Hobbies, Games & Quizzes Books

Book SynopsisA comprehensive, cross-disciplinary overview of color, Universal Principles of Color presents 100 core concepts and guidelines that are critical to a successful use of color. Richly illustrated and easy to navigate, it pairs clear explanations of every topic with visual examples of it applied in theory and in practice. The book is organized alphabetically so that principles can be easily and quickly referenced. For those interested in addressing a specific color challenge or application problem, the principles are also indexed by pathways based on nine topics of color study ranging from science, art and design, and industry. " Each principle is presented in a two-page format: The left-hand page contains a succinct definition, a full description of the principle, and examples of and guidelines for its use. Side notes, which appear to the right of the text, provide elaborations and references. The right-hand page contains visual examples and related graphics to support a deeper understanding of the principle. Whether in a branding campaign or a healthcare facility, a product’s packaging or a software user interface, the color we see is the culmination of many concepts and practices brought together from a variety of disciplines to increase appeal, influence perception, and enhance usability. By considering these concepts and examples, you can learn to make more informed and ultimately better color decisions. This landmark reference is the standard for designers, engineers, architects, and students who seek to broaden and improve their understanding of and expertise in color. The titles in the Rockport Universal series offer comprehensive and authoritative information and edifying and inspiring visual examples on multidisciplinary subjects for designers, architects, engineers, students, and anyone who is interested in expanding and enriching their design knowledge.

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Book SynopsisCrochet at Work contains 20 fun, customisable dolls to crochet you choose the skin and hair colour, hair style, gender and outfit. Each doll has been dressed in clothing that reflects an aspirational career, so they're perfect for adults wanting to crochet for little ones who say, When I grow up, 'I want to be a...'. Once you've learned the basic principles and techniques involved in crocheting the dolls, you can create any outfit you like. With a comprehensive tools, materials and techniques sections, illustrated with helpful photographs, beginners will be able to enjoy the projects as much as experienced crocheters. AUTHOR: Kate McCully started her craft business 'Make Me Roar' in 2008 when she made a sock monkey for her boss who had just gone on maternity leave. She went on to create a range of sock-monster making kits and opened an online store with her husband, a graphic designer. Kate says that one of the highlights of her crochet career so far was when she was selected to compete on Kirstie's Handmade Christmas. She lives in Eastbourne on the South Coast of the UK with her husband and two children. SELLING POINTS: Suitable for beginners as well as experienced crocheters Most of the crochet is done in one piece, meaning very little sewing is required Each doll can be customised skin and hair colour, hair style, gender and clothing 20 career dolls to crochet in readily available 100% cotton 200 photographs, 30 illustrations

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Book SynopsisDelve into the world of Pointless, the huge ratings-winning hit BBC One quiz show, with this brilliant romp through the history of the world.

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Book SynopsisStep-by-step drawings to nourish your creative self! What makes you happy? Whatever it is, draw it, with the help of Christopher Hart, the world’s top-selling author of art instruction books! Whether it’s an adorable pet, the trip of a lifetime, or an everyday moment to savor (like your morning cup of coffee or buying a cute pair of shoes), this book celebrates the many things that make you happy—and helps you turn them into fun-filled drawings. An enlightening introduction explains how to create the illustrations and make them come alive: how to use color, change poses, personalize the drawings, add shading, and more.

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Book SynopsisScrap Wood Whittlingis a must-have guide for any woodcarver looking to achieve something small, charming, and easy! Small wood carvings tend to intimidate, but author and master carver Steve Tomashek makes it approachable for anyone, even beginners. Opening with helpful insight on materials, tools, cuts, and safety, you'll then go on to complete your tiny animal carvings that slowly progress in difficulty. From a leaping pig and a standing sheep to an aquarium and cat diorama, each project contains clear, step-by-step instructions, coordinating photography, full-size patterns, tips on technique, painting, display ideas, and more!

