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Discover the art of kogin, a style of traditional Japanese sashiko embroidery with modern appeal. Historically, kogin was used as a pattern darning technique to reinforce threadbare fabric and add warmth to the clothing worn by farmers in the villages of northern Japan. With dozens of beautiful and simple geometric patterns, kogin embroidery offers fresh inspiration and authentic technique to proponents of the decorative mending movement. Colourful photos offer step-by-step instruction for learning this simple counted thread embroidery technique. Beginners will discover how to prepare the thread and fabric, how to read kogin charts, and how to make the basic straight stitches that comprise kogin motifs. Once you’ve mastered the basics, try your hand at one of the 25 adorable and easy projects included in the book. Featuring bright and modern colour schemes, these accessories are designed for contemporary life. You’ll find an assortment of pretty brooches, barrettes and hair ties, pouches and coin purses, framed samplers, pincushions, and ornaments, plus potholders, coasters, and place mats for the home. Once you start stitching, we guarantee you won’t be able to stop!

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Sew a sustainable capsule wardrobe that is tailored to you – and with it, help break the cycle of throw-away fashion. The fashion industry is the second biggest environmental polluter on the planet. Every year, over 350,000 tonnes of clothing is sent to landfill in the UK – just under 14 million tonnes in the US – much of it owing to fast fashion. Furthermore, it’s estimated that many of us wear only 20% of our wardrobe regularly, with the other 80% languishing in our wardrobes unworn, or worse – contributing to those ever-growing landfill figures. We urgently need to find alternative, more sustainable approaches that allow us to have the stylish wardrobes we crave without hurting our planet. The techniques you learn in The Re:Fashion Wardrobe is one of those alternatives. Learn how to alter or create entirely new garments from pre-loved clothes or forgotten fabrics that are not only chic but don't cost the earth. Beginning with advice on equipment, fabrics and how to source your clothes for refashioning, Portia Lawrie will then take you step–by–step through a collection of 11 garments that she has reworked, showing you just how easy it is to refresh or drastically change any piece of clothing you come across. Every garment in the collection can be used to create a modern capsule wardrobe that you can wear throughout the year, and Portia has included advice on how to adjust the garments in the book to make versions suitable for different times of the year. Useful sewing techniques with clear illustrations are included at the back of the book for you to dip into whenever you need them – from measuring and fitting through to garment deconstruction and construction. This is not the “Becky home eccy” refashioning of old, or simply make-do-and-mend either. This is showing that with some time, basic sewing techniques and a dash of creative vision, a wardrobe you’ve made entirely from recycled garments and textiles can be as stylish, edgy and aspirational as anything the high street has to offer.

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Combining the talents of two renowned artists, Margaret Eggleton and Denis John-Naylor, this is a detailed, comprehensive guide to drawing trees and flowers. Artists of all skill levels will find much to inspire them, as well as expert instruction on a huge range of topics. You will be guided through a variety of drawing tools and paper surfaces, and the easy-to-follow basic drawing stages will give you the confidence to tackle more advanced techniques. Individual trees and flowers are explored, as well as trees and flowers in a landscape setting, and there are studies on mixed flower collections, dried flowers and flowers in containers. There are detailed studies of leaves, branches and petals, and 19 wonderful step-by-step projects, each culminating in a beautiful drawing you'll be proud of. Suitable for beginners wanting to build up their confidence as well as more seasoned artists seeking inspiration, this book is a must-have for anyone who wants to draw trees and flowers in a variety of media. This is a compilation of material previously published in the highly successful Drawing Masterclass series: Flowers and Trees.

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Bargello stitching is a form of needlepoint and making a comeback. There is a project for everyone, whether you are new to bargello, or are an original bargello fan. Tina Francis shows you how to combine bold, bright colours in attractive, almost psychedelic patterns to create the illusion of 3-D. Use her easy-to-follow charts and approachable instructions to create 15 projects including cushions, wall art, pincushions, bangles and a brooch. Bargello is easy to master, quick to achieve and very addictive. The stitches take on a rhythm of their own which makes it extremely relaxing and before long you’ll be measuring your days in centimetres not hours. With only a handful of materials required – canvas, tapestry wool, tapestry needle and instructions – bargello is certain to become your craft of choice.

