February 2015
There are pebbles and rocks everywhere, but did you ever consider them to be blank canvases? This book shows you how to transform a humble stone into a work of art.
If you live near a beach or a river you will find collecting pebbles easy, but don't despair if you can't find anything suitable - grab some polymer clay and make your own. This is the type of hands-on approach you will get from this fun book, as well as a brief look at the three main types of rock and some rock hunting tips. You don't need many materials to get started but the author provides plenty of help with getting started, varnishing, making clay pebbles plus other useful things. This book is mostly filled with ideas and projects. Look at your stone to see what the shape suggests, then follow the simple instructions and fill your house with monsters, fish, owls, words, mandalas, abstract designs, animals, flowers and people. Turn your creations into place settings, jewellery, lucky charms, games, fridge magnets, bookends and paperweights. The fun, quirky project pages show in a few steps how it is done, with ideas and suggestions for use. All the pieces have amusing names and look as though they would be fairly simple and enjoyable to make. At the back of the book there are photographs of ideas for using the painted pebbles, many of which did not occur to me who had hitherto only seen them used as paperweights! It is always good to see a craft book on an unusual subject, especially a fresh look at an old and rather forgotten one.
* Myshelf.com *
February 2015
There is one word that describes this book; FUN, my son and I love collecting rocks. This book has inspired us. We are going to spend his next school holidays decorating all the rocks we have collected. Denise has some amazing ideas. There is so much packed into this book! So many designs and so much information for you to recreate the designs yourself. The thing I also love about this book is I don't need to buy any special equipment. Just pick up a rock with some paint and hey presto you are on your way to creating your own fun rock.
The step-by-step instructions are supported with clear and beautiful pictures. When not showing you how to decorate your stone there are hundreds of pictures to give you even more ideas. Who knew a small little stone could be transformed into so many different amazing rocks. They are brilliant to make with children and they are brilliant for making story games with. Not only does Denise show you how to create the designs she also gives you ideas of how you can use your rocks. Stones have never been such fun! I love this book and can't wait to spend time with my son to create some.
To see this review in full and others similar www.crochetaddictuk.com
* Crochet Addict UK *
July 2015
In the spirit of our Kids Love to Make section, this book is packed full of even more fun, easy and cheap projects to make. However this isn't aimed at children but anyone who'd like to create extraordinary art projects and crafts from just ordinary rocks. The first part of the book provides tips on sourcing your stones and how to get started, and then guides you through many projects, all of which are achievable at home. Finally there's a gorgeous ideas section showing how you can use your transformed stones. It really is a rocking-good book!
* Love to Make *
