The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (July, 1992)
list price: $15.95 -- our price: $15.95
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Editorial Review

With the basic principle that creative expression is the natural direction of life, Julia Cameron and Mark Bryan lead you through a comprehensive twelve-week program to recover your creativity from a variety of blocks, including limiting beliefs, fear, self-sabotage, jealousy, guilt, addictions, and other inhibiting forces, replacing them with artistic confidence and productivity.

This book links creativity to spirituality by showing how to connect with the creative energies of the universe, and has, in the four years since its publication, spawned a remarkable number of support groups for artists dedicated to practicing the exercises it contains. ... Read more

Reviews (174)

It changes lives
I bought The Artist's Way because two people told me it changed their lives and I figured it must be pretty powerful. Just couldn't get into it. But I persisted and formed a group to study the book with me. Fantastic! I really think it's best understood as a group works through it, sharing ideas and insights. Obviously those who are already highly creative might not find it helpful, but most of us need help to find our creative selves. I've facilitated two creativity groups which have been meeting for several years. Cameron's book, I believe, has changed all of us, strengthening our sense of self and opening us to new creative possibilities. Some of the exercises may seem silly, but invariably the ones which felt crazy to me helped someone else and visa versa. The lady knows what she's doing; the universe does fling open unsuspected doors. It's changed my life in some amazing ways.

It inspired me to write this...
Firstly, I like it when people want to get creative, get down with the parts of themselves that they haven't done that, paint, write, do the things they want to and I truly wish this book would help would help rather than hinder that process.

To vent my spleen first...Ms. Cameron's work is like being forcefed a nasogastric tube of industrial grade saccharine. To be blunt, I liked The Artist's Way better when it was Creative Visualization. I am familiar with self-help books remixing and recombining new ideas, but a lot of The Artist's Way seems entirely too much like Creative Visualization; I also feel that what Ms. Cameron adds can be detrimental rather than helpful.

Ms. Cameron's few reasonable ideas get caught up in reams of exercises that don't seem to lead to much in the way of artistic development and had me thinking " Well, I could write a story in the time it would take me to do Morning Pages and have a date with myinner artist child".
Throughout The Artist's Way,it seems that the only art being produced is cure-centric and it seems like Ms. Cameron has cornered the market on this particular malady. There are a few decent ideas--taking time for oneself is one, as is journaling--but the context, I think, saps them of any real usefulness.
Likewise, Ms. Cameron namedrops about the films she had produced, her plays and her former relationship with Scorsese, which strikes me as questionable at best; there is little said about her current efforts, which may be telling since it seems like The Artist's Way is it. At any rate, it does give me enough pause to mention it.
Plus, the suggestion of a week without reading or media struck me as really privileging one form of creative output over another; some artists thrive on the interplay of texts, the mixup between them and what happens when they collide and it rubbed me the wrong way. I also found her discussion of art and sexuality to be at the best, questionable (ie, her revelation that artists don't need to be promiscuous (or substance users )and that female artists don't need to be gay strikes me as tacky and yet another weird form of privilege that seems to lie under much of the text.

This book may help some people, but a lot of her approach really left me cold. For all of her insistence that there are many ways to be creative, there seems to be only one way--and that's hers.
(Likewise, something about Ms. Cameron's book really screams"Take the class and buy the notebooks too!")

Overall, I'm certain this book has helped some people, but it seems like it can leave a lot to be desired--the sexuality issue is a hot one for me, as is the unspoken praise of a particular kind of art. Still, journalling and meditating are good in whatever form you get them and I'm glad that this book has helped some people-- I just wish there wasn't all this weirdness to wade through to get there.

I'm guessing the audience for this book ismore of a suburban one that does need a wakeup call for a happier and/or more creative life. Good for them for wanting a wakeup call and working towards it and I do hope this book gets them some joy; however, I think that the cure may be worse than the disease in Cameron's work.

