Mah Jongg The Art of the Game

This is the first book to fully capture the story of the exotic and exciting game of Mahjong or "Mah Jongg", offering an intimate look at the history of the game as well as the visual beauty of the tiles. When authors Ann Israel and Gregg Swain began playing Mahjong, they were unaware of the vintage collections that existed not only in the United States but also as far ranging as Africa to New Zealand. Slowly, they started to collect their own sets of Mahjong and as their collections grew, so did their appreciation of the history of, and interest in the game.

Finding few references, Israel and Swain set out to create a book that chronicles the early beginnings of the game and documents Mahjong sets from the most basic, made simply of paper, to the most precious materials such as ivory and mother-of-pearl. Recognized and respected scholars and game experts have collaborated with Israel and Swain, contributing important chapters on the game's history and its pieces as well as technical information on the tiles. Lastly, great collectors from around the globe have shared their incredible sets and memories for the first time in one book for everyone to enjoy.

With hundreds of beautiful new images by renowned photographer, Michel Arnaud, and including historical documentation and ephemera, Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game fills the void between the past and today's game, providing vision, inspiration and resources. Anyone who has ever been intrigued by a Mahjong tile will find in these pages visually stunning photographs that will entice them into becoming an enthusiast of the timeless game of Mahjong.

Review:

This book is the perfect addition to any avid player or collector's library. Featuring full color photographs by Michael Arnaud, the vast array of different sets come to vivid life. From bone to bamboo and even soap these gorgeous Mah Jongg tiles make you just itch to feel them under your fingers. Wonderful book! My husband plays the game and he was fascinated looking at the history and variations of the pieces.

5/5

Itty Bitty Crocheted Critters

While the demand for Amigurumi just keeps getting bigger, these incredibly cute crocheted critters have just gotten smaller!

Voodoo Maggie (AKA Erin Clark), the author of Voodoo Maggie's Adorable Amigurumi, has taken her yarn craft to the micro-level and stitched together a new menagerie of mini Amigurmi that are so darn cute—and tiny—that you might not want to part with any of them. Erin's crochet patterns are so easy to follow that you'll be able to make enough to satisfy an obvious demand from your friends and family. Erin even provides instructions on how to display these tiny Japanese crochet creatures in their own crochet-decorated terrarium. Itty Bitty Crocheted Critters features foolproof instructions on how to make twenty of Voodoo Maggie's most popular mini Amigurmi characters, including:
Red Panda
Tusked Narwhal
Otter
Pinkerton Flamingo
Camellia Chameleon
These irresistible little guys are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone's face. Get ready to "Awwwww!"

Amazon

Goodreads

Review:

From the first moment I saw these little critters I fell in love. Small, like uber tiny, they wormed their way into my heart. Easy instructions that left no question in my mind whatsoever, cute pics, small projects perfect for learning and an assortment of critters to warm your heart this book is perfect for anyone who loves to crochet. Even if you are just learning amigurumi, you can do these designs. One tiny hook. A couple of DMC floss pieces and you can rock this book. Christmas may never be the same. 

Did I mention the terrariums? OMG. They are the cutest things since sliced bread. The tiny shrubs, flowers and plants are so adorable. 

If you wanted, you could totally make these in a larger yarn. You would just have to play with sizing, but the smallness is what makes them super cute. Erin Clark has outdone herself with this book and I can't wait to see more like this...maybe food art...I want cupcakes...lol.

***This book was given to me by the publisher for a fair and honest review.

4.5/5

Cute! Adorable! Must have in my collection!!!

Fun with Chinese Knotting

Detailed instructions, clear diagrams and lovely color photographs combine to make Fun with Chinese Knotting both attractive and useful—displaying the many creative uses these decorative knots can have, and the great variety of materials used to make them. This delightful book is sure to be a rich source of inspiration for craftspeople everywhere. The art of Chinese knotting has a surprisingly contemporary appeal, author artist Chen focuses on the decorative uses of Chinese knots to create your own personal fashion accessories which include:
Hair ornaments
Earrings
Necklaces
Pendants
Brooches
Belts
Bracelets and anklets
Accents that may be added to items of clothing
Chinese knots are attractive and alluring along with being an Asian craft that is relatively easy to learn. Used for a variety of practical and decorative purposes—to record events, to fish and hunt, to wrap and tie items, as ornamental works of art, and even to communicate, Fun with Chinese Knotting will allow readers to create something for anyone.

Links:

Goodreads

Amazon

Review:

In this lovely book you learn how to do many Chinese knot designs. The illustrations have a regional flair and give examples of many fashion uses for the handwork. Any kind of jewelry with knotwork is available, from belts to brooches with diagrams to denote thread movement. It reminded me of needle tatting in a lot of ways and I am eager to undertake some of the projects for holiday gift giving. They are, quite simply, beautiful.

One of the only opportunities I found with this book was there were a few knots that were not fully explained and in several instances I was not sure exactly how to hold the thread. In future re-printings I hope that some illustrations will be added to this effect. When doing a craft like this, it helps to have pictures like with the Visual series for students to learn just how to secure the piece by showing some step by steps of the basic levels and go from there.

This book was a great resource in the art of Chinese knotwork. From the history of the craft to the diagrams of thread movement and the variety of crafts involved, it is a keeper. I am so glad the publisher sent it to me for review. Now I have something to play with in anticipation of the holidays!

3.5/5