David & Charles

With 200 Embroidered Flowers, modern hand embroidery expert, Kristen Gula of Gulush Threads, shows you how to create all different types of floral & plant motifs with a stitch library of only SEVEN common embroidery stitches!

This colorful hand embroidery how-to book is the perfect introduction book for beginners and contains plenty of valuable tips & tricks to help anyone develop a deep love for modern floral hand embroidery! 

200 Embroidered Flowers includes: 

• Complete list of supplies needed to start your hand embroidery journey
• Seven (7) stitch tutorials including whipped back stitch & french knot
• Two (2) embroidery pattern transfer methods
• 200 different floral/foliage/plant embroidery patterns including tropical and desert plants, wildflowers, fruits and vegetables and more
• Ten (10) embroidery projects (to go further with what you learn with the book) including tutorials such as embroidered shirt collars, shoes, appliqués, iron-on patches and more! 

Make cakes that sparkle with this comprehensive guide to metallic cakes from leading wedding cake designer Faye Cahill.

Faye begins by exploring all the different materials available to the modern cake decorator:

• From gold leaf to edible paint,
• Food-grade sprays
• Edible glitters and lustre dusts
• Edible sequins and more

Sew your own capsule wardrobe to see you through the week to the weekend!

Revitalise your wardrobe with this capsule collection from sewing expert Rachel from the House of Pinheiro. The collection includes the perfect separates to take you through the working week to the weekend including a jumpsuit, day dress, trench two piece, kimono dress and versatile shirt dress.

Rachel includes a main pattern for every day of week and then offers variations for how to dress it up for a meeting or down for the weekend. There is advice on how to change the look of the pieces through fabric choices and styling tips, as well as a techniques section featuring Rachel's tips on how to get the best fit for your body type and how to measure yourself correctly to ensure you get the perfect fit every time. 

Garments include on trend staples and reinvented basics to create an exciting collection of 7 patterns, which can be used to create numerous different outfits.

A collection of 365 different sashiko patterns to sew - one for every day of the year.

Sashiko sewing expert, Susan Briscoe, demonstrates 365 different sashiko patterns, one for each day of the year - sew all 365 to make a beautiful sashiko quilt featuring all the designs

Each sashiko pattern is stitched onto a four-inch square piece of fabric making it very accessible to sew one swatch every day. You can record the date of each sample you stitch in the book to create a record of your sewing.

All of the stitch patterns are illustrated with a photograph of the stitched sample showing some stitches in different coloured thread (this is used by the author to identify which stitches to do first), next to a diagram showing the stitch direction and the order of the stitches on the grid. All the patterns are sewn on four-inch fabric swatches which can then be pieced together to create the ultimate double bed sized sashiko sampler quilt. But as well as sewing the four-inch samples separately to make them into a large bed-sized quilt, the patterns can also be repeated to create larger designs over a wider surface area to make wall hangings, throws, table mats and smaller quilts - with this collection of 365 designs the possibilities are endless.

Sashiko embroidery is a decorative sewing technique from Japan which was traditionally used to reinforce clothing and other textiles. It is an ideal stitch for visible mending and has become incredibly popular over the last few years. The technique of sewing horizontal and vertical stitches makes extremely attractive geometric designs that can be adapted to suit a wide range of sewing projects.

Susan Briscoe is an expert in Japanese sewing techniques and has travelled to Japan numerous times. She is the author of the best-selling Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook and runs regular workshops teaching sashiko sewing. This is the first time all of these 365 designs will appear in one book. Susan has included the Japanese name and pattern type in the text and has grouped specific design patterns together so you can see how they develop and use the collection to build your skills and knowledge of sashiko patterns.

Now with darker text (4th printing).

Do you wish your knitting was better and that you had an expert knitter by your side to help you when it goes wrong? Then this is the book for you - it even has a special lay-flat binding so you can keep your hands on your needles. 

Patty Lyons is an expert in all things knitting related - she will help you sort out your gauge, unpick problems like twisted stitches and generally spruce up your knitting know-how in this pocket-sized reference book packed full of her purls of wisdom. Patty is a well-known knitting 'agony aunt' and she will hold your hand as you tackle the problems that often beset knitters and get in the way of beautiful finished projects.

This handy guide will always be by your side to help you unravel your yarn problems and get you back on track. Packed full of practical advice for knitters as well as step-by-step instructions for a whole raft of knitting issues, this is the ultimate guide for anyone who's ever picked up yarn and a set of needles.

This isn't like other how to knit books with basic information about casting on and how to form stitches (although there is a handy how-to reference section at the back for when you need a refresher), this is a book about the why of knitting. Not about why we knit but about why we knit the way we do. By digging deeper into the why Patty doesn't just fix your knitting problems she helps you to truly understand why the yarn/stitches/needles/tension are acting in a certain way and how to fix any issues.

She starts by looking at the basics and explores the anatomy of a stitch, examining how this affects the look, feel and shape of the finished knitted fabrics and how different knitting techniques affect the finished outcome. Patty examines the problems caused by common mistakes that many knitters make without even noticing before diving into more complex knitting issues and how to trouble shoot them. All of Patty's techniques and tips are illustrated with detailed step-by-step artworks for absolute clarity.

And, as you'd expect from a Patty Lyons book, there is a healthy scattering of humour and irreverence thoughout; you might take knitting seriously but you don't have to be serious while knitting!

Make your knitting journey compete with companion title, Patty Lyons Knitting Bag of Tricks; The Official Workbook, which is now available.

Learn how to create the most incredible make-up looks from an expert in creative make-up, make-up artist (MUA), Rachel Duffy.

This collection of techniques and tutorials will explain everything you need to know about creative make-up whether you are an aspiring MUA, a make-up student or someone who enjoys make-up as a creative outlet.

