Search results for ""schiffer""

Travel with local resident and photographer Gary J. Sikorski on a tour of 101 things to do and see in this beautiful coastal state. Known for its sandy beaches and quaint seaside towns, the smallest state contains many big wonders. Through more than 300 stunning photographs, explore cramped antique shops in Chepachet, climb historic lighthouse towers on Narragansett Bay, marvel at lavish Great Gatsby-era mansions in Newport, visit world-class art galleries in Providence, climb the rocky cliffs on Block Island, and feast on freshly steamed lobster with the ocean breeze blowing through your hair in Bristol. Captions and text include helpful tips from a local's perspective and other useful information. Handy maps of the state, Newport, Providence, and Block Island are also included. Whether it’s your first trip to the Ocean State or you’re a local, you are sure to find something new and exciting that Rhode Island has to offer.

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Embark on a captivating journey into the enchanting realm of luminous alcohol inks with Pigments of Your Imagination. This comprehensive and enriched guide unveils the magic of alcohol inks, a cutting-edge medium that has taken the art community by storm. Delve into a prismatic world, where these mercurial, versatile, and surprisingly affordable inks captivate with their wild array of colors. Revel in an expansive exploration of alcohol inks as this book presents a wealth of new insights and techniques, complemented by over 50 captivating works from esteemed guest artists in an inspiring gallery. Gain valuable expertise on selecting the perfect inks for each project, and unlock the potential of a plethora of fascinating techniques and tools. Unlock the secrets of working on diverse surfaces, including paper, glass, metal, fabric, and plastic, through meticulously crafted, step-by-step demonstrations. Whether you are a budding craftsperson or a seasoned professional artist, this essential resource caters to all skill levels, empowering you to harness the full potential of alcohol inks. Pigments of Your Imagination is your gateway to unleashing boundless artistic ingenuity and igniting your creative spirit. Embrace the possibilities, explore uncharted territory, and infuse your art with the brilliant radiance of alcohol inks. Discover the allure of this innovative medium and set forth on a journey that will redefine your artistic expression.

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This book is the first detailed, illustrated guide to the military uniforms, civilian clothing, and equipment worn and used by Soviet soldiers and Mujahideen warriors in Afghanistan from December 1979 to February 1989. With over 500 images, this book presents front-line soldiers, NCOs, and officers in the main combat branches of the Soviet armed forces as well as Mujahideen warriors, actually ordinary Afghans, who were thrust by fate into the midst of a relentless guerrilla war against one of the largest regular armies in the world. Uniforms presented in this book are assembled in configurations confirmed by wartime photos. All photographs taken for this book are genuine service-issue or private-purchase Soviet and Afghan Mujahideen items.

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From the founding of democracy in the Western Hemisphere to the modern skyscrapers, take a quick yet in-depth tour of America’s sixth-largest city. From Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell you will continue on to its beautiful parks, annual flower show, monuments, festivals, architecture, universities, and dynamic city skyline. See its diverse neighborhoods and the iconic South Street. Witness street artists and the classics at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Crave sinking your teeth into a Philly cheesesteak and the variety of mouthwatering foods for sale in the unique markets. Philadelphia's sights are wrapped up for you in a beautifully photographed and designed compact book to hold as your own keepsake or to give as a gift to a special friend, family member, or business associate.

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View 170 quilts that were in homes and collections in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and learn about the county's role as a crossroads in our nation's history. Documented by members of the Letort Quilters, specimens from the 1700s through 1970 are showcased in beautiful detail, inviting the reader to learn more about these treasures. Their information is housed at the Cumberland County Historical Society. The curated collection highlights some of the features that make quilts of such lasting interest, and basic information about them provides an overview of quilting over the past several hundred years. It also serves as a reminder of the value of preserving this part of our heritage through simple practices such as labeling a quilt and storing it properly. It will inspire readers to take a new interest in quilts and leave them with basic skills for finding, appreciating, and caring for vintage quilts.

