Search results for ""Search Press""

A valuable, fully illustrated guide to the folded-paper arts, The Encyclopedia of Origami Techniques provides the reader with easy-to-follow instructions for creating their own paper sculptures. Suitable for beginners as well as experienced artists, all the basic folds and bases are included as well as over 30 projects, all explained through simple step-by-step diagrams. By the end of this book the reader will learn to master traditional forms, like the Printer's Hat and Masu Box, as well as modern masterpieces such as the Square Bear and Elias Figure Base.

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This is a hands-on guide to learning to draw in perspective. It is partly about learning to draw a set of straight lines that meet at a point. And it’s partly about learning to look at what is around you, and spot where those invisible straight lines might be located. It’s a book for anyone who wants to draw or paint—in any genre and in any medium. And it’s not weighed down with theory – although everything you will need to know is explained. Most of all, it gives you exercises to play with. You can put your observational skills to the test with the “image quiz” features—where you take a pen and draw in all the vanishing points onto the book itself. Or use the special “perspective chambers” to draw objects onto an existing scene, keeping it all in the right perspective: think of it as a kind of 3D doodling. By the time you get to the end of the book, you will understand how perspective works and be able to apply it intuitively without a ruler or drafting table. The whole concept will feel like a sixth sense. And you can get on with being creative. There is also a 30-page workbook to put your skills to the test!

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Learn how to create bright and colourful knits using the intarsia method of colour knitting. This clear and simple book is ideal for anyone who wants to learn the art of knitting with different coloured yarns. It guides you effortlessly through the process of choosing colours, preparing yarn bobbins and working out yarn quantities through to the basic intarsia techniques such as joining in new colours and working from charts. At the end of the book there is a mouth-watering collection of 11 gorgeous projects including a fox-themed cushion, an eye-catching chevron scarf and a show-stopping star blanket – all designed with the beginner in mind. Whether you prefer vibrant, multi-coloured knits or more muted tones, this easy-to-follow book will teach you all you need to know to create contemporary colourwork.

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In this new and extended edition of her best-selling book in the 'How to Paint' series: 'Colour and Light in Watercolour' (first published 2010), Jean Haines has produced a book even more inspirational than the first. With 40 per cent new material in the form of new hands-on demonstrations, examples of her work and extended text, Jean provides a valuable insight into the materials and techniques she uses to inject colour and light into her stunningly beautiful, award-winning watercolour paintings. Jean's enthusiasm and passion for art is evident throughout the book, which is packed full of ideas, useful tips, expert advice and over 20 step-by-step demonstrations. with subjects ranging from atmospheric winter landscapes to bright colourful cockerels, all painted in Jean's loose and expressive style, artists of all tastes and abilities will not fail to be inspired by her imaginative and exciting use of light and colour.

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This book packs in the combined wisdom of two writer-educators who are consummate problem solvers when it comes to jewellery making. Together they show the reader how to fix common screw-ups, try out new creative techniques, get more skilled at familiar methods, improvise tools and discover ways to save money, such as recycling gold and other precious metal scraps. From beading to setting a stone, understanding annealing to soldering your own silver chain, you can riffle through the book, experimenting with new innovations to create your unique jewellery designs. Packed with over 200 expert fixes, insider tips, and tricks of the trade, content is arranged by topic to enable any jewellery maker to achieve a striking and professional look to their earrings, necklaces, rings, and more. A must-have for anyone who makes their own jewellery, whether at beginner or intermediate level.

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This delightful introduction to drawing faces completely demystifies the drawing process. It shows how images can be built up easily, from initial geometric shapes right through to the finished faces. Susie Hodge includes a good selection of head-and-shoulder portraits in this book including couples, children, babies and older people in a variety of poses, and showing a range of expressions. She uses a helpful two-colour method that clearly shows every line and curve of the step-by-step pictures. Even absolute beginners will find themselves creating great drawings when they use this book and there is much to inspire more experienced artists too. An invaluable guide for anyone interested in this subject.

