Search results for ""Search Press""

A collection of vintage-inspired floral designs to embroider, love and cherish.

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Make 20 beginner friendly works of rock art - all you need is paint, a brush and a pebble!

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Packed with everything you need to know about creating super-sweet chibis, this step-by-step guide contains 40 ultra-cute figures and animals, bursting with personality and fun. Each of the step-by-step sequences includes a basic line-work drawing you can copy, scan or trace, so that even the complete beginner can get started straight away. Learn the basic styling and simple visual tricks you need to create this ultra-cute world; discover how to simplify and exaggerate, how to draw out the distinctive elements that will make your figures unique; and discover how to create a collection of lively characters, small in size but big in personality!

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Crochet Peter Panda and his amigurumi friends: 10 quirky animals to brighten your day.

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Tunisian crochet has experienced a great revival in recent years – a surge in popularity that is showing no signs of slowing down. Anna Nikipirowicz outlines a wide variety of new and unique stitches in this beautifully produced reference work. This Tunisian crochet stitch collection offers classic and new stitches, designed to keep needlecrafters of all skill levels occupied for years to come. Tunisian crochet produces a fabric that is similar to a knit but worked on a hook. It’s a lot quicker, combining the best of knitting and crochet, creating a dense, durable fabric. Packed with 150 stitches for beginner and intermediate to advanced, you can start with basic stitches which are organized into themed sections. With actual-size swatches, you can see straight away if you are getting it right. It also includes charts and step-by-step photo instructions. The Tunisian Crochet Stitch Dictionary is designed to get crochet fans discovering new stitches and creative ways of working crochet.

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Capture the spirit of a cosy Nordic Christmas with eleven crocheted decorations to create. Nordic Christmas Crochet is a mix of classic and modern-style Christmas decorations, based on the simple, natural, Nordic aesthetic that characterises Krea Deluxe, the company owned by Heidi and Pia, the authors. The book is full of beautiful, styled photographs of the crocheted decorations in situ on a Christmas tree, in the window and around the home, all the time giving a very personal touch to the festive season. Each project is accompanied by clear instructions, and templates and diagrams are also included to aid the reader in the creation of these exquisite embellishments, which include: stars, drums, pennants, birds, mistletoe and Christmas trees.

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Create 24 stunning festive decorations – all made using simple macramé knots and 100 per cent recycled materials. Start by learning 24 key knots and 8 beautiful patterns, all shown clearly using step-by-step photography. Key safety advice is given, as well as helpful tips for working with large pieces of macramé, knotting from an irregular-shaped support and keeping an even tension. The 24 projects range from stunning tree and table decorations, to statement wreaths, charming gift tags and cute garlands – perfect to create a stylish, cosy Christmas at home, or to give away as enviable gifts! Each project clearly explains which knots to use, the difficulty level, how long the project will take, and photographs of the steps are provided as necessary. The projects are easy to follow, genuinely desirable and, best of all, really simple to make!

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This is origami at its most simple and elegant. With a special focus on photographic step-by-step instructions, this book makes it easy to create over 50 different paper projects, from sea lions to sailing boats. Detailed illustrations show exactly how and where to place your hands at every step and projects are given a difficulty rating for ease of reference. Simply follow the diagrams and watch origami creations of all kinds come to life at your fingertips. Brought to you from the Parisian boutique of Adeline Klam, this book is full of beautiful designs, fun toys, useful tips and paper surprises of every shape and size.

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This is a clear, comprehensive guide to colour mixing in the three most popular mediums: watercolour, acrylics and oils. This portable, pocket-sized companion introduces simple colour theory and colour wheels, with templates provided so that readers can paint their own. The Colour Mixing Companion then shows the reader how to mix the perfect colour in all three mediums through a vast array of swatches and explanations of colour relationships. There is vividly illustrated guidance on complementary, warm and cool colours, tone, using a limited palette, dull and bright colours and factoring in local colour, followed by an array of essential colour mixes using widely available paints. The Colour Mixing Companion is a beautifully presented and practical guide to understanding and mixing colours; artists from beginners to more experienced painters will find this a handy, comprehensive guide. The contents of this book have been compiled and refreshed from the hugely popular Colour Mixing Guides, which have sold 40k copies globally.

