A paper aeroplane may only be a folded sheet but it adheres to the same aerodynamic principles as the real thing and knowing how to tweak the wing angle or add a kink in the wings can make your dart fly in loops or give it the extra lift it needs. This guide presents folding plans for 20 designs of paper plane with different flying characteristics and provides 80 colourfully patterned sheets of paper.

The Japanese tradition of manga comic book art with its instantly recognizable bold graphic style has become increasingly popular in the West, influencing the style of Western graphic artists and filmmakers. This manual explains the manga style and its basic forms, provides step-by-step instructions for drawing a host of characters from ninjas and cyberpunk kids to superheroes and monsters, and explores how to render dynamic poses and expressions.

Drawing and painting people convincingly is one of the most challenging subjects for artists, whether giving figures correct proportion and natural posture or achieving a likeness in portraiture. With step-by-step instruction and examples in various styles and media, this manual advises on all aspects of painting the human form, including nude studies, rendering clothing, approaches to facial features and considerations of light and colour.

Originally published in France, this book provides an initial guide to basic techniques – embroidery, crochet, felting, papier mâché and pyrography (burning on wood) among others – followed by 140 creative craft projects, including fashion accessories, interior design ideas, lighting and lamps, organizers, decorative table linen and ‘little ideas’ with buttons, beads and seeds. The projects all have clear instructions, templates and diagrams where needed, along with photographs of the finished work.

As well as explaining how to create paper flowers and foliage, Kelsey Elam presents a gallery of 100 flowers, each with a list of the materials needed to make it, the techniques used and, at the back of the book, templates for the leaf and petal shapes. A practical section explains and illustrates the techniques and there are four projects to try, including a bouquet and a corsage.

Nuriya Khegay presents 20 hat-and-mitten sets to knit for babies and toddlers, and provides a practical section on knitting basics. The designs are not all monsters – as well as the Chinese Dragon, the Friendly Monster and the Garden Gnome, the animals include a koala, a lamb, a zany zebra and a lion.

In the restoration and maintenance of clocks, the focus of repairers is usually the intricate mechanisms; the cases that house them, often crafted, embellished and ornamented with comparable skill in wood, stone or metal, receive less attention. This illustrated guide offers advice on restoring all types of clock cases from 18th-century longcase clocks to Art Deco shelf clocks, and includes a chapter on making new cases from scratch.

In China, the process of brush painting is described as 'writing a picture'. The simple, minimal strokes have a personal style that, like handwriting, is unique to each artist. This practical guide breaks down subject matter into typical motifs and provides examples of how to paint 200 elements, from flowers and birds to trees, rocks and mountains, with step-by-step instructions on brush technique and colour choice and advice on combining elements in satisfying compositions.

Arranged according to printmaking technique – intaglio, relief, lithography, screen-printing and monotype – this is an accessible, authoritative and visually exciting source book for printmakers, graphic designers, artists and students. As well as lucid explanations and step-by-step illustration of the technical processes, the book discusses applications and gives an insight into the work of contemporary artist-printmakers, showing how they develop their personal imagery through the production of prints.

With clear tutorials that feature step-by-step photographs rather than diagrams, and 16 projects, this book guides the beginner through the basic techniques of hand knitting, from casting on to rib knitted cast off, and how to correct common mistakes. Each teaching chapter is followed by one or two patterns – projects that range from a very simple placemat set to a Fair Isle bag, a lady’s cardigan and a man’s tank top.

Aiming ‘to provide inspiration and practical reference in equal measure’, this book draws on Nikki Tinkler’s search for textured and exotic threads and stitches to embroider and otherwise embellish quilts. There are over 200 stitches described, with easy-to-follow diagrams and sewing instructions and a photograph of the finished work; plus guides to quilting essentials and some special techniques – all presented in a sturdy, ring-bound book.

This volume is divided into two parts, the first dealing with the Americas and the second with Asia. The entries include a 1920 US half-dollar commemorating the tercentenary of the Mayflower, a 1995 Cuban series celebrating pirates of the Caribbean, and a five-yuan piece honouring the medieval Chinese admiral Zhen He.

This first volume features European coins depicting a range of watercraft from Nelson’s Victory on a coin of Gibraltar to a kayaker in the 1992 Olympics (Andorra). Each entry tells the story of the vessel and the lives of the sailors, naval commanders and explorers who sailed on her.

