Handicrafts, decorative arts and crafts Books

Book SynopsisSew chic, dark-toned clothes with this stylish sewing book and add a touch of originality to your wardrobe.Basic Black is the English edition of a classic Japanese sewing book which provides sew-it-yourself Western-sized patterns for 26 basic garments, along with detailed, easy-to-follow diagrams and instructions. Author Sato Watanabe has published many books that are favorites among Japanese sewing fans. In this book, she shows you how to make genuinely professional-quality pieces quickly and inexpensively at home. DIY Sewing designs include: Lace Shirred Blouse Tiered Sleeveless Dress Zip-up Vest with High Neck Frilled Shirt in Charcoal Flannel Short Coat And much more… All of the styles and fashion are easily customized to create your personal style, and there is something for everyone and every occasion in this book—from a bright two-texture combo dress to a relaxed, bohemian tunic—and everything in-between. All the styles are thoroughly modern and practical, ranging from softly feminine or straight-line simple to smartly-tailored or loosely-deconstructed.Simple lines make these garments perfect for women of all ages and all sizes. This book includes a complete western-sized sewing pattern for each design that is easily adjusted to fit your body form. The understated, graceful designs in this book are ones that you'll come back to again and again.Trade Review"BASIC BLACK : 26 Edgy Essentials For The Modern Wardrobe by Sato Watanabe […] with patterns, instructions, and diagrams translated to English. I am liking this one readers! There are cute, fitted, and very wearable styles. YAY!!! Now fitted isn't something I normally associate with Japanese Pattern Books so let's just say I was very pleasantly surprised when I opened this book, thinking it was going to be the typical potato sack/jumper/ smock type stuff from some of the other books I've looked at and sewed from. No. Not at all. There are several things I can't wait to sew for Fall […]" --Sew Country Chick blog"The title of the book is Basic Black, and needless to say, all the garments featured are black. Have no fear if you are not a fan of wearing black though because, with these essential patterns in hand, you can create your own wardrobe in your own favorite colors." --Japanese Sewing Books blog"I'm so excited to add Basic Black, another lovely Japanese sewing book by Sato Watanabe, to my collection! […] I always feel good when I wear black, so I was excited to hear about Basic Black: 26 Edgy Essentials for the Modern Wardrobe. I wasn't disappointed. True to Sato's style there is a pattern in here for everything--26 in fact! Yep, that's right-- 26! Tops, dresses, jackets and more. The fabrics are interesting, and the designs are more body flattering than most of the other Japanese sewing books you see on the shelves. Basic Black is another great English edition of a Japanese sewing book." --Very Shannon blog

