Crafts & Hobbies

Now available in its sixth edition, The Potter's Dictionary of Materials and Techniques presents a comprehensive survey of all aspects of making ceramics for craft potters and ceramic artists. With its sound, practical explanations of ceramic processes, this indispensable reference book has gained a reputation as "the potter's bible." Professional potters, beginners, students, and collectors will find authoritative information clearly and logically presented.

Frank and Janet Hamer explain the sources and character of materials, the behavior of clays and glaze minerals during forming and firing processes, forming methods, and glaze construction. In addition to brief outlines and detailed articles with cross references to illustrations, color photographs illustrate glaze effects and surfaces featured in the work of inventive, contemporary potters. The varied techniques of Raku, maiolica, crystalline glazes, salt and soda, stoneware, and porcelain are also presented.

This new edition features over 500 full-color photographs and illustrations. With more than 300 diagrams to clarify everything in the ceramic world, in its sixth edition The Potter's Dictionary of Materials and Techniques will continue to serve as the authority on all things ceramic.

Wood Identification & Use is an indispensable guide to the world’s most valuable natural resource.

More than 200 species of wood are included in this lavishly illustrated book. Each species is described in detail with color photographs and information on its properties, seasoning requirements, uses and safety considerations.

There are sections on decorative figuring, wood defects and potential health hazards. There are also inspirational examples of finished work, a glossary of technical terms and drawings of living trees to help in identification.

Aimed at small-scale users, whether professional or amateur, the book includes woods used in cabinetmaking, joinery, carpentry, turning, carving and a host of more specialist applications.

The adventures of Peter Rabbit and his friends have been delighting generations of children around the world for over 120 years. In this unique craft book, Beatrix Potter's iconic illustrations have been brought to life as knitted characters, allowing you to create 12 adorable animals from the best-loved Peter Rabbit™ stories.

With step-by-step instructions and beautiful photography, you'll be able to make all the most enduring characters from Beatrix Potter's world. Knit Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Flopsy Bunny, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Mrs. Tiggy-winkle, Mr. Jeremy Fisher, Tom Kitten, Squirrel Nutkin, the Tailor of Gloucester, Samuel Whiskers, Mr. Tod the fox, and Tommy Brock the badger, and dress them up in simple felt garments to complete the storybook look.

Author Claire Garland has translated Beatrix Potter's original illustrations into delightfully accurate knitted versions, which will be instantly recognizable to fans of the Peter Rabbit stories. Once you have knitted the characters, making the clothes elevates them to the next level. Whether it's Peter's distinctive blue jacket and little shoes or Benjamin Bunny's Tam O'Shanter and handkerchief, Mrs. Tiggy-winkle's mop cap and apron, the Tailor of Gloucester's glasses, and Mr. Jemery Fisher's red tailcoat, every detail has been considered and can be recreated with easy techniques..

All the knitting techniques needed to knit the animals and sew the clothes are included, with step-by-step photos and full-size templates.

Featuring original illustrations and quotes from the tales alongside the patterns, this is a visual treat for fans of Peter Rabbit, allowing you to knit heirloom toys to enjoy for generations to come.

Officially licensed by Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd. BEATRIX POTTER™ and PETER RABBIT™ © Frederick Warne & Co., 2023

Hand-painted signs, stickered slogans and knitted hats: craft and protest have gone hand in hand since people began to take to the streets and stand up for change. A way of visualising your beliefs, craftivism combines a passion for making with the desire to make your voice heard - using your own hands to quietly subvert the status quo.

Rebel Crafts collects projects that will inspire change, resist injustice and subvert the everyday. Experienced craft author Hester's Handmade Home shares expert advice in 12 fully illustrated step-by-step makes. With crafts suitable for both the experienced maker and the beginner, Hester will teach you how to stitch your way to freedom, screen-print for equality, letter-write for the people and sport your feminist credentials on a badge. Filled with beautifully photographed ideas for how to use and style your makes, Rebel Crafts is a fun and right-on collection of activism-inspired activities.

Crochet Bags Made Fun, Modern, and Sustainable

The Crochet Bag Book by Bygalk is the debut pattern collection from designer and social media creator Hannah Bygalk (Bygalk)—a modern, beginner‑friendly guide to crochet bag patterns that you’ll actually carry. With step‑by‑step photos, QR video tutorials, and sustainable t‑shirt yarn techniques, makers of all levels can create playful, practical, eco‑minded bags.

Make bags you’ll love to use. From The Egg Bag and The Donut Bag to chic totes and crossbody styles, Bygalk’s signature designs turn simple stitches into conversation‑starting accessories—no prior experience required. Clear photos, straightforward instructions, and follow‑along videos remove the guesswork so you finish what you start.

Crochet that’s stylish, simple, and sustainable. Most projects use eco‑friendly t‑shirt yarn, and a dedicated upcycling chapter teaches you how to make your own yarn from old t‑shirts, denim, ribbons, and even plastic bags. Learn to choose materials responsibly, master core techniques, and build creative confidence—one functional bag at a time.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Beginner‑friendly crochet bag patterns with step‑by‑step photos and QR video tutorials
• Sustainable crafting know‑how, including how to create upcycled t‑shirt yarn at home
• Skills to customize size, straps, linings, and finishes so every bag fits your life

If you liked Crochet Granny Square Tops, Bags, and More, Ultimate Crochet Pattern Book, or Weekend Makes: Crocheted Bags, then you’ll love The Crochet Bag Book by Bygalk.

A Fresh Twist on Vintage Flower Meanings & Arrangements

"This book is enchanting to the eyes, inspiring for the mind, and refreshing for the soul.” —Maggie Hyde, Petal Back Farm

#1 New Release in Flower Arranging, Plant & Animal Photography, Photograpy Equipment & Techniques, Nature Literary Criticism, Victorian Literary Criticism, and Botany of Flowers

This floriography guide is a gorgeous and inspired combination of vintage Victorian flower meanings, quotes, and lore perfectly entwined with a contemporary toolbox for creating stunning flower arrangements and bouquets.

For those who want to create beautiful bouquets and flower arrangements with history. Blooming with inspirational lifestyle photography by Jess Buttermore of Cedar House Living, The Love Language of Flowers will blow you away with an intriguing history of flowers alongside step-by-step instructions for creating 25 tasteful, meaningful arrangements.

Express yourself and show others you care. With stunning photographs of different types of flowers, a detailed list of  floral arranging tools and supplies, and fascinating Victorian flower meanings, The Love Language of Flowers provides you with an elegant way to express your feelings or bring your self-care to the next level.

Inside The Love Language of Flowers, find:

• A visual glossary of flowers and their Victorian meanings
• Simple step-by-step instructions for creating twenty-five gorgeous floral arrangements
• Suggestions for introducing contemporary plants and other interesting elements to bring a fresh look to classic bouquets

If you like botanical books illustrated with stunning photography and floral design, such as Floriography, The Complete Language of Flowers, or Growing Flowers, you’ll love The Love Language of Flowers.

Salt glazing, with its distinctive "orange peel" surface, has long attracted both ceramicists and collectors. In his new book, well-known potter Phil Rogers looks at all the aspects of this very special glazing technique.

Salt Glazing covers the history of salt glazing and the technical considerations—particularly kilns—that set this form of glazing apart from all other studio ceramics. Rogers also showcases the work of such leading salt glaze artists as Byron Temple, Jeff Oestrich, and Hans and Birgette Borjenson. Beautifully illustrated, Salt Glazing is a must for students, professional potters, and collectors of studio ceramics who enjoy the wonderful surface textures this popular medium makes possible.

Create a stunning heirloom quilt that celebrates nature and the seasons.

Alice's Country Diary Quilt is a breathtaking fusion of English Paper Piecing (EPP), hand embroidery, and quilting, inspired by the beauty of the countryside. Featuring 25 unique embroidery designs, this quilt showcases delicate wildflowers and insects, framed by luxurious Liberty Tana Lawn fabrics - though any quilting fabric can be used.