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'This is botanical illustration at the highest level.' – The Artist Christabel King is the foremost botanical artist at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, world leaders in the study and preservation of plant species. Here she shares her passion for depicting plants, both in scientific illustrations and in looser botanical art. This inspiring guide covers everything you need to know: choose a subject and create a vibrant composition; accurately sketch, shade and colour leaves, flowers, cacti and more; finally, press and preserve your own treasured specimens. A chapter on travel drawing gives a flavour of the author's worldwide experience, and there are many of her beautiful plates from the prestigious Curtis's Botanical Magazine. There is a helpful section on suitable subjects for beginners and a glossary of terms, to get you started in the beautiful art of botanical illustration.

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26 charming characterful little sea creatures to crochet in amigurumi style! Create your own underwater wonderland with these cute and colourful tiny sea creatures. Crochet 26 fun and easy-to-make projects, including sharks, whales, jellyfish, an octopus, seahorse, turtle and plenty of vibrant fish. These colourful little projects are great for using up small amounts of yarn from your stash. Give your tiny creations as gifts, or make them into keychains, bag pendants or baby mobiles. Clear and easy-to-follow crochet techniques and diagrams make it simple to get started.

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This charming book contains 25 characterful little birds to crochet in amigurumi style! These cute and colourful tiny birds, including a peacock, swan, owl, toucan, penguin, flamingo and even a mini egg, can be crocheted with small amounts of yarn and are perfect for using up your stash. Each of the little fun birds can be used as keychains, baby mobiles, bag pendants or simply to make and collect! Clear and easy-to-follow crochet techniques and diagrams make it easy to get started.

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These are definitely not your usual granny squares! Bursting with colour and ingenuity, these exciting and adventurous crocheted blocks, designed by Celine Semaan and Leonie Morgan, will really get your creativity flowing. With more than 40 bright and contemporary designs, blocks are the best way to try out new stitches and colour combinations. There are also four gorgeous projects showing you how to combine your granny squares into larger items, including a blanket, cushion and wall hanging. A useful colour section will help you to select fabulous colour combinations, and all the granny square patterns have written instructions, charts and photos showing the stitch detail.

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If you want to draw dogs but don’t know where to start, this is the book for you! 10 Step Drawing: Dogs will help you turn simple shapes into beautiful dog drawings in just ten steps. Each drawing starts with easy, geometric shapes and simple guide lines, and the dogs are drawn in a variety of poses that typify the particular breed. Each drawing includes a helpful colour palette so readers can easily find the right colours to finish their drawing. There are even instructions for adding simple details to give each creature its own personality.

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Create sweet and memorable gifts for your lucky giftees, and crochet 20 adorable amigurumi-inspired covers for all their chocolate treats! In this delightful little project book, crochet a whole array of cute cozies to suit even the trickiest of recipients – from a happy snowman and a cheeky monkey through to a smiley stegosaurus and a graceful kokeshi doll. There are three different cozy sizes to choose from – a larger one for orange-sized chocolate treats, a medium-sized cover for small chocolate eggs, and a tiny cover for bite-sized goodies such as truffles and round, hazelnut-filled confectionery. The cozies require very little yarn and are quick to make, perfect for last-minute scrap-busting presents. These are wonderful petite gifts to crochet for any festivity – birthday parties, Easter, Christmas, Halloween and more.

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From the authors of Needle Felting for Beginners, awarded BEST CRAFT BOOK in The Craft Business Awards 2021. The Woolly Felters – Roz Dace and Judy Balchin – bring you another fun-packed needle felting book, this time with dolls that are vibrant, quirky and full of character! Learn how to sculpt fairies, kawaii characters, a royal family, and even yourself or your friends. There are ten varied projects, each with needle felted clothing, hair and accessories. Roz and Judy provide practical ideas for designing your own dolls, familiarizing you with the basic doll to get you started and including an accessible 'help me' section for reference. Techniques like creating an inner core, working with a partial or full armature and both wet and dry felting are also covered. The dolls have a range of props such as a bag, spectacles, a toy rabbit, and even an armchair for Knitting Nigel to sit in! What makes these dolls so appealing is the expression and character they exude, and the authors show you how to capture this. Learn how to create realistic figures or more exaggerated caricatures, as well as how to inject personality through your choice of features, hairstyle, embellishments and pose! Enjoy mastering this beguiling craft under the expert instruction of two award-winning authors.