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Book SynopsisAn indispensable guide for anyone keen to learn coloured pencil techniques, or for the experienced artist who would like to build on their existing skills. Filled with information on the basic characteristics and colour ranges of the main kinds of coloured pencil, and step-by-step visual demonstrations of key techniques from blending, blocking in and burning to sgraffito, stippling and impressing. The reader will not only discover how professional artists use imaginative and dynamic styles to interpret a wide range of subjects, but they will also be inspired by the 150-plus full-colour illustrations to create brilliant artworks of their own.Trade ReviewBeing a Lecturer of concept art one of the concepts I teach is how to use artists pencils. This book has given me many ideas and is ideal both for students and teachers (as well as want to be artists). I would highly recommend this book and was actually surprised how informative it was as well as giving drawn examples for the basic techniques in the first section. The second section covers a variety of different types of drawing such as portrait and movement. I would perhaps say this is not for the expert however we can all use a refresh whatever our stage and it could be a nice way for a seasoned professional to go over the basics. This is a book I'd highly recommend. * Marian Carr *This is a new edition of the old classic 'Coloured Pencil Techniques' with a brand new cover. It covers everything you need to know about using coloured pencils. From techniques, themes and ample examples from professional artists, you'll discover the many ways of using this medium. Techniques are explained with step-by-step visual demonstrations. Essential reading for artists wishing to master coloured pencil art. * YarnsandFabrics.co.uk *Anyone new to colour pencil will be nothing but impressed at the extensive range of materials that can be used with them along with the range of ideas and demonstrations given in this book. When beginning on any new journey or extending your knowledge, this book will guide you through. It is direct and easy to follow. I think it is important to read the first half of this book, to familiarize yourself with the different elements that colour pencil can achieve. If you are a beginner make sure you read the initial pages, so you understand that the type of pencil you use and the support it is on is of great importance. Also practise your blending (p.26). If you find the prospect of reading all the different ideas overwhelming, choose one and then experiment with it. Perhaps consider doing a colour chart with your pencils, layering colours ontop of one another to see what happens. The second half of the book then shows you the various subject matter, so you can see how these pencils work and what you can achieve. Colour pencils are one of my favourite materials, you can sketch loose and excitedly or you can produce a detailed piece of work. This book takes you on a colour pencil journey so you can see that you can produce the most beautiful works of art in pencil. * Carole Cawley *The pictures in this book made me stare. It was refreshing to have clear pictures showing so much detail and this applies for techniques, demonstrations and artist pictures. The book has given me ideas to use different coloured paper in the same picture for collage work, sketch using unusual colours and for line work. I liked the dialogue beside pictures by professional artists and the wide range of subjects and styles. Coloured pencils are accessible, convenient and easy to use. It is rewarding to see your art work improve and think this inspirational book will be a winner. * Moya tracey *What instantly strikes me about this book is how beautiful it is from front to back. It’s filled with inspirational and high quality printed photos of pencil colouring, plus absolutely jam-packed with tons of step by step guides on a multitude of techniques, which you can see for yourself on the contents page. The book is split into two main sections, “Techniques” and “Themes”. The “Techniques” section introduction contains a useful overview of extra materials that can be useful for coloured pencil work, such as blending sticks, craft knives, and masking tape, followed by guides on handling pencils and choosing paper types, all of which would be useful for beginners wondering where to start. This section also contains plenty of tutorials to use coloured pencils effectively in a range of manners, from commonly practiced methods like blending and hatching, to perhaps less tried techniques like stippling and burnishing. This is my favourite section of the book! Each tutorial is spread conveniently over one double page, so it can be easily referred to without having to flick back and forth. The book is perfect bound, but will lay flat with some pressing. The tutorials each offer an introduction to a colouring technique, a few examples of the technique and elaboration on how to create it, and lastly, in most cases, a beautiful final image that has been created using the technique. Some tutorials go over and above coloured pencil techniques, offering a more diverse range of possibilities, for example use of solvents for blending, and use of mixed media to create distinct work The “Themes” section comprises the latter half of the book. It’s essentially an art gallery in your hands, showcasing a range of coloured pencil art from a range of themes, from Light and Atmosphere, to Buildings, to Decorative Objects, to Nature. All artists whose images are used are credited by name, which means that whenever you find a piece of art you love (and you will in this title!) you can easily search the artists online to find more of their work. For each picture included, there is a step by step visual demonstration, a tip, or some snippet of information that sheds light on the artistic process that went into creating it. The range of artists, techniques, and subjects included makes this book a very well rounded and in depth introduction to coloured pencil techniques. I’d definitely recommend this to beginner colourists/artists and also to intermediate colourists/artists wanting to expand their knowledge base and try new techniques, mediums or subjects. http://blog.megcowley.com/2016/10/25/book-review-the-encyclopedia-of-coloured-pencil-techniques-video-walkthrough/ * Meg Cowley *The Encyclopedia of Coloured Pencil Techniques by Judy Martin lives up to its name. It is a comprehensive look at the various coloured pencil techniques and skills at an artist’s disposal and serves as a great teaching and reference book for both beginners and those who are more advanced alike. The Book is split into two halves – the first half is techniques and the second is themes. It covers a wide variety of techniques including how to handle pencils, using various types of paper, blending and shading, burnishing, overlaying colours, different ways of mark making such as hatching and pointillism, highlighting, eraser techniques, using solvents, frottage, masking, tracing, squaring up or down and fixing problems. the text is easy to follow and there are plenty of full colour illustrations of both finished artwork and in progress pictures to follow. The second part Themes is further split into Landscape and Townscape, Objects, Nature and People and Portraits. It then goes on to explore shapes and textures, light and atmosphere, groups of objects, table settings, fruit, full length portraits and expressions. If you are looking for a good text book that covers artistic techniques and talks about them from an artistic viewpoint this is a great book. * Creative Colouring With Hazel *This was originally published sufficiently long ago that I’ve never reviewed it here, so let’s have a go at it as a Search Press Classic. The Encyclopedia series, originated by the packager Quarto, was ground-breaking in its day. Innovation often looks stale after a few years, but this still has a vitality that won’t leave you feeling you’ve been left with cast-offs, and the information is still sound. Quarto productions are always design-led and usually work on a spread-by-spread basis, so you can open this more or less at random and find a topic covered as completely as it’s going to be – which is with surprising thoroughness, given the space allocated. Quarto are always good at conveying information efficiently. Information contained covers media, styles, subjects and techniques and there are plenty of illustrations to guide and inspire you. * www.artbookreview.net *Here's something a little different- it's not a colouring book but a coloured pencil bible! This expansive book tells you everything you need to know about coloured pencils in a clear and comprehensive manner, covering a range of techniques and approaches to get the best out of your colouring. Painter Judy Martin lives in Brighton and has written many art books since graduating from Reading University. This book showcases all the knowledge and expertise she has learned in her education and practice over the years, in a way that is accessible and approachable for beginners yet suitably elaborate and thorough for more intermediate artists. This encyclopedia features over 150 full-colour examples of artist's work which show as well as tell the reader which products to use and how to achieve skills. This book is suitable for both colourists and artists who draw & colour from scratch, and is in my opinion an invaluable resource for anyone who uses coloured pencils. I'd expect to pay around £25 for a textbook so exhaustive but surprisingly it's a little over £12 which is a bargain in my eyes! http://www.colourwithclaire.com/blog/the-encyclopedia-of-coloured-pencil-techniques * Colour with Claire *Firstly I must stress that this is a book for those who own the artist’s quality pencils rather than the cheaper alternatives. You can learn how to blend, shade, use with solvents, try out frottage and sgraffito and more but only if your pencils are capable of doing all of this. There is certainly room on the market for a book on how to get the best out of all the budget alternatives but until then the more serious colorist/artist can settle down with this classic. The book is in two halves, the first dealing with techniques and the second with themes. You can learn what you need to buy and the differences between the various types of pencils then get down to finding out what they are capable of. They are surprisingly versatile, and when used the right way can conjure up effects that are the equal of paint and have a special quality of their own too. Find out how they look on different types of paper, when used with other media and all the various effects they can do on their own. Brand names are not mentioned but any good art store or website will stock at least one. The themes section comprises of a gallery of all the many subjects you can choose to depict (from the actual physical world rather than fantasy) and each heading features artwork and descriptive captions explaining method. If you have a mental image of a typical colored pencil drawing think again, as the work here shows they can also resemble paint, ink, pastel or even photographs. This is not a book with staged projects – something else there is room for – but one that shows what you can do and explains how others have done it. I would recommend it for somebody who is either a colorist or an existing artist who wants to explore a new medium. * myshelf.com *

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Book SynopsisDiscover the fascinating world of colourful blooms with this gorgeous collection of tiny LEGO wildflowers. This beautiful set includes over 90 LEGO pieces to create and customise your very own wildflower bouquet, plus a 32-page book packed with facts and tips on wildflowers.