Author and MUA, Rachel Duffy, encourages you to draw on inspiration from life, film and fiction to get creative with make-up. These fundamental techniques will provide you with the skills you need and help you on your way to your specific creative goals. These techniques and tutorials are an ideal learning base for retail or brand artistry, cosplay, theatre, television and film work, special effects and editorial work.

There are instructions for all the basic techniques required to get started including how to create the perfect base through to more advanced techniques such as eyebrow blocking which is necessary for the more dramatic and involved looks. There is also advice on colour theory and how to use it when developing characters and creating your own designs. Rachel explains how to create the perfect flawless base on which to build your looks and takes you through the process step-by-step. There is also detailed advice about choosing the right tools and materials that you need in order to get the best results.

Once you've got the basics nailed there are 12 incredible looks for you to experiment with all with step-by-step text instructions and photography. These range from 'lighter looks' that can be amped up or toned down, right through to four stunning illusion looks that will completely transform your image and send your social media feed into meltdown.

The 12 key looks cover all the important make-up trends including floating eyeliner and neon eyeliner, through to illusion make-up, animal print and much more. Choose your favourite look from: Spotlight Eye; Monochrome Graphic Liner; Ombre Cat Liner; Limelight Deep Smoke; Rainbow Electrica; Sea Siren; Woodland Fae; Celestial Being; Flapper Starlet; Haunted Skull; Space Bot and Circus Horrorshow. Your creative make-up play time starts here - you just have to let your creativity flow!

Learn how to create realistic 3D art with this collection of step-by-step techniques and tutorials for creating hyperrealistic art using coloured pencils.

The trend for hyper realistic artworks featuring high shine subjects is inspiring a new generation of artists. Take your art to the next level with this collection of step-by-step techniques and tutorials for creating hyper realistic artwork. Artist and author, Amie Howard, is an expert in how to get the most from coloured pencils and she takes you through all the key techniques for rendering realistic representations of everything from pets to water.

The first part of the book explores basic drawing techniques including blending, shading, glazing and scumbling - a technique used to create a slick surface texture. There are simple practise exercises for each of the techniques sections so that you can experiment and get comfortable with the different methods before trying them out on a final artwork. This section includes advice about how to get the perfect blend of colours and textures as well as tips about adding in the fine details that make all the difference.

The step-by-step tutorials feature a wide range of subjects including animals, portraits, food and drink so you will learn how to recreate a large number of different surfaces and textures. The chapters are broken up into sections: Surfaces; Animals; Birds, People and Other Textures which looks at a range of different natural and synthetic textures including tree bark, grass, a soft drink can and a shiny sweet wrapper.

All of the tutorials have multiple step-by-step images so you can see how the forms and textures are built up over a series of stages. Amie shares her tips and tricks for creating incredibly realistic representations of textures including feathers and fur and there are up close studies for a cat's eye, a dog's nose and a single feather so you can the details involved in these projects. Other up close studies include lips and a nose and a bird's beak and eye. The instructions will allow you tackle challenging subjects such as ripples on water and ice in glass by breaking down the drawing process into clear step-by-step instructions and photographs, allowing you to follow the artist at each step.

This collection of mix and match crochet patterns allows you to make bespoke dolls that represent the special people in your life so that everyone feels represented and included.

Representation matters when it comes to dolls for children - every child should be able to see themselves reflected in a doll and research has shown that this can have a positive impact on a child's self-esteem. This collection of amigurumi crochet patterns for dolls with different skin tones, hair types, body shapes, clothes and accessories will allow you to make a doll to represent all children everywhere.

Author and crochet designer, Nathalie Amiel, specialises in creating look-alike dolls that capture the spirit of the individual and she is passionate about creating crochet dolls for everyone. In this collection of crochet patterns she has designed a wide range of dolls, as well as their clothes and accessories, for you to use as a jumping off point for you to create your own utterly unique dolls. None of the patterns have recommendations for yarn colours so you are free to pick your own colours for hair and skin type and there are patterns for a variety of different hair types and styles.

Nathalie has designed a pattern for a Down's syndrome doll and a doll with vitiligo, as well as a doll with prosthetic limbs; crutches; leg braces; hearing aids; feeding tubes and eyeglasses. The collection also includes crochet patterns for a wheelchair, assistance dogs and a special teddy bear.

There are step-by-step instructions and photographs for how to make the basic doll which can then be adapted using the other patterns. You can then choose the doll’s clothing from the crochet clothing patterns and there is a wide variety of different garments to suit every doll including underwear; t shirt; pinafore; dungarees (overalls); pants (trousers); skirt, jumper and various shoes and boots including Mary Janes, trainers and boots. Use this colourful collection to create an endless variety of dolls by mix and matching the designs. There are no limits to the design variations so you can create bespoke dolls for all the special people in your life.

This practical guide to mural painting explains all the key techniques and design styles you need so that you can get creative in your own home and start 'unsaming' your walls.

Murals are a fantastic way to breathe new life into an interior or exterior space. Mural painting is perfect for creating a particular theme in a room, livening up a boring corner of your home and personalising a child's bedroom with their favourite characters. It can also be used to spruce up corridors, hallways and stairwells and other areas of our homes which often get forgotten about.

This practical guide to mural painting explains all the essential techniques for getting started including what kind of paints and brushes to use, how to work on various wall surfaces and how to prepare the surface area before painting in order to get the best results.

Authors Clara Wilkinson and Mary West, outline the practicalities you need to consider when you are planning a mural such as how much light the area receives and how will it fit in the desired space. They also look at where to find inspiration sources, how to use colour in your work and how different styles of painting suit certain locations.

One of the most challenging elements to creating a mural is how to transfer your ideas from paper onto a wall or ceiling and how to ‘scale up’ the design. The authors explore various techniques for transferring mural designs including the traditional grid method and their own innovative ‘doodle grid’ method.

Murals offer an exciting opportunity to try out different styles of painting: abstract graphic, painterly and linear are all styles that are looked at in this collection. These painting techniques are explored using step-by-step photography and there is advice on how to combine different techniques to create stunning results.