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Mining's dramatic and dangerous nature is reflected in the hundreds of specialized tools and artifacts shown in over 500 color photographs and discussed in this revised and expanded second edition with updated pricing. Thirty categories, from advertising and assay equipment to surveying equipment and tokens, chronicle old mining methods in detail. An elevated appreciation is gained here of the men and women who spent part of their lives mining with this equipment. Today, historians and collectors pay respect to those people as they preserve and interpret the equipment that remains. This is an important and valuable reference for all concerned.

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The latest volume of this popular series allows anyone interested in fashion to glimpse its future: the emerging trends in European design. More than 340 photos capture the designs and insights of 70 of Europe's top fashion students from the most prominent fashion design colleges and universities in Denmark, England, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Europe's up-and-coming designers reveal insights about their design choices, their use of materials, and their chosen techniques in creating womenswear and menswear. This is an essential reference for every fashion program, and for everyone interested in the most exciting trendsetters entering the fashion world.

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UAVs—unmanned aerial vehicles, remotely piloted aircraft; the labels vary—are a disruptive technology on par with computers and smartphones. Present since soon after the dawn of manned aviation, they have become controversial only in recent times. In the United States, the mainstream media has painted them with a broad brush as "drones" with a warlike past, and civil liberties organizations warn of their impact on individual privacy rights. But a promising new industry beckons—UAVs can be useful for farming, filmmaking, law enforcement and sundry other missions. Entrepreneurs and aerospace manufacturers alike want them freed to fly for commercial purposes, and the US Congress has answered with a mandate to make that happen. Caught in the middle is the staid, bureaucratic Federal Aviation Administration, whose sacred mission is to protect the safety of America's skies. Enter the Drones cuts through the hyperbole over UAVs to explain the considerable challenges the FAA faces.

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This operational history of the XX (20th) Bomber Command and its combat missions from India and China in 1944 and 1945 traces the development of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress program and the Allied plans to stage long-range bombers through China for strikes against Japan’s strategic industries. Each of the 49 combat missions flown by the XX Bomber Command from India and China is examined, producing the first detailed history of the B-29 campaign flown from these countries. The book is written almost exclusively from primary source material—World War II documents, crew member memoirs, and personal interviews. Special sections within the book examine issues related to flying across the “Hump” between India and China; General Curtis LeMay’s reorganization of B-29 operations; and the night fighter defense of the B-29 forward airfields in China.

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This is the first major work in the English language devoted entirely to the uniforms, insignia, and history of the female auxiliaries that served in the German armed forces during WWII. Using wartime photographs and references, along with contemporary sources and examples the author presents an in-depth look at the contributions of female auxiliaries to Germany's war effort. Interrogations of German prisoners who were familiar with the evolution of the Wehrmachthelferinnenkorps, served as the foundation for this work, presenting a unique perspective on the subject.

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From buckeye butterflies to ladybugs, milkweed, and dandelions, Tim Phelps's mandalas cast an artistic eye on the real and imagined micro-architecture of plants and insects. Vibrant illustrations and an engaging narrative invite the reader to wonder at nature's seemingly endless variety of forms, from the simple to the complex. Using the graphic and symbolic patterns of mandalas, the artist combines color, texture, and fluidity to tell the story of each organism and the role it plays in a healthy ecosystem. These elegant artworks have been shaped by the artist's interest in art nouveau and art deco, the works of Charley Harper and Ernst Haeckel, and Victorian ornamental art, Asian art, batik, hot rod flame painting, swirling tie dye, and iconography. By exploring the how, what, and why of garden flora and insects, the book encourages us to look closely at the rich biodiversity in our own backyards.

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This compilation of 56 encouraging and eye-opening short writings by a variety of authors across the globe celebrates the lives of people living with Down syndrome. Together with 56 inspiring "slice of life" photos, these candid true stories, including the renowned "Welcome to Holland," provide inspiration and connection. Parents and families of children living with Down syndrome will discover a wealth of positivity and valuable guidance. Special education teachers, social workers, mental health professionals, and policy makers will find helpful information and insight from stories regarding behavioral health. And anyone who is looking to learn more about Down syndrome will discover a world full of possibilities they never knew existed.

