Hobbies, Games & Quizzes Books

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Book SynopsisDo you want to sharpen your focus and improve your memory? This is a practical puzzle book to help you retain information faster and for longer, with proven memory techniques. We all know that visualizing, writing down or repeating something all helps to store things in our minds, but why? Written by Helena M. Gellersen, part of University of Cambridge’s renowned Memory Laboratory, and bestselling puzzle master Dr Gareth Moore, this is a complete course in memory training. The way we remember things is determined by the different parts of our brain we are engaging, and this helpful book covers verbal, visual and long-term memory puzzles to help you improve your memory store. Culminating in the powerful Memory Palace technique, a millennia-old technique still used today by mental athletes, this collection of tried-and-tested exercises will teach you how to master this strategy and learn information more effectively. Including the latest neuroscience and with an easy-to-follow puzzles, this is the only book you need to discover the secrets to a long-lasting memory, once and for all.

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Book SynopsisCultivated: The Elements of Floral Style elevates floral design to fine art in this richly informative work on the principles of floral style. A charming and intelligent mentor, Christin Geall emboldens designers, gardeners, and entrepreneurs to think differently and deeply about their work with flowers as she draws upon the fine arts and historical sources, exploring Baroque music, the paintings of the Impressionists, or the work of floral innovators like Gertrude Jekyll and Constance Spry. Covering all aspects of floral design, including choosing plants to grow and arrange, selecting tools and vessels, balancing color and form, and even photographing and selling arrangements, Cultivated offers universal lessons for all levels of practitioners, budgets, and materials. Geall's stunning photographs of her own lush designs illustrate techniques for creating brilliant arrangements that spark the imaginationTrade Review"I love this book celebrating garden-grown, imperfect, shapely flowers in glorious, dynamic, fecund vases in the Dutch still life painting style. There are elm flowers here, banksia rose twirls, plums on the branch, coppery bracken fronds-a harvest of beautiful things, overlaying an impressive depth of research and authoritative advice on all the practical skills to know to become a good flower arranger." - Sarah Raven, flower grower and award-winning writer "Sumptuous, smart and illuminating, Cultivated: The Elements of Floral Style is at once floragorgeous and florapractical. Gardener, photographer and Kew-trained designer Christin Geall, florist-in-residence at estates from Cambo in Scotland to the venerable Chatsworth, has reinvented cut flower arrangements for the twenty-first century-and now she gives us lessons. Her sassy reflections, on topics from deep ecology to painting with flowers, are beautifully organized, richly informative, and fun-as Instagram followers of her sublime photographs already know. If botanical collage artist Mrs. Delany returned to earth craving just one book, I'd give her Cultivated: The Elements of Floral Style." - Molly Peacock, author of The Paper Garden: An Artist Begins Her Life's Work at 72 "What a delight, not only a jaw-droppingly beautiful feast for the eyes, but filled with practical advice, charming anecdotes, and reaffirming life lessons. This is a book to be cherished." - Sophie Conran, designer and creator of sophieconran.com "Christin Geall is the rare talent who has the eye of an artist, the pen of a poet, and the heart of a gardener. Cultivated brilliantly pairs Christin's honest, thought-provoking essays with breathtaking photographs of her exquisite floral designs. Drawing from history, art, theater, literature, and her own fascinating flower journey, she boils down otherwise intimidating design concepts and explains them in a way that is both informative and inspiring." - Erin Benzakein, author of Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden

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Book SynopsisCreate, Explore, and ... Color with The Official Minecraft Coloring Book! Based on Minecraft, the best-selling video game of all time, this action-packed coloring book lets kids color their way through nearly 50 epic pages of original art inspired by the expansive, wondrous, and never-ending world of Minecraft.

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Book SynopsisJust when you thought you'd rest your crochet hook and yarn for a second, along comes Zoomigurumi 10! This new collection of 15 projects, featuring designers from all over the world, provides enough fresh inspiration to keep you crocheting! In this book you will find a feisty crab, a bouncy kangaroo, a lively squirrel, a dainty bunny and much more! Surprise your family and friends with handmade gifts, or simply make them for yourself! Projects cover a variety of skill levels, from beginner-friendly to suitable for advanced crocheters and are accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions. The clear illustrations and handy video tutorials will help you master all stitches and techniques used. * All our books contain the highest quality designs and are unanimously praised by craft fans. * Amigurumi crochet books are real collectibles as well as impulse purchases due to the cuteness of the designs. * Strong own platform: 150K unique monthly visitors on Amigurumipatterns.net, 150K email subscribers, 227K Facebook fans, 202K Instagram fans ... * Books in this niche continue to sell well for years.

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Book SynopsisLearn how to paint beautiful botanical watercolors using 16 easy-to-follow lessons that also introduce the modern incorporation of gouache and ink! Enjoy hours of creative engagement as you learn how to paint eucalyptus wreaths, shape olive branches, detailed wildflowers, shade tropical leaves, and more. Lessons in Modern Watercolor Botanicals include: - Detailed instructions for 3 skill levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced - Over 100 pieces of traceable artwork, so no drawing experience is required - Easy-to-understand diagrams, pictures, and instructions - Each lesson builds upon skills learned in the previous lessons - "Why Art?" essays exploring the joys, challenges, and inherent value in artistic pursuitTrade Review"If you're thinking about experimenting with watercolor and/or gouache, look no further. Sarah's stunning imagery paired with thorough and extensive direction will bring you back again and again. It's a must-have staple for both beginners, hobbyists, and professional creatives." -Peggy Dean, Best-selling Author, Illustrator, Designer, Founder of The Pigeon Letters "Sarah has penned (and painted) the complete book of watercolor & gouache for anyoneready to dive into the wonderful world of painting. From mindfulness to technique, thisbook is not only an introduction to painting but a complete guide to the skilled art ofcolor movement and blending. Sarah's botanical imagery is captivating and herdescriptive instructions dance across the page as fluidly as her art. What a wonderfulway to spend a season immersed in watercolor, what an incredibly inspiring how-to book." -The Crafter's Box

