Your Search Results(showing 123)

    • Handicrafts, decorative arts & craftsx
    • Local history

      Cornish Guernseys & Knitfrocks

      by Mary Wright

      In late 19th century Cornwall hand-knitting was a vital cottage industry and coastal villages developed their own distinctive patterns and names for the traditional navy blue guernsey or knit-frock. Contract-knitting - the occupation of many Cornish women - had died out by the 1920s and was almost forgotten until author Mary Wright started asking old people what they remembered of it. Her research has resulted in a remarkable picture of social history. Cornish Guernseys & Knit-frocks includes many delightful contemporary photographs, and detailed instructions and charts show how to knit a Cornish guernsey incorporating one of thirty local patterns.

    • Handicrafts, decorative arts & crafts
      September 2020

      A Masterclass in needle felting dogs

      Methods and techniques to take your needle felting to the next level

      by Cindy-Lou Thompson

      The art of needle felting dogs can produce amazingly hyper-realistic – almost taxidermic – results, and with a little know-how, some needles and wool, and a few inexpensive accessories, you, too, can needle felt like a professional. If you have ever wanted to improve your needle felting and take it to a whole new level to create lifelike dogs, this book, by world class needle felting master Cindy-Lou Thompson of Chicktin Creations, will show you how. Covering four different breeds of dog (Dachshund, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle), with step-by-step instructions and photos, Cindy takes you through the processes of creating different body shapes, proportions, armatures, coats, and blending, as well as realistic accessories such as eyes, noses, mouths, ears, and nails. Learn how to achieve a professional finish with different textured coats, clipping and shaping, and finishing off, using a variety of mediums and methods, some of which Cindy has designed and developed herself, and never revealed ... until now.

    • Lifestyle, Sport & Leisure

      An Elegant Practice

      The Transcending Power of Smanurai Ikebana

      by Gahou Yokochi (art) and Mei C. Yao (text) with Takashi Imai (photography)

      The last human interaction a true Samurai has is his final bow to his witnesses: expressing gratitude for their bestowing him the honor of “achieving a good death” in front of their presence. He does all this at the exact moment when he is about to stab his precious sword into his own belly, then bring it across his stomach from left to right. It takes a sublime level of self-discipline that is beyond thought and carnal courage. The art of dying a good death is an artless art: a discipline imbued with a Zen spirit that penetrates all cells of the Practitioner’s mind and body. The outcome is an austere beauty for which you would have no word. You simply feel it. When given a chance to live in Tokyo for two years, the co-author, Mei Yao, had an immediate but vague desire to do Zazen (i.e., sitting meditation) with the Japanese monks, and also to find out what the word “Ikebana” is really about. And if there is no coincidence under the large scheme of things, then it is indeed fate that she would accidentally run into the person who would volunteer to take her to the “practicing field” (called a “dojo” in Japanese) where a select group of people, from as young as 28 to as old as 84 years of age, are still practicing the art in the unadulterated, ancient way that originated from a Samurai and world famous ink-painter, Shinso Soami, during the Muromachi Era some 500+ years ago. Upon arriving at the “dojo” of the Souami School, Mei was taken aback by the reverence she felt from the greetings exchanged between her guide and the 21st Headmaster, Gahou Yokochi Sensei. As she entered the space, a palpable sense of veneration silently emanated from each and every practitioner. None of them are monks. They simply come together once every other week --- to hone in their understanding of nature and technical dexterity with the floral branches, and also to quietly observe the demeanor of their master teacher and other senior disciple-masters --- with the hope to further refine their heart through the art. What she experienced there in the “dojo” is utterly different from her previous experiences in the “classrooms” of two other popularly commercialized Ikebana schools. In this book Mei Yao shares her ever-deepening understanding of the soul and principles of “living Zen” --- as explained in Souami’s handwritten scroll, The Book of Flowers and Samurai Miyamoto Musashi’s The Book of Five Rings. These ancient values are still manifesting in every corner of the Japanese society and culture today. Humanity and the Earth are both passing through a very challenging time right now, but with one ultimate reason: to raise ourselves to the perfection we are within. The way of ancient Ikebana has been a surprisingly elegant practice for Mei Yao on her personal journey towards “the Way” over the years. Readers who enjoy the beauty of Mary Oliver’s poetry and Henry Thoreau’s natural writing will have a chance to also glimpse into “the Formless Self” by immersing themselves in the original Ikebana masterpieces by one of the most disciplined Ikebana masters, Hikaru Yokochi (a.k.a. Gahou Yokochi, bestowed Ikebana heritage name), who makes a faithful living in Tokyo as a renowned fine-oil painter.