This quilting project is perfect for quilters and embroidery lovers alike, offering a combination of hand-sewing techniques with a touch of machine piecing for final assembly. The quilt includes:

• 25 intricate embroidered blocks plus 12 border blocks, creating a 68 x 68-inch masterpiece

• 9 essential embroidery stitches and 40 DMC thread colors for rich, textural detail

• Beautiful fabric prints in the bespoke EPP rings

• Full step-by-step instructions for both stitching and quilt construction

• Iron-on embroidery transfers to effortlessly transfer designs onto fabric

Beyond technique, this book is a work of art in itself, featuring the author's original botanical drawings and plant lore, adding a storytelling element to your crafting journey.

Whether you're a seasoned quilter or an embroidery enthusiast, Alice's Country Diary Quilt is an invitation to slow stitching, nature appreciation, and creative expression.

Let your needle and thread weave a story - start your Country Diary Quilt today!

This inspiring guide takes the reader on a journey deep into the fascinating world of the art of origami books. 

Packed with illustrative examples by renowned international artists and paper folders, we are introduced to different folding and cutting techniques for constructing such as origami, kirigami, leporello and the Turkish map fold while a wealth of practical easy-to-follow folding templates and diagrams motivate us to try them ourselves. This repertoire of shapes and structures is intended for artists, visual artists and teachers, as well as for lovers of handmade objects, scrapbooking and creative hobbies. Here you will find useful tools at the service of your imagination, as well as detailed explanations of the methods and creative processes of sixty working artists and creators from all over the world. With more than one hundred models, many of them previously unpublished, the book is a synthesis of classic origami and kirigami folds and arrangements of folds used for creating unusual books and booklets without binding, as well as the folding and cutting techniques that made them possible. While the models shown often use traditional origami and kirigami bases such as square and preliminary triangle bases and lotus and diamond folds, the reader is also exposed to ones that have been customized and reinvented. Jean-Charles Trebbi, author of The Art of Folding and The Art of the Cutting, takes the reader on an instructive tour of the various approaches of creators whose impressive artistry and craft have resulted in surprising, beautiful, eclectic and effective book forms. We learn about Masahiro Chatani, the inventor of Origamic Architecture; Shuzo Fujimoto, one of the pioneers of origami tessellation; and a host of contemporary masters including Martin Wall, Paul Jackson, David Brill, Bruno Munari, Katsumi Komagata, Ed Hutchins, Paul Johnson, Hedi Kyle, Werner Pfeiffer, Alisa Golden, Joan Michaels Paque, and many others. With numerous templates for copying, the Art of Origami Books will inspire you to handle paper in new and inventive ways while exploring the many exciting possibilities of this ancient craft yourself.  

Artists included. 

Australia: Lisa Giles, Annette Mauer et Melissa Silk; Danemark: Kristine Suhr; France: Brigitte Husson, Catherine et Kimihito Okuyama, Clementine Sourdais, Coco Téxèdre, Elsa Mroziewicz, Emmanuelle Jamme, Eni Looka, Frédérique Le Lous Delpech, Hélène Baumel, Isabelle Faivre, Jacques Desse, Jean-Claude Planchenault, Jean-Jacques Delalandre, Laurence Bucourt, Loig Legrand-Lafoy ; Malica Lestang Philippe Phérivong, Marjon Mudde, Martine Gautier, Nicolas Codron, Patricia Cavrois, Philippe Morlot, Shirley Sharoff; Germany: Gisela Oberbeck; Italy: Pietro Franchi¡; Japan: Humiako Huzita, Miyako Akai; Korea: Kelly Seojung Lee; Netherlands: Jeroen Hillhorst; Russia: Emile Goozairow; UK: Annwyn Dean, Paul Johnson; USA: Béatrice Coron (NY, NY), Carolyn Leigh (Tucson, AZ), Diana Bloomfield (Raleigh, NC), Ed Hutchins (Salem, NY), Gina Pisello (Sequim, WA)), Hedi Kyle (NY, NY), Kenneth Leslie (Northern Vermont), Kevin Steele (Atlanta, GA), Paula Beardell Krieg (NY, NY), Peter D. Gerakaris, Thomas Parker Williams (Philadelphia, PA).

Rediscover the joy of fairy tales through charming crochet patterns.

Crochet Fairy Tales is your guide to recreating beloved childhood tales with your crochet hook. Designed by bestselling author Kerry Lord, this collection brings six classic fairy tales to life with over 40 detailed crochet patterns, featuring iconic characters, scene-setting props, and accessories - all rooted in cosy cottage settings.

Whether it’s Red Riding Hood’s cunning wolf, the towering beanstalk Jack climbs, or the tiny magic of Thumbelina, every project is infused with storytelling sorcery. Each story is paired with a unique retelling, along with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and clearly photographed techniques - making this the perfect pattern book for crocheters of all skill levels.

Inside you'll find:

• 6 fully illustrated classic tales to crochet: Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, The Elves and the Shoemaker, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Thumbelina

• Over 40 adorable patterns for characters, props and accessories

• Easy-to-learn stitches and supportive photographic techniques

• A beautifully foiled and embossed hardback for gifting or treasuring

• Projects suitable for confident beginners and expert hookers alike

Start your crochet adventure today and bring these timeless tales to life.

Turn Every Outing into a Memorable Feast - Discover the Joy of Picnicking with The Little Picnic Book!

The Little Picnic Book is your ultimate guide to crafting memorable outdoor dining experiences. Whether you’re planning a romantic rendezvous, a family gathering, or a solo retreat, this beautifully illustrated book offers a treasure trove of ideas to elevate your picnic game.

Inside, you’ll discover:

• Curated Recipes: Enjoy a selection of delicious dishes tailored for outdoor enjoyment, from refreshing salads to delectable desserts.
• Packing Tips: Master the art of assembling the perfect picnic basket, ensuring you have all the essentials for a seamless outing.
• Location Suggestions: Explore recommendations for picturesque spots that set the ideal backdrop for your alfresco meals.
• Safety Guidelines: Stay informed with practical advice on food safety, weather considerations, and more for a worry-free experience.

This book is a must-have for anyone looking to embrace the joy of picnicking. Its engaging content and practical insights make it a valuable addition to your culinary library.

If you’ve enjoyed The Art of Picnics, The Picnic, or Picnic, you’ll love how The Little Picnic Book brings fresh inspiration and practical guidance to your next outdoor adventure.

Embrace the outdoors and create unforgettable memories with The Little Picnic Book as your trusted companion.

Green Wood Carving is a book is for anyone who wants to learn how to carve small, useful, beautiful wooden utensils from green wood.

More than just a ‘how-to’ book, Green Wood Carving includes fascinating information about wood, how it grows, how to use it and what makes it unique. The main carving tools, their uses, and how to maintain them are also fully discussed and explained. From coat hooks and candlesticks to spoons and mugs, detailed step-by-step editorial explains each of the nine projects.  Detailed color photographs and drawings clearly illustrate each step of the project.  This book is like having an "expert at your elbow", giving the reader confidence to accomplish each project.

This book takes a "skill building" approach, starting with simpler projects such as the coat hook, bag clip, candlestick, pot hanger, and spoon, then graduates to more advanced projects, including the kuksa (wooden mug) and shrink pot.  While this book is suitable for a beginner, the more advanced projects and green woodworking information will appeal to a more advanced carver. 

Willow Weaving is a collection of 10 contemporary hand-woven projects, inspired by traditional woven baskets.

Weaving willow to make baskets and containers is a historic art that has been passed down through generations, and in this book, Eddie Glew continues the tradition, introducing techniques he has learnt from experts in the field.

The book starts with a brief history of basketmaking, before moving on to guide the practical details of willow growing and preparation, choosing the right tools for the workshop and a guide to the techniques needed to make the projects. The ten projects that form the main part of the book cover a wide variety of different makes, from a simple Catalan tray to a lavish picnic hamper. 

The book features full-color photographs throughout every stage of each project, and clear, color-coded diagrams.

Whittling Wildlife includes 15 aquatic animals to whittle.

Seasoned woodcarver Peter Benson guides readers through the basics of whittling, explaining what equipment is needed, giving essential advice on best practice and showing how to carve safely. The projects have clearly presented, easy-to-follow instructions that increase in difficulty. Readers can hone their whittling skills as they make their way through the book. 

Projects include a dolphin, polar bear, kingfisher and more. 

The Art of Chairmaking is the definitive guide to making Windsor chairs, with essential information on tools, materials and techniques.

