Hobbies, Games & Quizzes Books

Book SynopsisCreate your own safari story with this wooden jigsaw puzzle!Fit the 12 shaped puzzle pieces together to build a wild scene, and then use the animal characters for imaginative play to make your very own adventures. Will the hippo meet the elephant? Will the tortoise and the giraffe be best friends? Will the lion and the crocodiles have a yawning competition? It’s up to you! Perfect for ages 3+, the 12 wooden pieces come packaged in a handy zip-up pouch that doubles as the puzzle guide, making this the ideal on-the-go activity. The jigsaw is made using recycled FSC wood, and the reusable pouch is made from recycled PET.PUZZLE + PLAY – Go on safari in two different ways with this Shaped Safari Animals set. Use the picture on the pouch as a guide to piece the puzzle scene together, and then play with the animal characters to create your very own wild adventures! FUN ON THE MOVE – The 12 wooden pieces come

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Book SynopsisTime to test if mother really know best with Mom Trivia!This beautifully designed box holds 140 questions all about moms, offering a fun trivia challenge wherever you want to play. With topics taken from history, pop culture, nature, sports, and more, this trivia gift set is sure to be fun for the whole family . . . and especially for Mom! Perfect for trivia enthusiasts; family fun with new moms, stepmoms, grandmas, and every kind of mom; gift-giving for Mother's Day, birthday, baby shower, game-night hosts, or stocking stuffers.ALL ABOUT MOM TRIVIA SET: This bright, portable box is filled with 140 surprising and engaging trivia questions about all types of moms! Perfectly sized to throw in a bag to take to game night, a parent's house, a family celebration, or on vacation. FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: With three optional difficulty levels, this set of multiple-choice questions is perfect for players of all ages. MOTHER’S DAY PRESENT: Perfect for pairing with flowers for Mother's Day, anniversary, birthday, baby shower, or any occasion that calls for celebrating a very special mom. ECO-FRIENDLY: Made with FSC-certified paper sourced from a mixture of materials from responsibly managed forests and recycled materials. EXPLORE THE ENTIRE SERIES: This brain game is part of the Games Room Trivia series, a collection of elegantly designed, geometrically patterned small boxes filled with engaging questions for lively trivia, conversation, and endless laughs.

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Book SynopsisChallenge a worthy competitor and let the tournament commence! The key to mastering the family-favourite game of draughts is practice, and with this portable wooden set, you can take the fun with you wherever you go. Use logic, strategy, and ingenuity to capture your opponent's pieces while defending your own to win. When you're done, simply pack the 30 wooden pieces and instructions inside the folding board until you're ready to play again.

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Book Synopsis Think Faster from Ridley’s is the party game where we give you the answers! Seriously. All you need to do is remember them . . .Teams go head-to-head over three rounds in this fast-paced trivia game. With each round, the answers stay the same, but the clues get harder until they’re down to only one word. Your team has 30 seconds to get through as many cards as possible, so everyone needs to think fast if you want to win. But you must pay attention when it’s the other team’s turn, too, because the more answers you remember, the greater your chances of scoring big next time! This Mini Edition of our bestselling classic, Think Fast, offers a faster, more portable game, ideal for on-the-go fun. And you asked, we delivered: the cards can be used as an expansion pack for the original game, too! Great for a crowd, Think Faster is made to be played with friends and family. It’s suitable for ages 13+, 3 or more players, and has an average 15-minute gameplay. At Ridley’s Games, we like to make Good Clean Fun that’s as kind to the planet as it can be, so this set is printed using FSC paper and soy inks.  How to Play: Teams go head-to-head over three rounds in this fast-paced trivia game. With each round, the answers stay the same, but the clues get harder until they’re down to only one word. Your team has 30 seconds to get through as many cards as possible, so everyone needs to think fast if you want to win. But you must pay attention when it’s the other team’s turn, too, because the more answers you remember, the greater your chances of scoring big next time. The team with the most points at the end of three rounds wins!  Who It’s For: This game is great for a crowd of friends, family, random people on a train, whoever!What's Inside: 140 game cards, scorepad, pencil, and English instructions

