Welcome to Kitschmasland in a fun and nostalgic look at our infatuation with Christmas holiday decor from the 1950s and through the 1970s. This beautiful revised book covers the gamut of decorations – some whimsical, some beautiful – and a treasure trove of campy kitsch that the author calls "Kitschmas!" Join a magical tour of retro homes decked out for the holidays, and enjoy a variety of festive
When Joe Keller and David Ross introduced the first book ever written dedicated to jadite, it was met with critical and popular enthusiasm. It was a tour de force! Now this fourth edition, there are over a thousand pieces illustrated in over 700 color photographs. Additional photographs and a reproduction section enhance the book, along with updated values to keep up with an ever-changing marketpl
Discover the foundations of astrology, Tarot, and runes, how these systems correspond to one another, and how to use them in combination for enhanced insight.
Learn the basic features of three major divination systems: astrology, Tarot, and runestones Discover the symbolic correspondences among these systems and unearth new layers of meaning in each Explore divination techniques that you can app
Mattel Co. celebrated the 25th anniversary of its diecast toy cars, Hot Wheels, in 1993. They were an instant success in 1968 and they continue to be loved by children and collectors alike.The 686 wonderful color photographs in this new book cover nearly every casting from the first car through the 1999 model year. They provide a complete visual guide for collectors. In addition, there is a listin
It's all here! Pictured and listed in this massive volume, now in its fourth edition, are fifty-four years' worth of toys produced between Matchbox's founding in 1947, and 2001, including their popular diecast vehicles, playsets, dolls, plastic kits, robots, and ephemera. The international scope of Matchbox toys is illustrated in catalogs and on boxes and labels printed in a dozen languages. Certa
This is a high-level overview of the legendary watch brand, A. Lange & Söhne. In 1845 Ferdinand Adolph Lange convinced the Saxon government to build a pocket watch factory in Glashütte, a quaint town in the East Ore Mountains now known as the birthplace of the German watch industry. For four generations the Langes produced some of the most exquisite, intricately designed wristwatches the horologic
Learn proven techniques and successful methods of creating mosaic art from 19 different artists. Patient professionals give informative, specific, and even moving accounts of their personal mosaic strategies. See a wide range of projects from a child's vanity with flashy platform shoes for feet, to a dazzling representation of the ancient Golden Ratio; nothing is beyond the capabilities of these m
Mommy's New Tattoo is the story of a young girl who visits a tattoo shop for the first time with her mother, who is getting a tattoo. The story examines the mother's reason for getting tattooed and the lasting consequences of wearing and displaying body art. This wisdom helps the young girl later in life when she goes to a tattoo shop for her own tattoo. Written in rhyming verse and crisply illust
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. For everyone from beginners to experienced jewelry makers and floral designers, this volume is an essential guide to creating exciting, colorful, and undoubtedly unique accessories that are suitable
Here is Robert Alvarado's second collection of pin-up photography. Relying on the subtlest of costuming, which goes a long way to add color, texture, humor, and homage to his images, Alvarado uses this collection to focus more on the female form.
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.
By training fruit trees and shrubs to grow in controlled shapes, you accomplish two goals: improved appearance and increased productivity. Depending on location and demand, espalier fruit trees can offer privacy, weather protection, and decoration, not to mention an abundant and delicious harvest. All types of trellises, including wall-covering cordons and free-standing pergolas, are featured here
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. Here is the first comprehensive look at the movement, pre
Cosplay, dressing up as characters from pop culture, has swept fan conventions around the world. Now, explore the adult side of this popular phenomenon. This enormous collection of pin-up style photos provides a tantalizing look at sexy female cosplayers from around the world. They are not afraid to shed their costume to bring your character fantasies to life. Stepping away from the "booth babe" s
Pin-ups are a classic American art form that have enthralled several generations since first gaining widespread popularity in the 1920s. Today, internationally acclaimed photographer Celeste Giuliano has developed a style of photography that masterfully pays homage to the sweet and sexy look of the classic pin-up girl illustrations from WWII America. With a focus on details, authenticity, lighting
Unnamed Graves, a Secret Cemetery, Files Closed to the Public and Stored in "The Vault." During World War II, in the North African/Mediterranean and European Theaters of Operation, 96 American soldiers were convicted by Army General Courts-Martial and executed for desertion, murder and rape. Their victims were 26 fellow American soldiers and 71 British, French, Italian, Polish and Algerian civilia
On the night of August 14-15, 1944, the First Airborne Task Force, which included the U.S. 509th, 517th and 551st Parachute Infantry Regiments, jumped into enemy held territory spearheading Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion of southern France. Based on interviews from all combatant units, battlefield archaeology, period photos, letters and reports, this book provides an outstandingly detailed
This is the first comprehensive work, in either English or Italian, to address Italian small arms used during World War I and World War II. It describes each weapon and covers the developmental history and use of all Italian designed and produced pistols, rifles, submachine guns and machine guns used during both conflicts, as well as prototype weapons and foreign weapons used by the Italians. Othe
These books present in detail the field-grey uniforms, helmets, weapons, and equipment used before and during the First World War. The origin and the many formations in existence at the outbreak of the war, and newly raised will be outlined, followed by a section on uniforms. The many carefully selected black and white war-era photos with large and complete captions will give the reader a thorough