Inspired by architecture around the world, the 37 simple line drawings in this colouring book were collected by Rough Guides. They feature views of sites and buildings including Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal as well as details such as the Rose window at the Sacré-Coeur basilica.

In the early twentieth century, many artists were commissioned to design posters encouraging the public to visit the capital's various attractions via public transport. This colouring book presents outlines of 22 of the resulting artworks, each page blank on the back to allow for display.

Each of the 20 line drawings in these titles is followed by a detachable page with a special coating in which budding artists can scratch their own version, using the enclosed stylus. While there is scope to personalize the final piece or create a unique work, the suggested images include simple floral designs, woodland animals and geometric shapes. The three titles included in this set are: Scratch and Draw: Botanicals (Read more...) Scratch and Draw: Patterns (Read more...) Scratch and Draw: Enchanted Animals (Read more...)

Sue Stratford presents six simple festive jumper projects in four child and four adult sizes. Easy-to-use charts printed on removable fold-out sheets are supplied for the motifs – Snowman, Winter Trees, Nordic Fair Isle, Christmas Pudding, Reindeer and Santa Claus – and also included is a guide to suggested materials and basic techniques, including surface embroidery.

The sugar crafters Paul Bradford and David Brice demonstrate all the skills and techniques needed to decorate fourteen festive cakes. Each project, with themes such as 'Snowball Fight', 'Penguin Igloo' and 'Christmas Wedding', comprises instructions to layer, carve and cover the cakes, followed by step-by-step tutorials on making the sugar paste embellishments.

The Danish artist Karen-Marie Fabricius presents instructions to make 25 paper star designs using techniques such as origami, kirigami (paper folding and cutting), quilling and weaving. Suitable for hanging on a window, from the mantelpiece or on the Christmas tree, and presented with a difficulty rating from 1 star for simple geometric patterns to 5 stars for intricate curled creations, each project is illustrated with step-by-step photographs.

Over 40 festive-themed activities feature in this collection, which includes games and puzzles as well as templates and step-by-step instructions for a range of papercraft projects, from paper garlands to the more challenging advent calendar and Christmas crackers. Age 6+

Designed to encourage imaginative play, these 36 simple felt accessories can be used to create costumes for twelve different characters, from superheroes such as Captain Courage to mythical creatures, and animals including a parrot, a peacock and a tiger. The book contains templates for the masks, wings, paws and tails, and step-by-step instructions and diagrams.

With projects suitable for knitters of all abilities, this illustrated collection of 22 Scandinavian-inspired Christmas stocking designs incorporates motifs such as hearts, reindeer, spruce trees and folk dancers. Also included are patterns for festive mittens, leg warmers, and an elf hat, plus the complete alphabet in three different fonts for easy personalization.

The dancer and choreographer Keyna Paul begins by outlining the history, dress codes and health benefits of ten different dance disciplines, including ballet, burlesque, flamenco and tap. Next, supported by links to online videos, she introduces the basic moves and steps for each style, plus practice tasks and sequences. Music suggestions and adaptations for less mobile participants are included.

With basic instructions for beginners and new ideas for seasoned crochet enthusiasts, Susan Pinner presents her second book of projects based on ‘granny squares and shapes’ – small designs that form the building blocks for making clothes, accessories, blankets, rugs and cushions.

There are 20 portraits of animals in this book of Querkles; they are hidden in puzzles made up of hundreds of overlapping circles, the segments of which have been numbered from 1–5. All you have to do is colour or shade the circles and segments, making 1s the darkest and 5s the lightest, to reveal your work of art.

These nine alphabet charts allow knitters to add names and slogans to their own projects or to one of the 24 patterns in the book, including a monogrammed sweater, personalized hats and bags, and homeware. The fonts range from simple block letters to more elaborate cursive and Wild West styles. Basic knitting skills, and the Fair Isle and intarsia techniques that are used for the lettering, are explained fully and illustrated with diagrams.

Designed for artists of all abilities, this course focuses on the human figure and the techniques required to draw the human body, clothed or unclothed, at rest or in motion. Barber begins with anatomy, from the skeleton to elements such as hands and feet, and goes on to explain how to tackle clothes, various poses, action and facial features, using his own drawings as step-by-step examples and gradually building up to more advanced techniques of figure drawing.