Windsor chairs, where the legs are mortised into the seat and don’t form the backrest, are known for the striking elegance and comfort. This book is the perfect introduction to the art of making these distinctive chairs, clearly explaining every step, from selecting the right wood and setting up a workshop, to using a lathe to create ornate legs and how to form a perfectly shaped seat. With detailed step-by-step photography and clear construction diagrams, this book is a one-stop resource for aspiring and experienced chair-makers alike.

The Art of Chairmaking includes projects for 5 classic furniture designs, including a 3-legged round stool, square table, simple bench, course armchair and comb back armchair.

Divine Diary DIYs for the Innovative Crafter

With journal making projects, book binding techniques, and journal prompts, this Treasure Book Making guide has everything you need. Get ready to create personal journals by hand easily—without any extra book-binding tools!

An affordable craft. Hobbies tend to require a big investment, but Author Natasa Marinkovic, creator of popular YouTube channel Treasure Books, focuses on upcycling the available materials around us. Learn how to make beautiful journals—without purchasing book-binding tools, use what you have! With the things you have at home, create projects that are both useful and beautiful. 

Fall into the world of book binding. This junk-journaling-how-to gives readers all of the details on how to make a book through step-by-step creative projects that will save you space and get rid of house clutter. This diary DIY is the ultimate space for your creativity to bloom and grow! 

Inside, you'll find:

• Illustrations and tips to jumpstart your creativity on DIY books 
• Easy-to-follow instructions to structure and make a book for journaling and scrap keeping 
• Lists of accessible materials to use—such as cereal boxes, scraps of paper, and everyday items like buttons and more

If you enjoyed learning how to craft a book in Making Handmade Books, Hand Bookbinding, or journaling books like My Soul Pages, you’ll love Treasure Book Making.

A collection of over 100 designs for sashiko patterns inspired by the designs of incredibly influential Japanese artist, Katsushika Hokusai.

Hokusai's designs were published in the Shingata Komon Cho (which translates as New Forms For Design) in 1824. This book had a huge influence on art and design in Japan including the development of sashiko patterns. Author, Susan Briscoe, has adapted these designs to create sashiko templates, grids and stitch instructions for over 100 patterns.

• Includes a brief history of sashiko designs and the influence that Hokusai had on textiles and other decorative arts.
• There is a large section on how to stitch sashiko designs with step-by-step instructions and lots of tips and tricks from expert stitcher, Susan Briscoe.
• Features a pattern directory of over 100 sashiko patterns adapted by Susan from Hokusai’s designs.
• The designs are all 6” squares with the option to stitch them as circles.

There are two square grids, and an isometric grid that can be used to create the patterns rather than drawing your own grid from scratch, and there is also the option to draft the pattern yourself or trace off the designs if you prefer, with step-by-step instructions for all of these techniques.

Includes full-size templates for the motif designs and instructions for how to transfer the motifs and patterns onto fabric. And, in addition to the pattern directory there are instructions for how to make a number of different projects including a quilt top, samplers and an embellished denim jacket.

Does woodworking intimidate you? It’s okay if it does, you’re not alone. But the world of woodworking has been waiting for you, and this book is ready to welcome you in with open arms.

It’s time to let go of the fear, cut through the jargon, and start making things. Written by a self-taught female woodworker, and aimed at absolute beginners, you’ll find all the skills and encouragement you need within these pages. From learning about tools and techniques to tips and tricks, along with detailed step-by-step projects, this book is bursting with all the knowledge you need to begin your woodworking journey.

In this book you’ll learn:

• All about power tools and hand tools, how to use them and which ones you actually need.
• How and where to buy wood and the essentials of cutting, sanding and joining.
• Everything you need to know about staining, painting and protecting wood.
• How to install hardware for hanging projects on the wall.
• How to cut circles and shapes to add a new dimension to your projects.
• Tips on how to create your own workshop in a small space, including dust management.
• The design process and how to discover your inner creative.
• How to make 20 projects step-by-step, as well as suggestions on how to adapt the projects to create your own unique designs.

But this is more than just a manual - it’s an invitation to tap into your creativity, explore new possibilities and discover the joy of bringing something to life with your hands. Whether you’re here to learn the basics, or dreaming of something more ambitious, this book provides you with the skills and encouragement you need to thrive. With this trusty book by your side, you’ll gain the skills, confidence and expertise you need to explore new possibilities, express your individual style, and become the woodworker of your dreams.

Buy this book today to start fearing less and making more!

Culled and assembled by Romeyn Beck Hough between 1888 and 1913 in what still remains a stunning and unparalleled achievement, American Woods—originally published in 14 volumes, with actual specimens mounted on card stock—is a work of breathtaking beauty that has set the standard for the study of trees and wood.

The Woodbook reproduces, in painstaking facsimile, all of the specimen pages from the original volumes; for this purpose, TASCHEN obtained an extremely rare original set of volumes in very good condition, with minimal damage to the wood cuts.

Arranged in alphabetical order, each tree is broken down into three different cross-section cuts of wood (radial, horizontal, and tangential), demonstrating the particular characteristics of the grain and the wealth of colors and textures to be found among the many different wood types.

Also included in this special edition are lithographs by Charles Sprague Sargent of the leaves and nuts of most trees, as well as texts explaining each tree’s geographical origins and physical characteristics.

Live Your Best Day Ever
Success is something everyone wants, yet it often feels elusive. How do you get it? And once you get it, how do you stay at the top?
This book is a practical guide for achieving what you want in life—and doing it in a way that doesn’t burn you out, break your integrity, or steal from your personal and family time. The secret is living a habit-based lifestyle coupled with a shift in mind-set. Broken down into bite-sized, achievable pieces, it’s easier than it sounds. Deliberately designed to be part factual information, part personal-application guide, and part inspiration for further thought, Best Day Ever is divided into thirty-five easy-to-digest chapters that will tell you how to use your power and resources more effectively.
Author Anne-Marie Faiola has been in the trenches, launching and bootstrapping a multimillion-dollar business while also raising a family and being an active community member. Her experience has allowed her to systemize a style and philosophy of working, living, and thinking that empowers her success. In this book, she’s sharing everything she’s learned, so you can pick and choose strategies to boost you to a higher level—or even set you on an entirely new and exciting trajectory. Stop relying on luck. Plan for success. Choose to be happy!

Whittling Walking Sticks introduces the relaxing and traditional craft of whittling with 10 carved animal heads to mount on walking sticks.

Explore making personalized walking sticks with seasoned woodcarver, Peter Benson. Intricately carved and infused with character, this charming collection of 10 whittled stick toppers is perfect for beginner whittlers as well as those with whittling experience who wish to hone their skills. This book covers everything you will require to carve these exciting stick toppers.  Included are discussions on the tools you’ll need, as well as safety tips and easy-to-follow carving techniques necessary to get the ideal results the first time.   There are fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions for each project, giving the reader the confidence to tackle each if these projects.

Decorative yet useful, these whittled walking sticks make wonderful gifts for carvers and nature lovers alike and are a great introduction to the delightful and enjoyable craft of whittling.

Projects include: fox, eagle, dog, cheetah and frog.

Japanese Joinery showcases traditional and modern Japanese joinery techniques through beautiful photography and detailed illustrations.

Japanese joinery is viewed by many as being an art as well as a craft.   This is borne out by the intricate design and craftsmanship of the joints highlighted in this book. Over 50 different joints are showcased, ranging from traditional joints, which have been used over hundreds of years, to the most recent innovations in Japanese joint design.

The joints are illustrated by photographs of both complete and deconstructed, as well as carefully hand-drawn technical illustrations. The accompanying text describes the history of each joint, how they are used, variations, and tips on how the joints are constructed. There is also a comprehensive section on Japanese woodworking tools.  Both inspirational and hands-on, this exciting new book is a "must have" for woodworkers at all levels.

Dorian Bracht’s extensive carpentry experience provides readers with a comprehensive guide to the world of traditional Japanese joinery and its influence throughout the world on woodworking and joinery today.