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Book SynopsisA complete guide to the techniques and finishing touches that every quilter needs to know. Whether you would like to learn new patchwork and quilting skills or want to take up this flourishing craft for the first time, you’ll find all the techniques you’ll need in this essential guide. Step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow artworks show you how to master everything from accurate cutting and using templates to sewing curves and English paper piecing. If you are a beginner, the first chapter takes you through all the basic tools and equipment you’ll need, such as a sewing machine, curved pins and a rotary cutter. For more advanced quilters, tips on perfect pressing, hand stitching and reverse appliqué will help you achieve a professional finish. Whatever your skill level, Quilting Know-How is the ideal reference handbook to keep by your side, helping you to build your confidence and abilities so that you can create stunning projects.

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Book SynopsisIf you think of dolls houses as usually being period houses, it's time to think again! In this amazing compendium of miniature buildings, author Sarah Walkley looks at the many other styles of construction that are increasingly being created by miniatures enthusiasts including cozy cottages, modern loft apartments, churches, garden sheds, lighthouses and windmills. The World of Miniatures even delves into the fantasy world of witches' lairs, haunted houses and burrows for mice and bears. Drawn from the wealth of interesting and unusual models that have been featured in Dolls' House Magazine over more than five years, it showcases the best examples of the dolls' house hobby to demonstrate what can be achieved when working in miniature. It aims to provide inspiration to those that are new to the hobby, or want to take their model-making a stage further, as well as being a delightful read for those who are simply fascinated by all things miniature. Each of the 12 chapters will be accompanied by tips on the key techniques needed to recreate a particular style of property. This will include, for example, how to lay wooden floors or work with molding to create a grand country estate, or how to install lighting in a lighthouse. AUTHOR: Sarah Walkley has been fascinated by dolls houses since her father promised to make her one when she was five years old. Little did she realise that it would be another 35 years before she would receive it! Sarah has been closely involved with the miniature world in her adult life and also been a regular contributor to Dolls' House Magazine. She is also a senior executive with over 20 years' experience in research, strategy and business intelligence. SELLING POINTS: . Focuses on the miniatures that are currently being made by enthusiasts and professional model makers. . Covers all forms of models from traditional houses, to shops, coastal properties, garden sheds and fairly tale castles. . Provides advice on key model-making techniques that can be applied to any property, rather than providing instructions on how to make a specific project. 500 photographs and 20 illustrations

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Book SynopsisCreate beautiful landscape quilts using strips and scraps with these 15 lovely projects! Learn how to find inspiration and choose you fabrics, how to design and lay out your quilt, and how to use angles to create skies, water, hills and mountains.

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Book SynopsisA massive 300 codeword puzzles packaged in a stylish paperback - this is the perfect codeword gift book for adults of any age. With a mix of 100 easy, 100 medium and 100 hard puzzles, the 13 x 13 grids are each arranged on their own page and solutions are easily found in the back of the book. Printed in a highly portable format, the book can be taken on your travels or sit neatly on your bedside table.

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Book SynopsisStarting with the early years of Victoria's reign, this essential book examines the developments and evolution of fashionable dress as it progressed throughout her six decades as queen. From the demure styles of the 1840s to the exaggerated sleeves of the 1890s, it explores the ever-changing Victorian silhouette, and gives patterns, instructions and advice so that the amateur dressmaker can create their own versions of these historic outfits. Other topics covered include: information on tools and equipment; a guide to transferring pattern pieces; a concise guide to the various layers of Victorian underwear; step-by-step instructions with colour photographs to help construct the patterns and advice on how to personalize the outfit. Illustrations of fashion plates, Victorian carte de visite photographs and original surviving garments provide visual inspiration and reference.

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Book SynopsisArtists have always relied on their sketchbooks. This was true for artists working within a fine art tradition and is just as true today in the age of Macs, digital cameras and computer-generated imagery. This new line of sketchbooks addresses the needs of contemporary practitioners: illustrators, designers, art directors, fashion designers, filmmakers and anyone within the creative industries. Helpful and user-friendly, these sketchbooks tread that fine line between giving users practical tools and information while not interfering with their creative freedom. They are also made entirely out of eco-friendly materials. This Film & Animation sketchbook includes 136 blank pages, storyboard grids and project management tools, plus 16 pages of useful information on shot sizes and aspect ratios, digital video basics, animation, screenplays, planning your shots, sound, lighting and editing.

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Book SynopsisThis amazing book is filled with step-by-step photos and instructions to create stitch square blocks with beautiful graphic designs! The basic differences between regular Tunisian and Tunisian in the Round (TITR) are that the stitches are picked up on the forward pass and worked off on the return pass differently. The book includes an '11-Step Photo Tutorial' for TITR, and sections that explain how to read stitch charts for TITR, plus a section outlining tools, Tunisian stitches, and techniques for TITR. 15 different stitch blocks have the same number of rounds used so blankets can be easily made larger or smaller by altering the number of blocks. Blocks include Fair Isle, Elephants, Hearts and more. Includes instructions on how to make two afghans, two baby blankets and two tote bags.

