Search results for ""The Crowood Press""

This lavish book covers the full range of commercial techniques for the florist. It introduces basic terms and equipment, advises on conditioning and care of fresh materials, and explains the elements and principles of design. Examining various celebrations and occasions, it demonstrates classic and contemporary designs with step-by-step instructions and over 600 full-colour photographs.

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Traditional tailoring is a fascinating craft, which has not changed for many centuries, however, the techniques are now known only by a few practising in the best couture ateliers and bespoke tailor's workrooms. Nothing feels quite so luxurious or sophisticated as bespoke clothes, but the tailoring skills they require are often seen to be shrouded in mystery and the clothes therefore only accessible to the rich and famous. This practical book reveals the trade secrets of couture tailoring and brings vintage couture tailoring within the reach of all.

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Reducing energy consumption and costs is an issue of ever-increasing importance and European and national legislation aimed at reducing carbon emissions is tightening up minimum energy standards for new buildings and those being extended or renovated. Energy-saving measures in the home will, therefore, become ever more cost-effective throughout our lifetimes.

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At the core of Morgan motoring lies the Morgan 4/4. It is the great grandparent of the rest of the 'traditional' Morgan range. Representing the best of the traditional British sports car, it combines modern performance and reliability with iconic styling that recalls a golden age of motoring. In this fascinating and in-depth account, Michael Palmer examines the car's history, design, development and manufacture. With Morgan Motor Company confirming its commitment to production of the 4/4 into the foreseeable future - the little car from Malvern has become not only a motoring legend, but also a record breaker - as the car with the longest continuous production record in the world.

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Advanced Boxing utilizes the latest research in sports science and combat sports to focus on developing every aspect of a boxer's fighting to the most advanced extent. The focus of the book is on training a boxer to win competition fights. Sondhi and Thompson review the basics of boxing in order to provide the tools to begin an advanced boxing programme, focusing on specific development goals. They outline the best contemporary training methods, concentrating on yielding the most effective outcomes for the training boxer. Topics covered include: a 12-month training plan for considerably advancing a boxer's development; useful tips, lists and tables to help organize a training programme, and to maximize training effectiveness; the vitally important aspects of psychology, physiology, nutrition and coaching in a boxer's development; contemporary training methods based on the latest sports science thinking, and outlines new techniques for pad-holding, and finally, it focuses on turning a boxer into a winning athlete.

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More than forty years after its cancellation, the BAC TSR2 is still a controversial aircraft. Years ahead of its time, it was abruptly cancelled by a new government when flight testing had ony just begun. Built to a demanding RAF requirement , the BAC TSR2 was a revolutionary low-level strike aircraft able to deliver a tactical nuclear weapon at supersonic speed and low altitude to evade enemy radar. This fascinating new book describes in detail the aircraft, its history and the events of its cancellation. Many hitherto unseen photographs and diagrams support the detailed text, which benefits from extensive research in the BAC archives and access to newly rediscovered material. Topics covered: Background to the requirement, and competing designs Development and production The flight-testing programme The full story of the cancellation and its aftermath Unbuilt variants Detailed specifications.

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Islamic gardens are enchanting places. Just the names of some of the most beautiful gardens in the world - the Alhambra, the Generalife, the Shalimar - conjure up images of calm and even divine beauty. No visitor is left untouched by their magic. This new paperback edition of The Art of the Islamic Garden is an introduction to the design, symbolism and making of an Islamic Garden and it examines that magic, describes the component parts which allow a deeper understanding of the beauty. Topics covered include: history, symbolism and the Quran in relation to the traditional Islamic garden; significance of design and layout of the garden explained, geometry, hard landscaping and architectural elements and aguide to designing the garden with water, and recommendations for trees, shrubs and flowers. There is a unique account of the design and planting of HRH The Prince of Wales' Carpet Garden at Highgrove.

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Crowood Sports Guides provide sound, practical advice that will make you a better sportsperson, whether you are learning the basic skills, discovering more advanced techniques or reviewing the fundamentals of your sport. Contents include: information boxes containing tips and advice aimed at all levels of ability; how to get started and take part in your first event; the skills and techniques needed by those just beginning orienteering and by more advanced competitors; over 200 maps and photographs in full colour depicting techniques, the terrain, top runners and all aspects of this exhilarating and exciting adventure sport. Finally, practical information about training is given, including mental training techniques and how to plan a periodized training programme.