The authors take us on a tour of some of their most exciting wall art and murals and explain, using step-by-step instructions and photography, how you can achieve similar results by either using their design templates or learning how to create your own. Each of these projects is based on a particular theme including Chinoisserie, graphic botanical, celestial, tropical jungle, linear abstract, florals and a painterly abstract design. Just choose your favourite and get started!

A unique card deck for beginners to crystals, that helps you identify your feelings and guides you towards crystal choices to enhance your mental wellbeing.

As human beings we all experience a myriad different emotions that have a profound effect on how we live our everyday lives. The awareness of our emotions, or emotional intelligence, is an important skill to cultivate as it is inevitably connected to personal wellbeing and the vitality of all relationships in life. 

Crystals and minerals are teachers who can guide us through their specific energetic signatures how to maintain, enhance, or alter our moods. When we are aware of our current mind state and work consciously with crystals, we can find practical yet deep practices to help evolve our emotional wellbeing. 

This guide to crystals for beginners and beyond, will give you practical exercises for engaging with the right stones at the right time and in the most effective way. Perhaps you need to give yourself courage? Or reduce your anxiety levels? Or make yourself more open to feeling compassion? There are all sorts of situations where you may want to control or regulate your frame of mind, and crystals are a powerful tool to help with this. 

This card deck will not only guide beginners in choosing the most appropriate stones but also how to work with them in different ways. It describes in detail practices that can help you unlock the stones' power, including meditations of various kinds including movement, sound and touch, journalling exercises to record your experiences and discover patterns in the ways the crystals have helped you, and conscious crystal dreaming which activates the sensory and medicinal qualities of support you associate with dream time. 

Organized by emotional states, Mood Crystals will help you to cultivate your emotional intelligence as you develop greater awareness of your current mood and practice consciously with crystals. A questionnaire in the included booklet allows you to assess what you’re actually feeling and decide which crystal (or crystal combination) will be most beneficial to you at any given moment and which of the practices you should try with each particular crystal.

Bring The Wind in the Willows to life with beginner-friendly sewing patterns for felt animals.

Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows is a classic that has entertained adults and children alike for over a hundred years. Characters such as Ratty, Mole, Badger and the irrepressible Mr Toad, have influenced children’s stories ever since.

This book instructs you in the joyful craft of hand-stitching wool felt animals, made posable thanks to interior wire armatures. It will teach you basic sewing and the specialized techniques required to create these charming felt friends that will provide hours of play.

The book includes five key characters from the classic Kenneth Grahame tale, with interchangeable clothing, accessories, and a few small furniture pieces. Interwoven throughout the book, a collection of magical photographs and quotes from the original book highlight the animals and their accessories in natural settings to spark the imaginations as you create.

This book will transport you to a light-hearted, creative world of charming wool felt animals, imagination and mindful hand-stitching. Through its pages, you can explore your stitching practice while letting your storytelling thoughts wonder.

This book will inspire beginners and delight experienced makers with its designs. While creating enchanting felt animals, you will learn to enjoy every stitch from beginning to end, no matter your level of experience, with detailed illustrations, full-size patterns and step-by-step instructions for each project.

What do you get if you combine amigurumi-the Japanese art of crocheting small stuffed toys-with Pokémon? Only a second volume of the best crochet book ever!

Pokémon Crochet Vol 2 provides detailed step-by-step instructions so you can create 20 different Pokémon. It's a varied selection, with plenty of interesting colors and shapes to ensure hours of crocheting fun. The Pokémon will be instantly recognizable to fans of the phenomenally popular Japanese game and TV series. In all their colorful and wonderful shapes, these amigurumi are as true to the craft of crochet as they are to the Pokémon universe.

All Pokémon trainers need to train-themselves and their Pokémon. The same is true with crochet. To help in your training, the book starts with a how-to guide to understanding crochet patterns, then explains and demonstrates the various stitches needed to make the Pokémon. Then it addresses the special techniques you'll need to master, which tools and materials you'll need, and then how to put everything together to make a perfect Pokémon plushie.

The projects are split into three skill levels: Beginners, then Easy, and finally Intermediate patterns that are a little trickier. But whichever level you work on, the results are stunning. Pokémon included:

Snom - Munchlax - Clefairy - Chansey - Scorbunny - Glaceon - Growlithe - Mew - Espeon - Umbreon - Mimikyu - Sylveon - Leafeon - Chimchar - Turtwig - Piplup - Slowpoke - Mareep - Cubone - Riolu

Author Lee Sartori has been a Pokémon fan since she was a child, and a crochet and amigurumi aficionado since she can remember. She combines both passions to perfection in this book that combines instruction with invention.

Officially licensed by The Pokémon Company International. © 2022 Pokémon / Nintendo / Creatures / GAME FREAK

A wonderful new collection of sewing patterns from the author of the Luna Lapin sewing books, Sarah Peel. Immerse yourself once again in the whimsical world of Luna Lapin with this collection of patterns and instructions for five delightful animals.

Luna Lapin is a quiet and kind rabbit with impeccable taste and, in this collection, she introduces us to some of her dearest friends. This brand new collection of toy sewing patterns will resonate with sewists of all abilities and the designs are perfect for making wonderful heirloom toys for friends and family which will be treasured forever.

Introducing Luna Lapin's New Friends proudly presents five characterful animals and their delightful wardrobes: Ziggy the hedgehog, Ottoline otter, Hamish the Highland cow, Dora the pig and, of course, Luna herself.

Author, Sarah Peel, takes classic garments and recreates them on a miniature scale with exquisite fabrics including Liberty cottons, taffeta, corduroy, velvet, lace and wool tweed. All of the animals are made with wool felt and hand sewn using overstitch/whipstitch - this makes them a perfectly portable project that you can work on when you're on the move or when relaxing in the evening. Sarah recommends machine sewing the garments and there are tips and tricks for sewing small items.