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Book Synopsis"Susa's approach to needle felting will give beginners the know-how to get started, but experienced felters will also appreciate her whimsical designs." —Library JournalCute Needle Felted Animal Friends shows you how to create lifelike felted figures that remind you of the pets you love—using a little wool roving, a felting needle, and a few basic tools and techniques. Even more than this, it shows you how to capture their adorable expressions when they're playing hard, napping, or just happy to see you. A sweetly cocked head, perky ears, and a tail that makes you think it's actually wagging—the charm of these miniature figures is all in the details! Easy step-by-step instructions and photos show you how to make the basic shapes and components, then how to add details like long or curly hair, spines, and stripes, as well as little faces that are utterly irresistible. With a bit of practice, you'll be able to portray the unique poses and expressions of beloved pets from your own life. And just like your pets, this needle felting book is so friendly that even novice felters will have no trouble making these miniature animal figures, including: A perky Yorkshire Terrier An elegant Russian Blue Cat A playful Tabby A sleepy Mottled Cat A Holland Lop Rabbit A curly Toy Poodle A fluffy Pomeranian A dapper French Bulldog Matching mom-and-pup Chihuahuas A sweet Pygmy Hedgehog And many more! Trade Review"Simply stated, Cute Needle Felted Animal Friends is unabashedly and enthusiastically recommended for personal and community library Contemporary Needlecrafting instructional reference collections." --Midwest Book Review"The book's written instructions are concise and complete. Laid out with the crafter in mind, the book measures 10" x 7.5", so both illustrations and numbered instructions are easy to see. It is printed on high quality paper and is an appealing and durable crafting book. Cute Needle Felted Animal Friends is visually inviting inside and out, full of fun projects created by an expert whose easy-to-follow instructions build confidence at every step." --Foreword

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Book SynopsisDiscover the chromatic wonders of the fungi kingdom and the incredible spectrum of pigments and dyes that can be created from mushrooms.“This stunning book is the result of years of creative experimentation. Mushrooms are chemical wizards, and Julie Beeler is a masterful guide to the spectrum of pigments they can make. I have spent many happy moments lost in the fungal colorscapes contained in this exquisitely produced volume.” ―Merlin Sheldrake, author of Entangled LifeMore closely related to humans than they are to plants, fungi are fascinating organisms—and they are a rich resource for color collectors! Blending scientific detail, botanical illustrations, and creative inspiration, artist and educator Julie Beeler invites you to peek into her workroom as she introduces different types of dye mushrooms—from boletes to polypores to tooth fungi—and walks you through her color-harvesting process. Offering in

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Book SynopsisIn Modern Quilting discover the versatility, comfort and style that a beautifully designed quilt can bring to your home.Long seen as a traditional craft-form, contemporary textiles designer, Julius Arthur, guides you through the basic construction, patchwork and appliqué techniques of quilt-making, before showcasing 20 stylish hand-stitched projects perfectly suited for modern living.From a large-scale heirloom quilt, to a fashionable cross-body pouch, each project is minimal in design but with thoughful details, making it ideal for first-time crafters. Complete with stunning lifestyle photography and clear instructions throughout, Modern Quilting will make you fall in love with this age-old craft and give you a new-found appreciation for textiles.Trade ReviewA true celebration of the age-old pastime. * Elle Decoration *A beautiful book with soul, which chimes with our times. * Embroidery magazine *

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Book SynopsisIn A Modern Guide to Knifemaking, survivalist Laura Zerra, one of the stars of Naked and Afraid on the Discovery Channel, shares her essential knifemaking tips and tricks, including step-by-step instructions for both forging and stock removal. We all use a knife pretty much every day, but for Zerra, her daily life often depends on the blade she takes with her into the wild. She's learned about what works and what doesn't, what steel will hold an edge, and what nuances in blade design will make or break a knife. From design to sharpening, A Modern Guide to Knifemaking covers every step in the knifemaking process. To begin, you will consider what you want your knife to accomplish, develop a design, and make a prototype. Zerra takes you through choosing and buying steel for your knife and then teaches you to build your own forge. You will learn forging basics and then move on to forge the shape of your knife and make the blade tip. From there, you will cut the blade profile, grind in bevels to make the edge of the knife, heat treat and temper your blade, grind and polish it, and make a handle and sheath for it. You will also learn sharpening techniques to maintain the edge of your new knife. Throughout, Zerra has included Pro-Tips from some of the leading knifemakers working today including Ken Onion, Kaila Cumings, and Mike Jones.A Modern Guide to Knifemaking covers every detail of knifemaking so you can make yourself the perfect knife.

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Book SynopsisEditor's Choice - The Bookseller"...the latest addition to the genre is the most stylish yet, comprising images from 1950s Vogue....Even in monochrome the Vogue Colouring Book is a masterful creation, transporting you back to the billowing layers, long gloves and poised hats of the 1950s." Stella magazine.This, the first colouring book from British VOGUE, has been created by award-winning writer, fashion editor, curator and Royal College of Art Professor, Iain R Webb. Celebrating the centenary of British VOGUE, these hand-drawn artworks are inspired by iconic images from the magazine in the 1950s - an era of hats and matching gloves, haughty elegance and hourglass silhouettes (a period that continues to inspire contemporary designers including Miuccia Prada and Dolce & Gabbana).The book features a glamorous dream wardrobe of luxurious ballgowns and soigné cocktail dresses, smart suits and dramatic accessories by key designers including Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Givenchy and Chanel. The accompanying captions offer fashion and style tips (often highly amusing in hindsight) and are taken from the original pages of British VOGUE. The c90 artworks can be coloured in in the spirit of the original images that inspired them or embellished with whatever colours and patterns take the reader's fancy. The colouring book is the perfect present for all those who love vintage fashion and will be published in time for VOGUE's centenary celebrations in 2016, which begin with a major exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery.Trade Review...the latest addition to the genre is the most stylish yet, comprising images from 1950s Vogue....Even in monochrome the Vogue Colouring Book is a masterful creation, transporting you back to the billowing layers, long gloves and poised hats of the 1950s. * Stella magazine *

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Book SynopsisThe only official coloring book based on the Alien saga! Forget relaxing mandalas and sharpen your red pencils for the official Alien Coloring Book! From facehuggers to xenomorphs and from Ripley to Jonesy, all your favorite creatures and characters and their most memorable scenes can be found right here. As for the color scheme? Well, that's in your hands now...Trade ReviewAdult coloring books just got 100% more awesome" -Nerd Approved"

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Book SynopsisCreate beautiful dolls and accessories for winter using the latest Tilda fabrics. From pretty skating angels in warm fur coats to chalet girls with cosy knitted jumpers, these new Tilda designs celebrate the winter season in style. Transform pentagons and hexagons into mini patchwork balls and tablemats, or make a quilt or cushion with beautiful Tilda fabrics. Hanging santas, paper angels and Christmas stockings are perfect festive decorations for your home, and there are adorable polar bears to delight the little ones!