Christmas spirit deluxe in an inspiring coffee table book 

This coffee table book is almost like an advent calendar: simply open it - and the most wonderful time of the year begins! Whether trendy or traditional, interior design journalist Claire Bingham presents the most beautiful styles and ideas for Christmas. Minimalist simplicity, sumptuous opulence, consistent monochrome or a Scandi look with lots of hygge and cosiness? Inspiring home stories with atmospheric photos show how differently Christmas is celebrated around the world, present what is traditional in other cultures and what should not be missing from decorations, Christmas ornaments & co. A glamorous illustrated book that immediately whets the appetite for Advent and Christmas.

New Christmas decoration ideas and old traditions - the best decoration styles for the festive season  

Cosy up at home, celebrate with loved ones and feel the bliss of childhood - the longing for Christmas starts long before Advent! This inspiring illustrated book has everything you need to get into the Christmas spirit: Christmas decorations, table decorations, trendy interior design styles and ideas for the run-up to Christmas. Whether modern or traditional, Nordic and simple or opulent with glitter and glamour, sustainable with natural decorations, upcycling and vintage looks - the atmospheric pictures in the fascinating home stories are wonderful mood boards for everything you've always dreamed of with Christmas trees, fairy lights, baubles and more. 

Christmas decorations Perfect as a gift before and during the festive season! 

Claire Bingham knows what home decor is: whether in her early days as an editor at Elle Decoration or for around two decades as a photographer and author, the well-travelled interior design journalist discovers formidable houses and flats all over the world. The interior design expert presents current trends and stylish classics in numerous stylish coffee table books, which are always a sought-after source of inspiration for interior design fans. Her atmospheric illustrated book "Home for Christmas" shows how Christmas can be a celebration of cosiness with decorations, christmas tree baubles and more.

Calling all Taylor fans! Embrace your love for the world-famous star in a truly special way with this exceptional collection of more than 20 embroidery patterns inspired by her most iconic looks.

Delve into Taylor's distinct style and flamboyant fashion as you embark on a stitching journey through the very outfits she graced the stage with during real-life performances. Capture those cherished Taylor moments forever in the art of embroidery.

Fear not if you're new to embroidery; this collection offers easy-to-follow patterns that require just a small number of basic stitches. From there, immerse yourself in over 20 epic designs paying tribute to Taylor's signature style.

To make things even simpler, each pattern comes with heat-activated transfers. Just iron them directly onto your chosen fabric, whether it's a garment, accessory, or something destined for hoop art.

Let your love for Taylor shine through as you bring these unique patterns to life, showcasing your stitchy superfan status to the world! Embrace the art, the music, and the magic of Taylor's world as you create cherished mementos of her iconic presence. With each stitch, you'll be forever connected to the charm and charisma that make Taylor the beloved star she is today. Whether you're crafting for yourself or gifting to a fellow fan, this embroidery adventure will be an unforgettable celebration of all things Taylor !

Celebrate nature and embroider the delights of the garden with the beautiful second book from embroidery artist Emillie Ferris.

Thread painting, also known as needlepainting or silk shading, is a form of embroidery that creates a realistic effect using a single strand of thread and one simple stitch; the 'long and short stitch'. Using this technique you can effectively paint with thread in a similar way to brushstrokes on a canvas.

This richly illustrated guide includes:

• A step-by-step introduction to embroidery techniques, including advice on materials and fully illustrated explanations of the stitches and skills needed.

• Nine exclusive patterns inspired by the garden and Emillie's love of nature, including motifs that she is best known for such as flowers, birds and butterflies.

• High-quality iron-on templates for easy design transfer onto the fabric, with full guidance on how to use them.

Not only are the embroideries sublime, but the book itself is a thing of beauty, with incredible attention to detail, from the exquisite photography to the lavish hardback binding and gold foiling, making it a real treasure for the book lover.

Share your love of Pokémon with these easy sewing patterns for adorable felties, all made using simple hand-sewing techniques.

Featuring well-known cute Pokémon - including Pikachu, Eevee, Snorlax, Piplup and many more – each Pokémon pattern comes with step-by-step instructions and full-size templates, making them perfect for all abilities.

The only materials you'll need are felt, a needle and some threads and a little stuffing. To make your Pokémon you'll use blanket stitch, running stitch and a couple of basic embroidery stitches, all of which are explained and illustrated for beginners.

The finished felties make sweet brooches, bag charms and home accessories, or can even be scaled up to make bigger plushies, all of which will make your fellow Pokémon fans freak out!

Officially licensed by The Pokémon Company International. ©2024 Pokémon / Nintendo / Creatures / GAME FREAK.

Calling all Harry fans! Embrace your love for the world-famous star in a truly special way with this exceptional collection of more than 20 embroidery patterns inspired by his most iconic looks.

Delve into Harry's distinct style and flamboyant fashion as you embark on a stitching journey through the very outfits he graced the stage with during real-life performances. Capture those cherished Harry moments forever in the art of embroidery.

Fear not if you're new to embroidery; this collection offers easy-to-follow patterns that require just a small number of basic stitches. From there, immerse yourself in over 20 epic designs paying tribute to Harry's signature style.

To make things even simpler, each pattern comes with heat-activated transfers. Just iron them directly onto your chosen fabric, whether it's a garment, accessory, or something destined for the hoop art.

Let your love for Harry shine through as you bring these unique patterns to life, showcasing your stitchy superfan status to the world! Embrace the art, the music, and the magic of Harry's world as you create cherished mementos of his iconic presence. With each stitch, you'll be forever connected to the charm and charisma that make Harry the beloved star he is today. Whether you're crafting for yourself or gifting a fellow fan, this embroidery adventure will be an unforgettable celebration of all things Harry Styles.

Make your own luxury handmade gifts without the price tag with the queen of Couture Craft!

In this inspirational yet practical craft book you will have access to a plethora of wonderful gifting and wrapping ideas that won't break the bank. With a luxury modern feel, and lots of insider stylist hints and tips, this book features darling projects that are simple to make and versatile enough for a range of occasions, from birthdays to weddings, anniversaries to Christmas.

Created by British crafting expert Hannah Read-Baldrey, who knows a thing or two about gifting from running her business MakeBox & Co, this bible of making is a book you will treasure for a lifetime and refer to year after year for craft ideas.

Hannah shares easy-to-make yet impressive ideas for timeless gifts that can be hand crafted, from luxury soy wax candle making to handmade paper flowers, personalised house portraits to a delicious bunch of roses cookies - all fun and creative projects that you will want to refer to time and time again.

The book is broken down into easy-to-digest chapters, ranging from personalisation - to make your gifts truly unique; beautiful batches - for the prepared gift giver; handmade cards and wrapping; luxury gifts; and quick gifts - that only take around 15 minutes to create. Plus some fun etiquette features in between. So whether you want to spend lots of time on a gift or need to make one pronto Hannah has got you covered!

With beautiful styled photography and tonnes of practical step-by-step advice, this book will give you everything you need to create beautiful handmade gifts that will be treasured by your loved ones for a lifetime.

The exquisite Alice's Wonderland Quilt combines a variety of quilting techniques in one stunning sampler quilt which features 100 blocks. Using a variety of machine and hand-sewn techniques, this quilt will improve your sewing skills.

Gorgeous patchwork designs such as square-in-a-square, checkerboard, log cabin and Ohio Star combine with beautiful English paper-pieced blocks and raw edge applique animals, flowers, butterflies, hearts and stars.

Starting with the simplest patchwork techniques and building from there, you will learn one or two basic techniques across ten different blocks, each one creating completely different patterns simply by using new arrangements and placements. Full sized EPP and applique templates, including Alice's hand-drawn designs, are provided. Each block forms a 6-inch square which then joins together at the end with the other blocks to make the finished quilt comprising of 100 beautiful blocks.

After you have made your main blocks, the stunning rainbow border of the quilt is added. It includes a double rainbow border, an ivory border, and a further square-in-a-square rainbow border using prints from the main quilt to tie the whole colour scheme together.

Featuring step-by-step illustrations for all the techniques and full-size templates, this stunning sampler quilt will build your skills and leave you with a treasured heirloom to pass on down the generations.

No matter your size or shape, renowned sewing expert Kenneth D. King is here to guide you in creating garments that fit flawlessly every time.

In this comprehensive resource, he empowers home sewers with the knowledge and skills needed to understand their unique figures and fitting options.

Transform your sewing projects and create garments that enhance your figure with Kenneth D. King’s expert guidance. Smart Fitting Solutions is not just about fitting; it’s about celebrating your unique shape and achieving the look you desire.