It will change your life if you let it
A very dear friend bought this for me - Nakissa if you read this get in touch! - and the book changed my life. I am a journalist by profession, but thought that I didn't have the right to write my own stories, only other people's. Well this book transformed all that, made me see where I had been blocked and all the internal baggage about what 'being creative' meant, that I had been carrying around without realising! Once I got clear of all that I started taking my dream of being an author and my creative impulses seriously, thanked the Creator for blessing me with this gift and I am now working seriously on my first novel. It's been a long time coming but I WILL get there. Thanks Julia. ... Read more

Isbn: 0874776945
Subjects:  1. Creation (Literary, artistic, etc.)    2. Creativity    3. Psychology    4. Self-Help    5. Self-actualization (Psychology)    6. Self-Help / General   

Linzer Products A444 4-Piece Artist Paint Brush Set
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware

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Features

• Round #1 Red Sable
• Round #4 Red Sable
• Flat #4 White Bristle
• Flat #8 White Bristle

Reviews (1)

They help my paintings look better than ever
The brushes have soft ends so the paint goes on evenly and you can't seethe brush stokes unlike some of the other brushes I've boughten in thepast. ... Read more

Asin: B00002N8UT
Sales Rank: 19464
Subjects:  1. Painting Supplies    2. Paintbrushes    3. Specialty    4. (Paint Brushes)   

Artist Easel
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Editorial Review

Designed for children, this versatile easel has a 22-by-23-inchgreen blackboard on one side and a white dry-erase board on the other.The whiteboard doubles as a surface that holds individual sheets of artpaper (secured by the two provided clips) or paper dispensed from theroller/dowel between the two boards (the paper roll is sold separately).With its hardwood frame, the easel can be positioned with its bottomedge between 22 and 26 inches off the ground. Large plastic trays withspaces for pots, brushes, and pens are bolted to the bottom of eachworking surface. Some assembly is required. --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Only one thing missing...
Great easel.Just be sure you buy the Alex Toys "White Paper" roll to go with it, or you'll be disappointed! ... Read more

Asin: B00000JBON
Subjects:  1. Arts and Crafts    2. Art Supplies    3. Easels   

Bucket Boss Brand 83200 Super Bib
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $24.04 -- our price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• 100% cotton duck
• Five large pockets
• Eight narrow pockets
• Three-compartment chest pocket
• Quick-release buckle

Reviews (9)

Ease of use
I find this great, does not fit around neck, it is like pair of suspenders, will soften up after a couple of washes, all pockets roomy, a great all purpose apron made of tough material.

shop bib review
The bib material is A OK but the quick release buckle was of very poor quality and will not stay closed. I am currently looking for another buckle that I can have someone with a heavy duty sewing machine will replace.

Better Than A Belt For DIY
I had the lesser version until the hammer loop broke, then I ordered the 'Big Dog'.I found this version to be much better.There are two hammer loops, multiple screwdriver pockets, six big pockets, and adjustible straps.This apron is easy to put on, and take off.When, and if, this apron breaks, I will quickly purchase another.

If you are used to a belt, this will take some time to get adjusted to, but it is far superior, for small jobs. ... Read more

Asin: B000022444
Sales Rank: 317
Subjects:  1. Work Wear    2. Tools   

Glitter Glass
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Editorial Review

With some sparkly glitter paint, three interlocking bottles,and a bit of creativity, kids can make their own beautiful roomaccessories. First, create the outlines of pictures or designs bysqueezing the dimensional outline paint onto the three bottlesprovided. A few hours later, after the outlines have dried, it's timeto fill in the spaces between the lines with any of the five shimmeringcolors of glitter paint. Once dry, the bottles make a wonderfuladdition to any dresser or bedside table. The instructions are simple,but some adult help may be required. --Jane Snyder ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Cheap piece of junk
Granddaughter, 5, knocked her vase over on the table and
it broke in sharp shards.7 year old grandchild hadgreat
difficultity with the raised paint. Her's looked like a
3 year old did it.

We didn't attempt the flowers of bead, I just threwthem out.

not what the box shows
My daughter really loved doing the project. As a craft, it was great.But I was really disappointed in the excessive packaging.Only about a quarter of the outside box was used for product, the rest was just cardboard filler.Also, the box has 25 rhinestones in the picture, but only 6 inside (what a let down!).And the enlarged photo exaggerates what is actually 3 small bottles.

A Glitter Kit with ADDITUDE
I purchased this item for myself and I opened it up an dfell in love with it. It has well thought out directions AND patterns on the back of the directions if you want to use them. It's a wonderful kit for kids who want to use their imagination. "What happens when my child usees the whole kit, he/she won't be able to use the kit anymore?", you ask yourself. Not Anymore! On the back of the directions you can order new supplies with an affordable cost.This Art Kit gets a 5 star overall on my opinion. ... Read more

Asin: B00004TD6I
Subjects:  1. Arts and Crafts    2. Craft Kits    3. Glass   

The Four Ingredient Cookbooks-Three Cookbooks in One!
Average Customer Review:
Plastic Comb (01 September, 1998)
list price: $19.95
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Reviews (24)

My favorite cookbook!
I own many cookbooks and this is the one I always use. The recipes are simple, quick and incredibly tasty. It has a great variety of items and I haven't found a recipe yet that I didn't like.

