Search results for ""SEARCH PRESS""

Artists who work from photographic source material need to learn how to adapt and improve in order to create a successful painting. Geoff Kersey is a master of this way of working, and here he shows how it is done. Reference photographs, colour charts and preparatory sketches are shown alongside all the finished paintings in this book, with full details of the adaptations and creative processes involved. There are plenty of clear tips and advice, and an illustrated glossary of all the painting terms used. Readers who want much more advice on adapting from reference sources than is provided in step by step painting books will have all they need here, and there are dozens of beautiful paintings to inform and inspire them.

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All watercolour landscape artists need to know how to paint water, and in this book Terry Harrison excels in demystifying the painting process. Here he shares his expert advice and no nonsense tips and techniques for producing quick, effective paintings of water. There are two or three-step exercises for painting water in all its varied moods and situations, including ripples, reflections, puddles, streams, breaking waves, choppy water, surf, bridges, riverbeds, boats, and much more. There are then ten step-by-step demonstrations that can be produced in half an hour: a misty lake, track with puddles, ford, waterfall, lazy river, stormy sea, cliffs, fishing from a boat, sunset estuary and fishing boat.

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50 Fabric Animals presents a cute collection of 50 animal-themed fabric projects to make for you and your home, or as the perfect gift for friends, family and children. The projects include teddy bears, rabbits, birds, sheep, cows, pigs, fish, mice and many more in a range of fabrics, finishes and colours, and there's a mix of styles to suit everybody, from a classic brown teddy bear to more unusual designs like the bright and funky button-eyed bunnies! There is also a selection of appliqué and embroidery projects, such as an owl mobile-phone pouch, a fish motif glasses case, a seagull cushion and a child’s bear-design coat, as well as a keyring, purse, scarf and baby’s cot quilt. Beginners will enjoy the easy-to-follow instructions along with the full pattern templates, and more experienced stitchers won't be able to resist making these charming creatures. Inspiring and imaginative, there’s even a toy rabbit to fashion from a pair of woollen gloves!

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Fair Isle knitting may look complicated, but it really is easy to do once you understand the basics. Author Lynne Watterson starts beginners off with the basics of two-color knitting: reading a Fair Isle chart; what to do with all the fiddly yarn ends, and getting to grips with circular needles. The main chapters feature a selection of beautiful stitch patterns. Each pattern has clear instructions in both written and chart form, and these are cross-referenced to a comprehensive guide to abbreviations. Each of the main chapters includes simple, stylish projects demonstrating ways to use the beautifully shaded Fair Isle patterns—from chic accessories and the latest fashion looks to contemporary cushion covers and throws.

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Renowned watercolourist, David Bellamy, shares his invaluable expertise in this complete reference book for artists, including essential advice on painting still life, flowers and plants, landscapes, buildings, people and coastal scenery. Packed with information and advice Seven step-by-step demonstrations Over 250 step-by-step photographs Dozens of inspiring paintings

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A comprehensive guide to 200 beautiful Fair Isle designs. Learn to read colour charts and rapidly gain the confidence to use these stunning designs to create your own stylish projects and garments. A unique "selector" at the beginning of the book makes it easy to choose a design you like. Organised by row and stitch count, each of the patterns is accompanied by an easy-to-follow chart indicating both the pattern stitches and the colours used, and each sample is shown charted in an alternative colourway. A "mix and match" feature lets you combine patterns with ease. Includes guidance on yarn choices and special techniques unique to Fair Isle knitting.

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Whether you are an experienced jewellery-maker looking to move up to the next level, or a complete beginner, The Encyclopedia of Wire Jewellery Making Techniques is an invaluable resource. Using this book you can: Learn how to manipulate wire to create elegant structural designs for earrings, rings, pendants, necklaces, tiaras and brooches with clear, illustrated instructions Combine wire with beads and stones through threading and wrapping for an intricately embellished look Have fun experimenting with different types of wire, from precious metal to electrical and recycled wires Progress from basic wire-working skills to more advanced techniques, such as making linked jump-ring chains, simple soldering, and using chemicals to alter the wire finish.

