Hobbies, Games & Quizzes Books

Book SynopsisLearning to bend wood can take a woodworker in a whole new direction. Canoes, guitars, whimsical furniture and many other projects are within reach with an understanding of this age-old technique. Now, with the help of professional furniture maker, Jonathan Benson, woodworkers can learn the four basic wood bending methods: bending green wood, using heat or steam, bending panels and bending laminations. Seven step-by-step projects clearly illustrate how each technique is achieved and are presented with an eye for budget and practicality, making this book ideal for woodworkers of all skill levels.

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Book SynopsisPeel the sticker, place the sticker, and watch your painting come to life. Includes everything you need to complete 10 iconic musician portraits, and have a rocking good time doing it.Paint by Sticker: Music Icons includes everything you need to create ten vibrant, full-colour "paintings" of your favourite iconic musicians: Elvis, The Beatles, Beyoncé, Cher, Prince, Kurt Cobain, Madonna, Nina Simone, Dolly Parton, and "Weird Al" Yankovic. Find the sticker, peel it, and place it in the right space. Add the next, and the next, and the next-it's an activity that's utterly absorbing, both in the pleasure of peeling and sticking and the growing satisfaction of watching a "painting" come to life.

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Book SynopsisMaster painter Kevin Macpherson shares his bold, direct approach to capturing nature's glorious colors and luminosity in oils in complete step-by-step demonstrations.

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Book SynopsisGreat Book of Carving Patterns is a treasure trove of classic designs that make wonderful subjects for carving, pyrography, painting, drawing, etching, leatherwork and many other crafts. This comprehensive collection comprises 200 original patterns that will provide any artist with a virtually unlimited design resource.From dancing dragons to delicate roses, wood spirits to wild horses, and steampunk to Celtic knots, this broad collection covers all of today's most popular subjects. Easy-to-reproduce outline patterns are ready to transfer to your project.Detailed pencil sketches are also provided to help you visualize the final dimensions of your carving, or the shading line of your painting. Each pattern can be used individually, in combination with others in the book, or as inspiration for creating new, original art.

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Book SynopsisRock Art! is the ultimate guide to painting eccentric art on rocks! This book makes it possible for anyone to create extraordinary art projects and crafts with ordinary rocks. The first part of the book will give you tips as to how to go about picking your pebbles and how to get started. You’ll find that your finished rock art projects can be used in practical, stylish, fun and decorative ways. Once painted, pebbles can be used as jewellery, lucky amulets, games, love tokens, bookends, special gifts or home and garden décor objects! Get creative and use your rock painting art in a variety of crafty projects.Trade ReviewFebruary 2015 There are pebbles and rocks everywhere, but did you ever consider them to be blank canvases? This book shows you how to transform a humble stone into a work of art. If you live near a beach or a river you will find collecting pebbles easy, but don’t despair if you can’t find anything suitable – grab some polymer clay and make your own. This is the type of hands-on approach you will get from this fun book, as well as a brief look at the three main types of rock and some rock hunting tips. You don’t need many materials to get started but the author provides plenty of help with getting started, varnishing, making clay pebbles plus other useful things. This book is mostly filled with ideas and projects. Look at your stone to see what the shape suggests, then follow the simple instructions and fill your house with monsters, fish, owls, words, mandalas, abstract designs, animals, flowers and people. Turn your creations into place settings, jewellery, lucky charms, games, fridge magnets, bookends and paperweights. The fun, quirky project pages show in a few steps how it is done, with ideas and suggestions for use. All the pieces have amusing names and look as though they would be fairly simple and enjoyable to make. At the back of the book there are photographs of ideas for using the painted pebbles, many of which did not occur to me who had hitherto only seen them used as paperweights! It is always good to see a craft book on an unusual subject, especially a fresh look at an old and rather forgotten one. * Myshelf.com *February 2015 There is one word that describes this book; FUN, my son and I love collecting rocks. This book has inspired us. We are going to spend his next school holidays decorating all the rocks we have collected. Denise has some amazing ideas. There is so much packed into this book! So many designs and so much information for you to recreate the designs yourself. The thing I also love about this book is I don't need to buy any special equipment. Just pick up a rock with some paint and hey presto you are on your way to creating your own fun rock. The step-by-step instructions are supported with clear and beautiful pictures. When not showing you how to decorate your stone there are hundreds of pictures to give you even more ideas. Who knew a small little stone could be transformed into so many different amazing rocks. They are brilliant to make with children and they are brilliant for making story games with. Not only does Denise show you how to create the designs she also gives you ideas of how you can use your rocks. Stones have never been such fun! I love this book and can't wait to spend time with my son to create some. To see this review in full and others similar www.crochetaddictuk.com * Crochet Addict UK *July 2015 In the spirit of our Kids Love to Make section, this book is packed full of even more fun, easy and cheap projects to make. However this isn't aimed at children but anyone who'd like to create extraordinary art projects and crafts from just ordinary rocks. The first part of the book provides tips on sourcing your stones and how to get started, and then guides you through many projects, all of which are achievable at home. Finally there's a gorgeous ideas section showing how you can use your transformed stones. It really is a rocking-good book! * Love to Make *Table of ContentsDenise’s World 7 Getting Started 8 We’re Going on a Rock Hunt 10 Be Inspired 14 What Do You Need? 16 Make Your Own Rocks 18 Preparation 20 Finishing Touches 22 Rock Your Pebbles 24 At the Zoo 26, Bicycle Wheels 28, Under the Sea 30, Rock Garden 32, Funny Faces 34, Into the Woods 36, Fruit Salad 38, Wise Owls 40, Let’s Get Linear 42, Easy as ABC 44, Mushrooms 46, Fish Out of Water 48, Up, Up and Away! 50, Keep It Simple 52, Pebble Pets 54, Googly-Eyed Monsters 56, Colour Pops 58, Flower Power 60, Consequences 62, Autumn Leaves 64, Super-Cute Sea Creatures 66, Light as a Feather 68, Rock Stars 70, The Man in the Moon 72, Sunny Side Up 74, Rocky Road 76, Brilliant Bugs 78, Try Triangles 80, Animal Favourites 82, Making Mandalas 84, From Me to You 86, Hoot Your Pebbles 88, Tutti Frutti 90, Pebble Portraits 92, Misfit Monsters 94, Fish Tails 96, Love Hearts 98, Mice ’n’ Cheese 100, Get Folky 102, Flutter By Butterfly 104 Using Your Rock Art 106 Paperweight 108, Framed Pebbles 109, Bookends 110, Place Names 112, Pendants 114, Brooches 115, Doorstop 116, Magnets 117, Noughts and Crosses 118, Story Pebbles 119, Toy Cars 120, Garden Ornaments 122 Index 124 Credits 128

