Figurines Books

I found this book to be very helpful in placing value and making new purchases. The only problem I have is that is outdated. We are going into the year 2000 and there has not been a 1999 version published yet.

The book is an excellent source of information about Charming Tails. The only problem is that there needs to be a different value shown for pieces that are signed or that do not have boxes. Collectors would then be able to price their pieces more accurately.

I actually bought this book for myself-to learn to make critters out of shells and to read to/teach that to my 8 year old son. It has several good "sea critters" pictured that I haven't seen in other books. But the directions on how to step by step MAKE these critters is pretty much non exisistant.

For example-on one page the author talks about using your critters in a sea scene or diorama-but all the "directions" is one picture of finished critters, foam, and cover! I feel this would frustrate children wanting to make these critters, but not knowing how.
Overall, I'd suggest either buying this book used at a much lower rate, or checking out from the library-but I sadly wouldn't recommend dropping 15 bucks on it new-as it's pretty much a picture book with no instructions-but will give you ideas to make sea shell critters

This book is an excellent unit starter for Oceans. It provides great ideas on how to create pictures out of sea shells. It talks about artistic designs and steps. It would be a great asset to any teachers collection!

I found 'On Display' in the local library and was delighted with it. The text is actually relevant to the photos and enlarges on the ideas illustrated without getting technical or arty crafty. In fact, even on its own, the text of the book inspires creativity.

I am surprised that the previous reviewer was so disappointed. Perhaps a better book for her would be one on storage such as 'Organised Living' by Dawna Walter.

The strength of this book was its ability to inspire me to develop my own ideas; such as using a floral cushion on a plain white sofa to inspire a large but simple abstract on the wall using one of the motifs. Then there's the old, pewter bucket holding large dried leaves, arranged as if pages in a book that prompted me to create a similar display with huge leathery leaves and an antique leather container. Surely success is when the reader says, "I could do that!"

The book shows unusual and artistic ways of displaying your personal treasures and making them a charming and sometimes whimsical part of your decor. Even if you are into minimalism, a single possession can make a bold statement against stark white. The reader is helped to see the possibilities in anything: plates, bowls, books, bags, shoes, scarves, jewellery, collectables mixed with modern - even in one place, a display of old pick handles and heads is turned into a fascinating sculpture on a plain wall - right next to the pure lines of a modern chair. This display suited the muted, Spanish-style interior - not a syle eveyone would want, but it showed how it is possible develop a theme - and even mix styles with flair.

I have ordered my own copy of Lesley Dilcock's 'On display' as there is still so much more to explore. It will take me a while to finish with this book.

I really looked forward to buying this book, because I was looking for an interesting, but uncluttered, way of displaying my pottery, vintage jewelry, etc. Unfortunately, though some of the illustrations are interesting, very few of them are truly creative. Most of the ideas I could have come up with on my own. And I was hoping that there would be some kind of "how to" aspect to the book as well, so that if I did see something I liked (i.e. shelves), there might be instructions as to how to create them. Unfortunately, there were not.

Though I'll hang onto this book for occassional inspiration, it wasn't nearly as wonderful as I hoped.

This is a great book for someone who collects special things. It has helped me out alot with my Precious Moments collection.

Guess I really didn't check this out fully before buying and didn't realize that the ONLY collectibles listed in here are figurines, ornaments, dolls & plush, prints, plates, cottages, steins and bells. The book review mentions that these items are included and the back cover makes it clear what is covered but the back cover is not currently shown. Since I do collect Hallmark ornaments, all is not lost but I am finding it difficult to find things in the Hallmark section. I also have some old Lefton cottages but only the name and year is given here with no description and I don't know the names of mine so I may be out of luck there. Had I know this book was so limited, I would not have bought it.

Nice guide, buy a more updated book than the 1992 version for better updating in prices!

I have been collecting Santa for years without even knowing it! I just liked them and bought several a year. Finally, realizing that I was wondering what the value of my collection was and starting to bid at auctions for them made me look for a comprehensive book of prices and values. Santa Dolls & Figurines is that book! I am able to find antiques as well as contemporary Santas and the historical significance of Santa around the world. An excellent source for Santa collectors!

This book was written because I had people who wanted Uncle Sam carvings to add to their collections. I couldn't find any books which featured this topic, so I had to design my own patterns in order to fulfill their wishes. I realized that at a certain point, I had created enough patterns to do a book on Uncle Sam, and this is the result. The carving project in the book was designed to be easy enough for a beginer to accomplish, but leave some latitude so that more experienced carvers could add more details as their skill permitted.

My husband is a collector. I bought this book for him for Christmas. He has thoroughly enjoyed it and was able to find out what some of his figurines are worth.

He also has bought new figurines at good prices comparing the prices with the book. If you are a collector of figurines in this area, I would recommend this book. (especially if you are an ebayer.

I got the book to gain access to some of the features to the polar bear and grizzly. More on the polar bear than the grizzly but still helpful to me and one of my carving projects.

This is a very well put together and compact book which provides a comprehensive listing of a variety of Beswick pieces and their values. If you know the name of the piece you are trying to find, this book is useful. However, it does not photographically catalogue all pieces, which makes it difficult to look up a piece if you aren't certain what it is.

What would our world be like without clowns? Let's hope we'll never have to experience such a time. The subtitle of this book describes the dual role of clowns in Hopi life and religion. Clowns are (both): "tradition keepers and delight makers". To the Hopi, clowns are more than just circus entertainers. To be sure, they function as slap-stick merry makers to the delight of the gathered crowds, but they are much more. From the Koshare (Tewa clown) to the Koyemsi (Mudhead) to the Kwikwilyaka (Mocking katsina) and the dozens of other clowns described by the author, the Hopi clowns serve as teachers who share valuable lessons about both the good and bad in mankind. Their role, as "tradition keepers" is critical to the Hopi way of life. Barton Wright does an excellent job of sharing the background and purpose of a wide variety of clowns. At one point Mr Wright describes them as the "caretakers" or "fathers" of the people and other kachinas. Such insight is critical to one's understanding of the Hopi, their customs and their dances. This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in Hopi legend and history or for the collector of Hopi art. The photographs and sketches contained in this 2004 publication were lacking in both quality and detail. The sketches are primative and most photos contain examples from the 1970's rather than the highly detailed carvings of 1990 and beyond. With this in mind, my rating dropped from "5" to a "4". Overall, the book is one which I would recommend for any Hopi library.