Crafts and Decorative arts

Using hand tools and the lathe, a master furniture builder takes the readers step-by-step through the process of building a tavern table. Beginning with raw lumber, they will learn the techniques of joining, mortise and tenon construction, turning, and finishing in authentic early American fashion. Following this basic guide, even a novice can build a table of which they will be proud.

Over 50 color photos, 80 patterns and mechanical drawings, with clear, concise, step-by-step instructions, reveal all the reader must know to successfully create twelve original whirligig projects made from wood and/or metal, including imaginative, original designs that all will enjoy. Each project has been designed, built, and tested by the author to ensure success.

Bamboo, bemoaned by many as a runaway weed, is treasured in many cultures around the world for its strength, durability, and versatility. This book illustrates ways in which any person capable of using a saw, rasp, screwdriver, and chisel can set about to create beautiful furnishings and useful accessories for the home.

When observing an especially beautiful mobile, beginning artists often think, “Wow, I want to make one like THAT!” If you have stood under a mobile by Alexander Calder and entertained such thoughts, this book will help you “make one like that.” This guide provides practical and encouraging step-by-step instructions for making horizontally balanced mobiles.

This guide is a dazzling showcase of this uniquely American art form. The pages are filled with tips, techniques, and insights that both educate and demonstrate the steps to creating authentic and beautiful scrimshaw. An examination of ivory includes a wide range of alternative natural and man-made ivory substitutes, including bone, horn, and nuts.

This is the first comprehensive book written on the uses of InLace resin inlay for gourd artists and wood turners. Chapters present carving techniques in gourds, mixing resin, insetting, sanding, and polishing. Step-by-step directions that can be applied to any gourd and five projects from contributing artists are include, as well as three original designs for the crafter's use.

In this book Ernst G. Siebeneicher-Hellwig and Jürgen Rosinski show the simplest and least expensive ways to construct a simple forge, make all necessary tools yourself, forge a stub tang blade from an old automobile coil spring, and make a complete knife. Their practical guide demonstrates the most important theoretical basics and shows how simple it can be to experience bladesmithing.

Rediscover the art of knotting! A variety of projects with different levels of difficulty are provided, including cell phone or music player cases, wallets and key chains, bracelets or eyeglasses cases in contemporary colors and designs. Readers will quickly master important knots that include the vertical and horizontal half hitches, spiral knots, square knots, and finishing knots.

Enter the studio of major mosaicist Alexandra Carron and learn the secrets of this art! From the basics of mosaic materials to the most sophisticated techniques, step-by-step you will produce four original and elegant objects (a vase, a colorful table, a springtime mirror, and decorative tiles) assisted by your own crafting coach.

Damascus steel: centuries-old, hot-forged steel that is legendary for making sharp, strong blades that struck fear in many a man’s heart. Artisans, blacksmiths, and hobbyists the world over have initiated a renaissance of this fascinating, decorative material, which is the focus of this comprehensive book.

An innovative designer is always looking for new concepts. Fresh Floral Jewelry, an instructional introduction to the world of making jewelry that incorporates fresh flowers, is the first of its kind.

Humans are the only species known to adorn themselves with a second skin. This extra hide, leather, can be smooth, soft, and cosmetic, or robust, resistant, and protective. For thousands of years this versatile material has provided the foundation for the manufacture of clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Josephine Barbe encourages the reader to use this all-purpose material in a variety of ways.

If you love making meaningful gifts for friends or just desire a stylish accessory that doesn’t break the bank, this book is a must-have. Instructions for making Brazilian bracelets of various shapes and sizes are included, decorated with crosses, zigzags, diamonds, dots, and even fish, and adorned with beads and charms.

Over the years the motion picture industry has (sadly) gravitated to generating poorly cropped and heavily airbrushed posters that rely far too often on celebrity head shots. Thankfully, an underground network of graphic designers and artists has reinvigorated the art of the movie poster, crafting stunning pieces for classic and cult films.

This is the ultimate guide to sharpening with traditional waterstones for all owners of Japanese knives. Provided are step-by-step instructions on proper knife sharpening accompanied by over 120 color photos, plus black and white graphics for clarity. Details on the care for all major blade types are also provided, along with expert advice on the use of solid, abrasive materials, and steel.

Not sure what to do with that old, dilapidated chair that has been sitting in your garage or down your basement? How about turning it into a decorative piece of art for everyday use or for a seasonal decoration? In this new DIY book, master painter Sammie Crawford takes you through, step-by-step, seven chair-painting projects: ...

With seven techniques and 101 patterns, this how-to book provides detailed, clear instructions for knitting and crocheting colorful and artful socks. These projects cover a wide range of skill sets, from the beginner to the advanced knitter.

Reuse, recycle, and repurpose the clothing you love, creating new, one-of-a-kind garments. Every one of the twenty-one inspiring projects in this book can be sewn quickly, even by beginners. The descriptive photo instructions make it easy to follow the process step by step. Sew a length of chiffon onto a top to create a unique dress. Change a beloved sweater by giving it a great new neckline.

With detailed instructions, templates, and colorful photography, this book shows how to craft fifty-five paper jewelry projects. Colorful and graphic designs range from necklaces, brooches, earrings, and bracelets to hair accessories. Learn how to find inspiration in a wide variety of recycled papers. Projects re-use maps, stationery, comic books, cardboard, magazines, and even candy wrappers.

Tapestries from 40 top international artists representing three generations show the best examples of contemporary approaches to the handwoven art. Featured are more than 50 examples, including full views of each artwork, as well as details. Tapestries are accompanied by biographical information on each artist, hand-picked for this collection because they are at the forefront of their field.