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Decorative Painters Database
from  http://www.simp-list.com

 

 

I’ve had the Decorative Painters Database by Stan McBride for several years and love it.  All my books are in the database and I can add all kinds of info which can be brought up in the search engine.  Personally, I listed the book title, author, and projects from each book I wanted to paint in the future and rated them.  I listed the year the book was copyrighted, type of projects contained in each book and all the worksheets listed by subject from each book.   When I want to paint something I can do a search and look at different artist’s worksheets before painting.   You can also add the location you keep each book (I keep books in clear magazine racks in alphabetical order by artist.), surfaces and project notes.  The initial cost of the DPDB is $20.00 and includes a module of the customer's choice.  The Modules that were not purchased are always available for the customer to review (limited record entry) to see if it meets our needs. Any additional Module can be purchased for $5.00. When payment is received, a serial number is emailed to us, which unlocks the module to allow unlimited record entries.

 

Data entry is fun too!  As you go through each of your books it’s exciting and you find more projects you have to add to your painting to-do list.    After you have entered all your data all I have to do is enter a few words in the program’s search engine and it locates everything pertaining to your keyword search.  I decided to take the time and enter a lot of information about each book because it is more helpful when you do your search, but you can enter just the basic information if you wish.  If for instants I enter an artist’s name the search engine will bring up every book I have listed in the database and where the book is located.  How is that for convenience?   <grin>

 

Once you purchase the Simp-List program you can add different modules to suit your needs.  You can add more modules any time you choose to do so.   A total of 15 Modules are available for the PC: Books, Paints, Magazines, Packets, Projects, Inventory, Student, Class, Consignment, Inventory, Videos, Schedule C, Sales & Orders, Goodies, and Artist.

 

The good news here is you can try Stan’s Decorative Painters Database absolutely free.  If you decide this program is something you can’t live without … and I’m guessing you can’t … you can purchase the product key from Stan and have the full program right at your little fingertips. 

 

I was introduced to the new Arts and Crafts Book Database at HOOT - 2008.  I stopped by Stan McBride’s booth to take a look at the new program and was very impressed.  The new database has a totally new look and it’s fabulous!  Lots of eye appeal with color the artist appreciates.  This program was completed July, 2008 and the cost is $30.00. Unlike the DPDB program, the new program is a stand-alone database due to its size and there are no additional Modules.

 

A new feature that you may find interesting, not to mention helpful, is the Video Help. Here you are shown how to use the program, things to consider when entering data (especially in the category sections), and various ways to search for projects.

 

Those who already own the DPDB Book Module will be able to import the files into the new DB.  The help section, which is fully available for viewing to those that purchase the new DB, offers step-by-step instructions (PDF file) on how to import the data.  I also found Stan to be very quick with tech support issues.

 

The new program has been completely re-done and allows entry for all Art & Craft books not just those for Decorative Painting. Also, I think the Arts and Crafts Book Database is even more user friendly!  The new program offers much more than the original program. Some of the new features are:


 

If you visit http://www.simp-list.com  and click on the Arts & Crafts Book Database link, you can view a 12 minute video of the new program. Depending on your PC system and connection the video will appear.  You will also find a lot more information about this program and what it will do.


If you have any questions concerning the programs email Stan McBride stan@simp-list.com .

 

Melinda Barnes

Publication Committee