Surveying new products and describing new techniques, Peter Marriott, author of the successful Scenic Modelling (2007), presents a new guide to creating scenery for model railway layouts. Written for both novices and experienced modellers, the book covers basic landscape contours, elements such as grass, hedging and trees, water and rocks, and adding people, all with detailed descriptions and practical step-by-step instructions.

The second half of the 18th century saw a revival of the use of classical Greek and Roman shapes and decoration in architecture and in the design of furniture, ceramics and silver. Christopher Hartop’s The Classical Ideal is a richly illustrated catalogue of an exhibition of over 110 exceptional pieces of neo-classical silver at Koopman Rare Art’s London gallery. It is accompanied by another catalogue illustrating and describing 36 items of fine silver that were for sale in 2010. Slip-cased.

In this comprehensive reference manual, designed to ‘help you get from the idea of a quilt to the reality of it’, Erin Burke Harris has brought together information on fabrics, colour, traditional and contemporary quilt designs, and the techniques for sewing and assembling a quilt. As well as photographs of quilting in progress, there are pictures to inspire colour and design ideas, and illustrated articles on eight quilt artists.

Structured around five themes – fashion, childhood, nature, sweet treats and deco, this book offers inspiration in the form of different ‘mood settings’, bringing together carefully coordinated fabrics, bindings and buttons in each section. In addition, there are over 20 projects, including shopping bags, place mats and cushions based on the design combinations, and information on the various fabrics and other materials and accessories available to the sewer.

This manual of practical, decorative and eco-friendly sewing techniques is designed for both novices and keen needleworkers looking for fresh inspiration. There are illustrated guides to over 200 techniques, clearly explaining everything from basic tools and fabrics to scalloped edges and trapunto quilting; sections on using the techniques in dressmaking, curtain-making, recycling and repairs; and instructions and templates for 20 projects including clothes, accessories and items for the home.

With chapters on tools, needles, machines, stitches, fabric, patterns and garments, and techniques, this is a handy directory of over 300 sewing-related terms, covering everything from basic hand-sewing needles to the flat-felled seam. Each entry provides a simple line drawing or diagram of the object or process and explains what it is, what it does and why it is used.

A professional artist working in natural history, Ian Coleman provides a detailed guide for the beginner, introducing the brush skills and core techniques for working with acrylic paints. The book emphasizes the potential of this versatile medium and demonstrates eleven classic techniques, describing the effects each type of painting can achieve and using careful step-by-step illustrations and explanations as each subject is built up from sketch to finished painting.

Renowned for his meticulous and accurate wildlife paintings and illustrations, William T Cooper explains in this book how detailed observation of a bird's behaviour and understanding of its anatomy are essential to his method. With colour illustrations and sketches throughout, analysis of specific technical aspects of painting birds is followed by example compositions in watercolours, oils and acrylics, with step-by-step sequences of how the pictures are built up.

This comprehensive guide to anatomy and figure drawing includes hundreds of diagrams of the skeleton and the muscular systems of the body, a wide range of anatomical positions, and analysis of the male and female figures. These are followed by step-by-step exercises on drawing the nude figure, clothed figures and portraits, in a wide variety of media, including charcoal, pen and ink, pastels and pencil.

As well as introducing the basic skills of metalworking, this practical guide describes the techniques of polishing, setting and finishing as well as casting various metals and repair skills such as ring resizing. Focusing on the traditional methods that master craftsmen have employed for centuries and illustrated with over 250 line drawings, the book was first published in 1978 and has remained a classic reference on the subject and continually in print ever since.

Outstanding deeds and loyal service garner awards for the officers of police forces around the world, and these medals are typically distinct from the country's military decorations. This book surveys the medals awarded to police in over 50 countries, including the United States, Britain and the Commonwealth countries, with photographs of many of the medals and notes on the history of policing in each territory.

The Chinese have revered the mystery and magic of jade since antiquity. This authoritative, beautifully illustrated book draws on the author’s unparalleled collection to provide a comprehensive, up-to-date survey of 6000 years of jade carving. Part one features early jades (7000 BCE to 220 CE); Part two features carvings of flora, fauna and the human figure; Part three covers personal adornments, scholars’ objects and vessels.