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Book SynopsisThere's something hiding among us: an elusive cryptid is prowling our city streets. The evidence is clear but, without definitive proof, the scientific community will never believe you. There's nothing else to be done you must track down this cryptid yourself!Play as a determined Scientist manipulating heat, movement, and sonic sensors to scan the city, identify your quarry''s true location, and capture them. Or take the role of a Cryptid, snaking your way through the shadows and back alleys of the metropolis that surrounds you, eliminating all evidence of your existence as you go, desperately avoiding capture. Emerging victorious in this high stakes cat-and-mouse chase, played out across a sprawling urban landscape, will require all your ingenuity and foresight.Cryptid: Urban Legends is a tense asymmetric game of competitive deductive reasoning for two players from the creators of Cryptid. Players: 2Ages: 14+Playing Time: 20-40 minutesContents

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Book SynopsisCreate unique i-cord words and shapes with this modern guide to French knitting with a mechanical knitting mill. This fun book gives you 40 fabulous i-cord projects from gifts to clothing, accessories to home decor and more. No knitting mill? No problem! All the projects can be knitted in the traditional method too.Table of ContentsTricks of the trade Happy Mother’s Day Stylish cushions Trendy basket Sweet magnets Panda sweatshirt Ombre handbag Fox tote bag Initial keyrings Cat headband Multistrand necklace Bow hair clips Kiss frame Hanging heart Flower brooches Swan banner Bunny bag charm Funky sneakers Boho love hanging Fairy dress up Christmas decorations Nautical bracelet Stylish sunhat Cactus ornament Cupcake paperweight Dream catcher Heart photo holder Charm bracelets Rainbow mobile Pretty pot cover Plaited headband Cute rings Cloud memo holder Templates

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Book SynopsisWith a modular and fully customizable approach to knitting blankets, 60 Quick Knit Blanket Squares provides 60 patterns for endless possibilities. Don't just knit the same blanket everyone else is making. Create your own one-of­ a-kind designs with 60 Quick Knit Blanket Squares! With 60 beautiful patterns that span all skill levels and include knit and purl textures, cables, lace, and unique stitches,sample color combinations, a range of blanket sizes, a variety of edgings, and several inspirational blanket patterns, even the most hesitant knitter will find plenty to kick-start their creativity. Knitting a blanket by making individual 12 x 12" squares means knitters can work on the go year-round without overheating as they wrestle ever-growing blankets. This approach to knitting blankets is simple, easy, and adaptable up to the very last minute. With every design worked in Cascade Yarns’ 220 Superwash Merino, which includes approximately 100 colorways to choose from, these blankets will be soft, easy-care, and affordable.

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Book SynopsisAn International Master's instructive guide to essential tactical strategies and positions in chess. A comprehensive book from the Swedish International Master Thomas Engqvist for understanding the most important tactical chess positions in the opening of a game, the middle game and the endgame. It cuts to the chase on the most useful tactical positions at each stage of the game. Knowing the positions is one thing but this experienced coach shows you how to create them, even out of nothing, in the spirit of Tal and Alekhine. It covers other important facets of tactical play, including calculation (how to calculate with the help of stepping stones), attacking play such as defence and counter attack, and even psychological tactics. Each numbered position can be seen as a test-yourself quiz (with answers given below the diagrams) to help cement tactical understanding. Since it's advisable to revise the positions from time to time, this book can be your life-long companion, enabling you to dramatically increase your tactical chess understanding. The perfect guide for players who want to reach a higher level but don't have time to spend hours every week on less productive study.Trade Review‘An excellent read for any player serious about getting better at chess’ -- American Chess Magazine

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Book SynopsisA passionate and purposeful book on finding real creativity through nature. An essential book for our times and all artists at whatever level. In her most passionate and personal book to date, acclaimed watercolour artist Ann Blockley takes both budding and more experienced artists through a series of ideas for working with nature – in its widest sense – to nurture our creativity, inspire us, make us more sustainable artists, and replenish energy and flow when our artistic streams run dry. In ‘Go Outside and Play’, the author exhorts artists to recapture a fun, no-pressure way of being outside and use that feeling when creating. In ’Connecting Materials to Place’ she creates her own paint from the local pond. In ‘The Slow Movement’, the artist reveals her year of working on a specific local hedgerow and painting a series of different interpretation in its every-changing detail. She created regular creative rituals, using her weekly playing card as a starting point for a new painting to reflect the season each week. She reuses old paintings, and tissue and paper – wabi-sabi style – to create new textures and even new paintings. Including work from other artists as well as her own, she shows the ideas and work from textile and mixed-media artists. From allotment inspiration to reusing old painting and from nature prints to the alchemy of found materials, this is a journey to find new creativity through our connection with our natural world.Trade Review‘[An] impassioned paean to recycled papers, foraged materials and mindful methods’ -- Artists & Illustrators‘A plea to all to stimulate creativity by rejuvenating out awareness of nature … illustrated throughout with Ann’s wonderfully evocative paintings’ -- Leisure Painter'Genuinely fascinating and enlightening’ – Henry Malt' -- The Artist

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Book SynopsisSo you think you know how to make a pompom? Try these and take your skills up a notch or two! The fabulous pompoms in Pom Pom Pom by Vietnamese artist Henry Le, make other pompoms look distinctly ordinary. There are 50 fun and fashionable designs to create, from animals and emojis to sushi and cakes. Each project is accompanied by simple instructional diagrams and beautiful photography. Plus there's step-by-step text and photographs for when you need to learn something that's extra to the basic pompom techniques covered at the start of the book. In addition to the array of pompom projects, there's a section showing how to turn these adorable little pompoms into cute accessories, including rings, pendants, earrings and keyrings. Make them in different colors to suit your outfits, and give them as gifts to friends. Once you've mastered the techniques, you can come up with your own unique designs.

