Hobbies, Games & Quizzes Books

Book SynopsisJohn Derian is an artist and designer whose work with printed images from the past transports the viewer to another world. Now Derian expands his beautiful line of puzzles, wrapping paper, notebooks, notepads, and stickers with three all-new 1,000 piece puzzles, each featuring mesmerizing 19th-century artwork sourced from old and rare books.Featuring: 1,000 full-color interlocking pieces Art print with puzzle image Finished puzzle is 26 3/8 x 18 7/8

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Book SynopsisFans of the amazing LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor set rejoice! Over 125 new models to coax your brain and get you creating are included in this new book. By the time you get through it, you'll know how to build machines that can walk/drive themselves, open doors and draw picture. The multi-angled color photographs and illustrated list of parts are super easy to understand so there's nothing stopping you.Trade Review"The LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Idea Book is a building dictionary for beginners and experts alike. With easy to understand diagrams and programs, this book not only teaches but engages the builder to build something new with its models and contraptions. This a book that can and should be used by anyone who has a Robot Inventor set to see what the set can do!"—Joe Meno, Brick Journal"No Starch Press has done it again by combining LEGO eye candy with educational and fun content for the reader. Whether you are a MINDSTORMS pro, a beginner, or simply someone who wants to learn more about MINDSTORMS and LEGO robotics, this is a great, informative, and visual book to have in your LEGO book collection. A must-have if you like the robotic side of LEGO!"—Dr. McBrick, YouTuber"This book is not a basic introduction to the LEGO MINDSTORMS 51515 Robot Inventor set, but it uses the set to introduce a wide range of different mechanisms and related concepts, from simple gearing to reciprocating or oscillating motion. We get easy to follow instructions to build the contraptions demonstrating the concepts, and with the code blocks accompanying them, they are ready to be used in any custom MINDSTORMS project."—Balazs, RacingBrick"Yoshihito Isogawa has always inspired me. On his YouTube channel, he builds all kinds of small robots and contraptions. He always comes up with these ingenious building techniques and clever contraptions and in this book, he shows you 128 of them! You can learn so much from him and his book, so this is a must have for MINDSTORMS builders and aspiring robotic engineers!"—Robotic Engineering, YouTuber"The book is a real compendium of mechanisms and related topics. More than a 'manual' for owners of the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor set, it is a real 'encyclopedia of movement:' ranging from the simplest mechanisms to those of oscillating or alternating motion, which combined together allow you to make even complex movements. Perfect for both beginners and experienced users."—Francesco Frangioja, Certified LEGO Facilitator"A well-made tutorial for all the components and a guide for mechanisms. Really good stuff for possible advanced constructions."—Greta Galli, YouTuber"For me, as an inexperienced MINDSTORMS user, the book is awesome. It is explained very clearly how the whole thing works and can be programmed."—AustrianLegoFan, YouTuber"As an IT professional I found myself using this much like cookbooks for programming... it gives such elegant and simple, reusable components that it enabled me to focus on what I was trying to do rather than solving each aspect individually. The true genius lies in the fact that it actually does require you to examine and understand the approach, which taught me how to make all manner of contraptions."—Brian Mork, Advanced Reviewer"The best way to level up your skills and learn the advanced MINDSTORMS techniques."—JustJon.netTable of ContentsContentsIntroductionWarm-UpPART 1: Basic MechanismsRotating motors Transmitting rotation with gears Changing the angle of rotation by 90° Oscillating mechanisms Reciprocating mechanisms Changing the angle of an axle Transmitting rotation with rubber bands Using cams Using turntables Lighting up the center button Controlling the LED Matrix Using the remote controlPART 2: Moving MechanismsVehicles with one motor Vehicles with two motors Turning with a steering wheel Walking robots PART 3: Practical MechanismsGripping tools Lifting devices Flapping wings Using the projectile launcher Shooting devices Wind devicesPART 4 : Using SensorsUsing the Distance Sensor Using the Color Sensor Using the Hub’s built-in sensor Vehicles with sensors More ways to use sensorsPART 5 : Other Enjoyable MechanismsVarious moving mechanisms Spinning tops Drawing devices Automatic doors Making fun games and toys Bonus mechanisms

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Book SynopsisA delightful puzzle celebrating flora and fauna by renowned Australian-born, Sweden-based designer and illustrator Megan McKean.