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Learn how to make and embellish six fabulous felt hats. 'A chic hat elevates any outfit and always draws compliments. I treasure my unique Bobbi Heath hat and now, thanks to her book, I can create my own from scratch at home. Bobbi is a natural teacher, she provides clear and easy-to-follow instructions and makes millinery fun.' - Susanna Brown - Curator, Victoria and Albert Museum A stunning felt hat is the perfect accessory for any occasion – from an everyday addition to your winter wardrobe to a head-turning statement piece for a special occasion. In this practical and informative guide, expert milliner Bobbi Heath shows you how to make felt hats in six different styles to perfectly complement any outfit, including a fabulous floppy hat, cloche, bucket, pill box, cap and button. Bobbi starts with the basics of how to measure your head, then talks you through the secrets of stiffening the felt, using steam to mould your fabric, and blocking. Learn invaluable stitching and edging techniques, then have fun experimenting with trimmings to make your hat unique. With a foreword by Dillion Wallwork, a London hat designer and prominent milliner for over 30 years, this practical book will appeal to all hat lovers and anyone looking for an easy introduction to the art of millinery.

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This is a practical and inspiring guide for acrylic artists of all levels of ability, from beginners who want to learn how to paint with acrylics to experienced artists looking for inspiration and ideas. Three well-known artists and authors share their expertise and enthusiasm for this exciting medium, starting with the materials and basic skills you need for painting with acrylics and moving on to more advanced techniques. Wendy Jelbert demonstrates colour mixing and the wonderful effects she creates in her stunning paintings, and David Hyde explores landscapes, from composing landscapes and choosing colours to creating depth and depicting the seasons. Carole Massey shares her love of flower painting and gives expert advice on mixing colours for flowers, using tone, drawing and composition. There are ten easy-to-follow, step-by-step demonstrations with clear photographs and helpful instructions, and many inspirational paintings for readers to admire. Comprises material from the Leisure Arts series: Painting with Acrylics (9780855328405) Landscapes in Acrylics (9780855320234) Creative Acrylic Techniques (9780855328481) Flowers in Acrylics (9780855328535)

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Fill your home with original, professional art - and learn how 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 outlines for fantastic results. In this title, learn how to paint five of the nation's favourite flowers in the style of the finest watercolour artists of this day. Choose from a vibrant bouquet of sunflowers, a field of poppies, a vase of tulips, a garden of roses or a bed of irises.

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Typically associated with frilly hankies and flouncy collars that are time-consuming to make and invariably white, the 30 projects in this book span the colour spectrum and make use of a range of media including paper, fabric, thread and even concrete! This original and exciting guide to lace is a visual feast of 30 inspiring step-by-step projects. It includes in-depth features and fascinating asides relating to the history of lace and it will encourage you to experiment and inspire you with handy tips. The projects use bobbin lace, needle lace, needle weaving and drawn-thread work, all of which are clearly illustrated for beginners. Some projects feature techniques such as using concrete and papier-mâché; some feature ready-made lace, either entirely, or as something that can be added to.

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A complete guide to producing desirable wooden objects and furniture for your home from scratch. Discover the satisfaction or making something with your own hands.''It is more motivating to make something that you genuinely desire, to create an object that you want in your home. The things we choose to have around us say something about who we are, but things we have made ourselves do that even more strongly. I want every project in the book to be something that the reader wants to make, to work really well in use and be something that can be proudly shown to others.'' This book is aimed at people who are engaged in a career, but looking to learn a physical craft to balance out their lives and make nice things for their home into the bargain.Offering a series of desirable projects that all relate to each other, use the same small collection of tools and gradually build your skills and tool collection as you progress. The projects are backed up by sections

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Learn the historical art of fine whitework in this informative, instructional guide from the Royal School of Needlework and master skills of Jenny Adin-Christie. This exquisite guide provides a historical background to fine whitework, and an exploration of the key stitch techniques involved in this intricate style of hand embroidery. Discover how to master five key areas of whitework technique: sculptured, translucent, filigree, fretted and voided; then apply these to two detailed and stunning pieces - a delicate button with scabiosa motif, and an elaborate embroidery honoring the 150th anniversary of the RSN. Clear step-by-step instructions and stitch diagrams aid the reader in their own whitework embroideries, and there is plenty of inspiration by way of Jenny Adin-Christie's own elegant works, and those of other RSN students and tutors.

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Through one quilt, learn how to patchwork and quilt by hand in this accessible how-to book. Slow stitching and mindful crafting is more popular than ever, and with just a few notions you can peacefully create a stunning quilt entirely by hand, in your own time and at your own pace. In her brand-new book, best-selling author and teacher Carolyn Forster will demonstrate all the techniques to hand-piece a variety of blocks and hand-quilt them together. Not only will you have a beautiful hand-made quilt at the end, but you can join thousands of other people today who are returning to the roots of traditional patchworking and quilting. Through a series of ‘bite-size’ lessons, you will be taken through the process of making your quilt chronologically, so you not only understand the order in which to craft your quilt, but you build up your skills as you progress through the book. Learn how to cut out your fabrics with and without templates, how to sew your patches together, and then get stuck into sewing a gorgeous library of blocks! There are 27 different blocks to make, each with its own piecing instructions, piecing diagrams, and helpful photographs that show the front and back of the block. Templates for every block are included at the back of the book, at full size. Once your blocks are ready to go, Carolyn shows you how to quilt them, using a combination of hand stitching and big-stitch quilting. Illustrated instructions are also included on how to construct and bind your quilt at the very end. With dozens of exquisite blocks to make, and useful and inspirational information throughout, this is a beautiful book that will take the mystery out of making hand-stitched quilts, and spark your quilting ideas for years to come.