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Book SynopsisThis inspiring, practical guide to goldwork and silk shading is packed with both traditional and innovative techniques, six samplers and 24 stunning projects. Learn how to create exquisite works using either goldwork or silk shading, and then learn how to combine the two disciplines for visually stunning results. Learn to select the threads, materials and equipment required; plan out the order of your work; transfer your design to fabric; frame up your fabric; and discover inspiring stitch techniques to achieve the results you want. Using nature as inspiration, develop a glittering range of exquisitely worked flowers, fungi, trees, bats and dragonflies, with each piece accompanied by detailed instructions and essential top tips. The book features original designs throughout, and you will be encouraged to extend your skills to create your own beautiful embroideries, helped by exercises, projects, diagrams, full-size templates and stunning photographs. This book is an invaluable practical starting point for anyone wishing to learn about the art of goldwork and silk shading, and an excellent reference for all those already familiar with these popular techniques.Trade ReviewI love the front cover and the beautiful illustrations makes you excited to turn the cover. The inside cover introducing the author is really informative and the illustrations on adjoining page are stunning. The acknowledgement pages and contents pages whet your appetite as to the awaiting projects. I love the bat on the foreword page and the clearly explained introduction. The first chapter discusses in clear details the equipment needed to undertake these beautiful craft projects. The successive chapters cover the use of different sized needles, the fabrics and frames which will be required for gold work, how to transfer a design, and include illustrations of padding your project to provide area and depth to your finished piece of work. I love the stunning dragonfly illustration on the appliqué page on 22. Mounting your work is clearly explained in easy details and the goldwork is explained with some beautiful illustrations along with order of work details. Metal threads and their categories of use are discussed with helpful notes. Goldwork techniques such as purl chippings are beautifully illustrated and stem stitch information is discussed. The section on Handmade twists is informative, and is discussed along with Pearl purl, Elizabeth twist, Broad and whipped plate. I love the embroidered butterfly in this section. The goldwork wild rose, is beautiful and the colours of the goldwork violet is stunning. The three-dimensional goldwork is outstanding, especially the Christmas rose. Silk shading threads are usefully explained on page 59, along with silk shading techniques on page 60. Silk shading and the beautiful tulip flower and gold and silk work iris is brought to life in this part of the book. Flowers and the author’s stunning use of them in her work is also discussed. Trees and their use in embroidery is then discussed, with leaves, seeds and berries being shown in intricate and detailed images to enhance your craft projects. One leaf is portrayed in many ways. Fronds and fungi help bring textures and shades to embroidery pieces and are illustrated beautifully. Butterflies, bats and dragonflies, which are the author’s favourite are clearly defined. I love the bat and can’t wait to work on this project. Seasonal projects inspired by summer, autumn and winter are brought to life by the author. -- Caroline Perraton-Waters * Customer Review *Goldwork and Silk Shading Inspired by Nature is wonderful for anyone just starting out with the goldwork technique. But the information about silk shading is absolutely priceless as well. The book starts off talking about equipment; including needles, fabrics, frames (how to dress a slate frame), and hoops and ring frames (including how to bind them). Then it goes into how to transfer a pattern, tracing, prick and pounce and trace and tack. There’s a small section about mounting your finished piece properly, by using either the herringbone technique or the lacing technique. The second section of the book focusses on goldwork, explaining in detail exactly how it’s done. The order of work, the different types of metal threads, and the techniques, including the different stitches, are all discussed in detail. It then has a few projects that are entirely goldwork. They are stunning! The third section is dedicated to silk shading. Again, going into all the details of how to work the technique. It breaks down the stitches very clearly. Then has a few projects, even going into stump work. The fourth section demonstrates goldwork and silk shading combined. Again, explaining what’s required to stitch a piece using both techniques, and breaking down the stitches. Then Hazel takes you through projects that combine both techniques. Instructions are included to stitch samplers, small flowers and leaves, trees, berries and seed, fronds, and fungi, butterflies, dragonflies and even bats! The last projects are much larger and more detailed, putting everything that’s been learned throughout the book into practice. They are so beautiful. I especially love the Robin. I highly recommend this book. If you can find a copy, you won’t be disappointed. -- Jessica Devin * Embroidery Artist *Glorious and delicate depictions of nature. I liked the layout of this book and the combination of silk shading and goldwork which lent a delicacy to the finished pieces. Diagrams, photos and instructions were clear and there were plenty of projects to follow resulting in realistic nature embroideries. This is an inspiring and informative book. -- Marilyn Ralston * Amazon Customer Review *Definitive Work on Goldwork & Silk Shading. Goldwork and silk shading together – what a winning combination! Add in the fact that they are being used to depict the beauty of the natural world and you have a gorgeous book. Sadly this was the author’s final work and has been finished with help from her friends. This is the sequel to Hazel’s definitive work Goldwork: Techniques, Projects and Pure Inspiration and contains some material in common, mostly from the section on basic working methods and materials. If you are new to either type of embroidery, this book is a good place to start as you can discover what you need to purchase and what it is all for. See the myriad of metal threads available and learn how to dress a frame and a hoop, transfer patterns and how to use each type of thread. To put this knowledge to instant use there are quite a few projects to work through, all beautiful and impressively professional looking together with a list of materials and the all-important order of work. Do note that this might be a good book for beginners to goldwork and silk shading, but it is not ideal as a primer for people who are new to any type of embroidery. These are some of the more advanced techniques and the book is squarely aimed at those with a thorough grounding in all the basics. For example, the instructions aren’t accompanied by photographs and the information on 3D work is fairly sketchy. There are some diagrams for embroidery stitches and quite a few samplers where you can practice depicting sets of popular flora and fauna. These include trees, leaves, fungi, flower shapes as well as dragonflies, butterflies and, making a nice change, bats which were a favourite of the author. There are more projects where you can practice goldwork and silk shading together to make beautiful studies of all the above, plus a section of four projects depicting the four seasons. I was pleased to see that silk shading does not have to be done using silk threads, and most of the pieces shown have been worked using the cheaper and more widely available cotton alternative. This is a beautiful and very useful book to treasure, one for the keeper shelf. -- Rachel A Hyde * Customer Review *Table of ContentsForeword 6 Introduction 7 Equipment 8 Needles 10 Fabrics 12 Frames 13 Transferring a design 18 Padding 20 Mounting your work 23 Goldwork 24 Rules for goldwork 25 Order of work 26 Metal threads 27 Basic goldwork techniques 31 Purl chippings 31 Shading with chippings 32 Fuzzy effect 32 Graded cutwork 33 Stem stitch formation 34 Purl loops 35 Couched threads 36 Twists 39 Handmade twists 40 MIlliary 41 Plunging threads 43 Pearl purl 44 Elizabethan twist 46 Kid 47 Broad, 11’s and whipped plate 48 PROJECT: Wild rose 50 PROJECT: Goldwork violet 52 Three-dimensional goldwork 55 PROJECT: Christmas rose 54 Silk shading 56 Rules for silk shading 57 Order of work 58 Silk shading threads 59 Silk shading techniques 60 Split stitch 60 Silk shading 61 PROJECT: Silk-shaded wild rose 66 PROJECT: Silk-shaded violet 68 Adding a three-dimensional element 70 PROJECT: Three-dimensional Christmas rose 70 Goldwork and silk shading combined 72 A few basic rules 72 Order of work 72 Complimentary stitches 74 PROJECT: Combined wild rose 78 PROJECT: Combined violet 80 Adding a three-dimensional element 82 PROJECT: Three-dimensional Christmas rose 82 FLOWERS 84 SAMPLER: Flowers 84 Taking a simple flower further in metal threads 94 Taking a simple flower further in stranded cotton 95 PROJECT: Gold and silkwork iris 96 TREES 99 SAMPLER: Trees 100 Small trees 104 PROJECT: Bonsai tree 106 Leaves, seeds and berries 108 SAMPLER: Leaves 108 PROJECT: One leaf, many ways 114 SAMPLER: Berry and seed 116 PROJECT: Acorns 124 Fronds and fungi 126 SAMPLER: Fronds 126 SAMPLER: Fungi 132 Butterflies, bats and beasts 138 PROJECT: Three Butterflies 138 PROJECT: 3D Goldwork and silkwork butterfly 142 PROJECT: Three Bats 144 PROJECT: Bat 146 PROJECT: Bats 148 PROJECT: Three Dragonflies 150 PROJECT: Large Dragonfly 154 Seasonal projects 156 PROJECT: Clematis Early Semi-Double Dr Ruppel 156 PROJECT: Sumer Wildlife Garden 160 PROJECT: Autumn 164 PROJECT: Robin 168 Templates 172 Glossary 192