Best Cookbook in the House!
I originally bought this cookbook for my young teen daughter.She is required to cook one dinner each week, and I thought this would be simple and straightforward enough.Then I started using it, and it has become the only cookbook I ever seem to use these days.No exotic or expensive ingredients, easy directions for each recipe, and the food actually tastes good!My other cookbooks are all lined up on the bookshelf in the living room, but this one lives on top of the microwave in the kitchen...so, that's a good recommendation!

Good book, too bad you can't put your hands on it
This is an excellent cookbook, especially for newer cooks who don't have exotic ingredients on hand. However, after receiving this book for a wedding present in May, I decided to order 3 copies for family as Christmas presents. I ordered in early October, but will not likely have this book until after the holidays. So, save your breath and buy this elsewhere. What good is a great book if you can't really get it. ... Read more

Isbn: 0962855030
Sales Rank: 26199
Subjects:  1. Cookery, American    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Quick & Easy    4. Cooking / Wine    5. General    6. Methods - Quick & Easy    7. Quick and easy cookery    8. Cookbook    9. Cookery    10. Quick & Easy    11. Recipes   

DeLonghi XU450 Toaster Oven
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $79.99
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Editorial Review

Toast up to four slices of bread at a time in this DeLonghi toaster oven. It also easily fits a several Cornish game hens, meals for two, or a small batch of cookies. To start you on your way, this toaster oven even comes with a cookie sheet and muffin pan. The versatile oven features bake, broil, toast, top-brown, and keep-warm functions, while the fully adjustable thermostat maintains uniform cooking temperature. Keep an eye on your creations through the glass door, and, when you're finished, the oven bottom opens for easy cleaning and crumb removal. This toaster oven comes with a one-year warranty. --Linda Dahlstrom ... Read more

Features

• Large capacity--up to 4 slices of toast, meals for 2, or a small batch of cookies
• Functions include bake, broil, toast, top-brown, and keep-warm
• Durastone porcelain enamel interior and bake pan distributes heat evenly
• Oven bottom opens for easy cleanup; cookie sheet and muffin pan included
• Measures 10-1/4 by 15 by 8 inches; 1-year warranty

Reviews (7)

aggravation and frustration
Only buy this product if you want aggravation and frustration. On 3 different ones, the glass doors all came off from the frame. Although I like the way it looks, I finally gave up and bought a compact Krups model. The Krups worked fine the ist time I used it. Done't buy this DeLonghi; it's a terrible product that shouldnot be sold. Although the company is aware of the problem with the door they continue to sell this model. DeLonghi will not admit there is a problem with this model. However, after 3 separate purchases from different stores.. the same problem existed.

Didn't even get to the point of turning it on
I was very excited to get this but when it came out of the box the door was crooked and did not close. After fixing that the door would "kind of" close... it got pretty near, but this is a real hazard. Our golden retriever thinks it is very interesting since the door falls open if he nudges it... I would not trust this around the house and after the other reviews I'm going to send it right back so I can get my refund.

Caveat emptor
A terrible product.I read the reviews but didn't pay close enough attention.The unit looks great and that's it.The ticking timer becomes quickly annoying.However, the oven door has a tendency to keep popping out, which quickly becomes a hazard and hassle.The door handle is made cheaply and quickly warps out of shape.I bought this unit but two months ago and am looking to dump it.A waste of money - ... .... ... Read more

Asin: B00004RGAS
Subjects:  1. Small Appliances    2. Electrics    3. Toaster Ovens    4. (De Longhi)    5. (De Longi)    6. (Delongi)   

Cheap and Easy
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (15 July, 2000)
list price: $16.95 -- our price: $16.95
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Reviews (1)

Great beginner's cookbook!
I found this cookbook to be a really good learning tool.Most of the vegetarian cookbooks I own have complicated recipes with tons of hard-to-find ingredients....

I've spent less money on groceries since I started making my meal plans from this book... And just about every recipe includes a suggestion on what to serve with the dish!