Chinese brush painting is categorized into five distinct styles – contour, detail, idea painting, monochrome ink and combination – each with specific qualities and characteristics. With brief notes on the history of the styles and an introduction setting out the basic materials required and brushwork techniques, this book presents step-by-step instructions for painting 36 different floral subjects, from orchids and cherry blossom to roses and poinsettia.

Despite film-makers increasingly embracing digital technologies for the realization of their work, the guiding principle of selection for this book is that the preliminary sketches, concept art, character studies or storyboards were made on paper rather than using digital media. Providing inspiration and insight into the processes of leading animators, the book includes work by 51 leading practitioners from around the world with styles varying from simple line drawings to colour illustrations and collage.

Kate Wilson has a long-standing interest in how art materials work, and materials are the starting point in this inspiring handbook. Arranged by media, from pencils and ink to oil and mixed media, the first two parts use contemporary artists’ profiles and works to show materials in action, offering ‘clues to the work you might make’; while part three again uses artists’ contributions to explore approaches to subject matter ranging from still life to abstraction.

Gouache is a forgiving medium for artists, and particularly useful for beginners. This guide shows how, although traditionally the medium of choice for illustrators, gouache has much to offer the fine artist. After chapters on composition and colour, there are numerous examples of both traditional and contemporary approaches to creating a still-life painting, with Scully’s own step-by-step demonstrations.

Gold and silver have long been prized for their rarity and beauty but also for their resistance to corrosion and chemical reaction. This detailed examination of the properties of precious metals is designed to give jewellers and craftspeople a grounding in the physical, chemical and metallurgical nature of their materials, explaining, for example, how metals react to casting or working or how alloying can affect strength, malleability and colour.

A typical Staffordshire family firm, Shorter & Son was founded in the 1870s and produced pottery - notably Fish ware, Toby jugs and Gilbert and Sullivan figurines - up until 1974. This detailed history of the business places it in the wider context of the mainstream popular ceramics industry through the 20th century. It also discusses the influences of Clarice Cliff, who married into the family, and Mabel Leigh, who produced many of its most distinctive designs.

The distinctive ceramics produced by Clarice Cliff (1899-1972) at the Wilkinson and Newport potteries remain among the most popular collectables of the 20th 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.

Nature lovers who enjoy recording their environment in drawing and watercolour will welcome this practical guide to capturing the beauty of the seashore from a botanical illustrator at France's National Museum of Natural History. Step-by-step projects cover the intricacies of plants, seashells, seabirds, fish and a range of landscapes, from sand dunes to shingles. Tricky elements, such as reflections on water and the pearly surface of a shell, are discussed, and there are lots of detailed hints and tips.

This comprehensive guide explains how to perfect the three techniques of patchwork, quilting and applique through making 15 individual projects. These include a patchwork pillow, a Noah's Ark crib quilt and an appliqued table centrepiece. Chapters on equipment and materials are followed by the detailed projects, each with clear, step-by-step diagrams and a photograph of the finished piece. Templates for all the motifs used are included at the end.

Covering a vast range of textiles, this is a worldwide survey of the ancient and very varied traditions of quilting, patchwork and applique. A source of inspiration for anyone working in these crafts today, the book is full of fascinating examples such as the appliqued uniforms of the Mahdi's followers, pojagi wrapping cloths from Korea, and English 19th-century quilted bonnets. The guide is in three parts - materials, uses, construction - and covers over 50 topics, with some 500 illustrations.

How to patch shirts, sheets and blankets, ways of saving fuel (giving up toast helps), mending saucepans and how to look after parachute nylon... Jill Norman introduces this compilation of leaflets issued by the Board of Trade during the Second World War, when making-do and mending on the home front was an important part of the war effort. These tricks could also help survive a recession - but don't do that saucepan and flux thing. No jacket.

Aimed at the novice stitcher, this guide shows the home sewer how to add an element of Liberty style to their interiors through 25 simple projects. There are staple items, such as cushions and curtains, as well as more unexpected designs like a lampshade, picnic bag and cafetiere cover, but all make imaginative use of these classic fabrics with wide-ranging combinations of colours and patterns. Step-by-step instructions and photographs mean the projects are easy to follow.

