Search results for ""search press ltd""

Be amazed at how easily you can paint beautiful flowers in simple steps. Artist Becky Amelia shares her easy-to-follow approach to painting, with a range of beautiful flowers in her distinctive and contemporary style. Using only a few brushes and a small collection of watercolour and gouache paints, this book will inspire you with 25 stunning step-by-step projects to paint, including single flowers, leaves, wreaths and bouquets. Learn to paint sunflowers, tulips, poppies, lilies, wildflower arrangements, dried flowers and many more pretty stem arrangements. Feel inspired by Becky's intricate and delicate style and create beautiful floral paintings that you too could turn into gorgeous notecards, stationery, gifts or to keep as lovely, framed paintings.

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New baby on the way? What better time than to crochet a beautiful matching gift set for the precious little one? Sue Rawlinson of 'Sweetpea Family Crochet' has designed six beautiful coordinated bundles for every occasion, from bringing the baby home to that all-important first outing. Each bundle includes a baby blanket plus two or three other gifts such as a soft bunny to cuddle, a pretty garland to hang, a baby bear comforter, a hot water bottle cosy and snuggly mittens for a newborn or age 0–3 months. There are 25 projects in total, so you are spoilt for choice, and each gift set is worked in coordinated colourways and styles. Along with illustrated crochet techniques, there are also suggestions for gifting and finishing touches such as crocheted ties to keep your blanket folded when you give it as a gift. The blanket ties can be embellished with mini pompoms, crochet hearts or crochet flowers. Many of the smaller projects such as cosy beanie hats can be finished in an evening, so they are satisfying to make and even more satisfying to give away. With pastel shades, simple designs and soft textures, parents, grandparents and friends will be reaching for their crochet hooks to make gorgeous handmade items for their bundle of joy.

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'This book will provide you with enough inspiration to keep you sewing all through the year.'Popular PatchworkMake 37 gorgeous Scandi-style felt decorations, embellished with simple but stunning embroidery stitches.

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The perfect companion for anyone new to machine sewing, or looking for a little extra guidance, this book is packed with friendly advice, stylish projects and expert sewing tips. Sewing machine guru and popular author, Wendy Gardiner, brings you this invaluable guide to getting up and running with a sewing machine. She includes all the basics, including machine anatomy, how to thread up, and how to check stitching and tension. Once you have built up your skills, there are 12 great projects to make, including: a patchwork placemat, a drawstring bag, an appliquéd pillow, a clutch bag, a tablet cover, tab top curtains, a quilted pot holder, and a notebook cover – there is something for everyone. Each project is designed to teach techniques such as sewing seams, adding buttonholes and zips, blind hems, quilting, free-motion embroidery, using an alphabet and making pleats, trims and pockets. There is also a glossary of all the important terms, and an excellent trouble-shooting guide. Revised, updated and expanded edition of The Very Easy Guide to Using Your Sewing Machine (9781844488285).

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Chinese brush painting is a traditional style of painting that has evolved over many centuries. Artists use ink and colour pigments to paint onto rice paper or silk. An important characteristic of this kind of painting is holding and directing the brush in the right way to produce strokes that are delicate and refined. The four co-authors of this book – Sun Chenggang, Ning Xiangying, Ning Jialu and Miao Hongbo – are particularly gifted proponents of this style, which has connections with traditional calligraphy. Chinese brush painting typically includes themes such as birds, plants and flowers, landscapes, fruit and vegetables and fish. This book explores these themes through the four seasons, with the peony depicted in spring, the lotus flower in summer, the vegetable harvest in autumn and the bamboo bud in winter. Many of the subjects are symbolic and have connotations of good fortune, auspiciousness, good health, a long life, a good harvest, a flourishing family, wealth – even immortality! Explained in the introduction to each project, the symbolism is followed by clear, step-by-step instructions and illustrations. There is a short section at the beginning of the book describing tools, materials and techniques to help readers achieve the almost ethereal beauty and delicacy of this style of painting.