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From Denise Scicluna, the author of Rock Art, comes this guide to creating cute and characterful animal rock art projects in a variety of styles. Getting started in rock art couldn’t be simpler. It doesn’t require expensive materials or complicated techniques – all you need is a rock, some paint or marker pens and your imagination! It’s great for beginner and more seasoned artists alike, and is the perfect family craft. Discover more than 50 adorable rock art ideas for animals in a variety of styles. Projects include woodland creatures such as foxes and squirrels, zoo favourites like pandas and tigers, birds, bees, butterflies, bugs, and a whole host of other animals for you to recreate. With clear step-by-step instructions accompanying each design, lots of variations, and bags of inspiration, Pebble Pets will soon have you on your way to creating your own rock art menagerie.

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This exquisite book by the founders of the studio May & Berry shows you how to create beautiful messages through the combination of hand lettering and watercolour. Broken down into easy-to-follow stages, you will soon learn how to use different pens and inks to produce gorgeous lettering, embellished with simple yet stunningly effective watercolour motifs. This practical book guides you gently through the materials and tools you need to get started, and sets you on your hand-lettering journey with some simple exercises. There are then ten pretty step-by-step projects for you to try, after which you’ll be confidently creating your own handwritten artworks that you can display on your wall, send as notecards to loved ones, or use to decorate your journals and scrapbooks. At the back of the book there is a treasure trove of gorgeous botanical-style motifs and borders along with four delightful alphabets created by the authors in a variety of scripts – perfect for gently encouraging beginners and inspiring more experienced hand-lettering artists to play with new designs and styles. This is followed by six handy worksheets on which to practise your letter-writing technique. You'll soon find that hand lettering with watercolour is quick and fun to learn, and a wonderful skill that will bring you joy for many years to come.

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'With pastel books being thin on the ground, any new edition is welcome and this is a rather excellent look at what the medium can do as well as a well-thought out manual on how to do it.' Review of the previous edition by Artbookreview.net The new edition of Jenny Keal's popular book Painting with Pastels is an inspiring and creative introduction to painting in this medium. Focusing on soft (chalk) pastels, this clear, simple-to-understand book encourages you to explore the materials and methods needed to get started with pastels. Jenny begins by introducing you to a variety of techniques, and looks at sketchbooks and photographs as a way of gathering source material. There are then five stunning step-by-step projects for the reader to choose from, covering a range of subjects from flowers to landscapes and coastal scenes, and designed to build on the basic skills covered in the earlier sections of the book. Here you will learn about creating atmosphere, colour, tone, composition and perspective, and before you realise it you will have all the skills you need to create your own beautiful pastel paintings.

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A new, up-to-date edition of the popular and comprehensive encyclopedia by professional artist Hazel Harrison. Ideal for artists of all skill levels, this exhaustive reference covers a multitude of areas concerning watercolour. The book is divided into three sections: the first covers the essential materials and tools you need to get you started on your watercolour journey, and how to set up your indoor and outdoor working spaces. The second provides step-by-step demonstrations that guide artists through a variety of techniques, from basic washes through to creating special effects using salt and wax resist. The third and final part tackles picture composition, from guiding readers on how to choose their palette and how to work with different lights, to understanding important concepts such as perspective and spatial depth. This resource provides a wealth of stimulating ideas to help artists – both amateurs and veterans – develop their own impressive watercolour painting style.

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Discover the meditative power of the mandala. In this book there is a collection of 50 unique designs, including mesmerising geometric patterns, calming nature-inspired motifs and spiritual symbols. Each colourful mandala is created by painting dots onto a stone or pebble – a simple yet soothingly effective process. With no specialist tools or skills required, you can immerse yourself in the process of creating these intricate designs. The stresses of modern life can be left behind, and meaningful, tactile pieces of art can be created to present as a perfect gift, to decorate the home, or to keep as a personal talisman. With clear and easy-to-follow instructions and beautiful photography, you will soon be gently crafting your way to a calmer, more creative self.