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The fountain pen as we know it today developed over thousands of years, from the simple stylus used for cutting marks into clay tablets, to the brush, through the reed, the quill and the steel-nib dip pen, and finally to the self-contained fountain pen. The advent of electronic communication of the written word has failed to dim the appeal of the fountain pen, and names such as Parker, Waterman and Sheaffer remain household names. Fountain Pens covers the complete history of the fountain pen with useful advice on how to build a collection and where best to look for fountain pens, from car boot sales to the internet.

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Leatherwork is a centuries-old craft which is as absorbing and enjoyable today as ever. This book introduces the basic tools and techniques needed before explaining more advanced ideas for designing and decorating leather. With an easy-to-follow text, step-by-step photogrpahs and explanatory line drawings, this practical book describes how to use those techniques to make handmade items with a professional finish.

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Disease is an inevitable everyday risk for all those who keep cattle and very often it has a huge impact on the animal's welfare, as well as its productivity. This clearly written and easy-to-understand book covers the principal diseases and conditions that occur in cattle and is essential reading for all those who own, or care for, cattle. Enables the reader to clearly identify all the common cattle diseases Presents a practical, step-by-step description of how to examine an animal Examines all the body systems and the important diseases associated with each one Details the underlying processes involved in many common diseases in order to facilitate a logical approach to their treatment and prevention Helps the stockperson to decide whether they can treat a sick animal themselves or need to seek professional advice

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More photos are taken than ever before, but most are neglected and unused. This book suggests new creative directions and explains how you can produce distinctive and exciting works of art. Packed with technical advice and in-depth practical detail, it shows you how to use cameras and equipment for experimental photography. There are ideas on how to develop a creative eye and a personal photographic style. It explains when to use the rules of composition, and when to break them and shows you how to create amazing pictures from everyday objects. It provides inspiration, ideas and techniques for making abstract and pattern pictures, and using textures for artistic impact. Finally, it advises on using software to convert pictures to artwork and how to present art images for maximum effect. Through step-by-step guides and stunning examples, it also helps you create images that tell a personal story. It’s an essential guide to help you take photos that count, not just click away.

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Esteemed Border Collie trainer, consultant and authority on the breed, Barbara Sykes, has lived with Border Collies all of her life and has spent the last fifty years training, trialling and rescuing hundreds of dogs. In her sixth book, she explores how Border Collies have been adopted into the family home and how to get the most from your pet dog, without diminishing the unique spirit that attracted you to the breed in the first place. Part One of the book takes you on a journey that began over 200 years ago at the birth of the breed up to the present day. Understanding the history of Border Collies, why they were bred and why they are so diverse, is the key to understanding and managing their instincts. Part Two then explores simple strategies and techniques to balance those instincts within a domestic setting, whilst still having fun with your dog and creating a strong partnership. Key coverage includes: the history of the breed; how coat and eye colour genes impact character; understanding and managing the inherent instincts; health and welfare; the rescue dog in your home; Border Collies and children; lead walking and recall and finally, trouble-shooting problems and setbacks. Although developed with Border Collies in mind, these techniques are applicable to any breed, making an owner’s life easier and a dog’s life happier.

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Strength and Conditioning for Dancers is an accessible guide to how to design and incorporate supplemental fitness training into a dancer’s schedule. It links current evidence on the relationship between physical fitness, dance performance and injury incidence, breaking it down into clear and convenient sections, starting with the fundamentals of muscle physiology and training principles and moving on to specific training components. Key topics covered in the book include: self-screening; programme design; specific exercises for the core, upper and lower body; basic Pilates; nutritional support for training and finally, programmes to get you started. Featuring practical training programmes to get you started, this user-friendly book will be of great value to dancers, teachers and trainers looking to enhance both fitness and performance.

