Crafts and Decorative arts

Featuring hundreds of very clear step-by-step photos, these projects give beginner and intermediate-level crafters everything needed to make contemporary, stylish leather items. First up are 23 projects based on simple structures, then 9 more based on intermediate structures, arranged in skill-building sequence. That approach—emphasizing the underlying shapes that leatherwork is based on—allows yo

A celebration of the renewing powers of creativity, this striking dive into contemporary dried floral design shares inspiration and insight from a star floral designer. Jenny Thomasson (AIFD, PFCI, EMC) showcases 26 stunning, cutting-edge dried floral arrangements that show the artistic potential of the medium. Conceptual sketches for each, as well as detailed lists of materials used, give a deep

An inspiring guide to creating a flexible, seven-piece wardrobe with modern Scandinavian elegance, from style icon Lotta JansdotterWhen Jansdotter wears one of her signature clothing looks, fans frequently ask, "Did you make that?" Lotta's answer is, "Yes, and so can you!" With that in mind, she has created her second book of easy-to-sew pieces that can be layered to create a variety of looks.

The book offers 125-plus stitch patterns, along with guidance on how the twists are engineered and how knitters can create designs of their own. Norah's always-clear instructions are presented in a conversational, easy-to-understand voice that proceeds naturally as one twisted stitch leads to the next. Readers can test their newfound skills with the 15 garment patterns.

Designer Natalie Chanin blends embroidery and hand-sewing techniques with her own personal story in this empowering guide for all who love stitching and handcraft Embroidery: Threads and Stories from Alabama Chanin and The School of Making mixes lessons in sewing, design, and embroidery with Natalie Chanin's engaging, personal story of the evolution of Alabama Chanin and the indelible mark the tec

This pocket-size drawing journal is packed with just as much clever, creative fun as the original bestselling 642 Things to Draw. All 642 drawing prompts inside invite doodlers to draw teeny tiny things-from 'a keyhole' and 'a marble' to 'an atom' and 'your house, from space.' Sure to keep creative folks inspired on the go, or wherever the doodle bug strikes!

Ken Blomquist takes readers through all the steps necessary to successfully carve and finish a Scandinavian Santa, using step-by-step instructions, 258 beautiful full color photos, and detailed patterns. This figure comes with a rucksack full of traditionally wrapped gifts and a walking staff to steady him during his annual trek. Following these clear instructions, you can also create a scenic, sn

This book teaches how to use drawing as means of expressing a jeweler’s creative ideas. In jewelry, there are other ways of creating which do not stem directly from working in the studio. The most important of these is drawing, an extremely useful tool for jewelers due to its speed and adaptability. Mastering this tool can be a great resource that can help jewelers to progress easily and steadily

Create your own fashion accessories and jewelry through 20 DIY macramé projects. Illustrated step-by-step directions for projects at three different skill levels will guide you through the making of your own unique scarves, handbags, belts, decorative embellishments, and jewelry, including bracelets and necklaces. Give your designs a unique, personal style by choosing from a wide variety of materi

For both the experienced and aspiring tattoo artist, as well as creative tattoo customers, this book of inspirational examples of script and banner lettering in a wide range of styles is the ideal cheat sheet. Beginning with traditional handwriting, the book moves into more complex script styles. Discover a range of banners for application on the chest or back, in styles that look elegant and orna

Step-by-step instructions for 50 beautiful paintings  including plants, flowers, animals, & more! Love the look of watercolors but think you lack the skill? Think again! With Watercolor the Easy Way, you will paint beautiful masterpieces following the author's simple instructions. You'll learn to mix colors, apply brush strokes, and paint beautiful pictures in only thirty minutes or less. • 50 bea

Add some visual zing to your new beekeeping hobby with the very first graphic guide! These fully illustrated pages, perfect for visual learners, offer you complete, easy-to-understand whys and how-tos on every aspect of beekeeping, plus an entertaining approach. Thousands of detailed line drawings teach all you need to succeed with beekeeping, whether your goal is honey, beeswax, a backyard advent

This book brings together 17 Sew a Softie designers from around the world. Each designer has come up with a delightful new hand-sewn project to inspire moms, dads, kids, grandparents, and teachers of all kinds. No expensive machines are required, and each project uses stitches and techniques that can easily be mastered by first-time sewers. Get together with kids and enjoy time together sewing a w

Use this compassionate guide to access your deepest emotions, express them through art, and transform them into tools for healing and understanding. Former psychotherapist turned artist Andy Stanton offers guided meditations, imagery techniques, and collage prompts to open a safe space for not only grief and brokenheartedness, but celebration and thankfulness. First, follow relaxation and imagery

A lighthearted passport to 10 whimsical and elegant little scenes to make from paper and then display under cloches. A lush tropical jungle, a teepee at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and a lighthouse guiding a ship through choppy waves all come to life with simple directions and a relaxed approach. Paper designer Samantha Milhet guides you through each project, which are arranged by difficulty l

Learn how our creative development is shaped by experiences that isolate us from other people. The insightful words of 97 contemporary quilt artists combine with evocative photos of their quarantine creations during the COVID-19 pandemic's first months. Giving us a fascinating perspective, these visual and personal stories of concerns, despair, and ideas can help connect our own experiences with p

A top designer in dried floral welcomes you into her studio to learn the craft's potential. Today in floral design, dried flowers and botanicals give their fresh cousins a strong run for their long-held position as the classic material. Today, unrecognizable from the 1970s (when they were first trendy), dried flowers are a popular material for the most modern, contemporary creations in flower art.

By making creative and beautiful contemporary wreaths, add a handmade focal point to wherever you are. This guide offers step-by-step instructions for 15 wreaths of all types, from live materials to dried botanicals to found objects and other surprising materials. Learn all elements of wreath making. Master the techniques and understand how to choose and source your materials—whether in your yard

Beautiful results every time when you follow the color-coded pattern! ColorMaps activity books are the hot new way to enjoy adult coloring without the mental stress and strain of selecting colors and deciding where to put them. With the ColorMaps series, you will create beautiful masterpieces in only three steps: 1) pick a design, 2) match your pencils, 3) follow the map to fill-in with color. It’

Beautiful results every time when you follow the color-coded pattern! ColorMaps activity books are the hot new way to enjoy adult coloring without the mental stress and strain of selecting colors and deciding where to put them. With the ColorMaps series, you will create beautiful masterpieces in only three steps: 1) pick a design, 2) match your pencils, 3) follow the map to fill-in with color. It’