Hobbies, Games & Quizzes Books
Everyman Chess Garry Kasparov on Modern Chess: Part Three:
Book Synopsis
£22.49
Search Press Ltd The Textile Artist: The Seasons in Silk Ribbon
Book SynopsisSilk ribbon embroidery enthusiasts all over the world have been discovering the work of renowned Ukrainian embroiderer, Tatiana Popova. Here she teaches all the essential techniques and stitches you need, including traditional ribbonwork and thread embroidery, as well as new ways of working that she has developed herself to make silk ribbon embroidery easier. The second part of the book is devoted to 20 stunning projects inspired by the seasons, each accompanied by numerous step-by-step photos, diagrams and instructions. These include vibrant floral arrangements as well as romantic and whimsical designs such as hearts, owls and posies, and there are ideas for seasonal gifts such as an Easter wreath, a Wedding Day heart and a Christmas star. Ten of the designs feature full-size images to scan and print on your fabric before embroidering. Whether you are new to ribbon embroidery or an experienced embroiderer looking for inspiration and expert guidance, Tatiana's beautiful book is one you will turn to again and again. Trade ReviewI knew this book would be good but when it arrived my jaw literally dropped. An absolutely delightful book that would be worth having even if all you ever did was look at the beautiful photographs. But this is so much more than just being wonderful to look at, it is packed full of instructions to make the most exquisite ribbon embroidered pictures. Even before the main projects there are over 50 pages of techniques, and they’re genuinely packed full of instructions without preamble and have lots of step by step photographs. The projects themselves are amazing and filled with intricate details that seem scary at first but the instructions take you right through them and the flowers look almost real, especially the fabulous roses. This superb book is a complete joy to own. -- Paula Caddick * Customer review *I’ve always wanted to try ribbon embroidery, the examples I saw on the internet were always so professional looking. When I got this book I thought the same, I didn’t think I could come up with anything that looked as good as the pictures even though I’ve been doing all kinds of crafts most of my life. I started by reading the Get started section, where else? I had already chosen a design, I wanted to complete the summer owl. I loved it, I became fully engrossed and followed the instructions to the letter. The final result was amazing, just like the picture. I’m now looking for my next project and am about to dive into a basket of flowers, ribbon of course. This is a lovely book and is full of beautiful designs. Now that I’ve started I’m planning all my birthday and Christmas presents courtesy of Tatiana Popova. -- Jackie Denham * Customer review *This book arrived today and it is delightful. Beautiful ideas, good explanations and gorgeous pictures. -- Sandra H Cutts * Customer review *A beautiful book showing step-by-step creation of flowers in ribbon silk and embroidery stitches. Detailed descriptions and photographs. This book makes me want to find some ribbon and have a go at this art medium. Whether you like painting (the ribbon), drawing and creating designs (to be worked), embroidery, flowers or colour combinations, this book will be a feast for you. So much information written in an easy to read format makes this beautiful craft look easy. A beautifully presented book. -- Rosie Woodward * Customer review *This book takes the reader through every aspect of ribbon embroidery including thread embroidery to complement the ribbons. It explains how to use colour, how to dye the silk ribbons and how to form every stitch imaginable to produce beautiful creations. The second half of the book uses the learnt techniques to produce lovely pictures of owls, flowers, and wreaths for all seasons. Just flicking through the book is a pleasure as the photographs are beautiful. The instruction are written in a way for the very beginner to understand in a step by step way. It is everything and more than I expected in a book about ribbon embroidery. -- Elaine Hobden * Customer review *If you only have one book on ribbon embroidery, this is the one to have. -- Anne Walden-Mills * SEW Region Magazine (June 2019) *This latest title in The Textile Artist series, highlights the delightful work of Ukrainian embroiderer Tatiana Popova. Introductory chapters cover materials, stitch techniques and applications followed by twenty beautiful projects inspired by nature with detailed step-by-step instructions and stunning colour photographs. Ten of these designs feature full-size images to scan and print onto fabric before embroidering. This is a must-have book for all embroiderers – those new to the craft and the more experienced, cannot fail to be inspired and excited by this gorgeous book. * East Kent Embroiderers’ Guild *If you are an embroiderer looking for a challenge and want to create some stunningly beautiful works of art using silk ribbon, this is definitely the book for you. Many of these flowers look real, created from ribbons that have been hand coloured and stitched on in a number of innovative ways, including new stitches created by the author. This is one book that really has the “wow” factor in spades. Another lovely book for the keeper shelf, and my favourite book of 2019 so far. -- Rachel Hyde * myshelf.com *The book arrived two days ago. I love it. So many new things that I want to try. Thank you so much for sharing some of your secrets with us. -- Donna Dickison * Customer review *I have this book... I love it. -- Uschy Sandra Hagenbucher * Customer review *Dear Tatiana, Just to let you know that my book arrived today! It is absolutely lovely with so much information in it. I am looking forward to stitching some of the projects soon! Your extremely happy customer. Just love this book. So enjoy reading and rereading it. Thank you Tatiana! -- Heather Seamons * Customer review *Just delightful! Of course, I was suspecting the book to be great and interesting, but never thought it would be SUCH a book…!!! The quality of the printing, the amount of information and the style of its presentation, and even the size of the book – all of that amazes me! Thank you very much for this wonder! Keep up the good work! -- Natalia Saltykova * Customer review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Getting started 8 Stitches for silk ribbon 20 Straight stitch group 21 Ribbon stitch group 25 Daisy stitch group 29 Knots 31 Ribbon gathering 33 Traditional ribbonwork 37 Thread embroidery 35 New techniques 50 Projects Owlets 68 Spring Owlet 70 Summer Owlet 74 Autumn Owlet 78 Winter Owlet 82 Seasonal flowers 88 Lily of the Valley 90 Your Day 94 From Olga’s Garden 102 Meadow Posy 114 Autumn Basket 120 Sunny Road 130 Christmas Rose 134 February Cup 138 Seasonal gifts 144 Easter Wreath 146 Mother’s Day 158 August Cup 164 Friendship Heart 172 Wedding Day 176 Housewarming Carp 182 Christmas Star 188 January Cup 192 Designs to transfer 196 Index 207 Flower index 208
£999.99
Quadrille Publishing Ltd Bags
Book SynopsisWhether you''re a beginner crafter or experienced maker, Bags will help you build on your skill level as you create a stunning range of bags from a simple drawstring tote to a stylish backpack. As you work your way through the 18 projects, you''ll learn how to sew interesting shapes (such as a cubed bag or round bucket bag), work with different fabrics (cotton, canvas, linen and more), and discover how to work in zips, pockets, straps, and other add-ons. Step-by-step guidance, plus a wealth of tips and tricks, mean you''ll build in confidence as you develop your technique, while modern designs and details will inspire you to get creative with your makes.
