Search results for ""search press ltd""

Praise for the Build a Bag series: "These books are ideal for those new to bag making and will help readers grow their bag-making skills and confidence as they work through the projects. The plastic templates are a brilliant idea and a great bonus." - The Sewing Directory New to the highly acclaimed Build a Bag series, Debbie Shore brings you a selection of 15 brilliant backpacks! The 15 designs are created using the full-size rigid template contained within the book. It is easy-to-use, durable, reusable, wipe-clean and perfect for fussy cutting, plus it is simple to position and use – there is no need to pin it. The backpacks are made using different techniques, pockets, straps and fastenings to create 15 very different results. But why stop there? The template can also be used for your own design variations. As you mix and match the techniques covered within the book, Debbie gives advice on how to adapt and create your own unique designs. Each project in the book is explained using Debbie’s friendly style and easy-to-follow step-by-step photography, and there is also a comprehensive techniques section and a guide to using the template.

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Many novice artists are intimidated by the prospect of trawling through very technical drawing books, especially given our busy day-to-day lives. Five-Minute Watercolour is a handy companion as you explore your artistic potential by sketching in watercolour – in five minutes you can produce a great painting that you'll be proud to keep and share. Discover 55 bitesize exercises, written in jargon-free language, to help you make watercolour painting a part of your day. Starting with advice on the basic supplies you will need, professional urban watercolour artist Samantha Nielsen takes you through all the techniques required to begin and pursue your creative journey - from brush control to using warm and cool colours, followed by advice on implementing these techniques such as painting skies, seascapes or people. Samantha then helps you take it further by showing you how to capture movement and create depth. Every spread in the book features five expert tips and ideas, as well as examples of amazing five-minute watercolour sketches to inspire you. For new and aspiring artists everywhere who've dreamt of making art a part of their working lives, this pocket book is perfect for you.

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Learn how to draw all kinds of woodland animals using this fun and easy step-by-step method. Starting with simple shapes, Susie Hodge shows you how easy it is to develop circles, rectangles, squares and ovals into an exciting selection of animals and birds including rabbits, badgers, woodpeckers, wolves, squirrels and chipmunks. If you have never drawn before this is definitely the book for you, and there is a lot here to inspire more experienced artists too.

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Fair Isle knitting has a timeless appeal, and is celebrated all over the world for its beautiful patterns and distinctive motifs. Using just two colours in each row you can create a myriad of different patterns that are deceptively easy to achieve. In this definitive guide, expert knitting designer and best-selling author Monica Russel teaches you the essential skills of this traditional colourwork technique and provides all the inspiration you need to create stunning Fair Isle patterns of your own. The book includes a fascinating history of Fair Isle knitting, and takes a close look at the yarns, needles and other tools you need to get started in colourwork There are step-by-step instructions on the key techniques for creating Fair Isle patterns, including choosing colours and using charts, all illustrated with step-by-step photographs and an abundance of colourful examples A stunning collection of pattern swatches provides inspiration and instruction for over 45 borders, patterns and motifs, all accompanied by a written pattern, chart and examples in various colourways To practise your new skills, there are 14 items to knit, ranging from a simple hat to a stunning dress and waistcoat.

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Amanda Hislop’s Seascapes is a wonderful reference tool for all textile artists, whatever their skills level. Amanda puts particular emphasis on taking your work from initial inspiration through to the design stage. Her advice and guidance is all clearly explained through practical exercises and inspirational examples that then lead to projects which build upon and consolidate the lessons learned. Textile artists, embroiders, painters and quilters – whatever their skill level – will be inspired by Amanda’s deep love for and fascination with the varied moods of the sea and coastal landscapes. Exploration – both of technique and design – is at the heart of this book. Amanda reveals the skills and processes she uses to make her incredible textile seascapes. Featuring original projects, practical and enjoyable design exercises, and extensive sections on composition and mark-making, this instructional guide is brimming over with fabulous ideas for a stunning selection of fabric and stitch scenes.

