Hobbies, Games & Quizzes Books

Book SynopsisLearn how to sew your own Scandi-style capsule wardrobe full of staple garments made to last. The best garments in your wardrobe are ones you want to wear over and over again. Clothes that fit well, make you feel comfortable and confident and reflect who you are. Featuring 18 designs in sizes 6–22 and PDF patterns, Sew Your Own Scandi Wardrobe will show you how to sew classic garments. The core designs can be combined to form a multitude of outfits, that can be worn for everyday life as well as special occasions. Take the patterns further with suggestions on adjustments and variations that enable you to create and design garments that suit your unique style. Packed with stunning fashion photography, Sew Your Own Scandi Wardrobe will inspire and offer you techniques and tips for easy ways to get started and succeed with sewing, both as a beginner and advanced sewer.

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Book SynopsisRed light . . . green light . . . let the games begin! This ferociously entertaining coloring book features over 70 illustrations of your favorite scenes from the Emmy–winning, mega-hit Netflix series Squid Game.Explore the world of Squid Game in this first-ever official Squid Game coloring book with terrifying adult versions of well-known children’s games, like tug-of-war, marbles, and red light green light--just be careful not to color out of the lines.Featuring over 70 original illustrations and thick paper, this coloring book offers you a way to relive the most dramatic moments from the hugely popular Netflix show.

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Book SynopsisMake beautiful felt flower arrangements that match any space, mood, or season! This beginner-friendly book has lessons for creating felt flowers and plants that suit summer, fall, winter, and spring.

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Book SynopsisFrom the extraordinary world of Magic: The Gathering comes a beautifully illustrated 52-card oracle deck and guidebook—featuring a pantheon of gods, iconic creatures, and mythical beings from the Greek-inspired plane of Theros.From the team behind The Dungeons & Dragons Tarot Deck comes this officially licensed oracle deck comprising 52 all-new illustrations that celebrate the characters, creatures, and lore of the world’s largest trading card game. Inspired by Theros, the plane where monsters prevail, mortals endure, and heroes ascend, this Magic: The Gathering-themed deck features exclusive art of Jace, the Planeswalker; Hythonia, the legendary gorgon; and well-known creatures such as the Pegasus, Chimera, Sirens, and more.With stunning illustrations, The Magic: The Gathering Oracle Deck also features a guidebook that introduces readers to the practice of oracle cards, including instructions on how to use and interpret the cards and de

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Book SynopsisFill your home with colorful cushions, table runners, and wall hangings inspired by historic folk embroidery from the Mediterranean and beyond. Through the use of just cross stitch and backstitch-you'll be able to create a wide variety of beautiful and useful household items.

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Book SynopsisIn this collection of 20 projects, bestselling cross stitch designer Emma Congdon gets inside the mind of a finickity feline to deliver a humorous selection of projects that will chime with cat owners everywhere. Easy-to-follow full-colour charts, step-by-step instructions on the techniques, and a gifty package make this ideal for beginners.

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Book SynopsisA true celebration of the talent of Kerby Rosanes and his fans, this book features the most striking images from Kerby's bestselling World series.A 16-page full-colour section showcases spectacular artworks that have been coloured by Kerby’s fans. Stylistic comments as well as tips and tricks from Kerby accompany each piece, so readers can create their own colouring masterpieces. The same artworks appear again in the black-and-white section, along with a selection of Kerby’s favourite illustrations from across the series, giving readers the opportunity to recreate the stunning effects.Please note: this book contains material previously published in Fragile World, Worlds Within Worlds and Mythic World.

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Book SynopsisA follow-up to the bestselling Animal Hats, this title features 15 fun patterns to crochet, suitable for all abilities to make. It includes an illustrated techniques section explaining all the crochet know-how. It features colour photographs and step-by-step instructions to guide the reader along. Spread a little animal magic with these adorable animal hats. Adults and children alike will love this collection of eye-catching hats. Even on the coldest of days, your animal antics will raise smiles and spread some warmth and cheer. Why not knit up a whole menagerie of characters to suit every occasion and mood? At the back of the book the basic crochet techniques are clearly explained, including how to add a lining for extra coziness. Sizes are included for children and adults so all the family can have their own hat. It includes 15 clearly presented crochet patterns plus charts. Patterns include: leopard, owl, parrot, zebra, deer, duck, raccoon and sheep.

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Book SynopsisThe bags in this book draw inspiration from the 20s-50s - with 20 projects are suitable for all levels and there are four matching purse designs that can be adapted to any bag. Patterns and seam allowances are also included. Patterns for all the bags are included and all have seam allowances added already so that the book is not just inspirational, it's practical too. The bags are made from easily acquired cost-effective materials using straightforward techniques and come in a range of beautiful shapes that give them a really stunning and unique look. Designs range in skill level, so if you are new to the craft you can start simply, then move on to gradually more challenging designs as your ability increases and your creativity blossoms.