Have fun sewing each animal's outfit whether it's Ziggy's military jacket and pants, Ottoline's anorak and fisherman's top (which is perfect for keeping her warm on her nautical expeditions), or Hamish's kilt and ruffle top. And Luna also has a new outfit in this collection - she wears a beautiful red velvet skating coat over a full skirted dress for a magical twirl around the frozen lake.

As well as the animals and their delightful outfits there are the much-loved whimsical stories that really bring their characters to life. Immerse yourself in the timeless appeal of Luna's Little World and discover how Luna met her friends with this collection of charming stories about the characters and their adventures.

There are step-by-step instructions and diagrams for all of the clothes and the animals, and the templates are included at full-size so you can get sewing straight away.

Create cute pop-up animal granny squares with this collection of 3D animal granny square crochet patterns, previously published in 100 3D Granny Squares.

Choose your favourite from over 30 different designs including a rabbit, a cow, a sheep, a llama, a flamingo, a ladybird and many more. Each motif features a 3D element that is integral to the animal granny square design. Use your squares for unique blankets and throws, for fun toys and accessories - the only limit is your imagination.

Animals featured: Sheep, Pig, Bunny, Mouse, Llama, Dog, Rabbit, Cow, Cat, Owl, Chicken, Bear, Flamingo, Penguin, Lion, Fox, Panda, Jellyfish, Whale, Shark, Crab, Terrapin, Fish, Shell, Turtle, Starfish, Spider, Beehive, Butterfly, Dragonfly, Ladybird, Frog, Snail, Unicorn, Turkey and Reindeer

Each pattern features full written instructions, as well as a crochet chart for easy stitching. Full guidance on all the crochet techniques needed is included at the back of the book.

A comprehensive and practical guide full of advice and inspiration for anyone wishing to capture the beauty of the urban landscape.

The wonderful thing about drawing buildings is that, wherever you travel around the globe, you will never be short of subjects to inspire you. From the most elaborate of Renaissance cathedrals, through to the humble garden shed, you will always be able to practise your skills and learn a few techniques in the process.

This hands-on and inspirational book will encourage you to meet the exciting challenges of drawing and painting buildings using a variety of media and a wide range of techniques, including pencil, pen, graphite powder, watercolour, water-soluble pencils and Indian ink. As you work through this book, you will look at materials and their qualities then move on to explore how to put these materials to best use when drawing specific types of building. You will be led gently through levels of learning, with easy and more challenging exercises progressing your knowledge and developing your skills.

As the book is divided into discrete sections, you can dip in to a particular type of building that you wish to draw, and use the information and illustration provided, while extended teaching exercises take you through the way the author approaches composing and completing a drawing. Fully annotated paintings, working drawings and extended projects reveal how each effect was achieved.

Detailed artworks in a range of styles and media are thoroughly annotated to demonstrate key techniques and important details and there are invaluable exercises for understanding perspective, negative and positive space, tone, choosing details and constructing large-scale images.

The book includes thorough studies of a wide range of different architectural styles, from town houses to rural cottages and barns, from churches and and classical architecture to continental cafes and street scenes. Taylor's exquisite drawings and paintings demonstrate the quality of the results that can be achieved by following his helpful guidance and advice.

A year-long magical adventure with everything the modern witch needs to develop their witchy practice.

Have you ever looked at a full moon on a clear winter night and shivered? Have you walked in an ancient forest or sat in a stone circle and felt a deep sense of peace and belonging? Do you wonder if there is more to life than the grind of the everyday? Do you believe in magic? 

If the answers to any of these are yes, then you need witchcraft in your life. No longer tainted by notions of sorcery, hexes and cobwebs, witchcraft has been rediscovered by those of us yearning for re-enchantment. 

This card deck will guide you through a year of magic. Based on the cycles of nature and guided by the seasons, it will give you the tools and knowhow to unveil the magic that surrounds us. By celebrating the eight sabbats of the Wheel of the Year, you will work with nature to activate your hidden power and trigger miraculous happenings. Witchcraft can attract love, give your career a boost, protect your home and help with healing. It will enrich your life.

Packed with information and practical rituals and exercises, this card deck boosts well-being, self-worth and happiness by tapping into the healing power of nature, the cycle of the seasons, the pull of the moon, the wisdom of ancient trees and forgotten paths, and the spiritual rewards of creativity. It includes:

• Seasonal spells, remedies, rituals and affirmations that use the power of plants, herbs and stones to offer guidance and healing.
• Features including crystal gazing, dowsing, reading the Tarot, the magic of stone circles and folklore traditions, to increase knowledge and inspire curiosity.
• Creative projects with a witchy purpose that can be used in rituals and spells.

Whether you are a solitary hedge witch, part of a coven, a practising witch or an aspiring one, this card deck will furnish you with the vital knowledge to enrich your journey and to sprinkle magic and enchantment over every day.

Discover the beautiful Japanese pattern darning technique kogin and how it can be used to create stunning stitched and quilted projects. 

Kogin, a counted embroidery technique, is a variation of the popular Japanese embroidery technique sashiko and is rapidly becoming as popular as its 'big sister'. Japanese embroidery expert, Susan Briscoe, has compiled a collection of over 60 pattern charts and 12 accompanying projects to create The Ultimate Kogin Collection, following on from her previous title The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook.

The projects range from small and very accessible items to larger projects, with step by step instruction to help you:

• Try out new stitches and use your samples to create pretty framed pictures
• Embellish fabric and sew it into cute pouches and gadget cosies
• Create Japanese-inspired homewares with embroidered linens
• Choose individual motifs for small projects like little coin purses
• Use your stitch samples to create handmade greetings cards

Try these projects or use the patterns to create your own unique makes!

Learn how to do quick and easy applique the Sew Quirky way for fun, sewn projects. This collection of 12 designs for bright and bold machine applique patterns can be used to create bags, pillows, and quilts as well as to embellish clothes.