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Niina Laitinen is one of the most popular knitting designers in Scandinavia. This stunning collection of sock designs is inspired by the four seasons. Each of the 20 gorgeous patterns is accompanied by a beautiful description of the Finnish countryside that evokes the spirit of the Nordic seasons. The designs feature elements of nature in the shape of leaf patterns and beautiful lace and cable textures, to gorgeous colourwork featuring a geisha, a butterfly and heart patterns. They are knitted with the changing moods of the seasons in mind and include lightweight ankle-length designs for spring and summer, and heavier knee-length patterns for the colder winter weather. All the patterns have detailed charts to follow and range in difficulty from easy to more complex designs suitable for more advanced knitters.

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The time has come for a fresh, fun take on the classic granny square. Featuring 20 popular animals (including dogs, cats, bears, sheep, pigs, lions, turtles, ladybirds, sloths and more), this book has a 3D animal to suit every taste! Use different stitches to create textured elements such as fluffy manes, shaggy fur and frilly tentacles, and crochet three-dimensional elements such as ears, eyes, horns, beaks and wings to bring the animals to life! Once you've made your favourites or the whole menagerie, turn your tactile squares into a gorgeous blanket, the instructions for which are included at the end of the book.

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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 Lizzy Lansberry, this book contains an extensive stitch guide, as well as guidance on the materials and equipment you need; how to design your own whitework embroidery; framing up; and positioning and transferring your design. Each stitch is clearly illustrated with step-by-step photography, along with expert instruction on how to form the stitch and use it in your needlework. With an introduction to the RSN and a brief history of whitework, together with numerous traditional and contemporary examples, this book provides an essential guide to this classic form of embroidery.

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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 Kate Sinton, this book contains an extensive guide to stitches and techniques, as well as guidance on the materials and equipment you need; how to design your own stumpwork embroidery; framing up; and positioning and transferring your design. Each stitch is clearly illustrated with step-by-step photography, along with expert instruction on how to form the stitch and use it in your needlework. With an introduction to the RSN and a brief history of stumpwork, together with numerous traditional and contemporary examples, this book provides an essential guide to this classic form of embroidery.

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A new, larger format edition of the Royal School of Needlework's classic reference work on beadwork embroidery. Shelley Cox presents an expert guide to all aspects of bead embroidery, including information on counted thread beadwork, bead embroidery, beaded surface embroidery, and fringing. Here you will find stitches and technique for every sort of needlework that involves beads. Decorative effects are explored too, making this a fantastic source book and an invaluable reference for beadwork. The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) teaches hand embroidery to the highest standard and is well respected all over the world. It not only upholds the traditions of English embroidery that go back many hundreds of years, but is constantly taking embroidery forwards in new and innovative ways. This series of Essential Stitch Guides has been produced in close collaboration with the RSN with the aim of providing a set of definitive works on traditional embroidery techniques. All of the authors were chosen by the RSN and all are graduate apprentices of the Royal School.

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A collection of Half Yard™ sewing projects for springtime style, designed by the award-winning and best-selling author Debbie Shore. Debbie has chosen her favourite spring designs from her much-loved Half Yard™ series, including five brand-new projects for you to sink your needles into. Whether you're spring cleaning and tidying, working in the garden or entertaining, this book contains everything you need to do it in style! Choose from useful bags, boxes and storage solutions to give your inside space a new lease of life; create gorgeous bags for days out and table decorations for days in entertaining; and finally, make your outside space just as inviting as inside, with a peg bag for your laundry and a gardener's kneeling pad for all those spring jobs in the garden. Each item requires no more than half a yard of outer fabric, plus all the necessary hardware, trimmings and lining. As always, every project features Debbie's friendly, easy-to-follow instructions and a beautiful photograph of the finished make.