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52 stunning granny squares to crochet, one for every week of the year!

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Master one granny square: create 15 different fashion looks.

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In this beautifully produced book, artist and teacher David Webb shares his expertise to provide comprehensive guidance for anyone painting in watercolour, from beginners up. How-to techniques are at the heart of the book and feature detailed explanations and demonstrations that will get you progressing fast, with a real understanding of the medium. Included in this section are ‘Help!’ panels that focus on what can go wrong: the typical mistakes made and how you can avoid them. Readers will also discover the widest possible range of watercolour techniques thanks to our team of internationally recognised guest artists, who will be revealing some of their painting secrets in a series of ‘life lessons’ – how they appear to get the paint to really glow and their paintings to spring into life. Previously published as Complete Guide to Watercolour (9781782215738).

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The ultimate, exhaustive stitch dictionary for specialist Hardanger embroiderers! Hardanger embroidery is renowned for its intricate cutwork, and now you can explore the vast array of stitches that bring this art form to life. Introducing the most comprehensive stitch dictionary ever compiled for Hardanger embroiderers. Inside this invaluable resource, you'll discover a treasure trove of traditional and contemporary filling stitches, ranging from delightfully simple to exquisitely complex. Each stitch is meticulously explained in clear, step-by-step instructions accompanied by detailed diagrams. Whether you're a visual learner or prefer following written instructions, this book caters to your learning style with colour-coded left-handed (red) and right-handed (blue) instructions for every stitch. You will learn to avoid problems and have the self-assurance to fix any mistakes you make. Yvette Stanton’s expert instructions will help you on your way to making beautiful Hardanger embroidery filling stitches. In addition to the extensive stitch collection, you'll also find captivating historical information, accompanied by striking photographs of both antique and contemporary Hardanger examples. Dive into the rich history of this timeless craft while gaining insights into materials, equipment, and essential tips and tricks. Discover the secrets to achieving perfect tension, ensuring your stitches and cutwork are flawlessly executed. Whether you're a seasoned Hardanger embroiderer or just starting your stitching journey, this exhaustive stitch dictionary will become your go-to resource. Unleash your creativity and master the art of Hardanger filling stitches with confidence, guided by the expert instructions found within these pages.

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Know a child who is desperate to learn to sew? Start from scratch and create 30 brilliant projects using your sewing machine.

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Take up your hook and with the expert guidance of crochet and amigurumi expert Sarah-Jane Hicks, recreate the wonderful world of Aardman Animations' beloved twosome, Wallace & Gromit! Taking inspiration from the short films A Grand Day Out, The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave and A Matter of Loaf and Death, you can crochet eight of the key characters from these ripping yarns and 'props' including the Cooker and Rocket from A Grand Day Out, plus sheep from A Close Shave, but also the characters' accessories and costumes. These include: Gromit's raincoat and sou'wester from The Wrong Trousers, Shaun the Sheep's trademark woolly jumper (from A Close Shave), and master criminal Feathers McGraw's 'cunning disguise'... Sarah-Jane Hicks introduces the key crochet techniques required to make up the characters, then features the patterns required with images of the finished works, all enhanced with stills from the films they appear in. Featured characters include: Wallace, Gromit, Feathers McGraw, Shaun the Sheep, Wendolene Ramsbottom, Piella Bakewell, Preston the cyberdog and Fluffles the poodle.

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Renowned embroiderer and best-selling author, Hazel Blomkamp, is back with a brand new book in the popular Crewel series. In this fifth title in Hazel Blomkamp’s series on crewel embroidery with a twist, the focus is on animal portraits. Crewel Animal Portraits is a celebration of Hazel’s signature techniques: a wide variety of surface/crewel stitches, some of which are brand new, and many with a different take, or different ways of combining stitches to make them more interesting. Also included are needle lace techniques used as embroidery stitches, loom weaving techniques modified for embroidery, and unique combinations of both of these. The incorporation of beads and crystals adds even more dazzle to the intricate designs. There are six projects, each explained with detailed step-by-step instructions and clear photographs, with design templates and a full stitch gallery providing everything readers need to recreate them with ease. The sumptuous and inspiring projects comprise a tiger, lion, zebra, giraffe, monkey and leopard. For embroiderers looking for something different and new to stitch, and for those keen to challenge themselves with more complex embroidery techniques, this book is a must-have.