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Sound Design for Film offers an in-depth study of one of cinema’s most powerful storytelling tools, exploring the creative landscape and proposing a variety of contemporary approaches to audio design. Opening up a hidden world of narrative techniques, experienced designer Tim Harrison provides key insights into how sound works on audiences to guide them through stories. Topics covered include: the creative process from script to delivery; visualizing your design ideas; developing characters and settings, and using motif and metaphor. Also covered is recording foley and sound effects along with editing and manipulating audio and the final mix. Serving as a tool for creative reflection and development, this unique book offers invaluable approaches for enhancing your storytelling skills, wherever you are on your filmmaking journey.

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Professional dance careers are both highly rewarding and exceptionally challenging, so success as a dancer requires robust preparation. Performance Psychology for Dancers is an accessible and practical guide to talent development, offering dancers and those around them support to navigate the challenges of training and the psychological strategies that underlie success. As coaches, parents and experienced practitioners themselves, the authors share their passion and expertise in talent development from experience working with in-training and professional dancers, athletes, and the military. Additionally, a variety of current industry experts provide key insights and reflections on talent development, mental health and psychological skills for performance.

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Overlockers do so much more than just join seams and neaten edges. With this practical book by your side, you will learn to make full use of your machine so that your sewing projects become easier and quicker to make. With helpful tips and troubleshooting advice throughout, it shows you how to make full use of your machine and how to enjoy the overlocking process. Topics covered include the different stitches an overlocker can produce, how to achieve them and when to use them. Useful techniques for making garments through simple steps are demonstrated along with photographs to illustrate the processes. Practical advice on equipment and accessories is given, along with troubleshooting tips for when things do not go to plan. There are quick reference charts and creative ideas for decorative finishes.

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Artists seem compelled to try to capture the amazing variety of the animal kingdom; the challenge remains how to breathe energy into your paintings and make the animals jump off the paper. This deeply practical book offers an accessible introduction to sketching animals from life, to try to capture that essence. It gives instruction on how to approach drawing; covers ideas for materials and supplies to make sketching from life a joy; gives step-by-step demonstrations of different watercolour techniques; offers specific advice on using colour and painting, fur, feathers and features and gives ideas for mixed-media experimentation. Full of colourful examples and guidance, this new book explains how to transform your studies into finished artwork that are brimming with character. It encourages you to find the extraordinary in the everyday, as well as revelling in the breadth of nature. Taking a contemporary approach to traditional watercolour, the author shows how a few, well-chosen brushes of paint can reveal the soul of your subject.

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Blackwork has a rich history that has developed over the years into an iconic and sophisticated style of embroidery. This practical book presents a number of ways to approach blackwork embroidery, from forming basic stitches and patterns to developing complex shaded pieces with confidence. Through an assortment of exercises, it introduces the principles of shading along with several projects to further explore the potential of blackwork. Detailed instructions on designing and developing shaded pieces of blackwork embroidery are given along with guidance on how to choose suitable images for translating into stitch. Step-by-step instructions on how to form basic stitches and how to form patterns are included as well as almost 250 shaded patterns, indicating how differing patterns appear when worked in different thicknesses of thread. Finally, patterns are grouped by family for easy identification and pattern blending.

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The field of strength and conditioning has grown exponentially over the last two decades, making both collaboration with others and recognition of the impact S&C coaches can have beyond the weight room more important than ever before. This book purposefully begins by sharing professional insights from both the individuals S&C coaches work with - the event coaches - and those individuals S&C coaches work for - the athletes - to examine how collaboration towards agreed, shared and understood performance goals works in practice. The latter chapters focus on applying S&C principles within rowing populations, which are easily transferred to any athlete. This includes: a 'performance backwards' approach to planning; exploring an adaptation approach to programming; common injuries across rowing populations; exercise selection, including specific trunk training assessment and programming; transfer of training to rowing performance, and finally, understanding the needs of Paralympic Rowers.

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Goldwork must be the most dramatic of the embroidered arts. The smallest addition of metal thread to a piece of embroidery can lend immediate visual impact, and yet the technique can also be beautifully subtle. A design stitched in goldwork will be rich in texture, shine and sparkle, and metal threads can be combined beautifully with other techniques. Aimed at guiding you through each stitch and technique, and with tips for moving on to your own designs, this book is full of practical instruction. With its high level of detail and over 600 photographs, it will be a treasured companion, whether you are a novice or an experienced embroiderer.