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Book SynopsisKeep your needlepoint projects organized and recorded with this expertly crafted journal. Each page offers space to record details such as the kit or canvas name, size, stitches used, and other notes. Whether you're a seasoned needlepoint artist or are just starting out, this journal will become an indispensable tool in your creative process.

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Book SynopsisTurn back time for a walk with daring dinosaurs, marvelous mammoths, crafty cave people and many more. Dodo Dominique can tell you all the ancient gossip; Brad the Brachiosaurus wants to open a turtleneck sweater shop; and Paula Parasaurolophus doesn't go anywhere without her stegosaurus teddy. The characters in this book, created by various designers, have arrived with a bang and will bring a whole new world to life. So dust off your crochet hook, dig up your yarns, and get ready for the most imaginative playtime yet.

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Book SynopsisThis new book, the first in the CarCraft series delivers an innovative presentation to the car enthusiast by covering the engineering, design, and modelling of one of motoring's greatest cars across all its epochs. Ettore Bugatti changed engineering history with his genius and innovations. With its clever engine design, new suspension thinking, and distinct body style, Bugatti's T35 and its variants defined a new era of design and driving and must surely rank as true 'supercars'. A motor sport legend was also cast down by these Bugattis. Experienced automotive writer, industrial designer and Bugatti Owners Club member Lance Cole pays tribute to the car in a detailed yet engaging commentary. New photography, the design story, and full coverage of the modelling options in synthetic materials and die cast metals, create a narrative of vital interest.