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Create bespoke garments that fit and flatter! In this comprehensive, informative book, Helen explains how to create beautiful, customized dresses for every shape and size. Choose the exact size that fits and flatters you from a bespoke sizing chart that takes into account differences in body size across bust, waist and hips. Trace off your pattern pieces, then create a sample (toile) in calico which you can then adapt to create the dress of your dreams, in your own choice of fabulous fabric. There are four style options each for sleeves and necklines, including a flared sleeve, a capped sleeve, a sweetheart neckline or a boatneck; and five skirt options, including a fitted pencil-style skirt, a zhuzhy circle skirt, and an A-line, with or without pleats. You can also choose to add a sweet, classic Peter Pan collar, or inseam pockets, to your garment. Alternatively, you can even create a skirt as a separate garment, simply by adding a waistband or facing. The language of sewing and dressmaking is demystified at the beginning of the book, as well as the equipment you need to get started. Nothing is left unexplained; and stunning images of the finished dresses, on a mannequin and on a model, are interspersed throughout the book to inspire your own finished pieces. Extra copies of the full-size pattern sheets/pattern templates exclusive to Dressmaking: The Easy Guide by Helen Rhiannon are available here.

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Also known as 'counted thread openwork' or 'drawn fabric embroidery', this beautiful whitework technique is achieved by simply pulling on the threads of the fabric, without cutting or drawing them. It is worked on loosely woven fabrics using a fine tapestry needle, and involves accurately counting the threads to create intricate, geometric designs. Pulled thread embroidery is well suited to modern-day decorative use, either on its own or combined with other techniques such as hand embroidery, patchwork and quilting. Create gorgeous, delicate edgings for table linen, or beautifully simple yet intricate designs for cushion covers, lampshades or purses. With clear instructions, stitch diagrams, charts and photographs for over 140 stunning designs, plus inspiring photographs of finished pieces, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in this exquisite form of openwork embroidery.

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This is a must-have instructional and inspirational book for anyone interested in free-motion embroidery. Drawing on new material, as well as that previously published as The Beginner’s Guide to Machine Embroidered Flowers, The Beginner’s Guide to Machine Embroidered Landscapes, Machine Embroidered Seascapes and Machine Embroidered Woodlands, this book provides a showcase of Alison Holt’s exquisite machine embroideries. Learn how to create beautiful machine-embroidered pictures of all aspects of the landscape, from formal gardens and flowers to romantic seascapes, landscapes and woodlands using various combinations of just two simple machine stitches. Information on silk painting and colour mixing is also included. All the techniques are broken down into clear, step-by-step instructions, with numerous helpful photographs and a great range of inspirational pieces. Alison 'paints' her threads on to hand-coloured backgrounds, blending her stitches and achieving stunning results. This book covers everything, including the materials required; how to compose a picture from photographs that have inspired you; achieving perspective; light and shade; painting backgrounds; and all the basic stitch techniques you need to know. There are stunning step-by-step projects so that the reader can put into practise his or her newly-acquired skills.

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Inspired by the past, Lesley Wilkins illustrates her techniques with a whole host of wonderful designs – flowers, plants, birds, animals and figures. She covers everything – from the materials to use and working with a chart, to getting started and how to stitch. Patterns are created by small stitched units which are combined in many different ways – some heavily textured, some delicate and light. Borders can be built up by repeating and joining motifs. Clear step-by-step photographs accompany the author's comprehensive instructions, and the motifs, borders, fill-in patterns and images are all charted, with inspirational pictures of embroideries showing how to build up finished designs.

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Alysn Midgelow-Marsden shows how to use both textile-based and mixed media techniques to create beautiful artworks using metal in the form of shim, foil and woven fabric alongside many other materials. She shares her expertise in an inspiring variety of techniques from free machine stitching to gilding, embossing, needle felting, beading, printing, appliqué, making stitched foil fabric and using dry decal transfer images. There are seven beautiful projects to inspire and instruct textile artists everywhere, including a lampshade, bauble pods, decorative panels and a tablet cover. Artists can take inspiration from the individual surfaces that make up the pieces, the completed projects, and from the developments from each project, which have full, instructive captions. This is an invaluable resource for textile artists looking for new and beautiful ideas. This book was previously published as part of the Textile Artist series.