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If you love the Kawaii style but don't know where to start, this is the book for you! 10 Step Drawing: Kawaii will help you turn simple shapes into cute drawings in this popular style in just ten easy steps. Create over 50 different characters from a cuddly penguin and a magical unicorn to a cheeky bubble tea and a cute cupcake, by following the step-by-step instructions. Learning to draw has never been so simple!

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Work artistic magic with contre-jour: learn how to create the illusion of light in your oil painting.

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Learn to knit over 40 items for men, women and children with 'The Viking', social media star Lasse L. Matberg. Lasse L. Matberg comes from a family who, for generations, have been working to create beautiful, quality crafted items by hand – fathers and grandfathers were craftsmen, and mothers and grandmothers often worked hard knitting warm garments for the whole family. Viking Knits is a tribute to good-quality, practical needlework, inspired by the Vikings’ warm, all-weather garments. From tough-wearing sweaters and outerwear to elegant cardigans and jackets, all have been made in a beautiful Scandinavian style. Whether you love traditional, Nordic colourwork patterns and cables, or modern, textured knits, there is something for everyone. Clear instructions are provided for each project, and charts are included where needed. 'I hope this book will inspire you to create something valuable with your hands,' says Lasse L. Matberg. 'Welcome to a knitting book with both tradition and versatility.'

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A project-by-project guide to lino printing, with designs inspired by the natural world.

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Knit yourself into the Christmas spirit with over 40 adorable mini Christmas projects from best-selling designer Sue Stratford. Create your very own knitted nativity, with Mary and Joseph, Baby Jesus and the Little Donkey, or a show-stopping Santa’s sleigh complete with all eight reindeers. There are also Christmas accessories to decorate your home, such as Christmas crackers, mistletoe and candy canes. These cute, pocket-sized knits are quick and easy to make, as well as a great way of using up leftover yarn. Whether a novice or an advanced knitter, you will find everything you need to get started, with step-by-step photography and instructions for sewing together and making up the finished projects. Great for festive gifts or cute decorations, all the family will love these fun and charming projects. This edition includes material from two best-selling Christmas titles, Mini Knitted Christmas and 20 to Make: Mini Christmas Knits.

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Draw Yourself Calm welcomes readers into the mindful practice of slow drawing with 25 beautiful patterns inspired by nature. A practical and effective book for increasing creativity while reducing stress. With all the stimulation and stress of daily life, we each need to find ways of slowing down. Drawing simple, repetitive shapes relaxes the brain: attention flows away from sources of stress and centres on the act of putting pen to paper. The book is organized into three sections. The introduction covers slow drawing and mindfulness, and how to weave slow drawing into everyday life. Chapter 1 dives into slow drawing warm-ups and exercises aimed at helping readers notice what they see, feel, and hear while they draw. Chapter 2 takes the reader through 25 elegant and inspiring patterns of all kinds. These patterns can be approached in any order, and readers can choose how best to fit slow drawing into their lives, whether through daily or weekly drawing. Amy Maricle offers a playful, no-right-or-wrong approach that empowers readers to slow draw in a way that is creative, but not pressure-filled. This book offers a space for readers to nurture themselves creatively and spiritually by providing all the tools and inspiration needed to develop a slow drawing practice.

