Books

Transform ordinary objects such as books, boxes, tins, cards, and more into miniature works of art by altering them with techniques ranging from collage and paint to rubber stamps and cut-outs. This book discusses history, tools, and adhesives, and then devotes each chapter to the basics of reconstructing books, boxes and tins, cards, tags and games, and altered objects.

Use old encyclopaedias, doll parts, puzzles and more in 30 diverse and unusual projects to create beautiful pieces. Each chapter includes a stunning photographic gallery of examples from different artists.

See Also: Our Bookcraft section for more on altered, handmade books, journals and scrapbooking.

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!

Fifteen step-by-step projects—including letters, envelopes with photo inserts, booklets, and self-mailers—introduce readers to the joys of decorating envelopes and creating interesting correspondence.

This book shares the ancient methods for creating decorative artwork with mosaic tiles and has a visual directory to help you transform your pottery, furniture, walls, and floors with fabulous creative mosaics. Learn foolproof techniques for getting colours to work together to create dynamic designs. It needn't be expensive: find out how to work with improvised mosaic tiles, such as pebbles, coloured glass, and other found materials.

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.

This book marks a new direction for Rowan's range of lightweight cotton fabrics. Thirty tempting designs including curtains, cushions, bedlinen and inspirational home accessories, all made from a selection of soft pastels, bright checks and vibrant floral fabrics, can't help but tempt even the most dedicated knitter to get out the sewing machine and have a go.

With designs for absolute novices, like the set of lavender sachets and celebration banners, as well as projects for the more experienced, like the embroidered shower curtain and tied bedlinen, there's something for everyone.

Tassels combine decorative beauty with practicality—and they're fun to make! You don't even need any complicated tools. Get started with basic one-part tassels and then move on to elaborate woven tassels attached to elegant handles. A materials and equipment guide discusses a wide variety of available threads; needles and pins; cardstock for winding the thread; tassel heads; beads; string, wire, adhesive, and tape. Carefully consider the purpose of your tassel when you choose fibres; tassels used as pulls for drapes or other soft furnishings have to stand up to wear and tear. Experiment with "Z" and "S" twists, different techniques for making long and short cords, and ways of preparing templates. You'll enjoy creating a bright array of tassels with frilled skirts; mob caps; beaded necks, heads, and skirts; a spider's web head; and a jewellery-finding head. Additional decorative ideas show you how to make just the tassel to enhance upholstery, add to a costume, or turn into an easy-to-find keychain.

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.

Celebrated folk artist Bobby Hanson takes the humble tin can and elevates it to art. On display in attention-grabbing photos are an array of quirky objects that will delight and amaze—and all it takes to make them are a few simple tools, some cans, and these simple instructions on cutting, shaping, riveting, and soldering.

Fun projects include some childlike objects such as whistles, trucks, and airplanes; a "Tin Pan Alley" series of musical instruments, including a "canjo" and chimes; and even stunning jewellery and sculptures.

Artists, metal crafters, and anyone seeking a new creative outlet will find inspiration aplenty in these original ideas and projects.