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Book SynopsisCraft your way through more than 40 eco-friendly festive projects, including charming gifts, stunning decorations, and quirky gift wrap ideas, and bring the magic of the German Christmas markets into your home.No more braving the crowds for tatty tinsel - spend time with friends and family and turn cold nights cosy with homemade bath salts, floating tea lights, and gingerbread hearts. Follow clear, step-by-step instructions to create fresh flower garlands, bake edible gift tags, and paint authentic tree ornaments. Featuring a chapter devoted to last-minute ideas, your treats and trinkets can be as speedy as they are special. Full size templates and stunning photography combine to make your homemade projects simple. Brimming with inspiration so you can create your own magical, homemade holiday - you''ll soon have the festive season all wrapped up with Supercraft Christmas.

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Book SynopsisCLEVER AND CONTEMPORARY ILLUSTRATIONS - 50 witty illustrations by Baltimore-based illustrator, designer and educator George WylesolTHE PERFECT GIFT - Design-led, high-spec illustrated product for maximum gifting potentialLEARN ABOUT ART, YOUR WAY - These portable cards can be taken with you everywhere and encourage the development of a highly personal approach to artTEXT BY ART EDUCATOR - Accessible ideas for learning about art from practicing art educatorDISCOVER THE SERIES - Collect the series with mindfulness-based Ways of Tuning Your Senses, and wanderlust-whetting Ways of Travelling, also by Laurence KingTransform your relationship to art with 50 illustrated prompts. Rethink how you see - each card offers a different way of looking at anything from graffiti to sculpture, painting to tapestry. Have a fresh encounter with whatever artwork comes your way.

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Book SynopsisPreviously published as Mindfulness Moments.Take a few minutes out of your day, wherever you are, and colour your way to peace and calm.Working with your hands is one of the best ways to soothe anxiety and eliminate stress. This stunning, pocket-sized colouring and activity book offers practical exercises in mindfulness that draw on your creativity and hone your focus.The Mindfulness Moments Colouring Book is the third book from international bestselling illustrator Emma Farrarons. Perfectly sized to carry around in your pocket or bag, this gorgeous adult colouring book includes ideas for mindfulness activities, all beautifully embellished with exquisite scenes and intricate, sophisticated patterns.Trade ReviewPraise for The Mindfulness Colouring Book: The new way to relieve your stress. -- Sydney Morning HeraldPraise for The Mindfulness Colouring Book: This little book is handily pocket-sized, so you can pop it in your work bag for the commute. -- IndependentPraise for The Mindfulness Colouring Book: This pocket-sized adult colouring book is the perfect activity for a 10-minute breather. Consider your stress and anxiety soothed. -- Evening Standard

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Book SynopsisUsing a collection of gorgeous fabrics combined with instructions for adding eye-catching details and hardware, Michelle Golightly shows sewists how to fashion perfect bags to sell, gift or keep.

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Book SynopsisDive deep into the sea with Notebook Doodles Happy Ocean! This adventurous and engaging coloring book for ''tweens is filled with 32 charming designs of whales, sea turtles, dolphins, starfish, and other amazing sea creatures from talented artist Jess Volinski. With empowering art activities for young girls, Jess also includes fill-in prompts, instructions on basic coloring techniques, fully colored examples, and motivational quotes to go with every design. Watercolors, colored pencils, markers, crayons, and gel pens will all look stunning on archival-grade, acid-free, 200-year paper. Each page is perforated, so when it''s finished, it can easily be removed to hang up or give as a gift.

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Book SynopsisHave fun at the farm with this new collection of minis from Kerry Lord and her Edward’s Menagerie animals. This is one of the new gift series from TOFT (Kerry’s yarn company), which contains four books, each with 25 crochet patterns on a different theme: Ocean, Wild, Farm and Pets. These mini animals are quick and easy to make so they are perfect for the beginner as well as giving the more advanced crocheter an afternoon’s fun. The books are practically organised so you start with the easiest pattern and, as you grow in confidence, you continue through the book, mastering the art of crocheting animals, from the humble mouse to the angora rabbit, producing high-quality collectibles to keep or give as thoughtful, homemade gifts. This range of mini animals are totally new patterns for fans, new and old, to get hooked to. Sitting at 8cm (3 inches) tall, you can make your own cute collection, which could be used to create a nursery mobile, a board game, key rings and much more! Whether you’re in front of the TV, commuting to work or having a relaxing afternoon, these projects are perfect for bringing mindfulness and creativity into your day. Patterns in the series will include:Pets: Cockapoo, Iguana, Angora Bunny, Tabby Cat, TarantulaFarm: Pony, Alpaca, Sheep, Goat, PigOcean: Whale, Shark, Lobster, Starfish, Manta RayWild: Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Rhino, BuffaloTrade Review‘Quick to make and not too dependent on tension – perfect for quick last-minute gifts for children big or small’ -- Knitting

