Hobbies, Games & Quizzes Books

Book SynopsisThis title includes shop tested expert advice from American Woodworker on how to build 50 attractive & functional woodworking projects for all areas of the house, from storage for the kitchen and the outdoors, to furniture and heirlooms. With a variety of style and skill levels included, there is something for every woodworker in this book. Step by step guidance, workshop tips and plans for projects that can take a few hours to a weekend to complete, make this an ideal resource for woodworkers looking for a new project or wanting to spruce up their home.Table of ContentsKitchen Improvements (13 projects) New Drawers and Slides Toe-Kick Drawer Pull-Out Trash Drawer Scrap-Wood Cutting Boards Countertop Knife Rack Sink Cabinet Shelf Roll-Out Kitchen Trays Portable Food Safe Nesting Trays Appliance Garage Wooden Spring Tongs Under-Sink Storage Mini-Pantry Storage Projects (7 projects) Walnut Wall Shelves Free-Form Wall Shelf Cantilevered Display Shelves Mission Plant Stand Two-Part Bookcase Stickley Bookcase Two-Drawer Coffee Table Outdoor Living (8 projects) Adirondack Chair Adirondack Loveseat Garden Bench Cypress Chest Patio Chair Outdoor Rietveld Chair Vine Trellis Patio Planter Outdoor Finishes Furniture Projects (10 projects) Natural bench Speaker Stand with Hidden Storage Walnut Coffee Table Stickley Style Chest of Drawers Stowaway Bench Kitchen Work Table Arts & Crafts Table Lamp Stickley Style Sideboard Shaker Table Tile-Topped Table Quickies & Gifties (12 projects) Keepsake Box Framed Picture Frame Magnetic Picture Frame Jewelry Box Whittled Peg Rack Tablesaw Picture Frame Magazine Rack Fiendish Knot Puzzle Magic Coin Bank Hefty Bookends Cube in a Cube Pizza Paddle

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Book SynopsisAll the techniques, step-by-step instructions and patterns you need to make 25 African wax print garments and accessories. INCLUDES FULL SIZE PATTERNS FOR UK DRESS SIZES 8 TO 26 African wax prints are colourful designs created by dyeing cotton fabric using wax-resist techniques, and then overprinting. The result is a fabric that is bright, colourful, and super-easy to use. Adaku Parker has developed 25 step-by-step projects to make a wide range of stylish pieces with this fabric. There are instant wardrobe classics like a shirt dress, A-line skirts, and culottes, as well as wonderful accessories such as tote bags, a zip purse, and a headband. The basic techniques you will need are all explained, so you’ll feel confident with essentials like attaching waistbands, gathering, pleats, making buttonholes, and adding linings. There are projects suitable for all skill levels so all you need is some gorgeous African wax print fabric and a sewing machine, and you’ll be on your way to updating your wardrobe with unique pieces that will help you stand out from the crowd.

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Book SynopsisCountry Cottage QuiltingLearn how to make gorgeous quilting, patchwork, applique and sewing projects with Country Cottage Quilting, from bestselling author and fabric designer Lynette Anderson.Lynette's country cottage garden provides the inspiration for this collection of 15 beautiful projects, from quick-to-stitch applique designs that make ideal gifts to larger wall hangings and bed-sized quilt patterns. The stunning designs combine charming hand embroidery with traditional patchwork and quilting techniques. Beautiful fabrics, warm colours and a homely feel are enhanced by a book design that captures Lynette''s heart-warming, quirky style.Inside Country Cottage Quilting:Patchwork and Applique Projects 15 projects for you to make at home, from quilts and cushions to wall hangings, scissor keepers and sewing cases.Techniques all the sewing, patchwork and applique techniques you need to know to make Table of Contents• Australian-based designer Lynette Anderson’s designs are sold worldwide and her style has international appeal • Designs combine easy-to-sew hand stitchery with traditional patchwork and quilting techniques - a key trend in patchwork • Lynette has a huge following on her blog and travels internationally to teach and exhibit at quilt shows

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Book SynopsisThis book describes the creation of a wargames' army and provides essential guidance for someone starting out in wargaming through to the more experienced gamer. With over 290 colour photographs, it describes how the armies of the main nations - France, Britain, Russia, Prussia and Austria - were organized. It illustrates the uniforms and battle formations using computer-aided plans. Practical modelling techniques are demonstrated from basic to more advanced. It provides detailed painting guides with accompanying step-by-step photographs, and finally, there is a chapter on the flags carried by these five armies during the wars.

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Book Synopsis"The Dark King of Kirigami " - The Guardian"A painstaking but rewarding endeavour, made much easier if you follow author Marc Hagan-Guirey's advice" - Sunday ExpressLe Corbusier is a Modernist icon whose buildings and theories have influenced structures the world over. With the help of Marc Hagan-Guirey's new book, Le Corbusier Paper Models, you can create 10 of his most important works in paper using the art of kirigami (cutting and folding). Each project features step-by-step instructions, cutting tips and a template that you can remove from the book. All you need is a scalpel, a cutting mat and a ruler. When you are done, simply display your model and admire your handiwork!Le Corbusier Paper Models is a must for Corbusier fans and architectural model enthusiasts.Marc's first book Paper Dandy's Horrorgami was published by Laurence King in September 2015. His second book, Frank Lloyd Wright Paper Models was released in June 2017 to mark the 150th anniversary of it's namesake's birth.