Key Features:

• Understanding Fit: Kenneth breaks down the complexities of fitting by teaching you how to analyze your shape and identify fitting issues. Learn to read the wrinkles in your garments to diagnose bad fit and discover tailored solutions.

• Smart Fitting Methods: Delve into Kenneth’s innovative Smart Fitting techniques. Each method is explained in detail, making fitting adjustments straightforward and achievable for all skill levels.

• Practical Techniques: This guide is filled with practical tips and foolproof techniques that demystify the fitting process. Kenneth’s approachable style ensures that even beginners will gain confidence in their sewing abilities.

• Comprehensive Resource: With clear instructions and insightful illustrations, Smart Fitting Solutions serves as your go-to reference for fitting garments accurately and effectively. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enhance their sewing skills, from casual hobbyists to dedicated fashion enthusiasts.

The relaxing and rewarding craft of whittling is synonymous with a woodland setting and time spent by the campfire.  The cunning projects included in this new book from seasoned woodcarver, Peter Benson will inspire budding whittlers of all ages. 

Intricately carved and infused with character, this collection makes a perfect beginner’s guide to the hobby. Making delightful gifts and trinkets for nature lovers, you’ll want to carve every single animal in the book. The main tools and techniques are clearly explained, how to carve safely and clear step-by-step instructions for each animal. A handy campfire-friendly size, simply grab your whittling kit and head out into the woods to while away the hours.

Michael Pekovich's The Why & How of Woodworking is a time-tested must-have resource for anyone looking to create meaningful and lasting pieces, blending practical techniques with a deep appreciation for the craft.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, The Why & How of Woodworking offers a blend of inspiration and practical advice that will elevate your craft and help you create pieces that are both beautiful and meaningful.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Guidance: Learn the essentials of woodworking, from selecting the right lumber and mastering joinery to finishing surfaces with precision.
• Timeless Projects: Discover a variety of projects, including cabinets, boxes, chests, casework, and tables, all designed to stand the test of time.
• Inspirational Approach: Embrace a philosophy that values simplicity and functionality, encouraging you to create pieces that enrich your life and environment.
• Expert Insights: Benefit from the wisdom of Michael Pekovich, a seasoned furniture maker and creative director at Fine Woodworking, who shares his approach to both woodworking and life.
• Beautifully Illustrated: Enjoy stunning photography and detailed illustrations that bring each project to life, making it easy to follow along and achieve professional results.

An essential guide for anyone looking to master the art of wood identification.

With just your naked eye and simple tools like a hand lens or basic microscopy, you’ll be equipped to identify over 180 domestic and tropical hardwoods and softwoods. R. Bruce Hoadley, a renowned professor of wood science and technology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, breaks down the identification process into clear, actionable steps.

Whether you’re a hobbyist, professional woodworker, or simply curious about the world of wood, this book provides the knowledge and tools you need to identify a wide variety of woods accurately and effectively.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Overview: Gain a solid understanding of the wood identification process, enhancing your skills and confidence.

• Anatomy of Woody Plants: Learn about the basic anatomy of trees and how it relates to wood identification.

• User-Friendly Charts: Access hundreds of easy-to-use charts that streamline the identification process.

• Stunning Visuals: Benefit from crystal-clear photographs and microphotographs that illustrate key features of different woods.

• Glossary and Resources: Navigate technical terms with ease thanks to a comprehensive glossary, along with sources of information and materials for further exploration.

Unplugged – no power tools needed! For the growing number of woodworkers who are opting out of power tools and returning to hand tools, The Unplugged Woodshop is a refreshing concept and a welcome change. Written by custom furniture maker and hand tool expert Tom Fidgen, this new book promises to be as successful as his first book, Made by Hand.

Handcrafted projects with a distinctly retro look. Recycling designs from our not-so-distant past, this collection of projects has been repurposed for use today and includes:

• A classic library card catalog converted to use as kitchen storage
• A medicine chest that does double duty as a four-bottle wine tote
• A gentleman’s classic valet that becomes an elegant clothing stand

Get some useful pointers from a popular blogger. Founder of theunpluggedwoodshop.com, Tom offers savvy advice for working with and sharpening hand tools. He also delves into glues, finishes, and even how to make hand tools using only hand tools.

Visual inspiration. Practical instruction. The Unplugged Woodshop takes you on a fascinating adventure back to a simpler time when everything was made by hand. It’s a refreshing experience that takes you far away from today’s hi-tech, fast-moving world. And it shows you how to handcraft some handsome projects you’ll find satisfaction in making – whether or not you choose to use only hand tools!

Readers who love to sew - especially those who know Threads magazine - will have to have this definitive sewing encyclopedia. An incomparable collection of the best sewing information available, Threads Sewing Guide promises to explain, with trademark thoroughness, the full range of garment sewing techniques.

Threads Sewing Guide covers all the bases for anyone who delights in sewing: tools (from sewing machines and sergers to pins and needles); materials (fabrics and threads of all kinds); basic sewing (from seams and seam finishes to hand-sewn stitches); garment construction (top to bottom, inside and out); tailoring techniques (for a professional look); even lingerie techniques, pressing tips, embellishments, and much, much more. Without a doubt, this is the complete sewing answer book.

The Woodland Craft Handbook is an inspirational yet practical guide to traditional crafts, woodland coppice products and forest permaculture.  

Step into the shoes of woodsman Ben Law as he explores this diverse collection of crafts made from materials sourced directly from the woods. Brooms, rakes, pegs, spoons, chairs, baskets, fencing and walking sticks – the items are one-off and unique ­– hewn and shaped by hand, infused with a simple, rustic beauty.

 With fascinating information on the history and traditions of the crafts, coppice management, tree species and the tools and devices used, we learn about all aspects of the low-impact woodland way of life. Much as the traditional techniques associated with the woods were passed down through families, this book aims to help secure their relevance and adapt them for future generations.

Woodlander is a complete and comprehensive guide to managing a small woodland, incorporating nearly 30 years of knowledge and experience from woodsman Ben Law and his unique home in Prickly Nut Wood. 

Woodlander contains everything you need to know if you are managing, or intend to manage, a small woodland. Ben’s inspiring, forest-dwelling life has allowed him to put together a complete package of detailed information and practical examples based on his personal experience, giving this beautiful book an entirely authentic voice. Every page is infused with a deep respect for the traditions of the past while also embracing new ideas, methods and creative thinking.  

This is a holistic approach to woodland management, which looks at the entire place – the wildlife it supports, the natural cycles of growth and life, the precious products it creates and the communities that inhabit and surround it. All the while, understanding and emphasising that it is a balance of all these things that makes a healthy, biodiverse, resilient ecosystem. 

Detailed sections cover different types of woodland, the rich history behind them, how to assess what you’ve got, practical maintenance, planning for the future, promoting wildlife and biodiversity, harvesting and extracting timber, the tools you will need, crafts, social forestry and an in-depth resources section. Dotted throughout are personal snippets, observations and insights from Ben’s life at Prickly Nut Wood.

Traditionally used for doyleys and edging handkerchiefs or collars, there is much more that can be done with tatting with a bit of imagination. Tatting is basically a handmade lace, with each stitch composed of two half-hitch knots. The single thread is looped and knotted with the aid of a small shuttle, and people are often amazed that so simple a technique can produce such intricate results. The appeal of the craft is that it is simple and portable, you can take your tatting equipment anywhere, and now that Tatting Collage is republished as a concealed spiral bound book it will be easy to use ‘on-the-go’. Tatting Collage creates attractive designs by combining small motifs and gluing them down to card, paper or fabric. As well as offering great fun and flexibility, it also avoids the need to handle large and complicated pieces of tatting - a bonus if you are pressed for time or are new to the craft and looking for encouragement. Whatever your level of experience, Tatting Collage offers the chance to create something satisfying and unique in a short space of time.

* It is NOT a book to teach how to tat. It assumes that readers will already be familiar with the basic techniques, and includes a Further Reading list of books for beginners to learn basic stitches. * It does include lots of useful tips throughout and a Tools and Techniques section and the How to Use this Book section explains how to follow the patterns and designs. * Includes some of the easiest tatting patterns possible through to more complex ones. * There is instruction to make 65 patterns or motifs and 60 designs for everything from gift tags to bookmarks and cards to paperweights and door finger plates. * It encourages the reader to give free rein to the imagination and develop skills to create distinctive gifts and decorative pieces.