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Book Synopsis Ever wondered what Khloe Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston would look like drawn together as one person? Have you pictured Elle Woods and Lionel Richie’s wedding? And just how many people can you draw in a minute? Find out in Even More Drawsome People from Ridley’s Games!In this hilarious drawing game, you’ll attempt to recreate some of the world’s most famous faces. You can use stick figures, symbols, scenes, and props, so there’s really no drawing talent required. Plus, with a huge range of people and characters to choose from, anyone can join in! This Mini Edition of our bestselling classic, Drawsome People, offers a faster, more portable game, and there’s no need for a die, so it’s perfect for on-the-go fun. And the character cards can be used as an expansion pack for the original game, too! Made to be played with friends and family, it’s suitable for ages 11+, 3–10 players, and has an average 15-minute gameplay. At Ridley’s Games, we like to make Good Clean Fun that’s as kind to the planet as it can be, so this set is printed using FSC paper and soy inks.How to Play: Get the most points by creating side-splitting scribbles and guessing your way to victory! Everyone takes a Drawsome card with four people or characters named on it, then one player reveals a Challenge card to determine what you will all be doodling in this round. It could be one character, two characters, a wedding, a mash-up, or a sprint! You have one minute to complete the challenge, then hold up your drawing for everyone else to see. Not an artist? Don’t worry! You can use stick figures, symbols, scenes, props, basically anything but words to represent the person you’re drawing. And anyway, no one can create gallery-worthy artwork in one minute. If someone correctly interprets your masterpiece, you both get a point! If no one guesses, don’t worry—you have two more rounds to score. The player or team with the most points at the end of three rounds wins!  Who It’s For: Made to be played with friends and family who don’t take themselves too seriously!What's Inside: 70 Drawsome cards, 6 Challenge cards, drawing and scoring pad, 4 HB wooden pencils, and English instructions.

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Book SynopsisDoes tequila make you happy? Then this jigsaw was made for you!As you connect 500 pieces to complete the Tequila Lover?s Jigsaw Puzzle from Ridley''s Games, you?ll reveal the five different types of the delicious drink, along with a selection of tasty cocktails. Inside you?ll also find recipes for eight of our team?s favorite tequila-based tipples, so why not enjoy one yourself with this puzzle? Featuring beautiful illustrations of classic tequila bottles and cocktails, this is a great gift for both the aspiring jimador and accomplished aficionado. And once it?s finished, it?s easy to frame to create a piece of art! Perfect for the tequila or puzzle lover, this jigsaw comes in giftable tube packaging and measures H19.7 x W13.8 in / H50 x W35 cm when it?s finished. 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 60% recycled materials and 40% FSC paper, and it?s printed using soy inks.PLEASE PUZZLE RESPONSIBLY ? Does tequila make you happy? Then this jigsaw was made for you! Connect 500 pieces to complete the Tequila Lover?s Jigsaw Puzzle from Ridley''s Games and reveal the five different types along with a selection of tasty cocktails. MORE THAN A JIGSAW ? We?ve included recipes for eight of our team?s favorite tequila-based tipples, including the classic Margarita, classy Paloma, and the fiery El Diablo! So why not enjoy this jigsaw with a cocktail or two? GALLERY WALL-WORTHY ? With beautiful illustrations of classic tequila bottles and cocktails, this is a great gift for aspiring jimadors and accomplished aficionados. Plus, the finished puzzle is so beautiful, you?ll want to frame it (and you can!). GOOD CLEAN FUN ? Made using 60% recycled materials, 40% FSC paper, and printed with soy inks. Each piece of this puzzle is composed of durable, lightweight board with a low-gloss finish to minimize glare, which we know is important to the avid puzzler! RIDLEY?S ? Awesome games and puzzles packed with personality?that?s our passion! We?re a crew of curious creatives making hilarious party games, light strategy games, fast-paced card games, challenging trivia, hilarious jokes, and stunning jigsaws.