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Book SynopsisFine Art Screenprinting explains the thrilling process of pushing ink through a mesh to produce large areas of vibrant colour. With step-by-step examples, it explains the many and varied ways of creating your designs as prints. It also encourages you to experiment, to achieve exciting and unexpected results. Written for beginners and enthusiasts, it will inspire and stretch artists to try new techniques and ideas. This new book covers the equipment and materials found in the printmaking studio and explains the screenprinting process and how to use positives with photo-sensitive emulsion. There is advice on printing techniques such as making prints from paper stencils and mono-printing and it also gives full guidance on screenprinting kits for use at home.

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Book SynopsisColor with tokidoki! This is the cutest, most irresistible coloring book ever! Featuring the popular tokidoki characters like Unicorno and Donutella these picture-packed pages offer everyone hours of creative fun.

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Book Synopsis Experience Cassandra Clare’s internationally bestselling world of the Shadowhunters like never before with this intricate adult colouring book featuring forty-five all-new illustrations! From the hallowed halls of the New York Institute to the glimmering glass buildings of Alicante, from the depths of the city of bones to the forests of faerie, the world of Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series comes to life like never before in this stunning colouring book. The forty-five illustrations face text excerpts, highlighting never-before-illustrated scenes from The Mortal Instruments. With gorgeous original black-and-white drawings by Cassandra Jean, illustrator of The Bane Chronicles and Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy, The Mortal Instruments Colouring Book is a must-have gift book for every Cassandra Clare fan in your life.