Author, Mandy Murray, has a very unique style and that is reflected in her irreverent, humorous approach to designing, so whether it’s a dachshund in a doughnut or a flamingo who likes to mingle, her designs can’t fail to make you smile. This collection includes 12 projects for homewares and wearables. Choose from a fun floor cushion to an apron, table mats, wall hanging and even a dinosaur inspired applique design for a denim jacket.

Mandy uses fusible applique to bring her designs to life and she explains this technique with step-by-step instructions and illustrations at the beginning of the book along with specific advice about getting the most from your sewing machine and using unusual fabrics – she loves to incorporate cork, vinyl and other eye catching fabrics into her designs.

Other applique and piecing techniques covered include fussy cutting, layered applique, fabric selection and fabric 'auditioning' so you choose the best fabric for your project; how to get the right tension on your sewing machine and which feet to use, as well how to choose the right threads and needles for the best results.

Other subjects covered include how to add hand embroidery and decorative stitches, quilting and finishing techniques and adding embellishments. Mandy also shares her techniques for different stitch styles, and shows you how to get exciting effects with even the most basic sewing machine. And she explains how to create her distinctive applique style using decorative stitches in the stitch library.

The full-size applique patterns are included on a pull-out pattern sheet so you don’t need to print them out and stick pages together, and all the applique templates are included at full-size so you can get going straight away once you’ve decided which design to tackle first!

As well as the main techniques section there are 12 exciting projects to choose from. Mandy is known for her fun and quirky designs: a dachshund in a donut, an otter on an inflatable and a flamingo who likes to mingle all feature in this fun pattern collection which includes wall art, embellishments on clothing, cushions, quilts and an apron.

The projects come together quickly and easily and make the perfect funky present for families and friends.

Feather your nest with this avian collection of easy sewing patterns for beautiful bird designs, all made using simple hand-sewing techniques.

Featuring the most popular and distinctive species – including garden birds, exotic birds, birds of prey, water birds, flightless birds and more – each pattern wings its way to you with step-by-step instructions and full-size templates, making them perfect for all abilities. 

The finished little birdies would make cute brooches, bag charms and home accessories, or can even be scaled up to make bigger plushes, all of which will make your friends into avid twitchers!

Author Alison J Reid has spent months brooding away in her studio, researching all different kinds of birds, both common and rare. She has checked out their shapes, plumage and markings, and spent so much time trying to perfect their colourful, beautiful wings. It became an obsession! It was only by researching the various details that make each breed so distinctive, that Alison has been able to capture each of their unique qualities and differences. 

Pattern, colour and shape are key, so capturing these details in felt was important. Luckily, there are so many different colours of felt available! Felt's non-fraying, double sided, robust qualities make it easy to create all the little details that make each bird design so unique and instantly recognisable.

Each bird pattern can be traced straight from the page (or enlarged if you want to sew a larger plush), and simple instructions mean that even beginners can get started. And because all the birds are sewn by hand, you don't need a sewing machine and can sit out in the garden with the birds while you sew. 

Whether you choose to sew just your own favourites, or make gifts for the other bird-lovers in your life, this book will provide hours of fun and inspiration.

Discover the creative processes and intriguing inspirations behind the work of leading fantasy artist John Howe – conceptual designer on The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy – in this comprehensive practical art book.

• Brings together Fantasy Art Workshop and Fantasy Drawing Workshop into a combined volume, fully updated and with new art.
• Examines in fascinating detail over 150 of the artist's outstanding sketches, drawings and paintings, plus the techniques and stories behind each.
• Leads you step-by-step through a range of specially commissioned drawing and painting demonstrations that reveal John's renowned artistic approach in action.
• Discusses the rewarding journey into fantasy art, from the first steps of building a compelling portfolio to book illustration, graphic novels and the big screen.

This book will appeal to artists and fans of John Howe's work by leading you step-by-step through a range of specially commissioned demonstrations, sketches and finished paintings, some designed specifically for this book, that reveal John’s renowned artistic approach in action, plus the techniques and stories behind each. 

It covers a wide range of subjects, beginning with the creative process, exploring where inspiration comes from, looking at narratives and themes, gathering reference materials, organizing your working environment, and protecting and storing artwork.

Howe covers drawing materials and explores drawing and painting fantasy beings from initial inspiration and approaches to characters, symbolism and accoutrements. He begins by showing how to create different types of male and female archetypes, humans in action, armour and weapons, faces, expressions and hands, hair and costumes, and goes on to explain how to create different types of fantasy beasts: talons, wings, fangs and fire, and noble animals, interspersed throughout with exciting case studies. 

The book also explores fantasy landscapes and architecture and balancing light and dark atmospheres. The final section of the book provides further inspiration and guidance on presenting work in various forms, including film work, book covers and advertising, all areas John Howe has vast experience in. 

The foreword is written by groundbreaking film director Terry Gilliam, with an afterword by Alan Lee, John's partner on the conceptual design for The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy and Oscar-winning illustrator.

A unique collection of strange laws, heroic deeds, surprising revelations and other quirky stories that have shaped the unique history of Britain's capital. London's long history is an extraordinarily rich source of amazing facts, whether your interest is political, social, architectural or historical, you will find a variety of topics in this alternative guide to London.

Say it with flowers, with unique designs for birthdays, weddings, Christmas, Mother's day and much more

Create gorgeous cards, stunning gifts, pretty tags and coordinating envelopes using an array of techniques

Easy-to-adapt designs and inspiring variations allow creativity to blossom

Discover dazzling embellishments and funky papers to complement any theme, perfect for that extra-special flowery flourish

Styles include:

• Contemporary chic
• Floral fairies
• Funky flowers
• True romance
• Vintage vogue

Step-by-step instructions!

Renowned cake designer and sugar-modeler Maisie Parrish returns with another adorable collection of children’s celebration cakes. Each design is truly charming and brimming with character, and will make any child’s cake a standout. Quick-to-make cupcakes and minicakes designed to complement each project are also included. With simple sugarcrafting and figure modeling techniques and clear step-by-step photography, Maisie’s designs are easily achievable for even beginner sugarcrafters.

