Hobbies, Games & Quizzes Books

Book Synopsis17 stunning Tunisian crochet garments to make with love and wear with pride, from elegant summer tops to cozy winter jackets.

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Book SynopsisSilversmithing for Jewellery Makers is a lusciously illustrated book that offers an authoritative, inspirational insight into the art and craft of silver jewellery making for today’s artisan. Now updated with new information, project inspiration and profiles of renowned jewellers, this remains the go-to book on silver jewellery making. Covering all the main skills, treatments and techniques, this comprehensive guide leaves nothing out. From soldering to engraving, every technique is explained with a detailed overview, followed by a carefully-illustrated step-by-step tutorial. Traditional techniques such as filigree are examined alongside contemporary designs and profiles of world-renowned jewellers, updated in this edition to also feature Cynthia Eid, Regine Schwarzer and Ute Decker. A treasure trove of useful tips and information, the book also includes extensive sections on materials, tools and health and safety. An invaluable resource for professionals, a must-have guide for beginners and a unique source of inspiration for all levels of jewellery makers and designers, this book guarantees a strong position on the backlist. Table of ContentsSECTION ONE: TECHNIQUES AND PROFILES 4 Basic Techniques: Annealing and Pickling 6, Soldering 10, Cutting and Filing 16, Basic Forming 24, Shaping 30, Cold Connections 46, Wirework and Chains 52, Findings and Mechanisms 62, Casting 78 Surface Techniques: Texturing 84, Chasing and Repoussé 94, Engraving 98, Etching 102, Reticulation 108, Oxidising and Colouring 112, Finishing Surfaces 116 Specialist Techniques: Married Metals 120, Stone Setting 138, Precious Metal Clay 148, Filigree 156, Granulation 160 Profiles: Cynthia Eid 168, Regine Schwarzer 169, Helga van Leipsig 170, Stepan Terteryan 171, Patricia Tschetter 172, Ute Decker 173 SECTION TWO: MATERIALS, TOOLS AND RESOURCES 174 Materials: Types of Silver 176, Silver Availability and Products 177 Tools: The Workbench 178, Bench Tools 178, Machinery 178, Hand Drills, Drill Bits and Burrs 178, Measuring 179, Marking 179, Cutting 179, Filing 179, Hammers 179, Mallets 180, Pliers 180, Stakes 180, Mandrels 180, Heating and Soldering 180, Metal Clay 181, Engraving 181, Chasing and Repoussé 182, Stone Setting 182, Casting 182, Abrasives and Polishing 182, Chemicals 184 Health and Safety: Machinery 185, Chemicals 185, Heating and Soldering 185 Resources: Charts 186, Hallmarking 188, Index 189, Acknowledgements 192

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Book SynopsisA unique Scottish colouring book suitable for adults as well as children featuring 20 of the country's most iconic places, including: Edinburgh Castle * Forth Rail Bridge * St Andrews * HMS Discovery, Dundee * Balmoral castle * Loch Ness/Urquart Castle * Dunrobin * Castle, Stromness, Orkney * Skara Brae * Callanish standing stones * Lews Castle, Lewis * Highland Games * Eilean Donan * Duart Castle, Mull * Tobermory, Skye * Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow * Caerlaverlock Castle * Abbotsford House * Melrose Abbey * Rosslyn Chapel * Falkirk Wheel * Stirling Castle * Edinburgh Christmas Market Eilidh Muldoon's are ideal for all levels of colouring - plenty of intricate detail for those who like a colouring challenge, yet simple enough for those with less patience to create beautiful colour artwork in a short time.

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Book SynopsisA fun collection of 24 amigurumi friend couples to crochet throughout the year. A Year of Amigurumi Friends is a book of crochet patterns featuring loveable animal character duos representing each month of the year. Inspired by seasonal activities, holidays, and events, readers and makers will have their hands busy all year long. You can follow along with the stories and characters as you enjoy a year of making with these crochet amigurumi patterns.The character designs feature different construction techniques, colour changes, textured stitches, and all the main characters have cute accessories to make this an exciting pattern collection for amigurumi and crochet lovers.A Year of Amigurumi Friends features:? Crochet patterns for fun character duos and their cute accessories for a year of making.? Amigurumi makes based on events and themes for each month throughout the year including holidays and special occasions.? Step-by-step instructions for all the crochet techniques required including assembling and finishing the amigurumi toys.

