Hobbies, Games & Quizzes Books

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Book SynopsisGet ready for new adventures in conventional piecing with celebrated quilter Victoria Findlay Wolfe. Create stunning Double Wedding Ring quilts with breathtaking innovations on the classic pattern. With full-size patterns for 10 quilts, the book will teach you the Double Wedding Ring basics. After you’ve mastered curved foundation piecing, try your hand at Victoria’s unique fabric slashing and “Made-Fabric” methods—it’s easier than you think! You’ll feel liberated as you improvise on her designs, with full instruction for some quilts and others that invite your creative discovery. Read the stories that inspired each of Victoria’s designs, and then take inspiration from the artist at work in her studio, with photography of her creative process and 3 bonus quilts to jumpstart your own art.Trade ReviewVictoria Findlay-Wolfe is a New York-based, award-winning quilter, fabric designer, teacher and author, and the founder of the New York City Metro Area Modern Quilt Guild. She was born and raised on a farm in Minnesota and grew up surrounded by quilts made by her grandmother. In this book, Victoria shares 13 modern versions of Double Wedding Ring quilts (including a Christmas quilt), the stories behind them and the techniques needed to get started. If you love modern takes on traditional quilt designs, don't miss this tome! Down Under Textiles, Issue 172 We already admire our former cover girl's talent and creativity, and just knew we'd love the designs in her new book, but we are gratified to find there's so much more. This is no quick-flip! It's a hearty tome, full of personal, poignant stories. Victoria writes: In this book...we will look at a traditional platform to begin with and see how we can push the limits, place a bit more of ourselves into the quilt, add our story, and push our skills into a new realm, while making personal connections that relate to our past." We can't put it better than that! The book's 13 quilts build upon each other in a way that's clearly explained and invite our creative selves to come out and play, to be challenged, to look at fabric or pattern through the lenses of our own lives and memories.This is creative dynamite, blowing up preconceived ideas of what a pattern should" look like. You need this book in your library, friend! Generation Q Magazine, May/June 2015 Although boasting a fine-arts degree, Wolfe (15 Minutes of Play) writes accessibly about her double wedding ring quilts as if she's jotting bread-and-butter letters. Her words are warm and nostalgic as she remembers arriving in New York City with $200 to her name after practically running from the Minnesota farm of her girlhood. But she found that she never quite left that farm behind, for her quilting grandmother becomes her inspiration. "Everything started with this quilt," she says of "Double Edged Love," a best-of-show winner at the first national conference of the Modern Quilt Guild. Embedded within her breezy reminiscences are solid suggestions for 10 projects: besides "Don't sweat the small stuff," Wolfe offers fabric requirements and cutting instructions for the melons and arcs, as she names parts of the wedding ring patterns, and also additional creative possibilities, laid out like yardage; hints for development of craft; and a list of "ideas carried over" from quilt to quilt. Wolfe is boldly mining her heritage. Publishers Weekly, 11/17/14 Master curved foundation piecing and get inspired by Victoria's original fabric slashing techniques, 13 quilts and glimpses of her studio. -- Quiltmaker Magazine What if? That is the question posed by author and quilt artist Victoria Findlay Wolfe in her book Double Wedding Ring Quilts - Traditions Made Modern: Full-Circle Sketches from Life. What if is the question anyone wanting to strike out on their own and create their own designs should ask themselves. What if I take a traditional block like the Double Wedding ring and cut it into different pieces? What if I create my own fabric from scraps? What if I just change one thing? You may not want to start out making a Double Wedding Ring quilt but you will certainly learn ways to step out of your box with Victoria's "15 Minutes of Play" exercise. I found this book full of creative inspiration...steps you can take to change the way you look at and think of quilt designing. There are 13 projects in the book all working back to the Double Wedding Ring block but all created using different methods for a very modern take on a traditional block. Paper piecing, sewing curves and fabric slashing to create your own "Made-Fabric" are some of the techniques taught in this book. Instructions are clearly written and color photos abound. The included patterns are printed at 100% so no need to resize. The Applique Society NewsletterTable of ContentsForeword Intro Double-Edged Love You Are Here Greatest Possible Trust Bright Lights, Big City Retro Poly Mod Strings of Florid Blooms Leona A Summer's Day Lace Remembering Christmas Past Farm Girl Iris by Night Luminous Views Wrap Up (Final Thoughts) The Basics Basic Double Wedding Ring Construction Basic Made-Fabric and Slashing Techniques Basic Paper Piecing About the Author

