Lifestyle and Hobbies

A real gem for the student of jewelry design, three preeminent, international jewelry designers offer step-by-step instruction. Walk with them through the creative drawing process for twenty-five different styles of jewelry sets, with four variations for each style. From each specific design idea, you will see jewelry being developed in silver and gold, old gold, gold with diamonds, and platinum w

A comprehensive and abundantly illustrated collection of the most outstanding modern furniture around the world. Now with a guide to current values, this is an indispensible book for collectors, architects, designers, and furniture historians. Over 1000 of the most innovative designs are shown, many of which have become classics of the late-twentieth century. Pieces range from simple modern chair

Cigar Box Labels: Portraits of Life, Mirrors of History pays tribute to cigars and the pictorial glory of Victorian-era cigar box labels, a unique form of commercial advertising that flourished in the business place a century ago and helped drive cigars to widespread prominence in American society. Those who fancy these stunningly beautiful paper images as a hobby are in the midst of the hottest a

As an increasingly popular line of collectible jewelry, creations distributed by Sarah Coventry, Inc. have made their mark. From the 1950s through the 1980s, women purchased the jewelry exclusively at home jewelry parties. The success of the jewelry made Sarah Coventry, Inc. one of the largest distributors of costume jewelry. Although the parties are a thing of the past, Sarah Coventry jewelry has

An armchair guide to corkscrews with over 700 color photographs and 3600 illustrated and documented examples, The Ultimate Corkscrew Book showcases the diversity and creativity that has occurred in the production of corkscrews over the last several hundred years. Remarkably, all examples featured in this extensive volume come from one source: the author's personal collection. Longtime collector of

Hundreds of beautiful color pictures and recently-discovered, important information give this new study of 19th and 20th century Japanese porcelain a most refreshing approach. Visual comparisons of the major styles can be made even by the beginning student because there are so many fine color pictures of the examples. Kakiemon, Nabeshima, Arita, Hirado and Fukagawa styles of Imari; Kutani; Satsuma

Only recently recognized for its many contributions to ceramics found throughout the world, the Scottish pottery industry has existed for more than two hundred years. Rather than compete with England's famed potteries to the south, Scotland focused on the export market, sending its colorful and decorative wares to America, Canada, and many parts of Southeast Asia. Widely enjoyed, these popular and

Since the 1930s, more than 1.5 million glass paperweights have been made in Britain. Here is the first comprehensive reference to identify them. Whether you have been given one paperweight as a gift and know nothing about the subject, or are a serious collector who owns hundreds of items, this book is certain to prove indispensable. For the beginner, the illustrations and listings will help in ide

During the second half of the twentieth century, Scandinavian potters and glassmakers drew on elements present in China and Japan during the period of the Sung Dynasty to produce pieces of beauty and elegance that combined subtle glazes and classical shapes. The qualities came to characterize Scandinavian design in combining the fundamentals of craftsmanship, quality, subtlety, and a relationship

This new reference book examines the common features of quilts made by the Amish in America and the Welsh in Britain. More than 90 images show colorful combinations and design repertoire that provide a possible cross-cultural link. Today Amish quilts are seen both as an art form and a symbol of the values they hold near and dear: controlled order, simplicity of design, and discreet ornamentation.

This comprehensive, technical guide offers the distiller pretty much everything there is to know about distilling fruit brandies. Raw materials, fermentation, mashing, alcohol determination, clarifying and filtering, and storage are all presented in great detail through text, diagrams, and photos. Each and every aspect of distilling is presented, including timing, yields, detecting distillation er

For the first time, a book has been written that explains all the tools and techniques necessary for successfully building models with brass. The detailed text is illustrated with over 320 color photos.

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

That dream car of all dream cars, the Mercedes-Benz, is presented here in full glory through 285 images. What were the qualities that made them icons of all auto building? Beginning in the pioneer days with the 35 HP model of 1901 through the top-rank sports cars of the 1920s and 1930s, the gullwing-door 300 SL and the legendary "Uhlenhaut Coupe" of the 1950s, and the C 111, with its Wankel engine

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

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