Crafts & Hobbies

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

This tiny old house takes you back to a bygone era. The Big Book of a Miniature House is a superb guide to crafting an exquisite miniature French country home from the ground up. With a fixed front and open back, this little gem of a home takes you back in time to enjoy old-fashioned elegance and vintage grandeur.

Everything and the kitchen sink. There are also instructions to make French-style furniture – chairs, folding screen, ornate light sconces, and dressing tables – even flowers, fireplaces, window treatments and the kitchen sink! 

Construction made simple. A practical guide to tools, techniques and materials is included along with detailed step-by-step instructions.

• Includes 400 drawings and over 200 photographs, includes details on:
• Basic house construction
• Electrification
• Building the hallway
• Kitchen
• Stairwell
• Bathroom
• Living room
• Bedroom
• Nursery

Details, details, details - because they make all the difference. Easy-to-follow instructions will help you build up the wall panels to create the deep recesses, fancy paneling, and wall niches that make this miniature home so special.
 

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.

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.

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.

Full-size, hardcover edition describes over 200 timber species in detail. Learn more about common and exotic wood from around the world in this lavishly illustrated, hardcover edition of Terry Porter’s bestseller, WOOD Identification & Use. This indispensable guide features handsome color photographs of each species and reliable data on working properties, seasoning requirements, typical uses, and safety considerations, along with inspiring examples of woodworking projects.

Plus another 200 species are listed in brief. Designed for the individual or small-scale user, either professional or amateur, this must-have guide covers woods used in cabinetmaking, joinery, carpentry, turning, carving and a host of specialized applications. It includes most species in widespread use, and many less familiar ones that deserve to be better known. A comprehensive index is a handy extra you’ll appreciate.

As beautiful as it is practical! This expanded version of WOOD Identification & Use includes 20 important species that did not appear in the original. You’ll rely on this guide for important information and love browsing through its beautiful pages. Specially commissioned drawings of living trees show details of their leaves, fruit and flowers, enhancing our appreciation of wood in its many forms.

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.

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.

In this visually stunning book, Gail Marsh has delved into the archives to research the personalities, varied and unusual techniques and tools that hand-embroiders used in the period 1900–1939, before the outbreak of World War II.  A unique and fascinating feature is the concentration on the embroiderers and their involvement in the teaching, promotion, writing and practice of stitching in this period. These include the unknown but intriguing experts in the craft, as well as the famous and well-known, including such luminaries as Jessie Newbury, Ann Macbeth, Margaret Swanson, Mrs. Foster, Louisa Peel, Grace Christie, Lewis F. Day, Rebecca Crompton, Kathleen Mann, Rachel Kay Shuttleworth, Prof. Letharby and Joan Drew. Each chapter follows the format of a short biography, design influences, materials and working practice and then the actual embroidery and how it was worked.

Gail’s in-depth research is presented in a highly readable manner, with contemporary quotes and social comment and the final chapter, ‘Connecting the threads’, connects all of the embroiderers together. Early 20th Century Embroidery Techniques is the essential reference for any student studying embroidery, fashion and textiles; craftspersons interested in historical embroidery techniques; collectors of textiles and indeed any needlework enthusiast wanting to extend their knowledge.

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.

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.