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Book SynopsisThe teabowl has become an iconic form in contemporary ceramics. Having travelled from Japan, where it was an inherent part of chanoyu, or tea ceremony, it has evolved and adapted to become something very different in the West. Revered for its associations of its past and its connotations of sophistication and simplicity, the teabowl enjoys an elevated status. Here, Bonnie Kemske looks at the form as a whole, considering the history and ideas behind the original tea ceremony: how it moved into contemporary ceramics, and the way it is used today. She explores the wide range of teabowls, from traditional ones to those being made not for the tearoom but for the gallery, as well as introducing the international potters making them. The book also tackles some difficult questions, notably, how has the concept of the teabowl changed as it has been reinvented in contemporary ceramics? How does it sit in relation to its history? This book is wide in scope, thorough in Trade ReviewBonnie Kemske has crafted a compelling and deeply personal meditation on the power of the teabowl in Japan and in the world of ceramics today. This volume is beautifully illustrated and attentive to an array of historic and contemporary teabowls. * Morgan Pitelka, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA, and author of Handmade Culture (2005) and Spectacular Accumulation (2015) *Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Acknowledgements Introduction: The Iconic Teabowl 1. Tea and the Tea Ceremony 2. Ceramics History 3. The Teabowl Travels 4. From Tearoom to Gallery Conclusion: The Iconic Teabowl – Past and Present Endnotes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisLearn to wrap and loop paper to make adorable animals—from galloping horses to mighty dragons.Paper quilling is an ancient art form which uses the elasticity and flexibility of paper strips to create seemingly complex designs. By forming basic coils, you can create your own lively menagerie.This book includes: 24 animal projects An introduction to the art of paper quilling Information about the 12 animals of the zodiac, Chinese culture and relevant Chinese folktales Straightforward, step-by-step instructions that allow room for creativity and use basic quilling tools These delicate and unique works of art can be used to decorate cards and gifts, or be framed and hung as artwork in your home.

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Book SynopsisThis book is an essential guide for anyone interested in the popular craft of needle-felting. Whether you are completely new to needle-felting or an experienced felter, this book has something to offer, from precise instructions to creative inspiration. Written by two authors, experienced in making and teaching crafts to students of all ages and abilities, instructions are easy to follow and include practical yet creative ideas to fix common mistakes. Projects arise from a genuine love of the natural world and animals, whether they be family pets (''Our Friend Dexter'') or wild animals whose widespread ill-treatment has brought them into the limelight. Requiring no experience other than an interest in working and playing with wool, projects progressively build on skills throughout, and will transform you into an avid needle-felter in no time at all.

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Book SynopsisA guide to the increasingly popular trend of transforming data into beautiful textile art. This stylish and fascinating book from up-and-coming textile art star Jordan Cunliffe shows how raw data, maps and personal experience can be distilled into textile art, producing mesmerising works with deep meaning, whether obvious or hidden, and concentrating on the smaller, quieter moments that make up our lives. Jordan explores the use of stitched data to tell stories, pinpoint special places on maps, convey secret messages, and record personal detail, for example daily walks or nightly sleep patterns. Her finished work is beautifully precise, including a long strip of fabric containing a stitch for every day of her life, a reimagination of a favourite childhood book in unreadable code, and pleasing beaded representations of secretly important documents. Almost any aspect of your life can be represented in graph or map form, and here are many practical ways to achieve this, whether it's recording the colours of flowers on a favourite path to create your own unique palette, or encoding your most private thoughts in beaded morse code. This visually stunning book explores a new way of working and will help you explore a fresh new angle in your embroidery and textile work. Illustrated with a wealth of examples of the author's own work as well as pieces from other data-focused artists from around the world, Record, Map and Capture in Textile Art proves beyond all doubt that data can be beautiful, and can inspire stunning works of stitched art.Trade Review‘Data, well actually it can be a thing of great beauty … Let this book inspire you to capture your own narrative.’ Ailish Henderson Blog ‘There is much to inspire and inform all textile artists’ The Quilter ‘If you’ve ever kept a journal, or tracked changes in some way, this book inspires you to share that data in new and embroidered ways!’ Mr X Stitch ‘Meticulously explores how to distil experience into textile art.’ The Travelling Book Binder ‘A new and inspiring approach’ The Journal for Weavers, Spinners & DyersTable of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials 10 DIY Project 18 Data Visualization 22 The Bayeux Tapestry 27 Linear Time 28 Sleep 32 Sleeping and Waking 34 I Could Sleep for a Week 36 Overlapping Lives 38 Artist's Work: Laurie Frick 40 Artist's Work: The Tempestry Project 44 Artist's Work: Olivia Johnson 48 Artist's Work: Ahree Lee 50 DIY Projects 52 Steganography 60 Steganography in Wartime 64 22.3.2001: A Binary Beaded Diary 66 Coded Alphabet 70 Artist's Work: Sam Meech 74 Artist's Work: Raw Color 76 Artist's Work: Holly Berry 78 DIY Project 80 Algorithms 84 Ada Lovelace 89 Overlapping Number Series 90 Mapping the Sky 94 Artist's Work: Richard McVetis 98 Artist's Work: Evelin Kasikov 100 Artist's Work: Channing Hansen 104 Artist's Work: Michelle Stephens 106 DIY Projects 108 Conclusion 116 Graph Paper 118 Binary Code Translator 123 Morse Code Translator 124 Contributing Artists 125 Index 126 Acknowledgements 128

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Book SynopsisThe perfect gift for anyone who enjoys crime thrillers, murder mysteries or cold cases - this mixed puzzle book for adults contains over 90 crime-themed visual, code, logic, number and word puzzles to solve!8 puzzling cases will gradually help you uncover an overall criminal mastermind who is pulling the strings in the background in a dramatic final 9th case. Can you crack all the clues and help Detective Orion Hawke catch the culprits?

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Book SynopsisStart every game with confidence! The two greatest challenges for beginning chess players are not only to survive the openings phase, but also to choose appropriate attack and defence formations in the process. Winning Chess Openings shows players how to do both. In Yasser Seirawan's entertaining, easy-to-follow style, they are shown formations that can be used with other White or Black pieces. Winning Chess Openings explains how to: *Build a safe house for a king *Estimate losses of ten moves or fewer *Utilise the elements: time, force, space, and pawn structure *Plan strategy based on time-tested opening principles of play *Employ a defence for Black against any White opening *Apply an opening for White used by World Champions Winning Chess Openings will help readers develop a solid understanding of opening principles that can be applied to every game they play--without having to memorize a dizzying array of tedious and lengthy opening lines.