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Pottery and Porcelain Restoration is a practical guide for amateurs to the craft of the professional restorer. With over 360 photographs, it explains the simplest, safest and ethical techniques that are recommended today and - essentially - do not further damage your pieces. Written with clear practical detail, it explains the full process and gives unique insight into the delicate job of the ceramic restorer. This new book introduces the history of pottery and porcelain, and gives an account of the methods and ethics of ceramic restoration; it gives a complete list and details of materials and equipment, and particularly advises on the best choice of glues; it describes the full restoration process, from preparation and cleaning to gluing and modelling, and finally to painting and gilding and provides step-by-step instructions for gluing multiple breaks, filling chips and large missing areas, as well as making lids, teapot spouts, hands, leaves, fingers and handles. Restoration examples are illustrated such as making Beswick horse legs, replacing missing handles on a Chinese jug and painting a Clarice Cliff jug and, finally, vital tricks of the trade are shared throughout and useful tips to setting up a workshop are given.

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Scandinavian Knitwear encourages the knitter to take inspiration from the brightly coloured and textured designs of the traditional knits and the invigorating landscape of the Nordic region to design your own 'Scandi knits' and create unique designs using traditional techniques. The author takes you through the process of formulating ideas, learning about colour, absorbing the local history and finally creating a piece of knitting that has all the flavours of this fascinating region. With full chapters on Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the Faroe Islands, coverage includes the history of knitting and its development in Scandinavia; explanations of various techniques, such as accurate measuring, stranded colourwork and grafting; a full explanation of colour theory; a 'Stitch Dictionary' of patterns and motifs, with charts that can be modified to suit the skill and style of the knitter and finally, a chapter of schematics with advice on design development and sizing options. Nineteen complete, original patterns for garments, accessories, and homeware are also given.

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In railway modelling, getting the technical components correct is essential for a realistic-looking layout but, unfortunately, these often present the biggest challenges for the hobbyist. Using his own experience as a railway modeller and electronics engineer, Andrew Duckworth provides a guide suitable for all railway modellers, from beginners to the more experienced. With instructions on how and where to use specialist electronic circuits to enhance your layout, this book will help you to achieve a reasonably sophisticated layout. It provides: an overview of the geometry required for building successful model railways; clear explanations of electronics and electrical components; comparisons of direct control and digital command control (DCC); step-by-step instructions for wiring the track, signals, buildings and lighting; reviews of electrical systems, power supplies, wires and cable, control panels and switches and finally, it covers detection, testing and troubleshooting tips.

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Etching can seem mysterious and inaccessible, but this practical book guides you through the process to reveal the potential of this distinctive means of creating artists' prints. With clear instructions and visual guides, it explains the many ways that marks are first made on a metal plate before ink is applied and the image transferred onto a sheet of paper. The book goes on to introduce a broad menu of techniques, allowing the visual artist to develop a uniquely personal approach. Topics include the materials and equipment needed to get started, from the simple etching needle and scraper-burnisher to the etching press. Explanations are given for photo-etching, aquatint, as well as related intaglio processes such as drypoint and photopolymer. This new book encourages artists to experiment and try combining techniques to explore their potential, and includes interviews with leading artists explaining their approaches.

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The art of wig making and wig dressing has been practised for centuries, and continues to be an exciting and essential part of costume production for theatre and film. With style inspiration ranging from the seventeenth to the twentieth century, A Practical Guide to Wig Making and Wig Dressing is a comprehensive introduction to the knowledge and techniques required to produce beautiful, durable and historical hairstyles able to withstand the demands of performance. Featuring over 700 photographs, this book offers detailed step-by-step instructions on how to make a wig, how to dress it according to time period, and how to fit and remove it, as well as advice on tools, products and suppliers. The work of current industry practitioners is showcased throughout the book, offering key insights into career pathways and professional styling gained from a wealth of experience. Additional material includes: a history of the use and development of wigs; examples of wig foundation making and wig knotting; an introductuion to facial hair making and dressing and finally, how to make hairpieces, sets and dressing for male and female hairstyles.