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Book SynopsisNow in a convenient paperback edition, this is a bag-making series with a difference: 15 stylish tote bag designs, two handy plastic templates and endless variations! Focusing on tote bags, this beautifully presented, 96-page book contains easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for a wide variety of totes in a range of fabrics and styles. Included are two easy-to-use templates: durable, reusable, wipe-clean and perfect for fussy cutting, they make building a bag even easier. The 15 tote bags are each made using different techniques, pockets, straps and fastenings to create 15 very different results. The templates can also be used for your own further design variations, and Debbie gives advice on how to adapt and create your own unique designs. Each project in the book is explained using Debbie’s trademark style and step-by-step photography, and there is also a comprehensive techniques section and a guide to using the templates.Trade ReviewThis build-a-bag book with two easy-to-use templates has step-by-step instructions for a wide variety of totes, in a range of fabrics and styles. The templates are durable, reusable and wipe-clean. * Machine Knitting Monthly *Synopsis: The 15 tote bag designs comprising "Build a Bag Book: Tote Bags" by Debbie Shore are created using the DIY templates contained within this constructive 'how-to' guide. By using two templates, you can create 15 very different bags; each made using different techniques, pockets, straps and fastenings, to create 15 very different results. The templates can also be used for your own further design variations, as you mix and match the techniques covered within "Build a Bag Book: Tote Bags" as Debbie gives advice on how to adapt and create your own unique designs. Each project comprising "Build a Bag Book: Tote Bags" is explained using Debbie's trademark style and step-by-step photography, and there is also a comprehensive techniques section and a guide to using the templates. Critique: Unique and thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "Build a Bag Book: Tote Bags" will prove an impressive and welcome addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Needlecraft instructional reference fashion, sewing, and fashion design collections. * Midwest Book Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6, Understanding the templates 8, Materials 12, Tools 14, Techniques 16, Debbie’s top tips 26, Glossary 27 THE PROJECTS 28 Simple 30, Crafty 34, Curved flap 38, Knot 42, Patchwork 46, Piped 50, Patch pocket 54, Purse with flap 58, Purse with zip 62, Foldaway 66, Quilted 70, Beach bag 74, Drawstring bag 78, Double pocket 82, Bow 88 A little something extra 92, Index 96

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Book Synopsis"Animal Puzzles for the Scroll Saw, Second Edition" is a newly expanded version of the wildly popular pattern book that scroll saw artists have come to love! With over 50 patterns for upright standing and interlocking puzzles, woodworkers will have plenty of charming puzzles to sell at craft shows or to give to loved ones as special gifts. With a handy getting started section that includes information to ensure success, new scrollers will learn how to choose wood, blades, to transfer patterns and more. Experienced scrollers will find useful information to customize patterns and to create their own patterns from personal photographs. New realistic patterns include a playful scene of 4 cats, a smart beagle, an alligator, an adorable panda bear, Frisian pony, caribou, sly red fox and others - each with full color photographs of the finished puzzles.

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Book SynopsisThis title 44 original patterns for creating three-dimensional projects on the scroll saw. This title covers all the basics, from choosing wood to cutting, painting, and finishing. Author Diana Thompson's previous books on the subject have sold more than 55,000 copies. You can learn the basics of compound cutting; a simple technique that produces astonishingly complex-looking results, and discover how easy it is to learn this exciting method for creating three-dimensional projects on the scroll saw. Author and artist Diana Thompson offers 44 of her best workshop-tested, ready-to-use designs. Step-by-step demonstrations help beginners to improve their skills, whilst the original patterns, ranging from simple to elaborate seasonally themed designs, will delight and challenge advanced scrollers. Helpful hints cover all the basics, from choosing wood to cutting, painting, and finishing these delicate pieces.

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Book Synopsis There's never been a comprehensive guide to coloring as a hobbyuntil now! Inside this friendly guidebook you'll find easy-to-follow advice on tools and techniques that will have you creating art like an accomplished colorista in no time. Each step-by-step lesson includes beautiful examples by top coloring book artists. Discover the many types of markers, colored pencils, gel pens, watercolors, and other art media now available. Master exciting techniques like patterning, blending, layering, shading, and other cool ways to take your coloring experience to the next level.