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Michael Powell provides twenty mini cross stitch designs, each accompanied by a full-colour chart, key and general instructions. Each of Michael's unique, quirky contemporary designs measures approximately 3½ x 3½in (9 x 9cm), though the designs come in a variety of formats and include tall, narrow designs as well as borders. All the designs can be worked on 14-count Aida or evenweave fabric. There's a broad range of subjects to choose from, including country cottages, flowers, hearts, and festive Christmas trees, so whatever the occasion, there is bound to be a design that suits it perfectly. There are general instructions and simple stitch diagrams at the beginning of the book, so even those new to cross stitch will be able to accomplish all of the projects, as well as notes on fabric preparation and washing instructions.

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Clear, challenging and inspiring, this book contains instructions for 65 abstract paintings that you can get to work on straight away, with no previous experience. All the basic information relating to picture elements, composition, theme and design is provided at the start of the book, together with an exploration of the meaning of abstract painting, and its importance as a means of self-expression and creativity. Rather than providing step-by-step instructions, each of the exercises consists of information on method, materials, technique, composition, imagery and structure which will direct you to the finished piece while at the same time allowing your creativity to flow.

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All the bears in the book are based on the same, simple knitted bear, instructions for which are provided at the beginning of the book and are easy enough for even novice knitters to follow. There are 20 unique designs, including a hiking bear complete with boots and a backpack, a beach-loving bikini bear, a sweet honey bee bear, and a pretty pink ballet dancer, each with its own knitted outfit and accessories. Every bear has its own special character, and the reader is bound to find at least one they just have to knit. Suitable for adults as well as children, they make ideal gifts, and of course there is nothing to stop the reader creating characters of their own that they can personalise to suit a particular person or occasion.

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Learn to draw the sweetest animals in an illustrated style, with just 10 simple visual steps.

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Thread journals are a way of visually reflecting on life events and occasions over one year. Needlecrafters may choose to record events one day a time or one week at time, but whatever approach they adopt, this is a fun and visually appealing way of keeping a diary. Featuring 1000 illustrated motifs, many also demonstrated as stitched examples, 365 Days of Stitches provides readers with the knowledge needed to complete their mindful 365-day project.

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The practical, indispensible, inspirational guide that every embroiderer needs. Compact enough to travel alongside your needles and threads, this is also a sumptuous visual guide to needlecraft, allowing you to embroider whatever you want, wherever you want. From making sound stitch choices to finishing your work with a flourish, the techniques within the book are those that the author uses and frequently revisits, and are simplified to ensure that the art of embroidery is within anyone's reach. If you are a beginner, you will find all the information you need to get started, and soon gain confidence in your skills. If you are an established and confident embroiderer, the book includes plenty of tips and ideas to help you progress your work even further. Dip in and out of the book as you wish, and follow your own creative embroidery aspirations! The book starts out by introducing all that you need to become an embroiderer, and then explains the basic techniques: preparing your fabric, threading the needle, and even displaying your work in a hoop. Learn a selection of simple stitches, before progressing to more complex stitches that will take your embroidery skills to the next level. Let costume designer Coline Bavois, and The Embroidery Stitch Companion, become your indispensable guides to this timeless needlecraft.

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Gnomes for your home! Stitch a year-round collection of 12 friendly gnomes for your home using this fabulous new book by sewing superstar Debbie Shore. Gnomes aren't just for winter! Sewing superstar Debbie Shore presents a friendly, fashion-forward, all new collection of 12 gnomes for your home, based on her hugely popular Erik and Ola creations from Half Yard (TM) Winter. Beginning with all the materials and tools you'll need, as well as guidance on making up the 2 body sizes (small and large) and key features such as feet, braids and beards, Debbie then shows you how to make 12 magical gnomes. From Moss the Woodland Gnome and Noel the Christmas Gnome, to Eek the Witch Gnome and Hearty the Pirate Gnome, there is a whole host of characterful friends to stitch! Fun accessories feature in the outfits throughout, including wings, a toadstool hat, flowers, bees and more - why not mix-and-match outfits and accessories, so you can make a gnome that's gn-unique to you! Full-size templates for key accessories and shapes are included at the back of the book.

