Search Press

Learn to draw stunning flora and fauna in easy steps with popular author and teacher, Joy-Louise Robinson (@Felicityandink). Discover 20 delightful projects including flowers, insects, birds and small animals, endorsed by The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn, or a more experienced artist looking for new ideas and a fresh approach, this stunning book is designed to make drawing simple and enjoyable – and will give you results to be proud of. Joy-Louise’s distinctive and much-loved bohemian botanical style of art is inspiring to look at, but made achievable through her carefully structured step drawings and clear instructions. This complete guide to drawing contains: A brief overview of the small amount of equipment required: simply grab paper, pens and a pencil. A drawing warm-up section that will encourage you to experiment with mark-making and motion. In-depth tips and techniques in each section, from drawing accurate petal edges to creating realistic feathers and fur. Simple, easy-to follow steps, with each new step added in a different color, making it easy to identify which lines to add. A suggested color palette for each project as an optional coloured finish to your line drawings. A progression of skill: the projects build in difficulty to develop your skills and confidence as you learn. Professional insights into digitizing and then combining your individual drawings into larger pieces of art. So whether it’s a cheerful daisy, glossy beetle, majestic magpie or snuffling hedgehog, it’s never been easier to create your own beautiful array of flora and fauna. THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW is a world-famous scientific organization, internationally respected for its outstanding collections and scientific expertise in plant and fungal diversity, conservation, and sustainable development in the UK and around the globe. Kew’s extensive collections include 200,000 botanical illustrations assembled over the last 200 years.

Create 50 versatile crochet stitch patterns with this stylish on-the-go card deck from best-selling author and YouTube sensation, Bella Coco (Sarah-Jayne Fragola). Discover Sarah-Jayne’s clear and friendly teaching style, known and loved by her more than 2 million online followers. This gorgeous card deck is the perfect on-the-go tool for every crochet enthusiast: a deck of 50 different stitches in an elegant card format, designed to accompany you on all your crochet adventures. Wherever you crochet, you’ll have Bella Coco’s friendly and informative guidance in the palm of your hands. The cards are organized into 2 different categories – ‘simple stitch combos’ and ‘textured stitches’. On each card you’ll find: On the front The stitch-pattern name; A clear full-color photograph of a swatch made from the stitch-pattern; The skill level (easy, intermediate or advanced); Key stitch-pattern details (including multiples, and stitches required to make the pattern). On the back Written instructions (how to start the stitch pattern, create the pattern repeat and how to end the stitch pattern). The cards measure 3.3 x 5.5in (8.5 x 14cm) and are enclosed in a sturdy, chic box. There are 50 cards, each with a stitch pattern, and 2 further cards which contain a guide to using the cards plus stitch and hook conversion tables. In addition, you’ll find a 16-page booklet providing all the essential knowledge you need to use your cards, plus simple instructions on the basic and special stitches that make up the stitch patterns. With 50 crochet stitch patterns at your fingertips, this card deck opens up a world of creative possibilities for the confident beginner upwards.

Color your world with nature’s palette. Create a rainbow of vibrant, sustainable inks from the plants and flowers around you. Plant-based inks are fuller and richer in color than synthetic types: they are not one uniform color, but instead contain the whole spectrum of pigments found in abundance within each plant. They give you a far greater choice of colors, a unique palette and stunning visual results. Extracting and storing the inks ready for use is made simple in this beginner-friendly book. The 27 seasonal plant ‘recipes’, which yield 49 colors of ink, are ordered seasonally, to accompany you through the creative year. Discover: • Warm yellows from daffodils in spring; • Rich reds, pinks and indigo from poppies in summer; • Light blue and mint green from sage in autumn; • Warm orangey-browns from hazel in winter. Each recipe contains a guide to the plant used, the lightfastness of the ink created, written step-by-step instructions for extracting the ink, and beautiful visuals to illustrate the colors available; handy tips are also included for working with plant-based ink. For artists who like to work with different mediums, the book also includes guides to creating pigments from your plant recipes, then using different binders to create oil paint, egg tempera, watercolor, gouache, chalk pastel and screen-printing ink. Plant and Ink is an invitation to embrace sustainability, to see the world around us in vibrant color and to create with love and attention. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a curious beginner, this book will open your eyes to the creative possibilities that nature has to offer.

A stunning directory of 100 adaptable, inspirational crochet stitch patterns and 3 gorgeous projects from best-selling author and YouTube sensation, Bella Coco (Sarah-Jayne Fragola). Discover Sarah-Jayne’s clear and friendly teaching style, known and loved by her more than 2 million online followers. Following on from her best-selling first book, You Can Crochet with Bella Coco, comes this practical guide to over 100 carefully curated stitch patterns. Starting with the key things you'll need to get crocheting, from advice on yarn and notions to essential techniques, Sarah-Jayne then takes you through a gorgeous collection of stitches – from simple repeat patterns to incredible textured designs. The stitches are divided into 4 sections – ‘basic stitches’, ‘simple stitch combinations’, ‘textured stitches’ and ‘squares and shapes’ – so you can easily search for a stitch that suits your desired finish. Discover: A clear, overhead, close-up photograph of each of the 100 stitches worked up into a swatch, so you can examine the stitch repeats closely All stitches categorized by difficulty level, from easy to advanced, so you can choose a stitch that suits your skills Stitch multiples/repeats for every stitch pattern, so that you can calculate how to work the pattern into an upcoming project Written instructions (including both UK and US terms) on starting the stitch, how to work the repeat and how to finish off. As a bonus, you’ll also find Sarah-Jayne’s 5 favorite border stitches – all photographed and clearly explained – for edge-finish inspiration, and three stunning projects that include a selection of stitches in the library: a basketweave tote bag; a gradient crochet wrap; and a colorful, multi-textured patchwork blanket. Whether you’re looking for new ideas, or trying to remember that perfect stitch, this is a timeless book that you can delve into now and for years to come.