The Paranormal, the new ebook series from F+W Media International Ltd, resurrecting rare titles, classic publications and out-of-print texts, as well as new ebook titles on the supernatural – other-worldly books for the digital age. The series includes a range of paranormal subjects from angels, fairies and UFOs to near-death experiences, vampires, ghosts and witchcraft. A history of psychical research and spiritualism accompanied by illustrations from the period.

A practical, accessible guide to the ingenious and creative things that can be done with a digital compact or camera phone. Clever Digital Photography Ideas: Extending and enhancing your camera skills and more clever ideas is an extract from the book 100 Clever Digital Photography Ideas and provides a variety of simples ideas for pushing your camera skills that little but further. From how you can shoot when conditions get a bit extreme, to creating breath-taking panoramas, and even three-dimensional photos. Shooting movies is also covered, with some ingenious ideas to become more creative in the movie-making arena. There are also clever ideas for protecting your photos for the future, including shooting in RAW. The second part of the eBook covers getting more from your camera and camera phone, guiding you through what all the buttons and jargon mean, as well as clever ideas for extending your battery life and fun ways to use your old camera.
All ideas and projects are presented with easy to follow instructions and striking photographs across colourful pages. Open your eyes to the creative possibilities with your digital photo technology, from using a basic compact camera to the latest smart phone. Whether a novice or a pro, Clever Digital Photography Ideas: Extending and enhancing your camera skills and more clever ideast will show you how to break out of your comfort zone and try something exciting and new.

Sashiko, the traditional Japanese technique of needlework quilting, uses simple running stitch to create beautifully decorative patterns ideal for patchwork, quilting and embroidery. Sashiko (pronounced shash-ko) means 'stab stitch' and refers to the small running stitch that is worked to build up distinctive decorative patterns, of which there are hundreds. The book begins by exploring the origins of the technique to strengthen clothes and to make them warmer. Getting Started describes everything you need to begin stitching, including selecting suitable fabrics and threads, marking out patterns on the fabric, as well as the stitching technique itself. Ten project chapters show how easy it is to use sashiko patterns to make beautiful items for the home. The sashiko patterns are described in step-by-step detail in the pattern library, showing you exactly how to achieve each individual pattern with ease. Finally a gallery of work by contemporary Japanese textile artists provides extra inspiration.

A fantastic selection of knitting patterns from established designer and best-selling author Claire Crompton, author of The Knitter's Bible and Knitter's Bible project books. Featuring strong designs across a range of styles for the new-to-knitting market, all the projects included are either Beginner, Easy or Intermediate skill level, and the majority are Easy. As well as patterns and project instructions, you will also find an explanation of the abbreviations used, a knitting needle conversion chart, a skill level key, a standard yarn weight chart, knitting techniques and making-up techniques.

This is a bright and humorous collection of foundation paper pieced quilt blocks and projects for happy quilts. The motifs include a wide range of popular designs–everything from avocados to rainbows–so you can mix and match to make perfect personalised quilts and quilted projects.

Foundation paper piecing is the perfect way to get perfectly sharp points and create fun quilt motifs. By using the foundation paper piecing (FPP) technique you can create intricate designs which would be impossible with traditional piecing. FPP is done using a sewing machine so even though the blocks are detailed the process is quite quick so you can make cute quilts and quilted projects in quick time. It is also the perfect way to use up your stash of quilting and sewing scraps and have lots of fun selecting the perfect scrap to suit your blocks.

This collection features 100 fun quilt blocks from some of the best known names in patchwork and quilting. All the blocks are made using foundation paper piecing and all the templates are featured at full size with the seam allowance added so you can trace them off and get piecing straight away.

There's a comprehensive section showing you how to do FPP with step-by-step instructions and photos so even if you've never done FPP before you can get started.

The motifs featured include everything from food and drink (strawberry milkshake and pizza anyone?), to designs for outdoor explorers (a canoe and campfire set the scene for adventure lovers); pets and wild animals (think racoons to kittens) and everything in between. There is a block to suit everyone so you can make the perfect themed quilt for your nearest and dearest based on the things that they love the most.

As well as instructions and patterns for the 100 FPP blocks there are also instructions for 10 projects made using the blocks including a retro apron; a rainbow pouch bag; a tote with 1950s sunglasses motif; the perfect table runner and a cute, kitten pillow. So why not choose your favourite motifs and get started making perfect quilted gifts for your friends and family!

In Red Baron: The Life and Death of an Ace, Peter Kilduff tells the story of this courageous and charismatic man: his comrades and enemies, the planes he flew, the battles he fought in, the political climate that caused his eventual disenchantment and the controversial circumstances of his death.

Containing previously unpublished photographs, drawings on new source material from former East German state archives and making fresh insights into existing sources, Red Baron is the most up-to-date reference on the life of a legend.

Grow your way to happiness with this practical handbook for a more sustainable life.

Whether you have a large country garden or a small backyard in the city, this essential guide to the ‘Good Life’ will help you on your journey to becoming more self-sufficient – which is something we all need to be thinking about. Climate change, industrial farming with its reliance on chemicals, rising food prices, fears over food security or just a desire to spend more time outdoors – there are many reasons driving people towards homegrown food and self-sufficiency. 

Growing your own fruit and vegetables, preserving your produce and generating your own energy are all covered in this thrifty guide by the original ‘Tom and Barbara’, Eve and Terence McLaughlin, who wrote the first edition of this book in 1979. This information-packed book has expert advice on growing, harvesting, storing and preserving your produce. You can brew your own beer and learn how to bottle, cure, smoke and pickle your produce to make it last longer.

The book features easy-to-follow instructions for DIY tools and equipment to save money, reduce energy consumption and cut back on waste. Learn how to plan your site, explore the best planting times and methods, discover how to grow a variety of vegetables, fruit and nuts, and how to deal with pests and diseases.