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Knit 20 tiny, adorable sea creatures! Choose from a shoal of ocean favourites, including sharks, dolphins and orca, as well as dazzling blue tangs, colourful clownfish and even a few mischievous mermaids! The sizes range between 3 and 12cm (1.25 and 4.75in), so these sweet little projects are perfect for using up your yarn stash. Complete with step-by-step sewing-up, stuffing and embroidery techniques, these fun, simple patterns are ideal for knitters of all skill levels. This adorable book is a redesigned re-issue of Mini Knitted Ocean (9781782212324), 2016.

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Versatile, stylish and sustainable, this stunning collection of patterns includes snuggly mittens and beanies as well as chunky sweaters, flattering dresses, cool summer tops and even a zipped skirt. Bursting with Nordic charm and elegance, and the perfect antidote to fast fashion, every garment in this book has been lovingly designed to last. A Knitter's Year will see you through four seasons of clothes to make for your whole family; each piece is lovingly designed by the author, Ida, who is shown throughout the book, modelling the garments, along with her family, in their native Norway. The clothes include jackets, jumpers and skirts for adults, as well as cosy winter gear for the children. A Knitter's Year features 30 projects, so you'll never be wanting for inspiration, whatever the season. Some projects are new and exclusive to the book, and all designed with love by Ida herself.

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Crochet 20 of your favourite flowers! For beautiful buds that will last all year round, crochet this lovely little collection of flowers by the author of the best-selling Amigurumi Christmas book, Sarah-Jane Hicks. There are 20 stunning flowers to choose from, including a sunshine-yellow sunflower, the classic rose, a dainty daisy, a sweet snowdrop and the bumblebee’s favourite: lavender. Each flower only requires small amounts of yarn, making them ideal for using up any odds and ends. Once you’ve crocheted your blooms, use them to embellish clothing, accessories and homewares. Inside, you’ll find advice on making stunning wreaths with your flowers; there are also instructions for crocheting a wreath cover, so you can have a permanent, gorgeous flower display to hang in your home. This is a fantastic little project book in a handy pocket-size format, so you can crochet your posies wherever you go! The original best-selling Twenty to Make series has sold over 2 million copies worldwide! In a handy hardback pocket-size format that makes them perfect little gifts, each title in the All-New Twenty to Make series contains 20 brand-new projects.

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This collection of beautiful blooms will give you something colourful all year round: knit a spring bunch of daffodils, a summer bouquet of roses, a display of autumn-flowering anemones and a festive poinsettia. There are 20 projects to choose from, including: an intricate peony; a colourful freesia; a delicate viola; the iconic English rose; and the distinctive Scotch thistle. The projects contain an appealing mix of yarns, colours, techniques and textures, and feature both flat and 3D styles. They can be used as brooches, keyrings, or to decorate purses and handbags. There is also a knitted vase to make for your bouquet. This fantastic little hardback project book, in a handy pocket-size format is part of the All-New Twenty to Make series.

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An indispensable guide to painting 40 popular flowers in acrylics, perfect for flower artists. This beautiful book is a illustrated directory for acrylic flower artists, revealing how to paint 40 floral subjects, from agapanthus to zinnia, with plant-specific instructions for capturing the unique beauty of each species. All the techniques you will need are clearly explained and demonstrated, from analyzing the shape and structure of flowers to mixing and blending rich luminous colours, laying washes, creating textured effects, and adding highlights. Each featured flower includes information about its distinguishing characteristics, detailed step-by-step instructions, a complete colour palette, mini demonstrations showing special techniques and a stunning full-colour image of a finished painting.

