Hobbies, Games & Quizzes Books

Book SynopsisThis new series provides an ideal platform to study chess openings. By continually challenging the reader to answer probing questions throughout the book, the Move by Move format greatly encourages the learning and practising of vital skills just as much as the traditional assimilation of opening knowledge. Carefully selected questions and answers are designed to keep you actively involved and allow you to monitor your progress as you learn. This is an excellent way to study any chess opening and at the same time improve your general chess skills and knowledge. In this book, Cyrus Lakdawala examines the Caro-Kann, which enjoys a richly deserved reputation as one of Black's most reliable defences. It provides an ideal blend of soundness and dynamism, which allows Black to create counterplay from a solid platform. Lakdawala shares his experience and knowledge of the Caro-Kann, presents a repertoire for Black and provides answers to all the key questions. *Essential guidance and training in the Caro-Kann *Includes a Caro-Kann repertoire for Black *Utilizes an ideal approach to chess studyTrade ReviewMy favorite Caro-Kann book ever Jeremy Silman

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Book SynopsisJoin Niina Laitinen on a journey around the world through gorgeous new knitting patterns. This book contains 20 sock patterns inspired by places and cities around the world, drawing on ancient stories, memorable sights and fond memories of the author's own travels. The 'Shanghai' socks are inspired by the gold dragon scales and flowing lace of China; delicate pale-pink cherry blossom motifs bedeck the 'Hanami' (flower viewing) socks that bring to mind springtime in Japan; while the flowing leaves of the tropical rainforests and the exotic creatures prescribe the vivid colourways of the 'Madagascar'-inspired pair. Laitinen has designed the patterns to be easy to knit in her trademark familiar style using double-pointed needles, or cable needles for the cabled details, and a creative use of colour. The instructions are clear, there are intricate, detailed pattern charts for each pair of socks, and the photos are rich, atmospheric and wonderfully evocative. Some instructions are written for multiple sizes, and others can be adapted using the instructions. Wherever you are, you can be sure to have the world at your feet!Trade ReviewLIBRARY JOURNAL STARRED REVIEWSocks are often the perfect small canvas for knitters to test out intricate stitch patterns or colorwork motifs. In this book, Finnish knitwear designer Laitinen (Icelandic Knits) gives readers that opportunity. In 20 patterns influenced by cultures and locations around the world, this book, through sock knitting, takes readers on a journey from China and Scotland to Antarctica and everywhere in between. While this is not for those new to knitting socks, intermediate and advanced knitters will appreciate the author’s clear instructions and thoughtful notes. She provides detailed information on exactly how much yarn she used for each pattern, which helps readers looking to make yarn substitutions. Extensive charts, often including individual ones for each foot, are included for each pattern.VERDICT From lace to cables to complex colorwork, sock knitters will be sure to find something that appeals to them in this beautifully photographed and delightful collection of patterns. Perfect for intermediate to advanced sock knitters looking to take on a challenge.Table of ContentsPreface 4 Abbreviations 8 Knitting tips 9 Yarn used and alternatives 10 Designs Lights of Shanghai 12, Hanami 22, Madagascar 36, Taj Mahal 30, Phoenix 46, Desert Sands 58, Antarctica 64, Rio De Janeiro 74, Honolulu 82, Talking Feather 88, San Francisco 96, Amsterdam 102, Skyfall 112, Under Parisian Skies 118, Aphrodite 128, Fairy-tale Castle 138, Milan Cathedral 146, Reykjavik 154, Little Mermaid 160, Land of a Thousand Lakes 168

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Book Synopsis It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Get yourself a mug of hot cocoa or mulled wine and settle down with this jigsaw that’s full of festive cheer. Complete the Festive Curiosities 200-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle from Ridley's Games to reveal shelves stocked with seasonal delights!The stunning illustrations of familiar figures, classic tales, and charming oddities make this the ideal gift for fans of the season who are looking for a fun, festive activity to complete in an afternoon or evening. Created for the everyday elf in your life, the jigsaw comes in giftable tube-style packaging and measures H7.9 x W13.8 in / H20 x W35 cm when finished. It’s so beautiful, you’ll want to make it every year. At Ridley’s Games, we like to make Good Clean Fun that’s as kind to the planet as it can be, so this jigsaw is made using 70% recycled materials and 30% FSC paper and printed using soy inks.