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Silversmithing for Jewellery Makers is a lusciously illustrated book that offers an authoritative, inspirational insight into the art and craft of silver jewellery making for today’s artisan. Now updated with new information, project inspiration and profiles of renowned jewellers, this remains the go-to book on silver jewellery making. Covering all the main skills, treatments and techniques, this comprehensive guide leaves nothing out. From soldering to engraving, every technique is explained with a detailed overview, followed by a carefully-illustrated step-by-step tutorial. Traditional techniques such as filigree are examined alongside contemporary designs and profiles of world-renowned jewellers, updated in this edition to also feature Cynthia Eid, Regine Schwarzer and Ute Decker. A treasure trove of useful tips and information, the book also includes extensive sections on materials, tools and health and safety. An invaluable resource for professionals, a must-have guide for beginners and a unique source of inspiration for all levels of jewellery makers and designers, this book guarantees a strong position on the backlist.

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18 scrap-busting quilts & accessories to make that won't hurt the planet.

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From best-selling author and crafting queen Claire Gelder, this gorgeous mini guide is packed full of crochet know-how, practical illustrations and comes with four simple projects. Perfect for complete beginners, Claire clearly explains everything you need to know about crochet: how to read a ball band, how to get tension correct, how to choose hooks and yarns and how to read abbreviations and crochet patterns. It is structured as a simple 3-step course that will help you progress from bronze to gold as your skills and confidence grow. Start with the basic stitches and techniques, build up a few more stitches for your collection, then finally add in some simple shaping and some pompoms. Before you know it you'll be crocheting a colour blocked scarf, some snuggly pompom slippers and a cuddly teddy bear, plus the bonus granny square blanket project. Filled with positive affirmations and beautifully illustrated, this wonderful book is the ideal introduction to crochet for a complete beginner.

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Sew cuddly comfort toys to love and last for a lifetime! There are 24 dolls and toys to make, for very young children all the way up to adults. The cast of dolls and toys are intended as fast friends from early childhood - including a marmot plushie and a friendly cat to cuddle - as well as practical gifts for babies and young children - such as a teething ring and a pyjama bag - right up to comfort toys for older children and adults - a perennially popular sloth and a pillow in the shape of a raccoon! There are also character dolls to make, including a superhero and a pretty geisha, so you can build up a big, colourful family of cuddly friends. The book explains the essential sewing terms and stitches required to make the toys, and the clear, detailed descriptions and diagrams of each project mean that they are easy to follow even if you are a novice sewist.

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This revised and updated title is drawn from Katie Essam's successful Layered and Stitched Pictures in The Textile Artist series. Incorporating a new bonus project, this book showcases Katie's free machine embroidery techniques. Her fresh, modern style uses a unique combinations of traditional techniques, and in this book she shows how to create stunning textile art inspired by the beauty in everyday objects. With eight projects and lots of finished artworks to spark creativity, this book teaches the reader how to draw inspiration from the animals, birds, gardens, beach huts and scenes that surround us all; and use that inspiration as fuel to create gorgeous stitched pictures.

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Find 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.

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There are some areas of watercolour painting that beginners often have trouble with, and one of these is skies. A sky can make or break a landscape painting. In this invaluable guide, Stephen Coates leads you through some highly effective techniques that will demystify sky painting and turn a good watercolour landscape into a brilliant one. Stephen takes a unique, no-fuss approach to watercolour, emphasizing the importance of planning, preparation and practise and explaining clearly which tools and materials you need, and how to prepare your palette before embarking on a painting. He then guides you through seven awe-inspiring skies, from blue summer skies to dramatic sunsets and storm clouds, introducing new skills and techniques as you progress through the book. With numerous handy tips and many examples of Stephen’s stunning landscapes throughout, this book will both instruct and inspire you to create beautiful, realistic skies with confidence.