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Step into wonderland with Lisa Marie Olson and learn how to transform sumptuous wool fibres into beautiful felt items. Handmade felt is irresistibly soft and lovely to work with, and before you know it you’ll be caught up in the magic of this gorgeous material and making beautiful, tactile gifts for you and your loved ones. The clear, step-by-step photographs and instructions will teach you the art of wet felting, from basic flat-felting techniques through to using a resist and working around a 3D mould. There are 12 gorgeous projects, ranging from decorative teacups, a teapot and a tea light holder to more practical pieces such as a pretty handbag, a lampshade and cosy slippers – all inspired by Lisa’s love of fairy tales and fantasy stories, including Alice in Wonderland. You can embellish these lovely felted items in many different ways and create your own fabulous works of art. She also includes other techniques such as needle felting, hand stitching, embroidery and applique to further embellish the projects. The projects can be followed exactly, but also provide you with the inspiration to let your creativity loose and customize them to your own style. There are also full-size templates provided on a separate, foldout sheet.

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This book is an expert guide to producing beautiful lifelike drawings of birds in their natural habitat. Artists of all interests will find a lot to inspire them in this detailed, practical and beautiful guide on drawing birds. The book includes sections on materials, basic techniques and reference gathering, as well as how to draw the key features of birds such as beaks, eyes, claws, wings and feathers. A special section focuses on birds in flight, and this is followed by chapters on the main bird groups including: Waders and water birds, Wildfowl, Birds of prey, Owls, Garden and woodland birds, Seabirds and Game birds. Each chapter covers the techniques specific to the group as well as numerous examples and a full step-by-step demonstration. The absence of colour means that Andrew uses other aspects such as pattern, shading and shape to give his paintings life and interest. Written for artists who wish to apply their skills to drawing birds, as well as experienced artists who want to improve their drawing skills, this is an expert guide to producing exquisitely rendered, lifelike drawings of birds in their natural habitats and nothing could be more inspirational than Andrew’s accurately observed and truly beautiful drawings.

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Knitting is a relaxing and therapeutic pastime, and this winning combination focuses on mindfulness and the perfect stress-busting knitting projects. Whether you choose a portable project to knit on the go, a group project to do with friends, or one that introduces new skills to stimulate a creative mind, this book is the perfect path to keeping calm. The book is aimed at beginners as well as more advanced knitters, but does not include anything more complex than basic knit and purl stitches, increasing, decreasing and some simple colourwork. Lynne Rowe covers the essential techniques at the start of the book, followed by projects that have been specifically designed for mindfulness. The projects themselves are split into five sections: Quick and Easy, Portable, Group, Big, and New Skills. Within these sections, you can choose to make things such as a wash cloth, a hat, a blanket, a shawl and an evening bag, amongst others. Every single one has been designed to promote calm and mindfulness and all the projects are beautifully photographed with clear and simple knitting patterns. The Introduction is written by Betsan Corkhill, an experienced healthcare professional who founded the community interest company stitchlinks.com in 2005. It has grown into a global online community for those who enjoy the therapeutic benefits of craft, and in particular, knitting. Betsan has also advised on the projects included in the book and repetitive techniques to promote a calm state. The five sections have different ways of promoting calm and the feelgood factor: Quick and Easy: the projects in this section are designed for when you when you feel like a quick fix to raise your mood. Use your favourite colours and textures to enhance the benefits of the rhythmic movements and the feelgood effects. The feeling of success you experience will motivate and inspire you. Portable: These smaller projects are even more portable, so keep one in your bag at all times. Use it to manage stress on the go, on your commute to work, in your lunch break, when travelling or at any other time when life is getting a bit much and you need to feel calm. Group: Getting together with friends to knit, chat and laugh over a cuppa is one of life’s joys. Supportive friends help us to live longer, healthier, happier lives so why not combine the calming nature of knitting with the support of being with friends? It’s a powerful way to switch off your stress fight-or-flight response and switch on a bit of fun, play and laughter. Big: It’s a lovely cosy feeling to sit quietly at home with your Big project on your lap, keeping you warm as you knit. Let it be your constant friend, the one you turn to to find calm and consistency when the world around you feels a bit frantic. As you get into the flow of the pattern, its familiarity will enable you to settle into a soothing rhythm whenever you need to knit yourself calm. New Skills: Learning new skills on a regular basis is essential for nurturing a healthy brain, opening new neural pathways and even encouraging the growth of new brain cells right into old age. This section focuses on a range of new skills to encourage you to experiment with different stitch patterns and combinations of colour and textures. They are designed specifically to stimulate your creative mind. Whatever your skill level, there are plenty of projects in this book to help you achieve calm, bust those stress levels and enjoy a pastime which is creative, fun and produces beautiful projects to wear, or for the home.