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Book SynopsisThis is the first complete reference from David Ellsworth, the 'grandfather' of the contemporary wood art movement. And never before has he provided everything woodworkers and artists need to know to replicate his highly evolved techniques and signature style. Step-by-step directions and crisp, absorbing photographs show exactly how Ellsworth creates an open bowl, a natural-edged bowl, and an astounding hollow vessel featuring a tiny opening and coin-thin walls. For anyone new to the lathe, "Ellsworth on Turning" provides expert tips for getting started. Intermediate and advanced turners will appreciate advice on everything from working with green wood to design to tool making and sharpening.Table of ContentsIntroduction - The Creative Process...2 Chapter 1 - Working with Green Wood & Dry Wood...6 Chapter 2 - Managing Materials...12 Chapter 3 - Why Turning Tools Work...22 Chapter 4 - Making Tools & Tools Handles...36 Chapter 5 - Sharpening...48 Chapter 6 - Chucks, Glue Blocks & Faceplates...66 Chapter 7 - Design...78 Chapter 8 - The Body...98 Chapter 9 - Turning an Open Bowl with a Cut Rim...108 Chapter 10 - Turning an Open Bowl with a Natural Edge...136 Chapter 11 - Turning the Exterior of a Hollow Form...144 Chapter 12 - Turning the Interior of a Hollow Form...156 Chapter 13 - Turning Spirit Forms...182 Chapter 14 - Jam Chucks & Vacuum Chucks...190 Chapter 15 - Sanding...204 Chapter 16 - Finishing...218 Chapter 17 - Drying Green Wood Vessels...230 Appendix - Teaching...240 Glossary...244 Resources...246

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Book SynopsisINSPIRATION FOR THE TV SHOWIf ever there were a book to make you switch off your television set, The Dangerous Book for Boys is it.How many other books will help you thrash someone at conkers, race your own go-cart, and identify the best quotations from Shakespeare? The Dangerous Book for Boys gives you facts and figures at your fingertips swot up on the solar system, learn about famous battles and read inspiring stories of incredible courage and bravery. Teach your old dog new tricks. Make a pinhole camera. Understand the laws of cricket. There''s a whole world out there: with this book, anyone can get out and explore it.The Dangerous Book for Boys is written with the verve and passion that readers of Conn Iggulden''s number one bestselling novels have come to expect. This book, his first non-fiction work, has been written with his brother as a celebration of the long summers of their youth and as a compendium of information so vital to men of all ages. Lavishly designed and fully ilTrade ReviewPraise for ‘The Dangerous Book for Boys' ‘The perfect handbook for boys and dads.' Daily Telegraph 'Full of tips on how to annoy your parents'. Evening Standard 'An old-fashioned compendium of information on items such as making catapults and knot-tying…the end of the PlayStation may have been signalled.' The Times 'Just William would be proud. A new book teaching boys old-fashioned risky pursuits…has become a surprise bestseller.' Daily Mail 'If you want to know how to make crystals, master NATO's phonetic alphabet…and build a workbench, look no further.' Time Out

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Book SynopsisA wonderful portable edition of Millie Marotta's Tropical Wonderland from the the Sunday Times and international bestseller Millie Marotta. 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.Trade Review'Gorgeous, calming … zen-inducing' * PaperCrafter Magazine *'A wealth of inspiration for colouring enthusiasts.' * Gift Focus *'Full of intricate illustrations of things like tropical parrots, butterflies, reptiles and flowers, this is a great way to add some colour to your life! A great one to help you bring the outdoors to life.' * Woman and Home *

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Book SynopsisTake your tabletop roleplay to the next level with this first-of-its-kind card deck filled with questions to help you get to know your character and your party! Your adventuring party does a lot together, fighting side by side, and saving the world (or destroying it, depending your alignment): but at the end of the day, how well do you know them? This deck gives you the opportunity to share your character’s backstory, and even create new details, through question-based roleplay. Created by the RPG expert, author, and podcaster James D’Amato, this deck has fifty unique and interesting question cards to spark discussion, inspiration, and collaboration.Trade Review"A great way to start a game or add into downtime phases during gameplay." —Gizmodo“A really nifty accessory for game masters of any RPG background." —Brittnic Creations"A good fit for any downtime moment in any genre." —Forbes

