Search results for ""Search Press""

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Beverly Johnson’s book is packed with scores of fun exercises that will really motivate young beginner artists who are just getting interested in drawing for animation, comic book art, or just for pleasure. In a series of beginner-friendly exercises, she explores how to conceptualize wonderful, convincing characters and shows how to translate ideas into great professional-looking drawings. The book is organized into key chapters associated with what makes engaging, three-dimensional characters. Read the advice, work your way through the exercises and you will get to the end with a portfolio bursting with wonderful creations. This book demonstrates how to create diverse characters with strong personalities, unique mannerisms and interests; how to understand their motivations, find their passions and make them come alive. Split into 75 easy-to-follow and fun exercises, Bev leads the young reader through the techniques and skills needed to create their very own characters.

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Fill your home with original, professional art – and learn to paint at the same time. This innovative new series is a poster book, an art pad and a step-by-step painting book all rolled into one! Each of the five posters is ready to pull out, frame and display. In addition, you can enjoy the calming pursuit of painting each of the pictures yourself using the pre-printed outlines – so no drawing required. The large, landscape format of the book allows each stage of painting to be clearly and comprehensively explained with innovative annotations. Simply pull out the stage-by-stage tutorial pages and pin them to your easel, then paint directly onto the watercolour outline for fantastic results. In this title, City Scenes, learn to paint iconic scenes of London, Paris and New York, and enjoy five masterclasses in painting from renowned artist Geoff Kersey.

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Fill your home with original, professional art - and learn to paint at the same time. This innovative new series is a poster book, an art pad and a step-by-step painting book all rolled into one! Each of the five A3 posters are ready to pull out, frame and display. In addition, you can enjoy the calming pursuit of painting each of the pictures yourself using the pre-printed outlines - so no drawing required. The large, landscape format of the book allows each stage of painting to be clearly and comprehensively explained with an innovative annotation approach. Simply pull out the simple, stage-by-stage tutorial pages and pin them to your easel, then paint directly onto the watercolour outline for fantastic results. In this title, Country Scenes, learn to paint a range of inspiring landscapes: journey to a tranquil New Forest stream, a rolling Tuscan hillside and a snowy mountain river, and enjoy 5 masterclasses in landscape painting.

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Screen printing is a print process involving the forcing of ink through a screen of fine material to create a picture or pattern. It has been around for many years, and has long been perceived as a specialist subject accessible only to professional printers and textile artists due to the high cost of the screens and inks. Recently, however, screen printing has entered the mainstream and the equipment and tools have become more affordable and accessible. In this Beginner's Guide to Screen Printing, Erin Lacy shows you how to make your own screen using an embroidery hoop and silk fabric, and demonstrates how to create beautiful designs that are easy to achieve. Discover how to print onto different surfaces such as wood, cork and fabric, and create twelve stunning, coastal and botanical-themed projects through bright and colourful step-by-step photography. The book includes templates and inspiration on how to design your own screen printing motifs.

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Even if you have never picked up a paintbrush before, professional watercolour teacher and artist Stephen Coates will show you how to paint lakes and rivers in watercolour using just three brushes, three colours, a plastic palette and a watercolour pad. Using just red, blue and yellow paint Stephen shows you how to paint nine realistic watercolour scenes. There is no off-putting colour theory or long-winded mixing information, just a practical absolute beginner’s course that shows the three colours in action. Build your skills through each of the nine easy paintings, starting from the simplest of scenes and ending with a more challenging, stunning picture you’ll be proud to have painted. There are step-by-step photographs for each project, clear instruction and advice throughout, and handy tips and jargon busters. Each of Stephen’s finished paintings is shown at full size for easy reference, which you can even use to trace from for a stress-free painting experience. This is a straightforward, economical, practical progressive course to painting lakes and river scenes in watercolour. Stephen uses the following paints and brushes in this book: Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolours - Raw Sienna, Light Red and Ultramarine. Brushes - Proarte Series 101 round size 2, Series 101 round size 8, Proarte 3/4inch Mini hake flat goat hair brush.