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Book SynopsisThe Royal School of Needlework teaches hand embroidery to the highest standard, developing techniques in new and innovative ways. Written by RSN apprentice and tutor Kate Sinton, this book contains an extensive guide to stitches and techniques, as well as guidance on the materials and equipment you need; how to design your own stumpwork embroidery; framing up; and positioning and transferring your design. Each stitch is clearly illustrated with step-by-step photography, along with expert instruction on how to form the stitch and use it in your needlework. With an introduction to the RSN and a brief history of stumpwork, together with numerous traditional and contemporary examples, this book provides an essential guide to this classic form of embroidery. Trade ReviewBeautiful artworks. Well written and illustrated. Plenty of information on what is needed to begin the art of stumpwork and how to do the stitches. Look forward to trying this method to improve my stitching skills. -- Sara Hawkins * Amazon *I have never attempted stumpwork, so receiving this book, I was reading it as a complete beginner, although I have experience in other areas of sewing. The book takes you right through everything about stumpwork, from the history right through to materials required, techniques and different stitches used. Every technique has colour pictures of each step, making it so easy to follow. Lots of good ideas for sewing your own pictures, or you could make up your own quite easily, following the book's very well written instructions for stitches and techniques. A fabulous book to have on the craft bookshelf as reference material. -- C. Owen * Amazon *Clearly written with easy to follow pictures and easy to understand, just ordered threads and looking forward to starting a project when they arrive! -- Libby O'Toole * Amazon *As an inexperienced embroiderer I hoped this book would expand my knowledge and I wasn’t disappointed. This is a 2021 reprint of a 2011 original and it’s bright and colourful presentation is engaging and informative. The initial 30 or so pages talk you through the history of the RSN, Stumpwork and the tools recommended to achieve this technique. Each of the following pages are clearly set out introducing each stitch with a text description, followed by step-by-step instructions with clear colour photographs walking you through the creation of each stitch. Personally, I would like to have the option for a spiral bound issue so that it lays flat for ease of use – however, this can easily be overcome by the use of a book stand. Whilst the book does not contain specific projects to follow and recreate, it would be possible to use this stitch guide to create a finished piece of work. I feel confident that I could use this book to begin my journey into Stumpwork. Subsquently, I have also been recommended this book by a more experienced embroiderer friend who already owns a copy, so I am confident this would be a suitable reference guide for all levels. -- Helen Todd * Amazon *This book is larger than I expected having seen previous editions of this book series before, but this reformatted version of the 2011 original has been made larger (A4) and thus much easier to read and use. It’s absolutely full of step-by-step pictures and instructions to show you how to do very basic stitches all the way up to much more developed pieces incorporating multiple different stumpwork techniques. The instructions are clearly worded and pictured in detail so that you can easily follow along. The designs are very wide-ranging in content and therefore there will be something that everyone will like. I particularly like the leaves on the cover and that technique is used again on a piece within the book to great effect. I was very surprised to see just how many different techniques were included from wired work and applique to numerous flat and raised surface stitches which can create texture in your work and a number of techniques I’ve never heard of. It really is packed with information, but it’ll be a fantastic resource to keep coming back to over time as my embroidery progresses and changes. Ultimately, it’s a very useful book packed with information, ideas and great places to get started with stumpwork or carry on if you’ve previously had a go. I’d definitely recommend it! Customer Review Lucy Fyles * Customer Review *Table of ContentsThe Royal School of Needlework 6 Introduction 8 The history of stumpwork 10 Materials 14 Framing up 22 Stumpwork design 26 Applique 30 Stitches 32 Flat surface stitches 34 Raised surface stitches 46 Needlelace stitches 58 Metal thread work 64 Techniques 70 Padding 72 Slips 78 Wrapping 92 Found objects 95 Figures 98 Index 112

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Book SynopsisIn his latest quilt collection, Kaffe Fassett presents 20 stunning new quilts in a range of block patterns, from simple designs to more complex patterns. Featuring Kaffe's newest fabric designs and colour ways, as well as some tried and true favourites, quilters of all skill levels will love this new addition to Kaffe's body of work. There is a quilt for every taste and level of skill. Fassett gives quilters practical information on cutting out and stitching each quilt, along with templates and provides a practical know-how section on basic patch working systems. The combination of Kaffe's eye-catching, colourful designs and Brandon's simpler, graphic patterns offer the ideal range for quilt makers.

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Book SynopsisDelve into the world of traditional Japanese art with these handy stencils that will give you the confidence to start each sashiko project with accuracy and ease. Includes nine embroidery designs and three durable plastic stencils.

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Book SynopsisCrochet the zodiac with these crochet patterns for amigurumi horoscope dolls - the perfect present for all astrology lovers.Table of ContentsContents Tools and materials Stitches The Dolls Air Signs Aquarius, Libra, and Gemini. Earth Signs Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Water Signs Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. Fire Signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. General techniques Suppliers, About the Author, Thanks & Index Author photo Copyright

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Book SynopsisGood Vibes is a colouring book for adults that contains 30 amazing art activities involving patterning, shading and colouring. Each vibrantly detailed illustration offers an easy way to de-stress, while allowing you to unleash the artist within.Thaneeya McArdle's transcendental art explores a visual language of shape, form, line and colour, and can be easily personalised with felt- tips, coloured pencils, crayons, gel pens or watercolours.Beautifully coloured finished examples are provided, along with a handy guide to basic art techniques, from patterning and combinations to shading and colour theory.This therapeutic colouring book is printed on high-quality, extra-thick paper that won't bleed through, and all of the pages are perforated for easy removal and display.