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Book SynopsisTunisian crochet, sometimes called afghan crochet, is a crochet technique that uses an elongated crochet hook with a stopper. A combination of knitting, crocheting and weaving, Tunisian crochet features both a forward pass and a return pass, giving the piece a unique fabric all to itself. The afghan is 46" wide and 54" long, pillow is 12".Trade ReviewTunisian or afghan crochet uses an elongated crochet hook with an end stop, to combine knitting, crocheting and weaving. The afghan is 46 inches wide and 54 inches long, with a 12 inch pillow and uses 33 different stitches. * Machine Knitting Monthly Magazine *

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Book SynopsisEvery chess player wants to improve, but many, if not most, lack the tools or the discipline to study in a structured and effective way. With so much material on offer, the eternal question is: How can I study chess without wasting my time and energy? Davorin Kuljasevic provides the full and ultimate answer, as he presents a structured study approach that has long-term improvement value. He explains how to study and what to study, offers specific advice for the various stages of the game and points out how to integrate all elements in an actionable study plan. How do you optimize your learning process? How do you develop good study habits and get rid of useless ones? What study resources are appropriate for players of different levels? Many self-improvement guides are essentially little more than a collection of exercises. Davorin Kuljasevic reflects on learning techniques and priorities in a fundamental way. And although this is not an exercise book, it is full of instructive examples looked at from unusual angles. To provide a solid self-study framework, Kuljasevic categorizes lots of important aspects of chess study in a guide that is rich in illustrative tables, figures and bullet points. Anyone, from casual player to chess professional, will take away a multitude of original learning methods and valuable practical improvement ideas.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides a wealth of practical guidance on building and painting realistic model naval ships aimed at those who are new to this hobby through to the experienced modeller. An in-depth look at the creation of four models is included: the Type 45 destroyer HMS Daring (Dragon), the pre-war aircraft carrier USS Wasp (Aoshima), the River-class frigate HMS Nadder (Starling Models) and the 'pocket battleship' Admiral Graf Spee (Academy). With a focus on the popular kit scales of 1/700 and 1/350 in the waterline style, this book demonstrates the techniques used in building model ships, from the basic to the more complex, larger-scale models requiring many differing skills. There are chapters on the fundamentals such as building resin kits, painting and weathering, rigging and creating a water effect. It provides guidance on more advanced techniques such as the use of photo-etched parts and creating rough-water effects. Finally, it is packed with helpful tips and finishing touches, such as making flags and how to take professional-standard photographs of your completed model.Trade ReviewWhile I have concentrated on modelling military vehicles and aircraft in over 55 years of modelling, I have always built the occasional ship, especially in 1/700. So while I am familiar with many aspects of modelling, I found a lot of useful tips and ideas in here which I hadn't known or thought of before, so whether you are a beginner or more experienced naval ship modeller, there is plenty to learn in here. Very happy to recommend this one. -- Robin Buckland * Military Model Scene *This is a great modelling book with techniques applicable to all modelling. It is inspirational, would make an agreeable present and is strongly recommended both for the general interested reader, the collector and the modelling enthusiast. -- Martin S Pike, reviewer Miniature Wargames * Miniature Wargames *

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Book SynopsisA sampler is a project made from a "sampling" of different stitches or different motifs.

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Book SynopsisEnjoy coloring mandalas like you never have before! From best-selling artist Thaneeya McArdle comes a new adult coloring book that features 40 nature-inspired mandala designs with flowers, butterflies, hedgehogs, chipmunks, birds, and other signs of spring. With introductory tips on coloring techniques and an inspirational gallery of completed examples to inspire you before you begin,Woodland Mandalas Coloring Bookis sure to breathe new life into your coloring practice. Designs are printed on a single side of high-quality, extra-thick paper with perforated edges for easy removal and display.