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A fun how-to sketchbook for drawing portraits and selfies! Sketch Your Best Self is a quirky guide to drawing all kinds of faces – starting with your own! The book is split into four sections, covering the basics, how to draw faces, building bodies and selfie style. This comprises how to draw features, how to create different expressions, drawing bodies and limbs and lots of fun stuff including how to create a selfie in pop art style, full colour, monochrome and retro classics style. So pucker up for creating lips, decide if today is a good or bad hair day, practise some photobooth-style expressions, build your friends limb by limb, add some attitude, then try out the fun and whimsical drawing challenges with super fun pages based around Snapchat style filters. Don’t be left out – this beautiful book is fully inclusive and can be enjoyed by everyone!

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Learn everything you need to become a manga artist, with step-by-step instructions, exercises to develop your skills, and tips and tricks. With the interest in manga-style art now stronger than ever – its influence can be seen in films such as Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro by Studio Ghibli, amongst other movies – this is the perfect book to slipstream into manga drawing. Packed full of step-by-step sequences for face, body, and poses, you too can draw in the manga-art style. Learn how to draw figures in the characteristic style of your favourite characters by building a portfolio of drawings. At the end of each chapter is a series of practice exercises where you’re encouraged to trace or freehand draw subjects from earlier on. You’ll end up with a portfolio of sketches charting your artistic development. There is also an inspirational artists-in-residence section, where various artists share their manga-art secrets and showcase their own art.

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This indispensable book is your go-to guide to colour crochet. It's packed with inspiration, including a comprehensive guide to choosing and using colour, a collection of 40 vibrant colour stitch patterns, a guide to Intarsia, Mosaic, Fair Isle and tapestry crochet, the authors' own innovative 'smart' charting method, shared here for the first time, PLUS 10 wonderful crochet projects. The book will take readers step by step through the stitch patterns and techniques using photos, charts and accessible text. Helpful hints and tips are given throughout the book. The 10 stunning projects include a bag, hat, blankets, mittens and baskets, which will give readers the opportunity to practice their newly-acquired skills.

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This very easy guide opens up the wonderful world of twisted stitches to knitters of any ability, even complete beginners. It is an indispensable introduction to all kinds of stitches, from simple mock cables to intricate bobble-textured plaits, for both cable panels, accents, and all-over repeats. Learn the basic techniques and practise the stitches with clear instructions and step-by step photos – then use your skills to make 13 specially designed projects, from giant-cable throws that stitch up quickly on large needles, to snuggly hats and scarves and more adventurous accessories and home comforts. Each stitch pattern is featured in both written and chart form so you can get used to using either method when working from other commercial patterns. So whether you’re a knitting novice or a dab hand, cables have never been easier to make. This is a reissue of the previously best-selling published book The Very Easy Guide to Cable Knitting (9781844485314).

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Stylish retro travel posters bring to mind summer holidays, happiness and fun. Perennially popular as wall art, their strong designs and clean, flat colours are perfect for hobby artists to emulate. A complete guide to producing your own travel-poster art, this book includes guidance on composing a strong design, selecting colours to make sure your artwork pops, and adding lettering for a picture-perfect finished poster. Learn to create key poster elements such as clouds, skies, water and architecture, and discover how to add your own stylized lettering. There are six striking international projects to complete, or you can use your newfound skills to celebrate your own home town or treasured place. This book is packed with examples of Susie West’s inspiring artwork and a short history of travel posters. Since 2015, Susie West has been working her way around the UK recreating the upbeat, retro charm of travel posters in the modern world. This book shares her techniques and secrets for producing fun, charming artwork. Suitable for beginners, this is a great way into art for those who want to develop their skills, or for experienced artists wanting to try something new.

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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 tutor Rachel Doyle, this book contains an extensive guide to canvaswork techniques, and includes complete information on the major stitches while offering stunning new design ideas. Here you will find diagonal stitches, horizontal and vertical stitches, raised, textured and filling stitches. Decorative effects are explored too, making this a fantastic source book and an invaluable reference for canvaswork stitches.

