Handicrafts, decorative arts and crafts Books

Book SynopsisIf you love art, but think that flowers can be a bit too intricate to draw, then completing these fascinating dot-to-dot puzzles is an ideal alternative. This delightful collection features more than 80 images based on artworks that first appeared in the world-famous and longest-running periodical of its kind, Curtis''s Botanical Magazine. The original paintings, which were created by some of the greatest botanical artists of all time, are all shown in a key at the back of the book. So, if you join up all the dots, you can then use to key to colour the finished puzzles. All you need is a pencil to enjoy hours of entertainment as you gradually reveal the forms of these stunning flowers, from delicate honeysuckles and gentians to exotic orchids and banksias.Following in the footsteps of the highly successful series of colouring books that Arcturus has produced in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew comes this delightful book of dot-to-dot puzzles. Based on the original artworks that appeared in Curtis''s Botanical Magazine, the oldest of its kind in the world, puzzle enthusiasts can indulge their passion for joining up the dots and then colour in the plants and flowers that they create. With more than 85 puzzles to choose from, hours of pleasure await.ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Publishing and The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew have collaborated to create a wonderful selection of botanical-themed arts, crafts and activity books, including origami, dot-to-dots, puzzles and colour-by-numbers.

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Book SynopsisFeaturing 30 cute, bold and easy-to-colour illustrations, this cosy Christmas colouring book is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit and express your creativity.

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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 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 SynopsisFilled with 32 stunning colouring pages of Billieâs most iconic performances and fashion moments, this book celebrates her unique streetwear-inspired style. Whether youâre colouring Billie on stage, at red carpet events, or in her signature off-duty looks, each page captures her unapologetically bold, creative spirit.

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Book SynopsisDiscover the joy of painting, just like Bob Ross himself, with this one-of-a-kind miniature art set! Kit includes: Three pre-printed canvases with numbered sections including 2 of landscapes and 1 of Bob's famous face, each canvas measures approx. 3-1/8 x 2-3/4 inches 7 paint pots Miniature paint brush Miniature easel for displaying finished paintings Full-color, fold-out sheets with detailed painting instructions 32-page book on Bob Ross, including painting tips

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Book SynopsisDiscover a new craft or take your skills to the next level with this beginner's guide to Tunisian crochet which includes 30 gorgeous patterns to make.

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Book SynopsisTake time to relax with this beautiful pocket-sized book of designs to color in.

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Book SynopsisThe secret to knitting great-fitting hats and shaping elegant sleeves lies in using the right increase or decrease techniques. Approachable and insightful, Judith Durant provides clear instructions and step-by-step photographs that showcase swatches for each technique. From working shaped lace to adjusting necklines, you’ll soon have a go-to strategy for successfully tackling knitting challenges of all shapes and sizes.

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Book SynopsisA unique interactive celebration of the colorful fun of the Disney Parks experience for fans and families, and for anyone remembering, planning, or dreaming of a visit.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED in The Creative Book Awards 2024.A creative and beautiful book packed with inspiring ideas to help you capture likenesses and explore personalities in stitch, from a well-loved textile artist. Anne Kelly's evocative and nostalgic work often incorporates portraits – of friends, family, historical figures and even pets. Within these pages she shares her approach to textile portraiture, bringing in a wealth of different embroidery techniques, including hand and machine embroidery, quilting and appliqué, to render in cloth the nuances of facial expressions and the personalities of her subjects. The book covers: • Selfies at Home: making the perfect self-portrait in cloth. • Representation and Culture: how portraits have been used in textile art for cultural expression around the world. • Stylized Imagery: going beyond the traditional portrait into abstraction. • Place and Time: creating a sense of place with portraiture, sometimes incorporating photographs. • Narratives: how to create a fuller story using deeply personal ephemera and related imagery. • Pet Projects: immortalising your pets in your textile work. Beautifully illustrated with stunning examples of her own work and that of intriguing textile artists who specialise in portraiture from around the world, this is the ideal book for embroiderers and textile artists who want to introduce this often tricky subject area into their work.