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Embroidered Birds and their Habitats explores the author’s fascination with birds and the ways they interact with their surroundings. The book is divided into three parts: Part 1 covers the basic requirements of what the reader needs, including design requirements, embroidery materials and additional equipment. It also includes a section on research and choosing a suitable bird and its habitat, and information on drawing up a design related to the bird and its placement in the wider landscape. Part 2 explores processes and techniques used in designing and working more complicated elements through two projects. These guide the reader through the entire process, from inspiration through to working design. The reader learns techniques for layering the background and stitching; picking up all the skills and techniques needed to complete a hand-stitched, low-relief panel. This includes elements embroidered both on- and off-frame. Part 3 includes further examples of the author’s embroideries, and drawn designs that could be used in future works. This section also includes information on finishing the work (mounting and framing), a stitch glossary, reference section and acknowledgements.

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From around 1875 to 1950, Dutch fishermen wore sweaters with characteristic knit and purl stitch patterns, sometimes cable. These jerseys, known as ganseys, became an intrinsic part of the identity of the Dutchmen who wore them. Many of the children in these fishing families wore ganseys too, and numerous photos have been discovered in recent years of schoolchildren dressed in the knitwear seen on their fishermen fathers. Stella Ruhe returns with over 40 sweaters to knit from 30 different Dutch villages – this time, for your little ones to wear and ramble in. Based on the original designs shared by families and discovered in archives, Stella has created recreations of these historically important garments for our contemporary life that ooze classic style with modern minimalism. With these designs, you are offered not only a chance to pay homage to the women who lovingly knitted the jumpers and to share in a beautiful Dutch tradition, but also give something for your child to treasure for years to come. The sizes of the ganseys run from 1- to 14-years old, but can easily be adjusted to any child’s size by following Stella's straightforward measuring instructions in her chapter on knitting know-how. In the same chapter you learn that every gansey is a standard shape, meaning the beauty of each sweater is in the variation of pattern motifs and finishing details, which varies from village to village. In the gallery of knitting designs, each jumper is accompanied by knitting charts – the pattern repeat clearly shown for easy garment adjusting, a diagram of the jumper and styled, modern photography. With a wealth of fascinating background information and historical photos of the original designs alongside every design, this is an inspiring book for the ambitious knitter looking for unique, classic knitwear, and a brilliant read for anyone interested in craft, culture and heritage.

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Love rabbits? Love knitting? Then this book is for you! Packed with 20 brilliant, bouncing bunnies to knit and love, this book has a carrot-crunching character for everyone! From fluffy, cuddly rabbits and bean bag bunnies to egg cosies, finger puppets and even a bunny bride and groom, this fun book includes projects for knitters of all abilities. It contains practical advice, basic techniques and a handy list of abbreviations. Using a mix of yarns and weights, from fluffy and textured to cottons and naturals, she shows how to create different looks and how to maximise bunny personality. The patterns are suitable for beginners and more advanced knitters, with techniques ranging from easy basic stitches to more decorative ideas. Including fun photography and clearly written patterns, these different bunny characters have wide appeal and are almost too cute to handle!

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90 original iron-on transfer designs from the archives of the Embroiderers' Guild! An important though largely forgotten part of the Embroiderers’ Guild legacy is the huge collection of hot-iron transfers dating back to the early 20th century that were created by members of the Guild. They fell out of favour in the 1960s and the Guild stopped producing them. Many transfers were stored away and haven’t been seen since those times; others were simply thrown away. Recently rediscovered and made available for the first time in over half a century, this unique collection includes 90 original designs ranging from the early to mid-twentieth century. This treasure trove of design inspiration is presented in two separate books enclosed in a hardback folder. The Reusable Iron-on Transfers book includes 90 designs that you can cut out and store in the pocket inside the folder after use. This is accompanied by a handy Stitching Guide that includes 26 beautifully worked examples to inspire your colour, thread and stitch choices, as well as information on tools and materials, using an embroidery hoop, and 18 embroidery stitch diagrams.

