Crafts and Decorative arts

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. You’ll learn, among other things, how to create sock heels in three different styles, knit with circular needles, knit from the toe up, and create felted text

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. The

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. The b

Scrimshaw is the art of the Eskimos and whalers. They began by carving fine lines into walrus ivory and bones, which developed into complex images. Today, scrimshaw is a recognized art form that inspires collectors all over the world – especially in Europe and the United States. Richard "Ritchi" Maier is one of the best "scrimshanders" internationally. In this volume, this skilled engraver explain

For everyone who dreams of sewing but suffers from the common fear of how to use the sewing machine, your worries are over! Thanks to this step-by-step method, illustrated with nearly 200 photos and drawings, you'll painlessly discover all the basic techniques, and even how to sew on a button. You'll then very quickly be able to put your new sewing machine skills intopractice with the 15 special p

Every one of these 60 astoundingly beautiful jewelry projects, ranging from bracelets to necklaces, uses a surprising technique: crocheting or knitting! The projects include small gifts which can be made in no time, as well as delicate "webs" which require more patience and time. Using varied materials, including stone, pearls, wood, sheet silver, plastic, and more, these step-by-step instructions

Guilloché is the decorative engraving of a metal surface, such as watch cases, cufflinks, or Fabergé Eggs, with the use of a hand-powered device called a rose engine. This passionately researched book tracks the birth, decline, and revival of this endangered craft and features exclusive information from the world's few living professional guillocheurs, as well as an exploration of the distinction

For the first time, the history of spalted wood—wood coloration caused by fungi—is detailed in a comprehensive resource covering the science, the history, and the applications of spalting. Featuring 870 photos and photomicrographs, this resource goes back 700 years to the beginning of written records of spalting, and follows its evolution from closely guarded guild secret to scientific curiosity t

A book of 25 floral sketches printed on lovely watercolor paper invites artistic experimentation with only a brush and paint. Each page is double-sided, offering the opportunity to paint the same page in different ways. The author shares painting tips for each sketch and advice for discovering the artist within. Also included is a painting tutorial and handy color wheel. Each book is small enough

A book of 25 pattern sketches printed on lovely watercolor paper invites artistic experimentation with only a brush and paint. Each page is double-sided, offering the opportunity to paint the same page in different ways. The author shares painting tips for each sketch and advice for discovering the artist within. Also included is a painting tutorial and handy color wheel. Each book is small enough

A book of 25 pattern sketches printed on lovely watercolor paper invites artistic experimentation with only a brush and paint. Each page is double-sided, offering the opportunity to paint the same page in different ways. The author shares painting tips for each sketch and advice for discovering the artist within. Also included is a painting tutorial and handy color wheel. Each book is small enough

Clear instructions and 148 photos welcome you to the subtle, fascinating world of Japanese calligraphy. Beginning with a summary of the art's history, this guide then helps you understand the two systems of script that Japanese uses together: kanji, the ideogram-like characters borrowed from the Chinese language; and kana, the purely phonetic characters. Next, you'll learn the correct way to use t

Create lovely new "once upon a time" keepsakes with these 44 cross-stitch patterns, blending the traditional style of France with a charming contemporary simplicity. The designs are eye-catchingly lovely with their subtle colors, gentle humor, and delicate lines. They're all here: wily foxes, big bad wolves, city mice and country mice . . . not to mention princesses, enchanted worlds, and fun rhym

Enter this deliciously vintage universe of 500 patterns and add a touch of nostalgia to your stitchwork. Re-create designs from 1800s and 1900s fashion houses and milliners’ catalogs. Take your cross stitch on a bon voyage into the past with traveling motifs like trunk labels of exotic destinations and railroad advertising posters. Other sections of patterns feature tea and coffee motifs, and dail

This book shows how to make 40 bags and miscellaneous goods with very simple, clear-cut instructions that even total beginners can follow. What makes this book special is that it has patterns with stitch marks at the end of the book. Leather is usually sewn after piercing holes for stitching, which means that punching the holes is the most important part. If the number of holes and their stitching

Handmade textiles are personal, no matter where in the world they're created, and these photos and explanations of 25 diverse world cultures' techniques vividly share the details. Take a voyage through these pages and see how today's artisans continue to create traditional fiber arts with age-old methods. Blending well-researched information, engaging style, and inspiration, the pages explore espa

The best way to start in knifemaking is usually to make a fixed-blade knife, and this photo-rich guide with carefully detailed instructions offers a full tang knife and a hidden tang knife. Make each of these two projects by following the individual construction principles here, and learn all phases of the knifemaking process. A few simple tools and a suitable workplace are all you need; materials

With the delicacy of a spider's web, the traditional, Amerindian dream catcher traps bad dreams in its weave and lets good dreams slide along its feathers to the sleeper. Dream catchers have become an essential item in decoration, but they remain highly symbolic. With this book, you can create 16 dream catchers, mobiles, wall hangings, and jewelry, from materials such as lace, ribbons, beads, orig

The knife—a staple in every household and long considered one of mankind's most important tools. Despite our long history, in today's fast-paced world many no longer know how to recognize a good knife or the characteristics that define one.This book details the differences between types of knives, the characteristics a capable knife must have, the different locking systems for folding knives, and

Upholstery doesn't have to be intimidating! Expert Shelly Miller Leer, founder of HomeRoom and Upholstery Club and former writer and contributor for curbly.com, apartmenttherapy.com, and many other online crafting communities uses her trademark fresh, casual teaching style to empower you with the confidence and skills to get started right away. These five projects have been mindfully designed to h