Lifestyle and Hobbies

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

This introductory guide and valuation of the world's most legendary wristwatches includes more than 200 photographs that trace the trends of man's favorite toy – and his only socially acceptable piece of jewelry – for more than 100 years. The finely detailed photos reveal the beautiful and fascinating fashions in wristwatch style from 1879 to the modern era. From the prolific collection of renowne

Pop-art connoisseurs are treated to a mind-bending journey through the blistering paintings of San Francisco artist Dirty Donny Gillies. Take a visual tour of his vibrant, hand-drawn and screen-printed poster art series "Blacklight Rebellion" and hand-painted solo art show "Fantastic Voyage." This ultimate collection of cool also includes his iconic work for Stern Pinball, metal giant Metallica, V

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

Nearly 500 photos ofartwork with personal insights from 78 of today's most noteworthyartists show the tremendously broad range of possibilities that working in three dimensions can offer. In conjunction with the other two books in this acclaimedseries, it invitesreaders to re-examine fiber art through a multifaceted contemporarylens. Both established artists and emerging artists whose work isattra

There is much discussion among artisans when it comes to improving the cutting behavior of tools quickly and permanently, but the debate is settled here, where expert engineers and master craftsmen prove the benefits of sharpening blades and tools using methods based on time-tested Japanese water stone grinding techniques. Learn through detailed instructions how to get perfect edges on your chisel

More than 300 colorful photos and behind-the-scenes details reveal the fascinating story of Japan's cotton and indigo, and their enormous contribution to fiber arts worldwide. Learn how Japan and its top fabric designers, quilters, scientists, and artists combinetradition and high tech to weave the thread, fabrics, and stunningdesigns that are so coveted in today's fiber art world. Take a tour of

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 F4U Corsair, designed by Vought and produced by that firm, as well as, Goodyear and Brewster Aeronautical Corporation, would not only rack up an impressive 11:1 kill ratio against its foes in WWII, but go on to serve through the Korean War as well. The iconic inverted gull wing of the aircraft, along with its distinctive whistling sound made the Corsair unmistakable to friend and foe alike. Th

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

Narrow bands woven in colorful patterns are a centuries-old part of Baltic craft tradition. Thedouble-slotted heddle makes patterned band weaving quicker to learn and easier to do, and this is the first book that offers beginnersinstructions for using it. The craft doesn't involve bulkyequipment—all you need can be stored in a shoebox! Learn how to weave these beautiful bands stepby step, from the

Renowned textile artist Meredith Woolnough creates replicas of nature using a delicate system of tiny stitches. Her artwork is breathtaking,and now for the first time Woolnough offers crafters and fiberartists a lesson in how to use the "organic embroidery" technique. Look behind the scenes of her art process, from the initialfieldwork sketching and research that inspires her designs, to theproduc

Designed for modern makers looking for a book that will continue to inspire them as their skill grows. Lindsey Campbell, the weaver behind the popular blog and brand Hello Hydrangea, teaches more than 30 techniques plus 17 stylish projects for beginners to intermediate-level weavers. With 400+ detailed photos, Campbell offers just the right blend of learning, encouragement, and great weaving resul