£11.24
Octopus Publishing Group 60: The Birthday Trivia Game
Book SynopsisNumber of players: 2+ Ages: 12+ Includes: 150 trivia cards, plus one How to Play card Assembly required? No Batteries required? No- In the 1975 blockbuster film Jaws, who said "You're gonna need a bigger boat"?- How long did the Hundred Years' War between England and France last?- Which fishy hair style was big in the 1970s? This trivia game, perfect for giving to a friend or family member on their sixtieth birthday, is packed with questions ranging from the totally random to things that happened in their formative years. It will bring extra fun to the birthday celebrations as you take a trip down memory lane together.
£10.79
Chronicle Books LEGO Minifigure Rainbow 1000Piece Puzzle
Book Synopsis
£15.36
Octopus Publishing Group You Got This: 52 Courageous Cards to Help You
Book SynopsisThis empowering deck of 52 cards is here to remind you that you can think big and keep your cool - no matter what life throws at you You can do whatever you set your mind to. Whether that's chasing your dreams or changing the world, this colourful deck of inspiring words and motivational quotes will help you conquer any doubts and setbacks, making it the perfect companion on your quest to greater resilience and unshakeable confidence. These eye-catching cards and pocket-size booklet come complete with a beautiful wooden stand so that you can display them anywhere you choose. For a powerful boost of self-belief, use these reminders to brighten up your room, your desk or wherever else you like. Simply pick a card, and let it fill you with inner strength! These stirring thoughts are sure to energize your outlook and set you on your way to achieving your ambitions. Stay fearless - because you got this!
£14.39
Search Press Ltd Realistic Abstracts: Painting Abstracts Based on
Book SynopsisThis book introduces the concept of realistic abstract painting - a loosely impressionistic form of painting that leaves much to the imagination of the viewer. The subject, though recognisable, is executed with freedom and fluidity, resulting in a painting that is far from photographic. It has been described as the 'grey' area between figurative and abstract painting, yet there is nothing dull about this style, as the numerous colourful examples in this book show. Aimed at those with some experience of painting, all the examples in this book use various forms of water-based media, including gouache, acrylics and watercolours. Designed to inspire, this book will stimulate your imagination; encourage you to try out the various methods described; and help you develop your own way of painting in this exciting style.Trade Review'The book is excellent, with a great selection of loosely constructed pictures, teaching us to loosen up and be a lot less literal. Fantastic approach to using colours, most of which are subtle and great explanation about lines with effect of colour. I believe many of us do not quite understand what abstract is, this book gives good examples of which help to grasp the meaning of abstract.' -- Margaret Dunning * International Journal of the Guild of Silk Painters (Issue 97) - Spring 2019 *Dec 12 This book was recommended to me by someone who thought it would suit my style of painting and as I have read it I realise this is actually how I aspire to paint. The book is really about how we approach our work in a looser, more spontaneous and impressionistic way and as I have never wanted to slavishly copy an image, it seemed a good choice for me. I was very heartened to read in the first few pages that the author feels this way of painting is a greater challenge than either realistic or pure abstract work…. something I have been feeling for a long time and so good to read it in black and white!!! The challenges in producing a piece of semi abstract art are fraught with difficulty which is easier to resolve in both realistic and abstract work and it is music to my ears to hear that my struggles have been because I have chosen this way to express myself and this book does go quite a way in resolving some of those difficulties. One interesting quote from the book is something I feel certain you will have all said to yourselves with great frustration……“I am not quite satisfied with this piece of work but I do not know what is wrong with it?” Those would not be my exact words, mine would be far less printable…… but the principle is the same. The author goes on to explain that in almost every case it is a matter of composition rather than lack of technique and execution………and putting into practice the “Principles and Elements” of design and the author then goes on to explain them in quite an enlightening way with useful images to illustrate each point. I mention this as I have read several books which contain chapters on composition and I have found this the easiest to assimilate. Drawing is mentioned, again as a key feature, something I have also come to recognise…… painting in a loose impressionistic way does not remove the need for good drawing skills, even a suggestion of something needs to be the right size in relation to other objects, needs to have the right perspective, and to be able to produce a spontaneous piece of art the artist needs to be able to draw and represent whatever they choose to represent in a way which inspires the viewer’s imagination… done by hinting at something which they can recognise. This is a book I will keep at the side of me when I am embarking on a new piece, apart from being endowed with glorious illustrations from artists such as Viktoria and Slawa Prischedko, Xavier Swolfs, Piet Lap and the author himself to name but a few, it is full of helpful tips and hints and while not really for the beginner (it assumes the reader is well rehearsed in techniques and execution of the media) it is certainly a book for every one of you who would like to loosen up in your style… it is a very encouraging book reinforcing the notion that creating a good painting is a skill which can be taught. * judithfarnworthart.blogspot.co.uk *Feb 11 I confess I hadn't heard of this artist/author/teacher before who is from the Netherlands, after reading this book I would love to attend one of his workshops. To me his paintings portray a sincere love of painting, there is a lot of joy and enthusiastic excitement in the brushstrokes and fluidity of the paint that shines through. As the book is aimed at more experienced painters to challenge and stretch their working methods, rather than beginners, there is a very short discussion at the beginning about colours and materials that might be needed and some examples of techniques. It's almost as a reminder rather than one of those long and laborious explanations that take up vast portions of other books, which personally I find frustrating. The book is aimed at those using water based media although in many ways I think it is useful for all