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Enter a wonderland of fluffy festive fun, filled with the magic of pompoms! Pompoms are easy to make, have oodles of charm and will appeal to young and old alike. 33 lovely projects to decorate your merry home, adorn your gifts and give as presents to loved ones on the special day. Starting with a simple know-how chapter on how to make your pompoms, filled with techniques and handy tips, you'll get straight into making your designs and immerse yourself in holiday spirit right away. From robins and gingerbread folk to decorate your tree, through to wreaths and champagne markers that'll warmly greet your guests, there's something for everyone. Create these pompoms for a no-fuss Christmas that will spread surely festive cheer everywhere! Uses material from Alistair Macdonald's Fabulous Pompoms and Pompom Christmas.

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This complete beginner's guide to painting animals and birds is ideal if you want to learn to paint in watercolour but are short on time. Broken down into 32 quick and easy paintings measuring just 15 x 10cm (6 x 4in), this basic course will teach you all the skills you need to paint domestic and wild animals and birds, in home settings or in nature. Best-selling author Matthew Palmer shows you how to paint a diverse range of animals and birds, including a parrot, cat, dog, zebra, stag, cow and swan, and teaches you how to paint realistic markings, fur and feathers, and how to create faces filled with character and personality. Tracings are provided for all the paintings, including the three projects at the end of the book. Simply trace them off onto your watercolour paper and paint with confidence, without the need to make an initial drawing. Each painting takes just 30 minutes to complete and teaches you a different technique, so by the end of the book you will be equipped with all the skills you need to complete one of the three full-size projects: a King Charles cavalier spaniel, a snow leopard and a hummingbird.

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The blank page can be daunting, but 10 Step Drawing: Animals offers an easy jumping-off point for any doodler to be creative. Featuring illustrated tutorials for drawing 75 adorable (and sometimes grumpy-looking!) creatures – from exotic animals such as a cheetah and flamingo, to aquatic mammals and fish like the dolphin, penguin and octopus, along with furry friends close to home such as a cat, a dog and a horse – every image is fun and easy to replicate in ten simple steps, using just a pen and paper. Handy prompts at every stage help the reader without giving them dry, prescriptive instructions, and every animal has its own distinctive character. 10 Step Drawing: Animals is sure to encourage even the most nervous amateur artist to dust off their pen and doodle. Other titles in the series: 10 Step Drawing: Flowers.

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Geoff Kersey shares his expertise in this book packed full of tips for watercolour painters. Learn all you need to know, from what to buy, composing a painting and mastering techniques such as wet into wet and dry brush work, to how to paint skies, water, trees, buildings and more. The tips are clearly explained and illustrated through artwork and step-by-step photographs. This title was previously published as Geoff's Top Tips for Watercolour Artists. In this new, easy-to-use flexibinding format with an updated design, the books in the Watercolour Artists’ Pocket Books series bring you the best tips from some of Search Press's leading authors.

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Get that ‘just right’ balance into your home and life with the 20 fresh Scandinavian-inspired designs in this book. Lagom är bäst, or ‘the right amount is best’ – a Swedish philosophy that fosters the concept of living a simpler and more balanced life. In this book, author and blogger Debbie von Grabler-Crozier shows you how to embrace the ethos of Lagom by teaching you how to sew 20 beautiful accessories for your home that combine Scandi style with simple and practical design.

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Design and sew your own gorgeous, unique skirts, with no need for shop-bought patterns. Start by creating your own block and toile using just four body measurements. Then select your skirt shape, add the fittings, fastenings and details you want, and put the whole thing together with ease. With clear step-by-step photography and easy-to-follow instructions, Jenniffer Taylor (of The Great British Sewing Bee) will show you how to mix and match the design elements you really want to make your perfect garment; choose from A-line, flared, gathered, pencil and pleated shapes, and from pockets, zips, buttons and yokes. The book contains 10 inspiring skirt options to get you started... but it’s your skirt, your way, so fill your wardrobe with an array of gorgeous skirts that fit you perfectly and suit your style!