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Add a gorgeous finishing touch to any outfit! This mouthwateringly colourful book contains 20 beautiful bags to sew from popular designer Debbie von Grabler-Crozier. It includes a huge variety of different styles and sizes, from totes and bucket bags to backpacks, clutches and shoulder bags, and Debbie makes each one easy. The book contains a complete guide to all the techniques needed, shown using easy-to-follow step-by-step photography. Also included is a section on creating beautiful finishing touches, including embroidery, applique, crocheted flowers, beaded charms and labelling. All the templates required are included on a handy pull-out sheet.

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Create twenty unique and whimsical Christmas cross-stitch designs with this latest addition to the Twenty to Make series. Emulate Michael Powell’s distinctive cross-stitch style to make Christmas cards or samplers as special gifts for friends and family. Designs range from festive candle arrangements to vintage winter street scenes, and each design is accompanied by an easy-to-follow stitching guide.

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The complete manual for acrylic painting. Marylin Scott provides over 100 step-by-step demonstrations showing how to tackle tricky subjects, accompanied by full-colour photography. Even though, acrylic is used by many well-known professional artists, it is rather less popular with amateurs. This is surprising, because acrylic is not only the most versatile of all the painting media, but is also highly forgiving. You can paint out mistakes as you work, even making major changes to the colour scheme and composition. Each new painting can become a springboard for ideas and the range of different effects is vast.

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The latest addition to the Love to Sew series, this new title from best-selling author Debbie Shore contains 15 gorgeous, practical items that every sewer will love to make, use or give as gifts. The book contains storage solutions and sewing accessories to equip every sewing space. The projects range from practical storage solutions such as tool rolls, carry cases and cutting mat carriers to innovative ways to keep a sewing space tidy, such as a handy armchair storage device and an ironing station, complete with board cover and handy hanging pouch for storing a mini iron and attachments. The book also contains colourful sewing room essentials such as a pincushion, a seam press and handmade bobbins, and inspiring items perfect to give as gifts: a sewing room diary cover and a sewing case. The book contains a comprehensive materials and techniques section at the beginning, showing clearly all the techniques needed, with beautiful photography and easy-to-follow instructions. Each of the projects contains step-by-step photography and clear instructions so that even beginners will find these projects a doddle.

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Marjolein Kruijt's deep and abiding love of animals is obvious in this book, which will teach you the technical aspects of drawing domestic and wild animals, such as different breeds of dog and cat, and long and short fur. In addition, it will help you to capture their inner nature.

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Discover all the essential skills one stitch at a time. With clear step-by-step tutorials and charts you'll find the stitches quick and easy to learn. The blocks are organised according to skill level, progressing from basic knit and purl stitches to more challenging techniques such as cable and lace. Practice one new stitch at a time before you’re ready to move on to the next one. At the back of the book, you’ll find a handful of inspirational projects that teach you how to combine your blocks for unique and stylish results.

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Rock Art! is the ultimate guide to painting eccentric art on rocks! This book makes it possible for anyone to create extraordinary art projects and crafts with ordinary rocks. The first part of the book will give you tips as to how to go about picking your pebbles and how to get started. You’ll find that your finished rock art projects can be used in practical, stylish, fun and decorative ways. Once painted, pebbles can be used as jewellery, lucky amulets, games, love tokens, bookends, special gifts or home and garden décor objects! Get creative and use your rock painting art in a variety of crafty projects.

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An easy to follow guide to producing beautiful Japanese braids using Kumihimo disks and plates; templates for which are printed on the cover flap ready to be cut out and used. There is advice on the yarns or threads to use, arranging the threads on the disk or plate, producing many different types of braid, braiding with beads, finishing off and using the braids to make bracelets, necklaces, bag handles and much more.

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Portraits are timeless and enthralling, and a discipline to which many artists aspire. Experienced artist David Thomas demonstrates how to use watercolour, pencil and charcoal to produce rewarding results in your portrait work. This book will show you how to fill your paintings with life and character, and explain clearly how to build your sketches up into more developed drawn artwork, and from there to inspiring watercolour portraits. Learn to use watercolour, pencil and charcoal to produce fresh and approachable portraits invested with life and character.