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Book SynopsisThis pack contains 100 high-quality origami sheets printed with attractive Nature Patterns.

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Book SynopsisAppeals to both manga and colouring fans. Fun-to-colour illustrations. By bestselling how-to-draw author Christopher Hart. Bestselling how-to-draw author Christopher Hart celebrates 'grrrrllll' power with a wildly entertaining colouring book featuring manga's most popular female characters. This must-have collection for fans draws on Hart's numerous accomplishments in the genre and offers intricately patterned black-and-white illustrations drawn in his eye-catching style. Not only are the pictures fun to colour, but would-be artists can use the illustrations as a tool to practise colour design for their own character drawings.

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Book SynopsisHistoric, classic, creative, and fun, leather crafting is a craft for all ages. Whether you are just a beginner looking to get started, or an experienced leather artist in need of a concise reference, Leathercrafting is your guide to an enjoyable craft that lasts a lifetime. Master leather artisans Tony and Kay Laier introduce you to the basics of leather preparation, and show you how to use stamps, punches, cutters, and other essential tools. They provide expert tips on edge finishing methods, and take you step-by-step through a traditional floral carving project. From forming, moulding, and embossing leather to creative stitching, lacing, and braiding, this book will teach you all of the skills you'll need to make beautiful belts, wallets, purses, holsters, cases, jewelry, home accessories, and more.Trade ReviewThere are projects to interest many different creative souls. -- Carol Heppner * Leading Creative Pathways *

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Book SynopsisFrom the outstandingly popular @prettycitylondon Instagram account, this mindful colouring book will help all put the pretty and calm back into their day

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Book SynopsisMetalsmith Society’s Guide to Jewellery Making is the ultimate handbook to get you started on your jewellery-making journey. Corkie Bolton, jeweller extraordinaire and founder of Metalsmith Society, has compiled the ultimate compendium on the craft for beginners. You’ll get a deep dive into indispensable tools and materials needed to create a well-rounded workspace. Corkie also answers every question you might have about essential yet tricky-to-master techniques such as sawing, stamping and annealing. What’s more, through ten beginner-friendly projects, you’ll put your budding skills to the test and light the spark of inspiration for designing your own pieces. Necklace lovers will learn stone setting and making clasps with the Thick Bezel Pendant and Simple Chain Necklace, while ring projects like the Interlocking Ring and Hidden Detail Ring will have you practicing polishing and embellishing your creations. Embark on your rewarding jewellery-making career with confidence. With this comprehensive book at your bench, you will have everything you need to get started and keep going!

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"…a must-have for those looking to shrink their ecological footprint with beauty and warmth." --Booklist"…[a] clever how-to…Those looking to bring new life to old pieces will find this a useful guide." --Publishers Weekly"It will give you lots of fun ideas, making mending into a joyful activity instead of a boring chore." --Apartment Prepper blog

