Many adults have discovered the therapeutic benefits of simply colouring in a picture. This volume provides 31 intricate illustrations of popular birds, from an Atlantic puffin and a kingfisher to a Victoria crowned pigeon and a Major Mitchell’s cockatoo. Printed on single-sided pages using high-quality paper, these superbly detailed line drawings offer hours of relaxing and rewarding enjoyment.

Starting from the premise that anyone can be taught to draw to a level of representational competence, this practical manual sets out a programme for achieving convincingly realistic drawings. With simple tips for assessing scale and perspective, observing and recording accurately and understanding light and shadows, the hundreds of examples and exercises offer advice on the rendering of all subjects, from landscapes and still lifes to animals and the human figure.

Some tips that make origami simpler for beginners are to use plain paper rather than patterned so that the fold marks are clearer, and to use a bone folder (a plastic tool that allows you to make sharp creases easily). This introduction to paper folding presents 26 projects of varying difficulty from ladybirds and paper boats to spaceships and butterflies. Age 5+

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.

With designs traditional and modern, this ringbound guide offers 365 patterns for 12x12-inch quilting blocks that can be sewn together to form larger works. Useful information on equipment, fabrics and how to cut and stitch, plus four sets of templates, complement the colour-coded and clearly photographed designs. While beginners might start with a single block, more experienced quilters could choose to produce a block a day for a year.

Offering a pattern a day for the 6x6-inch traditional crocheted ‘granny’ square, this ringbound guide also includes information on yarns and hooks, and an illustrated guide to the stitches featured inside. The colour-coded layout enables readers to match the yarns they have to hand, and each clearly photographed pattern is also graded according to its level of difficulty; from the simple black-and-yellow ‘Bumblebee’ design, to the more complex ‘Entwined’, featuring inter-connected rings.

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.

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 such topics as woodcraft, camping and first aid with personal anecdotes and moral observations, the book is read in this audio version by Hugh Dennis.

Based on the meticulously detailed illustrations of animals and sea creatures in the original Art Forms in Nature (1904) by the German biologist and artist Ernst Haeckel (1834–1919), this book offers an astonishing variety of well-drawn natural forms to colour.

The most versatile, easily worked and readily available of media, paper can be used in a range of craft projects from simple, child-friendly shape cutting to sophisticated sculptural art. With a brief history of paper, its uses and manufacture, this practical guide explores the many creative ways to use it, with instructions for projects including folded and glued models, papier-mâché forms, cast and modelled pulp sculptures and handmade paper.

With 26 designs – from Celtic to 70s Retro – for the letters of the alphabet, numbers and emoticons, this book suggests some unusual ways for customizing your knitting. The letters are charted on graph paper, and photographs show the effects of using different colours and textures of yarn. All stitches are clearly explained, and ten simple projects, including socks, cuffs and a shoulder bag, provide practical ideas for using the designs.

This ringbound reference book offers inspiration for enthusiastic knitters and is a guide to developing new skills. Taking effects such as rib, cable and mosaic, it provides designs for swatches that can be adapted to suit any pattern, whether knitting from top down, bottom up or in the round. Well-illustrated with colour photographs, the book includes six garment patterns and six ‘recipes’ for making socks, caps and shawls without the need for a template.

Frustrated by mass-produced soft toys made with cheap labour and materials, the author set out to produce a collection of unique toys for children, friends and family that could be crocheted and given as presents. Basic crochet stitches are clearly described and illustrated, while detailed and straightforward patterns cover a range of animals, from larger elephants and a jagged-toothed crocodile to smaller curly-tailed chameleons and fluffy-eared owls.

This comprehensive book, illustrated with colour photographs, starts with the basics – yarns, equipment, simple stitches and how to use a pattern – and builds up to cable, bobbles and knitting in the round. A gallery at the back of the book offers a range of stitches for some of the effects that can be achieved, and patterns are included for 20 projects, from babies’ booties to blankets and jumpers for all ages.

With its radiant colours and fascinating imagery, stained glass is one of the glories of medieval art, and many of the finest examples can be found in the cathedrals and parish churches of England. Covering the golden age of medieval stained glass, from 1100 to 1530, this highly acclaimed work describes over 100 windows in detail, explaining the history, techniques and meaning of the art form, and presenting 200 colour illustrations of windows and panels.

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.

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.

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. Slipcased.

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.

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.

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.

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.