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Book SynopsisPick up your needle and create landscapes filled with fanciful flowers and creatures from field, forest, and ocean. Designer Wendy Williams shows you how to make 15 appliqué projects in a style that’s part folk, part contemporary, and entirely delightful. Easy freezer-paper techniques and wool felt make the stitching go quickly. Add to the fun by embellishing with hand embroidery and machine quilting. Includes 15 projects for all skill levels: quilts, pillows, bags, sewing kit, needle case, and more. New ways to mix wool, cotton, and linen give your appliqué a fresh look. Includes instructions for 13 embroidery stitches.Trade ReviewCan you use wool, cotton, and linen in the same quilt? Absolutely! Wendy Williams proves it with this collection of quilts, bags, pillows, and small gifts. Stitchers of all skill levels will enjoy the projects in this book. Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting, May/June 2014 Wool applique is very popular these days. If you haven't tried working with wool yet I am sure you will want to once you see the variety of beautiful colors and textures available. In her new book Wild Blooms & Colorful Creatures, Wendy Williams givers her applique a fresh new look by mixing wool with linen and cotton. Wendy says that after working on a few of the projects in her book you will soon start to look at fabrics with a different eye. Before jumping right into a quilt you will want to hone your skills on some of the smaller projects featured in the book. There are 15 projects for all skill levels: quilts, pillows, bags, sewing kit, needle case and more. Instructions are clearly written, embroidery stitches are illustrated with drawings. The patterns inside the book are full-size and lend themselves to a folk art look with a bit of whimsy. If you are looking for a place to start learning to work with wool I recommend starting on some of the smaller projects found in this book. Soon you will have developed the confidence to tackle a few of the simply charming quilts featured in the book. The Applique Society Newsletter, May/June 2014 Wendy has long been renowned for her exquisite wool applique and now you can get a whole book filled with her lovely designs. Included are 15 small quilts and other projects that cleverly combine wool and cotton fabrics to create colourful and whimsical designs. Quilter's Companion Magazine, May/June 2014 This book is all about combining our traditional cotton prints with wool and linen, to add a new dimension. Wendy starts out with a section on applique basics that gives information on wool, wool felt, threads, templates, and her style of needle-turn that uses a running stitch close to the turned edge. There's also a whole page of illustrated embroidery stitches for adding special touches. Then on to the projects! There are wall quilts, runners, pillows, bags, and sewing notions galore. All of the applique templates are printed at full size, and there's even a pull-out section for the larger designs. Always a bonus! All About Applique, August 11, 2014Table of ContentsIntroduction XXGetting Started XX Combining Wool andCotton Applique Basics Wool Wool Felt Choosing Threads for Applique Using Freezer Paper for Applique Needle-TurnApplique Scissors Cutting Using a Design Wall Backgrounds Batting Embroidery Stitches XX PROJECTSA Bit of a Hoot XXHooterville XXBirds on a Wire XXTwo's Company XXOvergrown XXFlowering Tree Runner XXClamshell Runner XXLove Bird Pillowss XXStill Life Pillows XXWee Village Farm Pillow XXWee Village Town Pillow XXWildflowers Pillow XXWildflowers Bag XXBundles Bag XXNeedle Case XXSewing Kit XX

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Book SynopsisEasy-To-Follow Instructions For Knotted Bracelets With Embroidery Floss. Colorful Bracelets Are Fun For Kids And Teens.

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Book SynopsisTotally Awesome Paracord Crafts teaches you how to make your own amazing Paracord gear in an array of fashionable colours for school, sports or just for fun. Learn to weave classic survival bracelets, lanyards, necklaces, headbands and more.As well as taking you step-by-step through all the knots and wraps you need to know, the book provides practical advice on equipment and materials, and reveals the right way to melt and fuse the cut ends of your cord.Discover wild and wacky new ideas for dragonflies, Lego(R) figures, headphones wraps and a monkey's first keychain, and find out how to give your trainers a makeover with colourful cord patterns.You'll be amazed by the variety of ways you can embellish sports equipment, fashion accessories, electronics and more!

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Book SynopsisPart 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. 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.Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder was a Dutch Golden Age painter. The flowers in this arrangement, which include lilies, tulips, roses, and carnations, are painted with almost scientific precision. Bosschaert’s choice of a smooth copper support enhances the extraordinary detail of his brushwork. The bouquet itself, however, is a fiction: these flowers do not bloom at the same time, and would have been far too precious to cut for temporary display. This example features a licensed image from National Gallery: Bosschaert - A Still Life of Flowers.

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Book SynopsisThere are many useful and fun works included, packed with various ideas and tricks. You can sew your own bags or accessories by following easy step-by-step images. You will find real size pattern sheet in the book for all projects.