This illustrated guide to hand-printing explains a range of techniques – from image transfers and stencils to relief printing and cyanotype – and demonstrates how to use each to transform a range of household objects, clothing and accessories. The 23 step-by-step projects, such as greeting cards, cushion covers, placemats and scarves, are suitable for all ability levels. Includes advice on tools and materials.

Inspired by ancient artefacts, the thirty beading projects in this collection include a collar featuring the turquoise, lapis and carnelian colours associated with King Tutankhamun, a scarf lariat inspired by the water nymphs of Greek legend and a cuff based on a classic Roman coin bracelet. A core techniques section explains the stitches and knots required, and advice on materials is included.

Most of the 38 pairs of detailed photographs in this puzzle book show crowd scenes or images of everyday life around the world, including Manhattan at dusk and Bangkok’s floating market. Each duplicate contains at least 50 differences for the eagle-eyed to spot, with the enclosed spotter’s guide helping to narrow the search area. Answers are at the back.

Evocative paintings of the First and Second World War are reproduced in line art for this colouring book. Among the 21 pictures are compositions by Paul Nash and Laura Knight, and thumbnails of the originals are included for reference.

Blue Peter, the world’s longest-running children’s television programme, is known for its famous ‘makes’ – creative projects which transform everyday household objects into toys and gifts. This collection reproduces some of the most memorable designs, including the Advent Crown, the Doll’s House and Tracy Island, and has a foreword by Valerie Singleton and contributions from former presenters and the ‘Queen of Makes’, Margaret Parnell.

The first part of this spiral-bound volume offers an introduction to stumpwork, blackwork, hardanger; crewel, pulled and canvas work; and freestyle embroidery; comprising background information plus an illustrated guide to forming the stitches and motifs. Part two provides instructions to complete 30 projects that use the techniques, with photographs of examples from different eras.

Offering a comprehensive stitch library based on her photographs and sketches, creative designer Emma Vining demonstrates how the natural world and built environment can inspire cabled knitting. From straight lines to curved shapes, openwork and short rows, each technique is fully explained and patterns are given for ten accessories, including wristwarmers with a simple diagonal cable, and a more complex colourwork scarf.

Grouped by season, the Japanese-inspired designs in this collection include dresses, tunics, trousers, shirts and accessories. Step-by-step illustrated instructions are followed by an envelope of paper patterns in four sizes, printed at actual size.

In a series of lessons organized around historical alphabets, this stroke-by-stroke beginner’s course teaches simple scripts such as Roman Capitals before progressing to the elegantly decorated Copperplate and Spencerian hands. It also features warm-up exercises, advice on spacing and colour and instructions for several calligraphic craft projects, including a bookmark and an embossed certificate. Slightly off-mint.

The 40 projects detailed in this book can be made using fabric, paper, yarn or other basic craft supplies and include designs to celebrate particular seasons, such as a classic winter pinecone garland, as well as ideas for general decoration. Many are aimed at beginners, with clear instructions, templates and lists of materials, and diagrams of the necessary crochet and hand stitches.

This step-by-step guide provides an introduction to the techniques of professional illustration for comics. In addition to basic drawing skills, it demonstrates how to capture character, add backgrounds and lettering, and develop a storyboard.

This step-by-step guide provides an introduction to the techniques of professional illustration for fantasy art. In addition to basic drawing skills, it demonstrates how to capture a range of characters, including animals, demons and magicians, add settings and create atmosphere.

This step-by-step guide provides an introduction to the techniques of professional illustration for cartoons. In addition to basic drawing skills, it demonstrates how to develop human and animal characters, portray movement and create a storyboard.

This step-by-step guide provides an introduction to the techniques of professional illustration for caricatures. In addition to basic drawing skills, it demonstrates how to capture character, expression and posture.

In 1696, under the Qing Dynasty, the Imperial Palace glassworks began to produce pieces synonymous with quality, technique and beauty. This volume, illustrated with photographs, presents an analysis of 62 items, such as snuff bottles, incense burners, lidded boxes and ornaments, that reflect the pinnacle of development in art and technology at that time.

A key figure in the Art Nouveau movement, Tiffany (1848–1933) is best known today for his glasswork but also worked with ceramics, metal and enamel. Following an introduction to his career, this title from the Masterpieces of Art series focuses on his windows, lampshades and the decorative pieces that exemplify his bold use of colour, illustrating them with over 90 full-page reproductions.