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These delightful, characterful bears come with easy-to make outfits, and projects range from a firefighter bear, an astronaut, a judo bear, biker, waitress and policeman! All of the projects are accompanied by a clear, easy-to-follow pattern and fun photography. There's also a page of basic techniques at the start of the book, including making up, stuffing and some simple surface stitching. Following on from the success of her previous book, Twenty to Knit: Knitted Bears, this gorgeous little knitting book by popular author Val Pierce contains 20 irresistibly cute bears for knitters of all abilities.

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From the author of the best-selling art book, Pure Watercolour Painting and guest judge on Channel 5's Watercolour Challenge, Peter Cronin. Sketching is more than just drawing quickly. It is training your eye and hand to work together, to respond immediately and naturally to the scene before you. Starting from a clear, simple method to bring all the senses into play, successful author and acclaimed artist Peter Cronin shows the reader how to bring artistry and economy to their sketching; making for swift and impressive results. Whether sketching as the basis for painting, or simply for pleasure, this book teaches the reader all they need to know. Numerous simple step-by-step exercises as well as larger projects lead the complete beginner through the book, building towards more complex and rewarding artworks. The book teaches how to sketch with a range of media, starting from graphite pencil and including information and exercises on charcoal, pen and ink and others. In the best-selling Absolute Beginner series, this book is suitable for absolutely everybody who wants to take their sketching skills further and become an accomplished artist.

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Explore abstract art with a mix of media and methods, under the guidance of expert artist Helen Kaminsky. 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. Abstracts and Mixed Media is aimed at artists who wish to explore the possibilities offered by mixed media in new and impressive ways. Helen's love of colour and experimentation is carried through layers of imagery and texture with a gloriously vibrant mix of traditional and imaginative new techniques. It is the experimental combination of these methods that gives each painting its unique glowing quality. Artists will discover different ways of mixing and blending paint with unusual materials, collage techniques, fun printing methods, mark-making with found objects, and original ways to incorporate homemade stencils and stamps into their work. Helen leads the reader through her exciting range of techniques using charcoal, gesso, oil pastels, wet and dry media, printing and mark-making materials, and collage.

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From the author of the best-selling The Overlocker Technique Manual now comes The Coverstitch Technique Manual. 'Julia is an excellent teacher and totally demystifies the world of the coverstitch machine. She gently takes you step by step through the functionalities of the machine and then gives you some easy projects to put into practice what you have learnt. I would highly recommend this book to anybody who owns or is thinking of buying a coverstitch machine.' Josie Hawes - founder of Fabric Godmother Aimed at sewers of all abilities, this is the perfect guide to help you get the most out of your coverstitch machine. Use it for hemming and finishing garment openings, especially when working with stretch fabrics. Create seams, stitch corners, finish necklines and other raw edges, and make decorative stitches. Jam-packed with useful information, Julia shows you how to set up your machine, how to adjust the settings and how to finish and secure ends. Comprehensive step-by-step instructions and photographs demonstrate the essential stitches and sewing techniques. From stabilizing fabrics to finishing cuffs and necklines, this book covers it all! Put these skills into practice to create a simple summer dress, gift bag, table runner, bikini, washbag and more. The coverstitch machine is so versatile! The troubleshooting section equips you with strategies and hints for fixing mistakes. There is also a buyer’s guide to different coverstitch machines, to help you select the right machine for you.

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Crewelwork embroidery traditionally features bold striking designs, rich vivid colours and thick textured woollen thread, and these designs are certainly no different. Crewel Inspirations highlights the very best crewelwork has to offer in both design and technique. Featuring talented embroidery designers Hazel Blomkamp, Di Kirchner, Phillipa Turnbull, Margaret Light and Susan Casson, this special collection, including cushions, a footstool, a mandala, a framed picture and a jewellery roll, have been curated into one publication. With 8 stunning crewelwork projects to make, there are clear step-by-step instructions, pullout patterns, a stitch guide and all the information you need to create them. Discover the origins, stitches, techniques and designs that are uniquely crewelwork, and learn how to make your own beautiful works of art.

