Rating: 
Summary: More Than "Just Another" Decorating Book
Review: African Accents by Lisa Shepard is more than just another book with homey decorator projects for the Do-It-Yourselfer. As Shepard makes clear in her introduction, her passion for genuine African fabrics is based on admiration for their strong colors and designs coupled an educated appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into their creation.Since she recognizes that collection of these beautiful fabrics may well be beyond the reach of the average pocketbook, she sets out to teach us how to duplicate the look with affordable materials and then provides detailed instructions for sophisticated decorating projects that are reasonably easy to accomplish. Make your own stamps with potatoes, compressed sponges or rubber stamps to get the look of Adinkra cloth. Shepard provides over 20 different Adinkra symbols to copy together with their African names and meanings. Choose from over a dozen images to create unique Korhogo designs (and I dare you to resist trying the panels and floor cloth projects in the book). Try mudcloth, Kuba cloth or Kasaii velvet. The instructions are clear and the power of the designs would enhance just about any room in your home or office. They would also be fairly easy for a school group or Scout troop to teach children about the strength and beauty of the cultures they represent. I can easily imagine a group of kids having a good time creating Adinkra stamps at a children's birthday party. Shepard expresses the hope that working on the projects will increase the readers appreciation for the real thing. A quick glance through this lovely book will convince you.
Rating:
Summary: More Than "Just Another" Decorating Book
Review: African Accents by Lisa Shepard is more than just another book with homey decorator projects for the Do-It-Yourselfer. As Shepard makes clear in her introduction, her passion for genuine African fabrics is based on admiration for their strong colors and designs coupled an educated appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into their creation. Since she recognizes that collection of these beautiful fabrics may well be beyond the reach of the average pocketbook, she sets out to teach us how to duplicate the look with affordable materials and then provides detailed instructions for sophisticated decorating projects that are reasonably easy to accomplish. Make your own stamps with potatoes, compressed sponges or rubber stamps to get the look of Adinkra cloth. Shepard provides over 20 different Adinkra symbols to copy together with their African names and meanings. Choose from over a dozen images to create unique Korhogo designs (and I dare you to resist trying the panels and floor cloth projects in the book). Try mudcloth, Kuba cloth or Kasaii velvet. The instructions are clear and the power of the designs would enhance just about any room in your home or office. They would also be fairly easy for a school group or Scout troop to teach children about the strength and beauty of the cultures they represent. I can easily imagine a group of kids having a good time creating Adinkra stamps at a children's birthday party. Shepard expresses the hope that working on the projects will increase the readers appreciation for the real thing. A quick glance through this lovely book will convince you.
Rating: 
Summary: Bring the Beauty of African Textiles into Your Home
Review: Dear Readers: I appreciate your interest in my first book, "African Accents". This book is for anyone who appreciates the uniqueness of authentic African textiles like mudcloth, adinkra, cotton prints, korhogo and kuba raffia fabrics, and wants to create useful, decorative items with them. In addition to detailed explanations of how these fabrics are created, "African Accents" offers over 40 easy projects you can create, and enjoy throughout your home! Chapters cover the living room, dining room, master bedroom, kids' room, & home office, plus ideas for entertaining and gift-giving. Looking for sources of African fabrics, trims and more? The detailed appendix has all the information you need for shopping and learning more about them, plus sources for the standard craft & sewing supplies used throughout the book. Because the fabrics have a timeless appeal, it's easy to blend a few African Accents with your existing decor, whether it's contemporary, country, traditional or otherwise. Most of my house is a blend of textiles and other art from western and central Africa, Indonesia and India, so there are plenty of dark reds, earth tones, wood pieces, antiqued metals and natural fibers . . . Best of all, when you decorate with African fabrics, you're surrounded by them every day. (Apparel sewing is my first love, but how often can you wear a garment done in a really distinctive piece of fabric? It's too memorable. Use that same fabric for a pillow or wall hanging, and it's there for you to enjoy all the time.) My own fascination with African fabrics grew from a combined interest in sewing and African art in general. In 1986 I visited Senegal in West Africa, and returned with an "instant collection" of African fabrics. I've always enjoyed the warmth they bring to my surroundings (not to mention the cultural connections) and I use them in every room of my house. These creations became a topic of conversation with family, friends and visitors --"Ohh, you made that? How??" Fortunately, I was able to put this passion together with my background in the sewing and craft industry, which includes writing, design and marketing, among other things -- and gradually, the thought of presenting these ideas in a book became a reality. Now, when I travel and shop for a select piece of mudcloth, a rare kuba cloth or a new korhogo panel, it's for business as well as pleasure! I hope that by learning about and working with the fabrics, you'll appreciate, collect and enjoy them as much as I do. The projects are offered as a starting point for your own creativity. I look forward to your comments about the book. Sincerely, lisa@CulturedExpressions.com
Rating: 
Summary: GOOD........