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Book SynopsisMix and match your favourite house and village blocks to create an inviting neighbourhood with the small, cosy details of daily life. From the town hall to a country cabin, and the fire station to the village church, this quaint community is ready to welcome you home! Stitch a full-size quilt or four-block wallhanging from the full-size patterns and applique borders. Special embroidery and applique tips and techniques let you personalise your neighbourhood. With instructions for both hand and machine applique in this pattern pack, you can choose your favourite method and get stitching right away!Trade ReviewCreate a village. Unleash your creativity, create 9 different quilt blocks to applique and embroider. These cozy village quilt blocks feature typical buildings found in a village - cottage, church, houses, town hall and fire station, all surrounded by greenery. You could follow the exact instructions provided or adapt the blocks to reflect the place where you live and create a neighbourhood quilt. There are instructions to make a 9-block quilt, a 4-block wall hanging and applique borders plus tips and tricks. Mix and match blocks or add your own for endless ideas and personal quilts. Enjoy and start your neighbourhood quilt today. The instructions are provided in a booklet with full size patterns. It's an excellent idea to get together with other quilters in your area and create a community quilt. Recommended. yarnsandfabrics.co.uk, 3/2/2016

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Book SynopsisKim Schaefer is back with even more ways to infuse your home with fresh color and modern flair. Her new designs are innovative and irresistible in this follow-up to Cozy Modern Quilts. Whether you're a new sewer or a dedicated quilter, you'll love how easy and fun these quilts are to make…and you'll love the dent these projects put in your stash even more! • 20 brand new quilts with an impressive variety of colorways and styles • Choose from lap quilts, wallhangings, or runners to cheer up your space or whip up for a gift • Straight-line piecing with squares and rectangles makes it quick; bright, bold fabrics make it sophisticatedTrade ReviewInnovative, simply-constructed designs made from two simple shapes, a square and a rectangle, give you a great opportunity to use up your stash. Or use exciting new fabrics to create cozy lap quilts, wall quilts and runners. Modern Quilts Unlimited, 11/1/12

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Book SynopsisImagine making more than one quilt at a time while watching your stash dwindle. Sounds too good to be true, but it’s not. Join Bonnie K. Hunter as she shows you how to get your scraps organised into usable sizes – and save money, fabric, thread and time. In this, the long-awaited sequel to Adventures with Leaders and Enders, find 12 more scrap quilts that can be pieced in between the lines of other sewing. Each is sure to inspire you to dig into your stash and start piecing.Trade ReviewI am a huge fan of Bonnie's technique. By using the start and the end of the fabric you are already sewing together you can create amazing quilts. The other brilliant thing is it isn't going to take you any extra time to get all the pieces prepared. The thing I also love about Bonnie's books is that you get patterns so that if you are not sure how to put your quilt together you don't need to worry. Bonnie's designs mean that no matter you colour of fabric you'll be able to put one of the designs together. The designs run from more traditional designs to ones with a more modern twist. This book will not only teach you Bonnie's technique it will inspire and motivate you. The templates aren't included but most of the designs use basic squares, triangles etc that you would normally make anyway. Scraps of fabric lying around will be a thing of the past. You'll be surprised how quickly you can make up quilt's from the squares etc. you have made. I truly believe Bonnie's technique of using leaders and enders is a one that all quilters should learn about! http://www.crochetaddictuk.com/2015/12/more-adventures-with-leaders-and-enders.html -- Crochet Addict UK

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Book SynopsisThe Two Knights Defence is one of the trickiest tactical openings around. If White initiates complications with either 4 Ng5 or 4 d4, play becomes extremely sharp and gambits and counter gambits abound. Anyone who enters the murky waters of the Two Knights Defence must be well prepared for the mind-boggling complications that ensue. In this book, openings theoretician Jonathan Tait guides the reader through both the well-trodden paths of the main lines plus the less fashionable side variations of this most complex opening. Using illustrative games, Tait studies the key ideas and tactics for both Black and White. *Up-to-date coverage of a controversial opening *Written by a Two Knights Defence expert *Ideal for club and tournament players

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Book SynopsisRichard Reti (1889-1929) was both a master player and a superb endgame composer. He was also a prominent member of the hyper-modern school and author of two of the greatest chess books ever written, Masters of the Chessboard and Modern Ideas in Chess. His games, which greatly influenced chess strat egy, are known for their many innovations, beautifully developed combinations, and important advances in opening play and strategy. There are 70 games in this book, selected from all stages of Reti's career. Early games show the budding of Reti's almost phenomenal positional skills and his rise to status of great master with first prize wins at Kaschau and the international tournament of Gothenburg, 1920. There are many games from the tournaments of 1922, during the development of the Reti and the English openings including Reti-Rubinstein 1923, Reti-Becker 1923, Reti - Bogolyubov 1924, and his stunning defeat of Capablanca in 1924. The games from 1925 to his premature death in 1929 show his further development and number among them many which made the chess world sit up and take notice. Fifteen of Reti's most interesting composed endgames are also included. There is a short memoir and expert annotation by Harry Golombek. For this edition Raymond Keene has written a new Introduction.