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Book SynopsisCan you remember Dirty Harry's weapon of choice? Or the type of flower given to Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games? Does a severed horse's head mean anything to you? Or what about a pair of glistening shoes with magical powers? Film magazine Little White Lies dares you to test your mental agility and pop cultural prowess with the Movie Memory Game, an illustrated card game for the movie lover in your life. Includes 50 cards and a guide to the 25 movies.

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Book SynopsisLearn the language of flowers in this blossoming memory game. Match flowers to their uses and meanings, and collect the most pairs to win. From lillies at funerals, to 'flower power' carnations – this fun game is an ideal gift for nature lovers. Pair up the flowers with their typical uses and meanings in this beautiful and simple memory game. To play, place the cards face down and see if you can remember where the matching pairs are located. Collect more pairs than your opponent to win! With all kinds of flowers included – from marigolds in Mexican Day of the Dead displays to Japan's cherry blossom season, and from Van Gogh's Sunflowers to the first flower germinated in space – this fun and educational game is an ideal gift for nature lovers everywhere.

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Book SynopsisFilm magazine Little White Lies invites you to relive 300 movie moments – from the iconic to the downright filthy – in this hilarious new party game for film lovers. Simply pick a quote and ask your friends to transform it by filling in the blank with a phrase from another classic film. The funniest movie mash-up wins! As seen in Total FilmTrade Review"Pick a famous quote, then turn it on its head by filling - or rather filth-ing - in the blank." -- Total Film, Christmas Gift Guide

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Book SynopsisThe pen is mightier than the sword, but whose pen is the mightiest of them all? Who was more prolific, Charlotte Brontë or Fyodor Dostoyevsky? Who created more memorable characters, Jane Austen or William Shakespeare? Whose life was more eventful, Cervantes or Byron? Pit 32 of the greatest writers of all time against each other with these illustrated cards.

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Book SynopsisMatch the upper sides and undersides of the wings of 25 species of butterfly from around the world in this beautifully illustrated matching game. With all kinds of stunning species – from the painted lady to the purple emperor – this fun and educational game is an ideal gift that will appeal to nature lovers everywhere. Includes a mini dossier on each species. Can also be used as a memory game when you get to know the butterflies. Collect more pairs than your opponent to win!Trade Review"Expand your knowledge of species AND train your brain by playing the game too" -- The People - Love Sunday

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Book SynopsisMatisse or Kahlo - Hirst or Emin - whose artworks have been the most influential? The most shocking? The most expensive? These cards allow art lovers of all ages to play off popular artists and compare them to the trailblazing women we should all know...the battle to redefine the art world is on!

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Book SynopsisA HISTORICAL SEARCH AND FIND BOOK FEATURING SOME OF THE MOST FAMOUS BATTLES AND EVENTS OF WORLD WAR TWO.Where's Churchill is a collection of search and find scenes themed around World War II's most famous battles and events. It includes D-Day, Stalingrad, The Battle of Britain, Pearl Harbour and many other significant events, all packed with details to pore over as you hunt for Churchill and a cast of other historical figures. With bitesize chunks of information about each famous battle, you might learn a thing or two as well.This is the perfect gift for history enthusiasts.

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Book SynopsisLearn how to knit with plain-English instructions explaining how to read and follow patterns. There's a new generation of knitters out there, turning the traditional image of granny-knitters on its head. Everyone has heard of the mantra 'knitting is the new yoga', but you might not be lucky enough to have a knitting friend hanging around to show you the ropes and get you started on your very first row. The so-called 'beginners’ patterns' that you might turn to can also be confusing, difficult to follow, and more often than not written in 'knit' rather than English. Knitty Gritty is a tried-and-tested guide for complete beginners, with simple guidance and patterns for projects that you can use to make that first all-important step 'Beyond the Scarf'.Trade ReviewThis comprehensive resource is a must-have for the new generation of knitters. * Craftsman Magazine (Sept 2008) *This is one of the best beginners knitting books I have ever seen. * Read Craft Newsletter, Oct-Dec 2008 *Full of absolute beginner-proof instructions and patterns. The must-have accessory this winter. * The Sunday Telegraph (November 2008) *You'll be a whizz with the needles by the time you've finished. * Knit Today (October 2009) *Learn-to-knit books are a dime a dozen, but this is the best recent one we know. * www.allaboutyou.com *I've lost count of the number of starter knitters I've recommended this to... you will be able to make baby booties before you know it. * allaboutyou.com *Table of ContentsWelcome to the wonderful world of knitting Your Essential Knit-Kit How to Knit Workshop Project 1: Chunky Scarf Decreasing Workshop Sewing-up Workshop Project 2: Baby Booties Stitch Patterns Workshop Project 3: Hats Increasing Workshop Project 4: Zig-Zag Scarf Finishing Workshop Project 5: Cardigan (baby or child) Project 6: Flower Cable Stitches Project 7: Cable Bag Project 8: Lacy Wrap Project 9: Mittens Project 10: Hot Water Bottle Cover Project 11: Necktie Project 12: Fingerless Gloves Project 13: Phone Home Project 14: Manly Scarf Project 15: Girly Scarf Project 16: Little'n' Large Cushions Enjoy and Experiment Useful Notes: Conversion Charts and Abbreviations Stockists