mediums. Rather the majority of the book is used to explain the concepts of seven principles, (unity, contrast, dominance, repetition, variety, balance, and harmony) and seven elements, (line, tone, colour, texture, form, proportion and direction). Each is eloquently explained with lots of illustrations. As a list I would say it is a very useful guideline for analysing and improving your work. The onus of the book is to transform, '...reality by means of elimination and simplification' with reference to these elements and principles. You are encouraged to, 'Paint what you feel, not what you see.' which is a far cry from the 'paint what you see not what you think you see' often chanted at art school. It's not a how to paint book as such but more a how to express what you feel, encouraging you to develop you own self expression in a fluid, gestural and impressionistic way. I see this book as an encouraging bridge between the realms of competent amateur and the first steps to becoming an artist. * seasidestudioblog.blogspot.com *Table of ContentsNumerous colourful examples of works of art by various artists Clear, in-depth descriptions and analysis of realistic abstract painting Includes examples using a wide range of water-based media, including watercolours, gouache and acrylics
£18.37
Everyman Chess The Magic of Mikhail Tal
Book SynopsisIn this book Grandmaster Joe Gallagher takes a fresh look at Tal's games and career, focusing on the previously neglected period from 1975 to 1992 during which he played some of his most accomplished chess. Despite periodic bouts of ill-health Tal occupied a place in the world's top ten for most of this period, winning many top-class events and securing dozens of wonderful victories, many of which are annotated in detail here.
£14.24
Gambit Publications Ltd Understanding Rook Endgames
Book Synopsis
£17.09
Gambit Publications Ltd Schachaufgaben fur die einsame Insel Sammelband
Book Synopsis
£17.61
Dover Publications Inc. Creative Haven Seashore Scenes Coloring Book
Book SynopsisEscape to tropical beaches, a bay dotted with sailboats, the underwater world of coral reefs, and other vivid marine settings with these 31 idyllic illustrations. Add your colors to images of majestic palm trees, exotic fish, towering mountains, and other romantic seaside sights. Pages are perforated and printed on one side only for easy removal and display. Specially designed for experienced colorists, Seashore Scenes and other Creative Haven® adult coloring books offer an escape to a world of inspiration and artistic fulfillment. Each title is also an effective and fun-filled way to relax and reduce stress.
£7.74
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Amigurumi Style Crochet: Make Betty & Bert and
Book SynopsisCrochet Betty, an amigurumi-style doll, with patterns for her fifties outfits ranging from shopping to movie-going. There's a detailed explanation of how to make the basic doll Betty, and also her cute cat Bert. Each section has patterns for a selection of stylish removable garments and accessories on a fifties theme, with a few added extras for Bert too. Come with Betty as she channels her inner Audrey Hepburn at the movies, or takes off on holiday in the glamorous footsteps of Grace Kelly.Trade ReviewThis little slip of a book from crochet designer Medus will delight crafters. Using the Japanese style of amigurumi, which involves "working in a spiral without closing off each round with a slip stitch," Medus presents plans for creating two dolls, Betty, a "1950s housewife, stylish to a tee" and her cat, Bert, along with accessories for both. Crocheters should have intermediate to advanced skills and experience with amigurumi before tackling either project. Bert, in particular, requires considerable coordination and crafting-savvy. His accessories couldn't be cuter, or at times, more daunting to source --to make his collar, for instance, crocheters will have to secure jump rings from a jewelry supplier and a miniature toy bell, among other supplies. Medus provides shortcuts that make creating Betty somewhat easier. Betty can don one everlasting hairstyle instead of several removable ones, and crocheters can choose to make Betty's undergarments removable (more difficult), or just switch colors and crochet the bra and panty set directly onto Betty's form. It's this attention to detail that makes the book enjoyable.-- "Publishers Weekly"
£13.49
F&W Draw Baby Animals
Book SynopsisOffers information on details such as eyes, mouths, ears, fur, feathers and basic anatomy.
£14.44
Everyman Chess Test Your Chess IQ: Bk. 1: First Challenge
Book SynopsisIs the ability to make combinations something you are born with or can it be acquired by practice? Russian chess trainer Livshitz, who has had extensive experience teaching a wide range of players from novices to masters, presents here a course for developing your combinational skill, based on the recognition of tactical motifs. As you work your way through this carefully graded series of tests, themes such as 'diversion', 'interference', 'X-Ray' and many more will become an integral part of your chess armoury, to be employed in your own games. Solving these positions will not only provide many hours of pleasure but will also enable you to test - and improve! - your chess IQ.
£13.49
New in Chess The Hidden Laws of Chess: Mastering Pawn
Book Synopsis
£20.66
Yale University Press Crossroads Drawing the Dutch Landscape
Book SynopsisAn investigation into how landscape drawing informed a new Dutch identity in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries
£38.00
Galison Mudpuppy Succulent Garden 2sided 500pc Puzzle
Book Synopsis
£13.77
Brass Monkey NYC Map 1000 Piece Panoramic Puzzle
Book Synopsis
£20.70
Galison Ho Ho Howl Countdown Puzzle Set
Book SynopsisCOUNTDOWN PUZZLE – Countdown the 12 days of Christmas with our Ho Ho Howl Countdown Puzzle Set. Open the cover flap to find 12 perforated windows, each with a 48-piece mini puzzle inside. A double-sided insert provides an image reference for each mini puzzle. BRIGHT AND BOLD ARTWORK – This Ho Ho Howl Countdown Puzzle features the cutest dogs partaking in Christmas customs like sledding, building a gingerbread house and of course drinking hot chocolate! Children will have a great time putting together these adorable puppy puzzles every night of the holiday! PERFECT FOR GIFTING – This Ho Ho Howl Countdown puzzle is a fun way to introduce children to the customs and traditions of Christmas. Each piece is made of sturdy greyboard and is brightly colored to engage young children's senses and encourage screen free playtime. The puzzle is designed to develop problem solving skills, spatial reasoning, and hand-eye coordination, all while having fun
£19.79
The History Press Ltd The Little Book of Oxfordshire
Book SynopsisNew in paperback, a little book full of information that you probably don't know about Oxfordshire!