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Book SynopsisAre you ready to go on a spilling spree? Stir, swap, and sabotage your way to success with Cereal Spiller from Ridley?s Games.Cutthroat scheming is required to fill your bowl and win this game. Prepare to lose some friends. It?s often said that Cereal Spillers have a type, so the more matching tokens you collect, the more you?ll score. Use the actions to mix things up, seek the magic charm you crave, avoid floaters that?ll drag you down, and beware of the dead flies that can ruin your day. Made for people who love eating cereal from the box but would never ever share, this game is suitable for ages 8+, 3?6 players, and has an average 30-minute gameplay. Inside the box you?ll find six Cereal Bowls, Spilled Milk board, 48 Cereal tokens, 27 Action tokens, Sour Milk carton, scorepad, and English and Spanish instructions. At Ridley?s Games, we like to make Good Clean Fun that?s as kind to the planet as it can be, so this game is made using 30% recycled materials and printed using FSC paper and soy inks.How to Play: Wanna make a name for yourself and go down in history? To win, you must sabotage your competition to fill your Bowl with matching Cereal. But beware: your opponents can get you back! On your turn, either reveal Cereal in your Bowl, draw Cereal from the box, or play an Action. Cereal tokens score points when they are next to other tokens of the same number or color?after all, they say Cereal Spillers have a type. Floaters (or ?single tokens? if you wanna be dull) will score you nothing, zilch, nada. Stir things up by switching two tokens in any player?s Bowl or get sneaky and Swap one token in your Bowl for one in another player?s Bowl. Always be on the hunt for the Magic Charm which matches anything and everything. And watch out for the Dead Flies that will lose you points and ruin your day. The player who absolutely kills this breakfast challenge and has the highest score after three rounds is the winner. Last place gets the Sour Milk and should be grateful for it. Loser. Who It?s For: Made for people who love eating cereal from the box but would never ever share, this game is suitable for ages 8+, 3?6 players, and has an average 30-minute gameplay. What''s Inside: 6 Cereal Bowls, Spilled Milk board, 48 Cereal tokens, 27 Action tokens, Sour Milk carton, scorepad, and English and Spanish instructions.IT?S CRUNCH TIME ? Are you ready to go on a spilling spree? Stir, swap, and sabotage your way to success with Cereal Spiller from Ridley?s Games. Cutthroat scheming is required to fill your bowl and win this game. Prepare to lose some friends. CEREAL SPILLERS HAVE A TYPE ? Cereal tokens score points when they are next to other tokens of the same number or color. So, sabotage your competition to fill your Bowl with matching Cereal. But beware: your opponents can get you back! MIX THINGS UP ? Stir and Swap to wreak havoc, seek out the Magic Charm, avoid Floaters, and beware Dead Flies that can ruin your day. Made for those who love eating cereal from the box but never share. Ages 8+, 3?6 players, average 30-minute gameplay. WHAT?S INSIDE? ? 6 Cereal Bowls, Spilled Milk board, 48 Cereal tokens, 27 Action tokens, Sour Milk carton, scorepad, and instructions. Ridley?s likes to make Good Clean Fun, so this game uses 30% recycled materials. Printed using FSC paper and soy inks. RIDLEY?S ? Awesome games and puzzles packed with personality?that?s our passion! We?re a crew of curious creatives making hilarious party games, light strategy games, fast-paced card games, challenging trivia, hilarious jokes, and stunning jigsaws.

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Book Synopsis Spark an interest in the natural world with Discovery Puzzle: Life Cycle from Petit Collage!Explore six life cycles with your little one as they assemble the four-piece puzzles. Plus, they can use the included information fold-out to follow the development of a ladybug, butterfly, turtle, frog, flower, and bird! Younger children can initially use the different colored backgrounds to match the jigsaw pieces together. Then as they learn more about the cycle stages, they can progress to using the pictures to complete the puzzles instead. Perfect for ages 3+, Discovery Puzzles improve hand-eye coordination and problem-solving and encourage cognitive development. Each completed puzzle measures 5.9 in / 150 mm in diameter with big, chunky pieces ideal for little hands. The six puzzles are packed in a sturdy storage box with a carry-along handle for taking the fun on the go! Made using FSC paper and printed with vegetable inks, the packaging is made using 75% recycled materials.

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Book Synopsis It’s a race to get your friendly ladybug to the flower first in Lucky Ladybugs from Petit Collage!Simply roll the die to fly your ladybug across the board toward their flowery home. Your garden friends are here to help, especially the adorable aphid who gives you an extra turn. But watch out for the cheeky frog who will jump in the way of your journey! The first player to get their ladybug back home wins. Perfect for 2–4 players, ages 4+, this game furthers communication skills, deepens understanding of cause and effect, and encourages cognitive development through decision-making. Inside the box, you’ll find four wooden ladybug characters, a wooden flower, wooden die, gameboard, and English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Spanish instructions. The game is plastic-free with everything made using FSC paper and wood, and the packaging is printed using 75% recycled materials and vegetable inks.   <