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Book SynopsisTune into a moment of mindfulness with over 300 pencil-ready puzzles. Paper, Pencil and You: Mindfulness presents over 300 puzzles designed to encourage mindfulness in a busy, stressed-out world. From simple word searches and labyrinths to challenging logic problems and visual conundrums, each puzzle helps to keep the brain sharp, while providing a mindful moment free from distractions and worries. The puzzles in this book encourage you to develop mindfulness skills to help relieve the stresses of modern-day living. Each one is designed to channel your mind away from distractions and to focus on the here and now. Work your way through puzzles that include drawing fences, finding hidden words, matching shadows and linking shapes to improve your awareness, instinct and creativity. So, sharpen that pencil, turn over the page and tap into mindfulness.

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Book Synopsis'Claire’s ability to harness her mental health experience through Wool Couture is admirable. Her products are a labour of love and her latest book, Robyn Octopus & Friends, is no exception. There’s something so wonderful about spending hours creating something and being able to gift that to someone we love or keep it because we’re beyond proud of making it. This book is making me want to make my nana proud and pick up my knitting needles once again! I hope it inspires you to do the same.' - Foreword by Sara Davies, from Dragons' Den Snuggle up with Robyn Octopus and friends - all loveable, oversized toys to knit. The soft, chunky yarn and delightful characters will appeal to all, not just children. They make great reading or TV companions and sit at about 70cm tall. As well as 17 different animals to knit and love, including a puffin, an orangutan, a turtle and a unicorn, you can also make Mini Robyn Octopus, Mini Mabel Bunny and Mini Chloe Cat, which are 30-40cm tall. The projects are aimed at beginners to improvers and are suitable for someone who has mastered the basics of knitting. So be inspired, choose a pattern to start and be prepared to fall in love with this collection of adorable toys.Trade ReviewI instantly thought my mum would enjoy this book, however when it arrived I fell in love with the beautiful little woolly friends inside and have decided to keep it and give them a go myself - then order a second book for mum! The instructions are detailed and quite easy to follow if you're familiar with the terms, but there's also a stitch guide inside. Definitely one of the best books I've had from Search Press and would highly recommend. -- Emily Mettam * Amazon Customer Review *Roby Octopus is one of 17 oversized toys knitted in soft, chunky yarn. The characters wil appeal to all ages and they sit abour 70cm tall. The book is aimed at beginners and improvers who have mastered the basics of knitting. * Machine Knitting Monthly *This is a wonderful book full of fun knittable projects. The illustrations and techniques sections are really helpful for knitter who is making their first animal project. Children and adults would love to receive the completed projects as gifts to brighten up a room or to snuggle up with. The chunky yarn is appealing as it makes the designs a quick knit. My particular favourites are “Annie Hippo” and “Patrick Puffin” and I may just have to get the needles out, buy some chunky yarn and make one. -- Monica RusselWonderful creations to keep forever. Wow! What a book! Hours of fun ahead recreating these masterpieces, each page of instructions is large and easy to read and it fully lists tools and materials needed for each project and tells your the difficulty level for each one. Once you are confident enough you will be on the advanced level in no time. I cannot wait to pick up my needles and start working on Robyn. -- Teena Goodwin * Amazon Customer Review *This is a lovely book with 17 projects to make. I particularly like the octopus and puffin toys. There's a comprehensive techniques section, covering different stitches, increasing and decreasing and sewing up. The patterns are easy to follow and labelled with level of difficulty. This would be a great gift for any knitter who has some experience of making toys. -- Kate Robinson * Amazon Customer Review *I just love this book and the characters inside that you can bring to life. I am really looking forward to giving them to my grandchild. It is great to see clear instructions on how to sew the pieces together and bring the animals to life. The photos in the book are lovely. I would recommend this book to anyone who want to give knitting a go. -- Alison Stevens * Amazon Customer Review *This is the most beautiful book! I am a novice in the knitting field but have already made a start, everything is explained in simple language with pictures. Love it, love it, love it! -- Tracy Brown * Amazon Customer Review *Table of ContentsForeword by Sara Davies 6 Introduction 8 Tools and materials 10 Techniques 16 Knitting stitches 18 Bringing the toys to life 40 Meet Robyn's family 48 Robyn Octopus 50 Mini Robyn Octopus 54 Mabel Bunny 58 Mini Mabel Bunny 64 David Orangutan 70 Patrick Puffin 76 Annie Hippo 82 Penny Snake 88 Chloe Cat 92 Mini Chloe Cat 98 Joan Seahorse 104 Erin Robin 110 Frederick Fox 114 Amelia Turtle 120 Ozzy Schnauzer 126 Douglas Highland Cow 132 Charlie Unicorn 138

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Book SynopsisEvery knitter—beginner or expert—should have this journal! Guided, adaptable to different skill levels,and created by Vogue Knitting, it’s designed to meet all your needs! Whatever your level and whatever your project, TheVogue Knitting Project Journal provides the professional guidance you need and the creative freedom you want. Casual knitters will find guided entries to help them record essential information, such as needle size, yarns, and more. Experienced knitters get ample space to track alterations to existing patterns. For budding and seasoned knitwear designers alike, there’s gridded paper to draw schematics, knitter's graph paper to create charts, specialized knitter’s colorwork graph paper, and more—everything they could possibly require. With 25 project templates, vital design insight such as project yarn estimates, standard body measurements, and instructions for drawing schematics and making alterations, this is every knitter’s dream journal.