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We all use ceramics on a daily basis without thinking much about it, except when it comes to a favourite mug or cup, for instance. Why is it a favourite? Is it that it holds just the right amount of tea or coffee? Is it that it sits comfortably in the hand with an ample handle that allows you to hold it safely? Is it the clay the cup is made from — a fine porcelain or robust stoneware? Is it the rustic shape or refined, delicate, traditional or contemporary design? Maybe you just like the pattern on the outside! Whatever the reason, someone will have been thinking about the ergonomics of the cup when they designed and made it and all the other ceramic items that you use, to ensure they work perfectly and give you pleasure to handle and serve your food and drink in. This book is a visual feast of ideas and advice to guide the maker through the process of designing and making successful functional ceramics that are practical and appealing in equal measure. It adopts a low-tech approach that is understandable and accessible for all and begins with the basic questions you will need to address before you begin. Each element of the process will be carefully considered, from deciding the function of the item to working out proportions and making basic drawings, to choosing the right clay, tools, and making method, and finally glazing and firing, including safety issues and the essential topic of suitability for food. Each chapter begins by presenting a varied range of basic shapes, be they thrown or hand built. The next section demonstrates a wide selection of handles, rims, feet, lids, knobs, spouts, lips, and other details that can be mixed and matched to form unique designs with personality and functionality. Working the whole process out in advance can reap tremendous rewards, ensuring the maker gets it right first time but also allowing the process to be repeated with minimum effort. From idea to finished item, this book will be the essential guide to all the techniques required to make functional ceramics that really work and give lasting pleasure to use.

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Tempted to start painting but not sure where to start? Learn how to paint beautiful watercolour flowers using just 3 colours, 3 brushes, a plastic palette and a watercolour pad. This book will build your skills through easy exercises, starting from the simplest of tulips and working up to a stunning rose. Clear advice and step-by-step photography will show you exactly what to do at each stage. No drawing necessary – you can simply trace and transfer the basic drawings from the finished paintings, which are shown at full size. Colours used: cadmium yellow pale, ultramarine blue and permanent rose. Brushes used: Round brushes size 10 (Large), size 8 (Medium), and a size 4 (Small).

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Count down to Christmas with Debbie Shore. Sew unique, personalised advent calendars for your loved ones, and fill them with their favourite festive treats and handpicked goodies that they’ll really treasure. There are 20 designs included, from traditional flat-pocket calendars to hanging cones and festive pouches, for both adults and children alike, along with a treat-filled calendar for the family dog! The book contains all the techniques needed to make the calendars, and every project is shown clearly step-by-step, with helpful tips and advice throughout. Using Debbie’s friendly and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s time to get crafty and create a new festive family tradition!

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If you have always wanted to draw manga but weren’t sure how to begin, this fun and simple step-by-step book will help kick-start your comic-drawing journey. Learn how to draw boys, girls and creatures (ordinary and extraordinary) in the manga style. Starting with basic shapes, professional manga artist Yishan Li shows how easy it is to turn circles, rectangles, squares and ovals into teens, kids, witches, wizards, monsters, animals and much more. Professional manga art from well-known comic creator Yishan Li Over 130 step-by-step drawings Easy method with great results

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Discover Soutache, the art of creating modern and unique jewellery from looped braids. Donatella Ciotti shows you how to create stunning, expensive-looking costume jewellery, from earrings and bracelets to brooches for hats, with full-colour, detailed photography to guide you through each process. There is even a gallery of images at the end of the book to inspire you to create your own, bespoke soutache masterpieces. Learn about the history of jewellery crafting and the ever-growing trend for affordable yet stylish costume jewellery, before trying your hand at your own soutache pieces. Begin with the basic techniques of finishing and sewing the cords and inserting pearls and cabochons or cameos, discover the secrets behind coiling your soutache braids to make buttons, then begin to make bracelets, rings, headbands and much more. Your soutache creations will be eye-catching and entirely unique to you!

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Sew 23 beautiful, vintage-style items that will bring a touch of elegance to your home and make wonderful gifts for friends and family. Create beautiful accessories including a lacy pillow cover, a bucket-style wash bag, a dressing table cover and cones for displaying posies of dried flowers; sew gorgeous projects perfect for an afternoon tea including a tea cosy, made-to-measure tray cover and a cake frill; and create accessories for a vintage Christmas with a stocking, advent calendar and wreath. Using half-yard pieces of fabric and Debbie’s friendly, easy-to-follow advice, vintage style has never looked better!