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Kay Dennis is passionate about Stumpwork. This intricate, raised and padded embroidery has its origins in the 17th century, and is enjoying a revival amongst embroiderers and lacemakers. It is wonderfully versatile and will appeal both to the novice and needleworker. Using a mix of flat, padded, wired and free-standing elements, it employs a wide range of embroidery techniques. This comprehensive and colourful book covers both basic and needle lace techniques – sections on each contain a series of elaborate step-by-step demonstrations showing how to work individual techniques, followed by a project combining all the methods. Kay takes inspiration from a variety of sources and her designs include animals, flowers, fruits and insects – popular motifs in the 17th century. She also creates contemporary designs and there are advanced projects on landscape and figurative work. A gallery of Kay's work is included to inspire the reader.

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These are beautifully delicate Christmas cross stitch designs to delight the heart and soul! If you love cross stitch, you need this book. Extremely pretty these designs from accomplished embroiderer Hélène Le Berre are light and airy, using backstitch to outline and emphasize with great skill. Split into chapters on Advent Foliage, Christmas Animals, Festive Foliage and Amazing Alphabets, there is a lovely range of designs to fit every Christmas situation. You can make beautiful cutlery pockets with fox, bunny or baby deer motifs, a reindeer photo album cover, a pine cone confectionery sachet, personalized gift labels and many more elegant embroidered Christmas items. The charts are beautifully presented, along with a comprehensive techniques section at the back of the book. Suitable for beginners to more advanced stitchers, these designs are achievable and utterly gorgeous.

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Rob Wareing has built a formidable international reputation as a portrait artist. This is his first book, and here he draws on over 40 years' experience to provide a complete guide to painting portraits in oils. In Rob's view, the most effective way to capture character is by working from life rather than photographs, and to follow the alla prima method to create a painting in one sitting. Starting with a fascinating overview of the subject, Rob then guides the reader through the materials he uses, explains how to pose and light the sitter, and how to prepare the work area before starting to paint. This is followed by detailed coverage of design and composition, the importance of proportions, and the painting process itself – from colour mixing through to finishing a painting without over-working. With clear, step-by-step demonstrations and numerous examples of the author's work throughout, this book provides both an expert guide to portrait painting and a unique insight into the working methods of one of the world's leading portrait painters.

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Award-winning artist Angela Gaughan shares with you a life time's worth of experience in art. This book provides an insight into the distinctive techniques Angela Gaughan uses to achieve her amazingly detailed, life-like wildlife paintings. It is an inspirational guide to painting in acrylics; both for experienced artists who are interested in Angela’s methods, and those wishing to improve their skills. Sumptuous colour is at the heart of Angela's vivid, beautiful art work. Her unique techniques combine the advantages of acrylics and oils. In this inspirational book, Angela shares with you a lifetime's worth of experience in art. Learn her unique approach to using acrylics to produce depth and character in your own wildlife artwork, and follow the step-by-step demonstrations as you build up your skills. The book begins with detailed coverage of the materials, tools and media Angela uses. Chapters on colour and light, gathering reference, and composition build upon Angela's working method guiding you through her stages of working, from using photographic references, through completing a tonal drawing, to using transparent washes and opaque colours to create a full painting. The instructional techniques then connect into substantial chapters on colour, composition and finish off with masterwork techniques to help more advanced artists push their artwork further.