Draw cute animals in 10 simple steps! Learn to draw and color these cute and cheerful animals with ease. If you love animals but don't know where to start drawing them, this is the book for you! 10 Step Drawing: Cute Animals will help you turn simple shapes into cute drawings in this popular style in just ten easy steps. Create over 50 different cute animals by following the step-by-step instructions. Learning to draw has never been so simple!

Get your crochet off to a flying start with 8 simple projects and multiple techniques to master. A must-have guide for those new to crochet stitches, techniques and projects, or those wanting a recap. In this complete course, crochet expert Claire Montgomerie covers all the basics from selecting the right tools and materials to holding your hook, making those crucial first stitches, fastening off, and reading a pattern. Clear step-by-step photographs and a handy fold-out flap with crochet abbreviations make it accessible for all, whether you are hooking your first stitch or revisiting the basics. Claire's approachable and friendly guidance is complemented by a delightful array of modern projects that will leave you inspired. As you build your skills, you'll be amazed at the progress you make while creating 8 stunning designs, each one teaching and reinforcing a new technique– from increasing and decreasing to changing color and joining seams. Choose from a diverse range of projects that will captivate your imagination:Craft eco-friendly washcloths and makeup pads, perfect for pampering yourself or gifting to loved ones or knit a ribbed beanie with a whimsical pompom, keeping you cozy and stylish in colder months. Or even unlesh your creativity and crochet a lovable cuddly toy that will bring joy to children and adults alike. Once you've gained confidence in your crochet skills, it's time to have some fun! Explore a world of eye-catching yarns and vibrant hooks as you embark on inspiring projects that showcase your newfound expertise. Start stitching today and unlock a world of endless possibilities.

Your pocket-sized, one-stop, catch-all guide to contemporary acrylics – inspiration, practical exercises, and ideas for all levels of artist. In this innovative, ideas-led mini guide, master artist and best-selling author Hashim Akib showcases the versatility and vibrancy of acrylic painting. Featuring 64 practical exercises and inspiring insights, on a wide range of subjects, from portraiture to the urban landscape and using a variety of approaches, from color dabbing, working on a base color and refining chaos into order, this book is ideal for beginner to intermediate artists; it will inspire you with new ideas, push you creatively and encourage you to develop your own artistic style. Loosen up with a range of fun, inspiring exercises to get you started Discover luscious impasto, versatile washes and experimental pouring Experiment with different applicators: brushes, knives, and more Cut to the chase with visual, easy-to-follow guides to composition, colour theory and using different types of acrylics, including soft, heavy body and more Acrylics 101: from choosing and handling your brushes to mounting your finished piece on the wall Troubleshoot any concerns or issues Take inspiration from dozens of inspirational examples of Hash’s work. Also available in the series: The Watercolour Companion by Matthew Palmer.

The ultimate technique-led guide to the graphic, expressive art of pen and ink: perfect for artists and illustrators! Draw beautiful, technical pen and ink drawings with confidence – no matter if you're just starting out or an intermediate artist, illustrator or designer. Architect and artist David Morales provides detailed and comprehensive advice in this compendium for pen and ink mediums. Discover how to hold your pen to create different types of line; Add a range of key strokes, from hatching and stippling to scribbling; Understand value, tone and contrast like never before; Learn to critically observe and successfully compose your subjects, from still lifes and buildings to people; Learn through doing, with a variety of exercises ranging from 15 minutes to 2 hours long. Containing pearls of wisdom that will teach and inspire you, even experienced artists will appreciate David’s 'asides' on common mistakes and how to avoid them. The book also contains David's handy prompts for starting your own drawings; insider tips; dozens of techniques, each explained with simple illustrations; exercises to improve your skills; and, finally, three different categories of templates to copy or take inspiration from: nature, still life or urban.

50 eye-catching granny square designs in a stylish card deck, perfect for on-the-go crochet Innovative and completely visual, this card deck of 50 gorgeous granny squares will help you create successful design combinations every time you pick up your hook. The sturdy, stylish box contains 50 colorful cards, each with a gorgeous granny square to make, mix and match. On the front of each 4 x 4in card is a color photograph of the finished granny square, and nothing else. This allows you to lay out the designs and easily mix, match and create your own design combinations. Simply flip the card over to find the instructional crochet chart and joining instructions. Also in the box is a 32-page booklet, which contains a comprehensive step-by-step guide to reading and understanding crochet charts, with five side-by-side examples of pattern and chart instructions to get you started. You'll also find advice on choosing yarns and hooks, two different methods for joining your squares together, and guidance on color placement and arrangement so that you can achieve color success every time. The perfect tool to help you mix and match granny square designs for any handmade project, this stylish card deck can be easily slipped into your bag for on-the-go crochet. Each square is made using the same hook and yarn weight and is the same finished size, so that the squares can be joined together in any combination with ease. With 50 colorful designs to choose from and customize, this fun and versatile card deck is the ideal gift for any crocheter, and perfect for visual learners.