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Starting with just four of these stitches, Jane clearly demonstrates, with detailed step-by-step photographs, how to work up a complete project. Instructions show how to stretch and mount your first embroidery. Using further projects she helps you build up skills, introducing new stitches in each section. Line drawings accompany each design and are used as a guide for the stitches. The designs and colours used are traditional - reminiscent of the embroidery worked by embroiderers during the Tudor period, wonderful floral pictures worked in wool and soft colours. The book is a comprehensive introduction to this lovely technique and at the same time it offers embroiderers practical help with presentation and finishing.

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New and updated edition of the best-selling book 75 Birds, Butterflies & Beautiful Beasties to Knit & Crochet! Expand your knit and crochet repertoire with this delightful menagerie of miniature bugs and beasts: from creepy crawlies and weird wrigglers to beautiful butterflies and splendid metallic dragonflies. Use them to decorate your clothes and accessories, to give as gifts — or to decorate your gift wrap and greeting cards — and to collect as a creative display piece. Choose from winged insects and flying fancies, hanging horrors, cute ladybirds and perfect honeybees, tropical terrors and garden favourites. Each critter is cross-referenced to a complete pattern or chart at the back of the book, with information on stuffing, finishing and yarn requirements. There are also helpful hints on creating iridescence and translucent wings. The books also includes leaves, flowers, shells and other elements from the natural world.

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The essential guide to drawing manga figures. Ideal for seasoned comic artists or complete beginners, this fantastic book is packed with clear instructions and inspiration for drawing manga figures. It begins with the basics and contains galleries of body parts, expressions and hair styles to inspire and encourage the reader, along with step-by-step guides to mastering fundamentals such as anatomy and hands and feet. A range of profiles, characters, genders and ages is included. Build up skill through drawing and inking and then experiment using different colouring media – including markers, watercolour acrylics and pencils – to achieve outstanding results. This title was previously published as Manga - The Mega Guide (9781782210764)

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This comprehensive knitting manual has everything you need to start knitting. It includes a wide range of techniques, including lace, cables, textured patterns, colourwork, beaded knitting and embellishment, all accompanied by fully-illustrated step-by-step instructions that are perfect for the absolute beginner. For more experienced knitters there are advanced techniques and useful pointers to give their knitted items that professional touch. At the back of the book there's a link to 25 how-to videos to help you if you get stuck on a particular technique. The book starts with a run-through of the basic tools and equipment you’ll need, as well as a guide to choosing the right yarn and needles. This is followed by a trouble-shooting SOS section that shows you how to spot and avoid mistakes, and tips on how to rescue and fix common errors. The book concludes with handy information on how to connect with fellow knitters to share and sell your work, and how to find charity projects. Previously published as Complete Knitting Skills (9781844489015).

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From domestic cats and dogs to wild lions and giraffes, best-selling artist and author Jean Haines shows the reader how to bring a vitality of life to their animal artwork. Known for the vibrant colours and exciting, innovative painting techniques that she brings to her work, Jean's latest book invites beginners and more experienced artists alike to share a journey through painting animals from around the world. Painting animals requires a delicacy of touch. Jean starts with simple monochrome artworks and progresses on to more vivid paintings that incorporate exciting textural effects. Using lessons from nature to help bring the reader closer to the animals, Jean shows how to portray the animal's spirit and bring vitality to the reader's artwork. Suitable for all abilities, from first-time painters to experienced artists, Jean shares all the materials and unique techniques she uses, and provides a wealth of expert tips and advice inspired by the animals themselves, helping the reader to progress and find their own path. Scattered throughout the book are dozens of Jean’s wonderful paintings, showcasing a veritable Noah's Ark of different animals to inspire the reader on their artistic journey.

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Kawaii is a Japanese word meaning ‘super-cute’, and it’s a trend that’s sweeping the globe. Anything can be drawn in the kawaii style, from animals, people, vegetables and flowers to food, vehicles and household items. Here, expert comic book and manga artist Yishan Li shows you how to draw amazingly adorable animals in just a few simple steps. Draw the cutest rabbit you’ve ever seen, a playful panda, koala, fox, sheep and more. There are 28 different drawings to choose from, all full of personality and bubbling over with charm. Each one is developed in 8 easy stages from a rough sketch of the basic shapes through to the finished, coloured drawing, making this book suitable for adults and children of all ages and abilities.