This independent price guide and collectors’ handbook is published by Coin News and is an invaluable source of information, with details of specialist dealers as well as notes on cleaning and caring for coins. Fully revised and updated, this edition contains a new section focused on Britannias in addition to illustrated entries on English, Scottish, Irish and Island coins; Celtic and Roman coins; and hammered, milled and decimal coinage.

Founded by William of Wykeham in the late 14th century, Winchester College houses an outstanding collection of medieval manuscripts, books, old maps, paintings and artefacts as diverse as a cast of the Parthenon frieze and a former science master’s pitch flow experiment. After a substantial introductory history, this volume provides detailed commentary on 50 items, including a Ming dynasty meiping, CRW Nevinson’s Twilight (1916), and first editions of Newton’s Principia, Hooke’s Micrographia and the King James Bible.

Dating back to pre-Ancient Egyptian times, the earliest surviving dolls were probably religious idols, rather than children’s playthings. This highly illustrated history examines materials used in doll-making and includes sections on doll’s houses, puppets and teddy bears. There are examples from Persia, Pakistan and Brazil, alongside the 19th-century child-pleasing French ‘bébé’ that could cry or drink from a bottle, and the rival German doll that could whistle when pressed.

This comprehensive guide for beginners and experienced dolls’ house enthusiasts, whether using 1/12 or 1/24 scales, describes a range of styles, covering historical periods and cultural influences from a Tudor interior to a Zen apartment. The author suggests ways to present miniature scenes featuring purchased items and provides instructions for making items such as tables and a fireplace. Illustrated with colour photographs, the book includes advice on equipment and a list of suppliers.

Japanese lacquer-work was in high demand in 17th-century England, but following difficulties sourcing wares from Japan, English craftsmen began imitating the style, creating a ‘japanning’ industry, which thrived in the 18th and 19th centuries. This is the most comprehensive guide available on the subject; it includes many photographic examples of japanning, detailing its origins, techniques used and life for workers in the industry, with specific chapters on craftsmen in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Bilston.

An admirer of John Ruskin and a founder of Brighton Museum, Henry Willett was an enthusiastic collector, especially of 16th–19th century British ceramics. His collection is remarkable for being rooted in 'popular British history', with a varied subject matter depicting bull baiting, pugilism, poetry, animal husbandry and teetotalism. The book reproduces 700 of the nearly 2,000 items he owned and replicates his idiosyncratic cataloguing system, with sections including ‘Royalty and Loyalty’, ‘Naval Heroes’ and ‘Domestic Incidents’.

Celebrating the work of thirteen independent watchmakers, this catalogue is based on a 2018 exhibition that travelled to Rome, New York, Hong Kong and London. Detailed photographs and sketches of the timepieces they have created and the miniature mechanics that power them are accompanied by portraits of the makers in their workshops, biographical information and descriptions of their traditional working methods.

The Della Robbia Pottery in Birkenhead was founded in 1894 by Harold Rathbone. A junior member of a wealthy and influential family, Harold was free to pursue an artistic career and his pottery was inspired by his studies of Renaissance art in Italy and the ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement. In six essays, this slim volume explores the pottery, its inspiration and the distinctive output of ceramics created there before its closure in 1906.

Devised to showcase different beading techniques, both on-and-off-loom, Jane Lock presents 17 step-by-step jewellery projects, including bracelets, cuffs, necklaces and pendants, with some by guest designers. An introduction comprises a glossary of beads (detailing their composition, size, shape, finish, and tips on using them), and clear guidance on colour matching and jewellery construction.

Kat Goldin presents crochet patterns for every occasion, from birthdays, housewarmings and baby showers to Mother's Day and festive celebrations. Suitable for a range of abilities, the projects, including hats, cardigans, scarves, throws, cushion covers and bunting, are supplemented with advice on techniques and stitches, finishing and aftercare.

Creating beautiful portraits requires a variety of skills, from planning the composition to perfecting the details of hair and facial features. This handbook offers valuable and reliable advice, including how to choose a background, how to work out a pose, and methods of ensuring a good likeness.

