Search results for ""Search Press Ltd""

Christmas is a wonderful time of year for crafting! From imaginative handmade gifts to stunning, reusable decorations, this book contains 100 fabulous quick and easy makes for the festive season. All the projects have been carefully selected from Search Press's best-selling 20 to Make series and are simple enough for beginners as well as seasoned crafters. There's something for everyone in this book, including knitting, crochet, papercraft, sewing, sugarcraft, felt, jewellery making, cross stitch, mosaic making, decoupage, polymer clay and needlepoint. Each craft has a handy techniques section to get you started, followed by a range of quick projects that include a knitted star, a pompom Santa Claus, a polymer clay teddy bear, a felt winter owl, a crocheted Christmas tree heart and a pretty bangle. All the projects are made using tools and materials that are easy to source, and provide all the inspiration you need to make Christmas extra special.

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One-Tier Party Cakes features 12 elaborate, single-layer cakes for a variety of occasions from birthdays to baby showers, friendship celebrations to Christmas festivities. Lindy Smith demonstrates how to transfer a template to the cake and decorate each of the three-dimensional designs in the book, while providing plenty of inspiration and encouragement for the reader to develop their own designs. This book features recipes for two delicious layered cakes (Madeira and chocolate fudge); plus the ingredients you need to make successful cake coverings and fillings including sugarpaste (fondant), flower paste, modelling chocolate, ganache and royal icing. It also includes new and popular cake techniques such as achieving sharp edges, working with modelling chocolate, airbrushing, cocoa butter painting and mastering double-height cakes.

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The ultimate compendium of cake decorating techniques for avid amateur bakers everywhere. Cake Decorating for Beginners combines nuggets of advice and popular projects from books in the Modern Cake Decorator series. You are taken through the whole process from the initial bake to icing your cake with those final embellishments. Expert cake decorators Christine Flinn, Sandra Monger and Stephanie Weightman pool their knowledge to help you with stencilling, using cutters, piping and painting.

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Enter into the whimsical, crocheted world of Eleonore & Maurice, a talented designer who blends pastel yarns with delicate floral fabric to make truly adorable amigurumi creations: plush animals with little accessories, as well as sweet cushions. The combination of the calming pastel cotton yarn and the delicate floral designs give beautiful results. These cute creations include a cat cushion, a bird family, a hedgehog, a rabbit and a reindeer. The crochet patterns are clear and easy to follow and the sewing element is minimal, including items such as fabric bows, belts, ears, tails and collars. Make them for yourself or as gifts for family and friends. Everyone is sure to love these beautiful crocheted creatures. The soft colours and splashes of floral fabric make them perfect companions that children will love.

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On trend watercolour painting for beginners! Influenced by the japanese art of watercolour painting called 'Etegami', author Lena Yokota-Barth starts with what you will need by way of materials, moving on to applying and mixing colour. There are then fifty motifs to choose from, all divided into levels of difficulty. For those new to watercolour painting, this book offers an easy introduction. All fifty motifs can be painted in five steps, which are all detailed clearly for a striking end result. Among the motifs are animals such as flamingos and llamas, popular plants, and fun-to-paint fruits, such as strawberries and watermelons. The basics of watercolour painting are presented in an easily understandable fashion, and the fifty motifs will give rise to limitless possibilities for designing posters, greetings cards, journal covers or even thoughtful, framed gifts.

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Ensure your garden looks stunning come rain or shine with this inspirational new book from Debbie Shore. Using easy-to-follow photography and simple instructions Debbie shows you how to sew 22 beautiful items for outdoor living. Sew decorative accessories for the patio, such as seat cushions and bunting, create practical items such as a BBQ tool roll and picnic caddy, and even make a kids' teepee! Perfect for people of all abilities who love sewing and enjoy their gardens, or who want to make a gift for someone who does.