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Containing 6 wonderful step-by-step projects and ideas for many more, this highly practical guide is aimed at those who are new to doll making, as well as more experienced needlecrafters. It contains the best of Jan Horrox's previous titles: Introduction to Making Cloth Dolls and Making Fantasy Cloth Dolls. Jan’s beautiful dolls are exquisitely made, yet by breaking the process down into easy-to-follow steps, they become surprisingly easy to achieve. Full of character and life, Jan’s dolls are made using a wide range of colourful fabrics, trims, ribbons and buttons and are ideal for using up scraps and oddments of materials. There are clear, step-by-step instructions for making hands and feet, making hair, and needlesculpting and painting the exquisite faces to really bring the dolls to life. There are also instructions for making webbed fingers and delicate fairy wings as well as a mermaid's tail. Full-size templates for all the body pieces are supplied at the back of the book. With 6 projects to choose from, including fairies, wood nymphs, mermaids, witches and a steampunk doll, this book provides all the means and inspiration you need to make your own gorgeous dolls.

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This is a practical and comprehensive guide for all watercolour enthusiasts, from the beginner who wishes to explore this popular painting medium to the experienced artist looking for inspiration and ideas. Starting with advice on materials, colour and composition, the book goes on to describe basic and more advanced techniques and the wonderful effects they can produce. Fourteen easy-to-follow, step-by-step demonstrations show the reader how to paint skies, trees, water, buildings and flowers, and each section is accompanied by a selection of inspirational paintings by the seven featured artists, in a rich variety of styles. Originally published as 'Working with Watercolour', this book uses material from the 'Leisure Arts' series.

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Praise for the Build a Bag series: "These books are ideal for those new to bag making and will help readers grow their bag-making skills and confidence as they work through the projects. The plastic templates are a brilliant idea and a great bonus." - The Sewing Directory New to the highly acclaimed Build a Bag series, Debbie Shore brings you a selection of 15 brilliant backpacks! The 15 designs are created using the full-size rigid template contained within the book. It is easy-to-use, durable, reusable, wipe-clean and perfect for fussy cutting, plus it is simple to position and use – there is no need to pin it. The backpacks are made using different techniques, pockets, straps and fastenings to create 15 very different results. But why stop there? The template can also be used for your own design variations. As you mix and match the techniques covered within the book, Debbie gives advice on how to adapt and create your own unique designs. Each project in the book is explained using Debbie’s friendly style and easy-to-follow step-by-step photography, and there is also a comprehensive techniques section and a guide to using the template.

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Create twenty practical and stunning basketry projects for your home and garden. Author Sylvie Bégot uses coloured cane to bring this enduring, traditional craft right up to date. She uses simple techniques that are clearly explained through step-by-step photographs and instructions. Anyone can create one of these basketry projects – no special skills are required, and the baskets can be made at home.

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Learn how to draw all kinds of woodland animals using this fun and easy step-by-step method. Starting with simple shapes, Susie Hodge shows you how easy it is to develop circles, rectangles, squares and ovals into an exciting selection of animals and birds including rabbits, badgers, woodpeckers, wolves, squirrels and chipmunks. If you have never drawn before this is definitely the book for you, and there is a lot here to inspire more experienced artists too.

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Fair Isle knitting has a timeless appeal, and is celebrated all over the world for its beautiful patterns and distinctive motifs. Using just two colours in each row you can create a myriad of different patterns that are deceptively easy to achieve. In this definitive guide, expert knitting designer and best-selling author Monica Russel teaches you the essential skills of this traditional colourwork technique and provides all the inspiration you need to create stunning Fair Isle patterns of your own. The book includes a fascinating history of Fair Isle knitting, and takes a close look at the yarns, needles and other tools you need to get started in colourwork There are step-by-step instructions on the key techniques for creating Fair Isle patterns, including choosing colours and using charts, all illustrated with step-by-step photographs and an abundance of colourful examples A stunning collection of pattern swatches provides inspiration and instruction for over 45 borders, patterns and motifs, all accompanied by a written pattern, chart and examples in various colourways To practise your new skills, there are 14 items to knit, ranging from a simple hat to a stunning dress and waistcoat.