Capture the energy and architecture of the places you love using expressive line and wash. Add watercolor and ink to bring your sketches to life, and experiment with color for a contemporary finish. Whether you are a complete beginner looking to take the plunge into drawing outdoors, or a more experienced urban sketcher looking to loosen up your style and use watercolor paints in a whole new way, renowned urban landscape artist Neil Whitehead will help you to bring your favourite places to life on paper. Packed with inspirational paintings, plein air demonstrations, practical exercises to help you loosen up and let go, plus lots of handy tips, Line & Wash in the Urban Landscape is a comprehensive, visually inspiring guide to this popular artform. The book outlines: What you need to get started: all the necessary tools and equipment Choosing a scene and working outdoors: how to choose a location and then select an area of interest Capturing character: sketching fast, simplifying and working with freedom Continuous line drawing and prioritizing rhythm over perfection Using watercolor for drama, depth and energy Understanding composition and perspective Working from reference pictures: for when you can’t get outside. Urban sketching communities and groups are on the rise worldwide, so there's never been a better time to get outdoors and sketch!

Discover the joy of acrylic painting and create 15 captivating little works of art with this comprehensive beginner's guide! An all-inclusive guide to acrylic painting for the absolute beginner, complete with simple-to-trace preliminary drawings. If you've always wanted to try acrylic painting but felt intimidated, fear no more! Here are 15 small still life paintings to achieve and unleash your inner artist. With step-by-step instructions and clear explanations, this all-inclusive guide will build your skills and knowledge from the ground up. Jennifer Funnell, an experienced visual arts teacher, has crafted this book specifically for beginners like you. Her decade's worth of drawing and painting experience shines through as she breaks down the process into simple, easy-to-understand steps with traceable outlines. No prior experience or drawing skills required! Acrylic paint is the perfect medium for beginners. Its expressive and opaque nature allows for easy corrections if mistakes happen along the way. You'll feel empowered to explore your creativity, knowing that you have the flexibility to fix any errors and bring your vision to life. Whether you're a complete beginner or have dabbled in other mediums, this book will guide you towards creating fifteen captivating little works of art. Unleash your creativity today!

The quick way to watercolor success is here! If you have ever wanted to learn to paint animals, then this is for you. Part of the bestselling Absolute Beginner Art series from Search Press. Packed easy-to-follow techniques, quick exercises and 9 outlines – so there’s no need to draw anything - let best-selling author, artist and teacher Matthew Palmer show you how to use watercolors with confidence to paint a range of animals in simple steps. Matthew expertly demonstrates how to paint realistic eyes, mouths, noses, fur markings and feathers in watercolor, and clearly explains all the techniques needed for the projects, including wet into wet, lifting out, adding shadows and the all-important dry-brush blending. Full-size, fold-out outline sketches are provided for all projects, allowing you to simply trace the sketches onto watercolor paper and start painting with ease. A clear and comprehensive color-mixing section is included to allow you to confidently choose and mix the colors you need. 3 starter projects to start you off with a simple: Bird, Dolphin, Penguin - are the perfect introduction to the basic techniques before moving on to 6 larger projects, each set in a simple scene: Parrot, Cheetah, Panda, Giraffes, Sea turtle, Polar bear. Matthew includes many handy hints and tip for beginners and improving artists alike to fill you with confidence to create your own stunning watercolor animals.

Unlock the art of knitting: Expert guidance, easy projects, and essential tips to begin your knitting journey with confidence! Renowned knitting expert Lynne Rowe will be your trusted mentor, walking you through every step of the way. With Lynne's expert guidance, you'll effortlessly learn how to hold your needles, select the perfect yarn, decipher knitting patterns, execute various stitches, employ seamless sewing techniques, and conquer your very first knitting projects. Lynne’s friendly approach, easy-to-follow advice and clear tutorials will ease you into the welcoming world of knitting. By taking small steps and familiarizing yourself with the knitting terminology and techniques, you'll swiftly grasp the basics and become a confident knitter in no time at all. There are 8 bright and contemporary projects, each clearly set out with easy-to-follow patterns. Choose from: Tranquility spa set Cozy scarf Hygge headbands Color block cushion Baby blanket Bunting Ribbed beanie hat Fingerless mittens What makes this book truly exceptional is that each project progressively builds upon your knitting skills, so you’ll soon be creating your own knitted wearable accessories and home décor items with all things bright and woolly! Whether you aspire to knit heartfelt gifts for loved ones, express your creativity through handmade fashion, or simply find solace in the rhythmic motions of knitting, this book has everything you need to get started.