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This guide to painting watercolour landscapes is ideal if you want to learn to paint but are short on time. Broken down into 33 quick and easy paintings that take no more than 30 minutes to complete, this basic course will teach you all the skills you need to paint landscapes and their components, including trees in winter, sparkling water, hedgerows and gates, animals, human figures and buildings in the landscape. The 30-minute paintings are all worked at postcard size – ideal for a 6 x 4in (A6) watercolour pad, and tracings are included for those with limited drawing skills. Each small painting is a work of art in its own right, and can be stored in your portfolio for reference later, or framed and hung on the wall to impress your friends. The book is broken down into chapters that focus, respectively, on essential watercolour techniques including colour mixing and glazing; laying washes and creating skies and realistic-looking clouds; the rudiments of composition; trees and flowers in a landscape; water– still and moving, from stream to open sea; and the living landscape – human and animal figures, structures and buildings in the landscape. The final section of the book contains three complete paintings that demonstrate how to combine all the techniques and elements of painting landscapes, as gleaned from the preceding chapters. These paintings, too, are accompanied by actual-size tracings. There are 33 tracings in all to help you compose your own landscape paintings. Praise for the Ready to Paint in 30 Minutes series: “This is a genuinely exciting evolution of a popular series. You’ll be guided through some simple exercises and on to complete paintings, gaining valuable insights that will develop and improve your skills.” – Henry Malt, Artbookreview.net

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This fantastic new book from highly respected quilter and author Carolyn Forster gives you nine beautiful Layer Cake (pre-cut 10-inch square) quilt designs, made using a variety of patchworking and quilting styles. Also included are nine accompanying `gift’ projects, which range from bags and pincushions to needlebooks and coasters… although you may find them just too good to give away! All the techniques you need are clearly explained at the beginning of the book with easy-to-follow step-by-step photography, and the instructions for putting together each quilt are illustrated for clarity. All the necessary templates are included at actual size.

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Oil paint is such a responsive and versatile medium that no two painters need use it in exactly the same way, and since its invention in Renaissance times it has never lost its popularity with artists. Amateurs also find it appealing, both because it is enjoyable to use and because mistakes can be so easily rectified. This compact book explains all the materials, techniques and different approaches to painting with oils. Step-by-step sequences show how to paint a range of themes, from still life to portraits and landscapes, with advice on more difficult subjects. There are also suggestions for presenting your finished paintings and how to go about getting your work seen and exhibited.

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This fantastic book showcases the prestigious Embroiderers’ Guild’s huge collection of embroidered birds through the ages. Featuring photographs taken especially for the book, items are shown in full along with detailed images that show off the stunning birds at their best.

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This fantastic book showcases the prestigious Embroiderers’ Guild’s huge collection of embroidered animals through the ages. Featuring photographs taken especially for the book, items are displayed in full along with detailed images that show off the stunning variety of creatures at their best. Dr Annette Collinge's informative extended captions for each of the pieces give information on the provenance where known, and evaluate the quality of, and variety in, each of the works from her expert perspective. Rarely exhibited in public, these beautiful and important embroideries that span the centuries are now available for everyone to see.

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Pop Art is eye-catching, bold, recognisable and, best of all, it’s easy to reproduce – making it fantastic for beginners. Thomas Böhler explains all the fundamentals including materials, tools and the basic techniques as well as everything you need to know about this fashionable art form. The book is packed full of inspirational pop art pieces partly inspired by famous pop art artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein; but including plenty of contemporary references and subjects. More than just a decorative hobby, this book will inspire you to create your own unique works of pop art.

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Jersey yarn, also known as T-shirt, fabric and textile yarn, is a chunky, stretchy yarn made from strips of jersey fabric. This exciting new product is made from off-cuts from the textile industry and is available in a wide range of colours, or alternatively you can make it yourself by cutting up old T-shirts into narrow strips. This versatile, over-sized yarn knits up quickly into eye-catching projects that will add instant impact to you and your home. Expert textile designer Alexandre Callier-Taylor has created 20 modern and stylish designs that make use of the slightly elastic but robust quality of jersey yarn, including pots, rugs, pillows, bags and mats. With clear step-by-step knitting and crochet instructions, this book is ideal for crafters of all abilities looking for new ideas and inspiration.

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Let your imagination run wild with the latest title from innovative knitter, Sachiyo Ishii. This charming book contains over 30 fun, simple knitting patterns for a range of cute and cuddly toys. Create simple playthings such as animals, cars, trains, fairies and cupcakes, and then try your hand at larger toy sets, including a castle under siege, an alien invasion, a prehistoric play-scene and a fairytale cottage complete with magical characters! The book is suitable for knitters of all skill levels, and all the patterns require only small amounts of readily available yarn. The book also contains a useful techniques section containing step-by-step instructions for the necessary techniques, including stuffing and sewing up figures, creating knitted eyes and i-cords, and all the embroidery stitches needed to create the facial features and details.