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Aran knitwear is instantly recognisable, respectfully fashionable and generously comfortable. With a long-treasured heritage steeped in Irish history, it is no surprise that most knitters express a wish to produce an Aran knit at some time in their creative life. This book delves into the history and heritage of this popular style, offering traditional designs and patterns, whilst providing inspiration for contemporary and innovative adaptations. Written for the dedicated knitter, Aran Design: The Creative Knitter's Handbook offers a unique insight into the trends and techniques associated with the style. This beautifully illustrated book includes: the history of Aran knitting; recommended materials and equipment; a dictionary of stitches; how to plan an initial design; working out the numbers for a project and finishing tips and techniques. It is invaluable reading for all who wish to learn more about Aran knitting.

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The techniques of casting are of crucial importance in our day-to-day lives, being used in the manufacture of diverse products ranging from dental implants and hip replacement joints, through bicycle frames and car engine parts, to the most exquisite items of sculpture and jewellery. Nevertheless, the prospect of casting can seem daunting to the home metalworker. Casting for the Home Workshop aims to demystify the craft and make it accessible to all. Topics covered include the history of casting; tools, materials and equipment; techniques; the home foundry and post-casting operations.

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Abstract painting and abstraction can be a daunting and frustrating genre of art. How should you approach a surface? How can you use colour effectively? How can you make better, more expressive paintings? This inspiring book answers these questions and many more. Through a thorough analysis of his own work, Emyr Williams covers practical, theoretical and historical issues of abstract art and explains a wide range of working methods to help develop more demanding personal approaches to the making of abstract painting. He emphasizes the relationship of colour to surface and the importance of seeking a profound connection with your art. Further topics cover: the difference between abstract and abstraction; how an artist has developed expressive art in many different ways; maximize your studio effectiveness and manage your time better; discover how colour can be approached more effectively; learn about other possibilities for making abstract art - such as the role of technology and finally, be more demanding of your painting and make better abstract paintings.

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Rivers can be enchanting or exciting, but are always absorbing. They provide a myriad of painting opportunities and challenges for the artist. Focusing on watercolour - one of the most direct of mediums - this practical book explains how to paint a river and capture its life, light, movement, colour and interest. With over 200 colour images, Rob Dudley shares his methods, techniques and ideas to make this beautiful book a must-have for all landscape and en plein-air artists.

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An Introduction to Digital Photomicrography is written for the hobbyist and the neophyte who wants to take pictures through the microscope. The book includes a description of the parts of the microscope; how to use adjust lighting; types of digital cameras; controls for adjusting digital cameras; choosing a video camera and controls for videography.

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Steampunk has captured the imagination of thousands who are searching for a unique style symbolic of a richly inspired, post-apocalyptic world drawn from the heavy machinery of the Victorian age. With clear instruction, step-by-step sequences, and over twenty-five projects, this practical book shows you how to access that world and make unique jewellery and accessories that will complete an outfit and transport you to another era, full of excitement, potential and extravagance.

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Drawing with graphite and coloured pencils enables the artist to capture every detail of a plant, and to enjoy, study and celebrate their wonderful forms. Whether the illustration is a striking monotone or vibrant with colour, pencils give you absolute precision. The book, written and illustrated by an award-winning botanical artist, introduces and explains the drawing skills behind the art. Each chapter concentrates on a different aspect of the plant, working upwards from the root system to include the stem, leaves, flowers and fruit. Fungi have also been included due to their close association with plants. Topics covered include: techniques on using graphite and coloured pencils; practical help on lighting, posture and keeping plants fresh; instruction on composition, colour charts and mixing; advice on portraying texture and hairs, and achieving bloom on fruit and finally, simple explanations of botany to aid the artist's understanding. With tips and advice throughout, the techniques are supported by step-by-step projects, clear exercises and over 300 colour illustrations.

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Books in the A Practical Guide for Owners and Breeders series explore in detail all aspects of owning and caring for individual breeds of dog. They include information on Breed standard; choosing a puppy or rescue dog; care at every stage of life - from puppy through to the elderly dog; diet and training; healthcare and breed-specific health issues; breeding and whelping and, finally, showing. Author James Beaufoy covers the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Written in an accessible style, this book focuses on providing practical information about caring for your Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and will be an essential resource for all dog owners and professionals.