The only thing I was disappointed with was the lack of tofu or tempeh in any of the recipes.. otherwise, it's a must-have for busy college students on a budget :) ... Read more

Isbn: 0722539487
Sales Rank: 881807
Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Methods - Quick & Easy    4. Vegetarian - General    5. Vegetarian cookery    6. Cooking, Wine & Spirits   

Starving Students' Cookbook See 0446679615
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 August, 1994)
list price: $9.99
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Reviews (8)

Great Book!
I have been out of college for many years and still love this book.I do not enjoy cooking and this book has a lot of great but simple ideas that don't require a ton of steps.

A Great Cookbook
I bought this cookbook for the staff to use at my disabled son's home.They need to cook for one and it is hard to find decent cookbooks.The staff rave about this cookbook.It is great!Easy to read, simple ingrediants and they love the picture of the which pot or pan to use.

Disappointment
This book wasn't at all what I have expected. Since I am student and Ihave a full-time job I thought that this book would be helpful to me. The description and the reviews were over rated and deceiving. Ok so the book might have a lot of recipes but they is nothing new (anyone can fry eggs)it made me feel stuped since I now how to cook almost every thing in this book and what's worst they are poorly written and not illustrated... the paper is a very cheap quality and the writing is too small... The book is no help to me what so ever and I am sure that it will just collect dust on my book shelves... ... Read more

Isbn: 0446395307
Sales Rank: 42896
Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Low budget cookery    4. Methods - Cookery for One    5. Methods - Quick & Easy    6. Reference    7. Cooking / Reference   

CowParade New York Wall Calendar 2001
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (19 March, 2004)
list price: $10.95
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Reviews (10)

Wonderful artwork.
This book is really nice.For those who managed to see the cow parade in NY it is a must keepsake for memories.It is a shame that many of the cows did not seem to make it to the book though, as some of your favourites might be missing. For those who did not see the parade its still a great book, shows imagination of the artists.However I think the people who picked the cows from the initial proposals could have been done without some of the duplication. I found the book lacking in explanation of how the cows got there, why, and where they all went so quickly.Such information would have been more useful that how dairy herds started in NY state! Further investigation uncovered that the cows went on auction for charity (would have been nice to know that).It also revealed that this is not the same company that did the Zurich parade, those guys are rather cross and suing the company who did the NY one for stealing their ideas and cow models!

Cows on Paperade?? I'll take that!
Great book to remember the fascinating summer those beautiful bovines gave us. For those of us who aren't able to afford to buy one. This is a great book--kinda like a yearbook in high school to look back on!! I can proudly say that Chicago rules!!!! Those cows started here and will come back to stay!

LETS HAVE MORE BEAUTIFUL COWS......
I love the idea of this book and its photographs.I do not agree with some reviewers who are disappointed that the book does not have all the cows listed and their locations in NYC. I think the idea of this book is to raise curiosity. Discovering them in different urban setting is part of the fun and challenge.I recommend this book whole heatedly. ... Read more

Isbn: 0761122656
Sales Rank: 744044

ETCH A SKETCH MAGIC SCREEN W/TRAY
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $12.99 -- our price: $12.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Some classics never lose their appeal! Nested in a colorful, open-faced box, this old friend has the same bright red plastic frame, the same horizontal and vertical knobs, and the same inviting gray drawing screen as the original model. And as always, this Classic Etch A Sketch will provide hours of pencil-free drawing as its owner masters the right-left and up-down movements required. The magic screen upon which your drawings appear is glass, covered with protective clear plastic film. Inside, aluminum powder and plastic beads respond to each turn of the knobs. Owners are encouraged to join the Etch A Sketch club and receive a membership card, an official club patch, and a newsletter three times a year. --Liane Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Budding artists...
The Etch-a-Sketch has a certain challenge. Once you master drawing a good circle, you feel like you have made it and you're a master. What a great self-esteem boost for growing children! What parent doesn't want that to increase, while also offering the benefit of creative expression. on the other hand, it can be frustrating and easily boring for younger children without as much dexterity.

Great for car trips!
Along with being a timeless toy which combines a child's imagination and agility, it is a compact, easily accessible toy.I remember that my parents always brought the Etch-a-Sketch on long car rides since it would keep my brother or I busy for hours.This is also a very durable toy, as we still have and use our Etch-A-Sketch, even though I am 26 now.I would recommend buying this toy especially for a child that loves to have a blank screen on which to create what is in their imagination.