Fine Woodworking Almanac, Vol. 1 by the editors of Fine Woodworking is your essential companion for all things woodworking.

This expertly curated collection features some of the best articles from Fine Woodworking magazine, along with select vintage projects and exclusive bonus content. Perfect for both seasoned woodworkers and beginners, this almanac combines practical advice, expert insights, and inspiring projects to enhance your woodworking skills and creativity.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of woodworking with this comprehensive guide. With Fine Woodworking Almanac, Vol. 1, you’ll find inspiration and practical advice that will help you create beautiful, lasting pieces.

Key Features:

• Curated Content: Enjoy a carefully selected compilation of top articles and projects from Fine Woodworking magazine, ensuring you have access to the most relevant and inspiring information in the woodworking community.

• Vintage Projects: Explore classic projects that have stood the test of time, providing you with a sense of history and craftsmanship that enriches your woodworking journey.

• Bonus Material: Discover new content that includes tips, tricks, and techniques to enhance your skills and improve your woodworking practice.

• Expert Advice: Benefit from the insights of seasoned professionals who share their knowledge on tools, techniques, and best practices for woodworking.

• Beautiful Presentation: With rich photography and illustrations, this almanac is not only informative but also visually appealing, making it a great addition to your woodworking library.

• Perfect for All Skill Levels: Whether you are a novice eager to learn or an experienced woodworker looking for new challenges, Fine Woodworking Almanac, Vol. 1 offers valuable resources to elevate your craft.

Discover the age-old woodworking technique of whittling that's captivating enthusiasts everywhere.

In How to Whittle, Josh Nava presents 25 beautiful whittling projects designed for crafters of all skill levels, making it the perfect guide for beginners eager to learn this rewarding craft.

Transform ordinary wood into extraordinary pieces of art with Josh Nava’s How to Whittle. Whether you're carving for fun, relaxation, or to create unique gifts, this book will guide you every step of the way.

Key Features:

• Beginner-Friendly Projects: Each project is carefully crafted to be simple yet rewarding, allowing novices to build confidence as they carve stunning creations.

• Comprehensive Guidance: Enjoy full-color photography paired with step-by-step instructions that make it easy to follow along. From selecting and maintaining your carving knives to mastering luxurious finishing techniques, every aspect of whittling is covered.

• Wood Selection & Techniques: Learn the best practices for choosing the right wood for your projects, ensuring beautiful results every time. Josh also provides expert advice on finishes, including sanding, oiling, and curing surfaces to enhance the natural beauty of your work.

• Minimal Tools Required: With just a couple of knives and a piece of wood, you can dive into the world of whittling. This accessibility makes it easy for anyone to get started, whether you're a serious woodworker looking to add a new dimension to your craft or a hobbyist exploring a new creative outlet.

• Creative Inspiration: As you progress through the projects, you’ll find endless possibilities for incorporating whittling into your woodworking repertoire, encouraging creativity and personal expression.

What better way to while away your time than to whittle? Peter Benson, author of Whittling Handbook, gives the first-timer the perfect introduction to the simple, yet pleasurable woodcarving pastime.

Colorful photographs show each step in the process of making a host of items with nothing more than a knife and a piece of timber. The handbook guides the user through the basics for simple projects then progresses to more intricate items. The first seven chapters explain the tools, knives, and wood needed as well as how to start and what to have in your toolbox.

Clearly presented, easy instructions show the whittler how to complete 20 fun projects, including:

• forks
• whistles
• spoons
• back scratchers
• perching birds
• dog head stick handles

Whittling is an art form and the handbook explores the time-honored craft of creating attractive objects at little cost. Peter Benson iterates that basic premise in the introduction: The big advantage of this hobby is there is no great initial expense. You can get under way with just a sharp knife, a safety glove, perhaps an apron, and a piece of wood. Even the wood can be found in the garden or countryside for no cost at all.

In this contemporary look at the world of workbenches, Lon Schleining takes us on a guided tour of a wide variety of classic, modern, and specialty benches and offers hundreds of options for choosing or building that perfect bench and its accessories.

This is a fresh look at the classic subject with a focus on helping readers find the right bench and accessories for their needs. The object is to guide the reader through making critical choices, including whether to buy it or build it.

Even long-time woodworkers dream of the perfect bench and the time to build it, and for them, the real enjoyment is in the planning. With nearly 300 photos and drawings, The Workbench provides in-depth information along with the inspiration to fulfill workshop dreams.

For debonair gentlemen who eschew denim if favor of tweed, and feel that grooming and gallantry should not be consigned to history, this book will suit your needs. The Gentleman's Wardrobe features a cornucopia of elegant garments and accessories to sew, this beautifully illustrated book is full of inspiration and charm. 

Including beautiful garments such as pajamas, vest, trousers and jacket, plus indispensable accessories such as a cravat tie, flat cap and wallet, there's something for every fellow who's looking to be urbane than urban. Whether you make these smart projects for yourself of a loved one, this selection of vintage-style projects will put a spring in anyone's step.

When the stresses of modern life get too much, what could be better than gathering a few simple tools, heading into the woods and literally whittling away a few hours? The gentle art of whittling is a relaxing and absorbing hobby that can be enjoyed almost anywhere from round the campfire to in a cozy armchair at home. All you need is a good pocket knife, a piece of wood and your imagination.

Projects can range from the delightfully simple to impressively intricate—it's up to you.

Woodland Whittling guides you through the basics explaining what equipment you need, how to hold the knife, and what timber to use. The projects are then all described in detail with clear step-by-step photographs.

Projects include: letter opener, thumb stick, ring tree and egg cup.

The art of finishing is best learned with complete, visual step-by-step instructions - and that is exactly what Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing offers you. Detailed process photography demystifies the process of finishing -- and you'll get the finish you want for all your projects.

Jeff Jewitt, a world-renowned wood finisher, provides an in-depth coverage of tools and materials and covers all of the key processes. You'll learn about everything from surface preparation to color matching. Especially valuable is the coverage of advanced and special techniques, not usually covered in general finishing books, including detailed information on adjusting color, disguising defects, toning, glazing, spray finishing and rubbing out a finish. This comprehensive finishing reference is the most complete and detailed book on the subject - and you will find it incredibly valuable no matter what your skill level.

• Covers all the modern and traditional techniques for coloring and finishing wood.
• Organized for quick access, makes it easy to find each technique.
• Features over 850 photos and drawings illustrate the methods
• Covers sanding and surface preparation, staining and applying topcoats, and final polishing.

This updated 20th-anniversary edition of the essential reference every woodworker needs builds on the timeless knowledge of the original while incorporating new developments in composite materials, adhesives, and finishes.

Widely regarded as a must-have for any woodworking enthusiast, it offers an in-depth look at the nature and properties of wood, making it an indispensable resource for craftsmen of all skill levels.

Whether you're a seasoned craftsman or just starting out, Understanding Wood will give you the knowledge and confidence to master the material at the heart of your craft.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Guide: Learn everything about wood technology, from the raw materials to understanding the unique properties of different woods.
• Updated Content: New information on modern materials and techniques, including composites, adhesives, and finishes, to help you stay current in your craft.
• Visual Learning: Over 300 detailed photographs and illustrations bring critical woodworking concepts to life.
• Scientist & Craftsman’s Insight: Written by an expert with a true love for woodworking, offering both technical expertise and practical advice.
• Timeless Knowledge: With over 130,000 copies sold, this book continues to be the cornerstone of any serious woodworker's library.

Celebrate the splendor of wood with these wood-crafting projects. From simple woven panels to making a functional yurt, Woodland Craft features an array of easy-to-follow projects that include crafts for the farm, garden, wood fuel, building and domestic use.  Green wood – wood that has been recently cut and is therefore still moisture-rich – is the predominant material used in the projects featured in this essential guide for craftsman of all levels.