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Book SynopsisIn this visually stunning book, Moy Mackay reveals how you too can create beautiful pictures using felt. Characterised by her wonderful use of colour, Moy’s work is breathtaking and includes still-lifes, animals and landscapes inspired by the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Borders where she lives and works. Moy takes you through every step of the process, including the materials and tools you need, the feltmaking process itself (which is easier than you’d imagine), and how to put together four fabulous felt paintings of your own. There is guidance on stitching, including both hand- and machine-stitching, as well as how to use colour and introduce texture in the form of different fibres and threads. There are numerous examples of Moy’s work through the book, and by the end you will not fail to be inspired to create gorgeous felt paintings of your own. "Moy's passionate use of colour and the deep texture created by felting are what draw me to her work. I also like the way that she concentrates on her surroundings for her subject matter – her work is very free." - Kaffe FassettTrade ReviewWe love this refreshing take on how we can use our own photographs as inspiration, creating unique felt versions. We think its fresh and we are drawn in by Mackay’s passion for her subject. This isn’t an artist simply producing a book for the sake of it, this seems to be her life and love. For the full review click here. -- Ailish Henderson * www.mrxstitch.com *May 12 'Art in Felt & Stitch' by Moy Mackay is a colourful splash of fleece, fibre and thread. The book involves wet felting with wool tops and machine stitching on top of the picture created with it. The book has very clear instructions at the beginning and is excellent if you are thinking of starting to felt pictures. There are six projects in the book with quite a few pages on each one and there is a very clear photographic step-by-step process to follow. What irritates me sometimes about art books is that they can show you how to draw or paint a complex picture and only show four stages. Suddenly they've finished the picture and you wonder how many stages they've skipped over while your picture looks nothing like the final shot in the book. Moy has photographed each stage so if you are a beginner you won't feel lost or frustrated. Each layer is shown and you get a feel for what she has done in each step. Moy explains her inspiration for using felt in the book: "My 'felt paintings', as I call them, are [...] a way of placing the strokes of coloured fibres as one would place brushstrokes. The results are strikingly rich in colour and texture, and as my passion is for colour, there is a great deal of satisfaction to be had from working with this medium in this way." If you love texture and colour I can't imagine why you wouldn't love this book. A three-dimensional soft intricate woollen picture looks amazing and can look more dramatic than an oil painting. * sewingisforgirls.blogspot.com *Summer 13 Vivid colours and dramatic scenery attracted me to this book. Moy’s enthusiastic introduction describes how her love of painting, drawing and ‘making things’ from an early age progressed to ‘create work that utilises colour and subjects in an uplifting, inspiring way.’ Her bio explains that ‘Since graduating from Glasgow School of Art with a BA (Hons) degree in Design, she has lived and worked as a full time artist in the beautiful Scottish Borders, which are the main source of inspiration for her work.’ Moy hopes that her book will inspire and guide you to create in felt, and that through it she can pass on the positive encouragement given by her creative mother and uncle who nurtured her early efforts. The clear contents page outlines a natural progression of topics to inspire even those who have been previously hesitant, to create their own ‘felt painting’. The first few chapters give full details of the materials and equipment required. Chapters with advice on source of inspiration, colour, texture, composition and techniques follow. Projects are grouped under the headings of landscapes, birds, flowers and still life. Clear, easy to follow, step by step instructions accompany photographs to guide you through all the basic techniques. These include the felting process itself as well as how to embellish it to create form and structure with machine and hand stitching. Plentiful inspiring photos of Moy’s own felt paintings enhance the book. I think that this book is suitable for people with all ranges of experience and it has certainly inspired me. Linda Russell, Gwent Guild * Journal for Weavers, Spinners & Dyers *Sept 12 This book is a refreshing take on still life and art. Moy Mackay creates her pictures using felting and stitch and gives guidance in the book on how these beautiful works are created. The book begins with an introduction to all the materials and equipment you would need to tackle this kind of work. There is an interesting section where you can see, via instruction and photographs, the progression from wool tops to finished piece. It is quite surprising that the majority of design work is completed prior to felting, and what follows from that is embellishment. It covers the process of wet felting, needle felting, machine and hand stitching, and how each technique adds to the picture. After the initial tutorial, there are three project sections that cover Landscapes, Birds and Flowers. You are guided through these with step-by-step photographs and there is also a gallery of a series of works to illustrate each section. It is a wonderful book to read, with good clear instruction to guide you, and to see the finished pieces which are so colourful and perfectly executed is impetus for the reader to try their own. * Workshop On The Web *May 2015 Since learning to needle felt I have wanted to take it to the next level. This book takes me to that next level and far beyond. Moy gives you everything you need to make the most amazing felted pictures. She uses everything from needle felting, wet felting & sewing to create the most amazing pictures. She takes you through step-by-step each of the techniques so that you'll be able to create each of the pictures in the book. She also gives you all this knowledge so that you can create your own. II love the pictures that you can create. They look amazing! I haven't used some of the techniques in the book but after reading the instructions I feel confident that I will be able to perform them. Moy's use of colours is amazing. I can't wait to try her colour mixes. I feel they will give me more confidence to use more colours in my own projects. I can't believe the amazing looks she gets from her techniques in this book. I've already ordered the items I'll need to make my first picture. I just hope I can do justice to her amazing book. * Crochet Addict UK *June 12 Moy Mackay creates beautiful works of art using fleece, fiber and threads in her book "Art in Felt & Stitch". It is filled with colorful felt paintings of still-life, animals and landscapes inspired by her home in the Scottish Borders. See how she uses various felt techniques to achieve her paintings. Felt is one of the earliest fabrics and is older than weaving, spinning and knitting. The book itself is a work of art with the fiber colors jumping off the page in the numerous photographs. Four step by step projects are included with instructional pictures that are clear, detailed and inspiring and numerous. Also included are many examples of her finished pieces. Moy walks you through the materials and equipment you will need. She explains about fibers and texture, composition and technique. Wool, bamboo and silk are just a few of the fibers she works with. Learn about needle and wet felting and using machine and hand stitching to strengthen the highlights and shadows and creating depth. Her flowers are lovely and landscapes breath taking. It is her project of the Birds with berries and her felt painting of Waxwing with Cherry and Lime Blossom that will make you sigh. If you have been thinking about trying your hand at felting or felting pictures in particular, you will enjoy every page of her book. * www.examiner.com/knitting-in-hartford *May 13 Moy's passionate use of colour and the deep texture created by felting are what draw me to her work. I also like the way that she concentrates on her surroundings for her subject matter - her work is very free. (Kaffe Fassett) * Author *June 12 This is a lovely book. It is beautifully produced with Moy's felt paintings vibrantly reproduced. The book takes the reader through all the processes beginning with a full description of her colour blending and all materials used in her work. There may be a little too much detail on the techniques of hand carding but that is only a slight criticism. Moy is exceptionally generous with her descriptions and tips, which are scattered around the pages. The reader is taken step by step through all the elements of her work from the designing, preparation, laying of fibres, felting, embellishing, needle felting and embroidery with hand and machine. The projects start with a quite simple scene of bucolic bliss, proceeding onto a patchwork landscape and then on to more complicated designs. These exercises are interspersed with some wonderful nature pieces and landscapes of exceptional beauty. She is a very talented artist and colourist. This is a book which will inspire, delight and instruct and may lead the reader on to experiments of their own or you can just enjoy it for its wonderful images. * Felt Matters *Apr 12 It is fabulous. If you like contemporary art, with vivid colour and lots of texture then this book is for you. There are lots of pictures of Moys work, and plenty of supporting text. Additionally, there are four diverse projects which detail, step-by-step, how to create similar work using felting, embellishing and stitching techniques. I'm awaiting the delivery of some wool and silk tops, so I can get started.-"BushBabyJane", Amazon * Customer *Jun/Jul 12 Moy Mackay's unique and vibrant 'felt paintings' are created by replacing paint as a medium with fleece, fibres and threads and combining traditional felting techniques with fine art. The result is an exquisite fusion of art, felt and stitch that is both up-lifting and inspiring. There is clear guidance through all of the basic techniques, including the felting process itself and how to use machine and hand stitching to further create form and texture. The four projects and numerous examples of Moy's work complete this visual feast, which cannot fail to inspire and excite painters and textile artists alike. * Fabrications *Jun/Jul 12 Hot water and soap have a profound effect on wool. If your favourite sweater has accidentally been treated that way, you are probably less than thrilled with the outcome. But, if the process was intentional, you've probably been experimenting with the art of felting – and creating one of the earliest fabrics known to man. Dry needle-felting using a felting needle or embellisher machine is currently very popular, but the techniques in this book use the traditional wet-felting methods. Every step of the process is clearly described and illustrated with step-by-step photos. The results are simply beautiful and the 'fibre paintings' range from softly impressionistic landscapes to still-lifes of teacups and bold flowers. Needle-felting is used to refine the shapes and simple hand and machine stitching add definition, details and, of course, texture. Moy shares the techniques that she uses to create her beautiful pictures, and every stage is beautifully illustrated with clear photographs. She begins at the very beginning, showing how to card the fibres, lay them down to form the picture and finally felt the piece. When the felting process is complete, more photos show the process of needle-felting to add details and stitching to create definition in the finished piece. There are four projects, which take you through the processes used to create a patchwork landscape, birds, flowers and a still-life (teacup and cakes). If this book doesn't persuade you to explore the creativity of felting, nothing will. * Stitch *Jun/Jul 12 Using fleece, fibres and threads, Moy creates stunning felt ‘paintings’, combining felt-making with fine art in a unique way. Comprehensive step-by-step instructions guide the reader through the basic techniques and continue with four projects, where Moy shows how to use machine and hand embroidery to produce landscapes, still-life studies of flowers and animals. This colourful and exciting book will inspire the felt-maker to try a different approach to their craft. * East Kent Embroiderer's Guild *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials and equipment 10 Inspiration 20 Colour 22 Texture 26 Composition 28 Techniques 30 Landscapes 52 Birds 76 Flowers 92 Still life 110 Index 128