Draw 100 amazingly cute kawaii-style projects in just 8 easy stages from scratch! Anything can be drawn in kawaii style, from animals, people, food and flowers to vehicles and everyday items. Yishan Li shows you how in just a few simple steps. Expert comic book and manga artist Yishan Li shows you how to achieve 100 amazingly cute characters in a few simple steps. Do you want to draw a honey bear, chameleon or sloth, a waiter or fairy, or even a car or TV in kawaii-style? The choice is yours! Choose from over 100 different projects, including a honey bear, a singing cactus, a sloth, waiter, fairy, or even a car or TV. The choice is yours! Each step-by-step project is developed in 8 easy stages from a rough sketch of the basic shapes through to the finished, colored drawing, full of character and charm.

Learn how to create 6 delicate, see-through flowers in watercolor with the immensely popular artist, botanical illustrator, and pattern designer. Renowned YouTube and Instagram tutor, botanical watercolor artist and surface pattern designer, Olga Koelsch shares her techniques with beginners and advanced artists alike in achieving beautiful and unique watercolor creations. In her debut book, Olga gently guides artists through the process of painting flowers that combine the accuracy of botanical illustration with the expression and freedom of modern watercolour. Here you’ll find: A concise introduction with the key items you'll need to get started Olga's most-used watercolor methods 6 different stunning plant projects: magnolia, eucalyptus, bellflower, rose, peony, and iris Clear photography and step-by-step instructions for every project Traceable outlines at the back of the book for beginners needing help Inspiration from Olga’s stunning collection for what to do with your finished artwork: cards, invitations, wall art, fabrics, and more Whether you're looking to start painting flowers with a nod to botanical illustration, or to learn how to create beautiful flowers to adorn personal items, you'll be struck by the timeless and unique artwork that fills How to Paint Transparent Flowers.

30 fabulous projects for beginners – get comfortable with watercolor, using only 3 colors at a time! Create neat and pretty watercolor projects with only 3 colors at a time! With this book you'll be able to paint animals, flowers, plants, baked goods and more in swift and quick strokes, using minimal yet distinctive color palettes. Artist Katie Putt, New Designers "One to Watch" (London, 2019) uses a simple, fun process to explain how color mixing works for beginners. Using just 3 colors at a time, you can discover how the colors interact and gain confidence with easy “mini masterpieces” to paint. The book includes 10 sections, each one based around a different set of 3 watercolors. Within each section you will find: The three colors shown on a simple color wheel A comprehensive mixing chart showing how each color will interact with another of the 3. 3 mini masterpieces—simple painting projects to create using colors from the mixing palette, with easy mixing instructions and simple stages to follow. The book includes 30 projects and 10 color schemes overall. The colors chosen for the palettes are all easily available, and large swatches of each pure color will make matching it easy, even if your paint shop doesn’t happen to stock that particular brand or shade. This is the perfect book for beginners as well as more developed artists who want to play around with more limited color designs.

The fabulously floral follow-up to the sell-out sensation, The Granny Square Card Deck! 50 fun floral granny square designs in a stylish card deck, perfect for on-the-go crochet. Innovative and completely visual, this card deck of 50 blooming gorgeous grannies will help you mix and match successful colour and design combinations every time you pick up your hook. The sturdy, stylish box contains 50 colorful cards, each with a fabulous floral granny square to make, mix and match. On the front of each 4 x 4in card is a color photograph of the finished granny square, while on the back you'll find a crochet stitch chart that shows you how to work the square, along with joining advice and any other helpful information you need. Simply lay out the cards to easily mix, match and create your own design combinations. Also within is a 32-page booklet, which contains a comprehensive step-by-step guide to reading and understanding crochet charts, with four side-by-side examples of pattern and chart instructions to get you started. You'll also find advice on working three-dimensional flowers, choosing yarns and hooks, 2 different methods for joining your squares together, and guidance on color placement and arrangement so that you can achieve color success every time. The perfect tool to help you mix and match granny square designs for any handmade project, select a few cards or slip the whole deck into your bag for on-the-go crochet. Each square is made using the same hook and yarn weight and is the same finished size, so that the squares can be joined together in any combination with ease. With 50 colorful floral designs to choose from and customize, this fun and versatile card deck is the ideal gift for any crocheter, and perfect for visual learners.

Unlock the Secrets to Captivating Water Landscapes, from still lakes and crashing waves to water droplets. Enhance Your Skills, and Ignite Your Creativity! Whether calm and reflective or sparkling with light and movement, water can bring atmosphere, drama and life to your watercolor paintings. In this invaluable, practical guide, popular artist, author and teacher Stephen Coates leads you through a multitude of highly effective techniques that will transform good paintings into great ones. Begin with an exploration of reflections and their pivotal role in capturing water on paper. Create 8 beautiful, beginner-friendly step-by-step projects, including stormy seas, cascading waterfalls, still lakes and lapping waves. Build up a range of versatile skills and techniques as you progress through the book. Be inspired by Stephen’s handy tips and a vibrant selection of his stunning artworks. Perfect for beginners, this is this latest addition to the Easy Guide to Painting series, and brings the excitement of Stephen’s live teaching into a no-fuss book that will help you create your own captivating watercolour masterpieces.