With Woodland Craft:

• you'll learn all you need to know about tools and devices, both old and new.
• you’ll browse through the directory of tree species and identify the best uses for each.
• you’ll gain the insight you need to make practically anything out of this clean, crisp, beautiful element.
• Includes 700 illustrations and photographs

A woodland  craftsman’s workshop should bring immense pleasure and the tools and devices that furnish it are unique to woodland work and have formed the heritage of woodland crafts that we have today. Following on from his successful book Woodland Craft, woodsman Ben Law explains what makes a good workshop, outlines the key tools needed, gives information on how to sharpen them and shows us how to make an array of fascinating devices from scratch.

• Projects include: peeling jig, pole lathe, woodsman's grip, cleaving brake
• 16 step-by-step woodland device projects
• Beautiful photography and illustrations
• A foundation book for every green woodworker to use as reference

Coupled with interesting titbits of historical and practical information, this is an invaluable guide for every green woodworker.

A form of handmade lace, tatting is a traditional skill with origins dating back centuries and spanning continents. Each stitch is composed of two half-hitch knots. The single thread is looped and knotted with the aid of a small shuttle — a simple technique that produces amazingly intricate results.

This book shows how a simple piece of tatting can be developed into something striking and complex. The reader is guided through the process with easy-to-follow  diagrams and descriptions. The 15 stunning designs, including many variants to experiment with, allow the tatting disciple to explore the craft further. Ideas for how the basic patterns can be developed are included, as well as suggestions such as creating very different looks by varying the thread used. Whatever your level of experience, Mastering Tatting offers the chance to create something satisfying and unique to cherish or give as a gift.

Wood Identification & Use is a gift book for wood lovers - an indispensable and informative guide to over a hundred different kinds of wood.  

This compact directory explores the world’s most valuable natural resource in detail. This new gift edition gives helpful details about the most popular and useful woods with illustrations and photographs to help with identification. There is also valuable information on the typical uses, durability, wood defects and potential health hazards for each species. Based on a best-selling reference work, this revised and updated abridged version includes drawings and descriptions of the living trees to enhance appreciation of the raw material of woodwork. In-depth yet accessible this handy pocket guide will be the perfect gift for all woodworkers and wood lovers.

While project books for making baby knits abound, what happens when your little cherub turns two? Lovely Knits for Little Girls solves the problem beautifully, with twenty patterns for pint-sized vests, dresses, sweaters, and skirts--all brimming with pretty, girly details. Forget about baby-weight yarn, tiny needles, and fussy patterns for clothes that are quickly outgrown.

For Lovely Knits, knitwear designer Vibe Sondegaard creates a bright, stylish, little-girl wardrobe of fabulous projects that knit up quickly and allow knitters plenty of opportunity for trying a few design tricks (cables, bobbles, lace patterns) on a manageable, kid-sized scale. Best of all, the pattern shapes size up or down easily (with back of book instruction on doing just that), making this collection versatile enough to use again and again.

If you think of dolls houses as usually being period houses, it's time to think again! In this amazing compendium of miniature buildings, author Sarah Walkley looks at the many other styles of construction created by miniatures enthusiasts including

• cozy cottages
• modern loft apartments
• churches
• garden sheds
• lighthouses
  
• windmills

Each of the 12 chapters will be accompanied by tips on the key techniques needed to recreate a particular style of property. This will include, for example, how to lay wooden floors or work with molding to create a grand country estate, or how to install lighting in a lighthouse.

It aims to provide inspiration to those that are new to the hobby, or want to take their model-making a stage further, as well as being a delightful read for those who are simply fascinated by all things miniature.

Up in Flames is the first comprehensive study of the traditional Chinese craft of paper sculpture: the construction in bamboo and paper of human figures, figures of gods, buildings, and other objects—all intended to be ritually burned. The book documents this ancient craft as it exists today in Taiwan. The fascinating fundamentals of the craft, the tools and materials, as well as the techniques used to construct houses and human figures, never investigated before, are described and illustrated in detail. The written material is augmented by many color photographs showing the objects and the men and women who make them.

Although the tradition of burning objects as a part of religious ceremonies is still strong, the traditional paper and bamboo objects are being more and more often replaced by plastic components and whole preprinted cardboard counterparts. The resulting changes in the personal, business, and especially the creative and artistic side of the craft are therefore also addressed.

A remarkable diversity of techniques are used to treat the ceramic surface. Matthias Ostermann presents an exploration of the ceramic surface—focusing on the vessel and platter—that includes the nonfunctional, the metaphoric, the narrative, and even the sculptural. Through an examination of the works of 200 ceramicists from around the world, he provides a broad overview of contemporary techniques and approaches.

Ostermann covers a wide variety of techniques for making, decorating, and firing, as well as the full spectrum of clays and firing temperatures. Each image is accompanied by technical information, as well as a statement of the artist's inspiration and motivation that offers insight into the concept of the piece.

The Ceramic Surface provides inspiration to ceramicists, educators, and historians, while also celebrating the ingenuity and diversity of talent found in contemporary ceramics.

For more than 10,000 years, people have been shaping clay into brick for use in creating permanent shelter. With increased skill, they used brick to form arches and gateways in complex buildings of different sizes and shapes. Eventually bricks were used to decorate walls and floors, and what had once been a strictly utilitarian item began to take on an aesthetic role.

Current attention to architectural ceramics, the interest in installations, and the advance of public art have transformed brick into an increasingly popular medium. Artists now collaborate with brick factories to produce a wide range of work utilizing the unique properties of brick. Some of them carve the clay while it is green and then fire it; others use already fired bricks to produce their art.

In Brickworks, Gwen Heeney shows the amazing creations of an international group of artists who work with brick and also gives practical information about getting commissions, working with brick factories and designing with bricks. In addition she offers insight into the technicalities involved in producing brick artworks. She covers the process from the initial pile of raw bricks, through design, the making of the piece, dismantling, firing, and reconstructing in situ.

Illustrated with images that will both enlighten and engage artists, architects, and those involved in public art, Brickworks is the complete guide for anyone wanting to work creatively with this medium.

This richly illustrated book tells the story of the successful collaboration of Jacques and Juliana Royster Busbee in the creation of a remarkable folkcraft enterprise called Jugtown. This improbable venture, founded in a most unlikely setting, has left its indelible mark on a remote Southern community.

Fully illustrated with numerous black-and-white and color photographs of the place, the people who made pottery there, and the pottery produced by them, the book tells how the Busbees convinced a few of rural Moore County’s old-time utilitarian potters to make new-fangled wares for them to sell in Juliana’s Greenwich Village tea room and shop. Following New Yorkers’ wild acceptance of their primitive-looking and alluring pottery offerings, the Busbees built their own workshop in rural Moore County and called it Jugtown. Today, nearly one hundred potters make and sell their wares within a few miles of Jugtown—all because a hundred years ago, the Busbees and their Jugtown potters found a new way to make old jugs.

Stephen C. Compton is an independent scholar and an avid collector of historic, traditional North Carolina pottery. Steve has written numerous articles and books about the state’s pottery. Widely recognized for his North Carolina pottery expertise, the author is frequently called upon as a lecturer and exhibit consultant and curator. He has served as president of the North Carolina Pottery Center, a museum and educational center located in Seagrove, North Carolina, and is a founding organizer, and former president, of the North Carolina Pottery Collectors’ Guild.

Three hundred years ago, Norwegian fishermen went to sea no matter the wind or weather—and they needed warm, comfortable, durable sweaters to protect them from the cold while they worked. Now, photographs and documentation of surviving examples have been brought together to form the foundation for this collection: timeless traditional patterning applied to modern styling and shaping, for a selection of sweaters, cardigans, hats, mittens, vests, and more, for men and women, rooted deeply in the rich tapestry of Norwegian history.

• Learn the stories behind traditional handmade knitwear: who made it, the lives they lived, and where and how it was used
• Explore techniques including stripes, blocks, lice, ribbing, cabling, and more
• Adapt reimagined designs to your own style—pullover or cardigan, buttons or zipper, scoop neck or boat neck, in any combination

Maja Karlsson—an experienced and beloved knit designer, and the author of Traditional Swedish Knitting Patterns and Maja's Swedish Mittens—is back with an all-new selection of toe-tapping socks you won't be able to resist! Knitting socks is fun and fast, and there's no limit to the possibilities: from easy single-color socks that keep it simple for beginners to beautifully complex designs for the sock veteran, there's something in this collection for everyone. Kick-start your sock skills with technical tips to help with shaping and finishing; follow along with step-by-step instructions and charts; and fall in love with Maja's endlessly inspirational designs, drawing from the natural world, traditional motifs, and the deeply-rooted cultural history of Sweden.