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Book SynopsisLearn how to use traditional watercolour techniques to produce beautiful, contemporary paintings that are full of light, colour and life. Packed with inspirational finished paintings and step-by-step projects, this engaging book teaches you how to use watercolours in their purest form, without the addition of any other media, to create art that has a radiancy and luminosity that cannot be achieved in any other way.Trade ReviewMarch 2018 Watercolour is a magical medium when used correctly, adding sparkle and life to your paintings. Here, Peter Cronin, takes you back to basics, learning the traditions of watercolour in its purest form, allowing the radiancy of the medium to shine through. Aimed at artists of all levels, Peter shares his 25 years at teaching experience with us, including step-by-step projects, inspirational paintings and forewords by watercolour experts, David Bellamy and David Curtis. * The Leisure Painter *What a pleasure this book is. The kind that makes you want to pick up your paints and create a painting. This book helps you to master traditional watercolour skills to create watercolours with atmosphere. This course in a book gives tips on painting both indoors and out, painting from photographs, sketching, washes and a lot more. There are 5 step-by-step projects to practise your skills. This 144 page book is longer than many on the subject. It is filled with wonderful examples of watercolour. Wonderful book. * www.Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *February 2018 This beautiful celebration of the technical and creative capabilities of pure watercolour does the medium ample justice. Peter Cronin examines and demonstrates all the classic techniques - sketching, washes, wet-in-wet and drybrush - as well as the many ways of making mark. More importantly, he does this in a creative context, working towards a successful result rather than conducting exercises for their own sake. This is an inherently hands-on book; there is a strong sense of progression from techniques to outdoor work - something Peter is particularly keen on - and it would not be unreasonable to call this a masterclass, even though it remains thoroughly accessible at heart. Every page simply overflowers with useful information that is presented with admirable clarity. Peter is a master of his medium and it is a real privilege and pleasure to be able to work alongside him. * The Artist *As you might expect, Peter is a member of the Pure Watercolour Society and this is a hymn to the medium.. Forewords by David Curtis and David Bellamy should leave you in no doubt about how good it is. My first question on opening the book was: what is “pure” watercolour and how does it differ from any other kind? Peter helpfully enlightens us: “One may suspect that there is perhaps more to good painting than a huge toolkit, and it may be possible to take simple tools and use them well. This concept and approach to painting are at the heart of pure watercolour”. Put kindly, I take that to mean that simplicity is always best and that you should work with your imagination and media rather than your tools; they’re not what makes a painting, you do. In the wrong hands, this could come across as a fundamentalist rant, but Peter lets his brushes do the talking and the work here is simply extraordinary. If he wasn’t such a good explainer and demonstrator, you could easily be put off by his virtuosity. As it is, follow his advice carefully and you’ll stand a very good chance of finishing this book a much better painter then when you started. Watercolour is, as I think we all know, a very special medium. It’s one that does sometimes seem to have a mind of its own and is nowhere near as controllable as the opaque ones. The skill is to work with that and to learn ways of encouraging it to do what you want rather than trying to wrestle it into submission and merely working against it. Handle a wash sensitively, know when colours are going to bleed and blend and large sections will almost complete themselves. Peter explains much about the properties of watercolour and the techniques you’ll need. He also demonstrates extensively and these paintings will show you how to produce some really quite advanced work. It’s a bit of a tour de force. * Artbookreview.net *

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Book SynopsisZoomigurumi 4 features 15 new amigurumi animal patterns created by 13 talented designers. Create your very own Charlie the kitten, Doris the dolphin, Stanley the giraffe, Orwell the orangutan, and more. Projects cover a variety of skill levels, all of which are accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions and explanations of all stitches used.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Ten minutes a day at home between classes gives you extra benefits.This deck has 60 poses." -- The Sun

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Book SynopsisCreate stunning patchwork quilts using the art of English Paper Piecing. This book provides 11 patterns inspired by ancient herb gardens and showcases a fun herbal history in each chapter. With beautiful photography to showcase each design, this book makes it possible for you to create your own gorgeous patchwork quilts.

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Book SynopsisThese 63 designs will make it easy to enjoy cutting pictures. More than 30 patterns can be cut and cut. If you prepare a pen type cutter and mat, you can start right away.

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Book Synopsis1,500 Color Mixing Recipes for Oil, Acrylic & Watercolor is the definitive color-mixing resource for oil, acrylic, and watercolor artists. This user-friendly compendium is color coded for quick-and-easy reference and includes two removable color-mixing grids—one for oil or acrylic, and one for watercolor.Follow these four simple steps to mix more than 1,500 color combinations: Look in the Color Index for the subject you want to paint—for example, "Broccoli." Find the Color Recipe with the subject's recipe number ("81") and a photo of the actual paint mixture. Use the Color Mixing Grid to measure each paint color. Mix the color. It's that easy! You’ll also learn about color theory, mixing values, complementary colors, graying color naturally, mixing portrait colors, rendering skies and clouds, and more. Also available from Walter Foster's best-selling Color Mixing Recipes series: Color Mixing Recipes for Oil & Acrylic, Color Mixing Recipes for Watercolor, Color Mixing Recipes for Portraits, and Color Mixing Recipes for Landscapes.Table of ContentsBefore You Begin Instructions Color Theory Color Mixing for Oil & Acrylic Color Mixing for Watercolor Color Mixing for Portraits Color Mixing for Landscapes Color Index Color Index—Portraits Color Index—Landscapes Oil/Acrylic Conversion Chart About the Author

