As well as Scandinavian-style woolly hats and scarves and mittens, the 30 projects in this craft book include housewares, toys and decorations using many different techniques. There are knitted socks, an embroidered window hanging, Easter chicks made from yellow felted wool, Christmas angels, and wool and felt nisse (little mythical gnomes). All the projects have clear, illustrated instructions and notes on their origins in Denmark, Norway, Sweden or Finland.

This introductory guide gives an overview of how perspective works, explaining different approaches and methods for dividing areas of a scene or subject proportionally using basic media: pencil, charcoal, pastel and ink. A range of techniques is explored – starting with straightforward frontal and oblique perspectives and building to the aerial view – each one clearly illustrated with step-by-step instructions and including useful tips, before the final section applies the skills to common subjects.

Inspired by action-hero comics and mythological creatures, these fun patterns for children or adults use mainly basic stitches and Aran-weight yarns. Ideal for knitters with some experience, there is advice on materials, needles and tension alongside full instructions for knitting, lining and creating embellishments, such as tassels and eyeballs. The photographed designs include a furry, sparkly Fluffball, a bulgy-eyed Fly and a sequinned Griffin.

Written by an embroiderer and textile artist, this well-produced book includes ideas for creating everything from necklaces, bracelets and earrings to collars and purses. As well as traditional fabrics such as silk, lace, tulle and leather, the pieces use recycled plastic and items such as kebab skewers and garden mesh. The author outlines more than 30 techniques, while the 10 step-by-step projects are carefully described and photographed, and range in difficulty.

After listing essential materials and equipment, this illustrated guide presents 40 projects for novice and experienced crafters. There are classic column and container candles, and designs that use more advanced techniques such as hand-dipping and incising, all with clear, step-by-step instructions and colour photographs.

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.

Incorporating patterns such as a pink, cat-shaped pyjama case and a long-limbed Cheeky Monkey, this manual, which includes clear instructions, templates and advice on yarns and techniques, combines classic designs with contemporary ideas for toys that make ideal gifts. Slightly off-mint.

Different martial arts have distinct styles of movement and may be associated with particular weapons and clothing. This guide to successfully drawing manga characters in authentic fighting scenes considers ten disciplines, including Kung Fu, Karate and Boxing, and provides step-by-step tutorials as well as background information on the traditions and characteristic positions of each style. Slightly off-mint.

In addition to the technical details of how each of the landscape photographs in this book was achieved, Peter Watson records the time he spent, once in position, waiting for the perfect light; often several hours. Watson uses large-format (4x5in) cameras and outlines his meticulous approach, exploring different landscape environments from rivers and woodland to mountains and coastlines, and describing how he sets about creating his compositions and controlling the light to realize his vision.

A mysterious group of textiles, preserved for centuries in Kyoto, is brought out only for an annual Shinto-Buddhist festival. This richly illustrated guide explains the tapestries’ meaning, their Chinese origins and the reasons why they are shrouded in such secrecy.

Deconstructing the distinctive style of 25 fashion icons from Marlene Dietrich and Audrey Hepburn to Diana Ross, this guide analyses their clothing, hair and make-up and advises on how to shop for vintage items to recreate their period look.

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.

The earliest of the decorative silver boxes in the Lion Collection, dating from the mid 17th century, were made to contain tobacco, but by the mid 18th century changing fashions meant that snuff was usually favoured. Often carrying coats of arms, inscriptions and exquisite decorative work, the 278 examples photographed and described in this book are arranged chronologically, demonstrating the history and development of British silver boxes up to the mid 19th century.

Formed deep in the earth, under immense pressure and heat, up to 3,000 million years ago, diamonds were first discovered in India around 800 BCE and have remained among the rarest and highly prized substances ever since. Illustrated with large-format photographs, this impressive book explains the history of the diamond trade and profiles the modern industry from mining, assessing quality, cutting and setting stones to famous royal jewels and celebrity wearers.

Born in Vienna, Roland Paris (1894–1945) lived and worked in Berlin during the interwar years, and his work, although made in the Art Deco period, has an idiosyncratic style, using grotesques, caricature and mockery in depictions of clowns, jesters, devils and temptresses. This volume presents an illustrated biography of Paris and over 180 pages of photographs showing his figurines in plaster, wood and bronze, and works on paper.

Robert Baden-Powell intended his 1908 scoutcraft manual to be a book of practical advice and instruction for boys' self-improvement, but its success gave impetus to the foundation of the Scout movement. Mixing practical advice on topics such as woodcraft, camping and first aid with personal anecdotes and moral observations. Read by Hugh Dennis.