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In 1860, Augustus Mitchell Jr. printed one of the world's most accurate and artistic atlases. This reproduction of Mitchell's New General Atlas restores all 76 maps from the original plus its 26 pages of geological, statistical, and geographic information from 1860. Included are intriguing looks at the political boundaries of the United States at the outbreak of the Civil War, as well as maps of other countries and regions that look vastly different today. In the nineteenth century, American citizens would routinely purchase a new map or atlas every year or two, as these physical documents were the only way to learn geography. The beautiful floral-bordered maps in this atlas were designed by the finest cartographers of this pivotal era in human history. Engraved on steel plates, printed in black and white, and hand-colored by artists, they continue to inspire wonder and awe.

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New York surfing is mad. Breaks are hard to access, waves are inconsistent, winter (which produces the best waves) is brutal. You might risk almost anything just so you don’t hear those famous words, “You should have been here an hour ago.” Follow dedicated wave hunters to the end of the A-train and beyond and peek into this passionate way of life through authentic photography and several surfers’ personal journeys. Discover what it takes to brave the cold Atlantic Ocean and get a fresh insight on the Big Apple’s hidden surf subculture. An adventurous photographer has developed relationships with local surfers, absorbed scarcely available knowledge about the ocean and climate, and placed herself in these elements without reservation. To respect the locals and their underground culture, there is no mention of where the specific action takes place. Locations may include Rockaway, Montauk, Long Beach, Lido Beach, and Northern New Jersey.

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This book shows how a welted leather sheath for a fixed blade is designed and constructed. It explains the basic principles and introduces variants executed in different ways. The reader can learn through these projects and use these techniques to create their own designs. This volume teaches a welted sheath design with both a separate Mexican loop and a snap fastener. Each step, from the first sketch to the final leather treatment, is explained comprehensibly through words and images. You will also find a template for each sheath. A general introduction to materials and tools rounds off this volume.

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The Daguerreotype Camera of 1839 is a photographic landmark. It introduced the first practical method for taking a photograph, although what is generally acknowledged as the first photograph was actually taken thirteen years before with a different type of camera by Nicéphore Niépce. The Leica was the first camera to make the 35mm format popular, but it was by no means the first camera to use 35mm film. Likewise, Polaroid wasn’t the first to produce an instant picture camera, but was, surprisingly, the first company to introduce an autofocus single lens reflex. The history of the camera is flush with similar anomalies. This lavishly illustrated book with over 460 pictures looks at the cameras that became landmarks and analyzes how and why they influenced future design – sometimes in a big, important manner, other times in a lesser but still significant way.

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Ohio has seen countless true crimes committed, but the cases presented here are uniquely fascinating as they have left ghosts behind in their wake. Join paranormal author and radio host Kat Klockow on an exploration of ten haunted crime scenes across Ohio. With interviews of paranormal investigators and property owners, discover the tumultuous history of the Ohio State Reformatory, where hundreds of men died and have come back so that visitors can have a brush with the paranormal, too! Ghost hunt at the Old Licking County Jail where over twenty people died by suicide, mob killing, or by setting themselves on fire—their ghosts now roam the halls at night. Visit Ryan’s Tavern where spirits of bootleggers still dart through rum-running tunnels that were closed decades ago. These ghosts and more have survived, living on in Ohio's ghostly crime tales.

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In this classic grass-is-greener-elsewhere tale, the amphibious Trudy is happy sleeping in a bark-covered tree until one wide leap lands the little tree frog on a young girl's bedroom windowsill. There, she spies the girl's wondrous sleeping quarters and becomes desperate to get out of her scratchy limb bed and onto those fluffy pillows. See what happens when she gets her wish.This rhyming tale will make young readers smile and encourage them to think about slumbering in their own comfy beds. For ages 5 to 8.

