Lifestyle and Hobbies

Protect that beautiful hand-forged knife you’ve just completed or keep your favorite piece of cutlery close for daily use with a leather sheath. From basic leather working techniques to a completed sheath, this how-to book will walk you through the steps to produce your own fixed-blade knife sheath. Choose from four different designs, each presented in detail, including a sheath with folded belt l

Over 340 striking color photos introduce readers to the quintessential flower of the Cape and the Islands, the hydrangea. The lucky people who live in the region revel in these lush flowers flourishing in a maritime climate. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the beautiful displays of hydrangeas in home gardens, outside restaurants and inns, and especially in waterfront areas, where hydrangeas thr

Photographer Joaquim Nabuco has found art in the architecture, interiors, and landscapes designed by his fellow Brazilians. Through more than 160 large, lively images, Nabuco welcomes you on a journey to see more than 15 properties, including log homes in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro, beach houses in the resort towns of Búzios and Angra dos Reis, vast gardens on farm estates, restaurants, hotel

Alfa Romeo, one of the most famous and renowned carmakers in automobile history, celebrates 100 years of innovation. This fascinating history documents the Milanese automaker, from the exciting racing and sports cars of the twenties and thirties to the equally advanced and sporty sedans, coupes, and convertibles of the fifties and sixties to the present-day range of technically evolved, innovative

In November 1949, a new epoch of automotive history began with the introduction of the first small transporter by Volkswagen. Like no other light utility vehicle before, the variety-rich space-saver from Wolfsburg has influenced the development of a new generation of functional, multipurpose minibuses. Six decades after its introduction, the “Bulli,” as the Transporter has been lovingly named by i

The creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship represented by the clocks from Germany’s Black Forest region are well covered in this definitive guide. English-speaking horologists receive comprehensive information and insights that have heretofore been available only in German. Over 700 striking images showcase the finest examples of clocks made in the region. The text provides much needed informat

Breitling is especially known for its characteristically masculine wristwatches. This distinctive design is the main reason for its great popularity since the 1930s. The book presents the most beautiful and most important models of the Breitling history. The fascinating text provides a history of the brand and historical examples. The models explored include the Navitimer, Avenger, Chronographs, S

Through over 200 vivid color photos, detailed descriptions, and in-depth reporting about valuations, this book is a guide for both watch lovers and investors. It opens up new investment possibilities for the selection and purchase of rare watches by Patek Philippe using an unerringly promising approach! These valuable watches from Geneva represent real property. In an era of bank failures and imme

Learn how to make two types of Japanese knives: a tanto (dagger) and a hocho (chef's knife) following traditional techniques. With step-by-step images and clear instructions, this how-to guide covers acquiring iron ore, building and using a bloomery furnace, forging the blades, fitting the blades with handles, and sharpening the blades with water stones. The process is further detailed with images

New for World War II Soviet collectors, this box set of two volumes is he first comprehensive collection of Marshals’, Generals’ and Admirals’ parade uniforms. With hundreds of beautiful, large format full-color photographs, detailed close-ups of uniforms, and an archive of vintage photographs, this collection will take you on a visual journey through the development of the Soviet World War II fla

This do-it-yourself book for stylish handbags features 25 projects with more than 500 illustrations. Sewers of all skill levels will gather the information they need to create many kinds of bags, from casual to romantic, as well as ideas for jazzing up your old bags. Handbag styles include clutches, totes, makeup cases, and a roll-up pencil case. They’re made with a variety of styles, including lo

From basic leatherworking techniques to the professional-level tips you need to make your project its best, this how-to book will walk you through the steps to produce two top-quality welted sheath designs: a welted sheath with attached belt loop, and one with belt clip and protective strap. Each part of the process, from making the first sketch to completing the final leather treatment, is explai

With 142 photos and these short, step-by-step lessons from a master Chinese calligrapher, you can enjoy the basics of the beautiful characters of Chinese. Begin by learning the history and traditions of this art form, and the techniques of using the "four treasures": the brush and other basic tools. Learn the correct body position, and how to hold the brush. Then practice calligraphy in the Kaishu

Zendoodling, the popular process of relaxation through drawing, uses repeating shapes or patterns to create an image. Whether you're a first time Zendoodler or an experienced one, all you need is a pen, paper, and this guide. Step-by-step instructions show how to draw all four versions of the basic pattern model: surface, geometric, scatter, and band patterns. Then you're ready to take off to a cr

This new five-volume, boxed set completes the Illinois Watch story in detail never before revealed, describing the American watch industry at its inception and at the time of the Great Depression, including the impact this economic disaster had on the watch industry, in general, and on Illinois and its new corporate parent, in particular. Organized into five distinct books, volume 1 is a massive,

Paracord handle wraps are popular with respect to survival knives and tactical knives. They rest comfortably in your hand, they're slip-proof, and they're impervious to moisture and temperature fluctuations. In an emergency, the wrap can often be undone and then you have a practical rope at hand. This clear, straightforward guide teaches everything you need to know, including selecting the paracor

America’s famous and influential WWII submachine guns (SMGs) are all featured in this fully illustrated book. Beginning with the legendary Thompson submachine, its design, construction, and testing in the early 1920s, as well as its use by the US Marine Corps, the Irish Republican Army, and Prohibition-era gangsters, are presented in detail. Its famed use during WWII in all war theaters is shown i

The legendary British, World War II STEN submachine gun is featured in this concise, illustrated book. Famous for its use by British elite forces, as well as the French underground during WWII, variants of the STEN were manufactured and used by many countries during the war and up through the 1970s. Beginning with its initial design and construction, the Mk.I and Mk.I*, Mk.II, Mk.III, and Mk.5 ver

Germany’s World War I– and World War II–era submachine guns are all featured in this fully illustrated book. Early Bergmann models are presented first showing their development from the MP18, through to the MP35, followed by discussions of the Schmeisser MP28, Steyr MP34, and Erma “EMP.” An extensive chapter on the famous MP38/40 features a close look at production numbers, manufacturers, and mark

The fascinating luminosity of colors from plants can be easily transferred to wool, silk, or other materials at home. Necessary materials, mordanting, thepreparation of fibers and dye sources, and differentdyeing methods are described in detail. This richly illustrated book also shows how the dyed materials can be felted or turned into woolen pictures. The traditional coloring of Easter eggs with