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Book SynopsisLearn to Turn is the ideal woodturning book for beginners. If you've considered trying woodturning-but have been intimidated by the tone and scope of the books available on the subject-you'll find this informative book to be an approachable and enjoyable guide that will have you turning in no time. Author Barry Gross, an artist and professional woodturner, offers expert instruction, valuable tips and common-sense advice that will eliminate the mystery while infusing some fun into your turning. Discover how to select the lathe that's right for you, the basics of turning tools and the fundamentals of sharpening, sanding and finishing. This revised & expanded 3rd edition also includes new and very attainable step-by-step projects, a special troubleshooting section that reveals surprisingly simple solutions to common turning mistakes and an inspiring artist gallery of completed works.

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Book SynopsisThis paper pack contains 500 high-quality 6-inch origami sheets printed with stunning photographs of succulents. These colorful origami papers were developed to enhance the creative work of origami artists and paper crafters. The pack contains 12 unique photos, and all of the papers are printed with coordinating colors on the reverse to provide aesthetically pleasing combinations in origami models that show both the front and back. This origami paper pack includes:500 sheets of high-quality origami paper12 unique photosBright, vibrant colorsDouble-sided color6 x 6 inch (15 cm) squaresStep-by-step instructions for 6 easy-to-fold origami projects

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Book SynopsisCreate animal slippers for the family with this cute collection of patterns. First choose your slipper type slide, shoe or boot then your size, and finally choose one of 20 different animal heads to attach. Ira Rott is known for her easy-to-follow patterns, which include step-by-step photos and crochet charts alongside the written patterns.Table of ContentsWelcome 4 How to Use This Book 6 Tools and Materials 8 Size Chart 9 Making Slippers 10 The Slippers 22 The Snuggly Pug 24 The Cuddly Bear 28 The Happy Penguin 32 The Zingy Dinosaur 36 The Starry Unicorn 42 The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panda 48 The Sleepy Koala 52 The Mossy Sloth 56 The Graceful Elephant 60 The Playful Pig 64 The Mischievous Raccoon 68 The Cheeky Monkey 74 The Woolly Sheep 78 The Sandy Turtle 84 The Sassy Cat 88 The Hippie Llama 92 The Brave Moose 96 The Artful Fox 100 The Friendly Cow 104 The Roaring Lion 108 Bonus Pattern 112 Additional Ideas 114 Useful Information 116 About the Author 126 Index 127

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Book SynopsisNEW AND IMPROVED JIGSAW!Marvel at the unearthly beauty of the celestial dragon as you complete this 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. Illustrated in ravishing detail and printed in majestic GOLD FOIL by our brand new manufacturer, this puzzle will transport you to another world.

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Book Synopsis(new edition) Learn the mechanics of making your own paper pop-ups and novelty cards, with over 100 innovative techniques and projects to follow

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Book SynopsisPerfect colour every time, now in travel-size! Create colour combinations on the go with this easy-to-use reference tool. With 12 colours and five essential colour-plans, selecting colour has never been easier.

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Book SynopsisA guide to over 350 card games. It provides the rules to dozens of variations of your favorite games. With step by step instructions and simple illustrations, it is suitable for gamers.

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Book SynopsisLet your fabrics inspire you to create your own lovely combinations!Quilt designer Jen Kingwell brings you fifteen amazing new quilt designs in Quilt Lovely. With nine gorgeous quilt projects that use a variety of techniques, including applique, hand sewing and hand quilting, and six fun pillow projects that can be expanded easily into quilts, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Full-size paper patterns make template creation quick and simple, and an easy-to-navigate reference section provides advice on quilting basics and finishing.Trade Review"I love the matte finish paper in Quilt Lovely and the gorgeous photos of the quilts out in the real world." --Poppyprint"I absolutely love the format of each project's instructions. In addition to the basics (materials list, cutting instructions, block assembly instructions, quilt assembly instructions), every project includes a styled picture of the finished quilt or pillow AND a flat picture of the finished project. The styled pictures drew me in, and the flat shots helped me confirm that, yup, I definitely want to make this!" --Imagine Gnats