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This book of more than 150 vibrant photographs and seven essays depicts the natural history, human history, science, and culture of the Delmarva Peninsula’s largest river. Explore the Choptank River—from its beginnings at upstream springs and farm ditches to its broad estuary below Cambridge, Maryland—discover its inhabitants, and learn about the impact of human activity on the natural environment. Generations of watermen and farmers, oystermen and oyster shuckers, crabbers and crab pickers, commercial fishermen, and a “turkler” are just a few of the folks you'll become acquainted with. Additionally, retired biologist and aquatic scientist Nick Carter, water quality scientist Tom Fisher, and oyster captain Wade Murphy offer tales of wonder and sacrifice while also warning us of the consequences of overpopulation and wasteful habits. Learn how we can restore the river, reduce pollution, conserve food and fuel, and protect this special place for all of time.

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Built in 1883, the Hotel Chelsea, on 23rd Street in New York City, quickly became the most famous and notorious hotel in the world. From day one, it has been a center of artistic and bohemian activity, with notable residents like actor Ethan Hawke, painter Phillip Taaffe, magazine editor Sally Singer, filmmaker Milos Forman, poet and painter Rene Ricard, beat poet Herbert Huncke, and novelist Joseph O'Neill. This photographic collage of 76 images and vignettes was gathered by a longtime hotel resident prior to the hotel's restoration under new ownership. It unpacks suitcases of memories with atmospheric photographs of residents and guests from the past 20 years. As the author notes, "Life at the Chelsea Hotel arrived in fragments, signs, things heard, and things felt, rather than chronologically charted."

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Two rectangles,14 projects, endless possibilities. The Fiona block, named for the author's granddaughter, is the basis for creating a virtually infinite variety of quilt patterns that highlight the unique qualities of fabrics, whether they are batiks, designer collections, or scraps. The larger central rectangle is ideal for showcasing novelty cloth or favorite colors. Compose a wall hanging or bed quilt with many different fabrics or just a few, go classic or modern, and play with scale using the book's five block sizes. Included are savvy techniques for adding sashing and cornerstones, an explanation of basic color theory, and helpful guidelines for selecting cloth and sewing supplies. The projects appeal to a wide range of skill levels, making this an inspiring and practical book for everyone from beginners to experienced quilters. For textile enthusiasts, it's creativity made simple, or complex.

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Explore the art of basketry in this idea-filled book for weavers at all levels. Over 300 how-to photographs, guidance on using a fascinating selection of woven styles, and 15 original new patterns combine to offer much more than traditional, historical weaving. Learn the basics, materials, dyes, tools, and techniques; then practice, using all or parts of the book to create your own award-winning designs. Traditional baskets are updated with new techniques, while contemporary patterns employ flat, flat oval, and round reed in plaids, twills, spiral, braids, arrows, diamonds, twining, waling, handle wraps, rim borders, and more. A gallery section features the inspiring artwork of experts who are bringing unique ideas to twenty-first-century woven art. This book will serve as a practical guide and an essential reference for every basket weaver.

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The artwork displayed on gift and shopping bags has never been more exciting! This contemporary peek at nearly 600 shopping bags in over 280 vibrant color photographs is perfect for shopaholics, fashionistas, art enthusiasts, and anyone who has ever enjoyed the graphic design and thematic liveliness of shopping and gift bags. Quality art and graphics, popular themes (including humor, novelty, gender, advertising bags, and more) are explored for modern paper shopping bags in this dynamic authors' collection—the first book of its kind in over 25 years. Detailed descriptions include the use of brand names for advertising, as well as themed art, dimensions, producers, and creation time frames. There is an art to mastering shopping and gift presentation!

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The works of 106 contemporary artists provide a fresh look at the artistic vibrancy of the Rocky Mountain West region of the United States. More than 600 photos of these artists' works--in sculpture, mixed media, paint, photography, and other contemporary mediums--show us a stunning variety. Each artist also offers a personal description of his or her art. A perfect gift or reference, this resource changes the way we perceive the Rocky Mountain West region and the world. A foreword by Rose Fredrick, curator of the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale, contributes insights on "Contemporary West: Myth, Truth, and What Lies Between."