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Frame it, wear it, look awesome. Stitch a multitude of embroidery designs - all within a cute and tiny mini hoop! Following the simple instructions inside, learn how to create over 60 tiny masterpieces in a wide range of styles by original mini embroidery hoop creator Sonia Lyne, founder of Dandelyne (TM). Using these little hoops as your canvas learn to stitch it all, from classic embroidered flowers and applique animals through to abstract stitch 'n' paint shapes and tasselled creatures. Then, proudly frame and decorate your stitched art and turn them into eye-catching jewellery pieces, or display them in your home for ultimate hoopy gorgeousness. Beginner embroiderers and experienced stitchers short on time will love the small size of these hoops, and almost all the designs can be made in a weekend. Throughout the book, Sonia gives you tips on colour and stitch variations, as well as alternative hoop shapes you could use from her mini hoop packs, inspiring you to make these little designs truly your own! Whatever your style, there's a treasure trove of stunning designs and motifs to stitch and adapt, encouraging you to grow confident in building (and feeling proud of) your own artistic juices. So get ready to be motivated, excited and inspired to stitch up a sea of mini masterpieces that you'll love to show off and gift to a loved one (or make for yours truly...).

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Inside, discover all the major pottery techniques used the world over, from time-honoured traditional methods to exciting new developments. These include coiling, combing, resist decoration, sgraffito, slabbing and texturing clay. Once you've learnt these essential techniques, put your new skills into practice with a wealth of inspirational examples, ranging from bowls, vases and cups, to plaques, spheres and sculpture. In addition, advice on materials and equipment is provided to help you on your crafting journey, including kilns, glazes, moulds and more. Finally, a gallery of stunning images is featured throughout the book, demonstrating an array of beautiful designs by established potters and ceramicists that will inspire both beginner and experienced potters.

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Popular author Corinne Lapierre brings us another delightful book of beautiful felt creatures. Fabulous Felt Animals includes families of deer, raccoons, foxes, rabbits, bears and mice, all brought to life with cute outfits and fun accessories. The animals are made using ready-made craft felt that is easy to work with and soft to the touch, and are hand-sewn using simple stitches. Clear step-by-step instructions are provided for every project, accompanied by gorgeous photographs and Corinne's delightful illustrations, and there are same-size templates at the back of the book for all the animals, clothes and accessories.

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This gorgeous book brings together 100 of the best winter knits from best-selling author and knitting designer, Monica Russel. Previously published in the 20 to Make series, these fabulous designs are quick and easy to make, and include scarves, wrist warmers, hats, boot cuffs, headbands and snoods. With designs for men, women and children in a range of colours and styles, there is something for everyone in this valuable knitting resource. Using material from the following 20 to Make titles: Knitted Boot Cuffs, Easy Knitted Scarves, Knitted Wrist Warmers, Knitted Headbands, Knitted Snoods and Knitted Hats - this book provides a wealth of inspiration with projects that will become an essential part of your winter wardrobe!

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A new and up-to-date edition of the immensely successful stitch bible, by bestselling needlework designer and author Betty Barnden. Trends in embroidery styles come and go, but the basic stitches and techniques remain the same. In this essential directory, hand sewers will have a collection of over 200 stitches at their fingertips – from basic chain worked into fabric through to Florentine work on a canvas. Each one is explained with written step-by-step instructions and how-to techniques to get you started, and are accompanied by clear artwork and a photo of the finished stitch. Follow the diagrams and instructions in this beautifully illustrated and jam-packed book to discover the wonderful variety of effects that can be created with just a needle and thread, and discover – or rediscover – the sensuous, tactile, wearable art of embroidery.

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Intrigued by the stunning gradient yarns out there but unsure of what to knit with them? Perhaps you struggle with colour? Dive right in and knit with these eye-catching yarns with 10 unique lessons teaching skills such as cabling, lace, alternating stripes, thrums, stranded colourwork, mosaic, intarsia, short rows and simple knit and purl combinations all using gradient yarns. Build up your skills with patterns for garments and accessories from designers around the world. Gradients are a perfect way to add a unique dimension to your work. Go from light to dark, mix things up, work with multiple colourways or knit your way through the rainbow! With countless options available, the possibilities are as endless as what your imagination can create! This book offers a blend of beginner through to advanced projects, allowing the knitter to build their skills with each project.