    • Handicrafts, decorative arts & crafts
      November 2020

      Blackwork Embroidery

      Techniques and Projects

      by Jen Goodwin

      Blackwork has a rich history that has developed over the years into an iconic and sophisticated style of embroidery. This practical book presents a number of ways to approach blackwork embroidery, from forming basic stitches and patterns to developing complex shaded pieces with confidence. Through an assortment of exercises, it introduces the principles of shading along with several projects to further explore the potential of blackwork. • Detailed instructions on designing and developing shaded pieces of blackwork embroidery • Guidance on how to choose suitable images for translating into stitch • Step-by-step instructions on how to form basic stitches and how to form patterns • Almost 250 shaded patterns, indicating how differing patterns appear when worked in different thicknesses of thread • Patterns grouped by family for easy identification and pattern blending

    • Lifestyle, Sport & Leisure
      September 2020

      Material

      Making and the Art of Transformation

      by Nick Kary

      A master craftsperson explores the ways in which working with our hands reveals the essence of both our humanity and our relationship with the natural, material world In our present age of computer-assisted design, mass production and machine precision, the traditional skills of the maker or craftsperson are hard to find. Yet the desire for well-made and beautiful objects from the hands (and mind) of a skilled artisan is just as present today as it ever has been. Whether the medium they work with is wood, metal, clay or something else, traditional makers are living links to the rich vein of knowledge and skills that defines our common human heritage. More than this, though, many of us harbor a deep and secret yearning to produce something – to build or shape, to imagine and create our own objects that are imbued not only with beauty and functionality, but with a story and, in essence, a spirit drawn from us. Nick Kary understands this yearning. For nearly four decades he has worked on commission to make fine, distinctive furniture and cabinets from wood, most of it sourced near his home, in the counties of South West England. During this time, he has been both a teacher and a student; one who is fascinated with the philosophy and practice of craft work of all kinds. In Material, Kary takes readers along with him to visit some of the places where modern artisans are preserving, and in some cases passing on, the old craft skills. His vivid descriptions and eye for detail make this book a rich and delightful read, and the natural and cultural history he imparts along the way provides an important context for understanding our own past and the roots of our industrial society. Personal, engaging, and filled with memorable people, landscapes and scenes, Material is a rich celebration of what it means to imagine and create, which in the end is the essence of being human, and native to a place. As Kary puts it, “Wood and words, trees and people, material and ethereal – it is here I love increasingly to dwell.”

    • Embroidery crafts
      September 2020

      Animal Embroidery Workbook

      by Jessica Long

      Embroider a menagerie of 30 adorable animals! From a sweet giraffe and a happy cat to a sly little red fox and a friendly hedgehog, Cute Critters features step-by-step instructions and dozens of easy-to-use patterns to create embroidery hoops for all your favorite animals with charming floral details. Intermediate embroiderers will pick them up in no time, and beginners can tackle the simpler projects and further their skills with the more complicated designs. Also included is basic introductory information about materials and supplies, techniques and a guide to basic stitches.

    • Lifestyle, Sport & Leisure

      Twisted Colouring

      A wonderfully wicked creative colouring book

      by Leighton Noyes

      Take up your coloured pencils for some anger management and release the tensions of the day by embracing your dark side – it's a new way to chill (or just shiver!). Discover popular horror themes like skulls, zombies, vampires and werewolves, plus a coven of witchy illustrations that cast a spell. Darkly humourous llustrations for adults to colour in include Dracula decorating a Christmas tree, a zombie bride, a day of the Dead Sugar skull, and a bat-infested witch's bar scene.