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With more than 200 photographs and specifications for 32 watches, this book provides a comprehensive history of one of Germany's finest watchmakers and its timepieces. Since its founding in 1845, A. Lange and Sohne has been at the core of fine watchmaking. Wanting to create perfectly timed watches that did not require remachining, innovative watchmaker Ferdinand Adolph Lange established a tradition of precise workmanship that evolved through generations of the family into a production facility of haute horlogerie, handcrafting a mere 5,500 pieces a year. From the rare 1A-quality works that command top dollars at auctions to its more affordable and modern Lange 1, Arkade, and Saxonia models, the company's high-quality timepieces and the people behind the brand are detailed. From rare and historical pocket watches to the company's line of modern wristwatches, all conserve the philosophy of a man instrumental to the evolution of mechanical timekeeping.

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Within the pages of this book you will see how cement structures, intended for barriers, are transformed into pictorial walls that identify military units and honor service members who gave their lives for freedom in the Gulf War. They provide an esprit de corps for their unit members who are forward deployed from their home base, post, or camp. The unit colors and insignias displayed on these walls become the thoughts and memories of the men and women who have fought, and for those who have died for freedom. Memorial walls proclaim in silence the ultimate sacrifice of service. This artwork represents Coalition Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guard, and D.O.D. Civilians who answered the call of freedom and deployed far from home and family. When these walls decay and are turned to rubble, this book will become a lasting legacy to those who have served in Kuwait and Iraq.

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This book takes a look at the arc of the storyline in Harry Potter, digging below the surface to explore ethical, mythological, and religious meanings in J.K. Rowling’s best-selling series. Why do we find ourselves so intrigued with the tale of Harry Potter? Many of the millions who passionately read the Harry Potter series found they could relate to the details, dreams, and fears of Harry’s life. From a phoenix that dies and rises again to Dumbledore, a character who appears in a realm beyond death, there can be little doubt that Rowling’s story delves into profound themes and ideas. She tackles issues of grief, responsibility, individual excellence, and heroism in the face of violence and corruption. This philosophical analysis shows that if, in fact, we do find ourselves reflected in Harry’s story, then we may also find that our destiny and individual potential resonates with his as well.

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Join the search to examine reports of unidentified and misplaced creatures—known as “cryptids”—throughout the Mountain State, from its earliest history to present day. Included are such famous unknowns as Bigfoot; Mothman, harbinger of disaster; giant birds and snakes unrecognized by modern science; anomalous huge human remains unearthed statewide since the 19th century; “extinct” cougars that refuse to die; animals alien to North America, including lions, tigers, black panthers, kangaroos, and piranha; the ferocious “Dogman” and woolly, horned “Sheepsquatch”; freshwater cephalopods; and other creatures that defy classification. Wherever you reside or visit in West Virginia, phantom cryptids have been seen near your location—terrifying witnesses, baffling investigators, and monsters sometimes leave evidence behind to mark their passing through our world. Happy hunting!

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This book focuses on the traditional (old school) style of tattooing and its ongoing impact on today’s tattoo art. More than 300 stunning color photos are combined with tattoo artists’ personal explanations of why they love to work in the traditional style, and the artistic challenges that it poses today. For the fifteen tattoo artists in this book, the essence of real and true tattooing is the traditional one: bold lines, simple motifs, black and red colors—tattoos built to last on the skin. From the early beginnings in the late 19th century among sailors, traditional tattoos have been developed further by today’s tattoo artists. Neo-traditional, Americana, new school, old school—the names are many, but all have that single common heritage: they are based on the simple lines created on the sailors’ skins many years ago.

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This compilation of the classic artwork of Peter Sculthorpe spans four decades. By considering light, the passage of time, the use of different mediums and sizes, and inspiring locations, Peter brings to life moments and subjects that are important to classic art. Here, find 116 beautiful paintings that capture early domestic architecture, vast open landscapes, the rocky coastline, changing weather, and domestic farms—the cornerstones of his work. Along with pure landscapes; historic buildings; innocent creatures; the still of the moon; the wind, weather, sea, and stone of seacoasts; and found and cherished still life, Peter provides heartfelt essays as his introduction to timeless refuges that continue to renew. Whether the painting captures a moment when the late afternoon sun strikes the side of a building or the morning sun shimmers on a body of water, you will find these treasures significant to time and its passage.

