Reviews (3)

Inspiring Magazine
Somerset Studio is a beautiful magazine displaying creative art pieces in varying medium. I love seeing the different artists approach on the assignments such as the 'Alice in Wonderland' theme!

Visually inspiring!
If you are an artist, aspiring artist, or 'just' a scrapbook creator or journal writer, this magazine is sure to catch your imagination and spark an idea or three. Filled with the artwork and ideas from contributing artists, the pages of this magazine are visually rich with photographs and well-written descriptions of ART, not merely "projects to try at home". Unlike other magazines and books that deal with scrapbooking or stamping aimed at a first-grader, Somerset Studio will impress you with refined images and accomplished artists. Truly inspiring!

Simply the Best
Somerset Studio is a must have for artists and craftspersons. I have been reading it for two years now and still eagerly await the release of each issue. It is filled with beautiful collage art, rubber stamping art, calligraphy, jewelry making, and much, much more. Each issue contains great how-to articles that even the seasoned artist can benefit from, not to mention the beginner. Each project or topic treated contains many wonderful and inspiring submissions from readers with full instructions on how-to. Visually stunning, this magazine gets the creative juices going big-time, and if you can only get ONE magazine, this is the one to get! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great graphic design magazine.
If you are into graphic arts, this magazine is a must have in your list of subscriptions. It's worth it especially for interviews and articles about artists from all over the world. Photoshop User magazine lacks a little on that standpoint, and How magazine is more focused on design companies than on digital artists.

Design Graphics also contains techniques for Photoshop, Illustrator, etc. If you already have a subscription to Photoshop User, or Computer Arts, fear not, as somehow (sheer luck, or agreement between the editors), the techniques rarely overlap from one magazine to the other.

Part of the magazine is set aside for reviews of new software and hardware, with lots of side by side comparisons. One could argue that the reviews are a little dry, much like a technical description of the product, without an opinion. I personally like it better when the reviewer gives me his/her opinion about what they are reviewing. But I guess that's a matter of taste.

Another small "problem" with this magazine, is that it is published in Australia. If you live anywhere else in the world, once it makes it to your house, the news it contains are slightly old. Not a big deal, and surely nothing the publisher can do anything about. :)

Conclusion: Design Graphics is more art oriented than it is industry oriented, and that's definitely a nice change that sets it apart from its competitors. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Doll Crafter Magazine is Great!
An excellent magazine with instructions for creating fine dolls at all levels of expertise. Articles are written by professionals in the field and are high quality. This magazine covers all aspects of dollmaking using many different medias. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

More meaty than Wizard
While sections like "Longbox Manifesto" and "Ask Mr. Silver Age" will certainly appeal to long-time comic book lovers, CBG is a magazine that, month-in and month-out, will contain new and fresh news and stories that you more-than-likely didn't read elsewhere.The comic book and graphic novels reviewed each month are more than just Marvel and DC books, too, which is nice.

Wheras Wizard simply regurgitates the same news found on the various comic book sites online, Comics Buyers Guide is refreshingly new.

It's Wizard for the more discerning reader
When Comics Buyers Guide was a weekly tabloid, it appealed mainly to the hardcore comic book collector. Now that it has switched to a monthly format, delivering a healthy 244+ pages/issue, it has evolved into a dual-purpose magazine, still meeting the collector's needs while offering much more content for the discerning comic book reader and/or fan.

While Wizard is very good at what it does, hyping the latest Marvel and DC projects while offering a glimpse at the world beyond the big two - and the fanboys justifiably love it for that reason - Comics Buyers Guide offers meatier content and covers a much wider range of comics, with actual reviews as opposed to PR hype and creator-driven spin. Also, their price guide is more realistic, and thorough, than Wizard's seemingly hype-driven guide.

If you have to choose between them, Comics Buyers Guide is the one you want on a monthly basis.

How to get immersed in comics-buying culture!
This weekly publication is a great way to dive into the culture of the comics-buying world.The letters page is several pages long, often written by incredibly knowledgable and insightful readers.Also included are lots of reviews, articles on the industry and upcoming creative news, informative/interesting/entertaining columnists, convention guides, publication schedules, and classifieds.Content ranges from the beginnings of comic book history all the way to what's happening a year from now.Definitely a highlight of my week; often I read this before I read the comics I just bought.This comes from a publisher whose primary focus has been on collecting (coins, stamps, records, etc.)Trustworthy and entertaining! ... Read more

Abstract

This magazine contains illustrated articles with step-by-step instructions for tole and decorative artists. Each issue contains 4 to 6 projects.
... Read more

Abstract

Articles on antiques, collectibles and collectors.
... Read more

Reviews (3)

Inspiring but don't buy it from Amazon!
This is one of the best wearable arts magazines around. Inspiring and full of new techniques that are well described and photographed. However the price that Amazon charges is nearly *twice* the charge at the publisher's website. Go there to order it. I've tried numerous times to point out the discrepancy, but they ignore me completely.