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This stunning book follows the rhythm of nature through the year. Botanical Watercolours through the Seasons begins with a detailed introduction to Sandrine's ethically-sourced materials and tools, her workspace and an exploration of the key techniques employed in painting botanical watercolours. Sandrine explains colour theory in relation to botanical subjects, as well as colour bias and the key to creating realistic shadows without resorting to an unnatural 'grey'. The four main chapters focus on a particular season and contains techniques for painting its plants: for example, papery bulbs in spring and jewel-like berries in winter, along with examples of the author’s stunning botanical artwork. Each chapter includes three step-by-step tutorials: the first for relative beginners; the second for artists of intermediate level and the third for more experienced artist. Subjects range from bold spring daffodils, delicate summer sweet peas, through to whimsical autumn ginkgo biloba leaves, and finishing with a striking holly star composition to close the winter chapter. With a foreword from Tom Brown, Head Gardener at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation: "It is Sandrine’s botanical knowledge that sets her apart, [...] through [her] guidance we can learn to celebrate and document the natural rhythms of our green spaces around us." Readers can work through the book season-by-season, or focus on the plants they know and love. All the recommended materials used in the book are ethically sourced: the paper is from sustainable sources, the brushes are cruelty-free and the paints are vegan.

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This exquisite book, a follow-up to the hugely successful Kew Book of Embroidered Flowers, is written by needlework expert Trish Burr in association with The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It features a starter project that introduces the reader to the most commonly used stitches, including long-and-short stitch, split stitch, satin stitch, bullions and French knots, then nine full sampler projects. The samplers feature a vast array of fauna and flora, including butterflies, bugs, birds, a rabbit and a hedgehog; lotuses, foxgloves, poppies, toadstools, and numerous wildflowers. The book explains all the stitches needed, and gives thorough advice on preparation and choosing fabrics and threads. All the projects are shown step-by-step, with an order of work diagram given where appropriate. All the reusable iron-on transfers needed are kept safely together with the book in an attractive hardback folder. The enclosed reusable iron-on transfer papers offer embroiderers a fast and accurate method of transferring the designs – the transfers simply need ironing on to fabric so that the reader can start embroidering straight away. The templates are also included at full size at the back of both editions of the book. This stunning yet practical book is a must-have for anyone interested in capturing the intricacy of nature in thread.

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The focus of this comprehensive and inspiring book is its 14 quilt-as-you-go techniques. Choose from a variety of hand- and machine-sewn styles including stitch-and-flip, envelope-style, lined circles, Suffolk puffs and cathedral windows. Each technique is photographed step by step, and then each completed, discrete block can be transformed into a stunning quilt project, which comes complete with full instructions. If you like taking your creative work with you when you travel, love the convenience of working in small, manageable blocks, or simply want to try out some different techniques before committing to a full-size quilt, this book will help you achieve remarkable results. All the templates required are included at full size.

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The Royal School of Needlework teaches hand embroidery to the highest standard, developing techniques in new and innovative ways. Written by RSN apprentice, and now tutor, Jacqui McDonald, this book contains an extensive stitch guide, as well as guidance on the materials and equipment you need; how to design your own crewelwork embroidery; framing up; and positioning and transferring your design. Each stitch is clearly illustrated with step-by-step photography, along with expert instruction on how to form the stitch and use it in your needlework. With an introduction to the RSN and a brief history of crewelwork, together with numerous traditional and contemporary examples, this book provides an essential guide, for the dedicated stitcher, to this classic form of embroidery.

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Priscilla's contemporary mixed media artworks offer a refreshingly different approach to embroidery, taking stitch to an impressive new level within wire sculpture. Working both two- and three-dimensionally, Priscilla combines colour, stitch, shape and texture, layering to transform surfaces into beautiful, whimsical sculptures full of character, curiosity and charm. With her imaginative use of the needle and her love of retro vintage nostalgia, Priscilla has picked up on an enduring trend, exploring excitingly different ideas and pushing the boundaries with her original ways of working. The book explores a playful mixed media approach to creating 3D textile sculpture, using a variety of media to transform plain papers and fabrics through colour, texture and mark-making; including both free-machine embroidery and hand stitch. Paving the way for the reader to tackle the five projects that follow, which build in complexity.