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Book SynopsisCosy colos, a creative colouring book for a soothing break. Travel to the heart of sweet Japan, with characters each more kawaii than the last! Between traditions and everyday life, discover little animals napping under cherry trees, devouring delicious bento, singing karaoke and relaxing in an onsen. So grab your pencils and open your eyes wide to a 100% cosy Nipponese world! The Hachette Heroes Cosy colos offer : - Thick 170-gram paper: perfect for colouring without piercing the page! - Illustrations on one side only - A perfect opportunity to relax while colouring in kawaii scenes!

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Book Synopsis365 Days of Creativity is a thoughtful and inspiring book designed to help you carve out moments of self-expression and unlock your creative potential.Lorna Scobie shows you how to experiment, explore and let go of your artistic inhibitions, encouraging you to look for creative inspiration wherever you go.Featuring creative daily exercises and goal-setting as well as plenty of supportive prompts and tips, this fun and inspiring book will stir your imagination to put a little creativity into every day.Discover all the books in the 365 Days of Art series: 365 Days of Art, 365 Days of Art in Nature, 365 Days of Creativity, 365 Days of Drawing.

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Book SynopsisIt's time to go back to basics! If you're interested in art, but find that it's becoming an increasingly expensive hobby, The Organic Artist is just the book for you! It encourages us all to return to those days when art was made with all-natural materials, such as charcoal and birch bark. Immersing you in the natural world, The Organic Artist seeks to inspire creativity by connecting you to your organic roots. In addition to offering a wide variety of suggestions for using nature as supplies for art, this book also introduces the concepts of awareness and perception that are foundational to the creative process. Readers will refine drawing skills, as well as increase their appreciation for the visual arts and the natural landscape. Some of the projects and skills covered include the following: making paper and wild ink, working with soapstone, clay, wood, and rawhide, printmaking and stenciling, natural pigments and dyes, camouflage and body painting, and nature journaling.In his new book The Organic Artist, Nick masterfully leads the reader on his own magical journey into nature as he collects and crafts organic materials for creating art. The book is not only filled with beautiful images, but easy to understand step-by-step instructions for the reader to follow, ensuring their success. I highly recommend The Organic Artist for anyone who wants to discover the joy of creating with nature. - Matt Tommey, Sculptural Basketry Artist

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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 Synopsis“Full of tips and tricks on how to look at the world with a curious eye, it’s a brilliant way to breathe creativity (back) into our lives.” – Flow magazine“Crammed with practical ideas, inspirational images & creative exercises, Conscious Creativity leads the reader through the process of establishing what kind of creative you are...”–Mslexia“The purpose of this book is to enable you to look at things in an alternative and more substantial way, so that you arrive at composition through genuine interest.”–Juno magazine“Philippa Stanton is passionate about people connecting to their innate creativity and has distilled these incredible techniques and ideas on how we can tap into that. Philippa is a massively successful Instagramer at @5ftinf and yet she is only too aware how these little two dimensional squares can limit our experiences and restrict our creativity, so it’s not without a little irony that she’s written a book to encourage people to step away from their screens and connect more with the 3D world. It’s a fascinating subject and I wholeheartedly recommend the book for anyone who’s working in the creative industry or is curious about the world around them.”–Sophie Robinson (DIY SOS, The Great British Interior Design Challenge, This Morning)Unlock your creative potential with Conscious Creativity: a practical, playful guide bursting with inspiration to help bring more colour into to your life. There is creativity in all of us, but it can easily be buried beneath our everyday concerns or need a spark to bring it back to life. Whether you’ve lost your mojo or just need some fresh ideas, artist and photographer Philippa Stanton’s lively guide will stimulate your imagination and reinvigorate your creative life.Engage your curiosity and connect your observations to your creative practice with activities such as: Noticing all the hues of one colour you can see around you Creating an abstract textured image using herbs, spices and other dry ingredients from your kitchen cupboards Collecting shadows: photograph hidden shapes and dark spaces that you haven’t noticed before Conscious Creativity will help you open your senses to the beauty you may not notice every day, and show you how to capture it. Simple, engaging exercises that encourage observation and experimentation will give you an insight into your own aesthetics as you take a conscious step to note the colours, shapes, shadows, sounds and textures that fill your world, and how they make you feel.Bursting with practical ideas and inspirational images, embrace the joy of creating, and learn to use your natural curiosity to take a leap into the most creative time of your life. If you like this, you might also like Creative Flow and Nature Tonic.Trade Review"So much colour in one book! I love the daily practice prompts, to encourage you to go and create.” * Betty magazine *"This new tome is packed full of mindful craft exercises, tips, stunning imagery and personal accounts. The book aims to help readers to fully appreciate what is around them, opening up their senses to the beauty they may mot notice every day, and showing how to capture it through crafts." * Your Home *"A creativity guide, prompting visual and visceral experiences, which sit alongside memory and abstract thinking." * Psychologies *"Sometimes it's easy to fall into a crafty rut, so Philippa Stanton reveals how to get your mojo back, with simple yet beautifully illustrated exercises to help you find inspiration in everything around you." * Crafts Beautiful *"Crammed with practical ideas, inspirational images & creative exercises, Conscious Creativity leads the reader through the process of establishing what kind of creative you are..." * Mslexia *"The purpose of this book is to enable you to look at things in an alternative and more substantial way, so that you arrive at composition through genuine interest." * Juno *“Philippa is passionate about people connecting to their innate creativity and has distilled these incredible techniques and ideas on how we can tap into that.” * Sophie Robinson Interiors *“Wanting to get a bit more creativity going in your life, but not sure where to start? Philippa Stanton's book, Conscious Creativity, could be just what you need - with daily practices offering specific instructions to get you in touch with your senses.” * Made for Mums *“A few flicks through Conscious Creativity and you’re sure to get your crafting mojo back in next to no time.” * Papercrafter *“Packed with joyful wisdom, this fascinating title invites readers to open their eyes to the beauty of ordinary things and connect with their creative impulses.” * Craft Focus *"A beautiful toolbox of tips, techniques and exercises to ignite your inner creative." * The Home Page *Table of Contents Contents Introduction 6 What Sort of Creative Are You? 10 Structure, Practice and Obstacles 20 Looking 40 Documenting 52 Texture and Wabi Sabi 60 Colour 70 The Senses and Synaesthesia 86 Atmosphere and Nothing 106 Light and Shadow 116 Abstract 128 Composition 142 Continuing Practice and Personal Projects 152 Seasonal Inspiration 158 Resources 159 Acknowledgements and Index 160