Inspiration and Challenge
Belle Armoire means "beautiful wardrobe" and every issue delivers on this promise to inspire you to create a beautiful wardrobe for yourself or someone you love.

Projects range from silk painting to sewing to beading...the embellishment possibilities are endless. Any given issue may have an interview with a clothing designer or a fashion artist. The Salon pages - comprised of the readers' work - are packed with inspiration plus there are always short instructions for the projects on later pages.

The photography is cutting edge with a high fashion look. The magazine is printed on very nice, glossy paper with a rigid glued binding - NO STAPLES here! Advertising is discreet and does not attempt to overwhelm the focus of the magazine.

I have been reading and collecting Belle Armoire from the first issue and it always impresses me with its range and depth of vision. I always come away with new ideas.

Fabulous designs, not for beginners
This is a really wonderful magazine that focuses on beautiful wearable projects. These are not craft sale kind of things, these are fine arts projects. If you love to make beautiful things, this is a good magazine. If you like cutesy, craftsy, country kitsch, look elsewhere. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Of Excellent Quality
I have kept editions from 1985; they are still in excellent condition. Having not revisited them for many years, I am blown away by the quality of the paper, the photography, the color, and the articles inside. I was so happy when I found out that FMR is still being made and available in the U.S.

Art work unto itself
I was introduced to this magazine by a friend who had purchased old copies at a flea market. The paper and printing is of the highest quality and stood the test of time. Copies from 1990 were magnificent. The interior photographs of the art works were amazing and showed incredible detail. And the articles were very well written. Yes, you are introduced to artists and works lesser known to us in America, which is only our loss. I was so happy to find it available at Amazon. It is truly a work of art unto itself.

Don't call yourself an art enthusiast until you subscribe
This is a stunning art publication for mainstream readers and art afficianados alike. Its quality and the detail are unmatched. It will be wildly fascinating to those that find pleasure in beauty ---- not just in the famous classics ---- but those artists that never quite made it into the spotlight. Not avilable on newsstands. (I can't believe I lived this long without discovering it.) Kudos to this publisher with such fine, signature work in an age of media consolidation. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Don't Buy it at Amazon
This is truly one of the great magazines for numismatists, but don't waste your money here, go straight to the source at coinagemag dot com and pay HALF as much.

Great Magazine
This is the absolute best magazine that deals with coins. They have an updated price guide every month additionally with information on the 50 state quarters, and any other hot coin news that there is. This is a highly rated magazine. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Not worth the cost of an issue
This magazine suffers from many problems: poor editing, incomplete and incomprehensible instructions, failure to respond to concerns and questions from their subscribers - just to name a few. There are several other magazines that fill this area of interest so much better, Bead and Button and Beadwork for two. Stay away from the hassle here. Try the other quality & professionally produced magazines, you'll be glad you did.

Jewelry Crafts Magazine
And one star is really too much for this magazine. I surely agree with Amybeader about this magazine, I got the first issue when it came out in the early 1990's and fell in love with it, but I have watched it lose its alure in the last few years, but I stubornly held on untill this year -2003 in hopes the editors would wake up and and see how far down they were sliding and get it together and put out something better,but they haven't. and I too didn't renew my sub.this time, as I become so frustrated with their "instuction" for a project that would make me want to scream.I thought I was the only one that was having a problem with the magazine and I appreciate amybeader for telling it like it is.They even quite publishing letters from thier readers which I never saw a magazine do before,guess other readers felt like I did too. There are much better magazine out there that make you feel good about your talents - Expression is one of the best and they offer a wide range of jewelry and clay designs along with other projects that open your world up and inspire you to incorporate other objects and media into your designs that you wouldn't normally think about mixing together. Two other new mag. are Polymer Cafe and Bead Style . All three of these new magazine are worth their weight in gold and jewels.The new bead Style is published by Bead and Button magazine and is great for beginers and advanced jewelry designers and beaders. They offer projects that can easly be achived. Well, thanks for reading this and much thanks again to amybeader for sharing - as a avid beader and jewelry designer myself, it is always hard for me to see a magazine go down, its like losing a close friend , but when all one gets from reading a magazine is frustion then it is time to let go and move on as hard as that can be - Life is too short and frustrating every day - we need inspriation and projects that make us smile and feel good about pur talents and encorage us to try new things.I do know when one door is closed there will be a bigger window opened with a much more beautiful view.