    • Handicrafts, decorative arts & crafts

      DAVID BOWIE: STARMAN

      A Colouring Book

      by Illustrations by Coco Balderrama, Text by Laura Coulman

      Featuring 30 iconic looks from every phase of his fashion evolution, David Bowie: Starman: A Colouring Book offers a uniquely creative way to remember David Bowie, the daring, chameleonic icon who changed popular music forever. Whether posing as Ziggy Stardust or Aladdin Sane, Goblin King or China Boy, Thin White Duke or huge-hearted hero, Bowie’s career is a veritable kaleidoscope of ever-changing colours, styles and sounds. Peppered with quotes, facts and memories of Bowie from those who knew him best, – essential reading for fans of every generation.

    • Handicrafts, decorative arts & crafts

      PRINCE: PURPLE REIGN

      A Colouring Book

      by Illustrations by Coco Balderrama, Text by A. D. Hitchin

      Following his untimely death on 21 April 2016, Prince was at the forefront of the public’s interest. His albums shot to the top of the international charts and the world’s landmarks were lit up in purple as countless fans mourned his loss. Despite being one of the most influential and experimental pop-artists of our time, Prince was a figure shrouded in mystery. Prince: Purple Reign: A Colouring Book details some of the lesser known facts about his life and illustrates Prince’s most memorable looks. So much more than just a colouring book, each image has a history, with quotes from Prince and the people who knew and worked with him.

    • Lifestyle, Sport & Leisure

      Cute Felt Bears

      20 easy-to-make felt bear projects

      by Benjamin Rowling

      This delightful bear-themed collection includes charmingly quirky bear toys and cute bear-decorated projects such as accessories, pillows and bags to craft. There are stylised versions of real bears (giant panda, polar, grizzly, black and sloth bears) alongside a troupe of imaginary bears that include a romantic bear for Valentine's day, a vampire bear for Halloween, and a Christmas Santa bear.

    • Lifestyle, Sport & Leisure

      Creating Jewellery in Wood

      Skill-building projects and techniques

      by Sarah King

      Taking jewellery design beyond metal, discover how woodworking skills like jointing, bevelling, steaming, inlaying and polishing can open up new perspectives for jewellers. Learn how to combine wood with other media, from silver to silicon. Includes designs for necklaces, earrings, bracelets, cufflinks and rings.

    • Lifestyle, Sport & Leisure

      Jewellery Solutions

      How to care for, repair and restore your jewellery

      by David McLoughlin

      Discover how to clean and care for a wide range of materials and learn how to repair common faults, restore missing stones, clasps and other elements. With information on everything from clasp types to cleaning fluids, re-stringing beads to storing vintage rhinestones, Jewellery Solutions is packed with real, practical, how-to advice for jewellery wearers and collectors, design students, professional makers, and vintage dealers.

    • Lifestyle, Sport & Leisure
      March 2014

      Handiwork Fun with Children

      by Brigitte Ettmann

      It is simply a pleasure to watch four to six year old children working with needle and thread with a lot of fun and skill and creating true handicraft works of art. This and much more they have been learning for several years in the kindergarten with Brigitte Ettmann. She and her comrades-in-arms worked as volunteers in children’s daycare centres in their hometown Leipzig to introduce the youngest children to the hobby of handicrafts. And with great success. For the boys and girls, this has an incredible number of positive effects - they playfully discover their talents and promote creativity and self-confidence. In addition, they train their concentration, dexterity and endurance. Also a great benefit for parents and daycare centres! Brigitte Ettmann has now compiled her easily used handicraft instructions in this colourful and child-friendly book. The simple introductions for handicrafts at home and in the daycare centre are best suited for children aged between 3½ and 8 years. With many clearly arranged step-by-step photos you will find the bobble making, knotting, embroidering with embroidery cards and embroidery frames as well as weaving in the lid of a shoe box, the popular finger knitting and the sewing of funny cuddly animals made of felt. The author has interspersed helpful tips and little stories. The book whets the appetite for handicraft fun with children, which is especially awakened by the many funny photos of the little "master craftsmen". For the pictures, some of Brigitte Ettmann's protégés from the Leipzig day care centre were used as models - and with great fun and zeal.