This craft guide presents six different methods of star-making using paper, scissors, glue and other simple tools, and includes 40 decorations, graded for difficulty from ‘beginner’ to ‘expert’, that can be created from the basic star variations. Illustrated with clear, step-by-step instructions and containing tips and templates, the collection features projects for every season, from spring garlands to fairy lights and Christmas wreaths.

Lucy Willis, herself an award-winning artist, uses her own watercolours on every page of this practical guide, helping to demonstrate and explain various techniques. Starting with a sketch or a photograph, painting indoors or out, in all weathers and at different times of day, she offers advice on how shadows and the effects of light on objects and landscapes can create atmosphere in a painting.

With its origins in manga graphic novels, the anime animation style has become highly popular and influential beyond Japan in recent decades. Aimed at the novice animator, this guide examines the graphic elements that are important in creating the distinctive style and explains how to make an authentic anime film, from script to finished movie, using both traditional animation techniques and the latest digital tools.

Including the Red Baron's Fokker Dr.1, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St Louis, Howard Hughes's Spruce Goose and Concorde, the ten planes modelled in this origami set represent some of the most famous aircraft in the history of flight. The set contains 100 sheets of specially printed origami paper and stickers – allowing the planes to be decorated in authentic liveries – and a book containing profiles of the historic aircraft and comprehensive folding instructions. Slightly off-mint.

The 19th-century writer, artist and textile designer William Morris was a leader of the Arts and Crafts movement, and his work is no less popular today. Now you can colour his timeless floral designs for yourself, and see if you can improve on perfection – or, if you prefer, reproduce his own colour schemes, since the original artwork is printed in full colour on the inside covers of the book.

Combining a lifelong interest in natural history with her passion for drawing, Lisa Hooper turned professional in 2006 and has since exhibited throughout the UK. Reproducing over 100 striking examples of her work, here she examines her fascination with birds and the various print media she uses to depict them, describing and illustrating the process of her work, while touching on aspects of her life that have influenced the direction she has followed.

Having begun formal letterform training over 60 years ago, Sassoon gradually developed an informal style of her own and now has various children’s educational fonts named after her. This highly illustrated guide charts her progress through the stages of her career as packaging designer, teacher and type designer, featuring examples of her own work in chronological order and incorporating pieces from some of her students.

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, a modernist house and a fireplace. Illustrated with colour photographs, the book includes advice on equipment and a list of suppliers.

The unique characteristics of Venetian glass, including gilding, enamelling and diamond-point engraving, set it apart from other European glassware, and during the Renaissance it became extremely popular and widely imitated. Published to coincide with a 2004 exhibition in New York, this richly illustrated volume includes a history of Venetian glass, a comprehensive reference section and six essays on Venetian-style glassmaking in Austria, Spain, France, the Netherlands and England.

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.

The jewellery photographed for this magnificent book is the collection belonging to the women of one Russian family, with pieces ranging from traditional Azerbaijani earrings owned by the present collector's grandmother in the late 19th century to modern pieces by jewellers such as Cartier and Bulgari. Although there are breathtaking precious stones, not all the pieces are very valuable; beauty has been the collectors' criterion. The book is handsomely bound, with gilt-edged pages, a silk marker and slipcase. Off-mint.

The widely influential Art Deco style perhaps attained its highest expression in France, where the term was coined in the 1920s. With background essays, profiles of the leading artists and large-format photographs, this exhibition catalogue examines over 80 masterpieces from the collection held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Examples include furniture, textiles, interiors and decorative objects by French-based designers such as René Lalique, Jean Dunand, Raoul Dufy and Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann.

Pewter objects were indispensable in Scottish homes and churches for 350 years, though due to the metal’s recyclability, few artefacts from this period survive. Pewter-makers’ records, however, provide details of the material and the culture that surrounded production. This thoroughly researched guide includes a short history of pewter in Scotland, information on how objects were produced, the pewterers, their markings, and a photographic catalogue of pewter plates, tankards and measures.

While 19th-century ladies might pass their time stitching complex needlework patterns in Berlin Wool Work, or copying William Morris designs, working-class women produced items of ‘white work’ to supplement their income. From a patchwork tea cosy and a young boy’s dress to a history lesson stitched into a sampler, this publication presents a richly diverse range of embroidery samples – also incorporating diagrams of stitches – from the extensive collection of Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, of Gawthorpe Hall, Lancashire.

The designs in this manual take inspiration from a range of worldwide sources: Japanese Rags reflects the patches on a worker’s coat, and the colours used in the Samarkand table runner are influenced by a funfair ride. Each of these 24 new projects, made with shot cottons and striped fabrics, includes cutting instructions, templates and clear guidelines for making, assembling and finishing the blocks.