Listing thousands of silver marks from around the world, from 1700 to the present day, Miller’s Encyclopedia provides the most comprehensive, in-depth guide to identifying the maker, date and country of origin of any silver object. The work is in two volumes: the first is a visual index of marks listed by type (letters, animals, emblems etc); the second lists marks by continent and country and includes information on various resources for collectors. Two volumes, slip-cased.

Incorporating information about tools, materials and techniques such as soldering and stone setting, these step-by-step instructions and over 200 photographs will inspire beginners as well as experienced practitioners to create unique pieces of jewellery and develop a personal style.

Each of the eight tutorials in this art techniques guide is an extended dissection of a famous Van Gogh composition, with a list of required materials and colours, a drawing template and illustrated instructions for each step of the painting process (Sunflowers has 32 steps illustrated). Also included are The Bedroom, Wheatfield with Crows and Fishing Boats on the Beach.

The step-by-step origami tutorials in this guide are presented in four sections. The 'One-Piece Projects' can be formed from a single sheet of paper, 'Twists and Turns' are objects that change form with movement, while 'Modular Projects' and 'Advanced Modules' comprise multiple-piece, more intricate creations. The shapes range from a simple cube and tetrahedron to an elaborate flower ball and starburst, and can all be fashioned from the 35 sheets of specialist paper included.

Ideal for beginners, and including basic information on equipment from pencils to sewing machines, each technique in this practical guide is explained with tips and colour photographs and followed up with an activity: from sewing seams to making a tablecloth; piping to stitching a headboard cover; pleating to upholstering a footstool. In addition, 30 easy-to-follow household projects include a throw, cushions and curtains.

This illustrated volume presents clear step-by-step instructions to make four pairs of dollhouse-sized girls and 55 mix-and-match outfits to dress them in, including outerwear, tops and dresses, bottoms, and accessories. Also included are full-sized templates, hints and tips on customization and embellishments, and a quick reference embroidery guide.

Including detailed depictions of and explanations for 245 stitches, with instructions on tools and materials and 24 projects to complete – from a skill-displaying sampler to a glittery evening bag – this is a valuable resource for stitchwork practitioners. Although some techniques are suitable for beginners and others require a degree of knowledge and experience, this comprehensive reference book can provide inspiration for all.

Table mats, bags, wall hangings and quilts are some of the appliqué projects featured in this illustrated how-to guide, which contains templates for 20 designs. Listing all necessary materials, the book features chapters on fabric selection, tools and equipment and the different machine and hand techniques, including needle-turn, needle felting, piecing, embroidery, quilting and finishing.

After explaining the basic techniques and equipment needed to make lampshades of different shapes and sizes, this illustrated book shows how to embellish them to suit different interior styles. Ideas include a beaded bohemian chandelier, retro paper designs and upcycling fabrics and other objects for a contemporary look.

An understanding of skeletal and muscular anatomy is crucial in order to accurately depict the human body. The 20 examples in this sketchbook, including drawings by Da Vinci, Dürer, Picasso and Giacometti, are interspersed with concise tips to provide a technical understanding of the subject, and blank and grid-lined pages on which to practice. For beginners, there is a general information section on materials and techniques.

This crafting activity book includes ideas for imaginative paper-based projects using a range of techniques such as stamping, stencilling, origami and découpage. Step-by-step instructions outline each method and there are templates and decorative papers to cut out.

Sourced from the British Library's extensive archive of illuminated medieval and Renaissance poetry, bestiaries and religious manuscripts, the 22 animal pictures in this colouring folio are printed on tear-out pages that are blank on the reverse. The original artworks are reproduced in colour on the inside cover.

Mark Linley reveals the secrets of his craft and provides tips and assignments as he guides readers to produce drawings that capture the essence of a character. From doodling to focusing on facial features, he explains how to caricature friends and famous people. First published in 1999.

This comprehensive introduction to pastels comprises an overview of materials and techniques and a series of illustrated tutorials.

This illustrated introduction to intarsia knitting explains basic skills such as working from charts and joining in new colours, starting with inlaying a single motif and moving on to more complex multi-coloured patterning. It presents a varied collection of projects to complete, written in full-hand, including a fox-themed cushion, chevron scarf, and star blanket.

For the absolute sewing novice, this manual provides information on materials and tools, as well as tips on how to measure and get organized. Starting with basic stitches, followed by a simple bunting project, the techniques progress to hemming, binding, gathering and appliqué, while projects include a tote bag, an apron, a cot blanket and a covered coat-hanger.