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Book SynopsisJoin the latest craze - creating fantastic fashion accessories using paracord rope! This exciting book contains step by step instructions with accompanying photographs for creating over 30 different projects. The basic techniques on how to create a braiding board are explained in detail as well as adjusting length for items such as bracelets. There are designs that will appeal to boys and girls, as well as your favourite pet! Projects include: Cobra bracelet, Spiral keyring, Shark jawbonedog collar, Dragonlfy clips, Globe knot necklace.

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Book SynopsisTatting is simple and portable, and this concealed spiral bound book can be laid flat for ease of use. It includes lots of useful tips throughout and a Tools and Techniques section. It features instruction to make 65 patterns or motifs and 60 designs. This is a great book from a U.K. author. Tatting is basically a handmade lace, with each stitch composed of two half-hitch knots. The appeal of the craft is that it is simple and portable, you can take your tatting equipment anywhere, and now that "Tatting Collage" is republished as a concealed spiral bound book it will be easy to use 'on-the-go'. As well as offering great fun and flexibility, it also avoids the need to handle large and complicated pieces of tatting - a bonus if you are pressed for time or are new to the craft and looking for encouragement.

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Book SynopsisCelebrate Spidey's 60th anniversary by discovering the wonderful world of webs in this epic official Marvel Spider-Man colouring book!Colour your way through the spider-verse and bring all of the different iterations of Spider-Man to life, including Miles Morales, Spider-girl, Scarlet Spider and many more. With original artwork and illustrations from giants like Steve Ditko and Jack Kirby all the way to John Romita Jr. and Todd McFarlane, this epic colouring book will keep you glued to the page for hours!Also available:- Spider-Man Museum: The Story of a Comic Book Icon- Marvel Museum- Marvel Heroes & Villains- Marvel Universe: An Atlas of Marvel- What Would Spider-Man Do?- What Would Hulk Do?- What Would The Mighty Thor Do?© 2022 MARVEL

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Book SynopsisBirds are much admired, revered and envied. They have featured in art for many thousands of years and our fascination with them continues. They do though pose a challenge to paint and are not always the most cooperative of models. By understanding their anatomy and recognising their type, the artist can learn a shorthand way to capture movement and attitude. With technique and colour mastered, style develops and a special scene can be captured uniquely forever.

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Book SynopsisThis fascinating volume tells you everything you need to know about how to build an 00 gauge Tilbury Tank locomotive or, indeed, any similar type of tank. Written in an engaging, encouraging and easily understable style, this new work is a worthy successor to the author's first book, Scratch-Building Model Railway Locomotives, which was short-listed for the Ian Allan Railway Book of the Year Awards in 2014. Containing scale diagrams, step-by-step photos, sketches and specially commissioned artwork, the book celebrates the history of Tilbury Tanks and demonstrates a range of different techniques that will prove invaluable in constructing models of these charismatic little locomotives. If you have not yet taken the plunge and begun scratch-building, or if you want to complement your growing scratch-building skills and knowledge, this is the book for you.