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This fourth book in the 'Kawaii' series is packed with adorable creatures from a range of cultures and mythologies. In the hands of author-teacher Angela Nguyen, even a three-headed dog is drawn in a style that will have any young artist cooing! This book teaches young readers what kawaii is all about and how to draw any mythical animal in an adorable style. There are clear step-by-step diagrams that are great for visual learners and make it super-easy to follow the instructions. The wonderful beasts are organized by the terrain in which they are found: air, water and land. There is also a section devoted to how young readers can create their own creatures: elephants with tiny wings, bunnies with unfeasibly large ears, and 'mash-ups' like giant bats. Angela has created 'feature spreads' showing imagined landscapes where some of these creatures might safely graze. Taking cuteness to the next level, this wonderful resource makes drawing instantly achievable and great fun!

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Jessica Palmer, illustrator and papercutter, has created 80 pages of enchanting hand-drawn pictures for you to colour and lose yourself in. The images all have a magical theme, and each one includes a hidden charm intricately worked into the design for readers to discover and colour in. The book will include designs that fit on a single page as well as those that extend across a double-page spread. Some of the designs fill the entire page and others sit within it. There is also a page on 'how to colour a gem'. The book uses high quality paper which means there is no show-through.

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Illustrator and papercutter, Jessica Palmer, has created 80 pages of enchanting hand-drawn pictures for you to colour and lose yourself in. The images all have a magical woodland theme, and each one includes a hidden jewel, intricately worked into the design, which will include rings, brooches, pendants, chains, bracelets and earrings featuring insects, animals and leafy patterns. The book includes designs that fit on a single page as well as those that extend across a double-page spread. Some of the designs fill the entire page and others sit within it. Others have space left for the reader to extend the design themselves.

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Unicorns have captured the imagination of people all over the world. These fantastical creatures have never been so popular, and well-known fantasy artist Sharon Hurst shows you how to bring them to life in this, her first book. Containing 26 different unicorns to draw in a range of poses and styles, each one is achieved in just 7 simple steps, making this book suitable for all ages and abilities. Each one starts with a few basic shapes and is developed into a finished tonal drawing, and a final coloured version shows you how to take your drawing even further. Choose from majestic winged creatures or playful young unicorns and discover how easily you too can create these amazing fantasy animals.

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Embroidery artist Hisako Nishisu invites you to try her new collection of elegant cross stitch designs, inspired by the beauty and simplicity of wildflowers and grasses. There are over 30 stunning motifs to choose from, so whether you admire the lily of the valley or the violet, or prefer to stitch the Japanese silverleaf, there is sure to be a project that will catch your eye. After a gallery of beautifully photographed embroideries, a cross stitch overview is provided outlining the tools, materials and techniques needed for completing these charming samplers. This is followed by a clear, full-page chart for each design. Once your floral sampler is finished, frame it and hang it for a beautiful addition to any room, or use the designs to add pretty motifs to your linens, clothing and accessories.

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Eggs aren’t just for breakfast! With a bit of imagination, they can also be transformed into beautiful decorative items and gifts. A modern and accessible hobby, egg art is something all generations can take part in, and connect over. Egg Art feeds into the current trend of working and crafting with natural, everyday objects, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Hatch a plan and get cracking on your egg-cellent designs now!

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An expert guide to popular surface-stitching techniques, suitable for stitchers of all abilities! Drawing on work previously published in the popular Beginner's Guide to Needlecrafts series, and originally published as The Stitching Book, this definitive guide to stitching provides a must-have reference for anyone interested in stitching and embroidery. Aimed at both beginners and those wishing to explore new areas or to develop their existing skills, this book provides a complete, step-by-step guide to traditional stitching techniques, including drawn thread embroidery, hardanger, goldwork, stumpwork, silk shading, crewel embroidery, Mountmellick and blackwork. Each section is authored by best-selling embroidery experts Patricia Bage, Jill Carter, Ruth Chamberlin, Kay Dennis, Clare Hanham, Jane Rainbow, Pat Trott and Lesley Wilkins, and leads the reader carefully through the history of the technique; the materials and equipment required; and the most popular stitches used. The sections include hands-on projects – 26 projects in all – and are beautifully illustrated with examples of the authors' works as well as step-by-step photographs and diagrams of the methods used. This timely book is the perfect choice for anyone whose interest in stitching has been re-awakened by the current trends in embroidery and sewing, and who wishes to make beautiful, hand-embroidered items for their home.