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Book Synopsis90 Puzzles, Logic Riddles & Brain Teasers to Exercise Your Mind From New York Times bestselling author Dr. Gary Small – an expert on neuroscience, memory, Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, anxiety and human behavior – Brain Games to Exercise Your Mind: Protect Your Brain from Memory Loss and Other Age-Related Disorders will keep your mind sharp and in-shape. Memory loss and age-related dementia illnesses are among the most frightening diagnoses in the US, affecting nearly six million adult Americans. Dr Small provides over 90 puzzles, logic Riddles and brain teasers to exercise your mind, and have fun while staying sharp. Table of ContentsTABLE OF CONTENTS to Brain Games to Exercise Your Mind: Protect Your Brain from Memory Loss and Other Age-Related Disorders by Dr Gary SmallINTRODUCTION VIIPART 1: BRAIN GAMES 1PART 2: HEALTH CARE FOR A BETTER BRAIN 187PART 3: WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR BRAIN 197ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 219LOWER YOUR ODDS FOR DEMENTIAWITH FOODS THAT FIGHTINFLAMMATION 225THIS TWO-MINUTE MORNINGACTIVITY WILL BOOST YOURENERGY AND FOCUS ALL DAY 229ABOUT THE AUTHORS 233

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Book SynopsisAndy Singleton has been modelling and painting most of his life and has been a professional commission figure painter for some years now. Here he shares his experience and tips of the trade for painting Axis forces on WW2's Eastern Front: Germans, Romanians, Hungarians and Italians and Finns. Each of the chapters is broken into step by step guides explaining the steps and colours required to paint the various uniforms used. The emphasis is on quickly achievable results and practical advice that is applicable to painting units or whole armies for wargaming purposes in a reasonable time frame. The techniques described are designed to easily be adaptable to figures of all sizes. Andy's clear, step-by-step guidance is primarily designed fir those new to historical gaming, and takes the reader through the process from the initial preparation and assembly of the figure, to finishing and basing.

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Book SynopsisIn Make Thrift Mend, slow fashion influencer Katrina Rodabaugh, bestselling author of Mending Matters, teaches readers how to mend, patch, dye, and alter clothing for an environmentally conscious, reimagined wardrobe. Award-winning artist Katrina Rodabaugh presents a comprehensive guide to building (and keeping) a wardrobe that matters. Whether you want to repair your go-to jeans, refresh a favorite garment, alter or dye clothing you already have—this book has all the know-how you’ll need. Woven throughout are stories, essays, and a slow fashion call-to-action, encouraging readers to get involved or deepen their commitment to changing the destructive habit of overconsumption. Rodabaugh has an engaged community (her kits are in high demand and her classes sell out quickly) and a proven ability to tempt sewists and nonsewists alike to take up needle and thread.“When Katrina Rodabaugh gave up ‘convenience Trade Review“Katrina provides the inspiration, the motivation, and the techniques to put daydreams into practice, whether you want to DIY it or ask a professional to do it for you, and the more you delve into her universe, the more you are compelled to do as she does.” -- from the Foreword by Orsola de Castro, co-founder and global creative director, Fashion Revolution“When Katrina Rodabaugh gave up ‘convenience in fashion,’ she began what she calls ‘a relationship with commitment instead.’ Circularity, invention, the impulse to create, traditional craft, and modern handwork fuel Katrina’s inspiring new book, Make Thrift Mend, indeed.” -- Natalie Chanin, The School of Making and Alabama Chanin“Katrina’s philosophy is masterfully distilled in Make Thrift Mend. She has a gift for making sustainable living into a spiritual practice, while at the same time grounding it in accessible practices. Treading lightly upon the earth does not require a hefty paycheck; anyone can learn how to clothe themselves in alignment with their values with the skills taught in these pages.” -- Meg McElwee, Sew LiberatedStaff Pick: Powell’s “A slow fashion book for the thoughtful fashionista. Rodabaugh states: ‘Start where you are. Start by looking at the clothes you already own before shopping for new. Can they be mended or remodeled rather than replaced?’ This isn’t just another closet advice book. Rodabaugh gives us inspiring ideas for rejuvenating our old togs into treasures to be proud of. I was a fan of her first book, Mending Matters, and I’m just as excited about Make Thrift Mend. Recommended by Tracey T. * Powells.com *