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Book SynopsisThis book is filled with cute, easy knits with a vintage feel. There are knitting patterns for seven different adorable animal toys – a rabbit, a kitten, a mouse, a puppy, a panda, a teddy and a monkey, each approx. 8 inches (20cm) high, and all easy and quick to knit. Each animal is accompanied by a mini knitted version of itself that can be stored in the little shoulder bag or backpack that each toy carries. There are patterns for over 50 garments and accessories in which to dress the toys - most of them knitted and some sewn garments. All the clothes are one size and designed to fit every animal, so the reader can mix and match items to create their chosen toy's own unique wardrobe. The outfits are split into themes such as Out to Play, Picnic Time and Time for School, and include pyjamas, outdoor clothes, summer dresses, school uniform and so on, with added accessories. Readers are encouraged to use up scraps of yarn and fabric they already have for the clothes, re-using materials from a favourite item that’s long since outgrown to make a keepsake toy that has special significance. Trade ReviewI received this book to review. such a lovely book to look at with lots of different patterns to knit for some very cute critters even vest and pants! love the easy to follow pictures which is great for a beginner like me. also loved that there was clothes to sew from fabric aswell. lots of lovely photos too, very enjoyable. i can't wait to start knitting. -- Claire Ireland * Customer Review *This is a lovely book. With easy to follow instructions. -- Tracey Macdonald * Customer Review *I bought this book at the Edinburgh Yarn Festival, because I was utterly charmed. I showed it to everyone there, and I wanted to show it to everyone here too. I love knitting patterns for toys of any kind - bears, dolls, creatures. And this one hits the jackpot! It's patterns for adorable creatures in doll-form, with patterns for the various outfits to match! Each of the seven dolls - puppy, kitten, bear, panda, mouse, monkey and bunny - comes with a pattern for a mini-me. And the outfits and accessories - most knitted, but some sewn -are ridiculously cute and clever. There's a sweater or two, as you'd expect, but there are also dresses and jeans and shoes and socks and slippers and stripey tights (YES!!!!! REALLY!!!) amd pjs and even a house-coat and undies! The accessories are very pleasing: there's a little felt school satchel and bedding and books and a picnic basket and all sorts of other delights, all knitted or sewn. The book itself is terrific: well-illustrated, with good patterns and helpful tutorials for key knitting techniques, and the sewing and embroidery skills required. The dolls are worked in worsted/DK yarn and clothes and accessories for fingering. Although entirely appropriate for making gifts for babies and small children, this sort of thing may well appeal to adult knitters who are in need of smaller projects to use up leftovers, or just a dose of clever and charming cuteness. -- Kate Atherly * Knitty.com *Knit five 8” cute animals and their “mini me” doll counterparts plus a whole wardrobe of mix and match outfits with this fun stash-busting book. Choose from bunny, mouse, kitten, monkey, puppy, teddy or panda and kit them out for school, bedtime, beach, snow or picnic. This is not a book for the total beginner as like most pattern books it does not teach knitting from scratch but improver level and upwards will enjoy these small projects. At the front several techniques featured are explained with the aid of some good-sized photographs and there are a few simple embroidery stitches to learn as well. Each toy has a life-size photograph of it front and back together with full instructions (written, no charts apart from the sweater) and there is the fun added touch of the miniature versions of the animals. Even toys need their own toys! The garments and accessories are divided into their respective themes and feature both knitting and sewing projects. These can be done by hand and are simple; the animals plus their toys can be made using a whole ball of yarn but the rest is ideal for using up odds and ends. Knitters will find this an excellent way of using up yarn and fabric and having some relaxing fun as well. * myshelf.com *May 2017 What every fashion-concious rabbit, kitten, mouse, puppy or panda needs is a fashion-forward wardrobe... and fashion forward friends. And Sue Stratford's new book has both in spades. Each of the knitted animals is the same size, and comes with its own mini version. And the clothes included fit each and every one of them, in any combination you want. There's daywear, nightwear, beachwear, footwear, wear for all seasons. The designs are made using scraps of yarn and fabrics. Perhaps when a little person has outgrown her summer dress it can be turned into a new summer dress for her hand knitted teddy or the jumper you knitted a year ago for a not-so-little-anymore little boy can be unravelled and knitted into a shirt and trousers for his toy monkey or panda. Sue Stratford knows how little hands like to dress and undress their toys. Her toys are easy to knit. They're easy to dress. And even easier to love. * Knitting & Crochet - Woman's Weekly *This title will have you squealing with delight as your flick through the pages of adorable knitted animals with interchangable outfits and accessories. Including patterns for over 50 different items you'll be able to create the perfect little animal family. * Let's Get Crafting *I just love this collection of cute animals and clothes. The assortment of clothes and accessories is very good and it includes templates for sewn items. Everything is very simple to make and I love the abbreviation chart on the back inner cover. The illustrations are delightful and the instructions are clear and concise. Great fun to make ...children will love them.! -- Elaine Clark * Customer Review *My daughter can't wait to get knitting get with this book. It's a great book that teaches you first knit your animal then all the accessories they need to go with it! I love that the first few pages shows you in simple steps the different techniques needed to knit your animal and clothing. It's an excellent knitting book that can provide hours of enjoyment -- Chelsea Murray * Customer Review *Love paper dressing dolls? Here's the equivalent in knit. Seven characters to knit, each with a mini version, clothes and accessories. They are all the same size so the outfits can be worn by any of the little creatures. Great for using scraps of yarn and lots of fun to knit and to play with. Bunny, mouse, kitten, puppy, monkey panda or teddy will give hours of joy. Create accessories for school, beach, picnic, snow and bedtime. Find sections on materials, step-by-step techniques with photos, instructions for knitting the cute animals in two sizes plus all their 'play' accessories, including a pink pussyhat (I kid you not, Sue must have great foresight). Simply charming for kids of all ages. Highly recommended. * yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *Brilliant book from beginning to end .. lovely teddies n mice n pandas n dogs n bunnies to knit easy instructions . Then all their clothes to knit and so sweet . Then their bags and blankets to knit and lovely dresses to sew ... everything and more that you could wish for to make your knitted animal be the envy of any little girl or boy . Fantastic book -- Pauline Forster * Customer Review *I received this book to review. From the cover of this book, I knew I was going to love it. The first few pages have great description and pictures explaining how to do some important stitches which were simple and easy to follow. I really loved that you can make several creatures, but also their miniatures and then every possible piece of clothing and accessory thinkable. Everything seems to be covered despite it not being too big of a book. The pictures throughout were fantastic. The patterns are simple to follow even for a beginner. A no fuss book, to make beautiful toys, perfect! -- Vicky Hart * Customer Review *Wow, wow, wow!! I absolutely love this book! The instructions are so clear and easy to follow. The introduction of the book is great and you really feel as though the author, Sue Stratford is talking to you as a friend. The next few pages show you everything you will need in order to make these cute little animals and their "wardrobe" of clothes. Each animal is 20.5cm and they each have a "minnie me" at 8.5cm, therefore all the clothes fit each animal perfectly. There are also accessories that can be made like a moses basket, sling, etc. Sue clearly explains the techniques and stitches you will be using throughout the book and all of these are photographed step by step. The animals are adorable and I'm sure children young or old, will love them. It honestly is a truly amazing book and I can't wait to get started. Buy the book, you won't regret it! -- Maxine Davies * Customer Review *I really loved this book, I am not a great knitter but I found the instructions clear and concise and easy to follow and as all the animals are small, each was quite quick to make which is good as I often get bored with things that take too long. I found the how to pages very useful as well and I enjoyed the combination of knitting and sewing -- Elaine Brown * Customer Review *Another awesome book from one of my favourite knitters, Sue Stratford! I received my copy of the book yesterday & I was as excited as on Christmas morning, it's such a fabulous book! A picture & clear instructions for every single item. The book is full of wonderful illustrations with extensive pattern instructions. Knitters everywhere will love this, we all have a stash of yarn just waiting for the perfect little project & this book ticks all the boxes. And we all like something that's quick & easy to make. This is the perfect project book too, for those wanting to use their children's clothing as a keepsake. This can be incorporated in the clothing for the knitted animals. So many options. Knit Me, Dress Me, Love Me is also the perfect group project book for those wishing to embark on a big group project, such as yarnbombing or a fundraiser. Personally, I can't wait to get started with the knitting, but which of these cute animals to choose first! I took a knitted teddy to Russia with me last year, I'm going to have to choose an animal to take on my next trip....so I better get knitting! -- Ellie Poore * Customer Review *I have collected a lot of cute knitting books and patterns over the years, but I don't think I have anything as adorable as this treasure! What I love about it apart from the utterly gorgeous animals, their outfits, and little 'mini-me' versions of the animals themselves, are the easy and clear instructions. There are so many helpful pictures and tips, that they give me confidence even before I begin! The little clothes have full sized templates and are easy to knit. The added bonus are the templates and instructions for little fabric clothes too. I think that anyone who buys this book will never want to part with it. -- Lesley Bambridge * Customer Review *Table of ContentsTools and Materials Knitting Techniques Knitting the Animals: Bunny and Bunny Mini-me Mouse and Mouse Mini-me Monkey and Monkey Mini-me Kitten and Kitten Mini-me Puppy and Puppy Mini-me Panda and Panda Mini-me Teddy Bear and Teddy Bear Mini-me Making the Clothes Time for School On the Beach Picnic Time In the Snow And so to Bed Accessories Templates