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Book Synopsis Hop, flip, and jump your way to victory in Leaping Frogs! from Petit Collage.In this ribbiting twist on the classic game of tiddlywinks, use the springboard to flip your froggy friend into the pond to earn points. Where you land determines your score, but you should always aim for the best spot in the pond: the golden lily pad! The player with the most points after five rounds wins. Perfect for 2–4 players, ages 4+, this game furthers communication skills, encourages cognitive development, and deepens a child’s understanding of cause and effect. Inside the box, you’ll find four wooden frog characters, two sheets of point tokens, a wooden lily pad, wooden springboard, gameboard, and English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Spanish instructions. The game is plastic-free with everything made using FSC paper and wood, and the packaging is printed using 75% recycled materials, FSC paper, and vegetable inks.   AIM OF THE GAME: Flip your froggy friend into the pond to earn the most points!HOW TO PLAY: Position the springboard and golden lily pad at opposite ends of the pond gameboard. Balance your frog on the springboard, then press down quickly and firmly to catapult your character onto the pond! The closer you land to the lily pad, the more points you score—unless you overshoot and reach the bank. Take the same number of tokens as points scored, reset the board, and play again. The player with the most point tokens after five rounds wins.WHO IT'S FOR: Perfect for 2–4 players, ages 4 and up.WHAT'S INSIDE: 4 wooden frog characters, 36 point tokens, a wooden lily pad, wooden springboard, gameboard, and English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Spanish instructions.

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Book Synopsis Become the world’s greatest curator with My Museum Magnetic Play Scene from Petit Collage!Encourage kids to express creativity as they fill their dream art museum with iconic paintings and sculptures, and then use their imaginations to take the animal visitors on a guided tour. With two different magnetic scenes on the inside lid and over 40 magnetic play pieces included, there are endless combinations of artwork to display and hours of fun to be had. Perfect for ages 3+, everything packs neatly into the easel-style box, which is sturdy when assembled and has a secure elastic closure making this the ideal activity for on-the-go entertainment. Made using FSC paper and printed with vegetable inks, the packaging is comprised of 80% recycled materials.

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Book SynopsisMake your very own puppy pal with the Pocket Pet Corgi Mini Craft Kit from Petit Collage!This creature craft kit comes with everything you need to sew your very own cute corgi plush toy and adorable accessories. It’s a fun and easy project a child can complete independently, or you can share the experience together! Inside, you’ll find seven pre-shaped felt pieces, stuffing, embroidery thread in three colors, a child-safe needle, self-adhesive felt stickers, and simple-to-follow instructions. The completed corgi measures 4.6 x 4.3 in / 110 x 116 mm—perfect for popping in your pocket or travel bag to take with you on trips! The portable tin is sized for you to craft on the go, and it doubles as a carry case for your corgi to nestle in with their pillow and bone accessories.  Suitable for ages 6+, this Mini Craft Kit improves fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and receptive-language skills. Plus, creating and caring for this crafted pet develops emotional awareness and encourages independent play. Packaged in a reusable and recyclable tin.KIDS’ CRAFT KIT – Craft on the go with this Pocket Pet Corgi Mini Craft Kit from Petit Collage! With everything you need to create your corgi, it’s a fun, easy project that a child can complete independently, or you can share the experience together. WHAT’S INSIDE? – 7 pre-cut felt pieces, stuffing, embroidery thread, child-safe needle, felt stickers, and simple instructions. The finished corgi measures 4.6 x 4.3 in / 110 x 116 mm, and the tin can be a carry case for your corgi, pillow, and bone.  PLAY & DEVELOPMENT – For ages 6+, this Mini Craft Kit improves fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and receptive-language skills. Creating and caring for this crafted pet also develops emotional awareness and encourages independent play. GREAT GIFT IDEA – This Pocket Pet Corgi makes a great gift for any occasion! Inside is all your friend or family member needs to get creature crafting. Plus, the stylish, brightly colored tin is already the perfect package with no gift wrapping required. PETIT COLLAGE – Combining great design with environmentally conscious manufacturing to create toys, puzzles, and games that encourage learning through play. From on-the-go fun to nursery show pieces, our products are playful, creative, and educational.