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A valuable, fully illustrated guide to the folded-paper arts, The Encyclopedia of Origami Techniques provides the reader with easy-to-follow instructions for creating their own paper sculptures. Suitable for beginners as well as experienced artists, all the basic folds and bases are included as well as over 30 projects, all explained through simple step-by-step diagrams. By the end of this book the reader will learn to master traditional forms, like the Printer's Hat and Masu Box, as well as modern masterpieces such as the Square Bear and Elias Figure Base.

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This is a hands-on guide to learning to draw in perspective. It is partly about learning to draw a set of straight lines that meet at a point. And it’s partly about learning to look at what is around you, and spot where those invisible straight lines might be located. It’s a book for anyone who wants to draw or paint—in any genre and in any medium. And it’s not weighed down with theory – although everything you will need to know is explained. Most of all, it gives you exercises to play with. You can put your observational skills to the test with the “image quiz” features—where you take a pen and draw in all the vanishing points onto the book itself. Or use the special “perspective chambers” to draw objects onto an existing scene, keeping it all in the right perspective: think of it as a kind of 3D doodling. By the time you get to the end of the book, you will understand how perspective works and be able to apply it intuitively without a ruler or drafting table. The whole concept will feel like a sixth sense. And you can get on with being creative. There is also a 30-page workbook to put your skills to the test!

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Learn how to create bright and colourful knits using the intarsia method of colour knitting. This clear and simple book is ideal for anyone who wants to learn the art of knitting with different coloured yarns. It guides you effortlessly through the process of choosing colours, preparing yarn bobbins and working out yarn quantities through to the basic intarsia techniques such as joining in new colours and working from charts. At the end of the book there is a mouth-watering collection of 11 gorgeous projects including a fox-themed cushion, an eye-catching chevron scarf and a show-stopping star blanket – all designed with the beginner in mind. Whether you prefer vibrant, multi-coloured knits or more muted tones, this easy-to-follow book will teach you all you need to know to create contemporary colourwork.

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In this new and extended edition of her best-selling book in the 'How to Paint' series: 'Colour and Light in Watercolour' (first published 2010), Jean Haines has produced a book even more inspirational than the first. With 40 per cent new material in the form of new hands-on demonstrations, examples of her work and extended text, Jean provides a valuable insight into the materials and techniques she uses to inject colour and light into her stunningly beautiful, award-winning watercolour paintings. Jean's enthusiasm and passion for art is evident throughout the book, which is packed full of ideas, useful tips, expert advice and over 20 step-by-step demonstrations. with subjects ranging from atmospheric winter landscapes to bright colourful cockerels, all painted in Jean's loose and expressive style, artists of all tastes and abilities will not fail to be inspired by her imaginative and exciting use of light and colour.

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This book packs in the combined wisdom of two writer-educators who are consummate problem solvers when it comes to jewellery making. Together they show the reader how to fix common screw-ups, try out new creative techniques, get more skilled at familiar methods, improvise tools and discover ways to save money, such as recycling gold and other precious metal scraps. From beading to setting a stone, understanding annealing to soldering your own silver chain, you can riffle through the book, experimenting with new innovations to create your unique jewellery designs. Packed with over 200 expert fixes, insider tips, and tricks of the trade, content is arranged by topic to enable any jewellery maker to achieve a striking and professional look to their earrings, necklaces, rings, and more. A must-have for anyone who makes their own jewellery, whether at beginner or intermediate level.

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This delightful introduction to drawing faces completely demystifies the drawing process. It shows how images can be built up easily, from initial geometric shapes right through to the finished faces. Susie Hodge includes a good selection of head-and-shoulder portraits in this book including couples, children, babies and older people in a variety of poses, and showing a range of expressions. She uses a helpful two-colour method that clearly shows every line and curve of the step-by-step pictures. Even absolute beginners will find themselves creating great drawings when they use this book and there is much to inspire more experienced artists too. An invaluable guide for anyone interested in this subject.

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52 stunning granny squares to crochet, one for every week of the year!

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Master one granny square: create 15 different fashion looks.

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In this beautifully produced book, artist and teacher David Webb shares his expertise to provide comprehensive guidance for anyone painting in watercolour, from beginners up. How-to techniques are at the heart of the book and feature detailed explanations and demonstrations that will get you progressing fast, with a real understanding of the medium. Included in this section are ‘Help!’ panels that focus on what can go wrong: the typical mistakes made and how you can avoid them. Readers will also discover the widest possible range of watercolour techniques thanks to our team of internationally recognised guest artists, who will be revealing some of their painting secrets in a series of ‘life lessons’ – how they appear to get the paint to really glow and their paintings to spring into life. Previously published as Complete Guide to Watercolour (9781782215738).