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Book SynopsisThis updated second edition of The Granny Square Book offers crocheters at all skill levels even more to love about granny squares—featuring 25 brand new squares, and 25 all-new projects. Since it was first published in 2011, The Granny Square Book has instructed and inspired more than 70,000 crocheters to make and create beautiful, stylish projects with these classic motifs. Now designer and author Margaret Hubert has updated her best-selling and beloved book to include 25 additional crochet squares (for a total of 100!) and 25 all-new projects to make, wear, and give. Margaret shows the evolution of this portable and convenient technique of crocheting square by square as well as its amazing versatility and variety—how it can be used to make almost anything and interpreted in countless ways with different yarns. Among the designs are: Accessories (headbands, bags, and jewelry) Garments (vests, jackets, and tops) Decorative items and gifts (afghans, pillows, and a sweater set for baby) Fire up your crochet hooks! The Granny Square Book, Second Edition offers unlimited possibilities for creating with this timeless motif.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewBased on the premise that good art is founded on good observation, Liz encourages you to sketch what you see wherever you are. Basic watercolour techniques, as well as ideas for more experienced watercolourists are included along with plenty of step by step demonstrations and of course, the book is full of Liz's delightful watercolours of birds. Whether you read it from cover to cover or dip into it, Liz provides you with the tools and ideas to turn your observations into paintings. -- painters-online.co.uk * painters-online.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisIt's dot-to-dot gone wild in this addition to the 1000 Dot-to-Dot series, as author Thomas Pavitte sets out to explore the animal kingdom. Enjoy bringing your favourite animals to life with The 1000 Dot-to-Dot Book: Animals, featuring popular pets such as cats and dogs, alongside the more exotic beasts of feathers, fur and scales - each rendered in 1000 dots, and resulting in beautifully detailed line drawings that you'll want to keep.

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Book SynopsisKeep it simple and do it well. The Merchant & Mills Sewing Book contains fifteen step-by-step projects aimed at guiding you gently but firmly through the basics of sewing. Each project you make from this book will be stylish, but above all, useful. Part I of the book presents a fundamental overview on the art of sewing, the tools and materials you will need and homegrown tips on essential good practice. In Part II, seasoned dressmaker Carolyn Denham leads you step by step through fifteen achievable projects, each building on the skills gained as you progress through the book. First, equip your sewing room with practical items you never knew you needed, such as a Tailor’s Ham, Sleeve Roll and an Ironing Board Cover (essential items for good pressing practice), a Hussif (the ever ready portable sewing kit) and a Maker’s Apron (utilitarian chic for good workers). Then go on to use your new sewing skills to make cushions, throws and bags before progressing on to garments with the Tailored Shawl and Fisherman’s Top, using the paper patterns provided in the back of the book. Make them all and you will be a very capable dressmaker with a raft of functional, beautiful, handmade goods.

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Book SynopsisExpand your mind as you lighten your load! Make use of those dull moments on the lavatory by teaching yourself how a starfish eats a clam, how to say “Hello” in every European language and what the dot over an “i” is called. Covering all types of trivia, from science and natural history to the different types of moustache, this little book contains enough fascinating facts to keep you learning throughout the year. You will pick up impressive knowledge and remarkable wisdom such as: The capital cities of every country The major bones in the human body The longest word you can spell using only the top row of letters on a keyboard The inventor of sticky tape The world’s oceans and seas How bees make honey And much, much more. A superb addition to anyone’s bathroom library, this book could help you win at your next quiz or at least give you a bunch of fun facts to spout when you’re out and about. “Taking a dump just got a lot more interesting” Crapping Quarterly

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Book SynopsisThis popular book provides all the information you need to get started in watercolour painting. Full of clear, simple advice and more than 70 step-by-step demonstrations, Watercolour for the Absolute Beginner will teach even the least confident of beginners the skills and techniques needed to start painting.In this easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide, three professional artists explain all the basic watercolour techniques.Top TV artist Alwyn Crawshaw demonstrates the basic techniques including brushstrokes, colour mixing and depicting distance and foreground to get you started in watercolour.Lecturer and Artist Sharon Finmark explains how you can paint realistic figures, covering scale and proportion, mixing convincing skin colours and portraying movement and light effectively.Artist and teacher Trevor Waugh demonstrates techniques for painting animals - domestic, farmyard and wild. Starting with simple animal shapes, Trevor takes you through the rudiments of 3D shapes, tone and colour Table of ContentsTop TV artist Alwyn Crawshaw teaches you the basic watercolour techniques Artist and lecturer Sharon Finmark shows you how to paint people in a variety of poses and settings Artist and teacher Trevor Waugh shows yu how to paint pets, farmyard and wild animals