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Book SynopsisThis unique coloring book features immersive aerial views of real cities from around the world alongside gorgeously illustrated, Inception-like architectural mandalas. Artist Steve McDonald''s beautifully rendered and detailed line work offers bird''s-eye perspectives of visually arresting global locales from New York, London, and Paris to Istanbul, Tokyo, and Melbourne, Rio, Amsterdam, and many more. The adult coloring book''s distinctive large square format offers absorbingly complex vistas to color, the crisp white pages are conducive to a range of artistic applications, and a middle margin keeps all the artwork fully colorable. Complementing the cityscapes are a selection of mind-bending labyrinthine architectural illustrations for still deeper meditative coloring adventures and imaginative flights of fancy.

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Book SynopsisHarry Styles is a multi-platinum recording artist, film actor, and a fashion icon whose rise to fame took him from a TV talent show to becoming one of the most globally recognized celebrities of his generation. Now his fans of all ages can express their creativity and put their knowledge to the test with this colouring and activity book. Commemorate Harry''s most iconic performances and appearances in 30 amazingly realistic coloring pages. And whether your fandom alliance is with the Harries or Stylers, you are sure to enjoy the challenge of solving a variety of Harry-themed games, puzzles, and quizzes including spot-the-difference, mazes, and wordsearch inspired by his legendary career. Throughout you''ll learn more fun-facts and Harry-isms on the back of each detachable coloring page including how his song, Treat People with Kindness (TPWK) has become a movement to promote acceptance and diversity. Round out your Harry Styles experience and enjoy the array of beautiful photographs of

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Book SynopsisTwist, bend and shape pipe cleaners into 23 different dog breeds with Making Pipe Cleaner Pets. This book shows readers how to craft a realistic pipe cleaner likeness of their favourite pooch, using only a few colourful chenille stems and some inexpensive craft supplies. Kids and adults alike will enjoy making these quirky canines. Inspiring high-quality photos illustrate the petite pups that can be made for each breed. Each well-organised project includes step-by-step instructions, bend-by-bend illustrations and stem measurements to aid in creating the perfect doggie. The easy-to-learn techniques require no complex knotting, just simple knots, twists and curls, and a dab of glue. Popular featured breeds include Boston Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Labrador Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, Pomeranians, Pugs, Shih Tzu, Toy Poodles and many more. The authors include instructions for customising the wiry woofers, plus tips for turning the dogs into clever accessories like necklaces and barrettes.

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Book SynopsisCelebrate your relationships and express your style with the ultimate guide to creating friendship bracelets! Friendship bracelets aren t just for summer camp anymore. They have exploded in popularity as a creative and thoughtful way to share a connection with loved ones, even from far away. Author Masha Knots is the go-to friendship bracelet expert, she has amassed a following on YouTube and Instagram for her colourful, creative designs and her easy-to-follow instructions. Now, with this book she is sharing all her bracelet tips and tricks as well as her favourite designs. Featuring an array of patterns from simple to more advanced, Masha will cover all the basics needed to get started, including the best materials to use, knotting techniques, and easy embellishments and customization tricks for adding your own flair. Whether creating a one-of-a-kind gift for a friend or stylish accessories for yourself, this book will make anyone a bracelet making pro.

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Book SynopsisSee the World! Peel the sticker, Place the sticker, And watch your painting come to life. Welcome to the golden age of travel. A transporting activity for crafters and adventurers alike, PAINT BY STICKER:TRAVEL includes everything you need to create 12 vintage, poster-style paintings that evoke the romance of faraway places. And note—the card-stick pages are perforated, so the finished picture can easily be removed for framing. 

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Book SynopsisAn indispensable compendium of technical know-how and troubleshooting tips Just like having a mosaic tutor on call 24 hours a day-this book is packed with handy, time-saving tips and technical knowledge to improve your skills, speed up the learning process, and give your unique mosaics a professional finish. Easy-to-follow step-by-step techniques, photography, and illustrations. Handy, professional quick fixes and solutions for commonly encountered problems. Advice on what to buy and how to use the tools and materials-from ceramic tiles to pebbles, shells, and beads. Tips on design: finding ideas, drawing outlines, order of work, and adding eye-catching details.Trade ReviewOct 12 A great book for anyone wishing to know more about mosaic. It literally covers everything and has lot of inspiring techniques and projects to try. It's a new book too, only came out in August and I have to say I am impressed with it! I have learned something every time I have had a read through. It is easy to follow and well laid out. I think it will be a book that will be on my shelves for a long time as it covers everything for beginners and experienced mosaic artists a like. It is full of useful information and I highly recommend it if you have an interest in this craft.-spansstudio.co.uk * makeandcraft.com *Table of Contents* An indispensable mosaic compendium, packed with everything you need to know * Clear, step-by-step techniques are accompanied by useful illustrations and photographs * Includes handy tips, technical advice, inspiration and ideas