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.

Richard Noyce has journeyed around the world exploring printmaking traditions and techniques in less familiar centres of art production. Featuring an extensive selection of works rarely found in contemporary art books, by printmakers from Alaska to Japan, this unique collection provides the opportunity to compare artworks from a wide variety of places, setting them in their historical context and examining how artists have reflected their experiences of conflict, resolution, diaspora and exile.

Styled by Marie Claire magazine, the garments in this book are inspired by the fashions of the 1950s,1960s and 1970s. From chic Mad Men style sweaters to a geometric skirt and a hippy poncho, these 30 knitting patterns offer a modern take on stylish vintage design.

Knitwear designer and fashion consultant Erika Knight presents 20 knitting projects, showing how to create practical, distinctive styles in a wide range of sizes. The garments include jumpers, cardigans, hats and scarves, and offer a contemporary edge to classic shapes for men of all ages.

Clangers are pink knitted mouse-like folk who live in craters on a blue planet with their friendly companions the Soup-Dragon, Iron Chicken and the Froglets. As well as patterns for knitting your own Clangers and friends, and templates for making their clothes, this book has instructions for making the blue planet and other parts of Clanger world including the Music Tree and the Rocket. Foreword by Peter Firmin.

Suitable for novices and experienced sewers, this well-illustrated guide provides designs both simple (secured with ties) and complex (using zip fastenings), with comprehensive instructions for making home furnishings including patchwork pillows, ruffle-edged cushions, ottomans and beanbags.

Incorporating information about tools, techniques (such as soldering and stone setting) and materials, with step-by-step instructions and over 200 photographs, beginners and experienced practitioners can create unique rings and bangles, while finding inspiration and encouragement to develop a personal style.

These 16 projects, by four renowned origami artists, incorporate centuries-old techniques – folding a swan or a miniature lily, for example – with more recent forays into electro and wet-fold (which helps the paper keep its shape) origami. There are tips on tools and materials, clearly described and photographed techniques, and projects including an owl in a tree, a lampshade and a light-up tiara.

George IV’s refurbishment of Windsor Castle was one of the costliest decorative projects in history. Drawing on unpublished documents, this pioneering book charts the king’s relations with the artists and decorators, and is illustrated with original sketches and modern photographs of furniture, fixtures and fittings.

Suitable for hobbyists and professionals alike, this authoritative reference work has new and revised entries and features over 500 colour photographs and 300 diagrams. From Anti-flux to Zisha, definitions of tools, materials and techniques are clearly explained through brief outlines and detailed articles by the authors, who, as well as teaching pottery, created their own works and wrote on the subject for over 60 years.

A Cecil Edwards, who worked in the Persian carpet industry for over 50 years, expertly describes the history of the craft, shares invaluable knowledge about the colours, designs, symbols and techniques used, and indicates how to purchase rugs of quality. With over 400 mainly black-and-white photographs and images, this guide, first published in 1953, is still considered essential by those involved in the industry, and remains a fascinating read for anyone new to the subject.

David Webb, an experienced artist and teacher, offers comprehensive guidance to beginners and improving watercolourists, providing clearly illustrated instructions and solutions to the most common problems that students encounter. Including advice on tools and equipment, the guide explores over 20 different techniques, from flat wash to thick gouache, examines composition, with special sections on landscapes, textures and portraits, and considers the varied methods and styles of ten renowned watercolour artists. Slightly off-mint.

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.

Through looking carefully at a subject and understanding and interpreting a scene as it appears to them, each artist – whether beginner or improver – can develop their own sketching style. Providing answers to problems such as how to direct light, add shadow and tone or approach complex scenes, and offering information on materials and how to use them, this illustrated guide includes many helpful examples of the author’s own work.

This course in life drawing takes the form of hundreds of sketches demonstrating the most important graphic elements in human anatomy pertinent to the artist. The lessons range from establishing a point of view and mapping the subject's basic perspective and contact points with the ground to discussing musculature, bone structure and how different movements and postures create characteristic folds and lines in the body.

The natural world is teeming with strange and striking plants that can be an enjoyable challenge to paint or draw. With step-by-step exercises and advice on setting up your work environment, using technology, choosing a subject, drawing and incorporating colour, this volume will help readers to produce impressive illustrations from nature. Presented by award-winning artists, many of the plants featured are inspired by the Eden Project’s Rainforest Biome.

Dating back to the 1870s, and familiar to generations of French schoolchildren, the Deyrolle educational charts show varieties of plants and animals, from butterflies and mushrooms to cereal crops and silkworms. This book presents 60 of the best-known colour posters with 60 black-and-white illustrations inspired by them, to colour in.