Known for her techniques for painting light on water, Jenny Aitken delivers perfect guidance to the intermediate artist on how to paint light in plein air and much more. Learn how to successfully paint scenes that that capture magical effects of light from behind the subject. Good contre-jour – painting into the light – artworks cause the viewer to squint, with light seeming to glow from the canvas. They can look like a kind of magic, with their hazy light and colour singing out. This book demystifies lighting in oils, and provides a practical guide to the process, showing exactly how to create the illusion. Inside, you'll find a wealth of information on simplification, tonal control, capturing accurate color, working both indoors and outdoors, painting landscapes and still life, creating atmospheric depth, and even mastering the illusion of space. Through detailed step-by-step demonstrations and beautifully illustrated techniques, Jenny Aitken reveals how to infuse every painting with vibrant, lifelike light. A section on troubleshooting tricky paintings will show the reader every painting is salvageable, but with an understanding of light and colour, it’s much more likely that they’ll find success the first time round.

Draw an inspiring, dynamic range of 50 figures, in a range of poses, in just 10 simple steps each! 10 Step Drawing: Figures offers an easy starting point for any illustrator looking to create realistic drawings of people. All you need is a pen and paper: learning to draw has never been easier! Features 50 figures diverse in age, body type, skin-tone and gender – each illustrated tutorial is fun and easy to replicate in 10 simple steps. Practise drawing people in natural, everyday poses such as resting, eating, walking or playing, or choose dynamic, mid-action poses, from skiing and surfing to dancing. There are handy drawing prompts at every stage, and each figure comes with suggestions for a beautiful colored finish. Once you've mastered the basics you can apply the techniques and draw your own family members and friends too! Part of the ground-breaking 10 Step Drawing series that has sold over 1M copies globally in 17 different languages.

Knit a glorious Moomin sock collection for the whole family with 29 unique, intricately-designed Fair Isle sock patterns, charts included. Inspired by Tove Jansson’s Moomin books, each pattern is a loving homage to Jansson’s beloved characters, brought to life by the artistry of top Finnish knitwear designers. You’re invited on an enchanting knitting adventure deep into the heart of Moominvalley, which will capture your heart and spark your creativity. All of the characters you love are beautifully represented in these designs. You’ll find practical guidance on finding the perfect fit for every member of your family, and detailed instructions on checking your tension ensure that you create the perfect knits every time. Each of the delightful patterns tells its own Moomin tale: The Hemulen Collecting Flowers pattern whisks you away on a floral adventure The 'Dancing in the Rain' socks transport you to a playful and carefree moment in Moominvalley Cozy up with the 'Happy Sniff' socks that capture Sniff's contentment and joy The Moominhouse design invites you into the cozy embrace of the Moomin household itself: agreeable Moomintroll, pensive Moominpappa, calm, caring Moominmamma, timid Sniff, and fearless Little My When it's time to unwind, let the 'Zzzz... time for a snooze' pattern lull you into a state of tranquillity Whether you're curled up with a well-loved copy of Finn Family Moomintroll, or exploring the great wide world, these socks will keep you and your family cozy and warm. More about the Moomins: The Moomins are the central characters in a series of books and comic strips by Swedish-speaking Finn Tove Jansson (1914–2001), a painter, illustrator and writer. The Moomins are a family of white and roundish fantastical characters, with large snouts. After the first Moomin story published in 1945, Tove Jansson went on to write another eight books, four picture books and numerous comic strip stories about the Moomins. The Moomins have inspired numerous television series, films and theme parks. There is a podcast devoted to Moomins hosted by Lily Collins and Jennifer Saunders - the Moomin Phenomenon podcast, which launched in March 2023. Moomins are a beloved heritage brand; the first book of eight was published (in Swedish) in 1945 and since then, have sold millions of copies worldwide, in over 40 languages.

Knit your own woodland animal scene with these adorable knitted animals from bestselling author Sachiyo Ishii! Perfect to make and give for all ages! Choose from a whole forest of woodland favorites, from fierce bears and their playful cubs to mischievous raccoons, bouncing hares and noble stags. This endearing collection from best-selling author and knitter Sachiyo Ishii is a great source of playful patterns, perfect for presents or playthings, and is a fantastic way to use up your yarn stash. Complete with step-by-step sewing-up, stuffing and embroidery techniques, these fun, simple patterns are ideal for knitters of all skill levels.

