Rating: 
Summary: mmmm...it's ok
Review: After getting La Casa Loca as a gift I just had to go and get all the other books by Kathy Cano-Murillo. I've always been into collage art but never thought of making them diminsional like this book shows. There are so many rich and gorgeous pictures and so many beautiful ideas that I don't know where to start. Aside from the colorful and inspirational projects, my favorite part of the book is Kathy's opening letter, it literally made me cry. So sweet. This book will make you feel good inside and out.
Rating: 
Summary: This is a WONDERFUL BOOK!!!!!
Review: As a crafter, I am always looking for new and unique ideas. This book was such a great inspiration for me to create so many fantastic projects that I am recomending it to everyone I know, and it makes the perfect gift. Kathy Cano-Murillo has collected exquisite projects for this book, and the most wonderful thing is that anyone, from beginner to craft addict can make each and every one of the examples. I love that you can customize each to your own taste and let your individuality through. This is one of the best craft books--not just on the market now--but that I've ever seen. I'd give it ten stars if I could!!!!
Rating:
Summary: a necessity for art girls AND guys
Review: Filled with stunning colors, beautiful photography and about a zillion great ideas that anyone can successfully accomplish, Making Shadow Boxes and Shrines is one of the most comprehensive and inspirational books on the subject that you will find. I particularly loved the memorial shrine--how better to remember and honor a loved one? A perfect gift, a wonderful reminder of what we are all capable of with a little imagination and a great book to get you started on a project that you will really treasure for years.
Rating:
Summary: mmmm...it's ok
Review: I am a fan of Kathy's and I have to be honest and say that I am much more impressed with her website and "La Casa Loca" than I am with this book.
Rating:
Summary: A Gorgeous Artwork in Itself
Review: I love this book. It's an artwork, it's got great photos of artwork, and it's full of recipes for cooking up your own artwork. What could be better than that? The explanations are clear and allow lots of room for the cook to create an entirely new recipe. It's about the highest material function, which is turning waste into treasure. It's about honoring one's beloveds and one's culture. It's about folk art, which, in my opinion, has the most juice in it of any art category--more fun, more life, more spontaneity. It's about my life--I'm an altar-building fool from day one. It might become your life, too.
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous ideas, and a lot of variety!
Review: I regularly teach classes about making art shrines, and this book provides glorious and diverse examples of what you can do with shrines and shadowboxes. If you've enjoyed scrapbooking and two-dimensional art but are ready to explore something with more visual contrast, drama and (literal) depth, this is a tremendous book to own. You'll refer to it often. Really, I've been teaching shrine-making to other artists for over three years now, and I don't need to buy ho-hum books. I have enough great ideas in my head already. But, when I need a fresh source of inspiration or to broaden my approach to this kind of art, this book is wonderful. Whether you're new to this form or art, or an experienced assemblage artist, I recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous ideas, and a lot of variety!
Review: I regularly teach classes about making art shrines, and this book provides glorious and diverse examples of what you can do with shrines and shadowboxes. If you've enjoyed scrapbooking and two-dimensional art but are ready to explore something with more visual contrast, drama and (literal) depth, this is a tremendous book to own. You'll refer to it often. Really, I've been teaching shrine-making to other artists for over three years now, and I don't need to buy ho-hum books. I have enough great ideas in my head already. But, when I need a fresh source of inspiration or to broaden my approach to this kind of art, this book is wonderful. Whether you're new to this form or art, or an experienced assemblage artist, I recommend this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I should have taken the advice of the "mean" review. The photography is nice and it would be a good book to use with children, but beyond that I was not impressed with the projects. I'd want them around my house about as much as a macrame owl plant hanger. I do think the "Soldier's Prayer Shrine" is a nice idea given the current climate of our country. The "Ultimate RV Shrine" in the gallery is interesting and I would have appreciated directions for it!
Rating:
Summary: Coming from a shrine making goddess...
Review: I was very impressed with this book. I have been making shrines and collage boxes (for personal, not commerical purposes) in all shapes and sizes for a few years now and have noticed how much this art form has come into the mainstream.
What I liked about this book is that it didn't fall into the usual rubber stamping and gift tag syndrome I see in so many art magazines and books. I like that all the designs and themes shown here are very original and innovative without the use of the entire stock of a scrap book store. I also like how there is a lot of text that goes into the meaning. This is one of those areas where you really have to know the history behind it before you start. First and foremost, shrine making is a way to heal and inspire yourself to better yourself. This showed healing without being hokey. But I have to say my all time favorite is that skeleton French cafe box (from Mexico's Day of the Dead holiday). I wish it would have had directions. Otherwise, I really have to say I picked up on a some new ideas in an area where I thought I had tried everything. I encourage EVERYONE to make a shrine or collage box, you won't regret the experience. This book is a great launchpad.
Rating:
Summary: Inspirational ideas!
Review: I'm not really an artist but have a lot of things that can be used to make a shadow box. I bought this book last weekend at the Latino book festival along with this author's other book because I thought maybe I could try to put this art style to the test. Even if I don't I'm happy I bought this book, it is so inspirational and I'm happy to support Latina authors, we need more of them!
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