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Wreaths are not just for Christmas - they can be used to decorate your home all year round! Anna Nikipirowicz shows you how to create sumptuous crocheted wreaths and other decorations that will grace your home and look beautiful, whatever the season. There is a wide variety to choose from, including spring, summer, autumn and winter wreaths plus a gorgeous succulents wreath and Easter, Halloween and Christmas wreaths. These lovely yarny creations are festooned with flowers, leaves and other decorations such as birds, owls, pumpkins, stars, bunnies and foxes. If you love the look but don't want to make an entire wreath, Anna also includes other smaller decorations such as garlands and terrariums. There are also three delightful tiny wreaths to make, featuring a hedgehog, a mouse and a robin. Each main project has a smaller accompanying project to make, and if you love crochet, you’ll love Anna’s imaginative designs.

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'This is a great all-in-one book! It's the ideal book for the embroidery enthusiast who is interested in exploring and really learning the foundations of core needlework techniques. It is certain to be very influential on new generations of stitchers in the years to come, and a wonderful learning resource for needlework enthusiasts worldwide.' - Mary Corbet, Needle ‘n’ Thread A rich source of embroidery stitches, techniques and projects from the Royal School of Needlework. This beautiful book is a rich source of embroidery techniques, stitches and projects, covering eight key subjects in detail: Crewelwork Bead embroidery Stumpwork Canvaswork Goldwork Whitework Blackwork ... and silk shading. Containing all the trusted, bestselling content from the RSN Essential Stitch Guide series, plus a new section on mounting your finished work, this fantastic book is a must-have for all embroiderers. Fully redesigned and integrated, the original eight titles have been given a new lease of life in this larger format.

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Sew Barbie this cute wardrobe of 24 stylish outfits. Sew clothes for every day: jeans and a tie-waist shirt for a picnic in the country, a fleecy jumper and trousers for skiing, a bikini, towel and sunhat for the beach or dungarees for DIY. Or create outfits for special occasions, such as a floral cocktail dress, A-line wedding dress or a formal lacy dress for the theatre. And why not dip into the dressing-up box with fairy, mermaid and superwoman costumes? The detailed explanations are accompanied by step-by-step diagrams and real-size patterns, which can be adapted for petite, curvy, tall or original Barbie. The techniques used are simple and the outfits can be sewn by hand or on the machine. These are ideal projects for upcycling old clothes or making use of scraps of fabric from your stash.

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This unique book works as a complete course in acrylic painting, built up from key techniques. As you progress through the sections of the book, the author demonstrates each technique with the creation of a mini painting, measuring 5-inch (12¾-centimetre) square. So by the time you have worked right through to the end, you will have an amazing collection of 50 mini paintings, on board, or paper, or canvas, that will be a testament to your skill and creativity. The subject matter for the squares varies from abstracts and simple colour mixing exercises, through to figurative subjects: a flower, a sunset, a busy street scene – and much more. These can be mounted, exhibited, or simply collected in a portfolio, or given away as gifts for friends to cherish. The book is ideal for anyone coming to acrylics for the first time, or keen to improve their skills, and who is sometimes daunted by the thought of filling a large empty canvas or blank piece of board. Instead, it will free painters from creative hang-ups, and replace them with an addictive desire to create that next 5-inch square! This title was previously published in 2015 as Little Ways to Learn Acrylics.

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A new, up-to-date edition of the popular and comprehensive encyclopedia by professional artist Judy Martin. Many manuals on pastel painting take for granted the use of traditional soft pastels, a dry medium that provides the richness and variety of paint colours. Soft pastel is certainly the most versatile and widely used, but the modern range of materials include other pastel types that have their own specific purpose. In this exhaustive A-Z reference for artists of all skills, a variety of different pastel types are detailed, from oil through to water-soluble pastels, amongst the multitude of techniques broken down and easily explained. The book itself is divided into two sections: the first provides step-by-step demonstrations that guide artists through a variety of techniques, from basic colour mixing through to creating special effects such as sgraffito and sfumato. The second part focuses on themes, illustrating how individual artists tackle a number of subjects, including natural landscapes, urban scenes, figures, animals and still life. This resource provides a wealth of stimulating ideas to help artists – both amateurs and veterans – develop their own pastel style.