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Book SynopsisThis title features 20 projects based on 8 granny square shapes, from UK author Susan Pinner. The projects are handy to crochet on the move and are satisfying and addictive to make. It is a perfect way to use up small amounts of leftover yarn from other projects. It is packed full of tips and problem solving for beginners. Discover the world of granny squares with this imaginative new book. These small, crocheted squares can be made in a huge variety of patterns and colourways that become the building blocks for an array of different projects. Large, small, tight, loose, multi-coloured or monochrome - the design potential of a granny square is endless. Small and portable, you can take them anywhere with you, but, be warned - making them is highly addictive! Eight basic granny square designs are presented and then fashioned into 20 stunning projects for the home. The projects have an appealing retro vibe, taking you back to hazy bygone times and the feel-good comfort of home-made furnishings. From storage baskets to traditional throws, these colourful and cheerful creations are sure to bring a smile to your face. Beginners to crochet need not worry. Granny squares are a perfect way to get started with crochet as they are quick, easy and versatile. All the basic instructions you will need are given in a clear and easy-to-follow style.

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Book SynopsisIf you've always fancied taking up embroidery but didn't know where to start, this guide for the absolute beginner is for you. This simple-to-follow project-based book takes you through the basic techniques of this fun and creative craft. Each technique is clearly explained and accompanied by a stylish project to make, so that you can put your newly acquired knowledge into practice. You'll learn everything you need to get started, and each project is explained with the help of dear illustrations that will guide you every step of the way. The straightforward explanations combined with desirable projects means that no matter how little embroidery experience you have to start with, you'll soon be impressing friends and family with your new-found practical skills.

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Book SynopsisQuiz your family at home with crosswords, puzzles and games.The Times2 Jumbo Crossword is a super-sized challenge for crossword lovers, selected by the Times2 Crossword Editor John Grimshaw.The Times2 Jumbo Crossword appears weekly in the Saturday edition of The Times. The puzzles offer the same challenge as The Times2 daily crossword but the larger grid packs an extra punch!The clues are also a little more testing than the daily times2 crossword, to stretch the crossword enthusiast just a bit further, and provide hours of entertainment.