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Book SynopsisFollowing the international success of Magical Amigurumi Toys and Cuddly Amigurumi Toys, here are fifteen darling dolls for babies, toddlers, and school children. Baby Leo, Rag Doll Annie, Ronja the Troll Girl, The Almighty Robot, and many more fun characters have sprung to life to bring the little loves in your life an abundance of stories, adventures, and of course comforting hugs. With this book in one hand and a crochet hook in the other, you'll be able to make the most charming companions in no time. You'll surely fall in love with the wide array of details, the cute color combinations, and the loving expressions in these toys.

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Book SynopsisProvides step-by-step instructions for beginning painters with exercises in painting flowers, trees, bricks, fur, and other simple subjects.

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Book SynopsisFor knitters who want to know how to make use of their stash and avoid waste, this collection of patterns has the answer. Every knitter knows that sometimes you have yarn left over after finishing a make – maybe a whole ball, often slightly less than a ball, but either way too much to just throw it away and not enough to return it to the seller. Then there's the yarn you buy without a particular make in mind, just because it's a beautiful colour, or you love the feel of it, or it was in a flash sale. But what can you do with all these lovely bits and pieces? Knitting Stashbusters has the answer: 25 lovely projects specially chosen to use up your yarn. Some can be made with one ball, others use up smaller amounts of several different shades, but all of them are chosen to save you from wasting what you already have in store. You can make a cute garland of hearts to brighten up a room, or knit a penguin toy for a new baby. Perhaps you'd like to make all sorts of cosies, or knit storage pots and a pencil case. Or you could choose to make a cute cottage doorstop using colours that match your own house. And once you've reduced the size of your stash, what better excuse could you have to go out and buy more yarn!Trade Review'Top pick... there are so many wonderful projects for you to enjoy' – Let's Knit

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Book SynopsisThis is the ultimate cat lover's collection of knitting patterns for garments and accessories. Knitters and cats lovers will love this collection of 16 quirky designs, all based around the theme of cats. It includes four garments graded for 16 different sizes, as well as cat-themed accessories including a wrap, shawl, scarf, cowl, capelet, mittens and hats. Knitters can choose from more advanced patterns throughout the book or more beginner patterns using lighter weight yarn. The patterns are divided up into four chapters, each with a different style of cat-themed design similar to Marna's Sinister Catdigan pattern.Table of ContentsIntroduction Needles and tools Yarn Abbreviations Skill levels FAT CATS Cosy Cat Sweater Squishy Cat Shawl Cuddly Cat Hat Chunky Cat Cowl DAINTY CATS Pretty Pawsome Cat Cowl Tiny Cats Cardigan Toebeans and Tails Shawl Purrfect Cat Cuffs BIG CATS Kittenface Flippymitts Creepy Cat Capelet Big Cat Cardigan Peeky Pompom Cat Hat COOL CATS Cropped Catsweater Covered in Cats Cowl Slouchy Cat Hat Kitten Mittens TECHNIQUES Casting on Binding off Working in the round Short rows Stranded colourwork Intarsia Making up Steeking Picking up stitches Buttonholes Blocking Pompoms About the author Suppliers Thanks Index

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Book SynopsisGansey is typically associated with knitting, but now you can crochet Gansey designs that mimic the look of knit designs! The Gansey look originated from the island of Guernsey over 400 years ago. Gansey sweaters were designed for fishermen who spent their days at sea, so they were knitted with tight textured stitches to ensure that the sweater was not only warm but water- and wind-resistant too. In A Gansey Crochet Home, you will find that each design is filled with texture and makes a perfect addition to any home.Trade ReviewThe designs in this booklet are inspired by 19th-century fishermen’s sweaters but are all items for the home. From simple coasters to a much more complex throw, they all look simple but are marked intermediate, which wasn’t immediately obvious from the cover. I loved looking through the pictures as they are all beautifully done. Whilst I probably wouldn’t tackle a throw, the bowl, mug rugs and table runner were appealing. All the items are crocheted in neutral colours, but some items would transfer into coloured yarn well – especially the rug. The booklet is only 48 pages long which makes it a useful size and one I could find space for on my bookshelves. In some cases, however, the patterns are split, and you have to jump from the front to the back to follow them, which seems odd in a pattern book. This is something I’d seen in magazines but not what I’d expect from a book. There’s a useful stitch guide and four blank pages where you can make notes. -- Natalie Tidy * Knitting & Crochet Guild - SlipKnot June 2020 *Typically associated with knitting, you can now crochet Gansey designs that mimic the look. Originating from Guernsey over 400 years ago, the sweaters were designed for fishermen. The tight textured stitches ensured the sweater was warm, water-resistant and kept out the wind. Each design in the book is filled with texture and makes a perfect addition to any home. * Machine Knitting Monthly *