50 stunning stitch patterns in a stylish card deck, perfect for on-the-go crochet! Crochet the swatch squares as shown to mix and match them, or use the simple instructions to scale up the stitch patterns for your own crochet projects. New from Claire Montgomerie, author of the sell-out sensations The Granny Square Card Deck and The Granny Square Flowers Card Deck. The sturdy, stylish box contains 50 colorful cards, each featuring a stunning stitch pattern. On the front of each 4 x 4in card is a color photograph of the finished swatch, while on the back you'll find a crochet stitch chart that shows you how to work the swatch; stitch multiples; edging and joining advice; and any other helpful information you need. Simply lay out the cards to easily mix, match and create your own design combinations. A 32-page booklet containing a comprehensive step-by-step guide to reading and understanding crochet charts, with 5 side-by-side examples of pattern and chart instructions to get you started. You'll also find advice on choosing yarns and hooks, methods for edging and joining your swatches, guidance on scaling up the stitch multiples to create new patterns, plus colour placement inspiration so that you can achieve color success every time. The perfect tool to help you select stitches for any handmade project, select a few cards or slip the whole deck into your bag for on-the-go crochet. Each swatch square is made using the same hook and yarn weight and is the same finished size, so that the squares can be joined together in any combination with ease. With 50 colorful designs to choose from and customize, this fun and versatile card deck is the ideal gift for any crocheter, and perfect for visual learners Created to complement The Granny Square Stitches Card Deck, a digital collection of written patterns is available for crocheters who love the colour and style of the designs but prefer to read words rather than charts. All 50 granny patterns are written out using both US and UK crochet terminology for ease of use. 'The card deck is probably one of the best craft "things" I've ever seen and I can't crochet! What a brilliant idea - absolutely love it!' - Mary Bird, Woman’s Weekly

26 adorable woodland creatures to crochet, from squishable frogs and foxes to super-cute bunnies and bees. Perfect for beginners, this simple book uses only a handful of stitches and contains clear, easy-to-follow instructions to get you started. Using only tiny amounts of yarn, but bursting with character and fun, these adorable amigurumi makes will bust your stash and melt your heart! Simply follow the short illustrated techniques section to create a whole forest filled with sweet furry friends, leaves, acorns and flowers! 26 stash-busting amigurumi projects all the necessary techniques illustrated step by step perfect projects to make as gifts, toys or accessories!

The ultimate guide to granny square crochet: 110 colorful and contemporary designs plus a complete primer on tools, materials and key techniques. Discover 110 inspiring designs: 59 granny squares and swatches, 21 geometric motifs and 30 flowers. From classic squares to textured swatches and from geometric shapes to stunning crochet flowers, this comprehensive guide will provide you with boundless inspiration. Written to be completely beginner-friendly, and featuring illustrated step-by-step guides to all the key stitches and techniques needed, discover: guidance at every step, from selecting the right yarn and hook to understanding essential stitches like single crochet, double crochet and more advanced techniques like puff stitch, popcorn stitch and even Tunisian crochet. how to join your squares seamlessly for a polished finish and explore exciting project ideas, including blankets, scarves, cushions and even flower garlands. 110 simple, easy-to-follow projects: every design comes with full written instructions and an illustrated crochet chart. The Granny Squares Bible is more than just a pattern book; it will unlock your creative potential and help you transform your yarn stash into beautiful, personalized creations. A translation from the French edition by crafter and author Hiroko Aono-Billson.

The complete beginner’s guide to painting en plein air in watercolor, with 8 seasonal step-by-step projects, hands-on exercises and practical advice from expert watercolor teacher, Grahame Booth. ‘So what is all this fuss about plein air painting? It is the difference between listening to a CD and being at a concert, watching a travel programme and actually visiting. With plein air you don’t just see your subject. You feel it and you are literally part of it.’ Grahame Booth In this guide to painting en plein air with watercolors, expert teacher Grahame Booth provides a complete introduction to painting outdoors, from preparing your kit and planning your painting session to getting the most out of your environment, light and subject. Structured seasonally with numerous exercises and 8 complete step-by-step projects, all painted en plein air, and infused with Grahame’s friendly, encouraging teaching style, this is the ideal introduction to painting outdoors with watercolors. Discover: A guide to the essential kit you need Practical considerations for outdoor painting (the weather, the changing light and interested onlookers to name a few) The importance of selecting and simplifying the boundaries of your painting when you have a 360-degree view to choose from How to successfully capture the atmosphere of a place 8 seasonal projects, with invaluable advice on painting successfully in different seasonal conditions.

The must-have stitch dictionary for every embroiderer. Over 280 essential embroidery stitches curated from the best-selling A-Z of Embroidery Stitches books, from the expert team at Inspirations Studios. Learn to work over 280 embroidery stitches, for the beginner through to the advanced embroider, with this comprehensive step-by-step stitch dictionary. The book includes: Advice on choosing fabrics, threads, equipment, and working as a left-handed embroiderer. 2000+ step-by-step photographs and detailed instructions. Detailed stitch index for easy navigation. Dozens of hints throughout providing tips and historical insights. Lay-flat binding, for easy reference while you work. Whether you're a confident embroiderer looking for new inspiration, or a beginner who's keen to expand your repertoire, this book opens a world of creative stitching possibilities, now and for years to come.

So you want to learn how to knit? About time! Enter your knitting era with self-taught knitwear designer Brenda Lam. From casting on to casting off, learn the fundamentals of knitting and then create 10 fun, chunky projects to wear with pride. Learning to knit can be daunting, especially if you don't have a friend or family member to show you the ropes... what you need is a seasoned knitter by your side. Enter popular designer Brenda Lam, who will show you everything you need to know from the complete basics onwards. Discover: Everything new knitters need to know, including tools, yarns, stitches, abbreviations and techniques, shown step by step to make everything as clear as possible 'Things I Wish I’d Known' (Brenda's favorite tips and tricks); A Troubleshooting section, for when you're not quite sure where a stitch has gone wrong (we’ve all been there!) Simple stitches, the basics on how to read a pattern, and a chapter on how to finish your work 10 colorful, chunky projects to test out your new skills, including some scrappy mittens or, if you’re feeling ambitious, a sweater vest. The chunky yarn used in the projects is ideal for beginners as it knits up quickly. Large stitches allow you to see clearly how your stitches are formed... and to identify when you make the odd mistake! With its witty and welcoming tone, this book is perfect if you're looking to take your first step into knitting. Brenda's easy-to-understand tutorials are written in a light-hearted tone, sprinkled with humor, from sassy sidebars to awful jokes that’ll have you in stitches...