£9.49
Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc The Art of Paper Quilling Kit
Book SynopsisAn exquisite paper art kit featuring instructions on basic quilling techniques and the materials to make 10 whimsical flora and fauna designs. With a focus on simple, elegant projects, The Art of Paper Quilling offers a complete technique guide along with step-by-step project instructions for making beautiful decorative pieces and gifts. Including all the materials you need to get started, this kit is perfect for beginners interested in the world of quilling and the experienced quillers looking to develop their technique. The designs are all built upon simple rolled coils of paper that, when grouped together, form intricate flowers, charming woodland creatures, and delicate mushrooms. Quilled designs can be framed or used to embellish greeting cards, books and journals, and gifts of all occasions. This kit includes: 48-page instruction book with step-by-step photos
£19.37
Tuttle Publishing Mushrooms of the World 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
Book SynopsisThe perfect puzzle for Fungi lovers! Featuring photographs of over 60 Mushrooms of the World. 1,000 pieces High quality design & easy to handleFinished puzzle is 29 x 20 inchesIncludes a full-color A3 sized Poster (11.75 x 16.5 inch) for referenceFeatures a chart of photographed mushrooms, along with their English and scientific names
£17.99
Orion Publishing Co Baby Animal Match
Book SynopsisCUTE BABY ANIMALS: can you reunite them with their parents?BOXED GIFT perfect for animal lovers of all agesINCLUDES BOOKLET with fun facts about the animals and their relationship with their babiesPair up the baby animals with their parents in this cute new memory game. 44 cards feature photographs from animal portraitist Gerrard Gethings, plus text about all the creatures in the accompanying booklet. Can you be the first to match all the babies and parents? Play as a memory game with the cards face down for added entertainment. Collect the most pairs to win! This is the perfect gift for animal lovers of all ages.
£15.29
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Grow Your Own Wedding Flowers How to Grow and
Book SynopsisBy growing your own wedding flowers, you can add a personal element to your special occasion, while caring for the environment and saving money at the same time.Filled with gorgeous pictures, this friendly, no-nonsense book makes growing and arranging your own flowers achievable and fun. Whether you''re growing for a wedding or a birthday, festival or other celebration, artisan farmer and florist Georgie Newbery''s cheerful advice takes you through everything you need to know.Beginning with a foreword by Sarah Raven, this step-by-step guide covers planning, growing, cutting and conditioning your flowers. There are sections dedicated to flowers for spring, early-summer, high-summer, autumn and winter weddings to ensure you''re getting the best blooms for the season. There are creative flower craft ideas for special occasions, including buttonholes, bouquets, centrepieces, garlands and flower crowns.From jam-jar posies to elaborate displays, this lovely Trade ReviewAn excellent guide to growing seasonal, eco-friendly flowers for that very special day. Newbery writes in a way that’s both chatty and yet reassuringly authoritative, offering tips on everything from selecting the finest varieties to how best to avoid any Bridezilla-style meltdowns. * Fionnuala Fallon, The Irish TImes *This book helps you every step of the way, from choosing, to planting, to cutting and arranging ... The photography is gorgeous and the real weddings featured are full of so much pretty. * Phoebe, SoYou'reGettingMarried *It isn’t just however, a book about how to grow flowers, with Georgie’s extensive experience in wedding floristry she provides invaluable advice required to ensure every step of the process runs smoothly and is realistic with the challenges that can arise. * Charlie Burton, The Natural Wedding Company *Daunting as such a task may seem, this book’s delightful descriptions and photographs of seasonal flowers may convince any bride, groom, or parent-of-the-engaged to tackle the ambitious endeavor of growing flowers for a wedding. * Publishers Weekly *Even experienced gardeners would find growing perfect flowers for a wedding daunting. There is a high chance you could find yourself weeping over a bed of wilting annuals a week before the big day. I am confident, however, that this book will get you through to the wedding with bucketsfull of blooms to show for your efforts. * Tamsin Hope Thomson, The English Garden *As with her earlier volume, The Flower Farmer’s Year — an indispensable guide to setting up a flower-growing business — the information is detailed, precise and easy to understand. The author shows how to sow, grow and arrange the entire floral display, down to the last stem. * Jane Powers, Sunday Times Ireland *To quote Georgie Newbery from the chapter relating to the use of flower food during preparations, ‘You are looking for life, growth and a field of flowers in every posy dancing a celebration of your wedding day’. To me this sums up a key message from this wonderful book, that is to take another look at locally grown flowers and seriously consider growing your own, if the idea appeals to you then this book will be essential reading in order to achieve great results, providing you get your copy well in advance of the big day so you have time to follow the advice and guidance given by Georgie. * Chris Allen, The Gardening Times *If you like a challenge and are prepared to follow some simple guidelines then it’s possible to save a fortune both on wedding flowers and on air miles. You’ll have the satisfaction of creating something really beautiful and personal for a very special day. * Sue Berger, Backlane Notebook *Should you buy this book? Well of course you should. There are only a handful of books worth buying on the subject of growing and cutting flowers and this is one of them. * Benjamin Ranyard at Higgeldy Garden *Consider this book an investment if you have a wedding to plan for; otherwise, flower arrangers should draw inspiration from the suggestions in the book using wildflowers, hedgerow, cutting patch and what's in the garden already. I think this is a book that will be both a brilliant winter read and an excellent reference. I give it a big thumbs up and might just have to rethink my whole seed list for next year. * Caro Shrives *This book describes how to plant, harvest and arrange blooms to reflect your own sentiment and style. Georgie Newbery inspires any bride to turn her flower dreams into a beautiful reality. * Debra Prinzing, Slowflowers.com *As this inspiring book shows, a great deal of hard work and planning goes into growing beautiful flowers – and there’s no one better to guide you through it than Georgie. * Constance Craig Smith, Daily Mail Weekend Magazine *Table of ContentsForeword by Sarah Raven Introduction Part One - Practical Matters 1. Planning ahead 2. Growing your flowers 3. Cutting and conditioning Part Two - Planning for your Wedding 4. A spring wedding 5. An early-summer wedding 6. A high-summer wedding 7. An autumn wedding 8. A winter wedding Part three - Wedding Floristry 9. How to make a hand-tied posy or bouquet 10. How to make a buttonhole or corsage 11. How to make a table centrepiece 12. How to make a garland 13. How to make a flower crown 14. How to make fresh petal confetti Afterword Appendix 1: Plant names Appendix 2: Season planner Resources Index
£20.69
Union Square & Co. Montague Island Memoirs
Book SynopsisIn this logic puzzle book, solvers will study maps and blueprints, attend parties, meet dogs, plan a wedding and more.