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Internationally renowned ribbon artist, Di van Niekerk, has brought the textile and embroidery worlds together to create a unique book that combines the two mediums, with fabulous results. Working in close association with felt specialist Toody Cassidy, and featuring art by felt designer Razaan Jakoet, Di has produced a book that will delight and inspire beginners keen to work with the striking fusion of felt and silk. Learn to make flat nuno felting and felt surfaces, using wool, wool and silk and paper silk, and adorn these with exquisite silk ribbon designs. Beginning with detailed instructions on the felted backgrounds, followed by a step-by-step section on how to make the flowers and creatures in silk, the book then introduces readers to 16 stunning projects, from pieces to hang in your home through to accessories you can wear and keep, to practice and apply your newfound embroidery skills. The following flowers and creatures appear in the designs: nasturtiums, wild dagga, cosmos, pansies, English roses, miniature roses, marguerite and meadow daisies and grasses, wild flowers (buttercups, lavender, poppies, grasses) fuchsias, daffodils, wisteria, filler flowers (forget-me-nots and foliage), sunbird and sparrow. The stitch gallery includes spider web roses, ribbon stitch, pistil stitch, ribbon stitch with curled-up tip, detached chain stitch, fly stitch rose, fly and ribbon stitch rose, French knots, grab stitch, loop stitch, stab stitch, stem stitch rose, twisted straight stitch, blanket/buttonhole stitch, crochet filling stitch, detached buttonhole, and many more.

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For those who have struggled in the past to knit with needles, loom knitting is an easy craft to master which children and adults alike can learn in a few hours. Loom knitting is a revolutionary way of knitting that uses a circular or rectangular loom, or knitting board, consisting of a frame with pegs. Looms are easy and fun to use, even without conventional knitting experience. An individual can create almost anything, from knitted tubes for hats or socks to flat panels for scarves, shawls and sweaters. This new and updated book is designed as an essential reference and a hands-on project resource for the loom knitter. The first part of the book provides loom-knitting techniques for both round and rectangular looms, and knitting boards. An inspiring design section presents more than 35 patterns to get the new loom-knitter started. Also included are a handy stitch pattern section and a glossary of techniques.

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Delve into the world of air-dry clay crafting with 20 beautiful, easy-to-make projects that are suitable for all skill levels. Air-dry clay looks, feels, and performs like traditional clay but requires no oven bake or fire. So you can create professional-looking ceramics in your own kitchen without the need for a kiln. Each project comes with step-by-step photos and detailed, easy-to-follow instructions. The book also includes instructions for all the core techniques, plus traceable templates. In no time you can create beautiful homewares and jewellery that will be sure to impress.

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This book is filled with cute, easy knits with a vintage feel. There are knitting patterns for seven different adorable animal toys – a rabbit, a kitten, a mouse, a puppy, a panda, a teddy and a monkey, each approx. 8 inches (20cm) high, and all easy and quick to knit. Each animal is accompanied by a mini knitted version of itself that can be stored in the little shoulder bag or backpack that each toy carries. There are patterns for over 50 garments and accessories in which to dress the toys - most of them knitted and some sewn garments. All the clothes are one size and designed to fit every animal, so the reader can mix and match items to create their chosen toy's own unique wardrobe. The outfits are split into themes such as Out to Play, Picnic Time and Time for School, and include pyjamas, outdoor clothes, summer dresses, school uniform and so on, with added accessories. Readers are encouraged to use up scraps of yarn and fabric they already have for the clothes, re-using materials from a favourite item that’s long since outgrown to make a keepsake toy that has special significance.

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This fun, quirky book is packed with 25 gorgeous, colourful skirts for adults up to size UK 20/US 16 and children from 2 years old. Using the clear explanation, useful sketches and beautiful pictures to guide you, choose from A-line, bell, circle, straight, gathered, wraparound and elasticated styles, and also learn how to add underskirts and create maternity wear. All the skirts can be easily customised using the full-size pull-out patterns and each is shown made from several different fabrics and with different trims to inspire you to follow your own personal tastes. With tips on stitching, advice on choosing fabric and a comprehensive guide to cutting and using the patterns, Madame Zsazsa will show you exactly how to create your own fun and flattering designs!

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30 beadweaving designs combining new and traditional techniques with popular classical themes inspired by ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt. Projects range in skill level from easy to advanced, appealing to the novice and experienced beader alike.