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Book SynopsisA collection of 100 patterns for teeny tiny crochet amigurumi - microgurumi - by Steffi Glaves, author of 100 Micro Crochet Motifs.

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

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Book SynopsisNew title in the exciting series of sturdy, square-box 500-piece jigsaw puzzles from Flame Tree, featuring powerful and popular works of art and providing a challenge for adult puzzlers of all levels! Finished Jigsaw size 19.3 x 14.2 ins.Part of an exciting series of sturdy, square-box 500-piece jigsaw puzzles from Flame Tree, featuring powerful and popular works of art. This new jigsaw will satisfy your need for a challenge, with the iconic Café Terrace by Vincent van Gogh. This 500-piece jigsaw is intended for adults and children over 13 years. Not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts. Finished Jigsaw size 490 x 360mm/19.3 x 14.2 ins. Includes an A4 poster for reference.In this painting the brightly lit café radiates with warmth and inviting light, becoming a beacon of yellow set against the rich, dark blue of a night sky, which in turn is illuminated by myriad bright stars. Van Gogh attached the colour y

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Book SynopsisFuneral flowers are many things - a tribute to the deceased, a comfort to the bereaved and a source of joy for all at a sad time. The challenge is to design sensitive, personalized creations for the client at a competitive price. This book is full of ideas and inspiration for the client to select, for the funeral director to use and for florists to follow. This beautiful and practical book sets out many options for the florist so their funeral work can provide a personalized and thoughtful tribute. It starts with a visual feast of designs, organized by season and colour, and then explains in detail how to make key floral tributes, to best serve the client and to build a successful business. It showcases over a hundred full-colour floral tributes, and demonstrates twenty step-by-step examples of how to make key arrangements. It explains how to create original designs, from initial planning and sketching to final ideas. Finally, advice is given on efficient ordering and costing for profitability and reduced wastage, as well as environmental considerations. Written by a leading florist, it demonstrates tenderness and care in every aspect of a sensitive and emotional final journey, so that funeral flowers can best mark the loss and celebrate the life of a loved one.Trade ReviewLeafing through page after page of stunning photos in Funeral Flowers - the complete journey is the floral equivalent of gazing into the windows of a high class patisserie. But unlike the pastry chef who keeps shtum about their baking secrets, author Tina Parkes is all too willing to share her knowledge. -- Sharon Barnard * Funeral Service Journal *

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Book SynopsisThis pack contains 100 high-quality origami sheets printed with colourful and attractive Dog Designs.

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Book SynopsisEven if you have never picked up a paintbrush before, professional watercolour teacher and artist Stephen Coates will show you how to paint lakes and rivers in watercolour using just three brushes, three colours, a plastic palette and a watercolour pad. Using just red, blue and yellow paint Stephen shows you how to paint nine realistic watercolour scenes. There is no off-putting colour theory or long-winded mixing information, just a practical absolute beginner’s course that shows the three colours in action. Build your skills through each of the nine easy paintings, starting from the simplest of scenes and ending with a more challenging, stunning picture you’ll be proud to have painted. There are step-by-step photographs for each project, clear instruction and advice throughout, and handy tips and jargon busters. Each of Stephen’s finished paintings is shown at full size for easy reference, which you can even use to trace from for a stress-free painting experience. This is a straightforward, economical, practical progressive course to painting lakes and river scenes in watercolour. Stephen uses the following paints and brushes in this book: Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolours - Raw Sienna, Light Red and Ultramarine. Brushes - Proarte Series 101 round size 2, Series 101 round size 8, Proarte 3/4inch Mini hake flat goat hair brush. Trade ReviewTo build anew, you first have to take apart what was there and this delightful book will help you see the world through fresh eyes. * Paint Magazine *From the oopular Take Three Colours series comes Stephen's Coate's Water Lakes & Rivers. Using just three colours- red,blue and yellow- Stephen shows us how to paint lakes and rivers in watercolour. And it's not just the colours that are limited: a plastic palette and watercolour pad and three brushes are all you need to begin. The projects have been carefully chosen so that even the most novice painter will be able to achieve encouraging results straight away. Clear step-by-step photographs cover each stage of the process and the finished paintings are shown full size so that you can trace over them to further ease your journey. * Leisure Painter *Take 3 Colours is a brilliantly simple idea that’s been brilliantly presented. All of the authors so far have understood the brief impeccably and Stephen Coates is no exception. The strapline is “3 colours, 3 brushes, 9 easy projects” and it’s not just a superb way to get started with painting, but also an approach that strips your technique back to essentials if you’re feeling it’s got just too complicated and that you may be over-working. -- Henry Malt * Art Book Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Using the colours 8 Using the brushes 10 Projects - Derwent Water 12 - Swans on The Broads 16 - Highland Lake 21 - Autumn Trees by the Riverside 26 - Eilean Donan Castle 32 - River Tweed in Winter 38 - River Brathay 43 - Bridge over the Stream 49 - Brograve Windmill 56 Transferring a drawing 64