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20 kawaii trinkets in polymer clay from Kawaii Studios! Kawaii is becoming the ultimate buzzword for all things cute and miniature, and in this new Twenty to Make title, Ruth Thompson shows you how to create 20 cute miniature charms and trinkets out of polymer clay. As well as learning how to colour the clay and add super-cute expressions, there's also advice on how to turn your charms into wearable jewellery. From adorable sushi earrings to panda paperclips, there's something sweet to suit everyone!

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Capture a sense of grandeur when you draw this diverse collection of mountain-dwelling animals and birds. Prolific author and artist Susie Hodge teaches you to transform simple shapes into a majestic grizzly bear, a graceful cougar, or a shy mountain hare in easy-to-follow stages. Choose from a shaggy yak, a cheeky marmot and much more. There are 28 different animals to create, in a variety of poses and styles. Each project starts with a few basic outlines and progresses into a finished tonal drawing, and a final watercolour version shows you how to develop your drawing even further. Perfect for beginners, as well as budding artists, you’ll be amazed how easily you too can draw mountain animals with this inspiring guide.

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Praise for The Addictive Sketcher: "It's impossible not to be carried along by his enthusiasm and the sheer dynamism of his work. Although this is carried out for the most part in the field, it's remarkably polished and a lot more than just quick notes. There's an element of improvisation - a jazz-like tone - and Adebanji certainly has a natural ability. If you share his love of drawing, this is a book to embrace as well as learn from." - The Artist magazine Adebanji Alade is one of the UK’s most renowned artists – and he’s addicted to sketching. Inspired by the sights and sounds of London, he travels around the city filling his sketchbooks with drawings of people, places and scenes of contemporary urban life. Showcasing one of Adebanji’s inspirational sketchbooks in its entirety, and with a fascinating introduction to the way he works, this unique visual record of everyday city life also offers a compelling insight into the creative process of a modern urban sketcher.

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Capture the splendour of the African savannah by drawing this collection of stunning animals and birds. Watch them come to life in six easy steps. Award-winning artist Jonathan Newey teaches you to transform simple shapes into the iconic Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo), as well as towering giraffes, distinctive zebras and striking flamingos. There are 26 different animals to create, in a variety of poses and styles. Each project starts with a few basic outlines and progresses into a finished tonal drawing, and a final coloured version shows you how to develop your drawing even further. Perfect for beginners, as well as budding artists, you’ll be amazed how easily you too can draw African animals with this inspiring guide.

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Now it's easier than ever to create amazing art using acrylic paints! Paint pouring is the latest technique to take the art world by storm, and stunning and unique effects can be achieved by simply pouring acrylic paint onto a surface. Discover the qualities of acrylic paint and the variety of mediums, gels, pastes and resins that is available to create a huge range of fascinating effects. There's advice on what tools you'll need, the kinds of painting surfaces that are suitable for acrylic pouring, and how to dry and seal your finished picture ready for display. After the comprehensive techniques section, which includes intriguing methods such as dirty pour, flip cup, double swipe, puddle pour, tree rings and dipping, there are 16 great projects to try – all with clear instructions, materials lists and step-by-step photographs. But there's no way you'll stop there – paint pouring is addictive and you'll soon be creating amazing works of art of your own!

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Observe, draw, paint, explore and master the art of botanical illustration. Award-winning botanical artist Isik Guner shares her passion for drawing and painting living plants from around the world. Her work is both artistically accomplished and scientifically accurate, and will inspire you to master the skills you need to produce your own botanical illustrations from life. - Discover how to select, preserve and position your specimens. - Develop your understanding of perspective and composition. - Learn the techniques of drawing and watercolour painting. With the help of Ekin Ozbicer’s striking photography and numerous illustrations by Isik and other renowned botanical artists, this visually stunning book bridges the gap between science and art and will inspire artists, illustrators, botanists and plant lovers in equal measure.