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28 different characters, poses and expressions that offer a dynamic selection of Manga-style female figures. Drawing girls is a very popular subject within the manga genre and this book is perfect for anyone seeking to learn the basics of creating these delightful characters. Suitable for adults and children of all ages and abilities.

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Sugarcraft specialist Cassie Brown shows you how to use your airbrush to decorate showstopping cakes. Containing full instructions on the tools, materials and techniques you need to produce your own sumptuous works of cake craft, you will be inspired by the range of results you can use any airbrush to achieve. Instructions for ten cakes, suitable for all skill levels, are illustrated by clear step-by-step pictures showing just how Cassie achieves her results. From fun space cakes for children's parties to a breathtaking wedding cake decorated with delicate sugarcraft flowers, this book will unlock your baking and decorating potential.

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Decoupage is one of the most popular papercrafts that has re-emerged recently. It is a traditional craft that is extremely popular in the US and is growing in popularity in the UK as a result of the trend for upcycling, altered art, etc. It has been given a complete facelift by the appearance on the market of some fabulous papers, adhesives and finishing products from companies such as Decopatch and DecoArt. It involves gluing papers on to everyday objects to give them a completely new and exciting look. It works on all surfaces, including card, metal, wood, plastic and glass, and is hugely versatile in terms of the looks that can be achieved, and the kinds of items you can transform.

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A practical guide with actual-size swatches, charts, and instructions. 200 Crochet Stitches is designed to get crochet fans discovering new stitches and creative ways of working crochet. It contains a wealth of stitch patterns and how-to techniques. Stitches are introduced and accompanied by clear photographic step-by-step instructions, charts, and examples of the stitches — as well as feature spreads that explore ideas for yarns and colourways and how to use the stitches in garments, accessories and homewares. This collection includes crochet's most popular stitch styles: nubbly textured stitches, delicate lacy ones, technically challenging Tunisian, colourful, graphic and endlessly adaptable chevrons and ripples, and finishing techniques. Stitches include ridges, cables, crossed, spikes, filet, mesh-like, trellis, shells, picots, fans, Tunisian, openwork, chevrons, ripples, bobbles and puffs.

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This book will show you how you can get the most out of your sewing machine, simply by changing feet – from working easily with the full range of fabrics (even the most slippery and stretchy ones), to great time-saving tricks like easy zippers and button-holes, and adding a range of new decorative effects. For those new to the wonderful world of stitching, you will find all the help and advice you need to get your machine out of its box for the first time. And if you are considering upgrading your machine, you'll also find a guide on which machine will best suit your stitching needs. So whether you are a beginner or have been sewing for years, this book is packed with all the information you need to get the most out of your sewing machine, inspiring new design ideas and finishes along the way.

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Four experienced paper crafters show you everything you need to make your own quilled characters, wildflowers and motifs to decorate your craftwork. A comprehensive source of innovative ideas, each of the many projects is accompanied by full step-by-step techniques. Start from the beginning, with clear explanations of the basics of quilling, and build up to make everything from chocolate drops to angels, taking in frogs and hot air balloons along the way!

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Keen to paint, but your drawing skills let you down? This book provides pull-out tracings for five beautiful floral paintings, along with full step-by-step instructions for how to bring them to life with watercolour paint. A clear guide on how to transfer the tracings to your watercolour paper is included, along with a helpful section on what materials to use. Ready to Paint: Watercolour Flowers makes painting flowers simple and accessible, and offers guidance on how you can develop your new painting skills.

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In this visually stunning book, Moy Mackay reveals how you too can create beautiful pictures using felt. Characterised by her wonderful use of colour, Moy’s work is breathtaking and includes still-lifes, animals and landscapes inspired by the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Borders where she lives and works. Moy takes you through every step of the process, including the materials and tools you need, the feltmaking process itself (which is easier than you’d imagine), and how to put together four fabulous felt paintings of your own. There is guidance on stitching, including both hand- and machine-stitching, as well as how to use colour and introduce texture in the form of different fibres and threads. There are numerous examples of Moy’s work through the book, and by the end you will not fail to be inspired to create gorgeous felt paintings of your own. "Moy's passionate use of colour and the deep texture created by felting are what draw me to her work. I also like the way that she concentrates on her surroundings for her subject matter – her work is very free." - Kaffe Fassett

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50 huck embroidery designs for the modern needlecrafter.

