distinctly capture the mood, color, and majesty of the four seasons.Whether you're a novice artist or seasoned professional, The Pastelist's Year has something to offer anyone who loves to create beautiful art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Pastelist's Year
This is a great book for a beginner, or an advanced artist.Alot of good information, and photos.

Great help with choosing pastels, hard or soft, brand etc.
When I became interested in pastels, I took a dozen books out from the library including Mowry's THE PASTELIST'S YEAR, all of Paul Taggert's books, THE PASTEL BOOK, etc.
I found Mowry's books helpful regarding her use of color in this book to change the season of a scene - it's amazing. I learned a lot looking at her different views of the same scene painted to represent the different seasons. Very illuminating to say the least.
I thought thee pictures were small and could have been made larger for the serious student to see the illustrations better.

PRINT QUALITY IS FINE.THOSE ARE PHOTOS OF CONSTRUCTION
There doesn't appear to be any print quality issues with the photos in the book.There are several step-by-step photos that don't have some of the colors added yet because they are showing how the pastel sketches were made!See pg 81 for an example.There are also some extreme close ups which show the natural grain of the strokes to show how the larger image was created.These type of photos are exactly what any reader (beginner or expert) wants in an art technique book.The previous reviewers that didn't bother to read the captions of the photos should be a little ashamed if this is what they were describing.The book also has photos of the finished pastels.In general, the book and is filled with quality photos of pastel landscapes and appears to have good instruction throughout.

A Traditional Pastellist with a Modern Flair
Elizabeth Mowry has taken the time to establish a palate for the colors appearing in the four seasons; however, they were difficult to study since they were on different colored backgrounds.I especially liked the way she heightened the color temperature on some of her paintings.I wish she had used a greater variety of strokes.I recall that she favors the feather stroke, which was effective.She seemed to work more saliently with contrast, composition, color temperature, texture using traditional landscape themes.It would have been helpful to have a couple of paintings actual size so that I could have seen the "actual" painting.The cover has two flaps which could be used as bookmarks, which is a thought!

One of the very best !!
I have read this book twice and some portions three times. I find Elizabeth Mowry to be very sharing and knowledgeable and willing to show you how she achieves certain passages in her paintings. I had been going through a dry period, and this book opened up new worlds for me. I especially liked that she tells you to make small sketches, color sketches and use photographs. All these things were beneficial to me and I wish I could thank her personally for her very inspirational book. I have also given her book to friends and they all love it. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from New Life Journal, published by New Life Journal Media LLC on December 1, 2008. The length of the article is 602 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Local gifts for your holiday list: Ruth Gonzalez gets the scoop on the local foods and crafts you'll find at this year's Annual Holiday Bazaar.(buy local)
Author: Ruth Gonzalez
Publication: New Life Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 1, 2008
Publisher: New Life Journal Media LLC
Volume: 9Issue: 11Page: 29(1)

Distributed by Gale, a part of Cengage Learning ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Well worth the time
I found the book to be very informative.I am just starting to venture into the field of business, and needed some guidance.This book is very specific and easy to read.A valuable resource for those who need to be shown how to take steps to getting established in this business. ... Read more

Product Description
Perhaps best known for his fashion and beaut y photography, internationally famous John Swannell has, in the last twenty years, travelled all over the world photogra phing people and landscapes. Here is a major retrospective o f his work. ' ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

EXCELLENT SELECTION OF SWANNELL'S B&W WORK
The book I have is published by Pavilion Books Limited, 1996.
The size is optimal for a photographic book, being some 250x350mm and giving ample area for the photos. Most photos use all of the page and some are spread over both faces of the opening.

There is a one page foreword by Mr. Geldof and the rest of the unnumbered pages are categorized; fashion, nudes, landscape, portraits the latter being almost half of the book and the three remaining categories dividing the other half in equal thirds.

Of the 22 nude work several are Swannell classics, and all of the work in this book are printed excellently. All the landscape photos are tinted brown.
This book certainly complements an older book by the same author; "Fine Lines", 1982 which like this one will stay in my reference library of fine photographic art.

Beautiful work...stunning photography
Spectacular pictures, black and white or lightly tinted..wonderful lovingunderstanding of the human form and truly magical landscapes as well.Juxtaposition of landscapes and humans enoble both and enrich the viewers. And the portraits capture so much more than the physical....pieces of soullinger on these pages. ... Read more