As well as growing your own food, the book also covers the basics of keeping livestock – including chickens, ducks, goats and pigs – and how to harness alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power.

Putting your own food on the table and playing your part in creating a more sustainable future is hugely rewarding and also has health benefits – the physical exercise of planting and harvesting, the mental wellness that comes with spending time in nature, and the reduction in chemicals in the food you eat – there is so much in this activity that fosters greater wellbeing.

Whether you're planning a move to full-blown self-sufficiency or are just curious about what's involved and want to take your first steps to growing your own food, this essential guide has everything you need to know.

In Cathedral Window Quilting, internationally-renowned quilt designer Lynne Edwards returns to this beautiful patchwork technique by popular demand. Lynne's uniquely creative and accessible approach brings Cathedral Window quilting up to date, capturing quilters' imaginations and inspiring them to learn and enjoy this technique and its variations.

The Paranormal, the new ebook series from F+W Media International Ltd, resurrecting rare titles, classic publications and out-of-print texts, as well as new ebook titles on the supernatural – other-worldly books for the digital age. The series includes a range of paranormal subjects from angels, fairies and UFOs to near-death experiences, vampires, ghosts and witchcraft. This book covers all aspects of spell-making – including psychic self-defence, sex magic, cabalistic magic, and talismans. There is a generous collection of actual spells, past and present, drawn from history, literature, folklore, old grimoires, and the years of experience of the authors.

The Paranormal, the new ebook series from F+W Media International Ltd, resurrects rare titles, classic publications and out-of-print texts, as well as new ebook titles on the supernatural—other-worldly books for the digital age. The series includes a range of paranormal subjects from angels, fairies and UFOs to near-death experiences, vampires, ghosts and witchcraft.

Promotes a discriminating approach to the investigation of apparitional phenomena.

Be inspired by these fun collections of cupcakes for a festive Christmas period, with designs including Christmas trees, Rudolph and friends, and Santa hats.A sample chapter from Carolyn White's Seasonal Cupcakes.

Do you love bright, geometric quilt designs but wonder how to get such sharp points and accurate piecing? English paper piecing is the answer and this collection shows you how to sew your own patchwork projects even if you've never made a quilt before. 

English paper piecing (EPP) is a traditional patchwork technique which uses hexagon-shaped paper templates which are pieced together by hand sewing rather than machine piecing. This process of hand piecing is both mindful and calming and the fact that it doesn't rely on a sewing machine makes EPP the perfect 'sofa sewing' project that can be done while relaxing in front of your favourite TV show or while socialising with friends. 

Jenny Jackson is an expert in EPP and has been demonstrating the technique and showcasing her patterns on TV craft channels and magazines for a number of years. She has created this collection of techniques and patterns for modern EPP projects for the home including some really striking, large quilts. Jenny holds your hand through the EPP process so, even if you've never tried it before, you can complete projects to be proud of. Even if you already have some experience with EPP, Jenny shares her tips and tricks for quicker and sharper results so you can improve your skills.

There are 18 projects for the home in a variety of sizes so you can build up to a full-sized quilt but you can also dip in and out of some smaller projects such as coasters, wall hangings and cushions while you hone your skills. The projects include repeats of EPP patterns and blocks as well as how to use EPP blocks and rosettes as appliqué within quilts and other projects. It’s not just about the hexagon either: Jenny’s geometric designs feature 20 different paper pieced templates including diamonds, octagons and even curved shapes for really exciting results. These sheets can be photocopied to give you multiple templates, fast. 

You can even flex your own creative muscle with the colouring pages included for every project so you can experiment with your own colour combinations to make your own unique designs.

Life on the Old Farm takes you back to a time, not so long ago, when country life in Britain followed a pattern that had remained largely unchanged for centuries. In this series of fascinating reminiscences, farmers from all over Britain reveal their knowledge - the last generation who know at first hand traditions dating back to Saxon times. Life on the Old Farm is nostalgic and informative with fascinating interviews and insights into how things used to be done. It covers a time span from before Edwardian times up to the coming of mechanization after World War II.

This is the ultimate book for days out with the family, visiting Britain and Ireland's greatest architectural and historical treasures. Many of the castles featured offer a wealth of things to see and do, from their beautiful settings and manicured gardens, to museum collections and re-enactment events. Not only does the book give you essential information for visiting the castles, but it also provides background information on the roles castles played and other interesting facts to make your visit more enjoyable. This book is beautifully illustrated with photographs of the castles.

101 Top Techniques for Artists is a colourful compendium packed full of practical tips and techniques by 101 of today’s most popular leading artists. Each technique is presented in clear, simple step-by-step instructions that describe how to complete the project yourself, including a full list of materials and detailed images to guide you along the way.

Divided into seven chapters that cover watercolours, acrylics, oils, pastels, drawing and mixed media, this handy book is bursting with some of the most popular styles and subjects, designed to showcase the very best of artistic abilities available to help develop your own creative streak.

All contributors featured in this book are professional artists belonging to the SAA, who together with a global community of over 46,000 other members, make up the world’s largest and friendliest art society. Whether you’re a beginner, an improver or a professional, there’s something new to learn for everyone in this comprehensive collection.

Learn how to make stunning braided jewellery using the popular technique of Kumihimo – the art of Japanese braiding.

Kumihimo is enjoying a surge in popularity in contemporary jewellery making as an innovative and on-trend technique. This beginner-friendly guide features step-by-step diagrams and photographs to help you start braiding and create beautiful jewellery projects at home.

Written by renowned jewellery crafter and first Ambassador for Swarovski Elements, Dorothy Wood, The Beginner’s Guide to Kumihimo is the essential guide to Japanese braiding techniques for jewellery craft.

The book covers a range of techniques including flat braids, square braids, honeycomb braids, hollow braids, spiral braids, braiding with beads, using different cords and wire, and finishing techniques.

