Friday, September 4, 2009

Book Reviews

I was lucky enough to get my hands on two wonderful scrappy books recently, both by my sweet friend Sherry Steveson. I thought i'd do a little book review for you guys today in case you're looking to add some new books to your collection.

The first one, When Life Gives You Lemons, has such a great topic that it makes me want to slap myself for not thinking of it first ;-) Although photography is a passion of mine, I am by no means a fabulous photographer. I definitely have my share of "lemon" photos. Sherry's book encourages you not to pass over those poor quality photos, but to include them on your layouts by finding unique ways to play up their strengths and downplay their faults. Her book gives you ideas and techniques to overcome common photo blunders. This book seriously liberated my way of thinking, as there have been many times i've passed over a photo even though I really wanted to scrap the story behind it. I thought the book had so many wonderful ideas for including poor quality photos that I would have never thought of without Sherry's help!

Sherry's second book, The Scrapbook Embellishment Handbook, is a thorough reference book to help you use your embellishments in creative ways. I love that Sherry gives examples for using not only "newer," more trendy embellishments (such as chipboard and acrylic), but she also shows ways to make "older" embellishments (such as eyelets and fibers) new again. The book covers acrylic, brads, buttons, chipboard, die-cuts, digital, eyelets, fabric, fibers, flowers, letters + numbers, metal, ribbon, rub-ons, stamps, stickers and tags. One of my favorite parts of the book is the gallery at the end which shows a "basic" layout and then gives two examples of how to "step it up a notch" and use embellishments to add to the overall visual interest of the layout. Sherry's book is a handy reference that I know I will pull out again and again!

Soooo, it's Friday, whoo! And it's a holiday weekend - even better! :-) We don't have too much going on this weekend, actually, so I hope to get in some R & R! Anyone have any good Labor Day plans? Hope you all have a great one!

12 comments:

Heather Swan said...

Great reviews, Staci - I'm definitely going to have to check them out. Enjoy some R&R this weekend - I'm in the midst of a massive scrap room reorganization. I may not make it out alive - LOL!!!!!

Andrea Amu said...

Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

I enjoyed your review! I want the Lemon book! :)

Anonymous said...

Sherry's books sound wonderful! Relaxing sounds good to me! Have a wonderful weekend Staci! Amy Tara

Trisha said...

Both of those books so like they are worth checking out.
Have a great weekend!

Jess said...

oh i am totally buying that embellishment book...thanks for the review! have a good weekend..enjoy the holiday!

Wendy Kwok said...

hmmm... now I am tempted to get that book.

Tara Powell said...

Both books look great!
Thanks for the low down on them :)
Hope you have a great weekend!

Tagnia said...

thanks for the reviews Staci...sounds like I need those books

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the reviews! I have borrowed the photo book from my library system (haven't bought my own copy yet but I need to!) but now I want to read the new one too

Jocelyn said...

Thanks for sharing these reviews....I am now intrigued to take a look at them!!!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend with your family!!!! :)

Lucy Edson said...

I've been wanting to read, Sherry's new book - sounds wonderful, Staci!

Labor Day plans- get finished with my yard sale in time to relax on Monday! lol - Hope you have a great holiday weekend!

Sasha Holloway said...

awesome reviews .. and were you honest? LOL Kidding Kidding .. I might have to pick that up boo..