Henri Matisse created some of his most exquisite works by cutting shapes out of paper. Delightfully entertaining and playfully inventive, his "drawings with scissors" are also a superb introduction to the most basic artistic concepts: color, line, and form. This engaging and accessible look at Matisse's cut-outs, arguably the highlight of his magnificent career, follows the artist as he goes in search of pure forms of expression. Illustrated with beautiful reproductions of Matisse's most famous works, the book relates an imaginary tale about how the colors and shapes created by Matisse come to life, carrying the reader off into the artist's fantasy world. It reflects Matisse's spontaneity, his love of bold colors, and his seemingly effortless ability to capture movement on paper, which make him an artist of great appeal to children. Fun and easy-to-follow, this exploration of Matisse's cut-outs invites children of all ages to draw with scissors just like the artist, using the sheets of paper printed in Matisse-inspired colors included in the book.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 40

Dimensions: 234 x 274 mm

Publication Date: 08-05-2014

With this pocket-sized guidebook and a trusty Swiss Army Knife, readers will be ready to whittle wherever they go. World-famous whittler Chris Lubkemann shows how to carve 43 useful and whimsical objects using nothing more than a stick and an Original Swiss Army(R) Knife. Chris offers step-by-step instructions for all the traditional whittling favorites like spoons, forks, and flowers, plus some decidedly funny animals and the classic curly tail rooster. He also provides sage advice on how to choose wood, sharpen a blade, and safely control your knife. Published in collaboration with Victorinox(R) AG, makers of the Original Swiss Army Knife.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 250

Dimensions: 140 x 171 mm

Publication Date: 15-09-2017

Dress up or dress down with over-the-top bling that you make yourself! DIY Trend Jewelry offers 20 stylish projects that you can create in just one afternoon. From a Boho Stone Drop Necklace to Deco Fringe Earrings or a Chunky Rope Bracelet, each of these on-trend creations will stand out with innovative style. Even if you never made jewelry before, step-by-step photographs and simple instructions get you started. The authors explain all of the basic techniques you need to know, including crimps, loops, cutting chain, cord ends, and more. Projects are arranged by level of difficulty--from beginner through intermediate and advanced--and use only inexpensive materials that can be easily found in craft and hobby stores.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 64

Dimensions: 216 x 279 mm

Publication Date: 15-09-2017

Historic, classic, creative and fun, leather crafting is a craft for all ages. Whether you are just a beginner looking to get started or an experienced leather artist in need of a concise reference, Get Started in Leather Crafting is your guide to an enjoyable craft that lasts a lifetime. Master leather artisans Tony and Kay Laier introduce you to the basics of leather preparation and show you how to use stamps, punches, cutters and other essential tools. They provide expert tips on edge finishing methods and take you step-by-step through a traditional floral carving project. From forming, moulding and embossing leather to creative stitching, lacing and braiding, this book will teach you all of the skills you'll need to make beautiful belts, wallets, purses, jewellery, home accessories and more.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 48

Dimensions: 216 x 279 mm

Publication Date: 15-09-2017

At the forefront of a new wave of activity books, this menagerie of wild animals comes to life through the application of hundreds of colorful stickers. This collection of charming animals provides a satisfying creative experience. Twelve templates of abstract exotic animals-including a giraffe, lion, flamingo, antelope, and meerkat-are paired with hundreds of colorful stickers. Readers simply need to follow the guide and create the images of the animals by applying the stickers to the template. Because the drawings are abstract, there is no "correct" place for each sticker-as long as the right colors are in the right area, the animal will still emerge from the dots. Additional pages of multicolored stickers give readers the opportunity to get imaginative and create rainbow-colored animals. This freedom to "color outside the lines" offers the chance of creativity and fun. The "canvases" and sticker sheets are detachable, which makes the process easier and allows the images to be displayed afterwards. The perfect vehicle for unwinding and letting those creative juices flow, this exceptional sticker book will find a ready audience in adults as well as children.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 54

Dimensions: 215 x 280 mm

Publication Date: 01-04-2018

While sheets of paper are disappearing from our homes and offices, the medium is experiencing a renaissance in the worlds of art, design, and architecture. Suddenly, paper is everywhere--but not only in the old familiar places or forms. This fascinating book looks at every aspect of paper: its history, composition, production, application, and trade. Beginning with the anatomy of paper and its earliest forms, this book looks at paper as a symbol of political and economic importance and as a carrier of ideas, from literature to art, design, and music. It looks at the different surfaces, opacities, weights and volumes of paper and how it is used for printing, typography, graphics, and maps as well as a vehicle for origami, architecture, and fashion. Sumptuously illustrated with photographs and drawings, this book includes a variety of papers for readers to examine and feel, highlighting the sensual aspects of this seemingly ordinary product. Engaging, entertaining, and informative, this book contains a wealth of useful and surprising information on every printed, colored, and textured page.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 272