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A colorful look at 3.5 billion years of stromatolites, peculiar structures produced by primitive life forms that lived over vast spans of geologic time. At once diverse, attractive, and sometimes puzzling, fossilized stromatolites are found worldwide in sedimentary rocks—often presenting striking patterns—where they grew in ancient bodies of water that covered parts of the earth billions of years before the dinosaurs. This reference presents a basic, nontechnical account, along with 636 beautiful images of these most ancient of Earthly collectibles. Stromatolites, and the cyanobacteria that produced most of them, were responsible not only for the fossils themselves, but also, more importantly, for the introduction of free oxygen into the planet’s atmosphere. Covering a diverse variety of stromatolites and the geologic objects that can resemble them, this book is a delight for stromatophiles as well as those curious about the early Earth.

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John Unkart has been relied upon for years to keep readers informed about cutting-edge tips and tactics to help fishermen catch more fish. Here is a collection of true-life fishing adventures from shallow bay to deep blue water. These fascinating accounts are from the chronicles of a fisherman who has guided clients, friends, and family in pursuit of saltwater species. Unkart’s catch techniques are responsible for creating unforgettable memories and are explained here in detail. Learn professional fishing strategies while embarking on entertaining saltwater journeys that are seeded with tips, tricks, and information that will help everyone become a better fisherman—from the beginner to the seasoned angler. The stories were written as they unfolded, with many of the photos capturing actual moments of the catch. Read this book for enjoyment...catch more fish as a much-appreciated side effect.

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In this newest edition to a series, Emerging Fashion Designers 5 continues to be a platform for the next generation of young designers, exhibiting original designs by more than 50 recent graduates from 13 premier fashion design programs in the United States. More than 250 images showcase the designers’ fresh perspectives on lingerie, sportswear, menswear, children’s wear, evening wear, and more. The wide range of work in this anthology is augmented with a brief dossier on each young designer, including inspiration and materials. This easy to navigate resource has garments organized alphabetically by school and indexed graphically by designer. It is an essential reference to the newest talent and trends in fashion.

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This is volume 2: E-K, of a four-volume set. The complete four-volume set presents the careers of 320 women artists working in California, with more than 2,000 images, over the course of a century. Their work encompasses a broad range of styles—from the realism of the nineteenth century to the modernism of the twentieth—and of media, including painting, sculpture, drawing, illustration and print-making. While some of the profiled artists are already well known, others have been previously ignored or largely forgotten. Yet all had serious careers as artists: they studied, exhibited, and won awards. These women were trailblazers, each one essential to the momentum of a movement that opened the door for heartfelt expression and equality. Much of the information and many of the images in the book have never before been published. Artists are presented alphabetically; also included are additional primary sources that put the artists’ work in context.

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Hmong story cloths provide a visual documentation of the historical and cultural legacy of the Hmong people from the country of Laos. The Hmong first began making the story cloths during their time in refugee camps, and featured here are 48 vibrant story cloths that provide a comprehensive look at their lives and culture. The creation of a story cloth begins with the selection of fabric and images outlined onto the fabric. Long satin stitches of multi-colored threads fill in the image, while details are applied with intricate satin stitches and borders pieced together and hand-stitched. Topics include history, traditional life in Laos, Hmong New Year, folk tales, and neighboring people. The quality and diversity of content of the story cloths build upon one another to provide a holistic understanding of the Hmong culture and history. Augmented with personal stories and artifacts, this book is perfect for history buffs and textile artisans alike.

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Reuse, recycle, and repurpose the clothing you love, creating new, one-of-a-kind garments. Every one of the twenty-one inspiring projects in this book can be sewn quickly, even by beginners. The descriptive photo instructions make it easy to follow the process step by step. Sew a length of chiffon onto a top to create a unique dress. Change a beloved sweater by giving it a great new neckline. Revamp an old linen shirt into a trendy halter top. That favorite pair of jeans that’s got holes worn in its knees? Transform it into a denim skirt. Give a T-shirt a dramatic lace yoke, turn out-of-style pants into ever-stylish chinos, and much more.