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'If you thought oil pastels were just something for children, prepare to think again.' The Artist '...look on in wonder as Tim shows you how you can use this neglected but simple medium to create real works of art...Just open this book at random and you'll be hooked.' Paint Magazine Learn to paint with oil pastels in this colourful, accessible book for newcomers to the medium. Tim Fisher demonstrates how to use the oil pastels on their own, or in conjunction with acrylic inks and paints, and watercolours, on a variety of surfaces, to create beautiful paintings that will maintain their vibrancy for years to come. The Beginner's Guide to Painting with Oil Pastels features six full step-by-step projects covering a variety of subjects including animal portraits, street scenes, boats and harbours, buildings and glorious landscapes. Tim introduces the reader to mark-making with oil pastels, explains the history of the medium, and how to protect and keep an oil pastel painting once it is complete.

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200 Fun Things to Knit contains an irresistible collection of small and cute knitting projects* for all levels of ability. Containing a mix of beautiful, three-dimensional projects inspired by nature - flowers, birds, bugs, leaves and even creatures from the sea - as well as a collection of charming floral square motifs, the reader will have no trouble finding something to inspire them. Ideal for using up scraps of yarn, the 200 mini projects are quick and easy to make, both at home and on the go. Compiled by top knitting designers, they make stylish embellishments to give or to keep. *Projects have appeared in previous publications.

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If you think you know what cross stitch is, look again! Jamie Chalmers, aka Mr X Stitch, shows you how to cross stitch using simple step-by-step instructions and also takes you to the frontiers of cross stitch design. The book is aimed at stitchers of all abilities, from absolute beginners looking to learn a new craft to embroiderers and cross stitchers who want to do something different in cross stitching. For many, cross stitch conjures up images of cute kittens and country cottages, but this book shows people that there’s a different side to cross stitching – that it’s an art in its own right, and will encourage them to be a little braver with their art. Jamie’s writing style is fun, entertaining and highly inspirational. The book aims to appeal to men as well as women, encouraging one and all to take up the ancient craft. It teaches the basics of cross stitching, including information on materials, tools, techniques and colour blending, but also puts Jamie’s own individual spin on it, with urban flavours and the introduction of different materials such as glow-in-the-dark threads and stitching on metal. As well as providing exciting designs to stitch, there is guidance on how to create cross stitch designs of your own, for example by using photographs and other images for reference. Jamie also showcases the work of other contemporary cross stitchers who are pushing the boundaries of their craft, and introduces more than 20 stunning cutting-edge projects to make, showing that beauty, innovation and 'craftivism' are alive and kicking in this inspirational book.

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English Paper Piecing (EPP) is a popular and easy method of creating beautiful, hand-sewn patchwork designs. The fabric is cut and folded over a paper template and the resulting shapes are stitched together by hand, making it ideal for sewing whether you're on the move, or at home. Successful and established author Alistair Macdonald provides 18 fabulous projects, including a lovely baby’s play mat, a stylish gentleman's scarf, a useful hobby bag, a tea cosy, a gorgeous tote bag and a make-up purse. All the patchwork is done by hand sewing, using the English Paper Piecing method in fresh, bright cottons and with clear, step-by-step instructions and beautiful photographs. There is some machine sewing for putting projects together, but you can hand sew if you prefer. Actual size templates for every project are included.

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In Beading for the Absolute Beginner, professional beadwork artists and teachers, Liz Thornton and Jean Power, tell you everything you need to know to create beautiful, colourful beaded accessories – even if you’ve never tried before. The techniques come with step-by-step instructions and the spiral, hands-free format enable you to practice and master each technique more easily. The book covers all the equipment and tools, terminology and techniques and also features a selection of attractive, simple projects specially designed for the beginner.

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This first book in the new series will get readers started in making beaded jewellery, similar to the hugely popular absolute beginner’s course that Carolyn teaches. It introduces people who have no experience whatsoever, and who may never even have tried a craft before, to the basic techniques, tools and materials involved through simple, inspiring projects. It includes a pictorial 'Jargon buster' glossary of the essential tools and materials used (with both UK and US terms); an index; and 12 step-by-step projects through which people can learn the basic techniques while creating beautiful pieces of jewellery they would want to wear. Clear instructions, step-by-step photography and diagrams where necessary create a user-friendly guide. Projects will take no more than a couple of hours, making them achievable in an evening. Learn how to use memory wire, beading wire, stretchy cord, chain and jump rings to make desirable jewellery pieces. Design tips throughout will encourage beginners to get creative and become jewellery designers in their own right.