£11.39
Union Square & Co. Sit Solve Easy Mini Crosswords
Book SynopsisThese 10x10 crosswords are perfect for anyone who wants a quick and easy diversion, with mini themes and fresh, playful clues on a variety of subjects.
£6.99
Union Square & Co. Pause for Puzzles Hard Crosswords for Focus
Book SynopsisThis crossword collection will contain 56 hard, themeless 10x10 crosswords, with puzzles custom-written to touch on topics that promote peace of mind and active meditation.
£6.99
Duke University Press The Queer Games AvantGarde
Book SynopsisIn The Queer Games Avant-Garde, Bonnie Ruberg presents twenty interviews with twenty-two queer video game developers whose radical, experimental, vibrant, and deeply queer work is driving a momentous shift in the medium of video games. Speaking with insight and candor about their creative practices as well as their politics and passions, these influential and innovative game makers tell stories about their lives and inspirations, the challenges they face, and the ways they understand their places within the wider terrain of video game culture. Their insights go beyond typical conversations about LGBTQ representation in video games or how to improve “diversity” in digital media. Instead, they explore queer game-making practices, the politics of queer independent video games, how queerness can be expressed as an aesthetic practice, the influence of feminist art on their work, and the future of queer video games and technology. These engaging conversations offer a portrTrade Review“In their new book, Bonnie Ruberg introduces and documents the provocative, playful, and occasionally weird world of queer game-making. The Queer Games Avant-Garde provides a compelling collection of interviews from many of the designers who dance at the edges of what games can be. This book is recommended reading for designers, artists, researchers, and anyone who takes play seriously.” -- Carly A. Kocurek, author of * Brenda Laurel: Pioneering Games for Girls *“Bonnie Ruberg and twenty-two incredible game makers give voice to a game revolution. The queer games avant-garde isn't just pushing at the boundaries of the medium, it's exploding what games can be into millions of multi-colored worlds where we can all play! An exuberant and essential exploration of the personal, political, and playful.” -- Colleen Macklin, Associate Professor of Media Design at Parsons School of Design"The queer game makers who operate from marginalised subject positions, making their voices heard in and through games, form an important and timely topic for a book. For a European reader, The Queer Games Avant-Garde offers a fascinating glimpse of contemporary North American realities and the anxieties around doing creative work in the current political climate." -- Tanja Sihvonen * Times Higher Education Supplement *"This is a special book. . . . The world of video games is so much bigger and more spectacular than the AAA marketing cycle would have you believe. Ruberg’s conversations are a reminder of the breath of the medium, and also the steps we must take collectively for a healthier, safer, and more vibrant future." -- Sharon Ross * Report Door *"The book’s 20 chapters run the gamut of queer desire and representation, intimacy (rather than empathy), community, intersectionality, influences, and queering games beyond representation. . . . [I]t’s accessible for those who aren’t scholars including game makers, gamers, games journalists, and anyone interested in the present and future of queer and indie games." -- Naseem Jamnia * Bitch *"Given both its fascinating subject and its approach to the subject, The Queer Games Avant-Garde is a fresh and fascinating peek into an underexplored area of video games, as well as a highly relevant exploration of the ways in which these games both draw from and give back to their creators and players.… All in all, The Queer Games Avant-Garde will provide an interesting and accessible read for a wide range of readers interested in the creation and theorization of video games." -- Maria Alberto * Information, Communication & Society *"The Queer Games Avant-Garde is a generous and generative book; it is approachable, accessible, teachable, and complements Ruberg's other books and projects.… But most importantly, the book offers radical possibilities, both practical and playful." -- Edmond Y. Chang * American Journal of Play * "Queer Games Avant-Garde is a superb teaching tool across game design, digital arts, queer studies, and digital humanities classrooms that will be sure to spark numerous meaningful debates, both critical and practical. . . . It will also be an excellent resource for scholars seeking to reimagine what academic knowledge production looks like and who counts as a contributor to knowledge." -- Daniella Gati * Information and Culture *“Venkat’s storytelling is absorbing. He appears a writer who finds joy in crafting prose, sometimes imbuing it with a playfulness that lands most aptly. . . . This is a meticulously crafted book, but it is nowhere stilted or overworked. It performs deep conceptual labor with a jargon-free lightness of touch that academic writing would do well to emulate.” -- Zahra Hayat * Medical Anthropology Quarterly *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments ix Introduction. Reimagining the Medium of Video Games 1 Part I. Queer People, Queer Desires, Queer Games 1. Dietrich Squinkifer: Nonbinary Characters, Asexuality, and Game Design as Joyful Resistance 33 2. Robert Yang: The Politics and Pleasures of Representing Sex between Men 42 3. Aevee Bee: On Designing for Queer Players and Remaking Autobiographical Truth 51 Part II. Queerness as a Mode of Game-Making 4. Llaura McGee: Leaving Space for Messiness, Complexity, and Chance 63 5. Andi McClure: Algorithms, Accidents, and the Queerness of Abstraction 73 6. Liz Ryerson: Resisting Empathy and Rewriting the Rules of Game Design 81 Part III. Designing Queer Intimacy in Games 7. Jimmy Andrews + Loren Schmidt: Queer Body Physics, Awkwardness as Emotional Realism, and the Challenge of Designing Consent 93 8. Naomi Clark: Disrupting Norms and Critiquing Systems through "Good, Nice Sex with a Tentacle Monster" 102 9. Elizabeth Sampat: Safe Spaces for Queerness and Games against Suffering 113 Part IV. The Legacy of Feminist Performance Art in Queer Games 10. Kara Stone: Softness, Strength, and Danger in Games about Mental Health and Healing 125 11. Mattie Brice: Radical Play through Vulnerability 134 12. Seanna Musgrave: "Touchy-Feely" Virtual Reality and Reclaiming the Trans Body 143 Part V. Intersectional Perspectives in/on Queer Games 13. Tonia B****** + Emilia Yang: Making Games about Queer Women of Color by Queer Women of Color 153 14. Nicky Case: Playable Politics and Interactivity for Understanding 162 15. Nina Freeman: More Than Just "the Women Who Make Sex Games" 171 Part VI. Analog Games: Exploreing Queerness Through Non-Digital Play 16. Avery Alder: Queer Storytelling and the Mechanics of Desire 183 17. Kat Jones: Bisexuality, Latina Identity, and the Power of Physical Presence 192 Part VII. Making Queer Games, Queer Change, and Queer Community 18. Mo Cohen: On Self-Care, Funding, and Other Advice for Aspiring Queer Indie Game Makers 205 19. Jerome Hagan: Are Queer Games Bringing "Diversity" to Mainstream Industry? 215 20. Sarah Schoemann: The Power of Community Organizing 223 Afterword. The Future of the Queer Games Avant-Garde 233 Appendix. Queer Indie Games to Play at Home or in the Classroom 245 Notes 257 Bibliography 265 Index 271