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Amanda Hislop’s Seascapes is a wonderful reference tool for all textile artists, whatever their skills level. Amanda puts particular emphasis on taking your work from initial inspiration through to the design stage. Her advice and guidance is all clearly explained through practical exercises and inspirational examples that then lead to projects which build upon and consolidate the lessons learned. Textile artists, embroiders, painters and quilters – whatever their skill level – will be inspired by Amanda’s deep love for and fascination with the varied moods of the sea and coastal landscapes. Exploration – both of technique and design – is at the heart of this book. Amanda reveals the skills and processes she uses to make her incredible textile seascapes. Featuring original projects, practical and enjoyable design exercises, and extensive sections on composition and mark-making, this instructional guide is brimming over with fabulous ideas for a stunning selection of fabric and stitch scenes.

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Add a gorgeous finishing touch to any outfit! This mouthwateringly colourful book contains 20 beautiful bags to sew from popular designer Debbie von Grabler-Crozier. It includes a huge variety of different styles and sizes, from totes and bucket bags to backpacks, clutches and shoulder bags, and Debbie makes each one easy. The book contains a complete guide to all the techniques needed, shown using easy-to-follow step-by-step photography. Also included is a section on creating beautiful finishing touches, including embroidery, applique, crocheted flowers, beaded charms and labelling. All the templates required are included on a handy pull-out sheet.

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The latest addition to the Love to Sew series, this new title from best-selling author Debbie Shore contains 15 gorgeous, practical items that every sewer will love to make, use or give as gifts. The book contains storage solutions and sewing accessories to equip every sewing space. The projects range from practical storage solutions such as tool rolls, carry cases and cutting mat carriers to innovative ways to keep a sewing space tidy, such as a handy armchair storage device and an ironing station, complete with board cover and handy hanging pouch for storing a mini iron and attachments. The book also contains colourful sewing room essentials such as a pincushion, a seam press and handmade bobbins, and inspiring items perfect to give as gifts: a sewing room diary cover and a sewing case. The book contains a comprehensive materials and techniques section at the beginning, showing clearly all the techniques needed, with beautiful photography and easy-to-follow instructions. Each of the projects contains step-by-step photography and clear instructions so that even beginners will find these projects a doddle.

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Marjolein Kruijt's deep and abiding love of animals is obvious in this book, which will teach you the technical aspects of drawing domestic and wild animals, such as different breeds of dog and cat, and long and short fur. In addition, it will help you to capture their inner nature.

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Discover all the essential skills one stitch at a time. With clear step-by-step tutorials and charts you'll find the stitches quick and easy to learn. The blocks are organised according to skill level, progressing from basic knit and purl stitches to more challenging techniques such as cable and lace. Practice one new stitch at a time before you’re ready to move on to the next one. At the back of the book, you’ll find a handful of inspirational projects that teach you how to combine your blocks for unique and stylish results.

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Renowned quiller, Jane Jenkins explains all the techniques needed using step by step photographs and clear instructions. She has designed a beautiful project to go with each technique, so that readers can produce lovely quilled work while building their skills. Learn this addictive craft from closed loose coils and alternative side looping to fringed flowers, crimping, zigzagging and tendrils, while creating a Victorian Fan, an Art Nouveau Iris, Foxgloves, a Butterfly and more. Patterns are provided for all the projects. Ideal for beginners, but with plenty to inspire experienced quillers too.

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Part of the bestselling A-Z series, this title explores the handiest stitches and techniques for use in the practice of wool embroidery. Clear step-by-step instructions lead the reader through the stitches themselves; and beautiful designs created by readers of Inspirations magazines in Australia aid the reader in putting the techniques into practice. A great accompaniment and follow-on to the A-Z of Embroidery Stitches.

