I love scrap quilts and this is my favorite book about them. In fact my copy is very well read and I love to look at the color photos.

Judy Martin covers a wide variety of patterns (traditional to contemporary) and color schemes. There are quilts with just two colors as well as some that use every color on the color wheel. Some quilts are shown in different combinations or sizes.

There is an introduction to scrap quilts and sections about fabric collecting and storing, color choices and the appropriate use of scraps as well as some hints on sewing and cutting efficently. The instructions are well illustrated and easy to view. At the end there is a section of more block patterns that could be made with scraps including some ideas on how to place scraps with each block and the necessary templates for these blocks.

Judy Martin's "Scrap Quilts" is a great book with superb pictures and extremely well-written directions for a number of beautiful quilts. The quilts include some traditional ones as well as new and innovative ones.

Carolyn Sloan first children's book, illustrated by Fritz Wegner. A great story about Carter who gets painted everyday by Mr. Blot the painter. Wegner's pictures are amazing; I would rank them as some of his best work. This is my favorite children's book and very hard to find.

Spare me all of this "new age" garbage. I sing therefore I am.....blah blah blah. Students who are looking to learn to sing don't need to visualize themselves as warriors, scientists or whatever ridiculous creatures the author proposes. Envisioning yourself as some space traveling harmonious astronaut doesn't solve any problems if you can't carry a tune. If you are going to take advice on a creative art from someone in a book, shouldn't it be from someone whose musical accomplishments are at least documented? If the author spent less time dreaming of ways to feel the music through sappy role playing and concentrated more on improving her own abilities to the point where her name was recognizable, perhaps her teachings would lend some actual credibility. If someone like Celine Dion wrote a book like this..tacky as it may be, at least she has some accomplishments behind her that justify her methods. This book lacks integrity in that it fails to adequately teach the reader anything about music....if you want to discover your spirit, save the $15 and turn on Oprah.

I could'nt help reading the "Excellent" reviews before I wrote mine. Sloan has a powerful imagery and an explosive way of communicating it to the reader. I am specially impressed with her work since it's her first book ever. If you have technical aspects of voice under your belt (which is like having a thick crust already) Sloan's concepts would make a good icing. But the book is no substitute to a disciplined course in vocal technique. And as every aspiring singer should know no book no matter how inclusive can replace actual coaching from a teacher. Of course lots of books can supplement lessons from teachers and mentors. Singing is a spritual experiance and not just screaming to match pitches. If that's where you are lacking this book might open a door for you.

Sloan's book is a handy guide to a path of spiritual awakening and personal growth through singing. Readers are guided through a transformational process of "learning to be whole," a truly educational experience with voice and song. Should make us rethink any proposals to diminish the role of the arts in all forms of education, especially public education.