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Book SynopsisA beginner's step-by-step guide to creating beautiful silver jewellery. Silver Jewellery Making is a practical beginners’ guide to making silver jewellery. Seven step-by-step projects guide you through the core skills and techniques that will enable you to progress to making your own beautiful jewellery. The tried-and-tested projects have been developed by Machi and Janet, who have over 40 years of industry experience teaching others this amazing craft. The emphasis is on teaching good practice and acquiring the basic techniques and skills to give the reader a solid basis for developing their jewellery-making capabilities. Tools are introduced for each individual project, and their uses and correct handling explained. Troubleshooting tips explain how to overcome common problems that may arise. At the end of each project, there are examples of how the skills gained can be used to make other items. The book is perfect for those who wish to start jewellery making either on their own or as a supplement to beginners’ classes.Trade ReviewUK jewelers Waard and Richardson team up to produce one of the most comprehensive beginner’s guides to jewelry silversmithing available. Every section, whether overviews of tools and materials or one of the seven projects, is well illustrated with color photographs, used in step-by-step sequence to explain the nuances of soldering a ring or crafting jump rings. The same careful in-depth education applies to each project, from a simple ring to a fused pendant and stud earrings set. Core and additional skills, materials, and tools needed are highlighted before the main how-to event. Readers will find troubleshooting advice within each project, such as what to do when the ends aren’t close enough to solder or they’re not aligned. An emphasis on safety is spotlighted throughout in sidebars as well as in the narrative. Appendixes include a table of ring size conversions, piercing saw blade sizes, table of gauges and sizes, and Mohs scale of hardness. -- Barbara Jacobs * Booklist *A really lovely book with photos and everything you need to know to start and build your skills. Looking forward to getting started once I've got my basic tools and materials together. -- Christy Chapman * Amazon Customer Review *I am always sceptical about jewellery making books, especially those which deal with the practice of precious metals, but on this occasion I was pleased to see a very comprehensive introductory section which covers all of the basics including tools and materials but also advised on work area set-up and the major skills such as sawing, filing, soldering, and finishing. The book contains seven projects which take the reader through making a basic ring and onto other projects including earrings, pendants and a simple cabochon setting. The projects are designed to teach core skills and the steps required to complete each piece of jewellery are some of the most comprehensive I have ever seen and include handy hints along the way. As this book is aimed at beginners it also details troubleshooting guides. To further the skills of the reader a handy progression section after each project offers inspiration and gives some further ideas based around the same skills. The authors have really tried to encourage further development of skills by identifying a four-step plan which considers ways to design and develop a jewellery idea. A handy glossary covers terminology aw well as hallmarking advice and the appendix is filled with sizing guides & useful conversion tables. As a beginner guide to silver jewellery making this is an extremely comprehensive book. -- Mark Vardy * The Bead Society of Great Britain *If you'd like to take your hand sewn ensembles to the next level, consider finishing off your outfit with bespoke silver pieces that will stand the test of time. Featuring seven step-by-step projects that will guide you through the core skills and key techniques. Silver Jewellery Making by Machi de Waard and Janet Richardson has been written with all skill levels in mind. From troubleshooting tips to inspirational ideas, this exciting title has everything you could possible need when exploring a new craft. * Sew Magazine *I've only recently begun making jewellery and this book is perfect for that - lots of clear, good quality photos, and step-by-step instructions. I particularly like the Problems/Solutions pages - I think I'll be referring to these a lot. I've enjoyed an initial flick through and it gave me plenty of inspiration! -- Laura Pritchard * Amazon Customer Review *The detail and step by step photos really show you how to make some great projects. I like the book as it shows you how to use the tools and which one for the job. I going try make the circle pendant on a chain. -- Trudie Barnaville * Amazon Customer Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Tools and Materials 8 Setting up 28 Setting up your work area 28 Core Skills 32 Using a piercing saw 34 Filing 39 Soldering 41 Pickling 52 Finishing 54 The Projects 58 Moving Forwards 176 The four-step plan 178 Glossary 184 Appendices 186 Index 192

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Book SynopsisMake your fantasy tabletop roleplaying game even more epic with hundreds of creative and unexpected details to keep your story fresh and your friends guessing!