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Book SynopsisAn in-depth portrait of the life and work of Shoji Hamada, one of the key figures behind the development of studio pottery in the 20th century, and the legacy he left. Shoji Hamada was one of the seminal figures in 20th century ceramics. Along with the British potter Bernard Leach, he was instrumental in the development of the international Studio Pottery movement in the early 1900s. Their dramatic influences are still felt today, particularly in the United States and Great Britain. Hamada, also a major figure in Japan’s folk art revival, was designated a ‘Living National Treasure’ by the Japanese government in 1955 and awarded the Order of Culture in 1968. Shoji Hamada is an ebullient and fascinating portrait of a great potter, tracing his place in the ceramic tradition and revealing a keen perception of his energetic lifestyle, dazzling work cycle, and intriguing specifics about the firing of his kilns. The text and over 200 new colour photographs from Peterson’s stay at Hamada’s compound in 1970 present a wealth of detail about techniques and processes. Equally important are the author’s insights depicting Hamada’s bequest to us: one whose life was concentrated toward the perpetuation and achievement of fundamental, unchanging and universal values and goals. In this completely re-designed and updated version of her classic book, Susan Peterson brings together the East-West connection personified by Hamada and Leach. In a completely new concluding chapter, she assesses Hamada’s ongoing legacy to the world of studio pottery. This is an authoritative account of one of the towering figures in the ceramics world by one of the first people to welcome him to America in the early 1950s. The book is a must for anyone interested in the evolvement of hand pottery and the dynamics of ceramics in general.Trade ReviewThis book covers anything and everything one might want to know about the potter and his work, but even so, it is still an incredibly easy read. The language is accessible to people who have not studied pottery, but also enriching for those that have. The book covers everything from his workflow, techniques, glazes, kilns, family life, and even the way Hamada himself thinks. [...] The photo albums scattered throughout the book are both an enjoyable and invaluable addition to the biography [...] If you are at all a fan of the arts, even just a little, I would definitely recommend this book. -- Ruth Duncan * Union University Library Blog *Table of ContentsForeword By Bernard Leach Acknowledgements 1. The Legacy 2. The Setting 3. The Work The Clay Wheels Throwing Pots The Workers The Household Finishing Pots Reminiscing Enamel Overglaze Painting The Bisque Kiln 4. Glazing And Firing Mixing the Glaze Making Tea Ceremony Bowls Yanagi’s Scroll Glazing Continues Trimming Tea Ceremony Bowls Glazing the Big Bowls Hamada’s Patterns Loading the Glaze Kiln Hamada Tells Stories Beginning the Glaze Kiln Firing Finishing the Fire Hamada and Shimaoka Unloading the Kiln The Ware of the Kiln 5. A New Cycle Hamada’s Museum Thoughts Making Pots For Salt Glazing The Salt Firing Exhibition Appendix Glossary Index

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Book Synopsis Have a blast with Family Fun Trivia !In a brightly colored, portable box, these 140 general knowledge questions are an all-ages-friendly trivia challenge the whole family can enjoy together. With a range of topics, including pop culture, history, sports, nature, and more, it''s a family game sure to unite generations for a whole lot of fun.ENTERTAINING QUESTIONS: This bright box is filled with 140 surprising and engaging trivia questions about all kinds of subjects! FUN FOR ALL AGES: With three optional difficulty levels, these multiple-choice questions are great for players of all ages. TAKE IT ANYWHERE: The portable box is the perfect size to throw in your bag to take to game night, on vacation, to your grandparents'' house, or a family reunion. A FUN GIFT: Perfect for anyone in search of birthday presents, game night inspiration, or stocking stuffers for the whole family. EXPLORE THE ENTIRE SERIES: This gam

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Book SynopsisSupporting the work of Battersea Dogs and Cats HomeBattersea's Dog Puzzle Book is packed with fun-filled teasers dedicated to our furry, four-legged friends.Puzzle your way through more than 100 dog-themed brainteasers.From crosswords to wordsearches, hidden codes to logic puzzles, you'll find more than 100 puzzles to challenge and entertain all dog lovers, from young pups to old hounds.