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Book SynopsisDiscover 65 beautiful Japanese-style fabric flowers to make from French artist Sylvie Blondeau. Projects include clear instructions with stunning accompanying photography. 'Japanese Fabric Flowers is one of those books that is just a joy to look at. The beautiful designs are stunning and really amazing', Tracy Shephard Postcard Reviews The Japanese word 'kanzashi' originally referred to decorative pins as part of the traditional female hairstyles. These pins were often works of art in themselves, holding in place elaborate floral arrangements made with natural or silk flowers. Today, kanzashi encompasses flowers made from regular fabrics. Sylvie Blondeau shows you how to make 65 of these simply stunning designs. The projects are so easy and fun to make that you will soon be making them for every occasion! They are perfect as accessories on clothing, jewellery, home decorations or table adornments for special occasions.Trade ReviewKanzashi flowers are a traditional Japanese craft originally used as a hair ornament. In this collection, French costume designer Blondeau presents the basics of kanzashi making, including designs ranging from simple to complex. Basic kanzashi flowers require simple supplies that most sewists will have on hand—fabric scraps (medium-weight fabrics such as cotton poplin or raw silk are ideal), fabric glue, and a hand sewing kit. As the flowers become more complex, kanzashi flower makers, which are plastic templates in five different shapes corresponding to a specific petal type, are used. Flowers can be finished with beads or buttons and incorporated into numerous projects, including jewelry or handbags, or used as an embellishment or an accessory. Step-by-step directions for sewing 16 different kanzashi are provided; 12 projects supply ideas for using the finished flowers as well as further variations. VERDICT Crafters with an interest in embellishment or in traditional Japanese crafts will enjoy this collection. * Library Journal USA *I adore fabric flowers and I am always amazed by the very effective and beautiful results achieved by the manipulation of small pieces of fabric. Kanzashi is the Japanese art of making these divine creations, and even though they look intricate and difficult to make they really are quite simple. Use them to adorn your bags, hats and home decor, you can even make earrings and necklaces which could be given as gifts to your favourite friends. Japanese Fabric Flowers is one of those books that is just a joy to look at. The beautiful designs are stunning and really amazing. Each design has a pattern, including tools needed and extra advice on cutting your fabric and even using embellishments. Templates are included and with simple visual diagrams there is no reason for you not to create something wonderful. This is a beautiful craft and well worth the effort as the final results are just stunning. -- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *Wow 65 different flowers to decorate things with. Sylvie brings together her skills to show you how to make beautiful flowers that can be easily be made with regular fabric. Not only does Sylvie share her step by step instructions to make beautiful flowers you also get step-by-step instructions for making different projects to add your flowers to. Sylvie explains the history behind these beautiful flowers and talks you through creating and using templates. Some of the flowers use the clover kanzashi (the name of the beautiful flowers) flower makers. These templates make it easier for you to make matching flowers all the time. In the book clear instructions are given so that you can make the flowers very easily. Each of the 65 designs have their own look Some look like specific types of flower and others are unique. Sylvie also takes you through using other materials to finish off your designs. You can use everything from buttons to chain. The book makes the flowers in multiple colours to create different designs. Plain fabric is used and then on others patterned fabric is used to create a completely different look. The flowers are fantastic to make with scraps of fabric and can be easily altered to match your decor or outfit. With so many flowers to make and so many projects to use them on this book offers so much. The book is full of amazing colours! For the full review and images please visit: www.crochetaddictuk.com * Crochet Addict UK *Kanzashi flowers are those beautiful fabric flowers associated with traditional Japanese hairstyles, especially those of geishas. They are not hard to make, and can be used to adorn more than hair decorations; they are also a great way of using up oddments of fabric. This book, translated from the French shows you how to make both the styles with just fabric, and those using the plastic Clover Flower Makers. There are sixteen different flowers to choose from, plus the more Western yoyo (aka Suffolk puff), rosette and padded “pumpkin” shape reminiscent of pincushions. Each flower has a series of captioned diagrams that are well laid out on the page but would be even better if they were all in a dark line color rather than red, pink or orange. There is a handy gallery of all the finished types, and then it is on with the projects. All these are illustrated with large photographs, often giving more than one view of the finished piece and separate parts. The print is quite small, and instructions don’t always feature staged diagrams so some sewing experience is essential for the more challenging projects. You won’t find any Japanese style hair decorations in here and the hanging “falls” are omitted, but instead there are many ingenious ways of using the flowers to decorate all kinds of other things. These are beautiful and unusual – waterlily table decorations, lots of jewelry, Christmas decorations, Peter Pan collar with flower and a crafter’s bag to name some. If you have always wanted to make your own kanzashi this is the place to discover how, and also how they fit into modern Western life. * Rachel Hyde - Myshelf.com *Great value book with full colour photos and instructions to make 65 fabulous flowers. Some you can make with card, for others it recommends a template maker. Love the ideas and end results in this book. Use your fabric stash and scraps, you need 3 inch diameter circles. You learn the basics first - rounded petals, pointed petals and so on and then specific flowers. I love them all. Easy to make flowers that match your handmade outfits. * Karen Platt- yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisAn authoritative step-by-step manual, combining tutorials, inspirational galleries, extensive cross-referencing and advice on metal jewelry-making. Thanks to the popularity of workshops and classes, metal jewelry-making is no longer the exclusive realm of professional jewelry designers. Now, with a little patience and the right instruction, anyone can learn to create beautiful jewelry with metalsmithing techniques. This book is one of the most comprehensive volumes on metal jewelry-making available. Freshly commissioned, full-colour photographs accompany detailed step-by-step tutorials, while comprehensive sidebars detail the relevant considerations for applying each technique to a variety of different metals, with cross-references where applicable. The book also includes profiles of contemporary practitioners, providing readers with an understanding of a wide range of different working methods, materials and developing techniques. With its combination of tutorials, inspi

