Books

This book combines two of the hottest trends in the craft industry—embellishments and wearable art. Readers will learn how to create unique accessories with a wide range of popular crafting techniques. It's quick, easy fun with:

• Twenty projects that dress up everything from jewellery and purses to belts and shoes;
• Craft techniques like beading, painting, stamping and metal crafts;
• Creative embellishments for every taste, including eyelets, beads, rhinestones and paint.

Nearly every craft enthusiast will appreciate these fashion-forward projects. It's a snap to dress up any wardrobe with wearable art!

A serger is a multi-threaded, multi-needled appliance that sews at an average speed of 1500 stitches per minute-three times faster than most sewing machines. Though expressly designed to finish edges and seams, the introduction of microchip technology has enabled sergers to go well beyond those simple tasks. Sewers who want to take full advantage of this miracle machine need look no further than this thoroughly up-to-date and comprehensive manual. It's fully illustrated with both photos and line drawings, and offers complete instructions for every type of serger available to the hobbyist today. Each one is listed by brand, with a description of its pros and cons. And that's not all; there are plenty of projects, too, including scarves, throws, shirts, gowns, bedcovers, and quilts.

Simple skills, basic equipment and inexpensive fabrics can be used to make a wide variety of hand-sewn boxes, ranging from a straightforward square with a flat lid, to an impressive hexagonal style with drawers.

Fifteen projects show how dividers, risers and trays can be used to increase storage space, and there are also construction methods for padded and double-layer boxes.

You'll be surprised at the hundreds of ways tassels can bring simple delights to your life. Try making them with the simple instructions here that tell exactly what to do to create a variety of projects using decorative knots, cords, and braids. Start with a simple tassel to attach to a key chain. Then make charming soft toys and dolls, as well as clothing accessories, necklaces, bracelets, and hair braids, and add them to chairs, sofas, and lampshades. Once you see the rich possibilities, get inspired from the photo gallery of works of art by clothing designers, weavers, rugmakers, costumers, tapestry makers—and tie, braid, and knot your way to your own original creations.

Beautiful works of fabric art are easily achieved using the magical hand weaving techniques presented in this exciting new book. The author expertly guides readers through everything they need to know about the art of hand weaving, including the history and heritage of this timeless art, how looms work, what tools and equipment to use, the basics of good technique, how to plan projects, analysing cloth, reading and drawing patterns, and designing fabric for practical and art purposes. She then guides the weaver step-by-step through more than ten gorgeous projects, including mug rugs, a scarf, napkins, pillows, towels, and clothing. This book also features insightful and inspiring works of art from several hand weaving textile artists from around the world, as well as invaluable resource listings.

Even artists with limited photography experience can produce competent reproductions of their artwork with Roger Saddington's easy-to-use book. This guide tells artists how to take satisfying photos without spending a lot of time or money. Readers will learn how to:

• Get good results with their current photography equipment
• Master the relationship between film type and light source
• Avoid unnecessary pitfalls with processing labs
• Present slides and photos professionally
• Recognize the best shooting conditions.

Good slides or photos are essential for entering art competitions, applying to juried shows, keeping records and presenting a portfolio. Artists will appreciate the book's easy steps and common-sense approach to the photography process.

Roger Saddington gained extensive knowledge of art reproduction during his five-year tenure at the National Gallery of Victoria in Australia. He teaches a popular class on photographing artwork and lives in Australia.

The colours of DMC embroidery floss weave together this uncommon collection of memories, dreams, yearnings, and sharp observations.

This delightful book guides the reader through a series of charming projects inspired by animals and the changing seasons. The basic techniques of working with willow withes is clearly explained and the attractive diagrams will make you want to begin at once. Choose from both traditional and contemporary projects such as Easter Baskets, Dolphin in a Hoop, Swans on the Nest, an old-fashioned Rocking Horse and many more.