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Chess Openings explains the principles which underlie correct opening play and shows how they can be developed to produce strong positions from attack and defence in different situations. Mike Basman consolidates these lessons by investigating five classic openings -the Queen's Gambit, Giuoco Piano, Nimzo Indian, Morra Gambit and Sicilian Dragon - which together can be used to form the basis of a formidable opening repertoire.

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In this book, Jim Masterson, Equine Massage Therapist for the 2006 and 2008 and 2010 USET Endurance Teams, and for equine clientele competing in FEI World Cup, Pan American and World Games competitions, teaches a unique method of equine bodywork, in which the practitioner recognizes and follows the responses of the horse to touch to release tension in key junctions of the body that most affect performance. This practical book: contains step-by-step instructions, photographs and illustrations; is ideally suited to accompany you to the barn, where you will practice the Masterson Method techniques on horses; includes chapters with tips & techniques, anatomical explanations and examples from Jim's practice help deepen your understanding; has a quick reference section that will point you to exercises that are specifically suited to your particular discipline--dressage, endurance, eventing, show jumping, barrel racing, or others in the vast realm of horse sports. By using these techniques, and knowing the responses to look for, you are able to: achieve a release of accumulated stress in deep-seated key junctions of the horse's body that affects mobility, comfort, attitude, training and performance; restore muscular and structural balance, and natural alignment; enable your horse to perform optimally and respond to your training without stiffness and pain and, finally, achieve new levels of communication and trust with your horse that spill over into other areas of interaction.

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A comprehensive guide to the conditioning, producing, training, and exhibition of the heavy horse breeds. The author gives advice on general care, handling, feeding, shoeing, plaiting, and preparation for the show ring. Harness, handlers, carts, and carriages are examined and the problems of transporting these gentle giants and their vehicles are covered.

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This inspirational guide explains how a botanical sketchbook can take many forms and hold different meanings. It shows how a sketchbook can be used as a workbook to study plants through drawing and painting in a variety of media. It includes examples of preliminary work for finished pieces, experiments in colour and exploration of plant anatomy, and shows how these studies can be made away from the pressure of creating the perfect, polished piece of final botanical artwork. It goes on to feature sketchbooks created for their own sake as a curated space for an artist to draw and record plants over a period of time, or a particular place.

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Although it has been many years since the Triumph Spitfire was produced, the remaining number of functional examples that exist around the world is a testament to its ageless design and solid build quality. The Triumph Spitfire Restoration Manual is for anyone who has a keen interest in owning a Triumph Spitfire but has limited mechanical experience. It will steer any budding restorer through the many challenges encountered when maintaining and/or restoring such a classic and demonstrates the basic principles and simple techniques that would normally be learned by working alongside an experienced mechanic. Including helpful project tips and notes, which pass on a multitude of trade secrets.

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Making Tutus is a practical guide to making these traditional costumes for classical ballet dancers. As with the tutu itself, the book approaches the task in three parts – the tutu plate, the bodice and the decorative sections. It shares the secrets of a leading costume-maker as it explains the challenging task of, on the one hand, creating a light and beautiful ballet outfit suitable for performance and, on the other, making a comfortable and hardwearing costume that suits a character. In doing so, it reveals the extraordinary talent and techniques required by the costume-maker.

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As Lotus’s flagship model for almost three decades, the Esprit was launched in 1976 and remained in production for over a quarter of a century. It received regular refreshment along the way, principally to its original Giorgetto Giugiaro design and, from 1987, to its later Peter Stevens incarnation. Both iterations enabled the Esprit to maintain its position at the forefront of its market segment. Regularly compared to the best available from its German and Italian rivals, the Esprit was equally at home on the race track as it was on the road. A promising return to top-line international GT racing saw the Esprit compete on equal terms with the likes of Ferrari and McLaren, whilst, back in the showrooms, the car was selling for a fraction of their cost. The legacy of the Esprit can clearly be seen in current Lotus models whose core design brief is that they should always be the finest handling vehicle with the deftest of steering, feedback and feel. With over 300 stunning images, including professional photos, factory archive pictures and specially commissioned artworks, and featuring several interviews with Lotus personnel intimately concerned with Esprit production, this volume is a fitting tribute to a masterpiece of design and technology.