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Book SynopsisMarjolein Kruijt's deep and abiding love of animals is obvious in this book, which will teach you the technical aspects of drawing domestic and wild animals, such as different breeds of dog and cat, and long and short fur. In addition, it will help you to capture their inner nature. Trade ReviewArtist Kruijt approaches animals with admiration, pulling inspiration from their ability to be always “in the moment.” The value of working from observation, whether outdoors on location, in zoos, at home with your pet, or in a museum with taxidermied specimens, is emphasized. Photography is discussed as a reference tool, but readers are cautioned to be interpretive and sparing with its use. Early chapters discuss animal anatomy and behavior, accompanied by lots of successful sketches and paintings. The final section is full of step-by-step demonstrations. Tips, such as animal-specific color palettes, are provided throughout. VERDICT Animal lovers of all artistic skill levels will want to check out this guide. * Library Journal USA *Issue 10 - July 17 We've all heard that famouns showbiz saying 'Never work with children or animals'. But Marjolein Kruijt owers her livelihood to the latter, and begins her book to the 'inspiring beauty' of creatures great and small. Split into easy-to-use chapters, she includes a list of useful materials, as well as a comparison of sources of inspiration ranging from the excitement of location based sketching, to using photography for reference. The text is punchy, with each spread dominated by photography, sketches and artwork relating to different aspects of animal portraiture. Much of the focus is on personality, with whole chapters dedicated to cats and dogs, as well as a more general wildlife section. But there are also plenty of useful tips on general topics such as colour, texture, composition and anatomy. With 13 years experience, Marjolein also weaves in a few tales animal painting exploits. And to prove she practices what she preaches, the book concludes with walkthroughs of some of her favourite pieces. A great guide for any animal loving painter. * Paint & Draw *Apr-17 This remarkably comprehensive guide is not for the beginner. Animas have a variety of facial expressions and getting them right is as important as it is in painting a human portrait. As well as form and perspective, the set of the face can make the difference between a successful and unsuccesful result. The variety here is astonishing. From domestic to wild animals and even birds. Most of the illustration is by example and there are few lessons and demonstrations, though there is a lot of discussion of different species and breeds. Media, it should be noted, are mainly pastels and oils, which may affect your decision on its relevance to you. The thoroughness and variety may outweigh this though. * The Artist *Feb 2017 Marjolein Kruijt's latest book looks at that most difficult of subjects capturing often unwilling subjects on paper. Although not for the absolute beginner because of inherent difficulty of the subject, Marjolein shows us how to draw both domestic and animals, with subtleties that help you capture their personalities. Using a variety of media, including pencil and charcoal, ink, pastel, oil and watercolour, Marjolein covers basic materials and techniques, how to make sketches of animals, use photographs as inspiration as well as how to create your own style. There's information on specific areas, such as including space and background, anatomy and coat, fur and feathers and drawing at the zoo, as well as step-by-step projects for you to work on. * The Leisure Painter *Bring your animal portraits to vibrant life with this book of tips. Whatever your medium there are ways to add more character and realism, and this book is full of ideas. It is not for the beginner but for those who are either artists who want to start depicting animals or for those who want to add that extra spark. The book starts with an overview of what materials are around and hints on what to buy and why, then moves on to where you are going to work. This section weighs up the pros and cons of working outdoors, from live animals, stuffed or photographs. The rest of the book deals with a variety of animals and how best to depict what makes them special and unique. There is a chapter each for cats and dogs, then a third covering zoo and wild animals and birds. Most of each chapter is filled with inspiring paintings and drawings each with a caption explaining what has been done to achieve the look. This is followed by a piece on backgrounds, drawing fur, feathers and anatomy and how to capture characteristics when sketching. The final chapter contains demonstrations, which are staged projects showing how to bring together what you have learned. Each has a number of good sized captioned photographs so you can build up your work bit by bit, plus a list of what you need. Instead of giving the exact colors there is a looser list elsewhere in the book to refer back to. There are six projects done in a variety of media depicting three dogs, two cats and a rabbit. This is a handsomely produced book that will appeal to the intermediate and up artist which falls down in one area; it has truly tiny print. * myshelf.com *This book tackles the skilful area of painting and drawing of achieving expression and character. It deals solely with animals and is ideal for any animal lover and painter. Capture what distinguishes one pet or wild animal from another. Instructions include using various mediums. If your animal paintings or drawings look wrong, this is the book for you as the tips will perfect your techniques and help you portray realistic yet natural-looking animals. I would not call myself an animal painter, but this book had me wanting to be one - from the freedom of the sketches, to step-by-step detailed drawings, this book is very inspiring. Cats, birds, horses, dogs, lizards, elephants and more there is so much to learn from this book. 33 pages of cats, 23 of dogs and 25 of wildlife with superb illustrations of the artist's work. There are 6 step-by-step demonstrations using watercolours, pastels and oils, depicting dogs, cats and a rabbit. A short guide to using basic shapes means that this book is good for confident beginners and those who need to learn more about progressing their work to the next level. A superb book that is great value for money and one you will use for a long time. * YarnsandFabrics.co.uk *There are two things that need to be said about this from the outset. First, it’s not a book for the beginner and second, most of the illustrations are in pastel or oil. Neither of these counts against it, of course, but they do define its market. There is a lot more to what is in fact a comprehensive guide – just about every species and many breeds are here, from domestic to wild animals and even birds. As becomes clear, expression is as important with animals as with people and this is much more than anthropomorphism – there are no cute portraits here. It is perhaps as important as form, structure and perspective, aspects at which Marjolein Kruijt is equally adept. Most of the illustration is by example and the few lessons are at the end of the book. The bulk of the text discusses the structure and form of both the subject and the resulting painting. Although there is a very useful introduction to materials and media, Marjolein tends to assume that you will know about methods of application. If you do, you’ll be thankful not to find 50% of the book taken up with things you don’t need to be told. If you don’t, well, to be honest, capturing character in such detail is probably not the skill you most need to learn. Think of it as a masterclass. This is a serious book that takes its subject and its readership seriously and is all the better for that. * www.artbookreview.net *This book is stunning. I love the mix of completed paintings and initial dynamic sketches. From showing beginners how to do quick sketches with simple shapes to the tricks of mastering difficult shadows on white or black fur, this book is an inspiration. Step by step tutorials in watercolours, pastels and oils are all clear and easy to follow. Although I don't use these mediums myself, the mastery of them is amazing and I want to try pastels now! An absolute must have for anyone thinking of drawing or painting fur and feathers, for both beginners and artists. Could not put the book down for two hours! Amazed at the size of the book. Value for money. * Jules Hollinshead *Absolute must for an aspiring animal artist! Beautiful visuals show the different ways in which you can structure your pieces and use a variety of materials to create a masterpiece. Step-by-step tutorials help aid your understanding of the sections at the end. As there are only a few step-by-step tutorials I think this would be best for a more experienced artist as this book I feel is aimed for you to develop you're work further by considering composition, background and tone rather than the basics of just drawing an animal. Would definitely recommend to people interested in refining their work. * Lynda Colley *Table of ContentsThe artist 9 Materials 11 Workshop equipment 13 Charcoal and pencil 13 Ink 14 Pastel 15 Oil 17 Watercolour 19 On location 21 Where can you draw animals? 22 Why work from observation? 23 Which materials? 24 Basic techniques of drawing 25 Stuffed animals 30 Using photographs as inspiration 34 Your own style 37 Cats 38 Inspiration 40 Using space and backgrounds 46 Anatomy and coat 53 Capturing characteristics in your sketches 60 Dogs 62 Inspiration 64 Using space and backgrounds 70 Anatomy and coat 76 Capturing characteristics in your sketches 82 Wildlife 86 Inspiration 88 Using space and backgrounds 94 Anatomy, fur and feathers 100 Drawing at the zoo and on your travels 104 Demonstrations 112 Borzoi in oil 114 Collies in pastel 118 Maine Coon in watercolour 122 Norwegian Forest cat in pastel 126 Rabbit in oil 132 Dog in oil 136 Biography 143