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Book SynopsisDiscover the loyalty of your inner Hufflepuff with this official, year-long guided journal inspired by the beloved Harry Potter films.In the Harry Potter films, students sorted into the house of Hufflepuff are known for their kindness and loyalty. Now, fans of the iconic film series can embrace their inner Hufflepuff with this deluxe guided journal. Featuring classic Hufflepuff iconography, this year-long journal includes a mixture of one-line-a-day activities, lists and free-writing prompts to help fans tap into and develop the key trait that makes Hufflepuffs so special: their loyalty. With film quotes from famous Hufflepuffs throughout and prompts and activities inspired by key scenes from the movies, this thoughtful journal offers Harry Potter fans a space for self-reflection, evaluation and empowerment inspired by the movies they love.

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Book SynopsisThis latest addition to the popular "Cozy" series is by a UK author and will appeal to knitters of all abilities. Each of the designs has comprehensive easy-to-follow instructions for knitting and assembly, as well as an additional techniques section. Full of charm and personality, these 30 knitted finger puppets will appeal to children of all ages. Russell ringmaster, Pixie Pete and Doctor Destiny are just some of the unique characters included in the book, with their own set of props they're perfect for inspiring creative play, acting out swashbuckling adventures or fulfilling fantasy fairy tales. With five different themes: Circus, Farmyard, Fairyland, High Seas and Science Lab, there's a set of puppets to bring a smile to every youngster's face.

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Book SynopsisRenowned interior designer and tastemaker Charlotte Moss celebrates flowers and offers endless inspiration in their use as glorious additions to decorating, entertaining, and everyday living.Charlotte Moss encourages readers to bring the garden indoors--with ideas for arranging flowers, selecting containers, and placing blossoms around the house. An inviting cluster of blooms on a guest room's bedside table, lavish floral displays for parties and holidays, single stems adding life to any corner of a room--Moss has been photographing her flower arrangements for over a decade. This book is a celebration of her artistry and a testament to flowers as part of day-to-day life.From Moss's grander displays in the city to her more informal and breezy creations at her home in the country, as well as in the refined interiors of her clients, the visual result is a chronicle of the myriad ways flowers provide inspiration--indoors and out. Readers will be further motivated as Trade Review"Beloved for her Southern charm and unwavering eye, interiors icon Charlotte Moss’ latest tome, Charlotte Moss Flowers (Rizzoli), delivers with her signature panache." —MODERN LUXURY INTERIORS "An inviting cluster of blooms on a guest room’s bedsidetable is always welcome. Designer Charlotte Moss encourages readers to bring the garden indoors—with ideas for arranging flowers, selecting containers,and placing blossoms around the house." —SOCIETY TEXAS"In her new book, famed designer Charlotte Moss celebrates the best of seasonal flowers as well as the inspiring gardeners who turned cultivating remarkable plots and crafting transportive arrangements into an art form." —GALERIE MAGAZINE"If interior designer Charlotte Moss has one piece of advice for arranging flowers, it would be to throw out all the rules. Moss’s spontaneous approach to arrangements blossoms in Flowers." —ELLEDECOR.COM"Renowned interior designer and tastemaker Charlotte Moss celebrates flowers and offers endless inspiration in their use as glorious additions to decorating, entertaining, and everyday living." —LOVEHAPPENSMAG.COM"Tumbling her own artful philosophy with that of gardening aficionados such as Cowles, Guest, Vanderbilt and a colorful bunch of others including Jackie Kennedy and her sister, Lee Radziwill, the writer Colette and heiress/horticulturist Bunny Mellon, Moss gathers it all into a delicious bouquet of biographical snippets, glorious photos and quotations." —MYLITTLEBIRD.COM

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Book Synopsis'Chess Secrets' is a series of books which uncover the mysteries of the most important aspects of chess, such as strategy, attack, defence, opening play, endgames, off-board preparation and mental attitude. In each book the author chooses and deeply studies a number of great players who have excelled in such aspects of the game, greatly influenced their peers and inspired all of us. In 'Giants of Innovation', Craig Pritchett selects five chess legends whose play exemplifies outstandingly innovative attributes. Wilhelm Steinitz established the essential ground-rules for modern positional chess. Emanuel Lasker pioneered a new kind of totalA", all-out battling chess. Mikhail Botvinnik taught us how to prepare and successfully play an entire range of complex modern opening systems. Viktor Korchnoi set particularly high standards in the art of defence and counter-attack. Vassily Ivanchuk, a modern byword for ingenuity and surprise, excels by constant creation. Read this book and enhance your own skills. Understand how to inject more innovation into your own games. *An entertaining and instructive guide to innovative chess *Learn from the greats of the game *Discover how famous chess minds work

