Customer Reviews

1,000 Handmade Greetings: Creative Cards and Clever Correspondence

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book was everything I was hopping it would be. The cover is very clever and colorful. Plus, tons (I mean 1000) lovely handmade cards to look at. Bright pages and unique styles all in one book.
This is in no means a DIY book or "How to", it's mainly a celebration of handmade cards and the artists that create them. A perfect gift for anyone crafter who loves paper and paper arts.

1000 Handmade Greetings is a fantastic & inspirational book for any crafter, artist, & paper lover. The photos are clear & bright. The book is well organized into categories (print gocco, letterpress, fine arts, etc.) with an easy to use artist reference in the back. I believe it is very clear this book is not a how-to, but as the description states, "a delightful showcase of 1000 exciting and contemporary hand-designed greeting cards." And that it is!

I was disappointed with this book, especially given the buzz it generated on many craft and art blogs. Essentially this book is a gallery of various greeting card types.

Firstly there is virtually no information given on the purpose, materials used, construction of, etc. on the individual pieces. It would be very helpful to know standard information like the materials or techniques employed on the selected works shown. It isn't enough to simply lump all all this work together and offer no explanation on how the artist created the work or what I'm viewing, i.e., painting, pastel, origami? A directory at the end of the book lists who designed the work, but that's all you get.

The second thing that irked me is that the pictures are very small. Each page may have half a dozen or more pieces shown but no detail shots of any. The viewer can't even deduce for themselves what most of the work was made of or what it is since the images are so small. Is that image an ATC, postcard, or greeting card? Some of the photography is very lovely of the selected pieces but without detailed shots or full page displays the viewer is left confused and unsatisfied.

Over all I think this book is too pricey for the value it delivers. I wish I had applied my money to a local art class or a book with useful techniques I could employ in my art. I suppose it's an acceptable coffee table book, but not a useful tool.

A hearty and what seems ENDLESS book of beautiful and rich artwork. You'll discover new cards every time you pick the book up again! It's a truly fantastic little gem and worth adding to your collection.

I picked up this book at a time that I was becoming irritated with the sameness of the papercraft and card-making books I was encountering. Taking a little time to page through and refresh my eyes on the delightfully creative cards featured in this book was just the spark I needed to jumpstart my own creative process. A valuable addition to my craft library.

I love the fact that this book keeps it simple. It is intended as inspiration only...it does not tell you how to make the cards. It contains 1,000 pictures of beautiful, artistic, unique, cute, and funny cards. Like nothing I have ever seen on the greeting card rack!

After reading the review from Dec. 27, I was prompted to write this one. By no means is this meant to be a "how-to" book. As with all the other books in the "1000" series, it's a celebration of gorgeous art.

I think of it as my own private exhibition of handmade cards. In fact, it reminds me of a catalog from an exhibit. Whether you like to create cards or just enjoy giving and receiving them, this book is a collection of inspiring eye-candy.

The other great part of the book, is the index of artists in the back. Many of them have their own shops, so you can contact them to ask questions or purchase one of these little works of art for your own!

Full disclosure: I have several cards in the book, including the larger card featured on the front cover. I am honored to be a part of this beautiful book.

The price of the book was well worth the opportunity to see the masterful works of art by Jeanine Abels. After studying her creations I subsequently purchased many of her cards which now hang framed in my home. I enjoy looking at them every day! She's a genius.