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Book SynopsisPart of a new, exciting series of ethical, sustainable and earth-friendly jigsaw puzzles. These high-quality, 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles from Flame Tree are made with FSC -certified and recycled materials, have sturdy pieces and a recyclable bag, and feature powerful and popular works of art. This jigsaw features artwork by Kate Heiss.

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Book SynopsisNew title in exciting series of sturdy, square-box 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles from Flame Tree, featuring powerful and popular works of art and providing a challenge for adult puzzlers of all levels!Part of an exciting series of sturdy, square-box 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles from Flame Tree, featuring powerful and popular works of art. This new jigsaw will satisfy your need for a challenge, with Jenny Zemanek''s Classics Cascade. This 1000 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 735 x 510mm/29 x 20 ins. Includes an A4 poster for reference.Based in Columbus, Ohio, Jenny Zemanek is a lifelong lover of all things creative. What started with happy scribbles at a young age grew into a pursuit of photography and graphic design before she found a home with illustration and hand-lettering. Jenny revels in the joys of small decorative details, finding

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Book SynopsisPart 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 Lowry''s Coming from the Mill. 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.Lowry said of this painting, ‘To say the truth, I was not thinking very much about the people... They were part of a private beauty that haunted me!’ In his many depictions of north-west England Lowry makes industrial scenes his own, showing how industry had affected the landscape and how the inhabitants of the urban areas lived out their daily lives. Marches, evictions, accidents, illness, relaxation at the park or the fair, going to work, coming out o f school and going to the football match were all subjects fo

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Book SynopsisA practical guide to modern calligraphy, complete with worksheets and projects. In Modern Lettering, you will learn how to create beautiful decorative handwriting in a variety of styles. It’s a fun and immersive guide, inviting you to explore beautiful letterforms, experiment with your own hand-lettering style and use calligraphy for creative projects. Professional calligrapher Rebecca Cahill Roots guides the reader through the basic techniques, sharing useful tips along the way. She brings her own unique style to a range of beautiful modern calligraphy alphabets, each accompanied by worksheets printed on high-quality calligraphy paper for practising. There are tips for mixing fonts, using different coloured inks and beginner’s brush calligraphy. Once you’ve mastered the basic techniques, you can apply your handwriting skills to some of the stylish step-by-step projects featured, including wedding stationery, framed quotes and personalised envelopes. This fun and approachable guide is a must-have for anyone looking to add a personal touch to their lettering, whether it’s for a particular project or for taking up a new hobby.

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Book SynopsisDespite the digital world we live in, the sending and giving of greetings cards is more prolific than ever. Studies show that people have a far greater emotional response to receiving handwritten cards than they do to emails, texts and online messages. And how better to show your appreciation than with a beautiful handmade design? Creating your own cards is easy, affordable and incredibly rewarding. In this practical and insightful book you’ll discover all the inspiration and advice you need to get started, as well as ten visually exciting and easy-to-follow projects from professional card designers. Each project introduces a different style and technique, from silkscreen printing and textile foiling to letterpress and stitched motifs. Roll up your sleeves and dive straight in: much of what you need is inexpensive and easily accessible, while clear step-by-step instructions guide you effortlessly through every stage. Each artist offers a colourful behind-the-scenes glimpse into their studio and practice, with insights into how they gather inspiration, plus tips and tricks to help you achieve a professional finish. Accompanied by fascinating nuggets of greeting-card history and a wealth of beautiful photography, there’s also insider information on how to make larger quantities for sale and how to license designs commercially, for anyone keen to take card-making to the next level.

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Book SynopsisMatch 15 ''before'' and ''after'' nature moments. Then, turn the cards over to play again - but this time, use your memory to find each pair. This card game builds first literacy and sequencing skills with all your favourite animals from Slow Down - an ideal game for 2-4 players.