Review: I enjoyed lisa's book but I'm not much of a craftsperson. I love african style, and came away with some good ideas. Some of these projects require more than I am willing to give. I'm into simplistic projects that look like there was alot of effort. The projects range from easy to not so easy. The are some good internet sources but some of them are no longer avalible. I have not attempted any of the crafts in the book but I'm looking foreward to Lisa's next release (coming out in October). I think her next release may be what I'm looking for.
Rating:
Summary: GOOD........
Review: I enjoyed lisa's book but I'm not much of a craftsperson. I love african style, and came away with some good ideas. Some of these projects require more than I am willing to give. I'm into simplistic projects that look like there was alot of effort. The projects range from easy to not so easy. The are some good internet sources but some of them are no longer avalible. I have not attempted any of the crafts in the book but I'm looking foreward to Lisa's next release (coming out in October). I think her next release may be what I'm looking for.
Rating:
Summary: Lisa Shepard's African Accents Has Great Decorating Ideas!
Review: Ms. Shepard's knowledge and appreciation for African textiles and crafts is shown with style throughout this book. The craft instructions are clear and easy to follow (even for a novice craftsperson like myself!) The photographs are terrific also, they act as real motivators to try some of these great decorating ideas. How refreshing to see a crafts and decorating book with culturally diverse appeal!
Rating:
Summary: Lisa Shepard's African Accents Has Great Decorating Ideas!
Review: Ms. Shepard's knowledge and appreciation for African textiles and crafts is shown with style throughout this book. The craft instructions are clear and easy to follow (even for a novice craftsperson like myself!) The photographs are terrific also, they act as real motivators to try some of these great decorating ideas. How refreshing to see a crafts and decorating book with culturally diverse appeal!
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully photograhed with easy to follow instructions.
Review: My recent purchase of African Accents inspired me to redecorate my entire home! Ms. Shepard's book gave me all the information needed to complete this goal. Not only are her instructions clear and detailed, she has also included places in which to purchase materials. What could be easier? Thank you for this beautiful and cultural tool that even looks great on my coffee table!
Rating:
Summary: African Accents - The Perfect Touch from the Motherland
Review: Once I saw the title of this book, I knew I could not pass it up. I was not disappointed! Being a weekend crafter and sewer, I like to find quick and easy ways to accent my home, clothing and gifts. It's all here in African Accents. After reading the book I learned things I did not know about the history and art of West African designs and fabrics. African Accents is a 'must read' for those interested in ethnically diverse and fun ways to decorate the home and create unique gifts and crafts.
Rating:
Summary: African Accents - The Perfect Touch from the Motherland
Review: Once I saw the title of this book, I knew I could not pass it up. I was not disappointed! Being a weekend crafter and sewer, I like to find quick and easy ways to accent my home, clothing and gifts. It's all here in African Accents. After reading the book I learned things I did not know about the history and art of West African designs and fabrics. African Accents is a 'must read' for those interested in ethnically diverse and fun ways to decorate the home and create unique gifts and crafts.
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