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Master the art of decorating cakes with buttercream flowers in this stunning book from cake artist and tutor Neetha Syam. Neetha’s strong, vibrant style and novel techniques make her designs really stand out from the crowd. In particular, she has developed a unique way of working that involves painting the flowers onto the cake using a palette knife, and the book will include both this and the more traditional piping technique to show how to create a multitude of flowers and how to decorate ten glorious cakes. The book includes a materials and tools section and some basic cake recipes, as well as sections on making and colouring buttercream, preparing piping bags, and covering and stacking cakes. Projects range from cupcakes to one, two and three-tiered cakes, featuring Neetha's stunning piped and palette-knife painted flowers, leaves and embellishments. Whether you are a home baker or experienced cake decorator, Neetha's designs will not fail to inspire you to create cakes that look as mouth-wateringly delicious as they taste!

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Artists of all skill levels will find much to inspire them in this detailed and practical guide to drawing landscapes. Margaret Eggleton guides you through easy-to-follow drawing stages, and gives advice on using sketchbooks, line and tone, perspective and more. She shows how to draw elements of the landscape such as trees and foliage, hills and mountains, skies, water and buildings, and there are practical, step-by-step exercises throughout to help you practise the techniques. Margaret then guides you carefully through each stage of six stunning projects, each culminating in a beautiful landscape drawing you'll be proud of. Suitable for beginners wanting to build up their confidence as well as more seasoned artists seeking inspiration, this book is a must-have for anyone who wants to draw landscapes in dry media such as graphite pencils, acrylic ink, pen, Conté crayons, pastels or charcoal. This is a new, redesigned edition of Margaret's highly successful Drawing Masterclass: Landscapes.

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Kumihimo is the ancient art of Japanese braidmaking; admired for its dual qualities of usefulness and beauty, and associated with both fashion and the samurai. In this revised and updated edition of her classic instructional book, Jacqui Carey teaches the use of a marudai (round stand) to produce a variety of different types of braids, which can then be used to create countless combinations of colour, texture and material. Clear step-by-step photographs guide the beginner through each of the projects, and many inspirational examples of the variety you can create are shown. The rhythmic movements, feel and sound of the marudai in use make this traditional craft a soothing, absorbing and aesthetically pleasing experience; perfect for weaving a calm area in your day.

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Drawing the human face has a timeless and universal appeal, though it's often perceived as being difficult to achieve. Carole's book removes the mystery from portrait painting, and makes the subject accessible to even absolute beginners. She shows you in easy step-by-step stages how to use line, tone and form to capture a likeness and give it both personality and expression. Containing simple exercises along with longer step-by-step projects, this book leads you by the hand through the different elements of the face, allowing you to gradually build your skills before leading on to successfully describing your subject's likeness and character. Composition, clothing, props and more personal characteristics like age and hairstyles are all covered. The book also includes information on drawing from life.

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This invaluable addition to Civardi's highly regarded collection of instructional art books illustrates and describes the importance of understanding the inner workings of the human body, to the theory of composing accurate life drawings with pencil and paper. Begin by discovering the journey artists have taken through the centuries to accurately delineate the human figure. Learn and understand how our bones and muscles play their roles in our shapes, gestures and movement. Every essential aspect of anatomy is supported by photographs and diagrams, along with beautifully drawn examples by the artist. This comprehensive manual offers the perfect introduction and reference guide to drawing the human form, whether you are an experienced artist or a practised student studying the art of life drawing.

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Explore exciting new ways of using graphite, charcoal and mixed media to create dramatic landscape drawings, under the expert tutelage of Robert Dutton. The Innovative Artist series provides a unique insight into the methods and materials used by leading contemporary artists who are pushing the boundaries of their art. Through numerous examples of the author’s work alongside practical demonstrations, each book provides a fascinating exploration of the artist’s creative process that will inspire the reader to move forward on their own artistic journey. This book is aimed at artists who wish to explore new ways of using a variety of drawing media to create striking, dramatic landscapes. Author-artist Robert Dutton uses his expressive, loose style of drawing and painting to capture, with great emotion, the power and drama of the landscape. Robert combines media such as liquid graphite, inks, metallic inks, charcoal and water-soluble painting and drawing pastels, and also experiments with collage work. Predominantly focusing on working in black and white, Drawing Dramatic Landscapes explores basic drawing techniques using a limited range of media, then introduces new techniques and products as the reader progresses. This is a highly-instructive guide to the techniques Robert himself uses, with numerous exercises and larger step-by-step projects throughout the book showing how he works. Alongside these are numerous examples of the author’s finished artworks accompanied by informative captions explaining the methods used to create them, thereby providing both instruction and inspiration. Robert works outdoors from life much of the time, later finishing his artworks in the studio. His work is both achievable and aspirational, making this a highly-attractive book for established artists who wish to gain insight into the work of their contemporaries who are experimenting with new and innovative techniques.