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Book SynopsisLearn all the steps to make a variety of colorful, decorative, useful boxes created from book board and covered with decorative papers and book cloth.

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Book SynopsisMaking twenty-two simple but useful adjuncts to the tool kit for bench and lathe use, none taking any more than 3 to 4 hours or involving special materials, yet each able to save considerable time in use as well as aiding accuracy. With working drawings, photographs and sketches etc.Table of ContentsPart One: Marking Out Tools - Scriber. Punches. Calipers. Rule Holder. Scribing Block. Engineer's Bevel. Centre Square. Trammel. Part Two: Benchwork - Drill Clamps. Filing Plates. Small Hand Clamp. Pin Chucks. Toolmaker's Clamps. Tap and Die Holders. Part Three: Lathework - Flycutters. Rose Bit. Box Tool. Knurling Tools. Filing Rest. T-Bolts, Dogs and Jacks. Bolting Bars. Simple Indicator.

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Book SynopsisThis title, which replaced the very popular Electroplating for the Amateur, will be of value to model engineers and small workshops wishing to plate with any of the customary metals using simple equipment.Table of ContentsPrinciples of Electroplating. Electrical Supply. Electroplating Tank. Cleaning of the Substrate. The Electrolyte. Electroforming and Electroplating on Non-Conductors. Electroless Electroplating. An Example. The Consideration of Electroplating. Finishing of Aluminium and its Alloys.

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Book SynopsisA series of inventive drawing projects designed to help artists develop their own creativity. Exercises include redrawing Old Master sketches, making 50 drawings in four hours, creating values, and contour-drawing blindfold.Table of ContentsTable of Contents:• Chapter One: A Few Words• Chapter Two: Some Basics—Contour, Gesture, and Modeled Drawing• Chapter Three: Organization/Structure—Making Things "Work Together"• Chapter Four: Using Light and Dark• Chapter Five: Photographs, Grids, and Projected Images• Chapter Six: Probing a Single Form-Idea• Chapter Seven: Old and Modern Masters—Appreciated and Exploited• Chapter Eight: Drawing Extended• Chapter Nine: Now to Begin...

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Book SynopsisThe legendary Samurai, and the sharp-edged katanas they mastered, are the point of this thrill-seeking guide to drawing swordfights, battle scenes and skirmishes.The Complete Guide to Drawing Dynamic Manga Sword Fighters provides a highly detailed series of lessons—ideal for digital artists—starting with the body, the fighter's stance and the various ways your characters can be twisted, torqued and turned into powerful poses. No detail is overlooked: from the grip on the weapon to the intense look on your character's face. Also included is an entire chapter devoted to the various razor-sharp weapons your characters can come armed with.This invaluable manga drawing guide then concludes with a gallery of full-color scenes, poses and anime stills showing important, aspirational details: captivating scenes, compelling characters and powerful weapons at the ready.With this book, intermediate artists of all ages can refine their style and add intensity, authenticity and drama to their stories. Enjoy as your characters slash, fence and fight their way through your own custom-designed action manga.

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Book SynopsisTake a hands-on flight through history with this model airplane kit!Scale Model Paper Airplanes Kit is filled with famous and historical model planes, just waiting to be assembled. It features 14 paper replicas spanning the history of aviationfrom the Spitfire to the Concorde. The pop-out plane pieces are made of high-quality cardstock and printed in full color on both sides. With this kit, you can build and fly:Air Force OneThe world's most famous Boeing 747 (a workhorse of commercial passenger air travel for 50 years)Bell X-1The experimental aircraft that first broke the sound barrier in 1954, piloted by the intrepid Chuck YeagerLockheed Martin F-22 RaptorA state-of-the-art stealth fighter with a top speed of over 1,500 miles per hourThe Wright FlyerThe first powered aircraft, flown by the Wright brothers on December 17, 1903And many more!This kit includes:Pre-cut, pop-out airplane pieces made of high-quality cardstock that you assemble with any invisible tape (tape not included)32