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Get your knitting off to a flying start with 8 simple projects and multiple techniques. In this complete course, knitting expert Lynne Rowe covers everything you need to get started: essential tools and materials, how to hold your needles, make your first stitches, fasten off and read a pattern. Clear step-by-step photographs and a handy fold-out flap with knitting abbreviations make it accessible for all, whether you are knitting your first stitches or revisiting the basics. Take small steps and familiarize yourself with the terminology and techniques to master the essentials of knitting in no time at all. Lynne combines helpful, friendly guidance with 8 colourful modern projects, each one teaching and consolidating a new technique – from increasing and decreasing to changing colour and joining seams. Choose from: a tranquility spa set a cozy scarf hygge headbands a stylish colour-block pillow a gorgeous baby blanket a cheerful garland a ribbed beanie fingerless mittens. Embark on your knitting journey and have fun creating your own knitted wearable accessories and home décor items with all things bright and woolly.

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Now in a convenient paperback edition, this is a bag-making series with a difference: 15 stylish tote bag designs, two handy plastic templates and endless variations! Focusing on tote bags, this beautifully presented, 96-page book contains easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for a wide variety of totes in a range of fabrics and styles. Included are two easy-to-use templates: durable, reusable, wipe-clean and perfect for fussy cutting, they make building a bag even easier. The 15 tote bags are each made using different techniques, pockets, straps and fastenings to create 15 very different results. The templates can also be used for your own further design variations, and Debbie gives advice on how to adapt and create your own unique designs. Each project in the book is explained using Debbie’s trademark style and step-by-step photography, and there is also a comprehensive techniques section and a guide to using the templates.

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Sew 20 stunning felt decorations – perfect for adding some festive charm to your home or for giving as gorgeous handmade gifts. Best-selling author Corinne Lapierre brings you 20 fantastic new festive designs! Create decorations to hang on your tree, ornaments to decorate your table and mantelpiece, and cards, gift bags and tags to send to loved ones. Including snowflakes, robins, stockings, snowmen, angels and more, there's something for everyone! Create gorgeous family heirlooms that you will look forward to seeing year after year. All the projects are simple to make, all the necessary templates are provided in the book and the stitches are clearly explained before you start. This fantastic little hardback project book, in a handy pocket-size format is part of the All-New Twenty to Make series.

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Join Gai Button as she shares her secrets to needle felting adorable miniature dogs. Using different wools, silks and fibres, and with just three needles, you can make all manner of realistic-looking dog breeds, including labradors, pugs and poodles. There are six dog projects in the book, and the techniques for making them are explained clearly with illustrated step-by-step instructions, along with handy tips. Each dog also has to-scale templates included, so you can start needle felting your favourite pooch right away. Needle felted dogs are easier to make than they look, making them suitable for beginners and confident felters alike!

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Bursting with exciting and innovative techniques, best-selling author Jane Betteridge pushes watercolour to new heights, bringing nature to life with vibrancy, texture and dynamism. In this reissue of her best-selling book Dynamic Watercolours, Jane demonstrates an effective and vibrant use of a huge range of exciting ways of working, including the use of crackle paste, modelling pastes, metallic leaf, gilding flakes, print and much more. Inspired by nature on every page and showcasing 75 inspirational finished paintings, this book will excite and inspire watercolour artists of all abilities to experiment and approach their painting in a whole new way.

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This comprehensive guide to weaving big on your frame loom enables you to maximize your little loom to make large projects. Weave long warps up to 2 metres (6.5 feet) on a basic frame loom. Aimed at both the beginner and the more experienced weaver, Fiona Daly guides you through all you need to know from dressing the loom, how to weave, and extending the warp, to a variety of patterned weave structures and highly textured techniques. These include waffle weave; extra-weft floats and tassels; leno/gauze weave; as well as classic weave structures such as houndstooth; check, and log cabin. Including project patterns for eight contemporary, big projects for you and for your home, you can make an oversized scarf, a mesh shopping bag, a large wall hanging, a bath mat and textured cushions. Projects are designed using techniques explained in the book, incorporating beautiful, natural materials. Fiona stresses the use of sustainably sourced and native materials, including tips on how to find your local, sustainable yarn producers as well as repurposing existing yarns from second-hand garments and charity shops.