    • Needlework & fabric crafts
      November 2017

      Stumpwork Embroidery

      Techniques and Projects

      by Helen Richardman

      Stumpwork is a highly decorative and imaginative embroidery technique, which typically uses raised and padded stitches that are rich in texture. This practical book explains how to create your own piece of stumpwork embroidery. Beginning with an introduction to the appropriate materials, equipment and tools, it instructs on a wide range of stitches and techniques, and illustrates them with ten delightful projects. It then explains how to design your own piece of stumpwork before advising on finishing, presenting and caring for you work. Written by a leading embroiderer, this beautiful book will inspire and encourage you to try this exciting technique and create your own exquisite designs.

    • Embroidery crafts
      September 2020

      Figure work in Embroidery

      Techniques in Embroidery

      by Angela Bishop

      Figures can bring an embroidery to life, but they are tricky to do well. This book guides you through the materials, stitches, body parts and clothes to give you the confidence and skills to embroider a figure and experiment, using your creative inspiration. With over 400 colour photographs it gives key information for getting started, creating designs and preparing embroideries; techniques for making three-dimensional forms using stitching and padding techniques; clear instruction for mastering stitches and then ideas for using them creatively. Specific advice is given for embroidering the face, hair, hands and feet as well as ideas for using stitching embellishments, such as beads, sequins, buttons, ribbons, feathers and jewellery charms. Step-by-step projects demonstrate a range of beautiful styles and techniques.

    • Embroidery crafts
      April 2019

      Embroidered Boxes

      Techniques and Projects

      by Emma Broughton

      Boxes are a special way to display embroidery and to present and store treasured pieces. This beautiful book brings the traditional craft of box making right up to date with the latest construction techniques and modern designs. It starts with projects suitable for beginners, and then introduces further techniques so readers can design and construct their own boxes. There are ten step-by step guides on how to construct different styles and shapes of boxes, and how to insert more complex decorative and functional elements. With over 650 colour photographs as well as stunning examples of embroidery techniques and designs, it is sure to delight and inspire every embroiderer and craft enthusiast.

    • Embroidery crafts

      Art Deco Knits

      Creating A Hand-Knit Wardrobe Inspired By The 1920s-1930s

      by Jemima Bicknell

      The jazz age of the 1920s and 1930s is a particularly inspiring period in fashion design, well-known for its intricately embellished fabrics and elegant detail. Art Deco Knits aims to inspire the modern knitter who wishes to create a vintage-inspired wardrobe, or simply add a touch of Art Deco glamour to their knitting. Featuring valuable information on styles and silhouettes, fabrics and finishing techniques, this beautifully illustrated book celebrates the joy to be found in creating knitwear inspired by this most popular of eras, when fashion and self-expression became accessible to more women than ever before. Topics covered include tips on choosing yarns and adapting patterns to fit an Art Deco aesthetic; a collection of Art Deco-inspired stitch patterns; beading and embroidery techniques for creating uniquely embellished knitted fabrics and finally, finishing tips and techniques. Nine original patterns are included, each inspired by a particular facet of 1920s or 1930s style.

    • Handicrafts, decorative arts & crafts
      September 2021

      Intarsia

      by Siân Brown

      Intarsia is a knitting colourwork technique used to create different areas of colour to form a pattern or image on the knitted fabric, without having to carry the yarn across the back of the work. This accessible book guides you through the basics of the technique, how to practise your skills and finally to the stage where you can produce your own original designs. It includes twenty charted motifs from the simple to the more elaborate and provides five full knitting patterns to practice your skills and to use as templates for your own intarsia ideas. Supported by over 200 photographs, sketches and knitting charts, it will serve as an invaluable practical guide to the technique but will also act as a springboard for your own original ideas.

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