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Book SynopsisThis wonderful collection of Des Pawson's personal ropecraft recipes combines an expanded and now full-colour collection of projects from Des's popular Des Pawson's Knot Craft, together with 20 new and brilliant mat designs.Readers can learn how to make 60 different ropework projects, including mats, bellropes, key fobs, fenders and doorstops. Along with fascinating titbits of nautical history as background to many projects and guidance as to how they can be the starting point for many other items, Des gives step-by-step instructions on how to put these knots together to form the finished article, and advice on the size and lengths of the materials required - just as you would find in a recipe book. Full-colour illustrations, clear and practical tips on technique, and photos of the finished products mean that this book is ideal for all abilities. With this book to hand, readers will have the confidence to start making desirable objects with knots because, as Des says, this is thTrade ReviewIn addition to the helpful how-to guidance that's appropriate for all skill levels, we really liked that the ropework recipes are also peppered with tidbits of nautical history. * Practical Sailor (US) *When it comes to personal ropecraft, Des Pawson is the master. * Yachting Times *The book is an entertainment in itself, with fascinating titbits of nautical history interspersed between pages of factual guidance for 60 different ropework projects, including mats, bellropes, key fobs, fenders and doorstops. * Craft & Design *A beautiful book, richly illustrated and inspirational. * Classic Sailor *

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Book SynopsisApproach life at home the Madame Chic way: a beautiful, illustrated toolbox of tips and ideas for organizing, entertaining, and savoring a stylish life.When she arrived at Madame Chic’s Parisian apartment as a foreign exchange student, Jennifer Scott was a casual California girl who thought sweatpants were appropriate street attire. Madame Chic took Jennifer under her wing and tutored her in the secrets of how the French elevate the little things in life to the art of living. Years later, Jennifer was back in California with a husband, two young daughters, a dog, and her first home. Every day she confronted mundane duties like folding laundry and unloading the dishwasher, and she began to think about Madame Chic’s home—how the breakfast table was set beautifully the night before, the music that always played in the background, the calm of Madame and Monsieur Chic’s ritual cocktail hour together. Jennifer wanted that life. She decided to seTrade Review"A guide for women who yearn to channel Audrey Tautou. . . . Personable, anecdote-filled, and studded with lifestyle tips . . . its vivacity and sincerity have struck a chord among women who would like a French role model of their own, but don't have a year to spend apprenticing with one in Paris." * The New York Times *"Part tribute to the effortlessly glamorous Parisian way of life, and part tutorial . . . on how to emulate the French je ne sais quoi." * Daily Mail (UK) *“Downright intriguing. . . . You’ll close the book feeling inspired.” * The Plain Dealer *"The writing here, a combination of elegance and breeziness, seems to reflect Madame Chic’s personal philosophy that life is to be lived fully and elegantly." * Smoky Mountain News *“Winningly combines sincerity and self-deprecation . . . sweet-natured and well-intentioned . . . full of advice.” * Kirkus Reviews *“Scott’s message of living passionately, enjoying the little things in life and truly living are great mantras to guide one’s life.” * Portland Book Review *

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Book SynopsisEmbark on your own creative journey with the beautiful Color Odyssey. Stunningly intricate black and White designs are inspired by nature and penned by professional tattoo artist and former reality TV star Chris Garver. With the world discovering the meditative power of adult colouring, pick up the pens and make sure you don't get left behind on this Odyssey.

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Book SynopsisLet your creativity spring to life with 31 illustrations that celebrate the most colorful season of the year. Wonderfully detailed scenes are set in both the country and city and are filled with gorgeous flowers in full bloom, gardening accessories, chirping birds, well-decorated homes, and more. Pages are perforated and printed on one side only for easy removal and display. Specially designed for experienced colorists, Spring Scenes and other Creative Haven® adult coloring books offer an escape to a world of inspiration and artistic fulfillment. Each title is also an effective and fun-filled way to relax and reduce stress.

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Book SynopsisClearly written, lavishly illustrated guide enables even novices to fill a treasure chest with lovely tatted designs. Step-by-step instructions for creating rings and picots to make a small flower, for chains to make a small rosette, as well as directions for snowflake ornaments, choker necklaces, a delicate holly mat, and other lovely projects.

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Book SynopsisCreative markers make instant happy art, with practically no prep time, quick drying, and an amazing range of brilliant colors to choose from! Discover how easy it is to successfully use markers for coloring, sketching, illustration, mixed media, and more. Angelea Van Dam, the professional artist behind Hello Angel coloring books, reveals her marker secrets in this creative workbook for absolute beginners. She offers a comprehensive guide to the different kinds of art markers, brush pens, and paint markers available today, with advice on selecting tip shape, ink base, price range, and more. Angelea explains everything from basic color theory to simple techniques for shading, blending, and design, with step-by-step instructions and handy tips. Practice your new skills with fun interactive exercises, printed on high-quality artist paper.