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Book SynopsisUnleash your creativity with this hilarious colouring book, filled with the cutest cats saying the rudest swear wordsStressed out after a long day? Wish you could release a volley of swear words at the world? Channel your frustrations through colouring in and let your creativity loose in this funny adult colouring book.Combining the therapeutic benefits of colouring with colourful language, this sweary book turns purr-fectly innocent cats and kittens into feisty foul-mouthed furballs. Whether you are a colouring novice or a seasoned artist, these felines filled with cat-titude are guaranteed to give you hours of laughter and brighten your day.In this side-splitting collection of playful and profanity-filled patterns, you will find:- Elaborate and beautiful designs for you to colour in however you like- Charming illustrations of cats of all shapes and sizes- Every filthy swear word you can imagine ready for you to colourBrilliant for cat fans and anyone needing to let off some steam, this colouring book is a perfect way to practise mindfulness in a fun and silly way.

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Book SynopsisThis paper pack contains 100 high-quality, extra large (8.25 inch) origami sheets printed with traditional Japanese Washi DesignsThe handmade look of this paper was selected to enhance the creative work of modular origami artists and paper crafters. The pack contains prints unique to this set, and each sheet is printed with a solid, coordinating color on the reverse side. This origami paper pack includes: 100 sheets of high-quality, double-sided origami paper 12 colorful Japanese-style designs and patterns Extra large 8.25 x 8.25 inch (21 cm) sheetsStep-by-step instructions for 5 easy-to-fold origami projectsThere's enough paper here to assemble amazing modular origami sculptures, distribute to students for a class project, or put to a multitude of other creative uses!

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Book SynopsisIn Underwater Worlds, the sequel to her imaginative adult coloring book Dreamland, Renata Krawczyk explores the ocean depths to discover whimsical dwellings, mermaids, and sea life, all with exquisite hand-drawn detail. Dive deep into the imagination of Renata Krawczyk to discover marine beauty and aquatic friends across 46 hand-drawn scenes, each presented on single-sided and perforated pages. Here, dolphins wear party hats, turtles carry homes on their shells, seahorses tow paper boats, and mermaids play with giant octopuses or surprise humans who have ventured into their world via submarine. Each drawing is teaming with life, seashells, and underwater dwellings with rich detail that will delight adult coloring enthusiasts.

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Book SynopsisOur society typically devotes huge attention to the start of a marriage – and particularly to the actual wedding ceremony. But the real challenge lies beyond the wedding, with the long years ahead – and here we are too often left on our own. This box is The School of Life’s guide to the rest of a life together, containing twenty beautiful cards which lay out the central ideas on how to make a relationship work over the decades beyond the wedding day. It is filled with artful suggestions on coping with what even the most loving couple will face as they build a life together. This set of cards is both a celebration of marriage and a rich source of insights into the skills it demands. Quotes From The Cards: In Praise of Compromise: ‘Couples who compromise are not the enemies of love: they may be at the vanguard of understanding what lasting relationships truly demand and what they are for. They deserve admiration, not condemnation.’ On Sex and Marriage: ‘The waning of sex is – far more than we collectively admit – a sign that a marriage is stabilising, not failing. If we more publicly admitted this, we’d be less panicked, less ashamed and a little less resentful when the sex got less intense and less frequent.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, you will find a true expression of creativity and a celebration of women. Join 14 impressive embroiderers and their journey to creating exquisite art. In this innovative look at their experiences and creations, you will learn about their inspirations, lifestyles, and stories. With illuminating and in-depth interviews about how to get started with embroidery to how to combine textures and colours, it's an absolute pleasure to enjoy the work of these artists in print. Inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes from these masterful embroiderers, including: . Nature . Femininity . The human form . Lettering And so much more! This definitive and motivating book makes the perfect gift for a loved one or for you to keep for yourself -- A true work of art that you can hold and consult whenever needed. AUTHOR: Eva Minguet is a creative based in Barcelona and author of several books including the popular Women's Club, Wes Anderson Tribute, Murals, Kawaii Manga.Lovely !, Twin Peaks. Since 2012, she has leaded the production department of Monsa Publishing House, seeking inspiration for the different books in which she works, preparing the layout, the selection of material, and organizing the editorial schedule.

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Book SynopsisA polish bear in World War II rose to the rank of colonel.Penguins can't taste fish.The ashes of the man who invented the Pringles container are buried in one one.On Neptune it rains diamonds.'Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia' is the fear of long words. These are just 0.1% of all the facts in this incredible tome! Written by seven authors and covering subjects as diverse as The Universe, Art and Literature, The Natural World and Movies, The Colossal Book of Incredible Facts for Curious Minds is the ultimate trivia book! Why not amaze family and friends with the reasons pandas do handstands, the sinister source of the term 'rule of thumb', or that the patent for the fire hydrant was destroyed... in a fire. Every entry is weird, wonderful, inspiring and quite brilliantly, true!

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Book SynopsisA collection of knitting charts and patterns based on decorative tiles. Decorative tiles are a source of inspiration for designers and artists due to their often intricate patterns and colours. This collection of knitting patterns and charts includes 100 designs inspired by decorative ceramic tiles from around the world.

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Book SynopsisAmigurumi, the Japanese art of crocheting stuffed yarn pieces, is incredibly popular. Many of the designs, by nature, are adorable, but imagine if your time spent crocheting and the art you produce could also be considered functional, even loveable. Author, Ariana Wimsett takes the cuteness of amigurumi animals and adds it to loveys and blankets to create a sweet security blanket. The book opens with an insightful introduction to crochet basics, and then includes 18 adorable crochet patterns like a giraffe, bear, dragon, and bunny and even a pattern created especially for this book. Give a gift of homemade love this year and for years to come. Little ones will latch onto these huggable companions and never let them go.

