” I love crafts with a bit of an edge to them, and the projects in the new book, Criminal Crafts, from Shawn Bowman (a.k.a Miss Demeanor,) deliver edge in a big way. Criminal Crafts: Outlaw Projects for Scoundrels, Cheats, and Armchair Detectives is a sassy manifesto of 30 projects steeped in noir and espionage culture. From making John Dillinger’s notorious soap gun, to crime scene tape messenger bags and flaming drinks- there is something fun and practical for every devious crafter.” ––Craftzine http://bit.ly/JHY03V
In his 15th parenting book, Toilet Training Without Tantrums ($12.99, Andrews McMeel Publishing, June 5, 2012), nationally recognized expert John Rosemond shows that potty training doesn’t have to be the complicated and emotionally draining event it has become for children and parents.
John writes with the common sense and authority derived from 30 years of counseling parents, and from his experience potty training his own two children and some of his seven grandchildren. He advises an old-fashioned approach to toilet training that would have earned Grandma’s stamp of approval. This book is helpful, revealing, and funny, and best of all, his method works! Thousands of parents have used it to discover how easy toilet training can be. The pages are filled with the testimonials of parents who share stories of both their triumphs and mistakes to help future potty-trainers to make the process pain-free.
With his trademark parents-take-control style, John covers everything from the basic how-to and troubleshooting issues to success stories and proper encouragement. His no-nonsense advice utilizes simple steps with proven results — no arguing, bribing, or cajoling necessary. Toilet Training Without Tantrums will help any parent to avoid common toilet-training mistakes, and pave the way to a diaper-free household.
John Rosemond is a family psychologist who has directed mental-health programs and worked in private practice. Since 1990, he has devoted his time to speaking and writing. Rosemond’s weekly syndicated parenting column now appears in some 250 newspapers. He has written 15 best-selling books on parenting and the family, and he is one of the busiest and most popular speakers in the field. He and his wife of 39 years, Willie, have two grown children and six well-behaved grandchildren.
Toilet Training Without Tantrums
by John Rosemond
Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9781449418489
ISBN-10: 1449418481
Format: Paperback
Size: 5.5 x 8.5 in.
Page Count: 136 pages

The beauty of insects often goes unappreciated, but Nicola Tedman and Jean Power’s Beaded Bugs: Make Thirty Moths, Butterflies, Beetles, and Other Cute Critters (Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC, $16.99, June 2012) allows crafters to celebrate the brilliant colors, delicate shapes, and intricate designs of several precious creatures in lovely beaded projects.
This detailed volume provides instructions for making thirty critters, including the Eastern Tailed Blue Butterfly, Flame Skimmer Dragonfly, Seven-Spotted Ladybug, and more. Tedman and Power include many helpful tips and tricks of the trade throughout the book, such as:
- Start with a butterfly pattern and work up to the more three-dimensional designs.
- Irridescent beads catch and reflect light, making each creature appear more realistic.
- Sturdy designs, such as moths, function well as keychains or brooches.
Tedman and Power’s Beaded Bugs is a unique craft book that provides a step-by-step guide for each creation. The small size of the beaded bugs makes them perfect for pinning to lapels or sprucing up an office cubicle.
Jean Power is a jewelry designer and the author of three books on the subject, including 200 Beading Tips, Techniques, and Trade Secrets.
Nicola Tedman is a professional model maker who has worked on productions, such as the Harry Potter films and the BBC television program, In the Night Garden…
Beaded Bugs
Make 30 Moths, Butterflies, Beetles, and Other Cute Critters
by Nicola Tedman, Jean Power
Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9781449417628
ISBN-10: 1449417620
Format: Paperback
Size: 7.25 x 8.25 in.
Page Count: 80 pages

“Knits for Nerds was written by “Joan of Dark”, otherwise known as Toni Carr. She has put together 30 projects inspired by comic books, Science Fiction, Fantasy, and all things geeky. As I viewed page after page of cool projects from shows and books that I love, I realized that I’m going to have to pick up a physical copy of this book so I can get down to knitting! In particular, I want to knit the ethereal shrug inspired by Galadriel from The Lord of the Rings, the Princess Leia bun-hat (pictured on the cover), and the Trek Girl Dress! I want to wear one of these knits to the next CON! And yes, my geeky friends, there are even knits inspired by The Big Bang Theory, Firefly, Harry Potter (ooh, I almost forgot about Hermione’s bag!), and more. ––Home Schooling in Nova Scotia http://bit.ly/HOeHgc
“Knitting meets Comic Con in Knits for Nerds: 30 Projects: Science Fiction, Comic Books, Fantasy. Joan of Dark (aka Toni Carr) has created an extensive collection of dorky patterns for clothing and accessories inspired by cult classics such as Star Trek, Star Wars, Firefly and Harry Potter. The patterns in Knits for Nerds have been organized into four categories: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Comics and Manga, and Other Stuff for Nerds. Whether you’re looking to knit a pair of Hobbit Feet Slippers or a Baby Elf Beanie, there’s sure to be something for everyone to get their geek on! … If you’re ever dreamed of going to Comic Con, Knits for Nerds is for you!” ––Lapdog Creations http://bit.ly/H4IdL8
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““Feed Your Best Friend Better” offers an explanation of the nutrients a dog requires, plus daily calorie requirements based on the dog’s specific exercise level. Each recipe offers specific portion sizes for dogs of various weights. Woodford also provides a nutritional analysis of each recipe in the cookbook on his website, dogfooddude.com, which to his knowledge has never been done before.” ––Oregon Live http://bit.ly/HIIKW1
“An easy to follow presentation, filled with easy-to-read charts, “Feed Your Best Friend Better,” is written in a witty, conversational, yet intelligent voice, and is 204 pages of advice, tips, encouragement, wisdom and most importantly recipes that are accessible for both the inexperienced and professional pet-lover alike. Recipes range from treats to meals, offering fares that equally make people paws pat with anticipation. … About both prevention and treatment, the recipes rely on fresh and natural foods. But this is not a war on commercial food products. No, quite the opposite. It is about cooking in harmony with them. There is sound, educational advice surrounding the use of commercial foods to avoid digestion upset through transitioning, and to eliminate wasted time. But this cookbook is unique in that it is less about the food and more about the time created by making wise food choices. That time is then used to deepen the bond between man and his mate, his furry best friend, making the relationship richer. That is the true focus of feeding your best friend better.” ––Examiner.com http://exm.nr/If8UgD
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