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Whether you're a newcomer or an expert chef, this book lets you kick up your grill skills by adding homemade sauces to your repertoire. Along with fun barbecue lore, kitchen tips, and chili-wrangling info (including the quick remedy to use when chili residue gets into your eyes), there are recipes for one-of-a-kind barbecue sauces, salsas and jams, steak sauce, original Texas- and Louisiana-style sauces, Alabama Whiskey sauce, and many more. Learn the differences between grill and barbecue sauces, why ketchup is a kind of individual yet universal genius, and how to create your own delicious sauces.

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From the “most historic square mile” in the country to one of the largest urban parks in the world and then to the realms of sports and cheesesteaks, 120 images take the viewer on a journey through the rich history, sights, and pop culture of Philadelphia. Included are oft-visited iconic spots, such as Independence Hall, where the country’s founding fathers committed to rebellion, hammered out the Constitution, and governed the nation, and the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, immortalized in the movie “Rocky.” Interwoven are many historic and contemporary scenes that are associated with what is locally and loosely known as “center city.” The book is a brief travelogue through the time and space of this old and venerable but very much alive place.

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Vampires are beings of myth: folkloric creatures who live off the blood of the living and have been recorded in nearly every culture around the world since the beginning of man. This work traces the evolution of the vampire, from its roots in ancient mythology to obscure folk tales and legends, leading up to when these foul beings transformed into the suave Byronic heroes that continue to influence the world’s view of the vampire today. It also examines key individuals in history involved in reshaping our concept of the creature. Popular culture is explored, along with the development of the vampire into the protagonist in plays and poems and novels. Sixty-one frightening images bring the topic right to your front door. Will you invite the visitor in?

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In the sequel to the first volume, which introduced the long sword, Herbert Schmidt explains single-handed sword fighting techniques with a buckler, or small shield. “Single-handed sword” here refers to the sword wielded in one hand, as used throughout almost the entire Middle Ages. This book analyzes historical evidence, taken mainly from the 13th-century German combat manual Manuscript I:33, or “Tower Manuscript,” the oldest and most widely trusted European sword fighting manual in existence. Find information on binds, posture, footwork, free fighting, and individual plays taken from the writings of fencing masters Hans Talhoffer, Andre Lignitzer, and Paulus Kal in this modern textbook that allows anyone interested—whether beginner or advanced—to work and improve his single-handed sword fighting skills.

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This is the first book-length study devoted to the vessels of the Confederate Navy, including all types used during the conflict: ironclads (both domestic and foreign-built), commerce raiders, blockade runners, riverine and ocean-going gunboats, torpedo and submersible vessels, and floating batteries. The book emphasizes the development, construction, and design of these vessels using, where available, original plans, photographs, and contemporary descriptions. The author describes these vessels in context with wartime conditions as well as with the transitional naval technology of the era. Over 100 vessels are detailed, including more than 30 ironclads, both American and foreign built. Over 150 illustrations are included, many of which have not previously been published. Also included is a section on steam engine technology of the era.

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Everyone is psychic—it’s a natural, normal human instinct. Discover how to use the full capacity of your mind and to incorporate inherent abilities into new and exciting experiences. Learn how to turn hunches and intuitions into strong psychic awareness. Find out how to develop clairvoyance (psychic seeing), clairsentience (psychic feeling), clairaudience (psychic hearing), and discover the seven approaches to psychic development, how to get “unstuck,” and ways to employ your psychic abilities to enhance every day. Use this workbook’s tools, techniques, and exercises daily over two to three months, and discover that you can have psychic ability when you need it!

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Blending the style of the past with the women of the present, this book is a first-of-its-kind celebration of modern black pin-up beauty. Black pin-ups existed during the “Golden Age of Pin-ups,” but like other black artists of the time, they often did not receive the same attention as their white contemporaries. Although still rare, modern black pin-up models are getting more attention thanks to models and photographers who understand that pin-up has evolved to include all backgrounds and ethnicities. This new book shines the spotlight on ten of today’s best pin-up photographers and their work with over 50 of today’s most beautiful black pin-up models. With images ranging from classic pin-up glamour to retro-inspired fetish photography, this collection of works shows the diversity of flavors found in contemporary black pin-up culture.