Combines the popular craft of beading with beautiful semi-precious stones, which are collected by many. Features a variety of versatile ideas which can be adapted for any type of gem or bead. Readers will learn to reate beautiful gemstone jewelry with this dazzling collection of over 100 projects, ranging from eyecatching earrings and accessories to exquisite necklaces and bracelets. This beautiful book offers an impressive range of 28 beautiful semi-precious stones (including birthstones) and a glimpse into the fascinating history and mythical properties behind them. Projects range from the simplest stringing to more detailed beadwork to cater for all levels of ability. Clear artworks, beautiful photographs and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions ensure flawless results.

A unique collection of surprising revelations and quirky stories about one of the most amazing people ever to have lived. This engaging volume reveals Da Vinci's phenomenal accomplishments, including mathematical discoveries, investigating the secrets of the human body, inventing a robot and even his plans to divert the entire Arno River!

Take a step back into the world of steam railways, and discover the reality of life and work on Britain's railway system before the Beeching cuts and the introduction of diesel changed it forever. Tom Quinn has sought out a fascinating range of characters who recount their experiences of working on steam trains. From a shedmaster to a fireman, from an engine driver to a signalman, tales of accidents and mishaps, evenings round the fire in the worker's common room and the perils of left luggage in the days when almost anything might - and frequently did - turn up! Remarkable reminiscences about life on the old railways when Britain's railway system was the envy of the world.

Vivianne Crowley presents an accessible introduction to magic in the modern world, exploring how you can integrate magic into your everyday life. Vivianne shows that contemporary self-help methods are rooted in magical practices. She explans how magic can can help us discover and unfold our potential selves, how we can use magic as a force for good, to heal and to remove fears.
Vivianne dispels modern myths of magic as wizards, dragons or evil sorcerers and explores ways that magic can be applied in the 21st century, to help us to become more self-aware and empowered in our everyday lives.
The Paranormal, the new ebook series from F&W Media International Ltd, resurrecting rare titles, classic publications and out-of-print texts, as well as new ebook titles on the supernatural – other-worldly books for the digital age. The series includes a range of paranormal subjects from angels, fairies and UFOs to near-death experiences, vampires, ghosts and witchcraft.

Want to try your hand at making gorgeous homemade goodies? These brilliant quick & easy applique and embroidery projects give you the opportunity to try something new and expand your crafting skills! From festive tree decorations to lavender bags, cushions to hot water bottle covers, create stunning items for yourself, your friends and your home.

Each unique project includes:

• Simple step-by-step instructions
• Quick makes for fast results
• Beautiful photography of the finished product to guide and inspire

Owls are spectacular and fascinating birds, both in the wild and in captivity, with interest in keeping and breeding them rapidly increasing. The author shares her expertise, gained from a lifetimes experience of working with birds of prey, to give sound practical advice on how to care for these magnificent creatures, with chapters on housing and equipment, incubation and rearing, and training and flying owls.

Tales from the Front Line - Trafalgar offers a unique insight into the most significant naval battle in history, told through the accounts of those who were actually there. Here you will find original accounts from the great military leaders of the time - including Nelson - as well as the experiences of the ordinary seamen and civilian witnesses. This title is drawn from a variety of contemporary sources including letters, diaries, newspapers and ships' logs.

The ultimate guide to Christmas papercraft, this festive title is brought to you by renowned papercrafter and regular Craft Beautiful magazine contributor, Corinne Bradd. Packed with a selection of quick & easy designs, from projects for the occasional crafter to advanced projects for the more experienced hobbyist, Christmas Papercraft is full of perfect homemade Christmas gift ideas.

Using easy to follow step-by-step instructions, this beautifully designed full colour book will guide you through the creative process of making professional looking designs in your own home.

First, Corinne runs through the basic toolkit essentials for any aspiring papercrafter and the many varieties of paper and card to add a personal touch to your projects.

Next follows a list of quick & simple embellishments and techniques that bring a festive twist to any papercraft project – whether for homemade cards, home decorations, tree decorations or even Christmas gifts for friends and family.

Greetings – create a stunning collection of unique Christmas cards, including Christmas tree, stocking, gift and angel designs.

Giving – get into the spirit of Christmas and show your loved ones how much you care. This section is filled with inventive ways of wrapping your gifts, from a star gift bag to beautiful boxes, to advent calendars and even a baby’s photo album.

Decorating – turn your house into a home this festive season with the homemade papercraft decorations featured in this section, including funky fairy designs, Christmas tree decorations, wreaths and table decorations for that all important Christmas dinner table!

The Paranormal, the new ebook series from F+W Media International Ltd, resurrecting rare titles, classic publications and out-of-print texts, as well as new ebook titles on the supernatural – other-worldly books for the digital age. The series includes a range of paranormal subjects from angels, fairies and UFOs to near-death experiences, vampires, ghosts and witchcraft. The Witches' Goddess is of great practical value in discovering and celebrating the transforming energy of the Female Principle of Divinity. This is an important new work by the Farrars providing an in-depth exploration of the Goddess in her many aspects at a time when Western Culture is awakening to the influence of Feminine Divinity, both individually and collectively.

The Paranormal, the new ebook series from F+W Media International Ltd, resurrecting rare titles, classic publications and out-of-print texts, as well as new ebook titles on the supernatural – other-worldly books for the digital age. The series includes a range of paranormal subjects from angels, fairies and UFOs to near-death experiences, vampires, ghosts and witchcraft. In facts, not fiction, this book presents the case for the paranormal. Changing the way we look at the universe is not easy, and requires a true openness to exploration and experiment. Professor Ellison suggests that most of us are conditioned by our Western science-based education to think that the universe is much simpler and 'material' than it really is. He argues that we should recognize the limits of the current scientific worldview which fails to account for genuine paranormal experiences, including phenomena such as out-of-body experiences (OBE), reliably reported by thousands of people.