• Socks for multiple skill levels, in a wide variety of colors and styles
• Easy-to-follow tips and explanations of sock-knitting techniques
• Gorgeous full-color photographs brimming over with inspiration for the sock-loving knitter

The centuries-old art of Fair Isle knitting evolved on the Shetland Islands, inspired by colors and forms found in nature, for a distinctive look that’s instantly recognizable. Now, Carina Olsson, one of Sweden’s leading experts in Fair Isle knitting, is here to guide you through this technique’s fundamental principles: how to choose and combine colors in vivid, organic palettes, with over 20 sample patterns for sweaters, mittens, hats, and gloves, ready to adapt to your favorite motifs—plus inspiration and instructions for designing a Fair Isle sweater of your own.

Inside, you’ll find:

• 22 designs for garments and accessories, with pattern panels of varying size and complexity
• A pattern library of traditional motifs ranging from edgings for cuffs and necklines to classic Nordic stars and eight-petaled roses
• Technical tips and easy-to-follow explanations to help you decide how to arrange Fair Isle patterns, understand what ribbing and texture will do to the overall look of a design, and use colors and contrast to their maximum effect

A wealth of stylish patterns, inspired by the textile history of Norway.

One of the oldest textile factories in Norway, Salhus Tricotagefabrik (1859-1989) operated outside Bergen for over 130 years, producing thousands of sweaters and other durable everyday clothes such as wool and cotton underwear and woolen socks. The technical limitations of the knitting machines of the day gave rise to timeless geometric motifs with strikingly distinctive features―motifs which inspired some of Norway’s best-loved knit designers to come together and create this striking collection of all-new contemporary handknit garments, now translated into English for the first time.

• A detailed introduction to Salhus Tricotagefabrik
• Sweaters, jackets, skirts, home décor, and more, for children and adults
• The best of both worlds: bold, dynamic, fashionably retro designs, and flattering contemporary shaping and cut!
• Full-color photographs and step-by-step instructions, with patterns that include both complex finishing for veterans and simpler raglan shaping
• Featuring designs from Birger Berge, Kristin Wiola Ødegård, Siv Dyvik, Berit Løkken, and others

TAKE YOUR KNITTING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Domino knitting has taken the crafting world by storm, with its flexible modular structure—easy-to-join squares, combined and recombined—and boundless design potential. Now, Vivian Høxbro, a Danish knitting expert with decades of design experience, takes the principles of domino knitting and applies them anew, with striking, dynamic results.

Dive into quick, straightforward lessons for knitting endlessly adaptable design elements, one for each of eight classic, fundamental shapes that can be worked in repeating rows to create just about anything. From stripes to squares, circles to shells, learn the basic shaping technique with a practice swatch, and then test your skills with dramatic designs, including jackets, vests, shawls, scarves, pillow covers, and more! Includes step-by-step instructions for each fundamental shape, with accompanying full-color photographs.

Kari Hestnes has been a knit designer for almost 40 years—and she's a perennial fan favorite for her focus on gorgeous details and stunning embellishment, her flattering garment shaping, and her playful, vivid use of color. Now, she's revisited those four decades of challenging and endlessly rewarding work in order to bring together the best of the best, in one extraordinary collection: classic cabling, dynamic textures, and brilliant multicolor patterns for sweaters, cardigans, and tops, all featuring Hestnes's inimitable style and characteristic aesthetic flourishes.

• Patterns using a variety of techniques and design elements, with instructions included for a minimum of five sizes
• Full-color photographs of each project—plus additional nature photos were taken by Kari herself
• Decades of timeless design inspiration, now available in English for the first time

Renowned weaving expert Tina Ignell (Favorite Scandinavian Projects to Weave, Favorite Rag Rugs, Simple Weaves) turns her attention to the deceptively simple and endlessly adaptable category of plain weaves, in this exhaustive overview of techniques, sample projects, and inspirational possibilities. Combine a wide variety of materials, setts, beats, and other effects with just two shafts—though sometimes four is preferred for the sake of space—and you'll be astounded by the technical complexity, visual and textural effects, and stunning pattern styles you can achieve.

• Project photographs as close to "actual size" as possible, to allow a true-to-life look at pattern structure and threading
• Descriptions, instructions, and tips for dyeing, finishing, specialty techniques—everything necessary to master plain weave from start to finish
• Variations including open rep with weft showing, using a fan reed, weaving in pleats and other textures, ikat and other patterned dyeing techniques, knotted paper yarn, and more

Granny squares are a crochet classic for a reason: they're colorful, quick to work, and fun to make! But the true potential of these dependable design standbys comes in the infinite possibilities offered by their patterning—and the manner in which they're combined. Here, Swedish crochet innovator and graphic designer Maria Gullberg explores a whole new side to the familiar squares, demonstrating how to create fresh, exciting projects by working and joining grannies in clever new ways to form fascinating textures, eye-catching color effects, and more!

• Step-by-step instruction in stitches from foundation chain to treble crochet.
• Guidance in where and how to swap colors as you work.
• Tips and techniques for working, finishing, and joining granny squares.
• Dozens of adaptable and brilliantly patterned designs that create compelling, dramatic visual effects.

The Textile Museum in Blönduós in northern Iceland houses a unique and fascinating collection of handknit Icelandic mittens, dating back centuries. Now, Guðrun Hannele Hentinnen, an expert with a degree in textile studies—and the owner of a yarn shop located in Reykjavík—has reconstructed patterns and charts based on those historical examples, and breathed new life into a stunning selection of mittens and gloves for the modern knitter.

From design concept to choice of materials, draft and tie-up to completed weave, understand the ins and outs of modern handweaving, guided by experts in the craft. Arianna Funk and Miriam Parkman are professional weavers, textile artists, and teachers, and with the help of sketching prompts to spark creativity and sample weaving drafts, they explore the process of developing a weave from beginning to end—whether you want a sturdy, utilitarian textile or a decorative hanging for the wall, or anything in between—and give all weavers the tools and the confidence to weave their way.

Bring joy, color, and style into your life with this exceptional collection! Celebrated designer Bente Presterud took a deep dive into the comprehensive pattern archives of Rauma Garn, a respected Norwegian yarn company founded in 1927; she chose dozens of her best finds to form this curated compilation. Featuring fashionable, comfortable, visually striking garments and accessories of all shapes and sizes, this selection of the best of Rauma's decades-deep treasure trove is creative inspiration no knitter should be without.

Anne Bårdsgård grew up in Selbu, and has always had a close relationship with her hometown and its rich knitting history—her relentless interest in the traditional mittens that made Selbu famous worldwide became the groundwork for her first book, the stunning all-in-one historical reference, design compendium, and mitten pattern guide Selbu Mittens. Now, she's delved into the wider realm of sweaters, cardigans, socks, and hats, with this companion collection: over 450 motifs that can be adapted and combined using any of the foundational garment patterns included, based on extensive and thorough documentation of photographs, drawings, and preserved samples of historical knitted items from Selbu. The result is a unique and unequaled look into the traditional knitting culture of the Selbu region—and an endlessly inspiring pattern resource.

• Dive into a comprehensive survey of decades of design work by professional knitters whose work was exported and sold worldwide
• Choose from among the basic patterns for multiple garment types, and pick your favorite motifs from a carefully organized library of hundreds
• Embrace the local knitting tradition that sparked an entire home industry, with a pattern reference guide unlike any other

Designer and weaving expert Åsa Pärson and professional textile curator Amica Sundström have come together to create the modern reference book that weavers worldwide have always longed for—both inspiration and essential guidebook, for the novice and the experienced weaver alike, filled with engaging sample projects, in-depth discussions of techniques and materials, review of cloth textures and types, and explanations of weaving methods and levels of quality.

• Try out sample projects ranging from the elegantly simple to the increasingly complex, covering a wide range of weaving techniques
• Understand the principles behind the arrangement and preparation of the loom
• Learn about weaving tools of all shapes and sizes, and how to use them
• Discover the differences between various fibers and fabric types, and their looks, feels, and visual effects
• And so much more!