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Book Synopsis_Building the Wooden Fighting Ship_ is a fascinating account of the building of an historic ship, as well as a vivid and often surprising account of life and labour in the eighteenth century. In an age before industrialisation, the warship was the most complex object built by man and employed the most advanced technology of its time. Naval vessels of the period were, not surprisingly, so expensive to construct that meticulous records were kept, from the purchasing of timbers to the last details of their furnishings and armament, including even the individual names of some of the shipwrights and craftsmen. By carefully studying these records, the authors have reconstructed, in extraordinary detail, the building of HMS Thunderer -a two-decked, 74-gun ship-of-the-line. In words and specially drawn illustrations, contemporary prints and paintings, the authors show every stage of the building of this ship, from the purchase and cutting of timbers right through to the launch in 1760\. There are descriptions of Woolwich dockyard where she was built and details of all the skills and trades involved in her construction. First published in 1984, this book is a beautiful and highly informative work on a significant aspect of the Royal Navy and will appeal to enthusiasts, modellers, historians and anyone with an interest in traditional crafts.

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Book SynopsisChildren will love the unique scents found in Mudpuppy''s Campfire Friends Scratch and Sniff Puzzle. This puzzle includes 60 puzzle pieces, featuring 6 special shaped pieces with 3 of your favorite campfire scents – marshmallow, coca, and cinnamon!• 60 pieces, including 6 special shaped pieces with 3 scents (each scent is repeated twice)• Ages 4+• Puzzle: 15 x 11, 38 x 38 cm• Box: 9.5 x 7 x 2, 24 x 18 x 5 cm• Puzzle greyboard contains 90% recycled paper. Packaging contains 70% recycled paper. Printed with nontoxic, soy-based inks.

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Book SynopsisLearn how to create your own Deep Impasto® masterpieces using a palette knife and oil paints with this book featuring tips, techniques, and 8 complete step-by-step projects.Professional artist Lisa Elley works from her studio in the San Francisco Bay Area with the purpose of inspiring and bringing joy to people through her art. In Palette Knife Painting: Deep Impasto, Lisa shares her techniques with you through easy-to-follow step-by-step projects.Learn to paint:   Art inspired by Vincent van Gogh Seascapes and landscapes A Tuscan vineyard Flower fields Wet-into-wet (alla prima) With texture And more! Also included in the book are:   Primers on the best palette knives and paints to use Color mixing and color theory instructions Beautiful, textured artwork that seems to lTrade Review"An ideal, comprehensive, and thoroughly 'user friendly' DIY course of instruction for artists of all skill levels looking to learn to paint and scrape with oil paint." * Midwest Book Review *"Far from a how-to for beginners, this book includes projects that expertly teach processes, such as color blocking, blending, and multiple effects that can be executed with a knife." * Library Journal *Table of ContentsContents Introduction Why Paint with a Palette Knife? Getting Started Hokusai–Inspired Ocean Wave Van Gogh–Inspired Poppy Field Van Gogh–Inspired Irises Piccola Casa (The Little House) Summer Peonies Birch Tree Forest in the Fall Coastal Landscape with Wildflowers Tuscan Vineyard Landscape with Sunflowers Cleanup & Care Signing Your Art Varnishing Presenting Wiring a Painting About the Artist

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Book SynopsisDragonMasters volume 1 charts the history of the most exciting and dangerous opening known to chess - the Dragon Variation of the Sicilian Defense. Unlike almost all other books on the Dragon, the focus is not purely on theoretical development. Instead, the author has combined the most historically important games, the famous players who chose to fight either side (sometimes both sides!) of the opening, and the most unexpected and interesting stories featuring the Dragon. World Champions, contenders of the crown, code-breakers, revolutionaries in every sense of the world - all feature in this remarkable and entirely unique look into the history of an opening variation. as the ancient may say: Here be Dragons!

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Book SynopsisStop scrolling and chill with this 100% analogue-age timeout.Every page is a happy blast from the past of iconic toys, treats, music, moments, TV, movies and celebrities from the 90s. Let feel-good quizzes, wordsearches, dot-to-dots and colouring pages take you back in time.Butterfly hair clips, baggy jeans, bum bags, Baywatch, cargo pants, crop tops, Clueless, double denim, Friends, slip dresses, Sweet Valley High, snap bands, Spice Girls, Swatch watches, Tamagotchis and troll dolls - and so much more: the gangs all here.Includes QR code to exclusive 90s playlist.