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewI've seen one or two books on 'recreating vintage style' in my time as I am very much an aficionado. This, though is, by a long way, the most informative and satisfying one I have yet to behold. -- Lindy Zubairy, Slipknot Magazine * Slipknot Magazine issue 179 (Knitting and Crochet Guild's) *The author’s passion for vintage knitwear is showcased in this exploration of Tyrolean-style designs. A delightful, if rather specialist book, that offers a unique blend of history, fashion and craft. -- Kath Gerrard, Journal of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers * Journal of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers *

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Book SynopsisChess is a popular and fascinating game, it’s good for the mind, and satisfying to play with others, in clubs, or alone, in travel, against a computer, or an app. This new book will take you quickly through the movement of the pieces to good opening strategies, middle game techniques, and how to either finish off or defend against your opponent.

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Book SynopsisTake a moment to unwind with this activity book, packed with calming puzzles, breathing exercises and colouring pages The wonderful thing about mindfulness is there are so many ways to practise it, and it’s no surprise that colouring and puzzle-solving have become favourite relaxation techniques for many. Filled with suitably soothing activities designed to focus your attention and free your mind of worry, this book contains 177 therapeutic puzzles, as well as breathing exercises, colouring pages and positive mantras to help you find your zen. Discover crosswords, mazes, word searches, dot-to-dots and much more, each providing the perfect break from your day-to-day hassles. And it’s not just stress relief – solving puzzles is also believed to improve your memory, increase productivity and boost your mood. If you’ve had a long day, The Mindfulness Activity Book may be just what you need to wind down, allowing you to become fully absorbed in the present moment.

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Book SynopsisWith chapters outlining more than a half dozen colorwork knitting techniques, The Colorwork Bible is your updated exploration of both beginner- and advanced-level skills with a vibrant, modern palette and inspired projects. Join knitwear designer Jesie Ostermiller as you learn: A variety of small-scale swatch lessons that help you master a technique before diving into a full size project. Stripes, stranding, Fair Isle, brioche, slip-stitch, mosaic, intarsia, and more! Each technique is featured must-make projects you'll want to cast-on today. Valuable tips and tricks, plus essential information on successfully combining colors for the best possible results. Dig deep into the most colorful technique in knitting with The Colorwork Bible!

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Book SynopsisArtist's Watercolour Techniques brings together a selection of award-winning artists and tutors represented by multiple galleries throughout the UK, including Grahame Booth, Alisa Adamsone, Veronica Ballart Lilja, Glynis Barnes-Mellish, Julia Cassels, Rod Craig, Denise Findlay, Eleanor Hardiman, Michele Illing, Gilly Marklew, Rachel McNaughton, Maria Montiel, Paul O'Kane, Ian Ramsay, Chris Robinson, Ingrid Sanchez, Julia Trickey, James Willis, and Yong Hong Zhong.

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Book SynopsisThis reference manual and practical handbook presents over 200 knots, illustrating how to tie them in step-by-step photographs and clear, detailed text by an expert.

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

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Book SynopsisLisa Miles spent her career in children's publishing, as both a writer and an editor. She worked in educational publishing for schools, children's trade publishing and also on a variety of children's magazines.

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Book Synopsis''The perfect gift for quizzers'' VAL McDERMID''Outside of a dog, The Book Lover''s Quiz Book is every bookworm''s best friend -- inside of a dog . . . well, if you know the rest, you''re going to love this book''PETER HANINGTON, author of A Dying Breed, peterhanington.co.uk ''Brilliantly inventive and entertaining questions from the bookworm''s bookworm'' MARK MASON, author of Walk the Lines, Question Time and many more''A book quiz quiz book what more could lovers of books, quizzes and quizzes about books desire? And marvellous it is too, Wiggleworth proving himself quite the literary Magnus Magnussen of our social media age'' TRAVIS ELBOROUGH traviselborough.co.uk ''This is the ultimate literary quiz book and Gary Wigglesworth is the quizmaster to end all quizmasters'' DAVID QUANTICK davidquantick.com This is a literary quiz book with a difference. Rather th

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Book SynopsisAre you a true crime fanatic who loves a good puzzle? From hair-raising serial killers to mind-boggling bank robberies, this book has it all.Follow six fascinating true crime stories and learn all about the unbelievable, gripping and grisly details of each case, all while solving over 200 perplexing puzzles.Flex your mental prowess and delve even deeper into the world of true crime with crosswords, sudoku and many more mystifying logic problems.