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Book SynopsisUnleash your memory skills with this fun matching game.Get ready to test your memory and your love for human’s best friend with our new deck of memory cards featuring adorable illustrations of dogs!Featuring 30 dog breeds across 60 beautifully illustrated cards, it’s your job to match the head and tail of each furry friend.Perfect for dog lovers of all ages, this deck of memory cards is both entertaining and challenging. Whether you’re playing solo or with a group, our dog-themed memory cards will provide hours of fun and help improve your memory skills. With charming illustrations, this deck makes a great gift for any dog enthusiast or anyone looking for a fun and engaging game to play with friends and family.So, what are you waiting for? Have a barking good time with our new deck of dog-themed memory cards!

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Book SynopsisContaining visual information to instruct a beginner or improve an experienced appliquer's techniques, this updated, award-winning classic features two new projects and information on wool applique preparation and stitching, hand applique, and updated tools. With chapters on getting started, grasping the basics, understanding the equipment, selecting the right supplies, and learning all about applique, you'll then progress into 10 creative projects. Including step-by-step tutorials and over 550 photos and illustrations to practice applique, this is the ultimate go-to resource to learn and do it all! Author Janet Pittman has been designing quilts for 20 years and has won awards for both her quilts and her books, including this one!

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Book SynopsisLearn to draw the most expressive manga faces ever! Sure, drawing faces is one of the most challenging aspects of manga. But Draw Manga Faces for Expressive Characters is here to help! This fantastically comprehensive book includes more than 900 sample illustrations that teach key elements for capturing facial expressions and emotions for manga characters. Learn to draw:Basic characters, faces and expressions: boys and girls, men and women, from babies to teens, adults to elderly charactersSpecific character types: school girls, villains, sweethearts, heroes, gentle souls, go getters and morePositive expressions: relaxed, adoring, mischievous, confident and moreNegative expressions: outraged, embarrassed, stressed, spiteful and more With more than 900 sample illustrations, you're well on your way to mastering the most expressive manga faces ever!

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Book SynopsisThousands of novice turners have learned to turn with Richard Raffan because he can explain the complex and sometimes confusing steps in turning in a clear and understandable way. This book will continue this long tradition with a collection of appealing new woodturning projects - candlesticks, a lamp and shade, sets of plates and bowls, even a turned duck call. The projects range from simple to complex, and Raffan provides complete instructions with step-by-step photos and drawings. These projects will lead the reader through a skill-building course in woodturning.

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Book SynopsisThis charming celebration of the peony reads like a “very smart love letter to cultivating beauty” and features 60+ vintage-inspired full-color botanical illustrations (Seattle Times).“Delightful…Next time you are lucky enough to be someone’s houseguest, consider arriving with a bouquet of either one of the Little Book of Flowers.”-The New York TimesPeonies are queens of the spring garden, a romantic flower long popular in bridal bouquets (symbolizing prosperity and a happy marriage). In bloom for only a few weeks, they have passionate fans who love them despite—or perhaps because of—their short season. They can live to be 100 years, and are one of the easiest flowers to grow, with many different shapes and colors available, and a delicate scent. This charming little hardcover book includes: 60+ full-color botanical illustrations basic botany and history everything you need to know to grow gorgeous blooms in the garden tips for creating beautiful arrangements and preserving flowers quotes, lore, and notable gardens and growers Like a bouquet of peonies, this book is an affordable little luxury for gardeners and flower lovers—the perfect hostess gift or Mother’s Day present. It’s part of the collectible mini gift book series Little Book of Natural Wonders.Trade Review"Next time you are lucky enough to be someone’s houseguest, consider arriving with a bouquet of either one of the Little Book of Flowers. . . Each book includes snappy discussions of the origins of the species, cultivation techniques and suggestions for display. The charm lies in Poole’s art. . . there’s a distinctly retro appeal to the watercolors here, which slow you down to linger over crinkled petals and bombshell flower heads. These books don’t pretend to be encyclopedic; rather, Weaver is discerning in her choices."—New York Times"In 'A Little Book of Flowers,' a new series of single bloom titles, author Tara Austen Weaver weaves together basic botany and culture. Each posey-size volume reads like a very smart love letter to cultivating beauty. . . Charming illustrations by Emily Poole and numerous quotes tug at our horticultural heartstrings, while a serviceable glossary and resource section at the back of each book indulge our yearning to grow more flowers and deepen our knowledge of the natural world."—Seattle Times, Pacific NW Magazine