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Book SynopsisGear Up and Throw Down! When sword and spell just won't be enough to win the day, it's time to power up your game with clockwork gears, lightning coils, and black powder! Guns & Gears (Remastered), the latest rulebook for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, brings the excitement of firearms and fantasy technology to your tabletop, updated to work perfectly with the remastered Pathfinder Second Edition rules!Unravel the secrets of clockworks with the new inventor class or blow away your opposition as a firearm-wielding gunslinger! In addition to new classes, a plethora of archetypes, backgrounds, vehicles, siege engines, gadgets, and the remastered automaton ancestry are all ready to expand your game with options for battlefields large and small. The pocket edition presents the same contents as the standard edition in a smaller sized softcover for a lower price and better portability. Pathfinder RPG: Guns & Gears (Remastered) Pocket Edition features: Two new classes: the clever inventor and the sharpshooting gunslinger , updated to work perfectly with the Remastered Pathfinder Second Edition rules The remastered automaton ancestry for players who want to play a customizable construct Firearms of all stripes, from the simple and effective flintlock pistol to versatile gunblades Dozens of new archetypes Scores of new gadgets and vehicles Siege engines and accompanying rules A gazetteer of Golarion revealing how firearms and technology fit into the Age of Lost Omens, including a look at the technology of the continents of Arcadia and Tian Xia and never-before-revealed secrets of the rough-and-tumble, gritty city of Alkenstar

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Book SynopsisTiddlywinks.

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Book SynopsisMatchbox jigsaw puzzle.

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Book SynopsisProfessor Rebus is back with a third volume in this best-selling series of perplexing pictogram puzzles. A unique cross between crossword and cryptic visual puzzle, these are the most popular picture puzzles in the Daily Mail, and are perfect for crossword fans looking for something a little bit different to test their skills. Containing 200 new Pitcherwits puzzles, this book is the perfect companion to a long commute or a relaxed evening in.

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Book SynopsisGet hooked on this intriguing puzzle collection, featuring 12 different conundrums to crack. Discover who is an imposter, and who is an innocent bystander… The wrong path could leave you stuck in the dark. But if you find the answer, you are allowed to move onto the next bewildering riddle. Can you make it to the end? This book puts your ingenuity and perseverance to the test as you solve puzzles and challenges to work out who the imposters are. The 12 puzzles are set in the eerie Stranraer Castle in southwest Scotland, used as a military garrison during the Killing Times of the 17th century. They feature 12 different characters, all with detailed sketches, personalities, and backgrounds to immerse you in the larger-than-life narratives as they unfold. With your eagle-eyed determination and the power of deductive reasoning, find out:   Who is the mole who informed police of a climate

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Book SynopsisHow to create glorious glowing lanterns and illuminated decorative displays for Halloween and all year round. There are many seasonal, festival and home celebration excuses to make wonderful carved decorations, and here are 20 step-by-step projects for producing original lanterns of every shade, shape and size, from simple geometric patterns to beautiful folk-art designs. With pictures by renowned photographer Debbie Patterson, each method is shown clearly in easy-to-follow stages. ,

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

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Book SynopsisLearn from an expert (Gold Star Magic Inner Circle) magician: step by step tricks, including card magic, stage and optical illusions, stunts, puzzles, party and dinner table pranks.