£19.79
Hinkler Books Craft Maker Handmade Soap Kit
Book Synopsis
£10.44
Fox Chapel Publishing 340 Christian Inspirational Patterns for Scroll
Book SynopsisA collection of 340 unique scroll saw patterns, perfect for beginner and experienced scroll saw artists. These beautiful designs can be used to make wall plaques, nativity sets, jewelry, and functional objects such as napkin holders, and letter openers. Includes the history and meaning behind each symbol.
£15.99
University of Minnesota Press Playing with Feelings: Video Games and Affect
Book SynopsisHow gaming intersects with systems like history, bodies, and code Why do we so compulsively play video games? Might it have something to do with how gaming affects our emotions? In Playing with Feelings, scholar Aubrey Anable applies affect theory to game studies, arguing that video games let us “rehearse” feelings, states, and emotions that give new tones and textures to our everyday lives and interactions with digital devices. Rather than thinking about video games as an escape from reality, Anable demonstrates how video games—their narratives, aesthetics, and histories—have been intimately tied to our emotional landscape since the emergence of digital computers.Looking at a wide variety of video games—including mobile games, indie games, art games, and games that have been traditionally neglected by academia—Anable expands our understanding of the ways in which these games and game studies can participate in feminist and queer interventions in digital media culture. She gives a new account of the touchscreen and intimacy with our mobile devices, asking what it means to touch and be touched by a game. She also examines how games played casually throughout the day create meaningful interludes that give us new ways of relating to work in our lives. And Anable reflects on how games allow us to feel differently about what it means to fail.Playing with Feelings offers provocative arguments for why video games should be seen as the most significant art form of the twenty-first century and gives the humanities passionate, incisive, and daring arguments for why games matter.Trade Review"Playing with Feelings traces a compelling intellectual history and uses affect theory to rethink some core game studies debates. Aubrey Anable’s insights on casual, indie, and art games are particularly important at this historical moment in game studies. This is the book many humanistic game scholars have been waiting for."—Adrienne Shaw, author of Gaming at the Edge"Playing with Feelings is one of few works to deeply engage with the theory of affect as developed in media philosophy, sociology, and information studies relative to video games. Written with an eye to the canonical concerns circulating in the lucrative and vibrant field of game studies, the book balances engagement with familiar themes and issues in the game studies and game theory world."—Lisa Cartwright, University of California, San Diego"Playing With Feelings breaks down some fairly weighty themes and theories to create an engaging exploration of how a person’s feelings are influenced by gaming." —The GuardianTable of ContentsContentsIntroduction: Video Games as Structures of Feeling1. Feeling History2. Touching Games3. Rhythms of Work and Play4. Games to Fail WithConclusion: Affective ArchivesAcknowledgmentsNotesIndex
£21.59
Workman Publishing Everything Is Made Out of Magic 1000Piece Puzzle
Book SynopsisAn enchanted wood at nighttime, just for the jigsaw puzzle lover. This puzzle by Dutch artist Valesca van Waveren draws us into a mesmerizing world of wisteria and fireflies, foxes and a peacock, a glittery silvery stream, and a mysterious key. Inspired by the words of writer Frances Hodgson Burnett, Van Waveren's rich scene balances the mystical hues of a starry canopy with bright florals, inviting puzzlers to unlock it's secrets with each interlocking piece. 1000 interlocking pieces Mini-poster (6 x 9 3/8) Completed puzzle size: 18 7/8 x 26 3/8
£18.35
Workman Publishing Everything Is Made Out of Magic Wrapping Paper
Book SynopsisCelebrate creativity, mindfulness, and the pleasure of paper. Each colorful illustrated sheet of wrapping paper by Valesca van Waveren is like a gift itself. Her patterns, inspired by the quotation “Everything is made out of magic,” by Fances Hodgson Burnett, remind us of the mesmerizing variety of the natural world: vibrant wisteria, clever foxes, industrious ants, and glittering crystals. Tear out the decorated sheets along the perforations and unfold them to their full size before wrapping a parcel. -12 illustrated sheets (1-sided) -Sheets fold out to 187/8 x 253/4 -1 sheet of perforated gift tags
£18.35
Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc Beehive Alchemy: Projects and recipes using
Book SynopsisFrom crayons to cough drops, cookies to candles, Beehive Alchemy offers a comprehensive introduction to incorporating the miracle of bees into everyday life.Beehive Alchemy is a continuation of Petra Ahnert's best-selling Beeswax Alchemy. With this new book, beekeepers (and bee lovers) will learn about the benefits and attributes of beeswax, honey, propolis, and more alongside a full range of projects and techniques to process and harness the amazing gifts of bees. Inside, you'll find instructions to make Ahnert's award-winning hand-dipped birthday candles, the classic French dessert canele bordelais, and much more, including:Alchemy for the Body Liquid soap with honey Beard balm Olive and honey lotion Alchemy of Light Taper candles Tea lights Pillars Alchemy for the Home Furniture polish Waxed cotton food wraps Woodcutter incense Alchemy in the Studio Beeswax crayons Encaustic Batik Alchemy in the Kitchen Cookies and candies Beverages Fermentations Whether you keep bees or just love them, Beehive Alchemy will become your go-to comprehensive guide for hive-to-home creations.