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Book SynopsisCreate a wide variety of practical and pretty items for celebrating in style, including love tokens, garlands, wedding favours, party hats, party bags, bunting, bags, table settings, birthday rosettes, birth announcement cards, crowns, wands, decorative pumpkins and Christmas decorations.Each project has easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions as well as beautiful photographs of the finished pieces. A comprehensive techniques section covers all the essentials, making it suitable for those new to sewing as well as those who have more experience of the craft.

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Book SynopsisA new colouring book from New York Times bestselling illustrator, Kerby Rosanes, whose detailed illustrations are loved by adults and children alike.Mythic World features over 55 mythical creatures and legends to colour. Showcasing some of the best-known creatures alongside some you might not have discovered before, each scene shows them interacting with and morphing out of some of the most distinctive landscapes in our world today. Warring giants morph out of The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, petrified trolls come back to life in Icelandic rock formations, the Bhutanese Druk emerges from Mount Everest's cloudy summit and much more.Colour and discover the classical myths of Ancient Greece and Rome; celtic folklore from Ireland and Scotland; oriental tales from Japan and China; and norse sagas from across Scandinavia. Pages at the back of the book provide a brief introduction to each mythical creature and explain the inspiration and rationale behind each illustration.

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Book SynopsisThis book is the perfect introduction to the simple, yet immensely pleasurable, craft of creating attractive objects with nothing more than a knife and a piece of timber. Whittling is an art form that can be as simple or as complex as you like. This delightful book guides the reader through the basics starting with straightforward projects such as a garden dibber and a paper knife, then progresses to more complex and intricate items such as a linked chain and a whistle. The tools you'll need, plus the basic techniques and how to perform them safely are all covered in a clear and easy-to-follow way. Projects include: Butter spreader, fork, cane toppers, backscratcher and dog-head stick handle.

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Book SynopsisLearn to improve your crochet techniques, working your way up from beginner projects through to more challenging later patterns. Each animal uses only basic stitches and there’s step-by-step instructions that mean this is the perfect book to learn to crochet. Enter a whole new world of 50 animal crochet patterns from bestselling author Kerry Lord. Crochet your way through this new collection of easy-to-make amigurumi characters – from a philosophical sloth and a chess-playing armadillo to a very fluffy Angora bunny who loves her job in customer service. Learn to improve your crochet techniques, working up from the beginner projects through to the more challenging later patterns. Each animal uses only basic stiches and there’s step-by-step instructions that mean this is the perfect book to learn to crochet. Each animal follows Kerry’s basic standard form, so if you can make one animal from the book, you can learn to make them all. Level one patterns: Hare; Alpaca; Tapir; Camel; Wombat; Kangaroo; Buffalo; Warthog.Level two patterns: Woodmouse; Meerkat; Oryx; Rat; Arctic Hare; Mouse; Beaver; Quokka; Ox; Possum; White Tiger; Three-toed Sloth; Platypus; Mole; Black and White Ruffed Lemur; Echidna; Tasmanian Devil.Level three patterns: Arctic Fox; Reindeer; Chinchilla; Moose; Giant Anteater; Fennec Fox; Llama; Baboon; Badger; Gibbon; Okapi; Otter; Fallow Stag; Angora Rabbit; Sloth Bear; Leopard; Muskox; Boer Goat; Shire Horse; Armadillo; Snow Leopard; Skunk; Flying Fox; Lynx; Red Panda.Trade Review'A lovely collection of cleverly designed, adorable projects' * Knitting *'Kerry has perfectly crafted every animal again’ * Crochet Now *'Incredible patterns' * Let’s Knit *