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Book SynopsisTansy Willow is a bestselling colouring book compiler with a taste for all things bold, beautiful and perfect for colouring. From intricate mandalas to stunning landscape scenes, she selects designs that inspire a sense of peace and wonder and tap into the mindful benefits of colouring. She is based in London, UK.

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Book SynopsisCan you solve the puzzles and piece together the clues to find out who dunnit?The Mystery Agency Puzzle Book is an interactive book where murder mystery meets escape room-style puzzle solving, in an epic adventure for all the family. Put yourself to the test, and follow the story, working your way through a whole host of challenges - from deciphering clues at crime scenes and searching for hidden pieces of evidence in the pages - to satisfy your inner detective. Look out also for interactive elements within the book that will take each mystery to a whole new level.

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Book SynopsisA celebration of handmade toys, featuring fabulous stuffed animals, handmade baby gifts, dolls, fabric games and more all made using fat quarter cuts of fabric. Continuing the series from 50 Fat Quarter Makes, this fun collection features beautiful styled photography, step-by-step diagrams and templates for over 50 handmade toys.Table of Contents Busy Book Stacking Blocks Felt Applique Playmat Taggie Blanket Ring Stacker Bedtime Buddies Snuggle Soft Playmat Peek-a-Boo House Hanging Topsy-Turvy Cat and Mouse Little Red Riding Hood Dancing Ballerina Mr Gingerbread Man Miss Kitty Doll Soldier on Parade Bit and Blox Robot Hunky Monkey Monty Bear Buzzy Bee Miss Matilda Gosling Hungry Little Piggy Sidney Dog Elephant Duo Rosie Rabbit Wise Old Owl Freddie Fish Curious Cat Doorstop Fox Pillow Betty Bird Ditsy Teddy Bear Ursula Unicorn Doll's Mermaid Tail Dinky Dinosaur Five-Eyed Alien Patchwork Pineapple Sweet Strawberry Everlasting Apples Perfect Pears Catch the Fish Huggable Ukelele Dolly Dreams Sleeping Bag Shoot for the Stars Noughts and Crosses Memory Game Hopscotch Playmat Owl Glove Puppet Match the Number Crayon Roll Four in a Row Softie Skittles Juggling Balls

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Book SynopsisA revised and updated edition of the popular Dragon Rampant ruleset.Whether you''re a nameless Dark Lord looking to conquer the known world, a Champion of Light holding out against the forces of evil or a Northern barbarian facing claimants to a stolen throne, Dragon Rampant: Second Edition allows you to bring those battles to the tabletop in this easy-to-learn but tactically rewarding fantasy wargame. Dragon Rampant: Second Edition is a new, updated edition of the hit Osprey Wargames series title whose miniature-agnostic, large-scale skirmish rules brought the great battles of fantasy fiction to the tabletop. Featuring revised core rules, substantial additions to the magic and unit upgrade sections, as well as extensive sample army lists and a range of scenarios, Dragon Rampant: Second Edition allows players to command unruly orc warbands, raise armies of the undead, campaign across an antediluvian world as the warchief of a barbarian tribe, or exploit the power of mighty creatures and extraordinary sorcery.

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Book SynopsisUPGRADE YOUR SMALL TALK GUIDED BY WORLD-LEADING WEATHER EXPERTS!From Foggy and Freezing to Scorching and Stormy, join the ultimate weather adventure through the great British seasons and uncover the extraordinary in every single day*.Are YOU the ultimate weather watcher?Do you know your drizzle from your mizzle?Ever wondered what rainbows are really made of?And could you pinpoint where lightning has struck twice?Pore over beautiful cloudscapes, learn the secrets of sunsets, discover freak weather and fogbows, and why forecasting was so important in British history, from D-Day to the Great Fire of London.Perfect for rainy days in or cloudspotting on the go, the Met Office share the best of almost 170 years of forecasting for the first time in this beautifully illustrated book. Packed with mythbusting, top trivia, stunning visuals and archive gems, shooting the breeze has never been so interesting!*Even when it is tipping it down.