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The ultimate, exhaustive stitch dictionary for specialist Hardanger embroiderers! Hardanger embroidery is renowned for its intricate cutwork, and now you can explore the vast array of stitches that bring this art form to life. Introducing the most comprehensive stitch dictionary ever compiled for Hardanger embroiderers. Inside this invaluable resource, you'll discover a treasure trove of traditional and contemporary filling stitches, ranging from delightfully simple to exquisitely complex. Each stitch is meticulously explained in clear, step-by-step instructions accompanied by detailed diagrams. Whether you're a visual learner or prefer following written instructions, this book caters to your learning style with colour-coded left-handed (red) and right-handed (blue) instructions for every stitch. You will learn to avoid problems and have the self-assurance to fix any mistakes you make. Yvette Stanton’s expert instructions will help you on your way to making beautiful Hardanger embroidery filling stitches. In addition to the extensive stitch collection, you'll also find captivating historical information, accompanied by striking photographs of both antique and contemporary Hardanger examples. Dive into the rich history of this timeless craft while gaining insights into materials, equipment, and essential tips and tricks. Discover the secrets to achieving perfect tension, ensuring your stitches and cutwork are flawlessly executed. Whether you're a seasoned Hardanger embroiderer or just starting your stitching journey, this exhaustive stitch dictionary will become your go-to resource. Unleash your creativity and master the art of Hardanger filling stitches with confidence, guided by the expert instructions found within these pages.

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Know a child who is desperate to learn to sew? Start from scratch and create 30 brilliant projects using your sewing machine.

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Take up your hook and with the expert guidance of crochet and amigurumi expert Sarah-Jane Hicks, recreate the wonderful world of Aardman Animations' beloved twosome, Wallace & Gromit! Taking inspiration from the short films A Grand Day Out, The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave and A Matter of Loaf and Death, you can crochet eight of the key characters from these ripping yarns and 'props' including the Cooker and Rocket from A Grand Day Out, plus sheep from A Close Shave, but also the characters' accessories and costumes. These include: Gromit's raincoat and sou'wester from The Wrong Trousers, Shaun the Sheep's trademark woolly jumper (from A Close Shave), and master criminal Feathers McGraw's 'cunning disguise'... Sarah-Jane Hicks introduces the key crochet techniques required to make up the characters, then features the patterns required with images of the finished works, all enhanced with stills from the films they appear in. Featured characters include: Wallace, Gromit, Feathers McGraw, Shaun the Sheep, Wendolene Ramsbottom, Piella Bakewell, Preston the cyberdog and Fluffles the poodle.

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Renowned embroiderer and best-selling author, Hazel Blomkamp, is back with a brand new book in the popular Crewel series. In this fifth title in Hazel Blomkamp’s series on crewel embroidery with a twist, the focus is on animal portraits. Crewel Animal Portraits is a celebration of Hazel’s signature techniques: a wide variety of surface/crewel stitches, some of which are brand new, and many with a different take, or different ways of combining stitches to make them more interesting. Also included are needle lace techniques used as embroidery stitches, loom weaving techniques modified for embroidery, and unique combinations of both of these. The incorporation of beads and crystals adds even more dazzle to the intricate designs. There are six projects, each explained with detailed step-by-step instructions and clear photographs, with design templates and a full stitch gallery providing everything readers need to recreate them with ease. The sumptuous and inspiring projects comprise a tiger, lion, zebra, giraffe, monkey and leopard. For embroiderers looking for something different and new to stitch, and for those keen to challenge themselves with more complex embroidery techniques, this book is a must-have.

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If you love the Kawaii style but don't know where to start, this is the book for you! 10 Step Drawing: Kawaii will help you turn simple shapes into cute drawings in this popular style in just ten easy steps. Create over 50 different characters from a cuddly penguin and a magical unicorn to a cheeky bubble tea and a cute cupcake, by following the step-by-step instructions. Learning to draw has never been so simple!

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Work artistic magic with contre-jour: learn how to create the illusion of light in your oil painting.

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Learn to knit over 40 items for men, women and children with 'The Viking', social media star Lasse L. Matberg. Lasse L. Matberg comes from a family who, for generations, have been working to create beautiful, quality crafted items by hand – fathers and grandfathers were craftsmen, and mothers and grandmothers often worked hard knitting warm garments for the whole family. Viking Knits is a tribute to good-quality, practical needlework, inspired by the Vikings’ warm, all-weather garments. From tough-wearing sweaters and outerwear to elegant cardigans and jackets, all have been made in a beautiful Scandinavian style. Whether you love traditional, Nordic colourwork patterns and cables, or modern, textured knits, there is something for everyone. Clear instructions are provided for each project, and charts are included where needed. 'I hope this book will inspire you to create something valuable with your hands,' says Lasse L. Matberg. 'Welcome to a knitting book with both tradition and versatility.'