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Book SynopsisFrom the inspired mind of Dinara Mirtalipova comes Imagine a Forest, a drawing and design guide to creating your own Eastern European folklore inspired artwork. Escape to your own forested fairy tale. Imagine a Forest explores the unique style of illustrator Dinara Mirtalipova; a style which is rooted in the rich traditions of Eastern European folklore. This drawing and design guide features instructions and tips on how to draw your own beautiful art in a modern folklore style. Create charming flowers, birds, animals, fairy tale characters, mythical creatures and more.The lush and captivating illustrations and encouraging, easy-to-follow advice featured in these step-by-step tutorials will guide you through Dinara's gorgeous folk-art drawings and inspire you to create your own. Dinara even gives you design ideas and project suggestions so you can make and decorate practical things with your beautiful art. Don't spend every day in the boring real world--escape to a beautiful Eastern European fairy tale with Imagine a Forest. Who knows what you might find!

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Book SynopsisCalling all horror fans! Step into the beautiful, macabre world of François Gautier.Colour your way through the grim and gruesome world of Dark Art. Featuring elaborately detailed black line artwork of undead clowns, haunted skulls, bleeding hearts and many other spine-tingling creations, this sinister and beautiful book is perfect for all horror fans with a taste for the macabre.Use colour to bring life (or death) to the intricate and unique pieces throughout. They’ll leave you dying for more….

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Book SynopsisGrab your colored pencils and get ready for a scare with The Unofficial Horror Movie Coloring Book, which is full of scenes inspired by your favorite horror films. What’s your favorite scary movie? With The Unofficial Horror Movie Coloring Book, you don’t have to pick just one. Featuring coloring pages inspired by your favorite scary movies, you’ll find creepy images sure to spook any horror fan.The Unofficial Horror Movie Coloring Book features art inspired by: -Halloween -Child’s Play/Chucky -Scream -The Exorcist -Annabelle -Candyman -The Amityville Horror -Evil Dead -The Ring -And more!Trade Review"A fantastic art-fueled journey...horror fans will love this book." —Brittnic Creations"A really fun way to combine hobbies." —Snuff Out the Light"Packed with stunning illustrations." —Bloody Disgusting"Perfect purchase for your horror-loving bestie or partner." —Nerdbot

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Book SynopsisThe Christmas Square 1000 Piece Puzzle in Square Box by Galison features by Joy Laforme of a charming village during the holidays, complete with lit Christmas trees, falling snow, carolers, smoking chimneys and more. Galison puzzles are packaged in matte-finish sturdy boxes, perfect for gifting, reuse, and storage. An insert of the full puzzle image is also included. 1000 Pieces, Ribbon Cut Box: 14 x 5 x 2.75, 355 x 127 x 70mm Puzzle: 39 x 13.93, 990 x 354mm Includes Puzzle Insert with Puzzle Image Puzzle greyboard contains 90% recycled paper. Packaging contains 70% recycled paper and is made responsibly from FSC-certified material. Printed with nontoxic inks.

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Book SynopsisGet ready to spend some time with a suave high-flying rhino, a lovesick elephant who knows her way around a kitchen and a seriously chivalrous tiger... in a new and updated edition of this crochet classic!With just two weeks to go before baby Edward''s due date, yarn enthusiast and mum-to-be Kerry Lord picked up a crochet hook for the first time and a new obsession began. Over the next 12 months the collection of crochet animals expanded week on week until Edward''s Menagerie was complete, and the first edition was published in 2014. Ten years on, the book has sold over a quarter of a milllon copies, while the collection has expanded and improved, prompting a new edition featuring fully updated patterns and a selection of brand new animals.These cute animals with larger-than-life personalities are made using simple crochet techniques and the step-by-step instructions enable a complete beginner to get hooking straight away. Each animal also has a universal pattern where you can change your hook and yarn to create four different sizes, making 200 different possibilities.Be warned that these unlikely characters made using a supersoft yarn in a sumptuous natural colour palette will become your new best friends as you hook your way through the whole menagerie!