Lauren Guthrie was a finalist in the 2013 series of BBC 2's The Great British Sewing Bee. In this book she presents a guide to the basics and her own designs for 20 projects, starting with ‘easy pieces’, including cushion covers and a tote bag, and progressing through simple garments and home accessories to a dress. The book includes full-scale patterns for most of the projects, with instructions and cutting layouts.

Introduced by Kaffe Fassett, this illustrated history of knitwear surveys garments, styles, designers and manufacturers decade-by-decade, from cashmere under-vests in the early 1900s to wartime hand-knitting in the 1940s, and from 1950s twinsets by Pringle to evening dresses on 21st-century catwalks. The book covers all forms of knitted textile, whether hand-knits or machine-produced jersey, and describes the development of the technology of knitting as well as its social and cultural contexts.

Illustrated with detailed artwork that can be coloured in, this A4-sized book comprises a great variety of entertaining and creative projects in sections on cutting and colouring, folding, decorations (including Halloween bats), masks, moustaches and party hats, and cards and envelopes. Finally, even the off-cuts come in handy - there’s a game of wastepaper basketball.

From flower brooches to a full-size throw for a sofa or bed, Martin Storey presents a variety of interesting projects for clothes (cardigans, shrugs and a sweater), accessories (gloves, socks and bags) and home decorations such as pillows and coasters. After a photographic ‘gallery of designs’, the patterns are very clearly laid out, with colour charts and diagrams, and a final section describes some basic techniques and knitters’ abbreviations.

Jane Brocket presents a collection of projects using her ‘gentle’ knitting approach - unconstrained by deviate-if-you-dare patterns. The 40 projects use ‘yarns you like in colours that make you happy’ to create socks, slouchy hats, tea cosies, cushions and scarves - even dishcloths in the ‘Practical’ section. The book describes everything as well as providing the basic patterns, notes on techniques, photographs of the finished articles, and Jane Brocket’s essential instruction: ‘enjoy your knitting’.

Knitwear and crochet designer Erika Knight presents an introduction to working with colour for knitters of all abilities. After a how-to-knit workshop on yarns and colour techniques, and a swatch gallery, the 20 projects are graded as beginner, easy, intermediate and experienced. The different techniques, from phasing and striping to Fair Isle and Swiss darning, are used in an imaginative range of accessories and soft furnishings, including a faux sheepskin rug and a double-sided spotty blanket.

This collection of 20 needlework projects includes linen, cushions, a play mat and a whole menagerie of animals - among them a doggy draught excluder, a rabbit comforter blanket and whales swimming along the side of a bath towel - all designed to appeal to very young children. There are full instructions for each embroidery or soft toy design, with templates and notes on sewing techniques at the end of the book.

Tea towels, lampshades, babygros or ‘paradise’ leggings, these Scandinavian style embroidery designs will add a touch of originality to the most humdrum garments or home accessories. The book is primarily intended as a source of inspiration, with photographs showing what can be achieved with embroideries, but if you want to stitch the designs as they appear, there are instructions and patterns to trace for all 39 projects.

Fabric is the focus of this companion book to the popular BBC television series: its 30 projects are arranged in four sections, each using a different group of fabrics: cottons, wool and other animal fibres, stretch fabrics, and luxury fabrics such as lace and chiffon. There are also guides to basic techniques, master classes by the series’ presenters May Martin and Patrick Grant, and a pattern pack with full-size paper patterns for all 30 projects.

Catherine Carpenter, an interior designer who travels regularly to Africa to research materials, presents a vibrantly coloured collection of African textile prints. After an introduction to the history, design themes and manufacture of the textiles, the book contains almost full-page reproductions of 109 patterns, showing the traditional and contemporary influences and the challenging colour combinations and tribal motifs that are typical of African prints. The patterns are also on the accompanying CD (Windows and Mac).

Lynne Stein, whose modern, creative rugs have been widely exhibited, begins her guide with an introduction to the rag rug technique and an exploration of its centuries-long history. She then discusses materials, tools and equipment, and outlines a number of projects including wall hangings, bags, cushions and accessories. The instructions for planning, designing and making each piece are clearly written and illustrated with photographs, while additional decorative techniques such as felting and fleece carving are explained in full.