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Sewing superstar, Debbie Shore, has designed 31 gorgeous home accessories that can be made using half a yard of fabric or less. The projects are divided into accessories for the Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen and Bedroom, with a special section for picnics. Clear step by step instructions and beautiful photography make it easy to create desirable projects from a tablecloth, magazine box, chair slip, napkins, napkin ring, oven mitt, apron, tea cosy, cafe curtain and jewellery roll, to a picnic place mat, bread bag and bottle bag, and more. Debbie's flair for design and eye for fresh, beautiful fabrics make these home accessories that readers will make to run up for themselves.

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Beanies are a must-have for any season. Whether sporty, glamorous, trendy or funky there’s a style here to suit everyone. The best thing about crocheted beanies is their versatility and that is why they are so much fun to design and create. There are 20 crochet hat projects featured in this book, with designs suitable for beginners as well as experienced crocheters. You'll find a helpful step-by-step techniques section at the front of the book with explanatory diagrams and a guide to yarn lengths. Each project is accompanied by clear instructions and a list of the materials and equipment you'll need alongside a beautiful colour photograph of the finished beanie.

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Artists who work from photographic source material need to learn how to adapt and improve in order to create a successful painting. Geoff Kersey is a master of this way of working, and here he shows how it is done. Reference photographs, colour charts and preparatory sketches are shown alongside all the finished paintings in this book, with full details of the adaptations and creative processes involved. There are plenty of clear tips and advice, and an illustrated glossary of all the painting terms used. Readers who want much more advice on adapting from reference sources than is provided in step by step painting books will have all they need here, and there are dozens of beautiful paintings to inform and inspire them.

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All watercolour landscape artists need to know how to paint water, and in this book Terry Harrison excels in demystifying the painting process. Here he shares his expert advice and no nonsense tips and techniques for producing quick, effective paintings of water. There are two or three-step exercises for painting water in all its varied moods and situations, including ripples, reflections, puddles, streams, breaking waves, choppy water, surf, bridges, riverbeds, boats, and much more. There are then ten step-by-step demonstrations that can be produced in half an hour: a misty lake, track with puddles, ford, waterfall, lazy river, stormy sea, cliffs, fishing from a boat, sunset estuary and fishing boat.

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Fair Isle knitting may look complicated, but it really is easy to do once you understand the basics. Author Lynne Watterson starts beginners off with the basics of two-color knitting: reading a Fair Isle chart; what to do with all the fiddly yarn ends, and getting to grips with circular needles. The main chapters feature a selection of beautiful stitch patterns. Each pattern has clear instructions in both written and chart form, and these are cross-referenced to a comprehensive guide to abbreviations. Each of the main chapters includes simple, stylish projects demonstrating ways to use the beautifully shaded Fair Isle patterns—from chic accessories and the latest fashion looks to contemporary cushion covers and throws.

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A comprehensive guide to 200 beautiful Fair Isle designs. Learn to read colour charts and rapidly gain the confidence to use these stunning designs to create your own stylish projects and garments. A unique "selector" at the beginning of the book makes it easy to choose a design you like. Organised by row and stitch count, each of the patterns is accompanied by an easy-to-follow chart indicating both the pattern stitches and the colours used, and each sample is shown charted in an alternative colourway. A "mix and match" feature lets you combine patterns with ease. Includes guidance on yarn choices and special techniques unique to Fair Isle knitting.

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Whether you are an experienced jewellery-maker looking to move up to the next level, or a complete beginner, The Encyclopedia of Wire Jewellery Making Techniques is an invaluable resource. Using this book you can: Learn how to manipulate wire to create elegant structural designs for earrings, rings, pendants, necklaces, tiaras and brooches with clear, illustrated instructions Combine wire with beads and stones through threading and wrapping for an intricately embellished look Have fun experimenting with different types of wire, from precious metal to electrical and recycled wires Progress from basic wire-working skills to more advanced techniques, such as making linked jump-ring chains, simple soldering, and using chemicals to alter the wire finish.