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Book SynopsisFeaturing more than 600 sketches depicting a vast array of beautiful winged forms, Draw Like an Artist: 100 Birds, Butterflies, and Other Insects is a must-have visual reference for student and aspiring artists, fantasy and scientific illustrators, urban sketchers—anyone who’s seeking to improve their realistic drawing skills. This contemporary, step-by-step guidebook demonstrates fundamental art concepts like proportion, anatomy, and spatial relationships as you learn to draw a full range of winged creatures, all shown from a variety of perspectives. Each set of illustrations takes you from beginning sketch lines to a finished drawing. Author Melissa Washburn’s clear and elegant drawing stylewill make this a go-to sourcebook for years to come. Learn how to: Establish basic shapes and symmetry Articulate lines for body shapes, wing forms, and shading Add defining details Draw Like an Artist: 100 Birds, Butterflies, and Other Insects is a library essential for any artist interested in learning how to draw the fascinating forms of birds and winged insects. The books in the Draw Like an Artist series are richly visual references for learning how to draw classic subjects realistically through hundreds of step-by-step images created by expert artists and illustrators.Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION How to Use This Book SECTION 1: BIRDS Eagle, Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Gull, Sandpiper Cormorant, Tern, Pelican, Cuckoo, Emu, Spoonbill Stork, Turkey, Pheasant, Wood Duck, Canada Goose Loon, Puffin, Swan, Barn Owl, Toucan, Macaw, Cockatoo Cassowary, Kakapo, Bird of Paradise, Weaverbird, Honeycreeper Green Heron, Thrush, Cardinal, Cedar Waxwing, Quail Finch, Sparrow, Titmouse, Oriole, Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher Swallow, Peacock, Downy Woodpecker, Wren, Nuthatch Kingfisher, Warbler, Blue Jay, Crow, Mockingbird, Dove Vulture, Whip-Poor-Will, Feathers, Songbird Wing, Hawk/Raptor Wing Feet: Songbird, Feet: Shorebird/Water Bird, Feet: Bird of Prey Feet: Woodpecker, Hawk in Flight, Songbird in Flight SECTION 2: BUTTERFLIES Monarch Butterfly, Swallowtail Butterfly, Blue Butterfly, Question Mark Butterfly Skipper Butterfly, Buckeye Butterfly, Checkerspot Butterfly, Birdwing Butterfly Fritillary Butterfly, Sulphur Butterfly SECTION 3: MOTHS Cecropia Moth, Luna Moth, Tiger Moth, Underwing Moth Sphinx Moth, Flannel Moth SECTION 4: BEES AND WASPS Honeybee, Bumblebee, Sweat Bee, Wasp SECTION 5: BEETLES Ladybug, Longhorn Beetle, Scarab Beetle, Flower Beetle, Leatherwing Beetle Firefly, Rhinoceros Beetle, June Bug/Chafer Beetle, Weevil SECTION 6: OTHER INSECTS Leaf-Footed Bug, Lacewing, Cricket, Grasshopper Dragonfly, Damselfly, Housefly, Praying Mantis Katydid, Cicada, Stick Insect Acknowledgments About the Author

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Book SynopsisThe Language of Flowers Colouring showcases the world’s most beautiful flowering plants with 46 show-stopping designs to colour. Accompanying text explores the special significance of each flower and the symbolism assigned to it by different cultures throughout history. Bringing this unique and fascinating subject to a colouring audience, The Language of Flowers Colouring features stunning artwork from the illustrator behind Luna Colouring, Nature’s Magic and Mystic Animals.

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Book SynopsisEmbroider a menagerie of 30 adorable animals! From a sweet giraffe and a happy cat to a sly little red fox and a friendly hedgehog, Cute Critters features step-by-step instructions and dozens of easy-to-use patterns to create embroidery hoops for all your favorite animals with charming floral details. Intermediate embroiderers will pick them up in no time, and beginners can tackle the simpler projects and further their skills with the more complicated designs. Also included is basic introductory information about materials and supplies, techniques and a guide to basic stitches.

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Book SynopsisMermaids, sword fights, and adventures through Neverland are all fun and exciting—until you’re staring down the mouth of a crocodile big enough to topple a castle. Journey into the world of Peter Pan and its mysterious inhabitants in Neverland: A Fantasy Role-Playing Setting.EXPLORE THE ISLE OF MISCHIEF & MYSTERYMany have heard of the island of Neverland. Stories of pirates, mermaids and Peter Pan are told by parents around the world to send their children off to a happy, dreaming sleep. But, it’s been a long time since the Darlings first flew to Neverland and a new story is about to be told. Your own.Take a journey into the world of Peter Pan and its mysterious inhabitants in Neverland: A Fantasy RPG Setting. The book is a feature-length hex crawl campaign, intended for sandbox exploration. Created by Andrew Kolb, you’ll find endless adventure inside, lovingly adapted from the tales of Peter Pan and tailored for an older audience. Each hex is self-contained, brimming with lore from Peter Pan and the Darlings’ escapades.It’s time to tell your own stories of pirates, mermaids and children who can fly.For use with the fifth edition of the world’s oldest role-playing game.