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From the authors of Needle Felting for Beginners, awarded BEST CRAFT BOOK in The Craft Business Awards 2021. Needle-felting is an easy and fun technique, requiring little in the way of expensive materials or equipment. Its accessibility means it's becoming more and more popular, and award-winning authors Judy Balchin and Roz Dace show how to make 20 wonderful little teddy bears using this tactile technique. Each bear measures around 10-12cm (4-5in) tall and can be made in a matter of hours from a bundle of wool fibres, a felting needle and some carefully chosen embellishments. Each bear has its own special character, and they make ideal gifts and keepsakes for friends and loved ones. There's a pretty ballet bear, a cool Christmas bear, as well as a vintage bear, rainbow bear and cute baby bears. Each project is accompanied by clear, step-by-step instructions and beautiful photographs, and there are handy hints and tips throughout the book to help make the crafting process even easier. Detailed guidance is provided at the start of the book on the materials and equipment you need; how to sculpt a basic bear; make your bears' paws, feet and faces; and how to really bring your bear to life by carefully positioning the nose, eyes and ears. The techniques are easy to learn and soon you will be designing and making bears of your own to keep or give. Previously published as How to Make Little Needle-Felted Teddy Bears (ISBN: 9781782210696).

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Terry Harrison's painting style and easy-going humour makes painting fun and enjoyable. Pick up a brush, pull out one of the included outlines, and before you know it, you'll have a painting you can be proud to hang on your wall! This collection of Terry Harrison's highly-successful Ready to Paint books expands on the rock-solid painting advice in the originals by including all of Terry's clever and simple techniques. Together with more information on his preferred materials, the book makes painting the huge range of landscapes and rural scenes included approachable and enjoyable. The book includes pull-out outline paper that you can transfer to watercolour paper as well as full instructions on how to do so for each of the 15 step-by-step projects, and Terry's beautiful artworks are scattered throughout for inspiration.

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A new, larger format edition of the classic reference work on silk shading by the Royal School of Needlework (RSN). The Essential Stitch Guides provide a set of definitive works on traditional embroidery techniques. Graduate Apprentice Sarah Homfray throws light onto the beautiful craft of silk shading, also known as painting with a needle, long and short stitch embroidery or thread painting. This book reveals the history of the craft then moves on to the materials and equipment required. Next, Sarah covers design and using colour, simplifying and demystifying this often neglected area of embroidery. The main part of the book then covers all of the essential stitches and techniques through clear, step-by-step diagrams, coupled with beautiful, close-up photographs showing how they can be used in a finished piece. Key traditional techniques are included: the fundamental stab, split and long and short stitches; along with couching, padding, adding beads and sequins, and knots. The book ends with beautiful and exquisitely-worked examples and covers working with different fabrics, threads and incorporating painted backgrounds. The RSN teaches hand embroidery to the highest standard and is 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 forward 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.