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Book SynopsisMake your very own feline friend with the Pocket Pet Kitten Mini Craft Kit from Petit Collage!This creature craft kit comes with everything you need to sew your very own cute cat plush toy and adorable accessories. It’s a fun and easy project a child can complete independently, or you can share the experience together! Inside, you’ll find seven pre-shaped felt pieces, stuffing, embroidery thread in three colors, a child-safe needle, self-adhesive felt stickers, and simple-to-follow instructions. The completed kitten measures 4.2 x 4.3 in / 110 x 107 mm—perfect for popping in your pocket or travel bag to take with you on trips! The portable tin is sized for you to craft on the go, and it doubles as a carry case for your kitten to nestle in with their pillow and fish treat accessories.  Suitable for ages 6+, this Mini Craft Set improves fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and receptive-language skills. Plus, creating and caring for this crafted pet develops emotional awareness and encourages independent play. Packaged in a reusable and recyclable tin.KIDS’ CRAFT KIT – Craft on the go with this Pocket Pet Kitten Mini Craft Kit from Petit Collage! With everything you need to create your kitten, it’s a fun, easy project a child can complete independently, or you can share the experience together. WHAT’S INSIDE? – 7 pre-cut felt pieces, stuffing, embroidery thread, child-safe needle, felt stickers, and simple instructions. The finished kitten measures 4.2 x 4.3 in / 110 x 107 mm, and the tin can be a carry case for your cat, pillow, and treat.  PLAY & DEVELOPMENT – For ages 6+, this Mini Craft Kit improves fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and receptive-language skills. Creating and caring for this crafted pet also develops emotional awareness and encourages independent play. GREAT GIFT IDEA – This Pocket Pet Kitten makes a great gift for any occasion! Inside is all your friend or family member needs to get creature crafting. Plus, the stylish, brightly colored tin is already the perfect package with no gift wrapping required. PETIT COLLAGE – Combining great design with environmentally conscious manufacturing to create toys, puzzles, and games that encourage learning through play. From on-the-go fun to nursery show pieces, our products are playful, creative, and educational.

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

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Book SynopsisStep into the fascinating world of magick with this collection of supernatural symbols and beautiful images, ready for you to bring to life with colour Embark on a bewitching journey into the world of magick with this collection of intricate and striking images, ready for you to colour and complete as you wish. Featuring enchanted creatures, mystical objects and a host of other esoteric miscellanea, this colouring book offers an array of beautiful designs to celebrate the beliefs and practices associated with the supernatural world. Take a moment of peace and clarity as you journey through the mesmerising icons and patterns within these pages. Each illustration is accompanied by an inspiring quote, or insight into the history and meaning behind the symbol featured. Packed full of beautiful and captivating designs, this colouring book will help you connect with your natural energies and you unleash your inner power. So relax, unwind, and explore the mystery and magnetism of the magickal world.

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Book SynopsisA deck of 52 beautiful cards featuring simple, self-care rituals and bite-sized tips to help you incorporate them into your daily life. The box also includes a booklet on how to practise daily rituals and a stand for displaying the cards. You don't need to set aside hours of your day to feel the benefits of daily rituals. There are so many little moments when you can pause, be present and find calm. Whether you would like to feel more positive or perhaps spend more time on self-care, the journey begins with this box. Alongside a booklet covering the essentials of rituals and how to incorporate them into your daily life, this box contains a set of 52 beautifully designed cards, each with a ritual on one side and a tip on the reverse. Each card can be displayed individually using the wooden stand, allowing you to bring tranquil inspiration to any shelf, windowsill, desk or side table. This is the perfect gift for anyone looking to instil calm and self-care in their day.

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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 art by Art of Drag.

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Book SynopsisNew title in exciting series of ethical, sustainable and earth-friendly jigsaw puzzles from Flame Tree Studio, featuring powerful and popular works of art, using ethically sourced materials, sturdy pieces and a recyclable paper bag.Part of a new, exciting series of ethical, sustainable and earth-friendly jigsaw puzzles that feature powerful and popular works of art. This high-quality, 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle from Flame Tree is made with FSC®-certified and recycled materials, and has sturdy pieces and a recyclable bag. The 1000 pieces will satisfy your need for a challenge, with the charming Jardin de Suzanne by Clare Curtis. 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. FSC,After studying illustration and printmaking at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee, then spending some time in London developing a career in illustration, Clar