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Book SynopsisCreating Stylized Characters gives readers a valuable insight into the popular art of character design. Professional illustrators, animators and cartoonists, well versed in creating characters for video games, comics and film, guide the reader through accessible tutorial projects packed with images and advice. Any budding artist will soon be able to draw characters of all ages, shapes and sizes! This entertaining, beginner-friendly book is applicable to both digital and traditional media, and delves into many essential aspects of the character development process, from real-world research, to sketching gestures and poses, to exploring different genres, personalities and styles.

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Book SynopsisDesign your own dolls with this amazing book of mix-and-match crochet patterns. Building up from the basic body, add hairstyles, hats, outfits and accessories to capture your family, friends and favourite people in crochet form. The flippable pages make it easy to follow the patterns in any combination. You could make a countless number of different dolls, or you could make one doll with an extraordinary wardrobe. The book has two flip sections: First choose who you want to make with the top ‘head’ flip – you could make your mum, grandad, sister, best friend, favourite actor or pop star – or even yourself! Next choose what they are going to be with the bottom ‘outfit’ flip – with costumes for an astronaut and a princess, a ballerina and a footballer, a mermaid and a pirate, a surgeon, a punk and more. With step-by-step instructions for all the basic crochet techniques that are needed, this is perfect for beginners. In addition to the flip pattern pages, there are 12 pages of colour photography showing how easy it is to combine the different flip costumes with the additional hats, clothing and hairstyles to make impressive modifications such as a wizard or a bride and groom. With tips on choosing the right skin tones, styling hair and adding facial features, the only limit is your imagination!

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Book SynopsisUnravel the secrets to creating Celtic knot work as you adorn your completed wood burning, carving and scrolling projects with beautiful twists, braids and textures. In this new edition of the largest and most complete book on Celtic knot work, nationally known artist and best-selling author Lora S. Irish unravels the secrets to creating these intricate and beautiful designs. With over 200 original patterns and easy-to-follow lessons that can be applied to a multitude of arts and crafts, you'll learn the basics of creating the knotted line and the simple twists and braids that form the basis of Celtic art. Discover how to incorporate knot patterns and finials—such as animals, leaves or scroll work—into an unlimited number of styles and layouts that can artistically stand alone or adorn any form of craft. Great Book of Celtic Patterns is the essential guide for any artist or crafter seeking to create the historical beauty of Celtic Art.