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

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Book SynopsisThe Night Before Christmas is an enchanting Christmas story that has brought Santa Claus to life for generations. Celebrate the holiday season with the #1 New York Times bestselling classic poem. This is the classic jigsaw puzzle edition featuring 550-piece jigsaw puzzle with a small story booklet, perfect for gifting!''Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the houseNot a creature was stirring, not even a mouseCarry on a family tradition or start one of your own with this new version of the classic Christmas book for children and families. Initially published anonymously as A Visit from Saint Nicholas, and credited as a work by Clement Clark Moore, this timeless tale is the perfect family read as children prepare for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve.This Jigsaw Puzzle edition includes: A beautifully designed 550-piece jigsaw puzzle A mini booklet of this classic ch

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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 Synopsis'A compelling literary journey through the social history of wool in the British Isles' Karen Lloyd, author of The Gathering Tide Travel the length of the British Isles with Esther Rutter, as she tells the story of wool's long and tangled history here Esther Rutter grew up on a sheep farm in Suffolk, and learned to spin, weave and knit as a child. Here she unearths fascinating histories of communities whose lives were shaped by wool, from the mill workers of the Border countries, to the English market towns built on profits of the wool trade, and the Highland communities cleared for sheep farming; and finds tradition and innovation intermingling in today's knitwear industries. Along the way, she explores wool's rich culture by knitting and crafting culturally significant garments from our history - whether gloves, a scarf, a baby blanket, socks or a fisherman's jumper - reminding us of the value of craft and our intimate relationship with wool. This Golden Fleece is at once a celebration on the craft and history of knitting, and a fascinating exploration of wool's influence on our landscape, history and culture. 'You don't have to be a knitter to enjoy this wondrous book, although as one, I did smile through most of its pages' BBC Countryfile 'The history of plain, purl and intarsia is woven together by Esther Rutter, whose own skill with needles, learned from practical experience, attests that this ancient craft is nothing less than a wonder of civilization. Beautifully written too' Janice Galloway, author of This Is Not About MeTrade ReviewA compelling literary journey through the social history of wool in the British Isles -- Karen Lloyd, author of * The Gathering Tide *This is a book about wool and sheep, the making of Scotland, England and farming, textile manufacture, folk-lore and, crucially, the essential craft of knitting. The plying of wool had been a vital survival skill for over two millennia in Britain before the Romans showed up (bringing their own sheep with them, just in case) making this domestic skill a founding piece of 'civilisation'. From fairy tales to debate regarding national identity, from the year dot to the tragedy of the Scottish Clearances and beyond, the history of plain, purl and intarsia is woven together by Esther Rutter, whose own skill with needles, learned from practical experience, attests that this ancient craft is nothing less than a wonder of civilization. Beautifully written too -- Janice Galloway, author of * This Is Not About Me *I love the sound of this * Bookseller *Esther Rutter unravels the social history and allure of knitting, from Fair Isle to Cornwall via the Hebrides [...] in her fascinating book * Stornoway Gazette *

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Book SynopsisA jacket is a wonderful staple for any wardrobe - it's versatile, flattering and stylish. This practical book explains how to make a jacket that can be worn with confidence, flourish and pride. Using 'speed' tailoring techniques, it explains fusible interfacings and finishes that are achievable for all home sewers, and will guide you to making a fabulous tailored jacket. Tailoring a Jacket includes a guide to fabrics, pattern choice and interfacings; advice on pattern matching; instruction on welt and patch pockets, shoulder pads and collars, as well as bound and machined buttonholes. It gives detailed help on lining and finishing your jacket, and ideas for alterations and, finally, a step-by-step explanation with photographs to the full process.

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Book SynopsisA bumper edition of puzzles from the home of cryptic crosswords... the Telegraph.In 1925, the Telegraph was the first quality daily to publish a crossword; here is the latest collection. Utterly addictive and entertaining, these fiendish puzzles are perfect for those who wish to pit their wits against the nation's best cryptic setters.

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

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

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Book SynopsisMany people crave a creative outlet, but more often than not, don't know where to start. In Green, Valentina Zucchi and Angela Leon invite you to nurture your creativity and build your confidence by taking inspiration from works of art that celebrate green – the colour of fertility, abundance and life.Green imparts energy, relaxes, refreshes, cleanses and heals. It is ultimately a colour that belongs to nature and has always been loved by artists. Throughout the book, Valentina and Angela provide creative and fun prompts – many based on famous works of art – which will encourage you to draw or paint on the pages using various techniques. Packed with inspiration from the world's most celebrated artists, including Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, Georges Seurat and more, you will discover the many meanings of green and just some of the ways it can be used to express your creative passion.Green is a short course in unlocking your creative self – perfect for budding artists of all ages who are keen to try out different techniques and materials and begin their artistic journey.Table of ContentsIllustrated text - Exploring the world of colour through the eyes of great artists and their masterpieces.Exercises - Questions and practical challenges for the reader to discover the effect and impact in the way we observe and play with colour.