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Who could resist these loveable toys and their babies? De-stress by snuggling up with Mabel Bunny and her friends – oversized crocheted toys, perfect for giant cuddles and little hands. Not just for children, the soft, chunky yarn and floppy limbs will appeal to all, so make them for yourself or give as gifts (if you can bear to part with them). Mabel makes a great reading companion and at about 70cm tall from head to paws, the animals sit comfortably on a shelf or at the end of your bed. As well as fifteen different animals to crochet and love, including a dragon, a polar bear, a red panda and a pig, you can also make a mini Mabel, octopus and koala, which are 30-40cm tall. The projects are pitched at beginners to improvers and are suitable for someone who has mastered the basics of crochet. So be inspired, choose a pattern to start and be prepared to fall in love with this collection of adorable toys.

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Make your own collection of irresistibly cute knitted animals in soft, fleecy yarn. This gorgeous knitting book for knitters of all abilities by Sachiyo Ishii contains 20 lovely projects including a baby penguin, a koala bear, a guinea pig and a squirrel. All the projects are accompanied by clear, easy-to-follow patterns and photography. There is a useful page of basic techniques at the start of the book, including making up, stuffing, and simple, decorative surface stitching. These lovely mini knits are all bursting with character and feel extra soft and snuggly. All the projects are exquisitely designed and very easy to make. They make perfect gifts and will delight young and old alike.

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Jane Nicholas is one of the world's leading embroiderers, specializing in stumpwork. Her exquisite embroideries in goldwork and stumpwork are inspired by Japanese family crests, a subject that has fascinated her for many years. In this book, Jane has selected 12 designs and interpreted them in a variety of ways using combinations of goldwork, and raised and surface stitching. The projects feature a charming array of motifs including butterflies and other insects, Japanese plants and flowers. Measuring just 10cm (4in) square, each is worked on an assortment of silk Japanese kimono fabrics, and is accompanied by detailed instructions, a stitch diagram and the outline for the design. At the start of the book there is a fascinating history of Japanese family crests, followed by a stitch directory and a techniques section covering how to prepare your background fabric, how to transfer the design and how to work with wire. Illustrated throughout with sumptuous photography and informative diagrams, this is a treasure trove of ideas and inspiration for embroiderers and lovers of Japanese culture alike.

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This beginner’s guide to painting the landscape in acrylics is ideal if you want to learn to paint but are short on time. Each of the 33 quick-and-easy studies takes no more than 30 minutes, and will teach you how to apply a crucial technique to your work, or paint a particular aspect of the natural landscape. The book also contains 3 larger paintings that demonstrate how to combine the elements learned into vibrant and inspiring landscapes Build up your skills in easy chunks, learning about form and composition, colour mixing, working with acrylics and capturing the drama of the natural world. The exercises are all worked at postcard size – ideal for a 6 x 4 inch (A6) watercolour pad. All the required tracings are included.

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Barry Herniman shows the reader how to capture the essence of a scene, and to inject that extra something: mood and atmosphere. This 'extra something' is what many watercolour artists seek, and it is clearly explained and beautifully demonstrated in this practical and enthralling guide to painting a variety of landscapes. This beautiful book brings Barry Herniman's stunning artwork to the fore with a sumptuous redesign, complete with new inspirational artworks and expanded sections on colour mixing and techniques.

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