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Book SynopsisLearn how to use an electric kiln to attain the natural earthy colors and spontaneous patterns of alternative firing methods.Trade Review“Guides the reader to generate sought-after atmospheric effects with the most accessible type of kiln. This book is a must-have for those looking to push past perceived limitations and expand their surface possibilities in electric firing.” -- Martina Lantin, Associate Professor of Ceramics, Alberta University of the Arts“Excellent . . . the author describes step by step, with thoughtful advice and many photos, how to obtain the effects that normally are reserved for raku or pit firings . . . An invitation to experiment in complete confidence.” -- Ceramics and Glass Journal (La Revue de la Ceramique et du Verre)“Numerous beautiful sample photos . . . detailed and very clear . . . a source of inspiration . . . Highly recommended.” -- Klei Keramiek magazine“A carefully researched book documenting a unique pottery firing method. The text and accompanying photography is informative and excellently executed.” -- Jeff Zamek, founder, Ceramics Consulting Services, author of The Ceramics Studio Guide: What Potters Should Know“Taking the ‘fear’ out of the atmosphere, [this] is an accessible how to guide for small scale studios looking for various combustible results within the controlled environment of electric kilns.” -- Ian McDonald, Artist-in-Residence and Area Head of Ceramics, Cranbrook Academy of ArtTable of ContentsIntroduction What Is Saggar Firing? Trying to understand the process — my 2016 jar project About this book Environmental and health issues 1. Making the saggar 2. Requirements your work must meet 2.1 Clay type and surface of the work 2.2 Using terra sigillata 2.3 Bisque firing temperatures 2.4 Glazing your work beforehand 3. Materials that give color to your work 3.1 Natural colorants 3.2 Metals 3.3 Oxides and carbonates 4. Attaching the coloring materials to your work 4.1 Natural colorants 4.2 Metals 4.3 Oxides and carbonates Results | before and after saggar firing 5. Loading and firing the saggar 5.1 Combustible materials 5.2 Loading the saggar 5.3 The amount of oxygen: reduction and oxidation 5.4 Firing the saggar 5.5 Results and finishing 6. Experimenting: looking for new possibilities 6.1 Experimenting with different types of saggars 6.2 Experimenting with clay and terra sigillata 6.3 Experimenting with combustible materials 6.4 Experimenting with coloring materials 6.5 Experimenting with firing methods 6.6 Experimenting with the finish 7. Something went wrong Gallery of work by workshop participants Conclusion Clays Glossary Media Acknowledgments