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Textile artists find inspiration all around them – from fleeting memories to treasured items, sketches, poems and photographs. But how do you collect and record these precious thoughts and ideas? Tilly Rose shows you how, by creating stunning fabric and paper journals filled with inspiration to spark your creativity. A lovingly created journal tells a story. It provides a fascinating glimpse into your world and is a beautiful object in its own right to be cherished by generations to come. There are eight beautiful designs to choose from, incorporating a range of exciting techniques that include layering and collage, hand embroidery, transferring your own designs to cloth, stamping, appliqué, embellishing, patchwork and free motion machine embroidery. All of the techniques are explained with clear instructions and step-by-step photographs, so even those who are just setting out on their creative journey will find inspiration and all the know-how they need to make their own gorgeous daydream journals.

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This gorgeous book will show you how to create breathtaking works of wall art and statement home décor – all made using simple macramé knots, natural dyes and 100 per cent recycled materials. Start by learning 18 key knots and 8 beautiful patterns, all shown clearly using step-by-step photography. Learn how to use natural dyes and how to pre-treat and dye your string. Key safety advice is given, as well as helpful tips for working with large pieces of macramé, knotting from an irregular-shaped support and keeping an even tension. The 16 projects are divided into 4 chapters: Macramé on the wall, Macramé to hang, Macramé for indoors & outdoors, and Macramé to decorate. The projects range from reworked classics such as the wall hanging and the plant hanger, which have been given a fresh, Insta-ready twist, to a wreath, bunting, hanging bedside table, mirror hanger, rug and tassels. Each project clearly explains which knots to use, the difficulty level, how long the project will take, plus photographs of the steps are provided as necessary. The projects are easy to follow, genuinely desirable and, best of all, really simple to make!

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This complete beginner’s guide to painting flowers in watercolour is ideal if you want to learn to paint but are short on time. Each of the 35 quick and easy exercises takes no more than 30 minutes to complete, and will teach you how to paint flowers of different shapes, colours and families – lilies, orchids and hellebores amongst others – or learn a key technique such as masking out, working wet in wet and colour-mixing. The exercises are all worked at postcard size – ideal for a 6 x 4in (A6) watercolour pad, and tracings are included for each study. The book is broken down into five chapters that focus, respectively, on working with watercolour, watercolour techniques, colour and tone, form and detail, and finally flowers in context. The final section of the book contains three complete paintings that demonstrate how to combine all the techniques and elements of painting flowers, as learned from the preceding chapters. These paintings, too, are accompanied by actual-size tracings.

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In this first book in her new Sewing Room Secrets series, Debbie Shore walks you through every aspect of machine sewing, revealing her top tips and providing in-depth and helpful guidance every step of the way. Starting by looking at sewing room essentials, Debbie then guides you around your sewing machine and explains all the tools and materials you might need, including wadding/batting, interfacing, fabrics and threads. There’s a handy troubleshooting section to reassure and guide you when you encounter problems. Debbie covers the key techniques you need to know, including inserting zips and piping, using shirring elastic, free-motion embroidery and appliqué. Debbie’s focus is on craft and home items, but she also includes some dressmaking and quilting tips for those looking to explore other areas. The ten beautiful projects help you learn the techniques as you progress through the book, beginning with a simple pincushion before moving on to a pillow cover, a tablet case, a drawstring bag, a sewing machine mat and more.

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This third book from Claire Gelder presents Bonnie the Highland Cow and Isla her calf, as well as other adorable crocheted companions. With soft, chunky yarn and long, floppy limbs, you'll have no choice but to pick them up, or snuggle on the sofa with them. Oversized, and full of life, these toys are about 70cm tall and the babies measure about 35cm. The projects are aimed at beginners to improvers, and are suitable for someone who has mastered the basics of crochet. Open up the book to be introduced to 20 loveable animals such as garden birds, deer and doe, badger and fox, cat and dog, mouse and hedgehog, owls and lovebirds, as well as a frog and baby and a goat and his kid. Which one will steal your heart first?