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Book SynopsisWe all need a creative space: a blank canvas where we can doodle our masterpieces; a white page where we can jot down our innermost thoughts; a secret place where we can unleash our wildest imaginings and let them roam free for a while. And what could be finer than finding that creative space populated by flights of fancy that help stir those very doodles, scribbles and imaginings? The Creative Space Journal is a journal through 100 art projects, offering prompts and projects, sparks and nudges, ideas and inspirations for activities to reflect, enhance or change your mood. Its pages present beautifully illustrated exercises designed to add some art and mischief to your world, and to make your life more imaginative and inventive. They are surrounded by frames and spaces, lines and bullets, where you can record your adventures. The journal provides a safe place where you can retreat and allow your creativity to flourish. Organised to reflect your head space - Happy, Sad, Angry, Relaxed, Playful, Bored, Wired or Sleepy - it's the perfect companion to dip in and out of, explore by mood or fill with your creativity from cover to cover. Travel into your creative space, and create a journal that is uniquely yours.

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Book SynopsisFramed as a traitor and a murderer and sent to Alcatraz as a result, you must escape the forbidding, top-security jail, recover the lost evidence and stop the pollution and land sale before it's too late. Surrounded by the most notorious, dangerous and unpredictable inmates, you will quickly learn that the only means of escape will be from solving hidden puzzles using the code wheel left behind by the renowned criminal mastermind Robert Stroud – the famous Birdman of Alcatraz. AUTHORS: Frances & Phillips are a puzzle-writing team with a reputation worthy of 221B Baker Street. Melanie Frances specializes in developing interactive stories featuring games and puzzles. She is co-artistic director of interactive, digital arts organization Produced Moon, with whom she has created a range of immersive and interactive experiences, including escape rooms and app-based audio adventures. Charles Phillips is the author of more than 40 books, whose How to Think puzzle series sold more than 1 million copies and was translated into 18 languages. He was the editor of Biographic: Sherlock (Ammonite Press, 2018). Together, they wrote the second title in this series, A Sherlock Holmes Escape Book: The Adventure of the British Museum (Ammonite Press, 2020). 40 illustrations, full colour throughout

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Book SynopsisThis is the ultimate go-to quilting guide for the complete beginner - no prior knowledge of quilting, or even sewing, is assumed. Ten fully illustrated techniques are included, covering everything a novice needs to know, including skills such as rag quilting, hand-tied wadding, English paper piecing and square work. The techniques are accompanied by ten simple projects, enabling the reader to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice. Projects include a tea cosy, table mat, lavender-filled keepsake, pinboard, table runner, throw, cushion, duffel bag, play mat and bed cover. Approachable and friendly in style, this beautifully illustrated book will give beginners the confidence to take up quilting, then use it as a basic skills 'bible' to have to hand when they need it.

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Book SynopsisIf you've always wanted to learn to use a sewing machine 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 using a sewing machine. You'll learn everything you need to get started, including basic machine stitches, making seams and hems, binding edges and working with zips. Each technique is accompanied by a stylish project to make, and everything is explained with the help of clear illustrations that will guide you every step of the way. The straightforward explanations combined with desirable projects means that no matter how little machine sewing experience you have to start with, you'll soon be impressing friends and family with your newfound practical skills.

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Book SynopsisDeck the halls with pompoms! Fun and easy to make, pompoms are a great way to conjure up stylish decorations with maximum festive impact and minimum fuss. Including decorations to dress your tree, trimmings to jazz up your parcels and other cheerful accessories to spread festive spirit, this book is full of gorgeous photographs and also includes a techniques section that clearly explains all the skills you’ll need to make the projects. The 20 jolly projects include: tree baubles, small fir tree, parcel ribbon, holly leaves and berries, garland, stocking trim and earrings.