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Discover the joys of painting abstracts in acrylics with experienced artist and tutor Anita Hörskens. In this visually exciting, inspirational book, Anita teaches you about the method of abstraction, and the paints, paper and other materials you need to create stunning paintings. Chapters cover the areas of texture, collage, composition, colour, line, shape and pattern, with 55 clear and accessible projects to put your skills and ideas into practice. There are techniques to try such as impasto, using glazes, bronze gilding, linear overlays and monochrome painting. This highly practical book will build confidence in your painting and allow you to express yourself through the visual language and style of abstract painting.

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Over 20 different contemporary embroideries to transfer and stitch, plus 11 extra transfer designs to get your creative juices flowing! In Carina's latest book, discover how to 'doodle' embroider and create over 20 different designs full of colour and personality Kickstart your journey to original, personal doodle work with a variety of designs, ranging from formal patterns – such as geometrics, mandalas, labyrinths and knots gardens – to more experimental, free-form shapes that will encourage you to explore your skills and creativity. Then, be taken step by step through Carina's 'Garden' sampler, so you can see how to forge a unique embroidery yourself with no design to follow. The 22 designs can fit either in a 3- or 6-inch hoop, which are easy to source instore or online. Each of Carina's designs will include photographs of the finished embroidery, a thread key, a stitch diagram and suggestions of how to work the design. In addition, Carina will give advice on how to rework her embroidery, to encourage your own creativity. At the back of the book, a corresponding transfer can be found so that you can easily draw the design outline onto your own fabric. Essential materials and easy-to-follow techniques chapters can be found at the beginning of the book, along with step-by-step stitch diagrams for the 15 embroidery stitches used to make all the designs in the book – providing you with a fuss-free, colourful crash-course. Finally, there are 11 extra transfers at the back of the book, offering variations and ideas for you to dive into and work up your own unique stitcheries!

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Napkins add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your dining table and this book is a wonderful source of inspiration to help you decorate and customize your home with taste and creativity. Napkins are functional as well as decorative, and there are 40 imaginative designs to choose from, each explained through clear, step-by-step instructions and illustrations. There are folds to suit every occasion from a smart dinner party to a family barbecue, weddings, picnics and more. Gain all the skills, techniques and expertise you need to create stunning, contemporary table decorations to a professional standard.

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Packed with 60 gorgeous projects selected from the best-selling Love to Sew series, this bumper book will give you all the inspiration you need to get creative, bust that stash and make wonderful items for your home or for friends and family. Authored by best-selling, sewing superstars such as Debbie Shore, Alistair Macdonald and Debbie von Grabler-Crozier to name a few, Love to Sew offers all the expert guidance you'll need to make useful and unique items for your home or loved ones. Choose from practical items such as coasters, a wall tidy, a door stop and a tablet case, to beautiful, decorative pillows, cosy, warm quilts and practical, stylish bags. Each project is clearly explained step by step, with supporting photographs and illustrations. The book contains all the templates needed, along with a handy techniques section at the start to make sure you have all the information you need to get going.

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Who knew just two fat quarters can be used in so many ways? Conquer that pile of odd fat quarters you've stashed away and make 16 fun and practical items for your home. Start off with an easy-to-follow crash-course on the essential techniques you'll need throughout the projects – from adding a zip and bias binding to creating patchwork. Then, jump straight into your stash and get stitching! From slippers and aprons to bowls and cable-tidy caddies, there's plenty of inspiration to get you decorating your home with your own stunning handiwork. Each project includes inspiring photography, instructive hand-drawn illustrations and heaps of handy hints and tips from sewing enthusiast, Wendy Gardiner. Ideal for sewists of all abilities, this is the ultimate, affordable stash-busting project book that will get you making practical, colourful items for your home.

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In this fun and practical introduction to patchwork and quilting, well-known TV personality Sarah Payne leads you through a series of techniques to build up your skills. Each chapter includes a number of different-sized step-by-step projects, including quilts, cushions, tote bags and table runners. Sarah discusses different shapes (squares, circles, triangles) and different techniques (appliqué, piecing blocks and curved piecing) in turn. She also includes information on basting, layering, quilting and binding, as well as pre-cuts. Filled with guidance and helpful tips and tricks, this book will equip you with all you need to know to get started on your quilting adventure. Put your skills into practice and at the same time create beautiful projects to keep or give as gifts.