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Book SynopsisA collection of knitting patterns based on Honsestrikk, a Danish knitting movement from the 1970s which broke traditional knitting rules. Honsestrikk was influenced by the social and political movements of the time and this can be seen in the personal and political messages of the some of the pattern designs.Table of ContentsForeword Hönsestrik – a love story Techniques Patterns Projects MAVERICK CARDIGAN WHOLE YOKE JUMPER SLIPOVER VEST CHICKENWRAP WHOLE YOKE COWL COSY TASSEL PONCHO SUNDAY FUNDAY HOT PANTS MISMATCHED MITTENS PLAY IT SAFE MITTENS CANDY MITTENS SLOUCHY BEANIE SCALLOPED-EDGE BEANIE When it doesn't turn out as expected Pattern library Thank yous Index

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Book SynopsisFrom young love to heartbreak, the fourth anime drawing book in Christopher Hart’s bestselling Master Guide to Drawing Anime series helps users learn to draw the hugely popular Romance anime genre. The newest addition to Christopher Hart’s bestselling Master Guide to Drawing Anime series takes on one of the most popular styles in Japanese cartoons: Romance. It provides an overview of romance subgenres and teaches every aspect of drawing romance anime, from common male and female anime character types to the dramatic—and funny—situations they find themselves in. Hart covers the complete arc of romantic anime stories—bliss, arguing, breaking up, and getting back together—and explains how to draw anime heads and bodies, match poses to the characters’ personalities, craft emotional expressions, design standout features, draw couples that click, and create a romantic setting. Fans will welcome this deep dive into the genre, and newcomers will be drawn in by the dynamic artwork that is a hallmark of Christopher Hart’s anime and manga drawing titles.Suitable for all levels, from beginners who are just starting to learn how to draw anime, to advanced users who want to hone their skills, this is the ideal resource for all fans of anime and manga drawing, and can be used on its own or with the other titles in the Master Guide to Drawing Anime series. Drawing books are a perennial present to inspire young artists and a popular gift for teens. There is no greater tool than an art book to spark creativity, develop new artistic skills, and help kids and teens channel their energy towards positive self-expression. Paperback; 144 pages; 9 in W by 10 in H.

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Book SynopsisFigures can bring an embroidery to life, but they are tricky to do well. This book guides you through the materials, stitches, body parts and clothes to give you the confidence and skills to embroider a figure and experiment, using your creative inspiration. With over 400 colour photographs it gives key information for getting started, creating designs and preparing embroideries; techniques for making three-dimensional forms using stitching and padding techniques; clear instruction for mastering stitches and then ideas for using them creatively. Specific advice is given for embroidering the face, hair, hands and feet as well as ideas for using stitching embellishments, such as beads, sequins, buttons, ribbons, feathers and jewellery charms. Step-by-step projects demonstrate a range of beautiful styles and techniques.Trade ReviewThis book was enjoyable to look at and to read through. I found all the information clearly and well explained. All the pictures and illustrations made sense and were relevant to the work. To have the history to start with helps to remind us we are not the first nor will we be the last to stitch figures. -- Anne Beckingham * SEW Region Magazine *

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Book SynopsisCreate a colorful garden with tiles galore! A beginner-friendly guide, Garden Mosaics opens with insightful chapters on understanding the materials, tools, and techniques necessary to prepare and get started. Using ceramic, vitreous glass, marble, mirrors, or granite tiles, you'll move on to create 19 stunning mosaic garden projects that range from simple to elaborate, from one-of-a-kind pots, garden ornaments, and bird baths to stepping stones, garden tables, wall panels, and more! Each design contains step-by-step instructions and coordinating photography, as well as pattern templates. Authors and talented mosaicists Emma Biggs and Tessa Hunkin have written more than 5 books on mosaic art, design, and techniques.

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Book SynopsisNobody captures seascapes quite like Claudia Nice. In this guide, she shares her approach to creating dynamic watercolor compositions textured with pen & ink, acrylics and gouache.

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Book SynopsisDecorate your desk, home, wedding or next get-together with these professional looking paper blossoms!This stunning book presents detailed instructions for eleven elegant and lifelike paper flower projects that will enhance any home or occasion. Paper flower expert Naomiki Sato starts by showing you how to fold seven types of paper roses using a variety of techniques for four- and five-sided blossoms, along with their stems, thorns and leaves, and how to assemble them.Four equally exciting papercraft projects follow, showing you how to make Japanese Cherry Blossoms, Bellflowers, tropical Plumeria (Frangipani) and Bougainvillea.Each of the eleven projects has detailed step-by-step photographs, diagrams and instructions that will guide intermediate to advanced folders through making these sophisticated-looking blossoms.Trade Review"Origami Roses is a lovely book full of exciting techniques, best suited for those experienced in paper folding." --Foreword Magazine"This is a really clever origami guide to making different kinds of flowers. Each design is so lovely! They look surprisingly realistic and so ornate in their details, with their organic, overlapping petals. The book is well-written with concise descriptions, nice photos, and clear illustrations, which are helpful. The book is targeting more advanced origamists, though the very clear instructions will help anyone interested to find success." -- CraftsR.Us blog

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Book SynopsisThe debate over the merits of power tools vs. hand tools has raged for years, but the bottom line is that you need both to be a successful woodworker. Machinery provides efficiency for labor-intensive tasks such as sawing and planing, whereas hand tools are used to create fine details that machines can't duplicate. Power tools don't replace hand tools, they complement them. In Woodworking with Power Tools, expert craftsmen and craftswomen explain how they choose, maintain, and use every kind of power tool, from tablesaws to plunge routers, bandsaws to bench planers. There's advice on tool maintenance, techniques for getting the most from your tools, and projects made using power tools. With clear photographs drawings, and step-by-step instructions, Woodworking with Power Tools will be an essential resource for anyone who works wood. You'll learn how to: . tune up your tablesaw . choose bandsaw blades for resawing . get started with your plunge router . install dust collection in a small shop . cut easy angled tenons . get better cuts with your planer . build a perfect picture frame, an elegant bookcase, and a . pedestal dining table

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