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Pots have existed across the world and in different cultures for thousands of years. This volume explores how contemporary makers use the ancient language of the pot to convey contemporary ideas, from the sculptural and painterly to the ecological and satirical. This beautifully produced book is a visually rich and critically in-depth focus on the work of twenty-four potters. A companion volume to Contemporary British Ceramics: Beneath the Surface, it reveals how pots can be extraordinarily powerful forms of expression.

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This practical guide shows you the range of possibilities that you can explore and enjoy when making and sampling with hand stitch and mixed media. Packed with colour, ideas and enthusiasm, it looks at the potential of recycled products and explains how to turn them into beautiful embellishments to hand stitch onto samples. Projects and step-by-step sequences show how the exciting process of playing with textiles and mixed media can create new and unique work. Get to grips with a basic tool kit, plus ideas for sourcing and organising supplies, make a stitch library of samples and ways to use threads creatively, from paper to recycled plastic, experiment with mixed media in new and exciting ways 2D and 3D techniques – step-by-step sequences explain a range of techniques and ideas and combine and develop techniques – create unique pieces and develop your own artistic voice

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The Pontons may have been Mercedes-Benz’s bread-and-butter models of the 1950s, but they were vitally important in establishing the marque as a significant player around the globe. Alongside the saloons that made Mercedes famous world-wide for long-lasting and economical taxis, there were exotic two-door cabriolet and coupé derivatives, and the cars’ basic structure was made available too for conversion into ambulances, pick-ups, estate cars and hearses. Not always appreciated is that the 190SL sports model was also derived from the engineering of the Ponton range. The Ponton Mercedes and the 190SL have long enjoyed a strong enthusiast following around the world. Here is their story, from their creation at a time when Mercedes was emerging from the devastation of war, though their success during the German Economic Miracle of the 1950s, to their final days in the early 1960s alongside the first of the ‘Fintail’ models that would eventually replace them. No enthusiast of these widely respected cars will want to be without this book.

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Launched in 1967, the NSU Ro80 had modern aerodynamic styling, a technologically advanced Wankel rotary engine and was voted Car of the Year in 1968. However, after the initial positive reception, the car developed a reputation for unreliability, with problems arising as early as 15,000 miles and many vehicles required a rebuilt engine before 30,000 miles. Despite the company resolving these reliability issues in both existing and new vehicles, and offering a generous warranty, the damage to the car’s reputation was done. The NSU Ro80 is the most celebrated motoring lost cause of the second half of the twentieth century, outranking the likes of the Edsel and the DeLorean because, unlike those statements of misplaced optimism and ego, it was a good car. Not just good: the NSU Ro80 is one of the great saloons. Launched in September 1967, the Ro80 was an all-new four-door five-seater from a West German company that – post-war – had never made anything other than economy runabouts, motorcycles and mopeds. That alone should have been enough of a risk, but this was also the world’s first purpose-built Wankel-engined family saloon. This compact, refined and elegantly simple power unit was the first really new concept in the realm of internal combustion engines to achieve mass production for ninety years. A car like the Ro80 could only really have come from Germany, where there was a passion for research and a pride in engineering not found elsewhere in Europe. With front-wheel drive, superb power steering and four-wheel disc brakes, the car had top handling and driver appeal. Quite simply, it was a masterpiece, considered by many to be the finest vehicle of its type in the world. But with one fatal flaw: its engine. With over 300 archive photographs, drawings and diagrams, this book tells the story of the NSU

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While pride of place usually goes to a lathe or milling machine, any workshop worthy of the name will have a host of hand tools and accessories to tackle a vast range of other tasks. Yet these are often supplied without detailed instructions, or even any guidance at all. Who has ever seen an instruction manual for a file? However, with the right advice, you can get better results, make your tools last much longer and work faster with less effort.

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Whether you’re an experienced hand knitter taking up machine knitting for the first time or an established machine knitter looking for the confidence and knowledge to further your skills, this accessible book offers a step-by-step guide to the practical techniques of Fair Isle knitting on the machine and the considerations that are specific to two-colour knitting. Includes 5 full patterns with colour charts.

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