Beloved by style icons from Grace Kelly to the Duchess of Cambridge, cashmere depends on three components for its production: the goat, the water and the artisan. In this illustrated volume, Lynne McCrossan explains how makers across Scotland employ centuries-old practices to craft clothing for fashion powerhouses including Hermes and Dior and offers advice on creating a cashmere capsule wardrobe.

May Clee-Cadman of Maisie Fantasie fame explains how to re-create a selection of her best-loved designs, such as her 'Ruffles' and 'Champagne Bubbles' wedding centrepieces, as well as daisy-themed cupcakes and mini-cakes embellished with sugar-paste lavender sprigs and hearts. She provides recipes for vanilla sponge, carrot, fruit and chocolate fudge cakes and offers advice on decorating with fresh flowers, ribbons and jewels.

Owned and preserved by The Quilters’ Guild of the British Isles, the 1718 silk patchwork coverlet features hearts, flowers, animals and heraldic devices as well as simple geometric shapes. Following a brief history of the coverlet this book offers detailed information on its construction, templates and instructions for making each of its 69 blocks, and guides to both traditional and modern piecing, allowing quilters to create a replica. Foreword by Kaffe Fassett.

Inspired variously by Art Nouveau, Greek ceramics, Indian temples and Gaudi's mosaics plus the colours and patterns found within exotic flowers, this collection of cake designs is organized in three sections: round, square and creative cakes. A comprehensive reference section explains the basic techniques required, detailed instructions cover every aspect of the bake and design templates enable a professional result.

These 16 projects, by four renowned origami artists, use a range of techniques, from traditional folds to more recent methods, such as electro and wet folding. There are tips on tools and materials, clear instructions and photographs, and projects designed to advance the crafter's skills, including wall art, jewellery and decorative pieces.

The renowned quilt maker Lynne Edwards presents 20 step-by-step projects devised to use up remnants of fabric. Ideas include an eclectic variety of quilts and smaller items such as bags and soft toys. Each design comes complete with easy-to-follow piecing diagrams plus expert advice on bordering, backing and binding.

The artist David Bellamy has long been attracted to the Arctic. He tells the story of his expeditions to northern Scandinavia, Iceland, Greenland and Svalbard, while his watercolours capture the grandeur of their mountains, glaciers and icebergs. He sketches wildlife such as Arctic terns, polar bears, seals and walrus, and explains the difficulties of painting in freezing conditions.

In this detailed volume, Bernadette van Gelder explores the aesthetic and cultural heritage of Indian jewellery. More than 150 photographs are accompanied by text covering subjects such as the special status of gold and the hierarchy of precious stones; she also retells the legends associated with different gems and explains their significance in Hindu astrology.

Airfix is synonymous with construction kits, but between the late 1940s and 1981 the company also produced an extensive assortment of plastic games, craft items, building, racing and train sets, as well as miscellaneous items such as shoes and houseware. This nostalgic illustrated history of the company's 'other' output looks at topics including logos and packaging, Motor Ace, Meccano and Dinky toys, and contains a full listing of pattern (model) numbers.

The modern timepieces in this illustrated tour of 60 finely crafted, creative and original watches include the 15.48 Driver Watch, the Andreas Strehler Time Shadow and two bespoke designs from the author, founder of Paolo Mathai Horology. They were made by remarkable watchmakers from Aaron Becsei, a third-generation Budapest watchmaker, to Remi Maillat, who left Cartier to create his own brand.

Based on many years’ experience in the field, this practical guide offers advice on equipment, how to establish a sound technique, composing an image, using light, and improving the final results. It explains these principles using 80 of the author’s own photographs of varied landscapes from Cumbria to Utah, breaking down each into its elements to demonstrate shutter speeds, exposures, depth of field, and the use of filters.

Matt Hayes is one of Britain's best-known anglers, through appearances on the Discovery Channel and contributions to the Angling Times. His photographs of the sport, and the fish, have been used in many publications and, in this guide, he describes his methods for creating compelling angling images, from taking a good 'trophy shot' on the river bank to creating atmosphere and drama in a variety of locations, and photographing fish underwater. Limited Edition. Off-mint.