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"There’s no grandstanding or showmanship, just solid, honest instructions and demonstrations that produce solid, worthwhile results." - Artbookreview.net Snow scenes make wonderful subjects for beginner watercolour artists - all you need is the know-how and confidence to give snow depth, sparkle and just the right amount of colour. Popular artist and author Grahame Booth will show you how to achieve beautiful results, using just three brushes, three paints and nine fantastic projects. Starting with a small but perfectly formed tool kit of three brushes, a mixing palette, watercolour paper and three tubes of paint, Grahame guides you step-by-step through nine projects, starting with a simple scene and progressing on to more complex ones. Even if you have never picked up a paintbrush, you will be amazed at what you will achieve by the end of this book. And along the way you will have learnt all the skills you need to start painting wonderful snow scenes of your own.

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The ancient craft of weaving has long been recognised for its humble, practical beauty and meditative qualities: while creating gorgeous decorative projects, you can also reflect and relax through the repeating motions of yarn winding over the loom. Rediscover this traditional craft and develop your weaving skills in the wonderful world of Elena Vilar, professional weaver and beloved French blogger known as Deer Jane. By following easy-to-follow instructions, learn how to create 15 woven masterpieces with a modern twist. Follow the illustrated techniques section at the beginning of the book to master the basics before you delve into Elena’s simple yet sophisticated designs. Discover how to make a cardboard loom, thread a shop-bought loom, dye wool using natural dyes, make homemade jersey yarn, wind pompoms and more. Learn the essential weaving methods through each project, starting with a simple, beautiful wall hanging in the basic stitch through to a dream catcher made with braids, soumak and rya knots. Create unique and beautiful designs by incorporating a range of materials, fabrics and imaginative embellishments. In addition, each project includes handy tips and advice to help and inspire you on your weaving journey.

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Tunisian crochet is a great way of producing stunning creative textiles and in this gorgeous book Emma Guess will show you how. Offering the perfect challenge for seasoned and new crocheters alike, Emma takes you from the absolute basics of Tunisian crochet. She then demonstrates how to develop your skills to create unique designs and textures. Accompanied by clear, step-by-step photography you’ll learn the basic stitches, then how to combine stitches and colour changes to create exciting new textures. There are three easy projects to practise your new skills, followed by ten stylish and modern projects for you to create. You can make a beautiful chunky blanket, a pair of mittens and matching scarf, a stylish shoulder bag, a chevron cushion and more. Emma’s unique style is fun, exciting and instantly alluring and these sleek and sophisticated projects will complement your home and make lovely gifts.

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The art of fire-writing is a returning trend, and there is no better way to learn the technique and inspire yourself than through this up-to-date edition of Daniel Wright's ultimate introduction to pyrography. Daniel Wright's enthusiasm for his subject is beautifully captured in a sequence of clear, easy-to-follow step-by-step photographs and unique projects. Taking his inspiration from pen-and-ink, engraving and watercolour techniques, he demonstrates many exciting methods and traditional ways of woodburning to create myriad patterns, pictures and motifs including landscapes, trees, flowers, animals and buildings. Information is included on the types of wood to use, how to prepare surfaces, working with the grain and enhancing designs. He goes on to illustrate shading and faux marquetry, and there's a section on using photographs and sketches to produce your own designs. With each new technique, a project is introduced by Daniel to help you learn and explore your new skill – from burning your own chessboard to a stunning fairytale stool design for your little one's bedroom. Finally, advice and demonstrations are provided on decorating old wooden objects, revitalizing much-loved pieces by working patterns into their worn, textured surfaces. This book will inspire, entertain and instruct you, whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced pyrographer.

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This inspiring, practical guide to goldwork and silk shading is packed with both traditional and innovative techniques, six samplers and 24 stunning projects. Learn how to create exquisite works using either goldwork or silk shading, and then learn how to combine the two disciplines for visually stunning results. Learn to select the threads, materials and equipment required; plan out the order of your work; transfer your design to fabric; frame up your fabric; and discover inspiring stitch techniques to achieve the results you want. Using nature as inspiration, develop a glittering range of exquisitely worked flowers, fungi, trees, bats and dragonflies, with each piece accompanied by detailed instructions and essential top tips. The book features original designs throughout, and you will be encouraged to extend your skills to create your own beautiful embroideries, helped by exercises, projects, diagrams, full-size templates and stunning photographs. This book is an invaluable practical starting point for anyone wishing to learn about the art of goldwork and silk shading, and an excellent reference for all those already familiar with these popular techniques.