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Book SynopsisThis second volume in the popular Zoomigurumi series brings together a delightful collection of 15 cute amigurumi animal patterns. With stunning full-colour photography, clear and easy-to-follow instructions and an explanation about the techniques needed, you'll make all these amazing designs in a jiffy. This new edition contains an updated layout.

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Book SynopsisHelps to create your own set of personalized napkins. This title offers instructions for a Swan and a Preening Peacock. With easy directions, it also helps readers create napkin folds for backyard picnics, elegant sit-down dinners, and buffet suppers.

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Book SynopsisOffers ideas for things to make and use, such as jar labels, pillows and a stationary set. This title leads the readers through a crash-course on printing with techniques, materials and surfaces.Trade Review"Print Workshop radically transcends conventional printmaking guides. Schmidt's witty, conversational approach illuminates one graphic project after the next, from pinprick stationery to royal wax seals and jar decals." -Chantal Lamers, San Francisco Chronicle"[Print Workshop] celebrates the imperfect, the humanness of printing and the beauty in that. Geared for the home printer, the materials and tools are simple and easy to find at a local craft store. The book is a great way to dive into hand printing, an amazing starting point for customizing household items and a really nice guide for bringing more life into your every day. The aesthetic of the projects is incredibly current and inspiring and still approachable enough to feel comfortable attacking them on your own." -Laure Joliet, Apartment Therapy"I’ve always loved the voice and style that Christine [Schmidt] has brought to the printing community. Her style is unique and fresh and I’m so excited to see that celebrated and translated into book form. Her book will teach you how to roll up your sleeves and create fantastic home, fashion and accessory-based projects. I love that the book keeps budget in mind and will give you a wide range of ideas that won’t drain your wallet. Whether you’re looking to create a custom t-shirt, deck of cards (my favorite) or dartboard, Christine has you covered (including all the basics tools and terminology you’ll need for printing)." -Grace Bonney, Design Sponge"A thoroughly engaging entry into the world of personalization through print." -Dwell Magazine"Artists who love what they do are infectious: They motivate the rest of us to give creativity a shot. Just talk with Christine Schmidt, who fairly gushes about her printmaking efforts, both in a phone interview and in the pages of "Print Workshop: Hand-printing Techniques & Truly Original Projects". -Associated Press"While the range of projects is impressive, the real beauty of the book is its comprehensive nature. Each section begins with a description of the specific tools necessary for each topic, followed by straightforward directions on execution. Schmidt offers an immense amount of details for all the different categories, and the utility of having a single-source of tried-and-true design at your fingertips is invaluable. Schmidt's language is casually encouraging, and in true DIY spirit every paragraph makes you feel more confident in your ability to complete the task at hand. While the book won't tell you how to rubber stamp the Mona Lisa, it's an excellent launching pad for imaginative minds." -Cool Hunting

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Book SynopsisInspired by the works of M. P. Verneuil, Alphonse Mucha, and other Art Nouveau masters, 31 elegant designs celebrate the sensuous Art Nouveau style. The imaginative illustrations feature patterns of graceful swans, peacocks, butterflies, and other creatures, as well as intertwined vines, flowers, and other plant life. Pages are perforated and printed on one side only for easy removal and display. Specially designed for experienced colourists, Art Nouveau Animal Designs and other Creative Haven colouring books offer an escape to a world of inspiration and artistic fulfillment. Previously published as Art Nouveau Animal Designs colouring Book.