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Michael Powell provides twenty mini cross stitch designs, each accompanied by a full-colour chart, key and general instructions. Each of Michael's unique, quirky contemporary designs measures approximately 3½ x 3½in (9 x 9cm), though the designs come in a variety of formats and include tall, narrow designs as well as borders. All the designs can be worked on 14-count Aida or evenweave fabric. There's a broad range of subjects to choose from, including country cottages, flowers, hearts, and festive Christmas trees, so whatever the occasion, there is bound to be a design that suits it perfectly. There are general instructions and simple stitch diagrams at the beginning of the book, so even those new to cross stitch will be able to accomplish all of the projects, as well as notes on fabric preparation and washing instructions.

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Clear, challenging and inspiring, this book contains instructions for 65 abstract paintings that you can get to work on straight away, with no previous experience. All the basic information relating to picture elements, composition, theme and design is provided at the start of the book, together with an exploration of the meaning of abstract painting, and its importance as a means of self-expression and creativity. Rather than providing step-by-step instructions, each of the exercises consists of information on method, materials, technique, composition, imagery and structure which will direct you to the finished piece while at the same time allowing your creativity to flow.

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All the bears in the book are based on the same, simple knitted bear, instructions for which are provided at the beginning of the book and are easy enough for even novice knitters to follow. There are 20 unique designs, including a hiking bear complete with boots and a backpack, a beach-loving bikini bear, a sweet honey bee bear, and a pretty pink ballet dancer, each with its own knitted outfit and accessories. Every bear has its own special character, and the reader is bound to find at least one they just have to knit. Suitable for adults as well as children, they make ideal gifts, and of course there is nothing to stop the reader creating characters of their own that they can personalise to suit a particular person or occasion.

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Learn to draw the sweetest animals in an illustrated style, with just 10 simple visual steps.

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Thread journals are a way of visually reflecting on life events and occasions over one year. Needlecrafters may choose to record events one day a time or one week at time, but whatever approach they adopt, this is a fun and visually appealing way of keeping a diary. Featuring 1000 illustrated motifs, many also demonstrated as stitched examples, 365 Days of Stitches provides readers with the knowledge needed to complete their mindful 365-day project.

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The practical, indispensible, inspirational guide that every embroiderer needs. Compact enough to travel alongside your needles and threads, this is also a sumptuous visual guide to needlecraft, allowing you to embroider whatever you want, wherever you want. From making sound stitch choices to finishing your work with a flourish, the techniques within the book are those that the author uses and frequently revisits, and are simplified to ensure that the art of embroidery is within anyone's reach. If you are a beginner, you will find all the information you need to get started, and soon gain confidence in your skills. If you are an established and confident embroiderer, the book includes plenty of tips and ideas to help you progress your work even further. Dip in and out of the book as you wish, and follow your own creative embroidery aspirations! The book starts out by introducing all that you need to become an embroiderer, and then explains the basic techniques: preparing your fabric, threading the needle, and even displaying your work in a hoop. Learn a selection of simple stitches, before progressing to more complex stitches that will take your embroidery skills to the next level. Let costume designer Coline Bavois, and The Embroidery Stitch Companion, become your indispensable guides to this timeless needlecraft.

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Gnomes for your home! Stitch a year-round collection of 12 friendly gnomes for your home using this fabulous new book by sewing superstar Debbie Shore. Gnomes aren't just for winter! Sewing superstar Debbie Shore presents a friendly, fashion-forward, all new collection of 12 gnomes for your home, based on her hugely popular Erik and Ola creations from Half Yard (TM) Winter. Beginning with all the materials and tools you'll need, as well as guidance on making up the 2 body sizes (small and large) and key features such as feet, braids and beards, Debbie then shows you how to make 12 magical gnomes. From Moss the Woodland Gnome and Noel the Christmas Gnome, to Eek the Witch Gnome and Hearty the Pirate Gnome, there is a whole host of characterful friends to stitch! Fun accessories feature in the outfits throughout, including wings, a toadstool hat, flowers, bees and more - why not mix-and-match outfits and accessories, so you can make a gnome that's gn-unique to you! Full-size templates for key accessories and shapes are included at the back of the book.