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Rock Art! is the ultimate guide to painting eccentric art on rocks! This book makes it possible for anyone to create extraordinary art projects and crafts with ordinary rocks. The first part of the book will give you tips as to how to go about picking your pebbles and how to get started. You’ll find that your finished rock art projects can be used in practical, stylish, fun and decorative ways. Once painted, pebbles can be used as jewellery, lucky amulets, games, love tokens, bookends, special gifts or home and garden décor objects! Get creative and use your rock painting art in a variety of crafty projects.

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An easy to follow guide to producing beautiful Japanese braids using Kumihimo disks and plates; templates for which are printed on the cover flap ready to be cut out and used. There is advice on the yarns or threads to use, arranging the threads on the disk or plate, producing many different types of braid, braiding with beads, finishing off and using the braids to make bracelets, necklaces, bag handles and much more.

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Portraits are timeless and enthralling, and a discipline to which many artists aspire. Experienced artist David Thomas demonstrates how to use watercolour, pencil and charcoal to produce rewarding results in your portrait work. This book will show you how to fill your paintings with life and character, and explain clearly how to build your sketches up into more developed drawn artwork, and from there to inspiring watercolour portraits. Learn to use watercolour, pencil and charcoal to produce fresh and approachable portraits invested with life and character.

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Starting with just four of these stitches, Jane clearly demonstrates, with detailed step-by-step photographs, how to work up a complete project. Instructions show how to stretch and mount your first embroidery. Using further projects she helps you build up skills, introducing new stitches in each section. Line drawings accompany each design and are used as a guide for the stitches. The designs and colours used are traditional - reminiscent of the embroidery worked by embroiderers during the Tudor period, wonderful floral pictures worked in wool and soft colours. The book is a comprehensive introduction to this lovely technique and at the same time it offers embroiderers practical help with presentation and finishing.

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New and updated edition of the best-selling book 75 Birds, Butterflies & Beautiful Beasties to Knit & Crochet! Expand your knit and crochet repertoire with this delightful menagerie of miniature bugs and beasts: from creepy crawlies and weird wrigglers to beautiful butterflies and splendid metallic dragonflies. Use them to decorate your clothes and accessories, to give as gifts — or to decorate your gift wrap and greeting cards — and to collect as a creative display piece. Choose from winged insects and flying fancies, hanging horrors, cute ladybirds and perfect honeybees, tropical terrors and garden favourites. Each critter is cross-referenced to a complete pattern or chart at the back of the book, with information on stuffing, finishing and yarn requirements. There are also helpful hints on creating iridescence and translucent wings. The books also includes leaves, flowers, shells and other elements from the natural world.

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The essential guide to drawing manga figures. Ideal for seasoned comic artists or complete beginners, this fantastic book is packed with clear instructions and inspiration for drawing manga figures. It begins with the basics and contains galleries of body parts, expressions and hair styles to inspire and encourage the reader, along with step-by-step guides to mastering fundamentals such as anatomy and hands and feet. A range of profiles, characters, genders and ages is included. Build up skill through drawing and inking and then experiment using different colouring media – including markers, watercolour acrylics and pencils – to achieve outstanding results. This title was previously published as Manga - The Mega Guide (9781782210764)

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This comprehensive knitting manual has everything you need to start knitting. It includes a wide range of techniques, including lace, cables, textured patterns, colourwork, beaded knitting and embellishment, all accompanied by fully-illustrated step-by-step instructions that are perfect for the absolute beginner. For more experienced knitters there are advanced techniques and useful pointers to give their knitted items that professional touch. At the back of the book there's a link to 25 how-to videos to help you if you get stuck on a particular technique. The book starts with a run-through of the basic tools and equipment you’ll need, as well as a guide to choosing the right yarn and needles. This is followed by a trouble-shooting SOS section that shows you how to spot and avoid mistakes, and tips on how to rescue and fix common errors. The book concludes with handy information on how to connect with fellow knitters to share and sell your work, and how to find charity projects. Previously published as Complete Knitting Skills (9781844489015).

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