Crafts & Collectables

Following George V’s request for modern Ascot trophies, the government began encouraging British design in the 1930s, their plans coming to fruition post-war. This compendium features photographic samples from and biographies of the 50 most influential modern British designer silversmiths, based on one-to-one interviews and family records. Shorter entries are included for a further 170 designer silversmiths, enamellers and engravers, providing a unique, comprehensive record of their craft through to the present day. Slipcased.

The history of Netsuke – the toggles associated with the Japanese kimono – stretches back for nearly half a millennium. Early examples served a purely functional purpose, but over time they evolved into miniature works of art, often with spiritual connotations. This illustrated compendium demonstrates the affinity between Netsuke and Japan’s ancient Haiku and Waka poetry tradition, analysing the art forms side by side and noting their shared characteristics of simplicity, restraint and master craftsmanship.

Cardmaking is a good introduction to crafting, combining simple paper cutting and folding with the use of a range of accessories such as stamps, punches, templates and stickers. With 160 card designs covering every occasion from children's birthdays to wedding anniversaries, this crafter's compendium introduces all the basic techniques as well as more advanced skills such as quilling and 3D découpage.

With example photographs including the beauty spots of the British Isles and the canyons of Utah and Arizona, this manual explores camera technique as well as compositional considerations, and includes a technical breakdown of all the images used.

With many examples of the use of carved ornament and a description of the principles and development of classical motifs, this guide for the ambitious woodcarver demonstrates methods for creating decorative elements, from scrolls and keystones to foliage and finials.

Henry V's victory at the Battle of Agincourt had been largely funded by the City of London and in gratitude he presented the Lord Mayor with the Crystal Sceptre, which has remained part of the treasures of the office ever since. This book examines the city's regalia and gold and silver collection, much of it photographed here for the first time, including important items of the finest craftsmanship from the 15th century to the present day.

In this book a wide range of historic coats of arms, crests and seals are presented in outline form, ready for you to colour in. There are over 90 outline drawings, labelled with the names of the original holders of the arms, but the choice of colours is up to you.

Including an introduction to the history and ethos of Shetland lace, 15 patterns and clear instructions using both metric and imperial measurements, this well-illustrated guide to knitting traditional shawls is intended for experienced knitters who wish to advance their skills. The book concludes with advice on tools and equipment, core techniques and how to wear, wash, repair and store the finished items.

Inspired by traditional Swedish textiles, this photographic guide provides ideas for customizing items from T-shirts and baby clothes to cushions and lingerie. Useful advice in a section at the back includes an embroidery lesson illustrating basic stitches as well as templates for all the designs and a packet of tracing paper. Readers can adjust pattern sizes, if necessary, before transferring them onto their own projects.

This illustrated collection contains a whole menagerie of animal hats to choose from, and each project is clearly laid out with an easy-to-follow pattern and concise instructions. The designs supplied can be easily adapted to create a unique hat for children or adults with the help of the techniques section at the back of the book.

The couture knitwear designer Jean Moss shares a selection of 24 of her classic designs, with projects suitable for both beginners and more experienced knitters. She demystifies the techniques needed to knit seemingly complex pieces, reveals her tried-and-tested tricks of the trade and demonstrates how to achieve a professional finish every time.

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.

As well as traditional quilts, this collection of 40 sewing projects includes cushions, table runners and toppers, bags, pincushions and ideas for using appliqué to make gifts or revive clothes and accessories. The projects have clear instructions and cater for all levels of skill.

Ideal for those with some knowledge of macramé, this manual provides advice on materials and step-by-step instructions to help readers achieve a variety of knots for making rings, necklaces, earrings and a watch strap, and ultimately design their own pieces.

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.

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.

The distinctive ceramics produced by Clarice Cliff (1899–1972) at the Wilkinson and Newport potteries remain among the most popular collectables of the 21st century. This guide and reference for the enthusiast provides a useful introduction to the much-loved designer's world and key information on identifying her work. Over 500 pieces are illustrated and identified, and there is also practical advice on sourcing, storage, display and restoration.

The ceramics collections at the V&A are unrivalled in their range, diversity and global reach. Featuring 120 masterpieces, this beautiful book traces developments in world ceramics from ancient times to the present, and shows how worldwide trade and cultural interchange have shaped their histories. Outstanding new photographs reveal an array of stunning pieces, from dramatic Chinese funerary sculpture to exquisitely painted Italian Renaissance pottery and boldly modernist wares.

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.

Including designs suitable for all abilities, this collection includes a basic doll and bear (plus outfits to dress them in) and a menagerie of animals. Each project is illustrated with photographs.

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.

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.

A highly regarded sculptor in both wood and stone, Dick Onians presents a basic guide to sculpting the human figure, from the basics of anatomy to carving the whole figure, with chapters dealing with the head, torso and limbs, drapery, stylization and carving in relief.

This nature-inspired collection of winter-themed creative projects includes leaf preservation, silver-jewellery making, paper decorations, crocheted mittens, foraged infusions and seasonal recipes, all accompanied by step-by-step instructions and photographs shot at crafter Emma Mitchell’s home in the Fens.