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Design a completely unique quilt using a library of over 6,000+ blocks with the Electric Quilt 8 Quilt Design Software. Electric Quilt 8 (EQ8) is the most user-friendly quilt design software on the market! It's redesigned from previous versions with a friendly new look that includes large interface elements for faster, more intuitive learning. EQ8 comes with more than 40 new and updated features, including thousands of new block designs and fabrics. With EQ8, you can design your own quilts using the 6,000+ included blocks and fabrics (or add your own!). Print your fabric yardage, rotary-cutting charts, templates, or foundation patterns and sew your unique masterpiece! In EQ8, you can Design quilts at any size – Start with a layout from the library, or choose a pre-designed Quick Quilt project for instant inspiration. For complete control, design your layout from scratch! Draw block patterns of all sizes and styles – EQ8 has full drawing capabilities to create any kind of block. Draft your block from scratch, use the built-in grids or import a photo or sketch to trace. The Block Library is full of over 6,000 pre-drawn designs ready for you to use in your quilt designs. Use these blocks as they are, or edit them to add your own touch. Scan and import fabric – Scan your fabric or take a picture of it, then import the image into EQ8. Use the scaling, straightening and cropping tools to make sure your fabric looks as accurate as possible. You can also add fabrics from the web! The EQ8 Fabric Library comes pre-loaded with 6,200 fabrics from top manufacturers! Calculate yardage – Get yardage estimates for your quilt, including borders! You choose the appropriate fabric width to get the most accurate requirements. Using fat quarters? No problem! If you make changes to your quilt, your yardage automatically updates. Print patterns – Print patterns for the blocks in your quilt. EQ8 uses the sizes you defined for the blocks and adds the seam allowance, where necessary. Choose to print templates, foundation patterns, rotary cutting charts and pictures of your blocks and quilts. Export images – Are you submitting your quilt design to a magazine? EQ8 exports high-resolution images perfect for print publications. Export web images to post on your blog, website or on social media. Link your Facebook account to EQ8 so you can easily share images of your designs with your friends and followers. The EQ8 package contains a software download licence. The licence is used to claim, download and install the software from ElectricQuilt.com. Users can choose the Mac or PC version during the claim process. Complete instructions are included. System Requirements: Minimum System Requirements DISCLAIMER: EQ8 will not run on Chromebooks or any devices running Android or iOS. EQ8 requires Windows or Mac operating systems, as listed below. Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 macOS Monterey (12), Big Sur (11) Intel and M1 processors, Catalina (10.15), Mojave (10.14), High Sierra (10.13) If you want to run EQ8 on BOTH platforms, you must purchase the EQ8 Migration Kit to get the installation files for the second platform. Internet Access Required Internet access required for downloading, activating, periodic validation and accessing the support materials. You can be disconnected from the internet for general use of the software. Activation Unlimited installations. Two (2) computers may be simultaneously active. Activations can be easily transferred between computers. Activations are done through electricquilt.com Space Requirements 850 MB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation. Recommended Resolution Screen resolution of 1280 x 1024 or greater. (A Minimum of 1024 x 768 is required).

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Create a rainbow of cute and colourful crocheted flower babies using this simple beginner's guide. Choose from 12 different flowers including Sam Sunflower, Hugo Hydrangea, Adam Allium and Diane Daffodil, all with flamboyant petals and friendly faces. All the flower babies use the same simple body pattern to which the characterful, colourful petals and leaves are added. All the techniques and stitches used are clearly illustrated, and the book also contains a handy guide to pattern reading. Use your flower babies as keyrings, brooches, necklaces or just as fun toys for playtime!

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The really easy way to learn how to paint flowers in watercolour! Using a simple ten-step process, learn how to draw a basic outline starting with simple shapes, then add washes of colour and fine details to complete your work. Arranged in three chapters based on skill level, this book features 25 lovely projects, each showing you how to paint a flower in ten steps. There are paint swatches for every plant, showing you the colours you need to mix for each step of the way and the finished painting serves as a reference to guide you. It couldn't be easier! Also included is a useful techniques section at the beginning, and clever painting tips from the author throughout the book. With flora as diverse as a tulip, a magnolia, a bunny ears cactus and a passionflower, there is plenty to choose from and practise with, to develop your skills.

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The traditional art of Illumination - the creation of elaborate, decorated letters and initials - is now attracting new enthusiasts. It reached its apogee in the monasteries of medieval Europe and was practised with great skill and artistry. Embellished with gold leaf, the illuminated letters of those early scribes seemed to reflect light, as though they were indeed 'illuminated'. Illuminated Letters presents step-by-step instructions for recreating illuminated alphabets from six historical periods, including Celtic, Gothic and Romanesque. Diagrams for upper- and lower-case letters are accompanied by ideas for borders and decorations, and full instructions for gilding. Each section also explores ways in which the illuminated letters can be adapted to create a truly personal style, while a gallery of modern examples will inspire further creativity.

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In this gorgeous book, Jane E. Hall combines her love of butterflies with her outstanding talent as a textile artist to produce three-dimensional renditions of exquisitely worked butterflies that are almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Using the finest of silk threads and needles, Jane lovingly creates her butterflies using the tiniest of stitches worked on to silk. The butterflies are then placed within a setting of silk leaves and flowers, all made with the same painstaking attention to detail and expert skill as the butterflies themselves. There is a fascinating introduction to butterflies in nature, reflecting Jane's love and admiration for these exquisite creatures. This is followed by twelve studies, including the Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell and the Brimstone, each presented as a finished piece along with the materials used to create them, and the photographs, swatches, drawings and paintings that inspired them. One of the most striking features of this book is the amazing photography of Jane's work, including detailed close-ups. This, together with Jane's poetic and inspiring text, make this a book that anyone who is a nature lover, embroiderer, textile artist or simply a lover of beautiful books will want to own.

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