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Book SynopsisDiscover the calming power of the flow state with this original 1,000-piece circular jigsaw puzzle inspired by life on the reef. We all know flow, even if we don’t yet know what to call it: that blissful state of absorption, when you’re so engaged with what you’re doing that you don’t notice the time passing. Psychologists have discovered that this still, almost meditative condition brings us a host of mental health benefits: balance, tranquility, and stress reduction. Jigsaw puzzling is an easy way to find flow, which is why it has boomed so dramatically in recent years. With the second of Skittledog’s Flow puzzles, illustrator Elin Svensson uses harmonious forms and colors, inspired by tropical reefs, to take the puzzler on a gentle journey to a place of calm. In a new spin on the traditional jigsaw, this circular design, centered on a shining sun, is designed to be completed from the middle out.I

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Book SynopsisColor up the free-wheeling spirit of the roaring twenties, with sensationally Parisian fashions, décor and design.

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Book SynopsisCreate your very own colourful collection of masterpieces and delve into the mystical realms of the sacred art of Tarot with these mesmerizing imagesStep into the spiritual world of Tarot and seek insight into your past, present and future while awakening your creativity with these striking illustrations.Within this bewitching colouring book you will find Tarot-themed images alongside essential details about the meanings of the cards, and how to interpret their symbolism and understand your Tarot readings.Inside you'll find:- Images that are great for developing fine motor skills, improving focus, reducing stress and relieving anxiety- A short history of Tarot and how and why it has been used as a tool for divination for centuries- Easy-to-follow information on the major and the minor arcana cards- Encouraging quotes to keep you motivatedGo on a voyage of self-discovery and see what the cards are ready to reveal to you.

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Book SynopsisChallenge your friends to an evening of side-splitting silliness with Quick on the Draw, a super-speedy drawing game designed to test your doodling abilities. Perfect for parties, hen or stag dos, and hanging out with friends, this game of hilarious, ridiculous and scandalous sketches will keep you entertained all night long.

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Book Synopsis'David Esterly's handsome book on Gibbons has been republished by the V&A with sumptuous pictures' Laura Freeman, The Times, 14th August 2021 Reissued to mark 300 years since the death of Grinling Gibbons (1648-1721), this study views the work of the greatest of decorative woodcarvers from the perspective of a fellow carver, the late David Esterly. Grinling Gibbons is famous for giving wood "the loose and airy lightness of flowers." His flamboyant cascades of lifelike blossoms, fruits, foliage, birds and fish dominate English interiors of the late seventeenth century. They are among the glories of Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, and St. Paul's Cathedral, as well as Badminton, Burghley, Petworth, and other great country houses. A contemporary of Christopher Wren and of the diarists Samuel Pepys and John Evelyn, Gibbons was part of the colourful world of Restoration England. His discovery by Evelyn in a tumble-down cottage near the River Thames was followed by a presentation to King Charles II, who rejected his early sculptural work. Gibbons responded by inventing his spectacular style of decorative carving. He was then rediscovered, reintroduced to the king, and launched into a triumphant career. After setting Gibbons in historical context, David Esterly's ground-breaking approach allows us to understand the process by which these exuberant carvings were created and how their forms reflect the organization of Gibbon's workshop. Esterly, a professional woodcarver who restored some of Gibbons' most important carvings, shares his unique knowledge of the layering process by which Gibbons built up such masterpieces as the Cosimo panel or the elaborate overmantels at Hampton Court Palace. Specially commissioned photographs show these carvings in a disassembled state, revealing the secrets of their construction. Esterly also discusses Gibbons' formidable carving techniques, and his tools, workshop practice, materials, and finishing are described in detail. This generously illustrated volume will have a special appeal for carvers as well as for those interested in seventeenth-century interiors and the decorative arts.Trade Review'David Esterly's handsome book on Gibbons has been republished by the V&A with sumptuous pictures' Laura Freeman, The Times, 14th August 2021Table of ContentsPreface -- Foreword -- Acknowledgements -- Introduction -- Part I Origins -- 1. 'In an Obscure Place... by Meere Accident' -- 2. The Years before Deptford -- 3. A New Discovers, a New Style -- Part II The Forms of Gibbons' Carving -- 4. The Carved Surround: 1675-1682, 1683-1686, 1687-1711 -- 5. The Trophy -- 6. Embellishment -- Part III Gibbons' Techniques -- 7. Form Follows Workshop -- 8. Making a Gibbons Carving -- Conclusion -- Notes -- Chronology of Grinling Gibbons' Life -- Select Bibliography -- Index

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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 the charming Silver Birches by Tom Thomson. 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.Thomas John Thomson was a Canadian artist active in the early 20th century. During his short career he produced roughly 400 oil sketches on small wood panels along with around 50 larger works on canvas. His works consist almost entirely of landscapes depicting trees, skies, lakes, and rivers.