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Susie Johns has created 20 beautiful flowers that knitters and flower lovers will love to create. Simple, easy-to-follow instructions are provided for each flower, and Susie's inspired choice of wools and novelty yarns make these wonderful projects for anyone interested in contemporary knitting design. Decorate bags, coats, shoes, hairbands and more, and give them to friends of family as lovely little whimsical gifts! These jazzy designs are perfect for beginner and veteran knitters alike.

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No-one can resist knitting a pretty pair of baby booties for a new babyso here are twenty of them, all unique but all equally irresistible, in a range of colors and styles; only costing 50 cents a pattern. Each pair of booties requires relatively small quantities of yarn and can be knitted quickly, easily, and on the go using the clear, step-by-step instructions provided. Each project is accompanied by lists of the materials and equipment required and a stunning full-colour photograph. Suitable for babies from newborn to 6 months.

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Quilters and patchworkers all over the world are familiar with Jelly Rolls bundles of coordinating fabrics manufactured by Moda, pre-cut into useful 2½in strips. But what do you do with all those left-over pieces once you've made your patchwork quilt? Instead of assigning them to the waste bin, save them up and you will soon have enough to stitch at least one of the fun projects in this book. Using simple sewing, quilting and patchwork techniques, there are 20 projects to choose from, including stylish cushions, pretty little bags, and a handy pincushionall of which are quick and easy to make on-the-go, and each pattern costing only 50 cents. If you don't use Jelly Rolls, any odd scraps of fabric can be used insteadjust cut them to size and away you go! All the templates are provided as well as some basic tips and techniques, and each project is accompanied by a list of the materials and tools you need, and clear, step-by-step instructions.

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18 stunning corner-to-corner crochet blanket and Afghan patterns, in a range of fresh and contemporary colours!

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Discover the ultimate collection of beautiful Quaker embroidery designs, from needlework expert Lesley Wilkins.

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The ultimate no-nonsense guide to painting realistic, captivating water, from still lakes and crashing waves to water droplets.

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Crochet your way to Christmas with 10 charming amigurumi figures from the nativity story, brought to you by popular designer Flo and Dot Sarah-Jane Hicks.

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Create your own charming Christmas decorations and ornaments with best-selling needle-felting authors Roz Dace and Judy Balchin, AKA The Woolly Felters!The authors' previous book,Needle Felting for Beginners, won the BEST CRAFT BOOK in The Craft Business Awards 2021, and has sold over 70,000 copies.

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Learn to sew 26 fresh, contemporary designs, all using just half a yard of fabric. Debbie Shore has a passion for sewing, and her fresh, contemporary designs coupled with simple, easy-to-follow instructions make this book a recipe for success. All of the projects use just half a yard of fabric, making them ideal for using up scraps and oddments left over from other projects or sold off cheaply by your favourite fabric store. All you need is a sewing machine and a basic sewing kit, and in no time at all you'll be making one of the gorgeous projects in the book. There are 26 to choose from, including beautiful bags, aprons, a craft caddy for storing your making kit, padded coat hangers, a chicken doorstop, a handy wash bag, a notice board and numerous other gifts and accessories for you, your family and your home. The basic techniques you need to know are explained clearly at the beginning of the book, and every step-by-step project is accompanied by a fabulous photograph of the finished piece, which will not fail to delight and inspire you.

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Sewing is popular with all ages and this series, Love to Sew, focuses on the latest hot trends. The 64 page handy square format gives us room for twenty projects, each with simple step-by-step instructions, beautiful photographs, as well as a basic techniques and materials section at the front of the book.

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Create eight fantastic steampunk dolls from a past that never was.

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Accomplished artist Jean Haines shares her passion for watercolours in this wonderfully practical book. Known for her exciting techniques and love of colour, Jean takes you on an inspirational painting journey on which you’ll encounter, amongst other things, magical watercolour flow, glorious washes, sunbursts, and a magnificent ‘hotting it up’ finale. With her simple exercises, clear advice and easy-to-follow projects, Jean pushes the boundaries and will alter the way you think about watercolours and painting for ever. With a selection of popular subjects, including animals, landscapes, buildings,flowers and people, there is something for everyone here, whatever their artistic ability.

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Knit 21 timeless Nordic-style sweaters, rompers, dresses and tees with these gorgeouspatterns for children aged 0-6 years.