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Book SynopsisLearn how to stitch stunning contemporary crochet projects using traditional techniques with a twist such as filet crochet or brand new techniques such as corner to corner crochet. All the key crochet techniques stitches and techniques are featured as well as advice on how to use the exciting, new yarns that are available.Table of ContentsIntroductionLet's Look at Hooks Tools You'll UseAll About Yarn Reading Patterns, Charts and Grids Basic Stitches Crochet stitches and stitch patterns for modern crochet including: Slip knot Chain Slip stitch Double crochet Treble Half treble Double treble Increasing in dc and tr Decreasing in dc and tr Back loops only Front loops only Front post stitch Back post stitch Stitch Variations More advanced crochet stitches and stitch patterns including: Crossed double crochet Centre double crochet Loop stitch Spike stitch Bobble stitch Puff stitch Popcorn stitch Short stitch, tall stitch Modern Techniques Corner-to-corner crochet Mosaic crochet Overlay crochet Crochet embroidery Surface crochet Filet crochet Planned colour-pooling Multi-strand ombre crochet Crochet ribbing and cables Amigurumi Tunisian crochet Entrelac crochet Free-form crochet Tapestry crochet Modern grannies Intarsia crochet Plaid and tartan Crocheting over cord Moroccan tile General Techniques Pompom edging Reverse dc edging Picot edging Tassels Fringing Pompoms Embellishments Troubleshooting Finishing up

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Book SynopsisKumihimo is the ancient art of Japanese braidmaking; admired for its dual qualities of usefulness and beauty, and associated with both fashion and the samurai. In this revised and updated edition of her classic instructional book, Jacqui Carey teaches the use of a marudai (round stand) to produce a variety of different types of braids, which can then be used to create countless combinations of colour, texture and material. Clear step-by-step photographs guide the beginner through each of the projects, and many inspirational examples of the variety you can create are shown. The rhythmic movements, feel and sound of the marudai in use make this traditional craft a soothing, absorbing and aesthetically pleasing experience; perfect for weaving a calm area in your day.Trade ReviewNot having come across this art myself, I asked a local craft group (I’m based in Stourbridge in the West Midlands) to review this book, some of whom were able to compare it to the original 1997 publication. The group found the introduction to Japanese braiding provided a clear, easily understood guide to all aspects of equipment, threads and techniques used to produce a range of both round and flat braids. The illustrations, diagrams and photography were clean, clear and easily followed, as were the written explanations. The book also provided step-by-step instructions that allow users to produce a variety of braids with a variety of uses: it brings the ancient craft of Kumihimo within the reach of all those with an interest in learning and developing the techniques in a simple way. Members of the group particularly liked it that each type of braid had a different page background colour and found that the warp circle diagrams were clearer set against a coloured background. Close up photographs of working the braids were good and you could clearly see where the threads were placed. Overall the book looked inviting and the layout generally was streamlined and modern.” Having borrowed some equipment, I tried making a braid myself and found it very satisfying to see the work growing under the circle and the beautiful braid it produced. -- Brenda Smith * Knitting & Crochet Guild - SlipKnot June 2020 *Not having come across this art myself, I asked a local craft group to review this book. The group found the to Japanese braiding provided a clear, easily understood guide to all aspects of equipment, threads, and techniques used to produce a range of both round and flat braids. The illustrations, diagrams and photography were clean, clear and easily followed, as were the written explanations. The book also provided step-by-step instructions that allow users to produce a variety of uses: it brings the ancient craft of Kumihimo within the reach of all those with an interest in learning and developing the techniques in a simple way. Members of the group particularly liked that each type of braid had a different page background colour and found that the warp circle diagrams were slearer set against a coloured background. Close-up photographs of working the braids were good and you could clearly see where the threads were placed. Overall the book looked inviting and the layout was streamlined and modern. Having borrowed some equipment I tried making a braid myself and found it very satisfying to see the work growing under the circle and the beautiful braid it produced. -- Brenda Smith * Slipknot *Originally published back in 1997 (and titled Beginner’s Guide to Braiding – The Craft of Kumihimo) this is the definitive book on the subject, at least in the UK. I still have my much used copy which introduced me to the wonderful world of “narrow wares” that can be made on a traditional marudai. Fast-forward to 2020 and many people do this craft on handheld disk marudai, but this book deals with the type that sits on the floor and (in my opinion at least) is a lot easier to master. The book opens with what you need to begin, showing photographs of the wooden type, the acrylic version that I use and even a homemade marudai constructed from a lampshade frame and card disk. You will also require bobbins, weights and a few other items which can all be purchased from the website below. Learn how to wind the bobbins, set up the marudai and get started on your first braid with the aid of plenty of captioned photographs. This book is aimed at the beginner and is pretty foolproof; I followed the instructions and was making professional-looking braids on my first day. Make round, square and flat braids, add simple tassels and work in other types of yarn. Note that this book only deals with making the braids, with two pages at the back showing what can be done with them. Finishing them off and using them for tiebacks, jewellery, embroidery etc are dealt with in other books or by having a go. It is not difficult to learn how to make braids using a traditional marudai and this book has the clearest, most user friendly instructions I have seen. Highly recommended. If you cannot find a good range of materials locally try http://www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers. Marudais, bobbins, threads etc available from the author’s website https://www.careycompany.com/ -- Rachel A Hyde * Amazon *Japanese braid-making is admired for its use and beauty. This essential guide shows us different braids, which can be used to create countless combinations of colour, texture and material. There are clear step-by-step photos and many inspirational examples of this soothing, absorbing and pleasing craft. * Machine Knitting Monthly *The kumihimo techniques in this book are made using a beautiful marudai stand, and lovers of kumihimo will find the story of them quite fascinating. I do not have a marudai stand, but I did make a braid project using a more modern plate. This is a brilliant book for beginners, as it guides you through the steps in an easy to understand step by step technique. The projects are simple but stunning, and include bracelets, necklaces and ties. Each project can be adapted in size, and I loved the rich tonal colours that were used for each piece. Beads, ribbons and cords are perfect for these designs, but finer threads can be used to make smaller items. The instructions are accompanied by superb photography, demonstrating each step -- Tracy Shephard * Amazon *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials & equipment 8 Square braid 14 Round braid 26 Flat braid 34 Honeycomb braid 40 Hollow braid 46 Rounded flat braid 54 Using your braids 62 Index 64

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Book SynopsisInspire your creative side with this unique notebook.

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Book SynopsisThe latest trend in coloring, combining the joy of coloring with the thrill of a surprise! Each of the 30 modern illustrations features a popular flower that is revealed as you complete the color-by-numbers design, plus a riddle to ponder as you bring the artwork to life. An engaging escape for coloring enthusiasts of all levels.

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Book Synopsis

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