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Book SynopsisThese books are perfect for enthusiastic chess players who are starting out in the game, and who are seeking to understand the basic principles behind these important openings: the Pirc/Modern and the Grunfeld. Both books are written in a user-friendly style with an abundance of notes, tips and warnings scattered throughout, while key strategies, ideas, and tactics for both sides are clearly illustrated. The authors of these books are very skilled and experienced chess writers, who are used to writing for players of all levels and are renowned for their ability to explain ideas in a lucid and straightforward manner. These books will be especially beneficial to those players who have previously sharpened their chess skills with the earlier books Starting Out in Chess, Tips for Young Players and Improve Your Opening Play. *User-friendly design to help readers absorb ideas *Concentrates on the fundamental principles of the openings *Ideal for the improving player

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Book SynopsisIf fear of the unknown is all that is preventing you from embarking on the satisfying hobby of model engineering, then this is the book that will banish your concerns. Author Harold Hall has established his reputation as a mentor to tyro model engineers through the pages of Model Engineer magazine and Model Engineers' Workshop, of which he was the editor for a number of years. This book assumes no previous experience and using the medium of twelve lathe turning projects will lead prospective model engineers through all of the basic techniques needed to tackle ambitious projects. All of the projects are extensively illustrated and full working drawings accompany the text. Once followed through, the reader will have amassed a wealth of practical skills and a range of useful workshop tools and equipment.Table of ContentsGetting Started. Mini Surface Gauge. Precision Square. Between-Centres Test Bar. Hole Gauges. Distance Gauges. Tailstock Die Holders. Precision Tapers. Screw Jack. Screw Cutting. Getting to Grips with the Face Plate. Mill Drill Spindle. Milling Cutter Chuck.

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Book SynopsisThe Frostgrave Folio is the complete collection of all previously released Frostgrave mini-ebook supplements in one printed volume. This includes Hunt for the Golem, a three-scenario campaign in which the warbands hunt down a rogue golem; Sellsword, which introduces rules for experience-gaining captains to help lead warbands; Dark Alchemy, which expands the rules for potions and potion brewing, and Arcane Locations which gives additional options for bases and base upgrades. The book also includes a completely new mini-supplement, The Ravages of Time.

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Book SynopsisThe new book by the author of the Sunday Times bestseller Millie Marotta’s Animal Kingdom. Lose yourself in a riot of colouring in and drawing as you bring the exotic creatures and plants in Millie Marotta’s Tropical Wonderland to life. Millie’s intricate style of illustration encourages you to make your own mark, whether it’s to add to the fine lines on trees or add a splash of colour to the feathers of a tropical parrot. Explore the rainforest further and you will find extraordinary flowers, birds, butterflies and reptiles, including a rainbow boa with shiny scales crying out for a touch of colour. This book will bring enjoyment to anyone who is looking for a creative outlet or a mindful and relaxing activity.

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Book SynopsisRelax and unwind with this stress-relieving colouring book of intricate patterns. The art of colouring can help to focus the mind and still the mental chatter that saps our energy and causes stress and negative feelings. As you start to colour in these designs you will unleash your inner creativity and find yourself gradually moving to a more peaceful and calming state of mind. You can colour in as little or as much as you like, taking your time to develop your picture the way you want it. There are no hard or fast rules, you are truly free to create your own unique designs using pencils, pens or paints. Start colouring today and enjoy the still, quiet voice of calm this simple meditative practice will bring.