Dimensions: 210 x 270 mm

Publication Date: 27-04-2018

It's hard to apologize. It's hard to say thank you. Sometimes it's even hard to invite someone over for a birthday party. This cleverly designed, slyly bureaucratic collection of "forms" makes dealing with these childhood issues a great deal less awkward and a whole lot more fun. Issued in impressively official script and language by the Department of Regret, Remorse, and Reconciliation, the Union of Childhood Revenue, the Ministry of Dreams, and other indispensable offices, these forms help kids say some of the hard stuff: "I've eaten the last piece of...," "You're the best sister in the world," "Thank you for buying me stuff I need," "Thank you for buying me stuff I don't need." And, because it's important to record even your most private feelings, there are forms to verify that one's parents are, indeed, aliens; that the surprise birthday gift was not actually a surprise; that you had a really scary dream; and other conundrums not easily expressed in person. Highly adaptable to meet the needs and desires of any boy or girl, these forms can be endlessly photocopied--and of course filed away by parents and grandparents for future reminiscences and chuckles.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 48

Dimensions: 240 x 300 mm

Publication Date: 01-03-2018

What is the color white? The serenity of a snowfall? The peace of a dove? The purity of alabaster? This original and captivating exploration of color delves into the nuances of the universal palette while also explaining the history behind some of the terms used to describe certain hues. Elegantly designed it offers two-page spreads for 133 different shades. Each full-page of brilliant color faces a charming explanatory illustration and text of technical, scientific, historic, etymological, or linguistic terms. Two helpful indices present the colors in the order in which they appear in the book and also sorts them thematically in categories such as "Birds," "Cloth," "Modes of Transport," and "Formulas." The book also offers inspiration and guidance to painters and illustrators. Young lovers of art can understand why artists chose a particular shade over another. As fun to peruse as it is informative, this unique, cleverly designed book offers a wealth of surprises about the colors around us.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 280

Dimensions: 160 x 220 mm

Publication Date: 01-03-2018

The popularity of egg-laying chickens is on the rise. Sustainable and fun, raising chickens is one of the most interesting and rewarding backyard hobbies you can find. In Chicken DIY, aspiring chicken farmers will find creative plans and easy-to-follow construction tips for making a safe and healthy environment for their fine-feathered friends. Veteran farmers and poultry enthusiasts Samantha and Daniel Johnson provide complete and easy-to-follow instructions for 20 essential projects, from coops and feeders to runs, ramps, roosts and incubators. Clear step-by-step colour photographs guide the reader through each hands-on project.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 192

Dimensions: 203 x 276 mm

Publication Date: 15-01-2018

The professional advice and the sheer beauty of these projects make this title a must-have reference for every power carver! The go-to reference for power carving, updated and revised Expanded reviews featuring the latest tools: A complete buyer's guide to exciting new tools from Dremel, Foredom, and other manufacturers 22 step-by-step projects from Woodcarving Illustrated magazine—the woodcarver's authoritative source for 20 years: Including birds, fish, mammals, walking sticks, and more Contributions from today's top names in woodcarving: Frank Russell, Jack Kochan, Wanda Marsh, Lori Corbett, Chuck Solomon, Dave Hamilton Stunning photos of finished work and step-by-step techniques Improved performance, versatile attachments, and lower prices have placed power tools within the reach of every woodworker. Celebrating 20 years of power carving wizardry, this big book presents all-time favorite projects and patterns from Woodcarving Illustrated, the leading how-to magazine for carving enthusiasts. If you have been thinking about trying your hand at power carving, or are looking to expand your power carving skills, this powerhouse collection is exactly what you need. It features a stunning gallery of work and a complete buyer's guide to exciting new tools from Dremel, Foredom, and other manufacturers. Covering everything from the basics of safety to the strategy for texturing feathers, Power Carving Manual, Second Edition offers expert information, insight, and inspiration from today's top power carvers, including Frank Russell, Jack Kochan, Wanda Marsh, Lori Corbett, Chuck Solomon, and Dave Hamilton.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 168

Dimensions: 216 x 279 mm

Publication Date: 19-03-2018