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Book SynopsisForty-six scenes encompass flowers, animals, mountains, waterfalls, and the occasional garden gnome. Achieve realistic effects with the help of lightly printed numbers that correspond to a simple color key.

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Book SynopsisMake Your Voice Heard Through Nonviolent Resistance Craft “This book is a must for anyone who loves to make, and who seeks inspiration to make a more compassionate world though the art of craft.” ―Dr. Cathy Hope, Director of the Play, Creativity and Culture Project at the Centre for Creative and Cultural Research at the University of Canberra # 1 Best Seller in Crafts & Hobbies, Stenciling Craft Consciously. Craftivism can be your voice of resistance. Craftivism is a form of activism that gives people a voice when they feel voiceless and power where they feel powerless. Noted craftivism expert Sayraphim Lothian has put together the first-ever tutorial book on craftivism. Join us in the craftivism movement. Craftivism is a movement growing worldwide. Hand-crafted works are being used to highlight political issues, creatively engage in activism, and encourage change in the world. Craftivists employ their works to open a space for people to be introduced to issues and to broaden the discussion surrounding them. While it might seem that this most colorful movement began recently, creative resistance has been with us for centuries around the globe, and craftivism and makers stating their mind through the medium of art is here to stay. Tap into creative resistance. Artist, scholar, activist, and YouTube art teacher Sayraphim Lothian gives you an introduction to the art of craftivism and provides a brief history of creative resistance. Learn how to make and use various crafts for protest and political purposes. You will learn: Embroidery Cross stitch Knitting Stenciling Decoupage Stamping and much more If you have read Craft Activism, Crafting the Resistance, or Feminist Cross Stich, Guerrilla Kindness and Other Acts of Creative Resistance should be your next read.

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Book SynopsisThis is a complete guide to food, decorations and gifts for the holiday season, with a feast of recipes and projects. It features over 200 recipes for all types of Christmas dishes and party food, including Roquefort Tartlets, Filet Mignon with Mushrooms, Ginger Florentines and Buck's Fizz. 130 projects show you how to fill your home with handmade ornaments, decorations and table settings, and how to make exquisite cards and gift wraps. It includes a week-by-week countdown for easy planning and organization of shopping and cooking, plus a timetable for preparing food on Christmas Day. All the projects and recipes are shown step by step, with easy-to-follow instructions and 1550 photographs. Christmas is associated with goodwill, festivities, gatherings of family and friends, gifts and generous amounts of delicious food and drink. More and more people are enjoying homemade and handcrafted rather than store-bought food and decorations, and this book holds everything you need to make the festivities a success, with recipes and creative craft ideas. You can enjoy cooking party foods, beautiful cakes, appetizers, main courses and the best Christmas dinner ever, whether you choose to have traditional Roast Goose, or Salmon Steaks with Sorrel Sauce. You can adorn the home with wreaths, garlands, candles and festive table settings, using ideas for dressing the tree or making your own cards. You can involve the kids with fun projects for making gift boxes, and personalized stockings for Christmas Eve. It comes with clear, easy-to-follow instructions the whole family can be involved in making Christmas happy, fun and affordable.

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Book SynopsisChip Carving is the art of removing small sections of wood from a single piece of timber, usually to form geometric patterns. Finished pieces can be very intricate and complex but amazing results can be achieved surprisingly easily with the right guidance. Unlike many types of woodworking, chip carving requires very few tools, usually just two knives, and is a wonderful way too decorate all manner of existing objects including boxes, plates and furniture. The author guides the reader through the process of creating 15 distinctive projects. The necessary stages are explained with the use of detailed step-by-step photographs and accompanying text. The author also explains how to go about planning and designing each project in preparation for the actual carving process. . included are 15 simple step-by-step solid-point projects suitable for the absolute beginner. . there is also useful information on equipment and techniques, to guide you though every step of the way. . whether you wish to decorate a wooden bangle or produce a . pleasing work of art, you'll find all you need to know to help you achieve your goal. AUTHOR: Tatiana Baldina is a professional woodcarving artist who lives and works in Russia. She specialises in chip carving and chose to study the subject as part of her Applied Fine Arts degree at the Volga Regional State University. After graduating, Tatiana went on to create many of her own original pieces, she also worked for several companies producing carved boxes and other items for the home. Tatiana is a Laureate of The International Association of the Creative Professions, Vatikam, France. She has worked as a freelance woodcarver since 2014. SELLING POINTS: . Templates provided for each design, along with detailed instructions on how to draw each project . Only a few basic tools are needed to create wonderfully decorated objects . Suitable for both novice and experienced chip carvers . Includes 15 chip carving projects that vary in complexity 700 photographs