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“Eeeewww. Fake Barbie® clothes.” Those four words verbalize the faint disgust yesterday's savvy kids felt when, in the midst of doll play, an inferior, generic, or “clone” dress or top suddenly surfaced from their sizable supplies of perfect Mattel doll outfits. The impostors were treated as tainted outcasts and were basically left to rot. Today, a younger generation of doll lovers is on the rise. These leap-for-cheap fashionistas gleefully embrace the very items their quality-conscious predecessors detested. Here, for your viewing pleasure or revulsion, are nearly 800 not-exactly-gorgeous getups and some of the downgraded dolls who wore them, mostly from the ’70s and ’80s (’80s collectors, rejoice! Your time has come!), many in their original packaging. Prepare to shield your eyes from clumsily drawn fashion figures, pathetic attempts at high-fashion lingo, and mediocre package graphics culled from around the world!

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This volume in the Hagen-Renaker series of books continues where the first two left off, featuring models or colors not covered in the other books and catching up with more recently released figurines and a multitude of interesting pottery items in between. The chapters feature numerous horses, cats, dogs, other animals, Disney characters, and dealer special runs. The Albert Staehle Saturday Evening Post dog, “Butch,” has a special feature, as do some of the Zany Zoo critters and the popular Little Horribles. There are also many unique, rare treasures not commonly seen, and a section on imitations. Finally, the book features a tribute to several of the talented artists and craftspeople who were with Hagen-Renaker pottery since the early 1950s. Nearly 500 images fill this book, along with detailed, informative text and suggested prices to enhance the value of this reference.

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This story about a puffin who is upset that he's constantly mistaken for a penguin teaches that, when feeling alone, angry, or misunderstood, it only takes one person to turn things around. “Look at the funny little penguin!” and “What a silly-looking penguin!” Hearing this all day long is enough to make any little bird angry, especially when he’s NOT A PENGUIN! This is the story of a puffin who is upset that he’s constantly mistaken for a penguin. He finally reaches his breaking point and goes on a rant about the many differences between the two. A little girl stops him in mid-speech because she does know the differences, and he listens as she explains to her father why puffins are her favorite. When you are feeling alone and misunderstood, sometimes it only takes the understanding of one small person to turn things around. A charming picture book with 18 fun colorful spreads. This book shows children what frustration and feeling alone looks like from the outside, how to get over anger, and how to reach out to others when they are frustrated.

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Tattoo photography pioneer Justice Howard documents the American tattoo community with her highly iconic images. Howard effortlessly captures the essence of her subjects' triumphs, as well as their frailties. Her images enhance both the male and female physical forms, highlighting their strengths and prowess, and expose hidden elements of the human condition in all its kaleidoscopic beauty. Gracing the pages of this graphic dossier are fifty-two models, including Malice, Xanthia Pink, Dejah Garcia, Christine Fury, Mia Tyler, and Amelia Nightmare. Tattoo artist luminaries, such as Mark Mahoney, Freddy Negrete, Rick Walters, Kari Barba, and Robert Atkinson also make appearances, as well as rock gods Evan Seinfeld and Dave Navarro, Sons of Anarchy actor Rusty Coones, Black Veil Brides, Diego Verduzco, and UFC champion Kimo Leopoldo. In front of Justice's lens, these figures appear quite capable of escaping from the pages and conquering the world by storm.

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More than 200 artful, provocative images celebrate the best of Southern California's tattooed models, a diverse and gorgeous group known as the Ink Nymphs. The two dozen featured women show how tattoos on the female form can serve up an irresistible, edgy cocktail of fashion, beauty, art, and personality. The book is inspired by Los Angeles's Angels of Ink festival, an annual family-friendly gathering that brings together a community of tattoo lovers, gear-heads, and rock 'n' roll enthusiasts, along with local, organic and eco-friendly businesses. Angels of Ink, a philanthropic organization, promotes and supports LA's unique alternative kulture through the festival and its related events. This lavish, beautifully shot photography book takes the reader on a trip straight into the heart of that kulture, where smoking-hot women adorn themselves with the coolest of tattoos.

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