The Greatest Dot to Dot     

Monkeying Around

David Kalvitis

I recently got hooked on doing dot to dot puzzles.  The big box of puzzle books arrived the other day from Monkeying Around.  Many challenges were initially presented.  First, the surface of my desk had to be cleared away of all the notes, catalogs, scraps of paper, and sundry items.  Second, the top desk drawer had to be rearranged so I could find my mechanical pencil, erasure and ruler.  Third, I had to decide where I would begin as Monkeying Around gave me a huge variety of dot-to-do-choices.

The clever travel size “The Greatest Newspaper” dot to dot puzzles consists of 8 volumes.  They vary from sets of numbers, connect dots, odd/even, no dots, stars, and the alphabet. There is fun for all ages as one completes a puzzle and progresses on to a slightly more difficult one in each book. Several of the puzzles also have a very small section which is already completed – sort of like a teaser.

The larger dot-to-dot books cover a wide range of captivating puzzles.  Some are very straight forward (almost like follow the leader,) and others are more complex.  There are single page puzzles, dot-to-dot adventures and multiple page puzzles to tackle such as the four page foldout consisting of over 2100 dots.  Some puzzles present visual clues to follow while others consist of arrows, points on a compass, and various coordinates to connect.

If one has any “how-to” questions, Monkeying Around has a wonderful puzzle solving blog on their web site at www.MonkeyingAround.com/

There are also free samples to download and print for starters.  There is also an app for the Little Book puzzles. 

All I can say is “wow!”  David Kalvitis is a master dot to dot puzzle creator.

Pick up your tools and may your amazing journey begin.

Razine Wenneker 

FAST PEYOTE STITCH JEWELRY

JOSIE FABRE

KALMBACH BOOKS

I am a “woven” beading artisan.  The peyote stitch is utilized in most of my “Geometric Adornment” jewelry utilizing Miyuki delica 11 ought beads. This jewelry is donated to not for profit organizations and they retain 100% of the proceeds.

“Fast Peyote Stitch Jewelry” was most helpful in speeding up the weaving process. Some of my larger designs required many beads in their foundations and were therefore very time consuming. In essence, the number of pieces I could complete became limited.  This book has educated me in the utilization of two and three drop peyote stitch.  I now feel like the energizer bunny.

There are 25 + original projects to study and complete.  The instructions are well documented and each individual photograph is beautifully presented. In addition, one can find the essential materials, tools and finished measurements for each of the projects.  There is no guesswork.  One is presented with all the necessary corresponding word charts.

Thanks to the very accomplished author, Josie Fabre, I am sure all peyote stitch beaders will enjoy their adventures with beaded structures even more.

Razine Wenneker

FINDING YOUR MOTIVATION

PREMIUM COLORING BOOK COLLECTION

SHONA BROOKS

KALMBACH BOOKS

This is a delightful book.  All of the perforated pages display a wonderful assortment of pictures to be colored. One can utilize pencils, paint, crayons or any drawing tools to enhance them.  Many contain an interesting display of zentangle patterns with swirls and circles and both straight, curved and jagged lines.  The complexity of the drawings are amazing with the intersecting lines.

There are special inspiring slogans imprinted on each of the renderings. I can envision the book being a source of enjoyment for individuals of all ages. 

CRUISIN’ ROUTE 66

Premium Dot-to-Dot Collection

Adam Turner

Kalmbach Books

Do you remember the dot-to dot books you used to enjoy as a young child?  Well, this recent incarnation is the ultimate challenge for young and old alike.

The first one I completed, “Route 66” was both an exploration and a testament to my perseverance in finding the onslaught of consecutive numbers and drawing a straight line.  All of these were easily accomplished by using a mechanical pencil (fine line), magnifying glass and a small plastic ruler.

I love this book.  It brings back many happy memories.  Wonderful way to spend one’s time.  Doesn’t take the brain power demanded by crossword puzzles, nor the skills of a poker player. “Cruisin’ Route 66” enhanced the continuation of my number recognition ability which hopefully were perfected many years ago.

Razine Wenneker