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Book SynopsisHave you ever dreamed of building a model of a favourite railway station for your layout, whether it be a modest branch line station, or a large town terminus? Have you ever wanted to re-create a beautiful station that you have seen at a railway modelling exhibition, or in a magazine, and felt that you needed a helping hand? If so, this is the book for you. Ian Lamb, a modeller of enormous experience, demonstrates how almost anybody, regardless of their modelling skills, can construct a pleasing and presentable model railway station in even a quite limited amount of space. Six specific UK stations, some real and some fictional, are selected as modelling case studies and the author provides detailed, practical information about different aspects of their construction. Throughout the book the author provides step-by-step guidance and illustrations and emphasizes how - with patience- modelling skills, confidence and ambition can all be improved over time. Moreover, he is ever mindful of how costs should be kept down to reasonable levels and reveals how materials and tools can often be the most simple and inexpensive of everyday household items.

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Book SynopsisFollowing on from the hugely successful Millie Marotta's Animal Kingdom, this three-journal set is a beautiful gift for yourself or a friend. Each journal features a stunning illustration by Millie Marotta with sparkling gold foiling on the cover. They consist of 64 pages, one journal with plain paper and two with rules for writing, as well as stunning motifs from Millie Marotta's Animal Kingdom dotted throughout the pages. These are the perfect notebooks for any creative work, school or business notes, diary entries or plain old doodling.

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Book Synopsis1000-piece jigsaw puzzle of an iconic London illustration from book designer and artist Brian Cook.Immerse yourself in the colourful world of Brian Cook's vision of London. This bright and brilliant vintage illustration of a busy London street scene with St Paul''s Cathedral looming in the background featured on the dust jacket of the 1935 book The Spirit of London by Paul Cohen-Portheim.Now available as a jigsaw puzzle for the first time to provide you with hours of mindful entertainment. The box includes 1000 jigsaw pieces in a sustainable paper bag. Once completed, the jigsaw puzzle measures 70 x 50 cm.The book jackets that Brian Cook designed for B. T. Batsford through the 1930s and 1940s are much-loved, timeless pieces of illustrative art and highly collectable. The Landscape of England and The Cathedrals of England, from the same popular heritage book series, are also available as jigsaw puzzles.

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Book SynopsisFocusing upon the remarkable pointillist technique of the artist, this book represents the long and celebrated career of the artist together with the slow maturation of his style. The pictures themselves are accessible both in terms of content and composition and will therefore appeal to a wide audience of art lovers.

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Book SynopsisA concise and accessible introduction to throwing, with step-by-step instructions and tips. Throwing is an important skill for any potter to master, using only a few tools, the guidance of their hands, and the momentum of a wheel. This book is an essential companion for anyone attempting to master the art of forming pots on the wheel. Having spent his life making pots and teaching others to make them, Richard Phethean describes essential techniques for working on the wheel with an eye for the practical. Learn about a range of forms, from simple domestic pots such as mugs, jugs, bowls and teapots to more complex vessels with oval shapes or cut edges, with the aim of building your confidence in throwing techniques. The book features clearly illustrated step-by-step instructions and diagrams for creating each type of vessel. Finally, get some inspiration from the work of contemporary potters discussing their techniques and featuring some of their stunning pieces.Trade ReviewA stimulation of creativity and of ideas for the maker ... This is a good book, it has emerged fresh and smart from an update and deserves a place in your library. * London Potters News *I enjoyed Richard Phethean's book enormously ... [The book is all about] making and wanting to make. The inspiration comes from the continual need to improve, experiment and innovate, whether it's following a brilliant method of making oval dishes (no cutting, no scars), or a nice approach to a composite pot with a little off centre lean. To inspire further, there are little vignettes from some well-known potters ... Excellent glimpses into the working practice of those whose work is so admired and a spur to those whose work is developing. * Shards: South Wales Potter Newsletter *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction A Brief History of the Wheel 1. Getting Started 2. Basic Techniques 3. Domestic Pots 4. Advanced Techniques 5. The Artist Potter Glossary Suppliers Index

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