Magazine in desperate need of editing
Although some beginners may find this magazine useful, I recently dropped my subscription because of poor writing, lack of editing and proofreading, and poor layout. I have been a technical editor by profession (20+ years), as well as an avid beader (8+ years) and finally came to the conclusion that the poor writing and editing in this magazine caused me such irritation and frustration that I was better off not wasting my time and money on it. The most disappointing part of this is that back in the late 90's Jewelry Crafts made great strides to improve their overall quality (better photographs, more variety, printed on higher quality paper). But either they cannot afford a good editor/proofreader or they do not care. I have written them letters and even bought an extra copy and edited it, sending it to them with a cover letter explaining what I was doing and why. I have seen some very small changes that might have been in response to my letter, but the overall quality has not improved. So my advice is to save your money and subscribe to Bead and Button, Beadwork, or both; they are much better magazines. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great for ideas
I looked over most of the wood working magazines and this one seemed to have the most hands on information. If you get just one wood working magazine this is the one to get.

There is usually one large project and several other smaller projects in each issue. The also do some of the best tool reviews of any magazine.

Not much for the money
The material in this magazine is very spread out with lots of white space. The projects are few, and the illustrations lack detail. The annual tool issue is a waste. Big pictures, little meat sums up this magazine.

Outstanding Resource for All Woodworkers!
I have subscribed to American Woodworker for many years, (I remember when it was only in black & white), and it has proven time and again to be full of useful tips, jigs and projects for home and shop. I have built a number of projects from its pages and corresponded with the editors and writers on occasion. They are a great bunch of woodworkers with a quality product.

The projects are mostly furniture and cabinetry, using a variety of styles and woodworking methods. They are clearly illustrated with explanations of techniques required to achieve superior results. The shop jigs include not only plans, but how to use the completed item to your best advantage.

They also test and evaluate tools on a regular basis and publish a "Tool Buyer's Guide" each year that is great. I find that complements the user reviews here at Amazon when I'm making my choices. There are also lots of ads for hard-to-find items each month.

Whether you are a professional or just a serious hobbyist, you will look forward to each issue and keep them archived for future reference, as I do.

Great collection of knowledge.
This publication covers a wide range of projects, from the more industrial to very intensive hand-work. You'll lurn to build cabinets, turn crazy lathe work, and build the hand tools like your grandfather used. It provides great photos and illustrations and detailed descriptions. Top notch stuff. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Australian Patchwork & Quilting is the Best
I am an experienced quilter and am familiar with many of the quilting publications currently on the market. In my opinion this is certainly one of the very best. Beautiful quilts for all skill levels and excellent instructions. Exciting patterns and outstanding use of color. Very inspiring.

Sadly, it is hard to find on news stands or in US quilt shops, and the subscription price in the US is very high. But, if you have the money to invest in one really good magazine, this is it.

I love the magazine
Hi: I am a brand new quilter and have had a chance to read and get some samples from one of your magazinez, I am really happy with my experience and would like to see if you can direct me as of where I can find a particular volume.
I am looking for the August 2002 magazine which features a Butterflies Quilt, which I would like to reproduce for my home.
If any one can assist me with this I will appreciate it.
The other thing I find in your magazine is that give easy instructions on how to which is very helpfull when you are starting this kind of business for the first time.
Thank you very much for sharing with Us such a good publication.
Sincerely
Maria ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The name couldn't be better!!
I buy lots of needlework magazines, including quilting, and this is the absolute #1 magazine I have ever read. In fact I just bought about 30 back issues.

I can't wait for the next issue to arrive. The projects are beautiful, and do-able. I think any one could do them from novice to experienced. Even the advertising is great. I love to get on the internet and surf through the sites of the advertisers.

I can't think of a single negative thing about this magazine except I wish it came more often!! If you subscribe you won't be disappointed.

Filled with truly inspired embroidery projects
Inspirations is the perfect name for this publication. Every feature inside is a little gem of needleart craftsmanship that would stand out against any professional work. How they manage to keep on creating those deligthtful designs every issue without starting to look like every other pedestrian embroidery magazine I have no idea, but the editors deserve a little prayer of thanks for their high standards.

Inspirations magazine is a pleasure to look at and read. Top needlework, smocking and sewing designers from Australia and around the world publish their projects here. Lovely photography complements layouts that are clean, elegant and decidedly feminine. Advertisements are restricted to the very back, leaving the main section content uninterrupted. Even the cover is printed on a nice, heavyweight stock closer to a book's quality than a magazine's.