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Knit 20 tiny, adorable sea creatures! Choose from a shoal of ocean favourites, including sharks, dolphins and orca, as well as dazzling blue tangs, colourful clownfish and even a few mischievous mermaids! The sizes range between 3 and 12cm (1.25 and 4.75in), so these sweet little projects are perfect for using up your yarn stash. Complete with step-by-step sewing-up, stuffing and embroidery techniques, these fun, simple patterns are ideal for knitters of all skill levels. This adorable book is a redesigned re-issue of Mini Knitted Ocean (9781782212324), 2016.

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Versatile, stylish and sustainable, this stunning collection of patterns includes snuggly mittens and beanies as well as chunky sweaters, flattering dresses, cool summer tops and even a zipped skirt. Bursting with Nordic charm and elegance, and the perfect antidote to fast fashion, every garment in this book has been lovingly designed to last. A Knitter's Year will see you through four seasons of clothes to make for your whole family; each piece is lovingly designed by the author, Ida, who is shown throughout the book, modelling the garments, along with her family, in their native Norway. The clothes include jackets, jumpers and skirts for adults, as well as cosy winter gear for the children. A Knitter's Year features 30 projects, so you'll never be wanting for inspiration, whatever the season. Some projects are new and exclusive to the book, and all designed with love by Ida herself.

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Crochet 20 of your favourite flowers! For beautiful buds that will last all year round, crochet this lovely little collection of flowers by the author of the best-selling Amigurumi Christmas book, Sarah-Jane Hicks. There are 20 stunning flowers to choose from, including a sunshine-yellow sunflower, the classic rose, a dainty daisy, a sweet snowdrop and the bumblebee’s favourite: lavender. Each flower only requires small amounts of yarn, making them ideal for using up any odds and ends. Once you’ve crocheted your blooms, use them to embellish clothing, accessories and homewares. Inside, you’ll find advice on making stunning wreaths with your flowers; there are also instructions for crocheting a wreath cover, so you can have a permanent, gorgeous flower display to hang in your home. This is a fantastic little project book in a handy pocket-size format, so you can crochet your posies wherever you go! The original best-selling Twenty to Make series has sold over 2 million copies worldwide! In a handy hardback pocket-size format that makes them perfect little gifts, each title in the All-New Twenty to Make series contains 20 brand-new projects.

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This collection of beautiful blooms will give you something colourful all year round: knit a spring bunch of daffodils, a summer bouquet of roses, a display of autumn-flowering anemones and a festive poinsettia. There are 20 projects to choose from, including: an intricate peony; a colourful freesia; a delicate viola; the iconic English rose; and the distinctive Scotch thistle. The projects contain an appealing mix of yarns, colours, techniques and textures, and feature both flat and 3D styles. They can be used as brooches, keyrings, or to decorate purses and handbags. There is also a knitted vase to make for your bouquet. 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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An indispensable guide to painting 40 popular flowers in acrylics, perfect for flower artists. This beautiful book is a illustrated directory for acrylic flower artists, revealing how to paint 40 floral subjects, from agapanthus to zinnia, with plant-specific instructions for capturing the unique beauty of each species. All the techniques you will need are clearly explained and demonstrated, from analyzing the shape and structure of flowers to mixing and blending rich luminous colours, laying washes, creating textured effects, and adding highlights. Each featured flower includes information about its distinguishing characteristics, detailed step-by-step instructions, a complete colour palette, mini demonstrations showing special techniques and a stunning full-colour image of a finished painting.

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These delightful, characterful bears come with easy-to make outfits, and projects range from a firefighter bear, an astronaut, a judo bear, biker, waitress and policeman! All of the projects are accompanied by a clear, easy-to-follow pattern and fun photography. There's also a page of basic techniques at the start of the book, including making up, stuffing and some simple surface stitching. Following on from the success of her previous book, Twenty to Knit: Knitted Bears, this gorgeous little knitting book by popular author Val Pierce contains 20 irresistibly cute bears for knitters of all abilities.