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Book SynopsisCraft your way to calm with this all-levels kit designed to help you unwind and tap into the present moment through meditative knotting work! Through repetitive motions that busy the hands and calm the mind, string crafts are a great way to unplug and slow down. This kit includes 15 different colors of embroidery floss, two sets of clasps, and a illustrated instructional booklet with knot-tying basics, ten step-by-step bracelet patterns (from easier designs like Spiral Staircase to the more advanced Breaking Waves)-plus tips and tricks to customize and elevate your bracelets. With this handy kit, you can simultaneously soothe anxious thoughts and create unique bracelets cool enough to adorn any wrist, whether it's your friend's or your own! (Kit includes enough floss to create 20+ bracelets.)

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Book SynopsisDiscover over 30 intricate artworks to colour in, from the brilliant mind of artist Duchess of Lore. With subjects inspired by the occult, myth, legend and folklore, readers will find beautiful line drawings of Gaelic goddesses, astrological signs and tarot images, pagan symbols, ancient Greek gods, magical motifs and much more.Let your imagination roam, find a mindful escape and create your own beautiful, colourful artworks with The Occult & Folklore Colouring Book.

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Book SynopsisBeloved illustrator Jane Maday guides aspiring artists through dozens of exercises and fun activities to help them expand their creativity. Everyday Art Exercises is a joyful journal designed to help budding artists nurture their creativity through art. More than one hundred simple drawing and coloring prompts and step-by-step demonstrations spark creativity. Artist Jane Maday's adorable illustrations encourage readers to jump right in and explore these fun and inspiring exercises.

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Book SynopsisThe Best of Fine Woodworking, Vol. 1, is a collection of the best content from Fine Woodworking magazine curated by editors. It contains the best articles from the previous year's issues and selects vintage projects and new bonus content. Learn more about the craft with content including: Step-by-step instructions Beautifully photographed directions Best practices for tools and materials Tips and tricks for planning, treating, and finishing This collection makes the perfect gift for all budding and experienced woodworking aficionados.

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Book SynopsisThrough one quilt, learn how to patchwork and quilt by hand in this accessible how-to book. Slow stitching and mindful crafting is more popular than ever, and with just a few notions you can peacefully create a stunning quilt entirely by hand, in your own time and at your own pace. In her brand-new book, best-selling author and teacher Carolyn Forster will demonstrate all the techniques to hand-piece a variety of blocks and hand-quilt them together. Not only will you have a beautiful hand-made quilt at the end, but you can join thousands of other people today who are returning to the roots of traditional patchworking and quilting. Through a series of ‘bite-size’ lessons, you will be taken through the process of making your quilt chronologically, so you not only understand the order in which to craft your quilt, but you build up your skills as you progress through the book. Learn how to cut out your fabrics with and without templates, how to sew your patches together, and then get stuck into sewing a gorgeous library of blocks! There are 27 different blocks to make, each with its own piecing instructions, piecing diagrams, and helpful photographs that show the front and back of the block. Templates for every block are included at the back of the book, at full size. Once your blocks are ready to go, Carolyn shows you how to quilt them, using a combination of hand stitching and big-stitch quilting. Illustrated instructions are also included on how to construct and bind your quilt at the very end. With dozens of exquisite blocks to make, and useful and inspirational information throughout, this is a beautiful book that will take the mystery out of making hand-stitched quilts, and spark your quilting ideas for years to come.Trade ReviewCarolyn has written a gem of a book, great for those new to hand piecing and quilting but also a good reminder to those more experienced of the correct procedures in order to achieve precise results. I found the section on piecing particularly useful as Carolyn shows you how to sew your seams so they are neat and match perfectly. There are a variety of blocks for you to create and a suggestion on how you can place them to make a quilt but also suggestions on how you can make the quilt your own. I’m looking forward to using the book to refine my technique and make myself an heirloom quilt. -- Sam Jones * Customer Review *I have other Carolyn Forster books, so was hopeful of another good one, and this did not disappoint! Right from the Introduction, I realised this was going to be such a relaxing book to follow. I've never made a quilt totally by hand, but this book really makes me want to have a go. Such a change not to feel rushed to produce a quilt, but to be able to totally enjoy the process! I also like the fact that it takes you through the 27 blocks step-by-step, starting with the most simple, and that if you wanted to, could just use some of them for other projects, or do them all and make the quilt. Of course, if you like, you could always do them by machine! A really lovely book! * Customer Review *Learn how to patchwork and quilt by hand in this accessible how-to book. Slow stitching and mindful crafting is more popular than ever and with just a few notions you can peacefully create a stunning quilt entirely by hand, in your own time and at your own pace. * Machine Knitting Monthly, September 2023 *Patchwork instructor Forster (Hand Quilting Techniques for Farmhouse Style) details how to sew quilts by hand in this cozy manual. To follow the block design templates included with the book, Forster recommends gluing each unique shape onto card stock or a thin plastic sheet, cutting it out, and then using the piece to trace and cut that shape from fabric, leaving a quarter inch all the way around for the seam allowance. Forster explains how to make 27 blocks that readers can mix and match to create quilts. The designs range from the relatively simple, including a four-square checkerboard and a “simple block of rectangles around a square,” to the more complex – the “sunburst” design features 48 angular pieces arranged around a circle to resemble the rays of the sun and the 60-piece “carpenter’s wheel” features interlocked concentric rows of squares and diamonds. The author also provides two “quilt sampler layouts” showing how one might assemble the various blocks in a quilt. The designs are visually appealing, and beginners will appreciate the comprehensive photo illustrations showing how to thread a needle, make stitches, and sew seams. Readers will warm to this. * Publishers Weekly *Carolyn takes a lot of inspiration from antique and historical quilts, and she is truly interested in, and fascinated by, all aspects of quilt-making, both in knowledge and in practice [...] Every step of hand-piecing is broken down with clear instructions, close up photos, written text and top tips. It makes it incredibly accessible, easy to follow and beautiful to read. I adored everything about this book and it is another stunning and inspirational book for stitchers! -- Naomi Clarke * naomialice.co.uk *A super book with 27 block designs, including full-size patchwork templates. An A4 size book printed on quality paper and well bound. Extremely clear layout with easy understandable instructions supported by clear, colour photographs. I particularly like the choice of fabrics used for the blocks as it shows the piecing and pattern clearly. The beginning of the book has sections on equipment, technique to help you stitch, how to use templates and cut your fabric. Following the block patterns are sections on quilt layout, sewing the blocks together and how to sash, baste, hand quilt, bind and care for your finished quilt. There is a super selection of block designs including some more unusual ones, but they are all very striking. This is a beautiful comprehensive book, clearly presented and it would be a well received gift for both an experienced quilter and a beginner due to the very easy to follow guides. -- Sandra Grey * Customer Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Quilt materials 8 Piecing materials 9 Cutting & sewing fabric 10 Equipment for hand piecing 20 Starting to stitch 22 Piecing 26 Book of blocks 32 THE BLOCKS 34 Two Patch & Four Patch 36, Half Square Triangle 38, Kansas Dugout 40, Flying Geese 42, Album 44, Bright Hopes 46, Spools 48, Bow Tie 50, Snowball 52, Mill & Star 54, Courthouse Steps 56, Woven Ribbons 58, Pansy 60, Grandmother’s Star 62, Western Star 64, Wishing Star 66, Drusilla’s Delight 68, Southern Star 70, Arrowhead 72, Carpenter’s Wheel 74, Marbles 76, Water Wheel 78, Sailor’s Joy 80, Cassiopeia 82, Turkey Tracks 84, Thirties Tulip 86, Sunburst 88 Adding sashing & post squares 90 Making the quilt your own 92 Sewing the quilt together 96 Tacking/basting & quilting necessities 104 Tacking/basting the quilt 109 Hand quilting 115 Binding the quilt 122 Labelling & aftercare 128 Patchwork templates 130