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Book SynopsisMake treasured art quilts from bits of cloth, stitched motifs, and painted details. Dip your toes into the world of art quilting with mixed-media techniques, practice exercises, checklists, and work-along projects presented using 8 design guides. This visual, step-by-step guide will help you unlock your own artistic vision as you quilt in a series, finish small art pieces, and incorporate meaningful symbols into your work.Trade ReviewDec 2016 This book has the tagline ‘How to get from 'start' to 'art''. This is a very apt description of the book as it works as an exercise in mentoring the reader into creating art quilts. You can get a lot of books that try to direct you in this way but don’t always offer practical exercises to achieve it. Joen Wolfrom’s book 'Adventures in Design' did so very successfully (also published by C&T) and Deborah Boschert’s book reminds me of this. It doesn’t go into the subject of design to the depth of Wolfrom’s but instead, concentrates on the art of composition and surface design. What is different here is that you are given a limited set of tools and this helps focus the mind whilst developing the skills. The tools you are given are eight design guides to follow which are presented to you in simple diagrams. These basic layouts apply to all the techniques of creating a quilt through the book and you can see what makes each work. Working alongside that is a Design Checklist (which is a great way of getting you to analyse your work and change your layout accordingly) and the See What Happens exercises which offer a prescribed method of trying out new approaches. One of those exercises, using a photo you have taken, and working out the composition, shapes and patterns, provides a perfect way of improving your observation. This is a great book for working on developing a visual style and thinking more about the mechanics of composition. * Workshop on the Web *Dec 2016 An enticing close up of one of Deborah's quilts as a front cover, plus the quote on the back - 'How to get from start to art', both set the tone for this inspiring and motivational book. Although I am more of a traditional quilter myself, i greatley admire quilts on display at quilt shows and often wonder how the maker has started on the process, how their jouney has taken them from the inspiration to the design and finally to a complete art quilt - something this book covers very well. There are no actual projects in the book, but should rather be used as a guide to work through the individual processes required to create a unique quilt of your own. Each chapter has a bullet list of the skills that are covered so you can flick through to the appropriate support you require. The chapter on Inspiration quickly made me realise there are so many starting points to a design, such as those pieces of fabric we all squirrel away but just don't know how to incorporate into a project. This chapter also has a brief but detailed guide to colour, how to use it and how to change the mood of a piece by adding an accent. The Design and Composition chapter clearly explains in text, diagrams, and photographs of work the principles of the design process, while other chapters cover surface design, stitching and threads and the construction and finishing a piece of work. I found this book very informative in its suggestions and examples. It is a book to inspire and support you in the process of making an art quilt and would be of great value if you were following a course that includes a design component. I am looking forward to dabbling my toe into the world of art quilts with this book at my side. * Popular Patchwork *We do not usually need an excuse to quilt, but if you have been looking for inspiration, here it is in oodles. You'll find easy-to-use design guidelines, ideas and more to get your creativity buzzing. The front cover gives you a real idea of what this book is all about. Inside, the contents include inspiration, design, construction, symbols, surface design, stitch and finishing plus a gallery of work. Throughout there are useful exercises too. Techniques are explained but this is not a step-by-step book as such, more a creative journey that you can join in and learn so that you apply processes to your own work. There was nothing new to me, but things do not have to be new to inspire and bring forth your own slant on ideas. Discover painted surfaces, stencils, applique, edges, text, stitch and more. I think everyone will enjoy the creative processes in this book that are easy to apply to your own ideas. I love the chairs, they are great. * YarnsandFabrics.co.uk *Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: Supplies Chapter 2: Inspiration and Fabric Selection Embracing Inspiration Gathering a Fabric Palette Ideas about Color See What Happens: Photo Inspiration Exploration Chapter 3: Design and Composition The Eight Design Guides The Design Check List Practice Project, Part 1: Inspiration, Fabric and Beginning Design See What Happens: Quick Fabric Sketches Chapter 4: Construction Raw Edge Fused Applique Tips for Working with Fusible Web Chapter 5: Personal Symbols Finding and Developing Symbols Adding Symbols to Art Quilts Using fabric Using paint Using stitch Practice Project, Part 2: Adding a Personal Symbol and Other Details See What Happens: Symbol Study Chapter 6: Surface Design What is Surface Design? Surface Design Techniques Practice Project, Part 3: Adding Surface Design See What Happens: Simple Repeat Patterns Chapter 7: Stitching Stitching For Art Quilts Planning and Designing the Stitched Layer Favorite Stitches By machine By hand Practice Project, Part 4: Hand and Machine Stitching See What Happens: Zen Stitching Chapter 8: Finishing Fused Backing Squaring Up and Cropping Edge Treatments Titles and Labels Presentation Practice Project, Part 5: Finishing See What Happens: Roll An Art Quilt Chapter 9: Gallery of Art Quilts Gallery of the Eight Design Guides Gallery of Additional Techniques Resources About the Author