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From the author of the best-selling art book, Pure Watercolour Painting and guest judge on Channel 5's Watercolour Challenge, Peter Cronin. Sketching is more than just drawing quickly. It is training your eye and hand to work together, to respond immediately and naturally to the scene before you. Starting from a clear, simple method to bring all the senses into play, successful author and acclaimed artist Peter Cronin shows the reader how to bring artistry and economy to their sketching; making for swift and impressive results. Whether sketching as the basis for painting, or simply for pleasure, this book teaches the reader all they need to know. Numerous simple step-by-step exercises as well as larger projects lead the complete beginner through the book, building towards more complex and rewarding artworks. The book teaches how to sketch with a range of media, starting from graphite pencil and including information and exercises on charcoal, pen and ink and others. In the best-selling Absolute Beginner series, this book is suitable for absolutely everybody who wants to take their sketching skills further and become an accomplished artist.

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Explore abstract art with a mix of media and methods, under the guidance of expert artist Helen Kaminsky. The Innovative Artist series provides a unique insight into the methods and materials used by leading contemporary artists who are pushing the boundaries of their art. Through numerous examples of the author’s work alongside practical demonstrations, each book provides a fascinating exploration of the artist’s creative process that will inspire the reader to move forward on their own artistic journey. Abstracts and Mixed Media is aimed at artists who wish to explore the possibilities offered by mixed media in new and impressive ways. Helen's love of colour and experimentation is carried through layers of imagery and texture with a gloriously vibrant mix of traditional and imaginative new techniques. It is the experimental combination of these methods that gives each painting its unique glowing quality. Artists will discover different ways of mixing and blending paint with unusual materials, collage techniques, fun printing methods, mark-making with found objects, and original ways to incorporate homemade stencils and stamps into their work. Helen leads the reader through her exciting range of techniques using charcoal, gesso, oil pastels, wet and dry media, printing and mark-making materials, and collage.

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From the author of the best-selling The Overlocker Technique Manual now comes The Coverstitch Technique Manual. 'Julia is an excellent teacher and totally demystifies the world of the coverstitch machine. She gently takes you step by step through the functionalities of the machine and then gives you some easy projects to put into practice what you have learnt. I would highly recommend this book to anybody who owns or is thinking of buying a coverstitch machine.' Josie Hawes - founder of Fabric Godmother Aimed at sewers of all abilities, this is the perfect guide to help you get the most out of your coverstitch machine. Use it for hemming and finishing garment openings, especially when working with stretch fabrics. Create seams, stitch corners, finish necklines and other raw edges, and make decorative stitches. Jam-packed with useful information, Julia shows you how to set up your machine, how to adjust the settings and how to finish and secure ends. Comprehensive step-by-step instructions and photographs demonstrate the essential stitches and sewing techniques. From stabilizing fabrics to finishing cuffs and necklines, this book covers it all! Put these skills into practice to create a simple summer dress, gift bag, table runner, bikini, washbag and more. The coverstitch machine is so versatile! The troubleshooting section equips you with strategies and hints for fixing mistakes. There is also a buyer’s guide to different coverstitch machines, to help you select the right machine for you.

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Crewelwork embroidery traditionally features bold striking designs, rich vivid colours and thick textured woollen thread, and these designs are certainly no different. Crewel Inspirations highlights the very best crewelwork has to offer in both design and technique. Featuring talented embroidery designers Hazel Blomkamp, Di Kirchner, Phillipa Turnbull, Margaret Light and Susan Casson, this special collection, including cushions, a footstool, a mandala, a framed picture and a jewellery roll, have been curated into one publication. With 8 stunning crewelwork projects to make, there are clear step-by-step instructions, pullout patterns, a stitch guide and all the information you need to create them. Discover the origins, stitches, techniques and designs that are uniquely crewelwork, and learn how to make your own beautiful works of art.

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Kay Dennis is passionate about Stumpwork. This intricate, raised and padded embroidery has its origins in the 17th century, and is enjoying a revival amongst embroiderers and lacemakers. It is wonderfully versatile and will appeal both to the novice and needleworker. Using a mix of flat, padded, wired and free-standing elements, it employs a wide range of embroidery techniques. This comprehensive and colourful book covers both basic and needle lace techniques – sections on each contain a series of elaborate step-by-step demonstrations showing how to work individual techniques, followed by a project combining all the methods. Kay takes inspiration from a variety of sources and her designs include animals, flowers, fruits and insects – popular motifs in the 17th century. She also creates contemporary designs and there are advanced projects on landscape and figurative work. A gallery of Kay's work is included to inspire the reader.