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Beautifully photographed, this beginner-friendly guide has everything you need to make 18 lovely soaps. Inspirational for seasoned soap-makers as well, the recipes use only natural ingredients that are kind to the skin and our environment. From olive oil to juniper and cucumber to honey, there are lots of gorgeous fragrances and colours to satisfy everyone. With comprehensive information on where to start and what you need, the book includes essential tips on utensils, safety issues to consider, and by a step-by-step guide to making soap. There are also useful sections on fragrances and natural colourings and additives such as coffee and cinnamon. This book tells you everything you need to know about making your own hand-crafted soap, using tools most people already own An addictive hobby, you will find yourself making lovely, personalised soap ideas for gifting.

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Following the classic designs created in Very British Baby Knits comes this latest book by Susan Campbell for you to start knitting regal-inspired designs for your growing toddler! For many years, designer Susan Campbell has produced special pieces for a variety of high-profile clients. The collections in this book have been designed by Susan with the young Royals very much in mind, based on the popularity of the outfits worn by little Prince George and his sister Princess Charlotte. This book features 25 beautiful, hand-knitted designs ranging from clothes to toys and accessories that will make gorgeous gifts for any toddler, from 1 to 6 years old. The projects reflect the classic elegance of British design with easy-to-follow instructions and beautiful photographs. Knitters of all abilities will relish making these gorgeous designs fit for their own little prince or princess!

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Clay is an exciting material that has been used to make both practical and decorative items since prehistoric times. With this practical guidebook, learn all the skills you need to start creating your own beautiful ceramics. Step-by-step photographs and clear instructions will guide you through the core techniques, including pinching and coiling and throwing and trimming. Discover inspirational projects as your skills progress, from simple coiled vases with painted decoration to marbled clay boxes with transparent glazes. Learn how to decorate and fire your clay vessels with myriad textures, using methods such as inlays, slips, sgraffito, feathering, burnishing and resist. Following the impressive projects inside, you can put your new-found skills into practice and develop your creativity.

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Want to show your love for animals in your sewing projects, but feel you need to sew more practical pieces for your home? Look no further than this gorgeous book by designer Helen Rhiannon! In Sew Practical Pets, 18 whimsical and imaginative animal-themed projects have been designed not only to add character and colour to your home, but also to serve as functional items that will last for years to come. From useful items such an owl doorstop, a snake draught excluder and a sheep hot water bottle cover through to an elephant tea cozy, fox pillow and doggy oven mitt, there is a cute and handy little creature for every room. For kids (and the child within us), Helen has also included beautiful cat and dog toys and an animal-shaped apron. Key techniques and basic materials are detailed at the beginning of the book, and all of the projects include easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions. Templates for all the animals are provided on a fold-out sheet at the back of the book. For sewers of all abilities, bring a touch of playfulness and practicality to your home today with these fresh faux animals that you'll soon love as much as the real guys!

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'If you want to learn about gouache, this should keep you satisfied for a very long time.' Artbookreview.net If you love painting with watercolour and are ready to experiment with something different, then the versatile medium of gouache could be just the thing for you. Gouache is water-based, quick-drying and, can be painted light over dark as well as dark over light. Ideal for the beginner, it can be used thinly in a watercolour style, or more thickly as with oils or acrylics. This guide covers all the materials and tools required and has a comprehensive techniques section that includes overlaying colours, colour blending and troubleshooting. Experienced author Jeremy Ford takes you through three simple, step-by-step projects, each showcasing a unique style of painting with gouache. Numerous finished paintings are included to demonstrate the range of subjects, styles and techniques that you can achieve, and encourage you to develop your own style of painting using this exciting medium.

