Antiques & Collectibles

Toy boats, especially those designed to sail on the local pond, have always had a fascination for boys and girls of all ages. This book celebrates these boats, which many will remember purchasing with their pocket money.
Before the 1914-1918 war many toy boats were of German origin, but when hostilities ceased there was a surge in buying British. Many manufacturers took advantage of this, and British toy boats became extremely popular right up to World War II, with numerous seaside resorts actually building special ponds for yachts and clockwork vessels. Interest continued right up to the introduction of electronic toys, at which point the majority of manufacturers realised that the more traditional toy boat was no longer in demand. This book covers that golden period of toy boats, from 1920 onwards.

Scissors and glue stick at the ready... inject a wealth of botanical beauty into your creative projects with this sumptuous collection of images from the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew archive.

Whether you're looking for vintage botanical ephemera to enhance your journal or scrapbook pages, want to make your own collage art, or simply have a range of botanical elements at your fingertips for gift-wrapping, card-making, vision-boarding and more - this stunning collection will give you over 500 images to cut out and create with, in whatever way you choose.

Featuring over 500 images, this book presents a wide variety of botanical art across a range of chapters - from flowers to cacti, fruit and vegetables, and even fungi. The images are printed on one side only so that all images can be used, and each page is backed with lovely botanical patterns that can also be used as paper elements, so no scrap is wasted.

Botanical art is as popular today as it has ever been, perhaps even more so, as we all realise the importance of connecting with nature in an increasingly fast-paced world. It has been scientifically proven that even looking at pictures of plants can have a calming effect on the mind, lowering stress levels and supporting relaxation. The same is true of making things by hand - away from screens and digital distractions - and so combining the traditional craft of collage with botanical art is an immensely mindful activity that will benefit all who have a go.

Alongside the 500 images, you will find guidance on how to use the book, with collage ideas and tips and tricks for getting the most from this absorbing art form.

Cut it up, stick it down and watch your creative projects blossom before your very eyes with this bumper book of botanical illustrations from Kew.