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Book SynopsisArtists who wish to explore the world of painting with oils en plein air will love the freshness and vibrancy of the work in this book – as well as the expert, down-to-earth advice of its author. Award-winning artist Haidee-Jo explores the appeal of working outside with oils and the enormous benefits it can bring in terms of personal well-being. She also shares her techniques to allow the reader to invest their oil artwork with light, motion and life. With dozens of Haidee-Jo's artworks to provide inspiration to the reader, and clear, step-by-step demonstrations throughout, this book provides both an expert guide to the challenges, opportunities and fun of painting outdoors; and provides an insight into the working methods of this dynamic artist.Trade ReviewA super, no nonsense guide, Haidee-Jo deals with all aspects of starting out with plein air painting. The book is beautifully and liberally illustrated. The whole process, from choosing the correct equipment and paints to finding inspiration and coping with every weather condition is covered with practical advice. Exercises and examples are used throughout, based on the artists own experience and work. She even discusses the main barrier that may prevent some people engaging in plein air painting, i.e. painting in public and there is a chapter dealing with options for works which for whatever reason haven’t made the grade. It is a comprehensive work filled with a wealth of knowledge and information and the artists’ obvious love and enthusiasm for her subject, a must for anyone wishing to take their first steps outside. -- Anne Chalkley * Amazon Customer Review *I’ve looked forward to the release of this book by my favourite plein air artist Haidee-Jo Summers and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. There is lots of inspiration for anyone wanting to give plein air painting a try. I know I have wanted to paint en plein air but being an amateur have not had the confidence. Haidee-Jo’s book certainly encourages me to give it a go. Her book provides lots of helpful and practical advice and tips on how to go about this, from what equipment you may need and how to transport this, colour palettes and colour mixing, how to compose a painting and how to simplify subjects, how to deal with changeable weather. There are demonstrations to show her painting process from quick sketches to doing tonal washes leading to final paintings. And she provides exercises for you to try to gain more confidence such as doing timed paintings against the clock in small panels to help you learn to paint faster, and painting from memory to develop your short term visual memory, all helpful for painting outside in order to get the essential details down before your subject changes! Even though this is not a hardback book it has a sturdy glossy cover and the pages are of good quality with a plentiful number of good quality photos of Haidee-Jo’s beautiful paintings to drool over and envy! She truly is the expert and advocate for plein air painting, not just of landscapes but of the everyday subjects that a lot of people would overlook, as Haidee-Jo has the knack of finding the light and shadows that bring out their beauty and creating a stunning painting. I can’t recommend this book highly enough. -- Julie Geelan * Amazon Customer Review *I should first of all say that I am not an oil painter. I paint mostly in watercolour and sometimes in gouache or casein paint. However I just love this book. It is packed full with information and her beautiful paintings, and I cannot wait to ‘get out there’ after looking at this. It is really inspiring and packed with practical advice too. Well done Haidee-Jo, this is a winner for sure! * Customer Review *This book is full of very useful information. Beautifully illustrated to inspire the artist to get out and give plein air a go. I am an experienced painter but found lots of very useful advice within the pages. * Customer Review *Everything you need to know to help you start plein air painting. Suitable for all. Haidee-Jo offers practical advice given in her easy to read style. She has condensed her years of experience into this fabulous book and given us a chance to join her on this amazing adventure. Just brilliant! -- Charlotte Davies * Amazon Customer Review *As a regular plein air painter I found the finishing “Pearls of wisdom” very relatable and written with kind humour! This book appeals across the experience range, with essential information for beginners to reinforcement for the more experienced; a visual treat clearly written with examples and exercises. -- Steven James Dunster * Amazon Customer Review *Time spent in Haidee-Jo's company is always time well spent. She is adept at voicing her thought processes and showing how the creative endeavour develops in the face of changing circumstance, light and the way the work itself progresses. This is not, therefore, a straightforward book of instruction, but rather a tour round the process of painting outdoors and dealing with both the practical and theoretical considerations it raises. A quick flick through the pages reveals a wealth of visual material - just about every one of the 176 pages is packed with illustrations. These cover all of the subjects you'd expect as well as a variety of compositions, light and weather conditions. As well as demonstrations, there are plenty of discussions of aesthetics, colour, recession and ways to set up. This should delight any oil painter and is one of the most complete and absorbing books on the subject. -- Henry Malt * The Artist *Award-winning artist and editorial consultant to The Artist magazine, Haidee-Jo Summers describes herself as hooked on plein-air painting and here she shows us why. Haidee-Jo's work is fresh and full of vibrancy. With a deceptively easy sweep of her brush, she can bring her canvas to life and her work will energise you to have a go yourself. There's plenty of clear step-by-step demonstrations to work through with Haidee-Jo at your side offering paractical advice to overcome challenges that painting outdoors in the elements can throw at you. Above all, it is the sense of well-being that painting outside can bring to you that she is so keen to share and her love of plein-air painting will surely be contagious. * Leisure Painter *Time spent with Haidee-Jo is always time well spent and feels more like a relaxed conversation with an old friend than any kind of tutorial process. If you’ve watched any of her DVDs, you’ll know that she spends time discussing not just ways of applying paint, but of reacting to scenes and conditions, explaining the way the creative process works perhaps better than anyone else. A book is a very different beast, of course, and needs to be more prescriptive than discursive. The written word doesn’t um and ah, doesn’t wave its arms about to make a point eloquently and doesn’t get distracted by a sudden gust of wind. At least, it shouldn’t, though we can all think of books that wander infuriatingly off the topic. No, I won’t be mentioning any names. For all that, what we have here is an enjoyable ramble through the ways of oil painting. And that’s not a sentence I’ve ever written in forty years. Rambling is normally associated with watercolour; oils are a much more serious business. Aren’t they? You see, that’s the thing, Haidee-Jo is a painter who happens to work in oils, not a (serious voice) Painter In Oils. The medium is very much not the message, merely (is that the right word?) the messenger, a way of communicating form, colour, composition and emotion. There, I’ve said it, I’ve used the E word, because that’s really what this book is about. The subtitle (they’re always instructive) is “a practical and inspirational guide to painting outdoors”. What you’ll get here is advice about the practicalities of working the field – equipment, preparation, adaptation – as well as how to recognise a subject and construct a scene, whether it’s landscapes, trees, flowers, buildings, water or even people. There’s consideration of light, weather, seeing, interpreting, remembering (because scenes change before your very eyes) and, of course, getting the all-important paint on the also-important canvas. This is an enjoyable book that can’t but inspire you to get outside. You probably can’t take Haidee-Jo with you, so you’ll just have to imagine her. -- Henry Malt * Artbookreview.net *This is a fascinating and thorough guide to working outdoors that feels much more like an adventure with an old friend than a course of instruction. Chapters include working with changing light, allowing for weather and even working around people. On top of this, there's plenty of advice on practice, from colour and brushwork to composition, planning, both on the ground and on the canvas, and finishing off in the studio. * SAA Catalogue *Table of ContentsForeword 6, An introduction to painting outdoors 8, Choosing a subject 12, Getting outside: equipment and supplies 18, Painting outside: The bigger picture 32, Chasing the light: alla prima 44, Step-by-step Improving your visual memory 52, Slowing down: painting over multiple sessions 62, Colour and your palette 70, Step-by-step Fog and Ruby Chard 80, Design and impact: composing your artwork 84, Step-by-step Free Range Hens at Low Bradfield 96, Step-by-step Waterfall 106, Still life en plein air 108, Step-by-step Log Pile 114, Painting in daylight 118, Step-by-step Pink Cherry Blossom Against the Sky 124, Step-by-step Beyond the Gate 132, Working with the weather 140, Painting around people 152, Exploring further: working in the studio 170, Afterword 174, Index 176

