elegant addition to creativity
930459
This is a great product to give a professional , finished and elegant look to your invitations, note cards, or greeting cards that you are making. The around the corner feature is what has been missing in other punches.
3205358
I was able to purchase a copy of this delightful coloring book directly from the author. It is such a beautiful collection of hands-on pages that not only allow you to explore your creativity, they inspire as well. What a gift to the world to allow us to create in conjunction with our creator. A Great gift for all ages!
2059645
Another wonderful piece for my mom with moderate cognitive problems.  The tray with border is a terrific idea.  The tray allows unsteady hands to try pieces, without shifting the puzzle pieces already in place.  There is little frustration at "making a mess of things" or with being too clumsy to continue.  That alone is a blessing.  The artwork looks as though it would be frustrating - the picture has multiple images - but the large sized puzzle piece makes a difference, and the pieces are cleverly cut - somehow it makes all the difference.  Most of the pieces are border pieces, which I have found to be quite helpful, as the straight-edges guide my mom. In fact, the "busy" nature of the artwork allows us to sit and discuss what a character is doing/thinking and my mom may even relate a memory from her own life that builds on the events depicted.  The puzzle pieces are stiff and need a little working to take them apart ...I take care of that.  However, I have noticed a complete turnaround in my mom's dexterity in terms of being able to fit the pieces together, since she has started the Active Mind puzzles.  I think these puzzles are marvelous.  I have purchased six or seven of the Active Minds line of puzzles and I can only ask that they come out with more 35 or 45 piece puzzles.  I would buy them in a heartbeat.
4555122
This is one of my wife's favorite complements of her everyday work. It can be used at any ocasion since is simple and at the same time elegant.
1124913
If you're enthusiastic about the use of color in patchwork, than this is the book for you.  There are over 25 different patchwork designs that are pictured and displayed in gorgeous settings.  There are no shortage of color photographs and most of the designs are pictured close up and then pictured again being used in the home decor.
Kaffe Fassett puts a new spin on some of the traditional quilt patterns and his creations are fresh and original.  Rich velvets and brocades are turned into 4-patch curtains which are suprisingly elegant.  These same materials are used to make a luxurious throw that looks fit for a king.  His "Red Diamonds Quilt" is vibrant with patches of sunflowers, grapes and a multitude of floral designs.  Of course, the directions and suggestions are given for all of the projects in the book.  He even gives ideas on how the pictured designs might look in other color schemes.
I'm almost finished making my version of his "Frothy Table Cover" which is made of cotton in a combination of floral pastels cut into triangles.  This particular design is photographed in a garden with the table set with china filled with fruit, flowers and confections. A feast for the eyes!
The patterns in this book are really another dimension in creating patchwork possibilities. This is a beautiful book!
4680318
Fantastic idea.  This book combines art appreciation together with coloring fun.  It's a great way to encourage students to get acquainted with famous works of art.  The quality paper is thick and the numbers disappear when colored. The pages are perforated for easy removal. It's a fine asset for "Show And Tell" for all ages. I will purchase again for gifts.  I hope there will be more editions. I would heartily recommend it!
2415605
It is a really elegant addition to my home office.

Being in Manhattan, my home office is open to the living room and is visible immediately after entering the apartment. It was important to be functional and belong with my modern aesthetic. This glass dry-erase board fit the bill perfectly.

They provide a template for easy drilling of the anchor holes... and give you a decent amount of leeway for hanging in case you aren't incredibly steady with the drill like me. I was able to hang it entirely on my own.

Expo markers seem to work really great on it and erase sans spray. I am however having problems with some of the cheaper markers not erasing without spray.  I am blaming the markers.  If doing it all over again, I might have gone for the magnetic glass version just like this one.  Didn't realize how much I wanted to stick things to it; blue poster putty works fine. The Neon Expo markers look pretty good on it too.
1797209
What an elegant twist on such a fun craft!  The blooms turn out so unique. The instructions are easy and straight forward but if you are expecting to turn out a quick product, this book is not for you.  If you are willing to spend a bit of time to create a gorgeous end product, this is the one.
1983068
I like to draw and paint when I have the time, but Ive found coloring to be super-relaxing and fun. And now, since its become a trend, I can say I love to color without everything thinking Im six years-old. With the new adult coloring books, like this one, you will feel like you have created some unique art. Plus, its a fun way to keep your hands working while watching television or hanging out in front of the fire in the wintertime (I don't knit, crochet or sudoko). This particular book was entertainingthe creatures are adorable and the drawings are intricate, leaving the coloring a bit of a fun challenge.  All you have to do with this Kindle version is screenshot the page you want and then hit print. Very enjoyable for myself and to share with my kids.
1093484
Delicate, yet lots of fun to make, looks great when done.
1629793
This has a fun collection of different styles all the way through. I see simple but elegant drawings that I could take on when I want to relax and just enjoy the process of coloring or if I want to expand my skills as a colorist and can play with techniques. There are also very intricate drawings for when I want to focus and master a detailed piece. Another great collection. I place a paper between my pages and have had no issues with the paper. It still colors beautifully. Thanks and look forward to more!
2063365
These are brilliant... An easy in to be creative. They also inspire other projects... They can be incorporated into collages, mounted and framed... also allows you to really notice the beauty of one tiny scrap of nature that you use to make the print.
20350
The designs and ideas are creative and gorgeous.  There are times when the directions are unclear.  Wording could be much simpler, straightforward, which would help.
3860053
Fine lines, and  a variety of sizes makes drawing every bold line and fine detail easy. These are what i like to call precision weapons of mass creativity! :)
774546
This is an adorable and creative book which demonstrates many animals, characters and decorative objects can be made using an apple, or two, a couple of grapes and a strategically placed mint leaf.  Each step from whole fruit to completed sculpture is clearly explained and accompanied by a photograph.  Thus, even though the cutting part may be best saved for an adult, a child can easily enjoy putting the pieces together.  One of the things I most loved about Apple Creatures is that each character has its own unique expression.  This shows a lot of thought, care and creativity on the part of the designers/authors.  I have a friend that always wows the crowd at picnics and events with her carved creations (mostly watermelons) and I cannot wait to show her this book.  With the current interest in such centerpieces and creative bento box offerings, Apple Creatures is a well timed volume.  Even if you don't actually make all the numerous whimsical critters, Apple Creatures will bring a smile to your face.

Thank you to Iryna Stepanova, Sergiy Kabachenko and Firefly Books for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
2276421
This dome light designer is a superb toy for older children who love to draw, color, and create and have the capacity to remain entertained doing it on a larger, more complex scale. The dome light lets your child create an image on the dome as well as a lower transparent plate. You can then use different light patterns and designs to make the design interactive and more fabulous.

When I first saw this in action, I couldn't help thinking how this would be a fun mid-level toy for a child who wants to shoot quirky videos or stage fun photos...like the kids I have seen make American Girl or Barbie stop-motion videos on YouTube.

I think its longevity really depends on your child's level of dedication to certain disciplines. If you think they are creative and capable of repeated replay by creating new, interesting scenarios, this would be a great investment. If they just like to color, this paper alternative would probably be a costly investment.
3138703
These are so elegant. I've made several cards from these dies and plan on making many more. Different combinations of card stock and/or paper can completely change the look of the card.