£17.09
Fox Chapel Publishing Roll with the Classics: 14 Popular Quilt Patterns
Book SynopsisCombining timeless, classic quilts with modern fabrics, this offers a beautiful collection of quilting patterns for those who love tradition with a contemporary touch. Featuring 12 jelly roll quilt patterns that are beginner-friendly and use a selection of today’s pre-cut strips, you can lose the stress and just get quilting! With helpful opening sections on quilting and jelly roll basics, you’ll then discover a dozen classic quilt projects featuring beloved designs – from flying geese and half hexies to lone star, pyramids, and more – using up-to-date fabrics. Most quilts are made using Creative Grids® rulers and quilting tools with shortcuts for cutting and piecing also provided, all of which make the process easier and more rewarding. With this guide, you’ll quilt beloved, classic designs while taking the guesswork out of selecting and combining fabrics and opt for modern pre-cut jelly roll fabrics.
£14.44
Ulysses Press The Romantasy Coloring Book
Book Synopsis
£14.24
GMC Publications Art of Chip Carving, The
Book SynopsisThe Art of Chip Carving teaches crafters of all levels how to create 15 decorative rosette patterns. Chip carving is that art of forming intricate geometric patterns by carefully cutting away small triangles of wood to slowly create the full project. Tatiana Baldina’s incredibly detailed instructions, with photographs accompanying every step, will allow even a complete beginner through the process of recreating her patterns, while more experienced carvers will relish the opportunity to try out new designs. The projects can be used to decorate all manner of objects, from boxes to plates and wall panels to furniture. The book also contains a comprehensive introduction to the art, including choosing the appropriate tools and materials and instructions for all the different cutting techniques you’ll need. 15 decorative chip carving projects that vary in complexity Templates provided for each design, along with detailed step-by-step instructions Only a single skew knife is needed to create wonderfully intricate and beautiful patterns and motifs Suitable for both novice and experienced chip carvers Table of ContentsIntroduction Tools and Materials Techniques The Patterns: Blooming Wave Kite Gemstone Something Hidden Behind the Leaves New Moon A Flower in the Snow Two Feathers Last Snowflake Compass of the Heart A day in an Imaginary Town Sunrays A Map in the Sand Aurora Life Inside a Dewdrop Templates Index About the Author
£14.44
The Crowood Press Ltd Pearls: A practical guide
Book SynopsisPearls are one of the oldest precious gemstones. They have been revered through history and the best reserved to adorn royalty and their favourites. Now, with the arrival of freshwater pearls, they are available to suit every pocket and every style, from the classic to the most creative. It includes a guide to the types of pearl and to the farming process. It gives advice on buying pearls; what to look for and what to avoid and gives instruction on working with pearls, including drilling, setting and knotting. Finally, there is information on South Sea, Tahitian, Akoya, freshwater and natural pearls. This practical book celebrates their exquisite beauty and enduring elegance.Trade ReviewThis guide book offers a useful insight into the world of these organic gems. Why are they so prized? It’s all in this book! -- Reviewer - Jeweller Magazine * The Jeweller magazine, Nat Assoc of Jewellers *I found this book to be both interesting and readable. I think it will be a solid addition to the library of someone regularly using cultivated pearls. -- Jennifer Airs, Reviewer, The Bead Society of Great Britain * Bead Society of Great Britain *
£12.34
Headline Publishing Group The String Art Dot-to-Dot Book: Create 10
Book SynopsisString art has long been a unique way for creative people to make innovative patterns and decorations; The String Art Dot-to-Dot Book takes this to a new level. The book provides step-by-step instructions for you to complete 10 projects, as well as the card templates that form the backboard of each of the works of art. Dot-by-dot, ever more complex patterns and designs slowly appear; there are hours of threading fun to be had with incredible masterpieces as the ultimate prize. Contents: The 64-page book contains intricate step-by-step for each project that include illustrations for each step, as well as advice on how to take your string art exploration further. The book comes with 10 perforated sheets of coloured cards with marked dots to use as the board for the projects. Projects include: Daisy, Day of the Dead Sugar Skull, Eiffel Tower, French Bulldog, Geometric Design, Owl, Parrot, Pineapple, Succulent, Unicorn. Table of ContentsProjects include: Daisy, Day of the Dead Sugar Skull, Eiffel Tower, French Bulldog, Geometric Design, Owl, Parrot, Pineapple, Succulent, Unicorn.