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A project-by-project guide to lino printing, with designs inspired by the natural world.

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Draw Yourself Calm welcomes readers into the mindful practice of slow drawing with 25 beautiful patterns inspired by nature. A practical and effective book for increasing creativity while reducing stress. With all the stimulation and stress of daily life, we each need to find ways of slowing down. Drawing simple, repetitive shapes relaxes the brain: attention flows away from sources of stress and centres on the act of putting pen to paper. The book is organized into three sections. The introduction covers slow drawing and mindfulness, and how to weave slow drawing into everyday life. Chapter 1 dives into slow drawing warm-ups and exercises aimed at helping readers notice what they see, feel, and hear while they draw. Chapter 2 takes the reader through 25 elegant and inspiring patterns of all kinds. These patterns can be approached in any order, and readers can choose how best to fit slow drawing into their lives, whether through daily or weekly drawing. Amy Maricle offers a playful, no-right-or-wrong approach that empowers readers to slow draw in a way that is creative, but not pressure-filled. This book offers a space for readers to nurture themselves creatively and spiritually by providing all the tools and inspiration needed to develop a slow drawing practice.

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Silversmithing for Jewellery Makers is a lusciously illustrated book that offers an authoritative, inspirational insight into the art and craft of silver jewellery making for today’s artisan. Now updated with new information, project inspiration and profiles of renowned jewellers, this remains the go-to book on silver jewellery making. Covering all the main skills, treatments and techniques, this comprehensive guide leaves nothing out. From soldering to engraving, every technique is explained with a detailed overview, followed by a carefully-illustrated step-by-step tutorial. Traditional techniques such as filigree are examined alongside contemporary designs and profiles of world-renowned jewellers, updated in this edition to also feature Cynthia Eid, Regine Schwarzer and Ute Decker. A treasure trove of useful tips and information, the book also includes extensive sections on materials, tools and health and safety. An invaluable resource for professionals, a must-have guide for beginners and a unique source of inspiration for all levels of jewellery makers and designers, this book guarantees a strong position on the backlist.

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18 scrap-busting quilts & accessories to make that won't hurt the planet.

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Create nine lustrous and captivating little works of art with this unique introduction to oil painting. Acclaimed artist Estelle Day demonstrates all you need to know to embark on your oil painting journey from what paints and supplies you’ll need to essential oil painting techniques. Beginners will build confidence by working on small-scale, still life painting projects designed for canvases measuring no more than 10cm (4in). Also included are outlines for you to trace so you can get started right away! Easy Oil Painting is the perfect beginner’s guide to working with oils and mastering this luminous and exciting medium.

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From best-selling author and crafting queen Claire Gelder, this gorgeous mini guide is packed full of crochet know-how, practical illustrations and comes with four simple projects. Perfect for complete beginners, Claire clearly explains everything you need to know about crochet: how to read a ball band, how to get tension correct, how to choose hooks and yarns and how to read abbreviations and crochet patterns. It is structured as a simple 3-step course that will help you progress from bronze to gold as your skills and confidence grow. Start with the basic stitches and techniques, build up a few more stitches for your collection, then finally add in some simple shaping and some pompoms. Before you know it you'll be crocheting a colour blocked scarf, some snuggly pompom slippers and a cuddly teddy bear, plus the bonus granny square blanket project. Filled with positive affirmations and beautifully illustrated, this wonderful book is the ideal introduction to crochet for a complete beginner.

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Sew cuddly comfort toys to love and last for a lifetime! There are 24 dolls and toys to make, for very young children all the way up to adults. The cast of dolls and toys are intended as fast friends from early childhood - including a marmot plushie and a friendly cat to cuddle - as well as practical gifts for babies and young children - such as a teething ring and a pyjama bag - right up to comfort toys for older children and adults - a perennially popular sloth and a pillow in the shape of a raccoon! There are also character dolls to make, including a superhero and a pretty geisha, so you can build up a big, colourful family of cuddly friends. The book explains the essential sewing terms and stitches required to make the toys, and the clear, detailed descriptions and diagrams of each project mean that they are easy to follow even if you are a novice sewist.

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This revised and updated title is drawn from Katie Essam's successful Layered and Stitched Pictures in The Textile Artist series. Incorporating a new bonus project, this book showcases Katie's free machine embroidery techniques. Her fresh, modern style uses a unique combinations of traditional techniques, and in this book she shows how to create stunning textile art inspired by the beauty in everyday objects. With eight projects and lots of finished artworks to spark creativity, this book teaches the reader how to draw inspiration from the animals, birds, gardens, beach huts and scenes that surround us all; and use that inspiration as fuel to create gorgeous stitched pictures.