What's really important to me in a crafting/artisan type magazine however is that the projects are actually do-able. In a publication of Inspirations' caliber, you'd expect such charming, intricate embroideries to be beyond the ability of the casual needleworker. Surprisingly, that's not the case at all! With each featured item there are embroidery keys and directions that guide each step, with clear illustrations. Full-sized patterns are found in the pull-out center section. If you have trouble coming up with materials and notions you can order project kits directly from the publisher. Everything is arranged to be as easy as possible, and the results are exquisite.

Every other month the arrival of Inspirations magazine spawns a new list of projects for my stash. For example, my favorite issue of 2002 had the following lineup: a charming measuring tape holder that looked like a little country cottage covered with flowers, a matching thimble holder, bullion roses paperweight, hedgehog pin cushion and needlebag, ribbon roses cushion, roses and daisies lap blanket, beribboned baby bunting, girl's overall with flowers, an elegant white ladies'linen shirt and a Victorian stitch book.
Even if you are a beginner you will find several things inside that are perfectly adapted to your ability, but which look like they require decades of experience. These are the kinds of unique items that strangers would inquire about.

Recommended for every skill level - but caution: you may find yourself spending all your free time in embroidering bliss!
-Andrea, aka Merribelle ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Very Enjoyable
I love this magazine. I paid for my year subscription and was a little worried when I didn't get a magazine for a while however soon realized that the delay was due to the timing of the magazine. It only comes out every 2 month, so if you just miss one edition, it will be a while before the second one comes. I did receive my free picture hanging kit, although it took a while getting here. This magazine has many great projects and ideas from other members. Project instructions are easy to follow, and reprints are available free for members. It is difficult to get a hold of them due to the fact that there is no web page, but there is an address that you can write to change addresses etc on the inside cover. Over all, a GREAT magazine.

TODAY'S CREATIVE HOMEARTS MAGAZINE
I LOVE THIS MAGAZINE, IT IS PACKED FULL OF GREAT IDEAS, THAT ARE EASY TI FOLLOW. THE INSTRUCTIONS ARE SO WELL WRITTEN, ANYINE COULD BECOME A PRO WITH THEIR FIRST PROJECT. THE ARTICLES ARE VERY INFORMATIVE, WITH WEB SITES OR OTHER WAYS TO CONTACT MANY DIFFERENT INDIVIDUALS FOR MORE INFO. YOU CAN EVEN ORDER A COPY OF THE ARTICLES YOU REALLY LIKE TO BE ORGANIZED IN A THREE RING BINDER, SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO RIP THE MAGAZINE UP, OR LOOSE USEFUL INFO ON THE BACK SIDE OF PAGES. A MUST HAVE!!

Is this an "Arts Club" or a way to sell books?
I joined the Creative Home Arts Club with a check for $24. I was promised products to test and great ideas from an innovative magazine. There are some pointers in the issues, but nothing I couldn't pick up at the home improvement or craft store. My gift for joining was a distasteful kraft paper frame with some colored paper leaves & little paint pots. The latest magazine had only 64 pages and so far I have received two unsolicited books, the most recent with a bill for $29.17, which I must return at my own expense or pay for.
I joined in Oct 2003 and received a renewal request today for more money. I am not so sure that what I am receiving is in direct proportion to what I am paying.

TODAY'S CREATIVE HOMEARTS/ JULY 2002
I WAS RECENTLY AT A COFFEE WHICH HAD MAGAZINES TO BE READ .. I BECAME SO EXCITED ABOUT ALL THE ARTICES IN THE MAGAZINE.. I STOLE IT.. ARTICES ABOUT MAKING SLIPCOVERS, JACKETS OUT OF OLD BED SPREADS AND REMODELING WERE JUST A FEW OF THE GREAT ARTICES THAT WERE OF GREAT INTEREST TO ME, DON'T HAVE THOUSANDS TO SPEND ON MY HOME.. JUST HAD TO HAVE THIS MAGAZINE..

1 year full of hassles
Over all I found my subscription experience unsatisfactory. First they continuously billed me after I paid for my subscription, I got in contact with them and it was just an error on their part which they apologies for and quickly fixed the problem. I then did not receive my free picture hanging kit as promised until after four months went by and I once again contacted them to hear it was another error on their part. Soon I got the cheesy dollar store box of small nails, a few hooks and a bit of wire. Whoopy! Then they sent me their book, which was full of useless ideas, so I sent it back only to receive bills demanding money. I contacted them and you got it, another error on their part. Now after only receiving four out of the six magazines I have paid for, they are asking me to renew for three dollars more than last year's cost. No thanks

As for the quality of the magazine, no bones about it, I found just about all of "their" ideas on the net for free and without any hassles or "errors" to contend with. ... Read more