The beginner woodcarver is introduced to the essential tools and techniques of the craft in this manual and there are also practical projects to suit more advanced practitioners, from bookends and boxes to intricately carved picture frames.

From Iron and Bronze Age spinning tools to the globalized, branded leisure wear of the late 20th century, this two-volume history brings together 32 essays by contributors ranging from archaeologists to historians of fashion to give a full account of the production and uses of textiles in the western world. The history of all the major textile industries, including wool, linen, silk, cotton and artificial fibres is explored; and the work also examines the far-reaching implications of textiles in the history of economies and societies. Slipcased.

Named after the great Italian Renaissance ceramicist, the Della Robbia Pottery was founded by Harold Rathbone, the son of a Liverpool businessman. Embodying the principles of the Pre-Raphaelites and the Arts and Crafts Movement, it produced uniquely beautiful tiles, vases and other wares for more than a decade. This lavishly illustrated book charts its history, explains its working methods, and includes a catalogue of its products, an A–Z of the pottery's artists, and a guide to its marks.

Nancy Nicholson demonstrates how, by substituting embroidery silk for knitting and tapestry wool, it is possible to create folk-art inspired hand-stitched designs on a large scale. Some of the 20 projects are for embellishing existing homewares, accessories and clothing, while others are made from scratch.

Each chapter in this resource book focuses on a different beading technique – including weaving, threading and stringing and wire-work – guiding the reader through the skills, tools and materials required to create more than 30 projects such as bags, scarves and jewellery.

Vanessa Mooncie presents 23 sewing patterns for boys’ and girls’ clothing, sized from newborn to age three. Including everyday wear such as a romper suit and dungarees, as well as dressing-up outfits and accessories to use excess fabric, each design has simple instructions and suggestions for the type of fabric to use. A comprehensive techniques section explains how to ensure a professional finish.

Drawing on the V&A’s famous collections of fabric design, this card wallet comprises 60 sheets of origami paper printed with designs by William Morris, Owen Jones and their contemporaries, accompanied by clear step-by-step instructions for 10 projects, including birds, boxes, a butterfly and a coin purse.

In this volume, illustrated with examples of her work, Lisa Hooper encourages the use of nature as a source of inspiration for printmaking and demonstrates a range of printing techniques. An introductory chapter explains how to combine elements of character, light, form and place to design a wildlife print; other topics covered include etching, collagraph, woodblock printing and monotypes.

Whether renovating an old kitchen or installing a new one, many homeowners opt to cut costs by doing it themselves. Illustrated with step-by-step photographs throughout, this guide explains how to plan, budget for and design a kitchen, and safely dismantle an old one. Dedicated chapters cover cabinets, counters, splashbacks, floors, lighting and appliances, with the emphasis on affordable goods widely available from DIY stores.

Each of the eight country-inspired home projects in this illustrated guide is worked in two complementary fabrics from collections by Amy Butler and Joel Dewberry. A suggested toolkit of equipment required for a professional finish is included, and easy-to-follow instructions guide the crafter through the process, from cutting out to finishing, to create items including a bolster, a large floor cushion, a tablecloth and a lap quilt.

This manual demonstrates how to create striking designs based on geometric shapes. It introduces basic techniques and includes projects ranging from a simple garter stitch striped scarf to dotted mittens made using stranded colourwork.

This illustrated guide to Spanish fans offers a comprehensive overview of their origin, development and use, from the gem-encrusted status symbols of the wealthy to the mass-produced, disposable paper trifles used to advertise goods and services. The various religious and cultural influences that inspired their design are considered, along with the range of materials used to construct them and the artists who decorated them.

Aiming to teach novices the skills required to extend the life of their clothing, this illustrated guide begins with tutorials on rudimentary tasks such as threading a needle and forming simple stitches. Guidance is given on managing sewing emergencies including missing buttons, broken zips and ill-fitting waistbands, and how to stock a sewing kit and work with different fabrics.

Vanessa Mooncie’s designs for an entire menagerie of hats provide easy-to-follow instructions intended for knitters of all abilities. These fun hats in adult and children’s sizes range from a smart-suited penguin to a floppy-eared bunny, and the appendix explains how to line your hat and includes a guide to basic techniques, a glossary of abbreviations, conversion charts and a list of suppliers.