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Book SynopsisOver 40 easy-to-follow projects for making your own glorious candles and candle-holders, with step-by-step photography throughout.

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Book SynopsisA Sunday Times bestseller'This book is a little bit about me and a little bit about you.'Having an organisation business, you might think I have everything worked out, but that hasn't always been the case. I went from working full-time as a nurse, with three young children and suffering from overwhelming anxiety, to setting up a business that helps people find order in their lives.Organisation makes me feel calm, it has soothed my anxiety and helped me to focus on getting to where I want to be. Whether it's a small change like organising part of your home or pursuing a long-held goal, I'm sharing tips, hacks and stories from my life to show you how you can organise, list and label your life to achieve your own dreams.Jemma x

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Book SynopsisRecent years have seen a decline in craft and creative education in schools and a shift from practical to theoretical learning models in higher education. Young people are leaving school with no idea that craft-based careers are even possible, and graduates of craft-based degree courses are entering the workplace with so few hand skills that their employers must train them from scratch. Where did the idea come from that white-collar work should be rewarded more with money and status than that of a blue-collar worker? Intelligent Hands looks at this phenomenon, the historical precedents that led us here and why hand skills are crucial in education and for lifelong learning. The authors are on a mission to enlighten the uninitiated and persuade the nay-sayers who dismiss craft as no more than a nice hobby or believe that doing things with your hands is for those who can't use their heads. And for the converted, we offer more grist to your mills, ammunition for funding applications, inspiration for those who plan school curricula and further reading for your speciality. Intelligent Hands brings existing research and information together in an accessible format for those for those who don't have time to trawl through all the information that is already out there. With a brief look at the history of practical education, we have collated some of the research that has been done in disparate fields to show that combining physical ways of learning with the conceptual in education is the way forward. We include the personal stories of ten people who have discovered that working with their hands has improved their quality of life. Through the three sections of the book, we look at how physical labouring became separated from academic study, how we became divorced from the materials that surround us and the important role that the crafts and creativity have to play in education, not just for the lower streams, but for everyone. In short, how making is a skill for life.Trade Review'Intelligent Hands is an intelligent book that carefully, clearly and definitively describes and advocates for the value of making skills at all stages of life, and swiftly unpicks the barriers to engagement with evidence from those already immersed in making. Embracing mental health and wellbeing, creative career and education choices and long held ambitions the book gives compelling context and signposting for anyone seeking to enter the craft world and needing to more deeply understand its depth, breadth and value. Intelligent Hands is a vital and unique addition to the bookshelves and activities of anyone wishing to add to their knowledge and understanding of crafting and making. It is a handbook for the future and its timely messages must go far and wide.’ Lesley Butterworth, Past General Secretary, NSEAD ‘Making can be cherished solo or as a community making together. Hand skills are like an alphabet of making that forms a language of communication. I was lucky enough to have been educated with wood, metal, clay, textiles printing and art as a child at Henbury Comprehensive school in the 1970s, every child had the opportunity to experience this as part of the standard national curriculum. As a result of these formative years my life has been full and fruitful. Where has this aspect of the curriculum gone? We are letting our young people down to not educate them with hand skills in conjunction with other subjects. Congratulations to writers and publishers for bringing to light this essential subject.’ Kate Malone is a co-founder of FiredUp4 ‘If you are interested in applied creativity, skills, competencies, imagination, problem solving and cultural expression, get your hands on this book. Intelligent Hands explores and celebrates embodied intelligence and humanity, which are so critical to all our futures.’ Daniel Charny MBE, Founder Director at Forth Together CIC and Professor of Design at Kingston School of Art