Learn to draw the human form with this comprehensive figure drawing guide featuring technical advice, instruction for beginners, and helpful reference illustrations and diagrams. This extensive guide to figure drawing offers everything you need to know to get started, with in-depth studies of human anatomy by master artist Giovanni Civardi. Bringing together seven books from the successful Art of Drawing series, this compilation includes: • Drawing Techniques • Heads and Faces • Sketching People • Understanding Human Form and Structure • The Nude • Drawing Hands and Feet • Drawing Clothing on Figures Civardi's technical advice and practical tips, accompanied by his own outstanding drawings, make this essential drawing guide an invaluable resource for any portrait artist.

Make great color choices and mixes in watercolor, oils and acrylics with master artists and bestselling author Julie Collins. With over 1,800 swatches, so you'll never be at a loss for the perfect color blend again. This portable, pocket-sized companion is a clear, comprehensive guide to color mixing in the 3 most popular mediums: watercolor, acrylics, and oils. Introducing simple color theory and the color wheel at beginner’s level, paint your own with the template provided. Over 1,800 swatches demonstrating the wide scope of mixes that can be achieved in each medium Templates and guidelines for creating your own indispensable colour wheels Invaluable information on the rudiments of color, including tonal values, working with a limited palette and understanding local color. The Colour Mixing Companion is a beautifully presented and practical guide to understanding and mixing colors for artists and hobby painters; from beginners to more experienced painters.

Learn to draw the natural world in this fascinating and accessible guide by master-artist Giovanni Civardi. Beginning with the key drawing methods and materials you'll need to start your artistic journey, along with advice on drawing perspective and light and shade, learn to sketch country scenes, fruit, vegetables, animals and more. Throughout you'll find hundreds of helpful and practical illustrations and diagrams, along with stunning examples of Civardi's work that exemplify his favourite techniques for capturing the natural world. This is the perfect book for both beginner and experienced artists looking for an inspirational, no-nonsense introduction to drawing natural subjects. This comprehensive guide brings together seven books from Search Press' successful Art of Drawing series: Drawing Techniques; Drawing Perspective; Drawing Scenery; Drawing Light & Shade; Flowers, Fruit and Vegetables; Drawing Pets; and Drawing Wild Animals.

This lively and engaging book fuses science with art, providing the reader with the skills, techniques and knowledge they need to create sketches of animals filled with life and movement.

Author: Tim Pond
Publisher: Search Press
Number of pages: 176
ISBN: 9781782215127

Everything you need to become a manga artist, with step-by-step instructions, exercises, and tips and tricks and feature spreads from other artists. With the interest in manga-style art now stronger than ever - its influence can be seen in the Pixar films Frozen, Wreck-It Ralph and other movies - this is the perfect book to slipstream into manga drawing. Packed full of step-by-step sequences for face, body, and poses, you too can draw in the manga-art style. Learn how to draw figures in the characteristic style of your favourite characters by building a portfolio of drawings. At the end of each chapter is a series of practice exercises where you're encouraged to trace or freehand draw subjects from earlier on. You'll end up with a portfolio of sketches charting your artistic development. There is also an inspirational artists-in-residence section, where cool artists share their manga-art secrets and showcase their own art.

200 essential stitches, curated by the most prestigious embroidery institution in the world: the Royal School of Needlework (RSN). Embroidery is a living art. The aim of the RSN Stitch Bank is to ensure that hand embroidery is not just kept alive, but flourishes into the future. The 200 stitches in this book are a mix of practical and purely decorative, carefully selected to provide a broad and varied basis for any embroiderer. This book aims to empower every embroiderer to create contemporary works informed and supported by centuries of experience. All 200 stitches are fully explained with written instructions, illustrations and photographs. To make the book as easy-to-use as possible, each stitch details the embroidery disciplines it is used for, and any alternative names. The stitches have been divided across 7 chapters, each covering a particular usage, from shading to edging, to make them easy to apply to your own work. This sumptuous book also showcases historical pieces from the RSN’s unparalleled Collection and Archive, with stunning photography and expert insight, bringing the skills, work and experience of the past to life. The book is designed to complement the unique RSN Stitch Bank (rsnstitchbank.org), an online resource created by the Royal School of Needlework to conserve and preserve every stitch around the globe. The Royal School of Needlework, or RSN, was founded in 1872 with a mission to preserve the art of hand embroidery. To mark the RSN's 150th anniversary, RSN Stitch Bank (rsnstitchbank.org), was launched to continue this mission; digitally conserving and showcasing the wide variety of the world’s embroidery stitches and the ways in which they have been used in different cultures and times. The RSN Stitch Bank is an ongoing project. More stitches are added regularly and the RSN work with partners around the world to include stitches from different traditions. The Stitch Bank currently includes more than 400 stitches, divided across 28 disciplines, from crewel embroidery to whitework.