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Book SynopsisAn evocative exploration of how travel - local and far away - can inform, inspire and enhance textile art. Travel has always featured heavily in textile art, from artists’ ‘travelling sketchbooks’ to large-scale installations mapping coastal erosion or the effects of climate change. In this book, renowned textile artist Anne Kelly shows how to capture your travels, past and present, in stitch, with practical techniques sitting alongside inspiring images. She begins the book by discussing maps in textile art, including their iconography as well as incorporating actual maps into textile work. She then goes on to explore the influence of different cultures from across the globe on textile art. From India and Peru to Scotland and Scandinavia, the book shows how to harness traditional techniques, fabrics, motifs and colours for use in your own work. The chapter ‘Stopping Places’ captures the moments in time on a journey that can be distilled, remembered and documented to create stitched postcards, sketchbooks and other pieces. The final chapter, ‘Space and the Imagination’, explores the possibilities of space travel as a source of inspiration, and covers inner space too, with artists mapping their own emotional journeys. Including a wealth of practical tricks and techniques as well as exquisite photography of both Anne’s own work and that of other leading textile artists, this fascinating book will inspire all textile artists, embroiderers and makers to use past travels to influence their work.Trade ReviewA fascinating exploration of travel in textile art, with practical techniques and inspiring images' Craft Focus 'Gorgeous … Packed with rich imagery, detailed instruction and inspiration galore.' Textile Artist 'Anne Kelly has captured her experiences with travel beautifully in this new title' Sew 'This book will inspire all makers' Simply Sewing 'This fascinating book will inspire all textile artists, embroiderers and makers to use past travels to influence their work.' Selvedge ‘A delightful publication which will install a desire to look beyond, and to explore the expanse of what the world presents as a starting point for any creative endeavour, particularly involving textiles’ Art Quilt Quarterly ‘Filled with many clever and interesting ideas … Useful for spurring ideas for projects I never would have thought about otherwise’ Spin Off (US) Terry Mattison

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

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Book SynopsisSharpening workshop tools is probably the most diverse of all workshop activities and the one that is least understood by the majority of workshop owners. This is not unreasonable in view of the wide range of equipment suggested for the task, ranging from the complex, typically an industrial tool and cutter grinder, through to the humble off hand grinder. This book illustrates how most sharpening tasks can be carried out using an off hand grinder and a few simply made accessories, whilst doing this to a standard comparable to that achieved using much more sophisticated equipment. A lack of understanding of the processes almost certainly results in the workshop owner attempting tasks with far from perfect cutting tools that can diminish the satisfaction of a job well done. With the information in this book this situation can be avoided and working with blunt tooling should be a thing of the past.Table of ContentsSharpening - An Introduction. Drill Sharpening. Grinding Rests. Sharpening Lathe Tools. Sharpening End Mills. Other Milling Cutters. Small Workshop Tools. Woodworking Tools. Making a Grinding Rest. Making the End Mill Sharpening Accessory. Making Simple Accessories for the Grinding Rest. Making Drill Sharpening Accessories. Tool and Cutter Grinding Head.

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Book SynopsisAVAILABLE NOW -THE RSPB GARDEN BIRDWATCHER'S PUZZLE BOOKA jam-packed puzzle and trivia book about the birds in Britain, in collaboration with the RSPB.Can you tell your rook from your crow? Do you know the collective noun for a group of goldfinches? Or where a willow warbler goes when it migrates?A must-buy for any bird enthusiast or bird-watching novice, this puzzle book is filled with questions, word games and brainteasers that will test your ornithological knowledge and reveal a treasure trove of incredible facts about our feathered friends - covering topics such as garden birds, coastal and country birds, behaviour, biology, culture, rare birds and bird migration.Featuring over 150 puzzles, from quiz questions to illustrations of birds to test your identification knowledge, wordsearches and crosswords, as well as maps to explore flight patterns, the RSPB Great British Birdwatcher's Puzzle Book will put your friends and family through their paces, and on the path to becoming an ornithological expert.