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Book SynopsisDolls' Houses have fascinated children and adults for centuries. This delightful book, revised and now presented in hardback with a new foreword by artist Rachel Whiteread, explores the astonishing skill and craftsmanship required to create these miniature homes. A brief history of dolls' houses is followed by a closer look at some of the most interesting and historically significant examples in the V&A's collection. From country mansions to cosy suburban villas, from a Japanese house to Rachel Whiteread's celebrated installation Place (Village) it uncovers the fascinating role that dolls' houses have played in the lives of their owners and as records of contemporary lifestyle. The book ends with a full catalogue of the dolls' houses held by the museum.Trade ReviewReview of the 2014 edition '...a tantalising introduction to a craft that has been around nearly 500 years and looks set to endure.' Jessie Burton, Art Quarterly, December 2014'Table of ContentsForeword: Rachel Whiteread -- Introduction: A Brief History of the Dolls' House -- The Nuremberg House 1673 -- The Edmund Joy Wardrobe 1712 -- The Tate Baby House 1760 -- Henriques's House late 1700s -- The Killer Cabinet House 1830-40 -- Betty Pinney's House 1870 -- Box Back Terrace House 1890s -- Miss Miles's House 1890s -- Peggy Lines's house 1930s -- Whiteladies House 1935 -- Roma Hopkinson's House 1990s -- The Kaleidoscope House 2001 -- A Collection of Toys - How It All Began -- Appendix -- Bibliography -- About the Author -- Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisCalling all cosmic lovers: The creator of the wildly popular online art platform Creative Carrah brings you 35 show-stopping, space-themed illustrations of wondrous women to colour in with alcohol markers. Thanks to alcohol markers’ trademark vibrancy and blendability, you’ll soon watch with awe as your striking designs come to life. These size-inclusive illustrations feature gorgeous versatility and a range of styles - from stunning femme characters to supernatural gals, expansive portraits to more intricate designs - so that you can immerse yourself in every breathtaking detail. What’s more, the thick 200gsm paper and perforated pages ensure you can proudly gift or display your beautiful work. So get your markers ready and come get lost in this dazzling space adventure!

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Book SynopsisCreate gorgeous and inspiring scenes inspired by the art of Thomas Kinkade with just a little water and a few strokes of a paintbrush.Thomas Kinkade’s timeless paintings of small-town America, idyllic landscapes, and Christmas celebrations have charmed fans for decades. With Thomas Kinkade Paint with Water: Through the Seasons, you can create beautiful scenes—organized across each season of the year—as if by magic. Use the included paintbrush to apply gentle strokes of water to each of the 36 specially treated pages and watch as the colors emerge and blend to create a beautiful watercolor painting. Each page is perforated for easy removal so that your finished masterpieces can be displayed or given as gifts.

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Book Synopsis Do you go crazy for Cabaret? Sing along to SIX? Get weepy at Wicked? Have fond memories of Phantom? Then this jigsaw puzzle inspired by iconic musicals is made for you!As you connect 1000 pieces to complete the 50 Must-See Musicals Bucket List from Ridley's Games, you'll uncover 50 stage shows from various genres to inspire your next trip to the theatre. With stunning illustrations that represent all-time greats and undeniable underdogs set against the backdrop of a vibrant theatre district, this pitch-perfect gift for musical lovers offers a bucket list of sublime shows you’ll be desperate to see—if you haven’t already! Created for the musical theatre fan or puzzle lover, this jigsaw comes in giftable bucket-style packaging, and measures H27.6 x W21.7 in / H70 x W55 cm when it’s finished. It’s so beautiful, you’ll want to frame it. At Ridley’s Gam

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Book SynopsisThe Sushi Friends Wooden Tray Puzzle by Mudpuppy features bright and colorful artwork that introduce little ones to the world of sushi. With 6-8 chunky wooden pieces that slot into a sturdy plywood tray this wooden tray puzzle makes for a fantastic first puzzle or a great 1st birthday gift. 8 chunky wooden pieces + wooden tray Corrugated package wrap: 11.75 x 8.75 x 1 , 30 x 20 x 2.5 cm Ages 1+

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