Customer Reviews

Gingerbread Houses

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a great book for those who have limited experience with gingerbread house building or cake decorating. The book does contain about a dozen patterns, almost all of which are easy. Basic information, like recipes and supply lists, is all well organized and presented, making it easy to get a quick start.

My favorite part of the book was the section on hosting a gingerbread house decorating party. I was immediately inspired to hold one for my neighbors, and it was a whopping success. Everything I needed to know to throw this party was here, and my guests loved going through the pictures of houses for inspiration.

And there are a ton of photographs! From a very simple cottage to some full blown mansions -- they are all represented here. For many people, this would probably be the most worthwhile part of the book, because you can get so much inspiration from the wide variety displayed. The pictures make this book a better buy than "Gingerbread Houses" by Christa Currie, which has solid construction information, but no pictures whatsoever.

If you are past the stage of gingerbread houses, and looking more for ideas of other things to do with gingerbread, like a farm, Santa's sleigh, carousel or basket, you might be disappointed with this book. There are other books out there (such as those by Teresa Layman) that have recipes and construction details for such structures, and you would be better served by getting one of them. This is clearly a house book, just like the name implies.

This wonderful 208 page soft bound book has more than 220 full color, large sharp photos. It provides you with all of the information you'll need to create one-of-a-kind gingerbread houses that will be real treaures. Everything is very detailed and pictured to assure your success. A very complete index helps you locate the information you want. Topics range from making and designing the houses to lighting the finished product. Many of the houses are shown in full page, full color photos. The materials and supplies needed for each house is clearly stated and every step along the way is numbered. A can't miss success formula. A book you'll enjoy and use for years to come. Enjoy, enjoy !

I must be spoiled with Teresa Layman's books, because I was disappointed by this one. The houses in this book are all quite easy to make, and I guess anyone who made a gingerbread house before could come up with simple patterns like this. The pictures that are interesting (the writer collected pictures of projects all over the US) unfortunately do not include patterns.

What I did like about this book is the enormous amount of hints, tips and tricks that are offered. The writer is obviously an experienced 'gingerbreader' and the love for this craft shows through every story she shares. The sections with info on hosting a gingerbread party and participating in contests was also very valuable.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is just starting out on making gingerbread houses, or who is looking for something to do together with children. If you're looking for challenging patterns, realistic details and something beyond basic houses, you're better off buying Teresa Layman's books.

Excellent - this is the 3rd Gingerbread Book I have purchased and is the best one yet! Everything you need to know is in this book: stuff to use for decorating, recipes, starter houses, lots of photo's for ideas, what "stuff is" and how to use it, lots of good resources. I can't say enough good things!

No matter how pressed for time you are, this book will make you determined to build a gingerbread house. Cargas is a wonderfully generous author, providing directions for a variety of delightful gingerbread houses, loads of practical tips and decorating ideas, and even ways to share gingerbread houses with others (e.g., through parties and classes). Great photos, too. Fun, fun!

Wow! With photos, words and instructions, Nonnie Cargas has captured the beauty of gingerbread houses, and made it look easy too! The photos are stunning, and the variety of houses,(all with instructions on how to build) will keep the reader turning pages while getting out their baking tools! This is a super Christmas gift book!

Words can't describe how helpful I have found this book. It is both full of tips and tricks that really work, and has lots of pictures for ideas. Its a great book for someone who doesn't know alot about gingerbread houses, it gives clear information, and its one of the best values I've seen as well.

This is an excellent book for beginners and experienced alike. It has a colorful layout with great photos. There are many original houses which I have not seen elsewhere. Cargas includes many wonderful tips and shortcuts and has a fun children's section including advice on how to throw a gingerbread making party which proved a huge success with my children. It makes a great gift!

This Gingerbread book is the best I've seen. If you are a beginner you will have no problems succeeding with your first gingerbread houses. If you are a master, you will find that the detail and suggestions for expanding your craft are all in one book. As an "experienced gingerbread" architect, I am pleased to have all the photos of good ideas. That way I can take someone else's idea and add my own personal touch. As a family, we are at the point now where it doesn't feel like Christmas until we've built our houses. The new ideas are a must! One night last year when my house was all constructed, I got so in to it that I stayed up until 2:00am to finish it. You need a book like this which is long on ideas...have fun!

Want to create Christmas Magic? Want magical memories your family will treasure for a lifetime? Then remind yourself of what it felt like to be a child - to believe in your heart in the wonder and magic of Santa Claus! Nothing can rekindle that spirit like creating a fun, festive and yummy-licious Gingerbread House with the whole family pitching in! You'll have so much fun and so many laughs it's sure to become a great Christmas tradition in your home - just like it is in ours! And this great little book has everything you need to have a ginger-iffic time! Pick up a copy - you'll be happy you did!