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These are beautifully delicate Christmas cross stitch designs to delight the heart and soul! If you love cross stitch, you need this book. Extremely pretty these designs from accomplished embroiderer Hélène Le Berre are light and airy, using backstitch to outline and emphasize with great skill. Split into chapters on Advent Foliage, Christmas Animals, Festive Foliage and Amazing Alphabets, there is a lovely range of designs to fit every Christmas situation. You can make beautiful cutlery pockets with fox, bunny or baby deer motifs, a reindeer photo album cover, a pine cone confectionery sachet, personalized gift labels and many more elegant embroidered Christmas items. The charts are beautifully presented, along with a comprehensive techniques section at the back of the book. Suitable for beginners to more advanced stitchers, these designs are achievable and utterly gorgeous.

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Rob Wareing has built a formidable international reputation as a portrait artist. This is his first book, and here he draws on over 40 years' experience to provide a complete guide to painting portraits in oils. In Rob's view, the most effective way to capture character is by working from life rather than photographs, and to follow the alla prima method to create a painting in one sitting. Starting with a fascinating overview of the subject, Rob then guides the reader through the materials he uses, explains how to pose and light the sitter, and how to prepare the work area before starting to paint. This is followed by detailed coverage of design and composition, the importance of proportions, and the painting process itself – from colour mixing through to finishing a painting without over-working. With clear, step-by-step demonstrations and numerous examples of the author's work throughout, this book provides both an expert guide to portrait painting and a unique insight into the working methods of one of the world's leading portrait painters.

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Award-winning artist Angela Gaughan shares with you a life time's worth of experience in art. This book provides an insight into the distinctive techniques Angela Gaughan uses to achieve her amazingly detailed, life-like wildlife paintings. It is an inspirational guide to painting in acrylics; both for experienced artists who are interested in Angela’s methods, and those wishing to improve their skills. Sumptuous colour is at the heart of Angela's vivid, beautiful art work. Her unique techniques combine the advantages of acrylics and oils. In this inspirational book, Angela shares with you a lifetime's worth of experience in art. Learn her unique approach to using acrylics to produce depth and character in your own wildlife artwork, and follow the step-by-step demonstrations as you build up your skills. The book begins with detailed coverage of the materials, tools and media Angela uses. Chapters on colour and light, gathering reference, and composition build upon Angela's working method guiding you through her stages of working, from using photographic references, through completing a tonal drawing, to using transparent washes and opaque colours to create a full painting. The instructional techniques then connect into substantial chapters on colour, composition and finish off with masterwork techniques to help more advanced artists push their artwork further.

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Containing 6 wonderful step-by-step projects and ideas for many more, this highly practical guide is aimed at those who are new to doll making, as well as more experienced needlecrafters. It contains the best of Jan Horrox's previous titles: Introduction to Making Cloth Dolls and Making Fantasy Cloth Dolls. Jan’s beautiful dolls are exquisitely made, yet by breaking the process down into easy-to-follow steps, they become surprisingly easy to achieve. Full of character and life, Jan’s dolls are made using a wide range of colourful fabrics, trims, ribbons and buttons and are ideal for using up scraps and oddments of materials. There are clear, step-by-step instructions for making hands and feet, making hair, and needlesculpting and painting the exquisite faces to really bring the dolls to life. There are also instructions for making webbed fingers and delicate fairy wings as well as a mermaid's tail. Full-size templates for all the body pieces are supplied at the back of the book. With 6 projects to choose from, including fairies, wood nymphs, mermaids, witches and a steampunk doll, this book provides all the means and inspiration you need to make your own gorgeous dolls.

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This is a practical and comprehensive guide for all watercolour enthusiasts, from the beginner who wishes to explore this popular painting medium to the experienced artist looking for inspiration and ideas. Starting with advice on materials, colour and composition, the book goes on to describe basic and more advanced techniques and the wonderful effects they can produce. Fourteen easy-to-follow, step-by-step demonstrations show the reader how to paint skies, trees, water, buildings and flowers, and each section is accompanied by a selection of inspirational paintings by the seven featured artists, in a rich variety of styles. Originally published as 'Working with Watercolour', this book uses material from the 'Leisure Arts' series.

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