From a Shaker-style desk and a blanket chest to a Robert Adam-inspired breakfront bookcase and an inlaid chest of drawers, this collection contains 25 carpentry projects from Furniture and Cabinetmaking magazine. Including classical, traditional, Arts and Crafts and contemporary style designs, the plans are aimed principally at the intermediate level to experienced woodworker, with step-by-step instructions, diagrams, photographs and exploded 3D artworks.

Aimed at those who have never learned how to thread a needle, sew on a button or darn a hole, this illustrated guide covers the basics of hand and machine sewing, everyday repairs and instant fixes in emergencies.

Modern calligraphy takes the structure and technique of traditional copperplate handwriting, with its regular curves and flourishes, and allows the artist to create more flexible and creative styles and letterforms. This introduction to the art explains the tools and techniques required and takes the novice through a series of exercises and practical projects from table decorations, menu cards and wedding stationery to decorative writing on paper, metal, glass, wood and other surfaces.

Combining their love of crafts and cycling, the contributors to this volume present 20 handmade accessories for bicycles and their riders. The ideas range from the practical, such as a clutch bag that attaches to the handlebars, or crocheted wrist warmers, to more whimsical options including decorations for the basket and spokes. The knitting, crochet and sewing techniques are fully explained with diagrams, making the projects suitable for beginners.

The perfect gift for babies and toddlers, these 30 imaginative designs range from lacy summer sandals to woolly winter boots and are created through knitting, crochet or stitching. With clear illustrations and instructions, and a section that explains the techniques that are used in more detail, many of these projects are suitable for beginners. The book also includes pattern sheets and a template for making soles.

After smoking was prohibited in the 17th century, the Chinese began using snuff as medicine, producing special bottles for its storage. Highly collectable items today, this book explains their allure, with chapters on materials used – glass, jade, quartz – and the motifs and painting styles that decorate some exteriors. Including many photographic examples that reveal the variety of designs, Stevens reserves his favourites for the final chapter. Slipcased.

With the gift of the Bowles Collection of 18th-century porcelains, the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco became one of America's leading centres for the study of fine European ceramics. This lavishly illustrated catalogue of the collection describes 182 pieces, arranged in sections on the Chelsea, Bow, Longton Hall, Worcester and Chantilly factories, and revealing the collectors' particular enthusiasm for red anchor Chelsea botanical plates and porcelain modelled in fruit, vegetable and animal forms. Slightly off-mint.

Once complete, the paths through the 60 mazes in this book each create the outline of an animal. The mazes are surrounded by intricate line drawings inspired by the natural world, to colour in, detach and display.

Focusing on trees, flowers and seascapes, this illustrated manual explains how to identify the elements of a scene that capture its essence and develop them to create a personal vision in the spirit of the Impressionists. Aimed at landscape painters of all levels, advice is also given on tools and materials, the transition from plein air to the studio, and techniques including wax resist and scraping for texture.

Born in Romania, Demetre Chiparus studied in Paris and stayed on to experience the cultural explosion of the inter-war years. He became an iconic Art Deco sculptor, his delicate figurines – which depict elaborately dressed dancers, children and animals – enjoying great popularity. Charting his life and influences, and the materials and foundries he used, this updated volume of the 1993 publication includes colour plates of his work, recently discovered pieces and a selection of his paintings.

This illustrated guide to creating sugar paste cake toppers features 65 ideas for a range of occasions. The humorous characters and miniature scenes include a mischievous puppy, a pirate with his parrot and treasure chest, and a jolly Santa accompanied by a teddy bear and sack of presents. Information on basic shapes and equipment is followed by detailed instructions on how to make and assemble each design.

From a teddy bears’ picnic, ideal for a first birthday, through ideas for budding superheroes and little princesses, to disco and paintballing themes suitable for teenagers, this well-illustrated book offers step-by-step instructions to make twelve novelty cakes for children. It contains recipes for the cakes, fillings and toppings; shows how to sculpt them; and includes time-saving alternatives such as cupcakes and cookies.

Catering for every level of skill, this collection comprises more than 100 knitting projects, including patterns for cardigans, sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves and socks for children and adults, and blankets, pillows, bags and toys for the home. A substantial section on basic equipment and techniques includes step-by-step illustrated instructions for everything from casting on to seams and blocking, plus a useful photo gallery of stitch patterns.