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Book SynopsisFourth-generation quilter Rebecca Bryan is back — this time with beautiful 3-sided blocks sewn from pieced stripes, chevrons, curves, and more. A dedicated graphic design chapter will help you choose a winning colour palette, play up unexpected elements, and achieve balance and symmetry. Grab your favourite ruler and the full-size block templates to create equilateral, isosceles, and right triangles with ease. With no tricky seams, these sampler blocks are perfect to mix and match.Trade Review70 pieced triangle blocks make bold, geometric designs to play with in your quilt-making. There are 3 basic triangular shapes used to make blocks. These are used singly or joined to make diamonds or larger triangles. You'll also find 11 sampler quilts that are simple to piece with no set-in seams. Explore bold, dynamic design, colour, visual texture and balance. Enhance with stitch. I love the Upstart quilt (I would have put this one on the front cover). It is dynamic and a very adaptable design, as shown in Skylines and Facets. At the back of the book are fold-out template patterns. The instructions are clear and I would expect this to be one to be a bestseller. * yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *Table of ContentsPreface Introduction Elements of Graphic Design Equilateral Triangle Blocks The Blocks (Base-36) The Quilt Projects Equilateral Sampler Upstart Skylines Facets Right-Triangle Blocks The Blocks (Base-20) The Quilt Projects Graphic Right-Triangle Sampler Saturn Wake Twilight Isosceles Triangle Blocks The Blocks (Base-14) The Quilt Projects Isosceles Sampler Riptide Stardust About the Author Pattern Pullout Pages

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Book SynopsisCrochet Your Own Kawaii Animal Cuties is an adorable kawaii-style crochet kit that celebrates the cutest animals (including internet meme darlings like corgis, narwhals, and "trash pandas") with instructions to make 12 amigurumi animals and materials to make two projects.Table of ContentsAbout This Kit Abbreviations Chart Notes on Tools & Materials Crochet Stitches & Techniques PROJECTS 1. Sloth 2. Shiba Inu 3. Pug 4. Corgi 5. Fat Cat 6. Raccoon 7. Otters Holding Hands 8. Raptor 9. Owl 10. Cockatiel 11. Narwhal 12. Baby Seal About the Author Acknowledgments

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Book SynopsisDoes the beer buyer at the liquor store ask your advice? Do you understand the difference between a turbid and a single infusion mash? Do you travel with a tulip glass handy? Have you even eaten ramen just to afford a vintage Cantillon gueuze? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be a Beer Geek and in need of this hilarious guide. Patrick Dawson provides everything you need to fully live a life ruled by beer, from the Ten Beer Geek Commandments and the Beer Geek Hall of Fame to guidance on what to drink, how and where to drink it, how to gracefully correct an uninformed bartender, where to buy “geek goods,” how to flawlessly execute a beer tasting, how to plan the ultimate beer-centric vacation, and much more. Includes quizzes to help you determine your level of geekery, as well as witty illustrations by Greg Kletsel.

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Book SynopsisWait until you get your hands on this rugged paper that looks, feels, and wears like leather, but sews, cuts, and washes like fabric.

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Book SynopsisTough, touchable paper that looks, feels and wears like leather, but sews, cuts and washes just like fabric. 19 x 1.5 yard roll in natural, unwashed colour.

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Book SynopsisRock, Paper, Scissors is a collection of creative, fun, sense-stimulating things you can do with very simple materials: stones, paper and scissors.From land art to science experiments, with a pinch of geology, and a sprinkling of magic, these easy-but-inspiring and thrifty activities will keep your family occupied all year round.Rock, Paper, Scissors is packed with activities to do indoors and outdoors, in the city, at the beach, in the countryside – wherever you might be. Perfect for parents who are keen to turn walks and day trips into exciting experiences, this activity book will have universal appeal for families who want to reduce their screen time and encourage kids to conjure up adventures from almost nothing both indoors and out.

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