Sketch 50 popular animal projects, step by step, in just 10 minutes! Draw all creatures ‘great and small’, including woodland, farmyard, aquatic, domestic and wild animals using this stunningly simple, easy-to-follow book. Guaranteed to boost your drawing confidence and skill, award-winning artist Jonathan Newey uses simple shapes, built up step by step, so that you can quickly and easily sketch 50 different animals from all over the world, including: Brilliant big cats such as lions, tigers and cheetahs Feathered friends such as birds of prey, flamboyant flamingos and wise owls Playful pets such as adorable rabbits, loyal dogs and mischievous kittens Every project contains between 6 and 10 illustrated steps, simple instructions and an inspirational ‘color me’ tip box containing colour swatches and advice, in case you’d like to transform your finished drawing with color – in Jonathan’s case, colored pencils have been used, but you could use whichever medium you like. This book is perfect for beginner artists who’ve never drawn before and who want an easy guide to drawing their favorite animals; it’s also a perfect prompt for more experienced illustrators searching for sketching ideas and keen to observe and recreate the character, poise and energy of a range of species. 10 minutes at a time is all you need! Other titles in the series include Draw in 10 Minutes: Botanicals.

With simple visual step-by-step instructions and hand-drawn illustrations, effortlessly create over 50 different paper creations, from sea lions to spinning tops, Christmas decorations and colorful flowers. This is origami at its most simple and elegant. With a special focus on a very visual method of explanation, this collection brings together 50 traditional origami projects, accessible to experts and beginners alike. The folds are organized from the simplest to the most complex.   The projects range from sea lions to spinning tops, Christmas decorations and colorful flowers, to sailboats. Detailed illustrations show you exactly where to place your hands at every step of the process, and projects are given a difficulty rating for ease of reference. Simply follow the diagrams and watch origami creations of all kinds come to life at your fingertips.   Brought to you from the Parisian boutique of Adeline Klam, this book is full of beautiful designs, fun toys, useful tips and paper surprises of every shape and size.

A completely visual guide to over 40 inspiring origami projects, with every fold, crease, cut and flip photographed step by step! Perfect for all ages and skill levels, this must-have guide contains 40 fun designs, from hearts, flowers and stars to characterful animals and classic Japanese motifs. A stylish and easy-to-follow introduction to the timeless Japanese art of paper folding from acclaimed paper artist Adeline Klam (@adelineklam): Refreshingly clear, visual and hands-on, each project is photographed step by step, with more intricate folds further clarified with helpful hand-drawn illustrations, ensuring that readers can follow along with ease and confidence. Over 40 charming designs, ranging from simple decorative items like a heart, a fan and a four-leaf clover, to animals such as a cat, parrot, panda and majestic crane, plus floral favourites including a tulip, cherry blossom (Sakura) and hydrangea. It also includes fun and unusual designs like a goblet, a ceremonial kimono and a tatou envelope, offering a rich variety of projects to suit different tastes and occasions. Find inspiration for putting your projects to practical use: the book contains a stunning visual lookbook of ideas for readers to embellish greeting cards, adorn a party table, create paper flowers and wreaths or create a fabulous wall hanging. Origami for the Absolute Beginner offers a calm and creative escape. Its gentle tone, thoughtful presentation and inspiring range of designs make it a perfect entry point for newcomers, and a lovely source of inspiration for seasoned folders alike. Featuring clear, colorful step photographs by Richard Boutin, technical drawings by Lucy Tézier, additional designs by Nana Takahashi; and in collaboration with Eriko Toureau-Kondo. This is a translation of the French edition by popular paper artist Adeline Klam.

Discover 8 enchanting little gnomes to knit, from popular knitting designer and gnome enthusiast, Sarah Schira. In the depths of Grimblewood forest, tucked away under rustling pine and spruce trees, you’ll find the Grimblewood gnomes: an eclectic and kindly bunch, ready to welcome anyone who rambles their way. From Gnorri, the skilled gardener tending to the Ancient Oak, to Gnoddy, who loves a cup of acorn and chanterelle tea, here is a charming circle of gnomes to knit and befriend... Need-to-gnome: Discover all the materials and notions you need, as well as all the necessary know-how, including how to block, stuff and assemble your gnomes to create their distinct personalities. Each gnome has their own distinguishing features: choose from hats with earflaps, cablework, tassels or whimsical curled tips; choose outfits with colourwork details, stripes or cabling; create majestic beards with corkscrew curls or delicate loops, or even add some beard pockets! Suitable for confident knitters, the book contains all the necessary colourwork and cable charts, along with Sarah’s ‘Chart of Everything’: the ultimate guide to calculating the yarn weights you need for each and every gnome. Every gnome is made in two weights of yarn – fingering (4-ply) and light worsted (DK/8-ply) – so you can knit your chosen new friend in a small or medium size. Or both! Advice is given on how to adapt your gnomes to make them child-friendly, if you wish to make friends for the little ones in your life. #NeverNotGnoming