A golden oldie!
Don't you just love toys that span generations?I loved etch-a-sketch when I was a kid and to my delight so does my nine year old nephew.It's a great way to acquire dexterity with your fingers whilst having a lot of fun too.I never quite mastered the art of drawing Elvis's face on my etch-a-sketch, but I know people who did and what you can do with one of these babies is quite astounding!However I loved making patterns and fiddling around with the knobs even though I never made it as the next Picasso.This is an ageless toy that I still play with now and I am well into my thirties!It's theraputic and fun and I for one am still glad it is on the market in the year 2000. ... Read more

Asin: B00000J0HG
Subjects:  1. Arts and Crafts   

Roshco 100-Piece Plastic Cookie Cutter Set
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $12.99 -- our price: $7.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

With 100 shapes to choose from, this cookie cutter set offers kids the perfect combination of fun and education. Placing the cutters in their various categories, for example, is a playful exercise that teaches abstract logic and builds confidence. Categories include letters, numbers, geometric forms, animals, plants, vehicles, symbols (such as adollar sign and a question mark), seasonal themes, and miscellaneous shapes such as an umbrella and a bell. The cutters are formed of stiff, durable plastic, are colorful and fascinating enough to be used outside the kitchen, and are dishwasher-safe. A tip to grandparents: keep this set handy as a special treat, unique to your home, for little visitors. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Cutters are stiff, durable plastic--dishwasher-safe--in many colors
• Cutters form cookies in a huge array of fun, educational shapes for kids
• 100 shapes include numbers, letters, geometric forms, animals, plants, vehicles
• Sports (baseball bat, tennis racquet, etc.), seasonal (Santa, pumpkin, etc.)
• Symbols (dollar sign, question mark, etc.), miscellaneous (umbrella, etc.)

Reviews (26)

not worth the money
these are not worth it. the dough get stuck in the cutter and it is very hard to get the dough out. I had to stop right in the middle of baking and go and buy metal cutters to finish my holiday cookies.I will now give these to the day care next to me for the kids to play with.

SIMPLY VALUE FOR MONEY, unlimited by imagination!
Hmm... Roshco 100-Piece Plastic Cookie Cutter Set - simply value for money!

If you have kids below 16, go for it.
As for me, I am forever young at heart especially with this 100 cookies cutters!

As for baking, some of the cutters are so BIG (so will be the cookies! I have to watch my weight!), unless you have a baking party for kids.
Each kid get to choose their favourite cutter to bake the cookies. Parental supervision is a must since the cookies dough do get stuck on some cutter.
At the end of Baking Day, each kid get to bring home - their prized cookies of the favourite shape! Hey MUM, LOOKED! My football cookies!

Another option, kids can draw outline of the various cutter on Art and Craft Day, and PAINT their Mona Lisa masterpiece!

Whatever you want to do with this cutter, simply limited by ones's imagination!

Exploit and explore.
I am sure many did especially with the alphabet and number cutters.

psst...the cutters occupy reasonable amount storage space.

Big ones
The cookie cutters are good... that is if you like to make cookies the "american" size!! Boy! They are BIG, so not only the cookies are going to be huge but you need a lot of space to store the whole collection. As for the shapes I was dissapointed with the selection, it is not that great. I love the complete alphabet though. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SCOJ
Subjects:  1. Cookie Cutters    2. Cookie Stamps    3. Baking Utensils    4. Tools   

Play-Doh Case of Colors
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $7.99
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Editorial Review

For endless creative fun, roll out the Play-Doh. This colorful set includes 10 cups of the soft,squishy, nontoxic dough in a variety of colors: red, purple, orange, hot pink, green, white, black, lightbrown, and two blues. Dough does not stain hands or work surfaces and can be neatly stored in theprovided lidded cups for reuse.--Kathryn Gustafson ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Shipping is almost as much as the toy
I would have bought this item, but the shipping ($5.53) was almost as much as the item itself ($5.99).Thanks, but no thanks.I'll go to a competitor.Weird thing is -- other Play-Doh items are listed with FREE shipping!

Fun and cheap
Lasts a while, but not so good at making things.The colors run together if you press too hard.

Ah play-doh...the look, the smell...
My daughter's friend got this set for her birthday. I was amazed at the range of colors, and so were the kids. They all dug right in and started playing. My favorite was the unique black play-doh, which I assume is for goth children. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IWIT
Subjects:  1. Arts and Crafts    2. Art Supplies    3. Dough    4. Clay