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Book SynopsisTilly and the Buttons: Stretch! offers perfect proof that easy-to-wear clothes can be seriously stylish with a collection of outfits that combine the comfort of stretch fabrics with Tilly Walnes’ signature look. The book includes complete, full-size patterns. Even experienced stitchers are often wary of working with stretch knit fabrics, but in this book Tilly demystifies the techniques needed and shows how to sew stretchy makes on a regular sewing machine – no need for a fancy overlocker. However, if you are already an overlocker owner, the book offers a user-friendly introduction to threading and stitching with this machine too. Aimed at dressmakers who have grasped the basics and want to expand their sewing horizons, Tilly’s tried-and-tested, learn-as-you-make approach is structured around five made-to-measure, speedy-to-sew garments. Tilly’s friendly instructions and the clear step-by-step photographs are accompanied by lots of tips and tricks to make your sewing a breeze, and the multiple variations and ideas will help you customise your garment to suit your own style.

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Book SynopsisFollowing the success of the bestselling colouring books Secret Garden and Enchanted Forest by Johanna Basford, this set of 20 detachable postcards contain stunningly intricate and inspirational drawings of woodland flowers and animals for you to colour in and either keep for yourself or send to friends.The 20 postcards are presented in a beautifully decorative package and the intricately realised world of the secret garden will appeal to all ages.'Colouring in isn’t just for kids. These intricate, magical drawings from Secret Garden by Johanna Basford are just waiting to be brought to life.’ The Guardian'Joanna Basford's Secret Garden is an 'inky treasure hunt and colouring book' filled with intricate drawings waiting to be brought to life. It's the colouring-in book you wish you had the hand-eye coordination to do, aged two.' The Independent'Prepare yourself to get lost in a magical world with this interactive activity book that takes you through a secret garden of incredible drawings by Johanna Basford.' Buzzfeed'Coloring books for adults have been around for decades, but Basford's success…has helped to create a massive new industry category.' The New YorkerAlso available by Johanna Basford from Laurence King Publishing:Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Colouring Book (9781780671062)Enchanted Forest: An Inky Quest and Colouring Book (9781780674872)Secret Garden: Journal (9781856699853)Enchanted Forest: Artist's Edition (9781780677842)Enchanted Forest: Journal (9781780679181)Enchanted Forest: 12 Notecards (9781780677835) Secret Garden: 20 Postcards(9781856699464)

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Book SynopsisA tense economic game charting the rise and fall of the greatest city in the world.In Merv: The Heart of the Silk Road players are vying to amass power and wealth in the prosperous heart of the Silk Road. Through careful court intrigue, timely donations to the grand mosque, and securing favorable trade deals, players attempt to redirect as much of that prosperity as possible into their own pockets. Meanwhile, beyond the city walls Mongol hordes approach. If you help construct the city walls you give up on precious opportunities to build up your own stature, but leave it unprotected and you will burn with the city. Every decision is weighty and the consequences of each misstep are dire. Will you rise to prominence or fade into oblivion?Number of players: 1-4Ages: 14+Play time: 90 - 120 minutesComponents: Board, 24 tiles, 60 cards, 200+ tokens