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Book SynopsisFind a wealth of instruction and inspiration on how to incorporate naturally foraged materials into your artwork. In the process, discover a range of textile techniques – suitable for all levels and abilities – to complement your design. These include hand and machine stitching, solar dyeing, felting, hapa-zome and more. Using natural materials in textile art is way of connecting a place directly with its artistic representation, but it also makes the artist tap into and observe the true rhythms of the natural world: the seasons, the weather and time. Incorporating consciously foraged goods in art gently forces you to slow down, to take note of each season's bounty, and kindle – or rekindle – an awareness that we are all part of one big eco-system. Each technique forms one of many pillars of Caroline's large body of work, and she has carefully created eight projects, each introduced after a technique, so you can put your new skills into practice. Throughout, Caroline stresses the importance of taking your time and working organically, letting your foraged goods guide your design. This is an approach that not only encourages an intuitive creative process, but develops a more mindful, positive experience for the artist too. Interwoven with practical guidance and projects are Caroline's stunning gallery of works, offering inspirational examples of how to take your work farther, and simultaneously demonstrating nature's abundance and variety. This is an enriching book on textile and natural art that celebrates the maker's relationship with art and the natural world. Trade Review‘Nature is my safe space’ - Caroline Hyde-Brown The above opening words of this book drew me to its author immediately. As a fellow artist, I too have tasted the healing power that a walk in the outside world can provide. This artist has chosen a niche area to really hone in on, the idea of exploring…..with a point. Forage - to seek, to wander to search out supplies of some form. In this titles case, the subject matter within, chases us through many techniques which relate to the initial subject. When I use the word chase in this context, I am not suggesting that the author rushes the learning process, rather reading the books pages excited me enough to want to get on and begin experimenting myself - so it is a positive push via text and image. There are eight techniques with projects for each one; so effectively we can see what use learning a certain method can be for our own artistic practice. Imagine learning through clear instruction how to solar dye, felt, use foraged finds to naturally dye fabrics which can then be used for textile art projects…the one which really confused me in title is ‘Hapa-zone’ (with flowers and leaves). What is it?! I ask. Well, you too can glean your answer if you buy a copy! There is something very soothing about having a purpose on a walk, you become grounded in that moment, distracted from whatever life is nothing you with and suddenly all you are thinking about is location, where you are, what you and trying to find. What does the season say? With a stunning gallery of works to showcase Caroline’s beautiful life of embracing all that she loves and lacing it together via her art in this book, I personally found it one I would really use in my own practice. It fed my mind kindly, not too much to take in, not too arduous a method to trial. What is your nature relationship? Can you connect to it further via using the instructions Caroline vocalises to us through her pages? She classifies herself as a textiles research artist, so this has more body to it than the visual. She has traveled into other counties such as Japan to really experience various forms of life and art. In her words, art and healing can come together to be ‘one big creative adventure’. -- Ailish Henderson * ailishhenderson.com *Combine the power of the natural world with renowned textile artist Caroline Hyde-Brown's suggestions to stitch beautiful textiles creations. Using natural materials is a way to rekindle your connection to the outdoors and tap into the rhythms of the seasons, enabling you to be mindful and create at the same time. Caroline offers expert guidance on a range of techniques from hand and machine stitching, to solar dyeing, felting and Hapa-Some, with eight projects to try. -- Stitch Magazine * Issue 145 *The first time I saw this book I knew that I would love it, and I'm not disappointed. It's not only an instructional book but also a wonderful read. Just browsing through the pages makes me want to go foraging and try yet another technique. Caroline's instructions are clear and cover everything – particular items to look for in each season, how to prepare and store the items, natural dyeing and creating lovely artwork. Her love of both nature and stitching is clear to see on every page and I think anyone with similar interests will love this book as much as I do. -- Val Hatton * Customer Review *Have a few books on textiles, but there aren't so many that directly cover how to use nature in your work in this way. Had seen artist Caroline Hyde-Brown's beautiful work on Pinterest so decided to take a chance on this book - very glad I did. One of her strong points is that she shows you how to sew botanical material directly onto your work. This is quite a comprehensive book, it talks about how she relates to the landscape in Norfolk where she lives, how she goes out to forage, what she collects, processing and storing what is gathered, her work in notebooks, projects to try and then lots of very informative pictures of her fantastic work. I only had to get a few supplies (eg silk tulle, 100% Acetone, chiffon) the rest are things you would have in your stash (eg soluble backing). There is a section on dyeing small bits of fabric, free motion embroidery, image transfer, but also quite a few other techniques she uses like Hapa-zome. I think this book is a very nice balance between showing you her wonderful artwork and 'how to' techniques. She is generous with her knowledge because the book tells you exactly how to do it. So far I have tried the image transfers of trees from my own photographs (have to give it a few more goes to get it how I want). Can't wait to try the dried flower wall hanging and sewing fallen lichen onto work. So glad to have this book to work through over the coming months. Highly recommended if you want to use the natural world around you to incorporate into your work. -- Customer ReviewThis is the book for anyone who enjoys craft work and who cannot go for a walk in the countryside without coming home with a pocket full of ‘treasures’; acorns, interesting wood, leaves, and flowers, the author will help you find a use for them all. I have tried some of the dying methods and all have worked very well. The book is beautifully illustrated through and the instructions are easy to follow. -- Barbara Allan * Customer Review *Learn to incorporate naturally foraged materials into your artwork. Suitable for all levels and abilities, techniques include hand and machine stitching, solar dyeing, felting and hapa-zome. Stunning photos offer inspirational examples of textile and natural art. -- Machine Knitting Monthly * Issue 132 *Table of ContentsIntroduction Foraging Colour the seasons Interconnecting, inspiration & ideas Materials & threads Tools & notions Seek and you shall find... Foraging techniques & projects Technique: Natural dyeing Project 1: Bojagi Patchwork Scented Pillow Gallery Technique: Wet felting Project 2: Forage & Felt Gallery Techniques: Acetone-transfer fabric printing and Free-machining on soluble fabric Project 4: The Brecks Gallery Technique: Nature-inspired hand embroidery Project 5: Natural Shadows & Repeat Patterns Gallery Technique: Pressing plants Project 6: Pressed-flower Wall Hanging Gallery Technique: Decorative free- machine stitching Project 3: Memories & Place Gallery Technique: Hapa-zome Project 7: Hapa-zome Drawstring Bag Gallery Technique: Silk & wool-top backgrounds Project 8: Ancient Woodland Gallery Presentation & framing Gathering my thoughts Templates Index