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Find a wealth of instruction and inspiration on how to incorporate naturally foraged materials into your artwork. In the process, discover a range of textile techniques – suitable for all levels and abilities – to complement your design. These include hand and machine stitching, solar dyeing, felting, hapa-zome and more. Using natural materials in textile art is way of connecting a place directly with its artistic representation, but it also makes the artist tap into and observe the true rhythms of the natural world: the seasons, the weather and time. Incorporating consciously foraged goods in art gently forces you to slow down, to take note of each season's bounty, and kindle – or rekindle – an awareness that we are all part of one big eco-system. Each technique forms one of many pillars of Caroline's large body of work, and she has carefully created eight projects, each introduced after a technique, so you can put your new skills into practice. Throughout, Caroline stresses the importance of taking your time and working organically, letting your foraged goods guide your design. This is an approach that not only encourages an intuitive creative process, but develops a more mindful, positive experience for the artist too. Interwoven with practical guidance and projects are Caroline's stunning gallery of works, offering inspirational examples of how to take your work farther, and simultaneously demonstrating nature's abundance and variety. This is an enriching book on textile and natural art that celebrates the maker's relationship with art and the natural world.

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There are some areas of watercolour painting that beginners often have trouble with, and one of these is skies. A sky can make or break a landscape painting. In this invaluable guide, Stephen Coates leads you through some highly effective techniques that will demystify sky painting and turn a good watercolour landscape into a brilliant one. Stephen takes a unique, no-fuss approach to watercolour, emphasizing the importance of planning, preparation and practise and explaining clearly which tools and materials you need, and how to prepare your palette before embarking on a painting. He then guides you through seven awe-inspiring skies, from blue summer skies to dramatic sunsets and storm clouds, introducing new skills and techniques as you progress through the book. With numerous handy tips and many examples of Stephen’s stunning landscapes throughout, this book will both instruct and inspire you to create beautiful, realistic skies with confidence.

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This stunning book follows the rhythm of nature through the year. Botanical Watercolours through the Seasons begins with a detailed introduction to Sandrine's ethically-sourced materials and tools, her workspace and an exploration of the key techniques employed in painting botanical watercolours. Sandrine explains colour theory in relation to botanical subjects, as well as colour bias and the key to creating realistic shadows without resorting to an unnatural 'grey'. The four main chapters focus on a particular season and contains techniques for painting its plants: for example, papery bulbs in spring and jewel-like berries in winter, along with examples of the author’s stunning botanical artwork. Each chapter includes three step-by-step tutorials: the first for relative beginners; the second for artists of intermediate level and the third for more experienced artist. Subjects range from bold spring daffodils, delicate summer sweet peas, through to whimsical autumn ginkgo biloba leaves, and finishing with a striking holly star composition to close the winter chapter. With a foreword from Tom Brown, Head Gardener at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation: "It is Sandrine’s botanical knowledge that sets her apart, [...] through [her] guidance we can learn to celebrate and document the natural rhythms of our green spaces around us." Readers can work through the book season-by-season, or focus on the plants they know and love. All the recommended materials used in the book are ethically sourced: the paper is from sustainable sources, the brushes are cruelty-free and the paints are vegan.

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This exquisite book, a follow-up to the hugely successful Kew Book of Embroidered Flowers, is written by needlework expert Trish Burr in association with The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It features a starter project that introduces the reader to the most commonly used stitches, including long-and-short stitch, split stitch, satin stitch, bullions and French knots, then nine full sampler projects. The samplers feature a vast array of fauna and flora, including butterflies, bugs, birds, a rabbit and a hedgehog; lotuses, foxgloves, poppies, toadstools, and numerous wildflowers. The book explains all the stitches needed, and gives thorough advice on preparation and choosing fabrics and threads. All the projects are shown step-by-step, with an order of work diagram given where appropriate. All the reusable iron-on transfers needed are kept safely together with the book in an attractive hardback folder. The enclosed reusable iron-on transfer papers offer embroiderers a fast and accurate method of transferring the designs – the transfers simply need ironing on to fabric so that the reader can start embroidering straight away. The templates are also included at full size at the back of both editions of the book. This stunning yet practical book is a must-have for anyone interested in capturing the intricacy of nature in thread.

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The focus of this comprehensive and inspiring book is its 14 quilt-as-you-go techniques. Choose from a variety of hand- and machine-sewn styles including stitch-and-flip, envelope-style, lined circles, Suffolk puffs and cathedral windows. Each technique is photographed step by step, and then each completed, discrete block can be transformed into a stunning quilt project, which comes complete with full instructions. If you like taking your creative work with you when you travel, love the convenience of working in small, manageable blocks, or simply want to try out some different techniques before committing to a full-size quilt, this book will help you achieve remarkable results. All the templates required are included at full size.

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