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 - Secrets of Rusty Things ReviewI bought this book along with another book on assemblage art. I found this book not just inormative about the subject but it was a good read as well because of the artists creative process. I was so interested in the artist's work that I went to his website and signed up for an art retreat he will be teaching at. Rating: - REFRESHINGTo say this is not a "How To" book is ridiculous. If that's what one is looking for (a step by step holding your hand venue), then one needs to go to a craft store. Michael de Mange's book is about creating ART ! You can't sit down and just read it once. It's like a fine glass of wine - you need to savor and "drink in" every page over and over. Then, and only then, will you understand how to create a piece of ART and not just CRAFT an item. As for the safety of using products, that's up to each individual to read the labels. If you can't read directions, then you shouldn't be using the product ! In my own opinion, I don't think he meant to write a "How To" book. Instead, he let us peek into his fabulous mind and provided the opportunity to see how he creates his art. I'm an artist, not a craftsman. I want to create something from my own mind and I found this book to be a springboard of inspiration and recommend it to all artists. Rating:  - Rusty bookAn interesting book. More ethereal in scope than I expected but beautifully done. I thought it would be more hands-on how to, but no, more wordy and expansive. Rating:  - DisappointingI purchased this book based on the description and reviews, plus what little I was able to see in the Amazon Online Reader. When it arrived I was disappointed to see that the pages are much too busy, the photo illustrations much too small, and the type too small and in fonts much too difficult to read. And as others have observed, not much in the way of helpful projects. I ruled out two other books in order to get this one and I'm quite disappointed in what I received. About the only thing I still like about it is the title, but I count this as $13 down the drain - and the day after I received it the price dropped! Thanks a lot Amazon. Rating:  - Beautiful artist monograph!From the book description: "Secrets of Rusty Things takes readers behind the scenes to show them each step in the assemblage art process." Actually, I think you'll appreciate this book more as an artist monograph than as your typical step-by-step book. Some reviewers seem disappointed that this isn't more of a project book, but I find it far more valuable to get a peek into the artist's mind and inspiration (everything from mythology to junk laying around his studio). If you're looking for a step-by-step book using similar materials and techniques, as someone mentioned, you should check out Metal Craft Discovery Workshop: Create Unique Jewelry, Art Dolls, Collage Art, Keepsakes and More!. I recommend both books, but this one for its inspiring insights, not how-to aspects.
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