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Book SynopsisFirst published in 1944, and reprinted many times since then, the latest reissue of this magnificent book contains, for the first time, fully illustrated details of all minor amendments and corrections that have come to light over the years. These have been collected and collated by Geoffrey Budworth with the help of other members of the International Guild of Knot Tyers.

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Book SynopsisAn essential guide demonstrating the universal oil painting techniques that allow artists to expand their horizons, break out of ruts, and master a variety of subjects, including figures, portraits, still life, landscapes, and interiors. Gregg Kreutz reveals how connected oil painting techniques are no matter what subject an artist tackles.Trade Review“Gregg Kreutz encourages learning to see with clarity and insight,and that’s exactly what this book achieves. I’m an art observer,not an artist, but even I can follow—and admire—Kreutz’s logical,step-by-step approach to making paintings look better.”—PETER TRIPPI, editor-in-chief, Fine Art Connoisseur magazine“In Oil Painting Essentials, Gregg Kreutz expands on the teachingsand ideas that he brought forth first in Problem Solving for OilPainters. This new book is rich and colorful with Gregg’s paintings,showing examples of what to strive for and what to avoid whenlearning to paint. The writing is wonderfully clear, providing manyinsights for solving the essential problems art students confront.”—DAVID A LEFFEL, artist and teacherTable of ContentsINTRODUCTION 1CHAPTER 1 ENGAGING THE ESSENTIALS:CONCEPT AND PROCESS IN OIL PAINTING 11CHAPTER 2 PORTRAITS 47CHAPTER 3 FIGURES 67CHAPTER 4 STILL LIFES 83CHAPTER 5 LANDSCAPES 101-Plein Air Landscapes 107-Studio Landscapes 116CHAPTER 6 INTERIORS 127AFTERWORD: A FEW FINAL THOUGHTS . . . 145ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 149INDEX 150

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Book SynopsisHelps to learn how to create the stunning heirloom quilt that has been picking up prizes around the world, while learning more than 30 sewing machine techniques in the process.Table of ContentsAnyone with a mid-range sewing machine can achieve all the techniques in this book Eagerly awaited by quilt industry experts who know Pauline's work and are confident of the project's success

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Book SynopsisLearn to sew cute rag dolls and their gorgeous clothes to make the perfect present for little girls. Includes one basic doll sewing pattern which can be altered to change hair and eye colour and hair styles. Choose from a range of different themed outfits and accessories, including a ballerina doll, a bedtime doll and afairydoll, each with their own charmingoutfit todelight children and adults alike.The step by step instructions, which areare suitable for intermediate to experienced sewists,enable you to create a fabulous wardrobe of clothes and accessories for each doll.Includes full-sized templates for the doll, clothes and accessories.Table of ContentsMaking the Doll 07 Blonde Doll 09 Brunette Doll 10 Red-Head Doll 11 Auburn, Dark Blonde and Ginger Doll 12 Raven-haired Doll 13 Doll Pattern templates 16 Doll in Dungarees 21 Floral Doll 27 Doll in Red 33 Doll in Pink 41 Bride Doll 49 Doll with Stars 57 Doll with Strawberries 65 Bedtime Doll 71 Doll in Blue 79 Ballerina Doll 87 Doll in Raincoat 95 Fairy Doll 103 Off on Holiday 110 Clothing Directory 114 Templates 116 Index/Suppliers 143 Acknowledgements/Copyright 144

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Book SynopsisDiscover the farm''s feathered friends in this playful, charming 1000-piece puzzle. Featuring over 40 distinctive and colorful chicken types in a lush, green grass setting, Chickenology 1,000 Piece Puzzle showcases whimsical art and a varied scene.Whether you raise backyard chickens, have an interest in sustainable farming, or just love animals and colorful, fun puzzle scenes, this jigsaw puzzle is sure to challenge and delight! A wide variety of chickens assemble on a bright green lawn in this ideal family puzzle, depicting a flurry of activity: feathers, eggs, plants, and baby chicks fill the scene, creating layers of visual interest to explore as you solve. The image features labels for the more unusual chicken species, making this jigsaw puzzle educational as well as fun.This high-quality puzzle contains minimal puzzle dust for neater assembly and is accompanied by an oversize insert with the reference image and an artist statement by rising star Camilla Pintonato. Next time you''re feeling "cooped up" on a rainy day, this Chickenology puzzle is sure to entertain!

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Book SynopsisThis instructive volume has been designed to help artists learn to draw by careful emulation of master works. The author methodically analyzes 100 famous drawings by such artists as Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt and Watteau, and explains the principles of art exemplified by each sketch.

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Book SynopsisBox 11.5 x 8.5 x 1.5 Puzzle 24 x 18One Side Matte, One Side Glossy for easy piece sorting

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