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Book SynopsisPart of a fantastic series of stash-busting sewing books aimed at beginner to intermediate crafters, Fat Quarter: Bags and Purses has 25 quick and easy projects to make, all from fat quarters or fabric scraps. Each project has easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and beautiful accompanying photography, as well as a comprehensive techniques section. This book is ideal for using up leftover remnants of fabric to make a whole range of useful bags and purses. Give them to your family and friends, or keep them for yourself! Projects include: beach bag, took bag, toy bag, art and craft caddy, animal purse, lipstick pouch, swimming bag, overnight bag, gadget travel bag, sightseeing wallet, laptop bag. AUTHOR: Having studied Fine Art at the Slade School, London, Susie Johns began her publishing career as a magazine and partworks editor before becoming a freelance writer and designer. She is the author of more than 30 craft books on a range of subjects including knitting, crochet, sewing, papier mache and embroidery. Susie has also contributed to a number of magazines and has made several television appearances demonstrarting various crafts. She particularly enjoys art and craft activities that involve recycling and reinventing. Susie is a qualified teacher and runs workshops in drawing and painting, knitting and crochet, embroidery, and 3D design. SELLING POINTS: . 25 projects to make from fat quarters or stash scraps. . Ideal for using up fabric remnants. . Clear step-by-step instructions and pictures. . Useful techniques section. 300 photographs and 15 charts

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Book SynopsisThese beautifully designed crocheted hats are just the thing for getting you noticed on a cold winter's day. There are 15 easy projects, from beanies to berets, all clearly presented and beautifully photographed. Even those with no previous crocheting experience will be whipping up stylish hats in next to no time. Basic crochet techniques are clearly explained, including how to add a lining for extra cosiness. Sizes are included for children and adults so all the family can have their own handmade hat.

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Book SynopsisThis is a fun & fact-filled book that dino-obsessed children and grown-ups alike will love, from a UK author. It features 15 different dinosaur patterns, from Stegasaurus to Triceratops. It includes a techniques section that covers everything new knitters need to know - so suitable for all abilities. Do you know your Stegosaurus from your Brachiosaurus, or a Diplodocus from a Triceratops? If not, then this fun and fact-filled book of prehistoric projects is a must-have. All dino-obsessed children and grown-ups alike will love these quirky knitted toys and with 15 different patterns to choose from there is no excuse not to get knitting. New knitters need not worry, as there is a techniques section that covers all the basics you'll need to know. Gallery pages show off the dinosaurs from every angle so you can get up close and personal with these prehistoric creatures.

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Book SynopsisThis gorgeous collection of wild animal to crochet will enchant children and adults alike. Inside this fun, colourful book there are 15 feral friends from all over the world to choose from, each with a very distinct personality, from UK author Vanessa Mooncie. The projects vary in level of complexity and there is a comprehensive and straightforward techniques section to help you learn the necessary skills. Along the way you will also learn some interesting and surprising facts about these fascinating creatures.

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Book SynopsisA baby or toddler is the perfect excuse to get creative and make unique and charming clothes instead of buying poorly made, mass-produced items covered in logos. In this comprehensive guide children's wear designer Vanessa Mooncie shows you how to sew beautiful yet practical clothes that children will love to wear and you'll love to make. Choose from this delightful collection of 25 projects, including clothes for everyday wear, fun clothes for dressing up and accessories to complete the outfits. There are clothes for boys and girls, plus paper patterns that can easily be adapted to suit different ages. Don't worry if you are new to sewing as all the basic know-how is presented in a clearly explained step-by-step format. AUTHOR: Vanessa Mooncie spent many happy hours as a child sitting with her mother and grandmother learning how to sew. She went on to study fashion and textile design and became a self-employed children's wear designer, illustrator and commercial interior designer. She now specialises in silkscreen work and designing crochet jewellery through her company Kissy Suzuki (www.kissysuzuki.com). She lives with her family in a rural village in the south of England. Vanessa has written several books for GMC Publications, including Animal Hats, And Sew to Bed, Crocheted Wild Animals and The Print Making Book. She is a regular contributor to other craft books and magazines.

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Book SynopsisLaura Brouwers--widely known as Instagram sensation @Cyarine--has created her first book to share with her fans and aspiring artists. In Expedition Sketchbook: Inspiration and Skills for Your Artistic Journey, Laura takes readers through techniques that build better a better artist. In a fun and easy-to-follow manner, each page is full of inspiration to help every reader improve their own art. Expedition Sketchbook includes: - All forms of sketches, drawings, and doodles - Practice drills to sharpen technique - Projects and challenges to hone skills - Tips to cultivate your own personal style - Guides for use of materials Laura's personal story is one of triumph and perseverance. At a young age, she was diagnosed with Asperger's and autism, and told she would likely never be able to live on her own or find success in a professional career. Years of hard work, determination, and dedication to her craft has proven the opposite. In Expedition Sketchbook, Laura shares her challenges and all she has overcome to become the influencer and artistic phenomenon she is today.

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