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Book SynopsisExplores queer craft and the material cultures of LGBTQ+ activism in Britain since the 1980s. From handmade clothing and protest banners to radical self-published zines and manifestos, there is a long history of using craft and DIY processes to explore identities, bring communities together, and encourage social and political change. Yet, many of these histories remain undocumented and are insufficiently researched. This collection sheds light on these important histories and includes a range of contributions from academics, artists, activists, curators, and heritage professionals. Case studies discussed include Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp, the Museum of Transology, Lesbians and Gay Men Support the Miners (LGSM), the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt, Islington’s Pride, Queer Zine Library, Glasgow Women’s Library, Queer Journeys, and more. These critical essays and oral histories are complemented by short reflections from contemporary creative practitioners including Matt Smith, Tanoa Sasraku, Sarah-Joy Ford, Rachael House and Raisa Kabir. Taken together, this collection weaves together an important web between craft, queerness, and activism in Britain. As the first book of its kind, it will likely be of interest to a range of students and academics, as well as cultural producers and creatives more broadly.Trade Review'Fountain's book fills a gap that has been left unfilled for far too long. Through sharing previously unheard histories of activism – given from a wide range of perspectives – Crafted with Pride is sure to spark debate, discussion and, well, pride. [...] This book shows how LGBTQ+ activists have long harnessed the power of craft to protest and tell their stories, creating objects that come alive through collective making and use.' -- Isabella Smith, Deputy editor, Crafts magazineTable of ContentsList of Figures Acknowledgements About the editor Introduction: Crafting Identity and Community Thread One: Fashioning the Self 1. Lesbian Activism and Crafted Fashion – Eleanor Medhurst 2. Trans Craft and the Museum of Transology – Lois Stone Thread Two: Pride, Publics, and Preservation 3. Protest with Pride: Lesbians and Gay Men Support the Miners – Mark Etheridge 4. Pride of Place: Remembering, Collecting, and Preserving Islington’s LGBTQ+ Heritage – Seán McGovern 5. (Re)Collecting Queer Craft: Ownership, Identity, and Remembrance in Queer Zine Collecting – Allan Madden Thread Three: Collaborative Craft 6. Navigating Queerness and Trauma Through Collaborative Craft – Dan Vo in conversation with Youcef Hadjazi 7. Stitching Together: The UK AIDS Memorial Quilt and Its Oral Histories – Daniel Fountain Plus, an in-conversation with Graeme Lavery and Karina Thompson Thread Four: Contemporary Practices 8. Making Things Perfectly Queer – Matt Smith 9. A Tower to Say Goodbye – Tanoa Sasraku 10. Quilting Intergenerational Intimacies in Fisch’s Rebel Dykes Archive – Sarah-Joy Ford 11. Queer Voices – Rachael House 12. NO PROTECTION – Raisa Kabir Glossary National Support Organizations Contributor Biographies Index

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Book SynopsisGet your kids folding, snipping, and sticking with Easy Paper Crafts for Kids.Kids love crafting, and paper-based crafts are particularly popular, as they require no specialist equipment or hard-to-find craft supplies—just this exciting book and some paper, scissors, and glue! Easy Paper Crafts for Kids is divided into four vibrant sections containing 45 fun projects. The first section, Cutting, features découpage, collage-making, and mosaics, while Folding contains simple origami projects as well as cute hanging mobiles, classic paper planes, dress-up hats, and fans. In Printing and Painting, kids can look forward to paper-plate masks, treasure maps, and marbling paint techniques. Finally, Modelling contains a papier-mâché pig, doll’s house furniture, and a supersonic cardboard space rocket. Every project can be completed in four easy steps—just follow the instructions and you can''t go wrong.

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Book SynopsisThis kit will teach the skills to craft 11 adorable Harry Potter felt projects. Included are all the materials to make ten projects: Harry, Hermione, Ron, Dumbledore, Snape, and more! Plus instructions for a bonus project—a Monster Book of Monsters cover.Stitch your own collection of Wizarding World-inspired projects using the materials and instructions in Harry Potter Felt! The 64-page instruction book has step-by-step directions and color photos. The kit contains everything you need to make Harry, Hermione, Ron, and seven other projects, including multiple colors of felt, stuffing, a needle, embroidery floss, and die-cut templates. Also included are instructions for a bonus project: a dazzling Monster Book of Monsters cover!

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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