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Stitched Textiles: Nature is the fourth title in this successful theme-based series. It contains an extensive section on techniques, featuring step-by-step guides to machine- and hand-stitching, attaching embellishments and found objects to your work; painting and printing on fabrics including cotton, silk and Khadi paper; and using objects found in nature, such as leaves, to make unique and iconic prints. The book includes three beautiful, inspirational projects based on different facets of the natural world: Ocean, Rainforest, Botany, Birds and Animals. Stitched Textiles: Nature also features examples of the author, Stephanie Redfern's own intricate and detailed works based on nature, exploring the means by which the pieces have been created, and the wonderful stories behind Stephanie's journey as an artist. The wealth of information and visual stimuli in Stitched Textiles: Nature is intended to inspire the reader to create their own works inspired by nature. Stephanie begins by exploring the use of sketchbooks and study pages; progressing to picking out iconic elements from sketches and photographs; and eventually assembling a stunning, personal piece of stitched textile work on fabric or on cotton-blend Khadi paper; applying handstitch in metallic threads; machine stitch in whimsical and beautiful patterns; embellishing with natural beads or found objects.

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Watercolour is a wonderful medium, but it does sometimes seem to have a "mind of its own," refusing to do quite what is required. The keys to success are good planning, constant practice and a thorough understanding of your materials, so if you are new to painting, start by trying out some of the techniques and projects in this book as well as experimenting with different colour mixes and types of paper. Marylin Scott shares over 100 step-by-step sequences demonstrating how to paint a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to buildings, people, and still life. She also includes tips on presenting your finished work in a professional way, building a portfolio, and getting it seen.

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For both experienced and beginner knitters, this is an inspirational collection of favourite motifs found in the traditional knitting of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, including charming motifs of stars, hearts, flowers, leaping reindeer and dancers, as well as delightful geometric patterns, and more. Each motif is shown as a hand-knitted swatch, illustrated with clear, life-sized photographs and accompanied by easy-to-read colour charts, and a reverse colourway suggestion. With clear details on reading colour charts, and a full review of techniques for two-colour knitting, this book also gives advice on incorporating the Scandinavian motifs into a variety of different projects, allowing you to create unique designs. Includes guidance on choosing yarns, use of colour, and finishing techniques to help you hone your knitting skills and create stylish projects.

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Novelty crocheters will love this collection of mini Christmas projects to crochet ready for the festive season. Val Pierce has designed twenty different projects, including a mini Christmas stocking, a cute reindeer, a snowman, a Christmas cracker, a snowflake, star, Christmas pudding, an angel, a fairy and much more. Full crochet instructions are provided, and each project is simply photographed so that the reader can see the design clearly, and also shown in a sumptuous styled photograph, showing the beautiful possibilities of the finished pieces. There are plenty of ideas for displaying your projects, the perfect companion for a crafty Christmas.

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Following on from his successful book Watercolour Trees, Terry presents a new edition of this award-winning title, and includes a great selection of clear, detailed step-by-step demonstrations along with extra tips to show how to paint beautiful trees quickly and easily. He teaches how to paint an impression of trees, rather than showing how reproduce each leaf, and illustrates the importance of understanding shapes, perspective, light and shade, and the way foliage changes with the seasons. This is a book for all landscape artists whatever their skill levels, and anyone who wants to learn more about painting trees whether they are magnificent in their winter habitat, gloriously bedecked in spring foliage, splendid in their summer raiment or stunning when their leaves turn to russet reds and spun golds.

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A complete course, packed with instruction and profusely illustrated. This fantastic book is all you need if you want to start drawing the figure, or if you want to develop your life-drawing skills. It is the ultimate reference book, a most inspirational guide and above all it offers everything you ever needed to know, including tips on simple ways to ‘get it right’, essential advice on anatomy, help with easy drawing methods and many different examples of the drawn figure. It is important to understand how the body works and detailed sections show hands, feet, faces, limbs and much more.

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This book introduces the concept of realistic abstract painting - a loosely impressionistic form of painting that leaves much to the imagination of the viewer. The subject, though recognisable, is executed with freedom and fluidity, resulting in a painting that is far from photographic. It has been described as the 'grey' area between figurative and abstract painting, yet there is nothing dull about this style, as the numerous colourful examples in this book show. Aimed at those with some experience of painting, all the examples in this book use various forms of water-based media, including gouache, acrylics and watercolours. Designed to inspire, this book will stimulate your imagination; encourage you to try out the various methods described; and help you develop your own way of painting in this exciting style.