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Book SynopsisThis is an essential handbook for anyone new to the game of Mahjong. It takes you from the very beginning - learning the rules, choosing a set (or playing online) to advanced advice on strategy and gamesmanship. Each stage of play is clearly explained with diagrams and instructions and with plenty of practical examples to help you learn. Full coverage of the basics of scoring, settlements and penalties will help you become a true master of the game.Table of Contents : 1. The Mahjong Set : 2. Preliminaries : 3. Playing the Game : 4. Scoring and Settlement : 5. Special Hands : 6. Infringements and Penalties : 7. Elementary Strategy : 8. Advanced Strategy : 9. Mahjong for 2, 3, 5 or 6 players : 10. Chinese Official International Rules : 11. American Mahjong : 12. Japanese Mahjong : 13. Other Variant Forms : 14. Mahjong Cards : 15. Mahjong on Computers and the Internet : 16. History

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Book SynopsisDo you know your Dashwoods from your Darcys? Why was Northanger Abbey such a disappointment to Catherine? Jane had an aunt whose name is also a type of cheese...but what is it?Regale with all things Regency and put your knowledge to the test with 52 trivia and game cards, each one featuring a multiple-choice trivia question, charade, game or challenge about Jane Austen and her beloved classics.Illustrated with Hugh Thomson''s exquisite drawings of characters and scenes, the cards double as a game of Snap, Memory, Quartets or Swap, making this fun for all the family.Presented in a foiled gift box and with a booklet that contains the rules of play to four traditional card games, this is the perfect gift for literature lovers.

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Book SynopsisA source of serenity that you can count on! These dot-to-dot puzzles are perfect for stepping backfrom the cares of the day and entering a peaceful, artistic world. When completed,they revealintricate pictures, from people to animals to landscapesand solvers can extend the experience by coloring in the artwork when they're done. With 122 dot-to-dots in each book, these collections offer many, many hours of relaxation.In addition to regular dot-to-dot puzzles, multi-linepuzzles are also featured, in which you lift your pencil from the page between certain dots, allowing for more detailed pictures.

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Book SynopsisPresented in a kitschy, comic-book style, Epic Cosplay Costumes combines fantabulous illustrations with all the how-to information you need for creating your own cosplay designs. Award-winning artist Kristie Good (aka Karmada) shares techniques for making must-have pieces to mix and match into original costumes--from hand-sewn garments to armor made with Worbla and EVA foam. In addition to her step-by-step instructions for pulling together attention-grabbing designs, she shares expert advice for making the most of conventions, striking a pose, and strutting your stuff at costume competitions. Whether you're a hero, heroine, villain, or sidekick, Kristie gives you the power to create the most talked-about designs with Epic Cosplay Costumes!Trade Review"A good starting point for embellishment and customization of your character. Most of all, have fun with it--that's what cosplay is all about!" --Stacy Sews

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Book Synopsis16 stunning home decor projects that you can make in a weekend!

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