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Book SynopsisClear, challenging and inspiring, this book contains instructions for 65 abstract paintings that you can get to work on straight away, with no previous experience. All the basic information relating to picture elements, composition, theme and design is provided at the start of the book, together with an exploration of the meaning of abstract painting, and its importance as a means of self-expression and creativity. Rather than providing step-by-step instructions, each of the exercises consists of information on method, materials, technique, composition, imagery and structure which will direct you to the finished piece while at the same time allowing your creativity to flow.Trade ReviewWinter 2016 Abstract painting is one of life's little mysteries to me, however much I admire and I try I never seem to achieve a satisfactory abstract acceptable maybe but not good. This book gives indicators on approaches to abstract. There are 50 exercises which with a little thought by using gutta, soy wax, dyes, silk tops, and applying scraps of rough textured silk fabrics to smooth Habotai interesting results can be achieved. I would love this for my own collection. This is using 'play' constructively to promote your own individual style. * International Journal of the Guild of Silk Painters *March 09 I’ve always been interested in good abstract work, but have never seen an instruction book as wonderful as yours…It’s obvious that you have put a lot of love and hard work into this fabulous introduction to this exciting, challenging and always playful expression. You have inspired me to kick-start my painting after many years.-Patricia Cramer, South Africa * Customer *Oct 08 This is a book of ideas for working in a purely abstract style, but also one which suggests ways of seeing and working by means of a series of exercises that introduces 65 different approaches. These exercises are the heart of the book and each one is arranged across two pages with a finished painting on the right and, on the left, notes which explain the artist’s intention and the techniques used to achieve it. Abstraction is as much a state of mind and a way of seeing as anything else. It doesn’t really have techniques of application that are any different to conventional painting. so what it comes down to is structure, shape and colour. As such, it’s a difficult subject to teach - and an even more difficult one to teach through a book - because you either understand the mindset behind it or you don’t. If you look at an abstract and think, “my dog could do better than that”, then it’s a reasonable assumption that this is not for you. If, however, you’re intrigued by the subject but don’t feel you know where to start, then this book will help you a long way towards the end of the road. The simple, straightforward, approach removes pretty much all the mystique and the rigidly standardised layout means that you’ll feel at home pretty quickly and won’t have to spend a long time re-acclimatising yourself every time you turn a page. * Artbookreview.net *Table of ContentsIntroduction The abstract method of painting Why abstract What is abstract Our tools The practical side How does it work Primary picture elements Secondary picture elements composition technique and materials theme and project continuing by yourself

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Book SynopsisThe blank page can be daunting, but 10 Step Drawing: Flowers offers an easy jumping-off point for any doodler to be creative. Featuring illustrated tutorials for drawing 75 irresistible flowers – from exotic wildflowers, to aquatic flora, garden posies and beautiful succulents – every image is fun and easy to replicate in ten simple steps using just a pen and paper. Handy prompts help the reader without giving them dry, prescriptive instructions, and every flower has its own distinctive character. 10 Step Drawing: Flowers is sure to encourage even the most nervous amateur artist to dust off their pen and doodle. Other titles in the series: 10 Step Drawing: Animals.Trade ReviewThis is the companion to Heather Kilgour’s 10 Step Drawing Animals (also found on this site). Just like its fellow you can learn how to draw seventy-five beautiful flowers and arrangements in just ten steps with this useful primer. Each flower is shown being constructed a stage at a time on one or two pages taking you from a mere shape or line to a finished colored drawing. First the introduction explains how the process works and tells you what you need to buy and why. Pencils or paints are the suggested mediums for adding color, and anybody who is even mildly interested in art or a keen crafter will already own most of what they will need. The book is divided into four sections comprising blooms, blossoms, botanicals and displays. Blooms are your basic garden favorites, blossoms can be found on trees in spring, botanicals are more unusual items (actually rather a mixed bag) and displays are bouquets and wreaths. Even a drawing novice can easily get the line drawing right; adding color is trickier and a true beginner will probably want to purchase a basic book in their chosen medium. This is, after all, a book about drawing not coloring and it certainly succeeds in showing how simple it is to draw a line drawing of a flower. One thing to help you with the color aspect is the row of circles at the bottom of each page showing the colors used, which is a nice touch. Choose from garden flowers like foxgloves, a water lily, rose and bluebell or depict cherry blossom, crab apple blossom or magnolias. Draw botanicals such as aloe vera, pitcher plants and Christmas cactus or sketch a festive wreath, wild flower bouquet or a bunch of spring bulbs. Each flower has a short piece about it and to help you choose your project there is a list of contents at the front. If you want to learn to draw flowers from scratch this is a good place to do so. -- Rachel Hyde * myshelf.com *This new series presents what we might call a quick route to drawing. Each of the 75 projects includes nine outline stages, plus a final one where the colour is added. What is most useful is the simple shapes with which each begins. If you’re new to drawing, getting this right can be the hardest part and represents the foundations on which the finished result will stand or fall. Beginners should find the process reassuring and the routines easy to follow and get to grips with. The method and results are really quite attractive. -- Henry Malt * Artbookreview.net *These guides provide a simple introduction for the absolute beginner. By using a standard way of working and a repeated template, they help to ensure reliable results every time and a level of success that can only be encouraging. * The Artist, April 2019 *Table of ContentsPrelims: 5pp Introduction: 2pp The Drawings: 120pp Indexes and Acknowledgments: 1pp

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