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Hazel Everett is an exceptionally skilled goldwork embroiderer, and in this beautiful book she passes on her knowledge and expertise in a way that is both practical and visually stunning. Drawing on traditional methods, she creates works that are brilliantly executed, in a style that is both modern and unique. Here, Hazel provides expert guidance and advice on an extensive range of goldwork embroidery techniques. Her detailed descriptions and step-by-step instructions are accompanied by clear diagrams and embroidered samples, all carefully and exquisitely worked by the author herself. Throughout the book there are numerous examples of the author's own work, providing inspiration for embroiderers who wish to extend their skills in this fascinating area. The book ends with ten fabulous projects, including richly worked samplers, Christmas tree decorations and needle books, all using the full range of techniques, threads and other materials that the reader has learnt about in the previous sections of the book. This is an invaluable reference for those already familiar with the art of goldwork embroidery, as well as an excellent starting point for anyone wishing to embark upon it. A unique source of information and inspiration for anyone interested in goldwork embroidery. All of the major techniques and materials associated with goldwork embroidery are explained through clear, step-by-step instructions, worked samples and diagrams, and there are ten fabulous projects to put into practice all the reader has learnt, allowing them to produce beautiful embroideries of their own. Numerous exquisitely worked pieces provide inspiration and ideas.

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If you have never drawn before you will love the simple approach to drawing flowers in this easy-to-follow book. Janet Whittle includes a great range of flowers, including poppies, fuchsias, geraniums, tulips, water lilies, sunflowers, daffodils and many more. Discover the delights of creating your own floral pictures with this invaluable book.

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A guide to smocking for the modern sewist

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Learn to draw any face in an illustrated style, with just 10 simple visual steps.

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Inspirational and authoritative, The Printmaking Bible is a complete guide to this traditional art practice that constantly evolves through the creative input of each new generation of artists. This guide has been created to reflect developments in different techniques and to showcase examples of new work by leading international artists across a range of print styles. Broken down into five chapters, each focuses on a major print medium: intaglio, relief, lithography, monotype/monoprint, and screenprinting. This definitive volume presents the tips and tools needed to create great artwork at any level. A brief overview of each medium is followed by illustrated step-by-step instructions, detailed historical information, troubleshooting tips, an extensive resource section, and interviews with working artists. This comprehensive guide is ideal for students and professionals alike.

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Christmas is a wonderful time of year for crafting! From imaginative handmade gifts to stunning, reusable decorations, this book contains 100 fabulous quick and easy makes for the festive season. All the projects have been carefully selected from Search Press's best-selling 20 to Make series and are perfect for crafters of all abilities. There's something for everyone in this book, including knitting, crochet, papercraft, sewing, sugarcraft, cross stitch, polymer clay and needlepoint. Each craft has a handy techniques section to get you started, followed by a range of quick projects that include embroidered snowflake bunting, papercut Christmas cards, knitted Santa and Rudolph finger puppets, crocheted stars and a sugar snowman. All the projects are made using tools and materials that are easy to source, and provide all the inspiration you need to make Christmas extra special. This title is a revised edition of Quick and Easy Christmas, 2020, updated with 50 new projects to choose from.

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The sixth book in the best-selling 'Kawaii' series teaches you how to draw almost 100 different woodland friends in an adorable manner. This kids' how-to art book lets the inquisitive child experience the woodland world through drawing, with clear step-by-step diagrams which are great for visual learners and make it super-easy to follow the instructions. Each spread - drawn in Angela's trademark playful style - offers an easy step-by-step guide to drawing adorable animals (birds, bears, and bugs), fairies, fungi, ferns and flowers, woodland folk, rock-dwelling creatures, and forest trees. Angela also shows how to draw cute woodland homes - complete with furniture, belongings, and even vehicles inspired by their forest surroundings - so kids can create a full world for their new woodland friends. You don't need any specialist tools or materials to start drawing cute stuff: all you need is a biro, marker pen or pencil, then you're ready to go!

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