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Unlock the world of contemporary watercolour bird painting with popular artist and dynamic teacher, Tom Shepherd. Free Daniel Smith paint dot card included to get you started immediately!

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This new edition of a popular title breathes fresh fire into the fantastical world of dragons. It features five step-by-step projects - including a storm-heralding monster, a fire-breathing salamander and an ancient ice dragon - all with full-size outlines, plus one bonus outline for you to experiment with. With a brief introduction to using acrylic paints and transferring the outlines, this book will quickly immerse you in this fearsome fantasy world. The A3 (11.7 x 16.5in/ 297 x 420mm) outlines are provided on gatefold paper at the back of the book. This book was originally published as Ready to Paint Dragons (9781844486328), 2011.

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Learn all the tricks you need to bring your manga characters to life!

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'There are few problems that are insurmountable. If something is broken more often than not it can be repaired. A can-do attitude is essential, or at least a willingness to have a go.' So writes award-winning silversmith and BBC television personality Brenton West in his introduction to this, his first book. Brimming with in-depth technical information on tools, techniques and metals, Brenton explains how to diagnose the problem, apply the repair, and make good almost any precious items. Aimed at anyone who wants to learn the skills necessary to fix, repair or improve household items – whether for sentimental reasons or to turn a profit – the book covers more than a dozen common case studies for you to follow. Ranging from simple to more complex repairs, Brenton tackles re-plating silver, correctly securing metal to glass, polishing, soldering, re-finishing and more on a variety of antique items including table lamps, inkwells, cocktail shakers and hand mirrors. The case studies are fully illustrated so you can see what's happening at each stage, while handy boxes expand on the specific example, giving Brenton's expert advice on how to apply the skills learned to your own particular repairs. After all, no two objects break in quite the same way: the book will teach you how to adapt. Dotted throughout are Brenton's own hard-won secret tips and techniques, so you can share and benefit from his experience. Brenton talks you through how different metals and materials can be properly identified and safely repaired. The book also includes information on hallmarking, allowing you to assess those second-hand finds accurately. Finally, an extensive tool directory and techniques section give no-nonsense and in-depth advice on the best tools for the job.

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'This series from Search Press is simply brilliant and brilliantly simple. Take one look and you'll get it immediately. I just love them.' Henry Malt, Paint Magazine Use the full-size traceable outlines and the clear step-by-step instructions to create 6 beautiful landscape paintings. Whether you are a beginner to watercolour or looking to brush up on your skills, you will be amazed at how quickly you can produce beautiful paintings following the easy-to-follow written and visual steps. Written by professional artist and tutor Grahame Booth, this guide features a short but inclusive ‘what you need’ section, enabling you to gather together the paints, brushes and basic equipment required before you start painting, and some brief guidance on general techniques such as how to hold the brush, how to add water to your paint and how to mix colour, plus how to frame and display your work. The 6 stunning step-by-step projects that follow build in difficulty as you work through the book, introducing new techniques as they are used and incorporating numerous handy hints and tips from the author to help you progress on your painting journey. The outlines for each of the 6 projects appear at the end of the book for you to trace, transfer and customize so you can start to paint impressive landscapes straight away. Previously published as The Paint Pad Artist: Watercolour Landscapes (9781782216278).

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A gorgeous collection of 40 cute crochet blocks to make into decorations, homewares, blankets and more! From the author of Modern Granny Squares and Block by Block Crochet. Create 40 beginner-friendly granny squares featuring all your favourite animal friends. Bring them to life with fluffy fur, flowing manes, waggy tails and twisting tentacles and then build the squares up into gorgeous items for your home, your friends and your family! Organised into two parts the book begins with animal block pattern designs, including beautiful projects to make. The following techniques section contains all you need to know to crochet animal blocks. Each design and technique is clearly demonstrated with photography and illustrations. You'll find animal block pattern designs combining different crochet stitches and techniques to create cute animal blocks for blankets and more. Every block has a written pattern with corresponding charts, a skill level guide, clear photography and ideas for mixing and matching. The book also includes 4 gorgeous projects to make with the squares – including a unicorn wall hanging and an under-the-sea baby book.

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