£999.99
Flame Tree Publishing Adult Jigsaw Puzzle Louis Comfort Tiffany
Book Synopsis1000-pieces. Shrink-wrapped, sturdy box (size 10 x 10 x 2 ins). High quality jigsaw puzzle. Finished Jigsaw size 29 x 20 ins.Part of an exciting series of sturdy, square-box 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles from Flame Tree, featuring powerful and popular works of art. This jigsaw will satisfy your need for a challenge, featuring Louis Comfort Tiffany''s Peacock (stained glass), 19th century. 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. Now includes an A4 poster for reference.Louis Comfort Tiffany was an American artist and designer who worked in the decorative arts. Throughout his career he forged a unique style that combined excellent craftsmanship with a love of nature forms and brilliant colour. Though he worked with a multitude of mediums, he is best known for his work in stained glass. This beautiful design pair
£14.39
Chronicle Books It Flies It Spies
Book SynopsisGet your scoop back to the coop in It Flies, It Spies from Ridley’s Games!Pssst . . . hey, guess what? The pigeons are listening! We know it sounds ridiculous, but it’s true. Have you ever wondered how news outlets get their scoops? It’s all thanks to those flying sources competing to break the next big story. And now, you’re one of them! In this spy pigeon racing game, your mission is to navigate your winged witness along its flight path and back to News Coop where you create the headlines! But beware: watchful drones lie in wait, and your competition will do everything possible to sabotage your journey across London’s skies. You must be prepared to respond in kind, so let’s see what you’re made of. This game is for gossips and people who will do what it takes to win. After all, there’s nothing like a bit of healthy competition. Made for ages 8+, 2–6 players, and the average agent t
£18.00
Chronicle Books Petit Pals Hugo Hamster
Book Synopsis Meet your new Petit Pal, Hugo the Hamster from Petit Collage!Ready to be cuddled and cared for, Hugo loves exercise, exploring the outdoors, and foraging for his favorite food: blackberries! When the day’s adventures are done, it’s time to tuck Hugo back into his house for a snooze. This adorable mini wooden play set develops fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and encourages emotional awareness and independent play. Perfect for ages 3+, Hugo’s house includes six chunky wooden pieces: an exercise wheel, a water bottle, a flower, a blackberry, a salad leaf, and, of course, the happy hamster himself! Made using recycled FSC wood and FSC paper, this product is plastic-free.
£13.50
Titan Books Ltd DC: Super-Villains: The Official Colouring Book
Book SynopsisBring some of most exciting scenes and dastardly characters to life in this official colouring book featuring the iconic villains of the DC universe! Lex Luthor, The Joker, Harley Quinn - the DC universe is full of colourful evildoers. Now you can add your own creative flair to these baddies with this official DC colouring book, filled with ready-to-colour, detailed illustrations of all your favourite foes!
£14.04
Landauer Publishing Quilt Block Genius, Expanded Second Edition: 1001
Book SynopsisFrom the best-selling author of Block Genius, this expanded and revised edition contains new smaller blocks for miniature quilts, new quilt settings, new sampler quilt patterns, and even a "create your own block" technique! Featuring 300 pieced quilt blocks that can be made into 1001 blocks, plus helpful tips to create even more blocks with easy math in a user-friendly chart format - you'll become a Quilt Block Genius! Author, sewist, photographer, and editor Sue Voegtlin wrote, sewed, photographed, and "did the math" for Block Genius, which has been used as a beginner quilting teaching book. Quilt Block Genius continues the process of creating different sized blocks for countless possibilities.
£16.14
Random House USA Inc Love in Bloom: An Adult Coloring Book Featuring
Book SynopsisFeel the love as you colour the 40 hand-drawn illustrations within this book's fun, heart-filled pages―including two bonus velvet pages! Love in Bloom features 40 colourable pages in a floral and romantic theme―all hand-drawn by bestselling author and artist Alli Koch of Alli K Design. With Love in Bloom, you'll find: Two soft black velvet pages that enhance your colouring experience and hide mistakes Perforated, removable pages―perfect for framing your artwork after you've finished colouring A gorgeous, hand-illustrated cover with iridescent foil that will look stunning on your bookshelf or coffee table Instagram sensation, muralist, author, and floral aficionado Alli Koch of @allikdesign introduced thousands to the basics of modern floral illustrating with her bestselling book, How to Draw Modern Florals. She's also developed a devoted following of colourists who cherish her colouring books Bloom and Heyday. Each page of Alli's newest colouring book, Love in Bloom, comes to life with various signature floral designs. She invites you to get creative as you customize each page and bring these pretty illustrations to life with colour! The perfect gift book for Valentine's Day, birthdays, or anyone you love who enjoys colouring and creative mindfulness!Trade Review"Love in Bloom by Alli Koch is a beautiful feast of stunning pieces of art encapsulating love and romance." —Readers' Favorite
£11.69
BIS Publishers B.V. Play with Shapes Memory Game
Book Synopsis* BOOST CREATIVITY with this deck of 60 dual-sided, illustrated cards* TWO GAMES IN ONE for endless fun* CREATE different geometric shapes with unique card patterns* STIMULATE YOUR IMAGINATION while playing a traditional memory game or by creating a large geometric pattern with the backside of the cards* GIVE THIS EXCITING GIFT of design and mental exercise that is fun for all ages
£14.81
University of California Press Composition
Book SynopsisDevelops a system for teaching students to create freely constructed images on the basis of harmonic relations between lines, colors, and dark and light patterns. Greatly influenced by Japanese art, the author expounds a theory of flat formal equilibrium as an essential component of telling pictorial creation.
£30.60
Helion & Company Khalsa!: A Guide to Wargaming the Anglo-Sikh Wars
Book Synopsis
£26.96