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Book SynopsisYou will find 25 fabulous cross stitch designs made by Japanese designer Kyoko Maruoka. There are various designs including animals, flowers, animals, flowers, foods, weather, space, people, scenery, dolls, houses in delicate colours. All designs can be stitched by beginners and advanced stitchers both. With this book, you will be able to make many objects like bags, frames, coasters, cushions, baskets etc stitching these lovely cross stitch charts. AUTHOR: Kyoko Maruoka is the Japanese cross stitch designer behind the 'Gera!' cross stitch brand. She started cross stitch for making her nephew's birth sampler in 1997. She enjoyed to cross stitch designs from various countries. Then she started to draw her original patterns in 2006 and sold her patterns all over the world as well as Japan. She especially loves to design cross stitch charts in modern and nostalgic themes. She lives in Tokyo and likes art and reading books!

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Book SynopsisCreate your own floral and plant illustrations, with no previous artistic experience necessary! Each project in this beautiful book is broken into easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions, making how to draw leaves and flowers (including poppies, pansies, and cherry blossoms!) as easy as 1-2-3. You'll also learn the process of creating patterns and digitising your illustrations!Trade Review"As a fellow floral art lover, it's a pleasure to dive into Alli's instruction, as it is an art in and of itself. Her welcoming and sophisticated approach to sharing her passion is palpable and begs to be explored. Florals by Hand is a book that should be on every bookshelf, be it the hobbyist, the professional artist, or simply the art admirer." - Peggy Dean, Author of Two Best-Selling Books: Botanical Line Drawing and The Ultimate Brush Lettering Guide

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Book SynopsisVivian Wong shares her love of colored pencils and explains that one way “baby artists” improve their work is by copying what they see. Love Colored Pencils is designed to enable exactly this. *Named One of the 54 Best Colored Pencil Drawing Books of All Time by BookAuthority* Look over Vivian’s shoulder as she demonstrates all the techniques you need to make luscious drawings in the wonderful, soft, blendable medium of colored pencil. On one side of each spread, Vivian demonstrates a technique or she colors in a subject, and on the opposite page or the next spread, you are encouraged to try it yourself, drawing directly in the book. Exercises throughout offer fun ways to explore drawing while being inspired by Vivian’s popular and colorful drawing style. Vivian will teach you about: Holding your pencil Pencil pressure Hatching and crosshatching Stippling Scribbling Blending Color mixing Creating tones with color How to color facial features And more! Practice your skills as you follow Vivian’s simple instructions for drawing facial features, many different hairstyles and hair colors, an owl, a leopard, and a variety of flower types. This is a book for all levels of artists who want to explore this versatile and fun medium with a colorful and talented artist, baby step by baby step. With Vivian by your side, you can’t go wrong!Table of Contents C H A P T E R O N E / B A S I C T E C H N I Q U E S STROKES/COLORING IN• Holding your pencil (it might seem obvious but how you hold your pencil can influence the effect you are tryingto achieve)• Pressure. Controlling lightness/darkness of color• Back and forth strokes (most commonly used technique)• Stippling• Hatching• Crosshatching• Scribbling• Blending colors. Using white colored pencil or blending with a stump or cotton tip• Filling inKNOWING THE COLOR SPECTRUMWhy it is important to understand the color spectrum and how it will help you when you color in different subjects.• The artist's color wheel. Primary and secondary colors• Complementary colors and how to use them in your work• My favorite color palette. Vivian's "go-to colors"• Color mixes. Color pencils come in a myriad colors, but knowing how to mix your pencils expands your potentialpalette and what you can create with it. Examples of which colors to mix to create a specific color (i.e. blue + darkbrown = dark blue), and techniques for mixing colors (overlaying, hatching, or "dots")WHAT IS TONING?• What is tone? Tone describes the lightness or darkness of a basic color• Tonal gradient. How to create different tones from one color. How to create different colorful gradientsWHAT IS SHADING?Using basic 3D shapes to illustrate.• Tint and shade. What are they? Know the difference• Identifying the light source and shadow. First, decide where the light source and shadow are, then base the rest ofthe drawing on that• Coloring techniques to illustrate light source and shadow. Back and forth strokes. Layering/hatching.Highlights: Leaving areas uncolored to show the light source C H A P T E R T W O / H O W T O CO LO R The following subjects are demonstrated in step-by-step sequences, followed by a page or two for the reader topractice coloring in the artwork provided.• Faces (skin)• Eyes• Noses• Lips• Ears• Hair• Flowers• Leaves• Glass• Aluminum cans• Clothes• Animal fur and feathers• Spherical objects• Lettering (making it look 3D)• Colorful doodles and patternsREVIEW YOUR OWN WORK

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