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Book SynopsisIn Freestyle Embroidery on Wool you will learn how to kickstart your creativity and become confident at making your own colourful and expressive designs using appliqué and embroidery on felted wool fabric. Using her own detailed and imaginative embroidery as examples Karin Derland teaches you how to go about creating your own designs using appliqué and embroidery on wool felt. Karin shares plenty of instruction and helpful tips on making colour choices, how to apply ribbons, mirrors and other accessories, making and using cardboard templates for appliqué shapes and how to combine different types of threads and stitches for best effect. Sketches, diagrams and detailed photographs of different types of embroidered pillows, cushions, cases and other items will give you a head start on creating and applying your own designs. The book also offers plenty of inspirational images through Karin's colourful embroidery that draws on both the Swedish and Indian traditions. These can be used as an inspirational library of ideas when creating your own work. How simple or complex a piece becomes is up to you and your own level of experience and personal choice. Although the emphasis is on developing your own expressive embroidery, some step-by-step projects are included to help build confidence before launching out on your own. This is wool appliqué embroidery at its best - free, beautiful and generous. A note on materials: The author recommends using kläde and vadmal, which are both types of Swedish 100% wool fabric of varying weight. They are made from woven fabric that has an even surface and processed so there is no visible weave. A good equivalent in the UK is a felted wool fabric such as Melton wool. Hobby felt containing polyester is not suitable.Trade Review"There's never been a better time to take up a craft...And now here's all the inspiration you need. This new book is packed with gorgeously detailed and imaginative embroidery, then shows how to go about creating your own designs using applique and embroidery on wool felt...Includes step-by step projects to build up your confidence before launching your own designs to create personalised works of art. We are sure William Morris would have approved." * The William Morris Society magazine *"Packed with inspiration and guidance and a few step-by-step projects to get you started and build your confidence." * Simply Sewing *"If you have more than a passing interest in embroidery, then this book is for you." * Embroidery *Table of ContentsContents Introduction Part 1 Before we get going Equipment Materials Inspiration How to start? Compose a pattern Cardboard templates Some advice on colour Part 2 Watch and learn Basic stitches Embroidery nr 1-5 Application technique Embroidery nr 6-7 Edging stitches Embroidery nr 8-9 Part 3 Step-by-Step Embroidery Bracelets Storage cases Hanging creations Pillow with a patterned band Make a sewing frame When the embordiery is finished Where to buy Notes

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Book SynopsisPractical craft projects suitable for children aged 68 years, classes 1 and 2 of Steiner-Waldorf school to follow on their own or with support. Tips and techniques for teaching are included along with charming rhymes, anecdotes and stories to keep children engaged. There are also projects for young people to try while they are waiting for more attention.This is a recipe book to guide young people through making things on their own (with a little help or guidance from an adult, if needed) with few words and plenty of pictures to follow.As mainstream and Steiner-Waldorf curriculums are under more pressure to fulfill academic goals, these projects will provide opportunities to connect with the natural world, develop dexterity, hand-eye co-ordination and creativity with a series of tried and tested, age-appropriate projects to gradually build on skills and techniques.Featuring ways to make useful and personalised items, that is, expressing one's own character through choice of colour. The projects and techniques are accompanied by stories and anecdotes with a narrative that will help children to relate.

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Book SynopsisAs the sun sets on summer, there’s no need to be sad. Fall is here, and it’s time to carve some gourds! But pumpkins aren’t just for teenagers to smash on Halloween – there are a multitude of uses for this versatile produce. Get back to the basics with a handy step-by-step for carving a pumpkin that will have your callers commenting on your crafty cutting. Use one of the included templates to carve your creation! Then discover how to turn a simple gourd into a musical instrument for playing, or a colorful animal feeder that will bring all sorts of critters to your garden. After, why not whip up a batch of smoky pumpkin deviled eggs, pumpkin chips or a warming pumpkin spiced latte to sip while you watch your favorite holiday movie? And that’s just the beginning! Transform your festive fun with 29 ideas that will have you saying, “Oh my Gourd!”

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