MAGPIE'S MUMBLINGS

A blog about my interests, which include fabric landscapes and various and assorted other artsy pursuits and sometimes known to contain mumblings of a random nature.

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

New book review + journal class

For Christmas I was given a gift certificate to order myself something I wanted from Amazon - oh the decisions (only because my wish list is so long!!).  I finally decided to get these....

From the strength of the title alone I probably wouldn't have picked this book had I not been able to drool over a copy I borrowed from the library.  To say I love this book is probably a vast understatement!  The author has created modern-day interpretations of the old embroideries and the details are extraordinary.  There is a limited amount of actual instruction in this book, but the eye candy alone is worth every penny.  I know this book will be read and re-read many times over if only for the inspiration it gives.  (Specs:  "Celtic, Viking & Anglo-Saxon Eembroidery" by Jan Messent.  c 2010.  Published by Search Press.  ISBN : 978-84448-409-6).

(I did crop these pictures but for some reason they didn't save).  Anyway, my second choice was this one.  With the current interest in bird making I thought this book would be fun and besides, there's a small blurb in there about one of my favourite bird artists (Ann Wood) who makes the most incredible owls.  There is an owl pattern in this book and I'm eyeing my denim stash wondering what I can use from there to create one to live in my studio.  There are 16 projects in the book (including wrens, a gull, crows, a flamingo and many more).  (Specs:  "The Artful Bird" by Abigail Patner Glassenberg.  c 2010, published by Interweave Press.  ISBN: 978-1-59668-238-2).

I'm thrilled with the new additions to my library and must extend a huge thank you to my SIS who certainly didn't need to treat me so royally (but, truthfully?  I'm so glad she did!!).

Updated to add:


Nanook of the North
just in from blowing the
driveway - twice.

And the snow continues to fall...

5 comments:

  1. HEY!
    How did you snag that picture of ME???? LOL!!!
    Don't even want to acknowledge the *S* word at the moment.....it's trying to kill me I think.
    I love that bird book~~Sounds like a lot of fun!
    Off for a hot soak in the tub!

    XXOO~~♥
    Anne

    ReplyDelete
  2. MA, your "Nanook" can come and visit me here as long as he brings some cold weather with him, LOL. We're OVER the 41 degrees C (105F) temps here, as I'm sure you are over the snow. Love your books, but I daren't buy any more till I donate some older ones to my daughter's textile dept. The shelves are groaning !
    Hooroo,
    Christine in hot, hot Sydney Australia
    PS love your new blog template

    ReplyDelete
  3. Those look like great books. I am going to take a look at the links you have. Hope you are doing well and staying warm. Hugs, Kim

    ReplyDelete
  4. Gee, you're lucky to have a SIS like that--as am i :)
    the Embroidery one looks very intriguing---i really MUST get a library card again!

    Can't wait to see you "giving us the bird"!

    i look like that walking Nessie :)but add more layers and boobs--narf

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh I love getting new books....and they always smell so good. Nanook looks happy in his work!!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for leaving comments! I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy life to talk to me. It's wonderful to know that someone is actually reading my mumblings and even more fun if I can connect with you and visit your blog.