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Resin jewellery first started in the US around 6 years ago and has now become one of the fastest-growing trends in jewellery making. The technique is very simple – you simply mix the two-part resin together and pour into a bezel or pendant. Rings, pendants, brooches, cufflinks, hairpins and bracelets are all easy to make and look incredibly professional when done. In this inspiring book, well-known crafter Sara Naumann shows you just how easy and quick resin jewellery is to make, using minimal equipment and readily available products, and provides over 50 fabulous projects for you to try. You can add numerous items to the resin to achieve different effects. You can place paper in the bezels to act as a background to the resin – such as old book paper, map paper, scrapbook paper and photographs. Paper can also be painted, stencilled, or layered with washi tape before being coated with resin. Try sheet music for a vintage vibe, or origami papers for a fresh, contemporary look. In addition, you can also immerse various items in the resin before it cures, such as dried flowers and leaves, feathers, shells, beads and charms, or try adding glitter, coloured inks, nail polish and virtually anything else you can think of. The versatility of resin jewellery is awe-inspiring, providing papercrafters as well as jewellery-makers with all the skills and inspiration they need to design and make their own stunning pieces.

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Experiment with stitch, fabric and thread to create your own unique textiles. This inventive book is a treasure trove of over 40 inspiring practical exercises, a rich and creative exploration of fabric and stitch, and a fascinating all-round read. Elizabeth Healey's approach to sewing is that it should be fun, and not like a chore or an exam we need to excel in. Her aim is to simply encourage you to pick up a needle and thread and get sewing! The exercises draw inspiration from around the world: create corded works of art inspired by Milton Glaser's iconic Bob Dylan poster; create bold embroidered African masks; layer up and cut away to create Mola applique; use bleach and fabric paint to create Aboriginal dreamtime lizards; create knotted works of art inspired by ancient Mayan counting systems; embroider varsity cross-stitch letters or try out decorative Japanese book binding. Alternatively, try a host of other techniques such as quilting, printing, dyeing, couching tumbled crockery, creating pleats and puckers and needlelace. Packed with stitch galleries and bursting with slow sewing ideas, the book also contains 'behind the stitches' features: illuminating insights into sewing movements such as Boro textiles, Gee's Bend quilting and Dorset buttons.

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Austrian artist Waltraud Nawratil shows you how to combine a love for nature with a passion for expressive painting. It is divided into helpful sections to teach the reader how to use acrylics, watercolours or airbrushing, as well as natural materials such as sand, bark and leaves, to create captivating pictures full of colour and vitality. There is a wealth of stunning abstract pieces by Waltraud which will provide inspiration for more experience painters as well as the beginner. The book covers the variations through all seasons, teaching the reader to see the natural world with creativity and a fresh new perspective.

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Louise Firchau is an expert paper cutter and owner of the renowned online paper cuts company Paper Panda. Her gorgeous designs are much sought after, and here are twenty of them - all created by Louise especially for the book, and all in her distinctive and exquisite style. Each project consists of a full-size template and a photograph of the finished design, together with tips on cutting, or how to display the finished item and a 1-5 difficulty rating. With notes on basic papercutting techniques at the start of the book, this is a must-have buy for paper cutters looking for new and original ideas, as well as Louise's numerous fans worldwide.

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Sewing superstar, Debbie Shore has a real flair for designing simple projects that look amazing, and in this book she has created ingenious storage solutions to keep the home neat, tidy and beautifully styled. All the techniques and stitches needed are clearly explained, and the projects can all be made on a basic sewing machine. Projects are included for all areas of the home, and include a storage cube, drawstring toy bag, garment cover, iron caddy, jewellery pouch, tablet cover, knitting needle roll, drawer liner, laundry bag, sewing machine bag, gift wrap storage and even a heat-proof pouch for hair straighteners.

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Learn how to create exquisite, delicately embroidered silk ribbon flowers, including foxgloves, roses, hydrangeas, delphiniums, primroses, geraniums, irises, poppies... and much more. A small selection of stitches are used to create a wide variety of flowers. All the techniques are explained in detailed step-by-step sequences.

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