Crafts

At some point growing up, most of us threw a blanket over two chairs and declared it our club house. Artistic duo Grackle & Pigeon have taken the idea a step further--or, rather, they've taken the imagination we all had as kids and infused it into 25 artisanal blanket forts. This gorgeous little book is an absolutely stunning look at a wide range of projects that will inspire you to envision cozy hideouts in our living rooms, yards, yoga studios, and work spaces. Each project includes a mix of 4 color photography and charming pen-and-ink instructional illustrations.

Forts like Bears Love Breakfast, are as simple as a couple of blankets and some sticks, for a rustic camping feel. Then there's Ground Control, the David Bowie-themed fort, whose moon-like glow will make you want to crawl inside and listen to "Life on Mars." Om Shanti, the Yoga fort, is clean and simple, the perfect place to clear your mind. And the decadent Garden Party is a back yard piece de resistance worthy of a (tiny) wedding reception.

The book's frontmatter outlines the basic frames that are used to create the forts, and the instructional drawings throughout show the forts' bones, but Blanket Fort is more a lifestyle book than a craft book--one which invites people of any income to look and dream, the perfect gift for a couple moving in together or your best friend from childhood. And for that matter, parents planning for a novel sleepover will also find ideas inside.

Enter into the whimsical, crocheted world of Aleksandra, from the site Eleonore & Maurice. She is a talented designer who blends pastel yarns with Liberty fabric to make truly adorable creations: plush animals with little accessories, as well as sweet cushions. The combination of the calming pastel cotton yarn and the delicate Liberty designs give very pleasing results. These crisp creations include a cat cushion, a bird family, a hedgehog, a rabbit and a reindeer.

The crochet patterns are clear and easy to follow and the sewing element is minimal, including items such as fabric bows, belts, ears, tails and collars. Make them for yourself or as gifts for family and friends. Everyone is sure to love these beautiful crocheted creatures. The soft colours and splashes of Liberty fabric make them perfect companions that children will love.

The new and up-to-date edition of the popular and comprehensive pottery book by ceramics expert Peter Cosentino.

Inside, discover all the major pottery techniques used the world over, from time-honoured traditional methods to exciting new developments. These include coiling, combing, resist decoration, sgraffito, slabbing and texturing clay. Once you've learnt these essential techniques, put your new skills into practice with a wealth of inspirational examples, ranging from bowls, vases and cups, to plaques, spheres and sculpture.

In addition, advice on materials and equipment is provided inside to help you on your crafting journey, including kilns, glazes, moulds and more. Finally, a gallery of stunning images is featured throughout the book, demonstrating an array of beautiful designs by established potters and ceramicists that will inspire both beginners and experienced crafters.

Although gouache goes back about 600 years, it is enjoying a renaissance with modern artists. Falling between watercolor and acrylic, gouache is generally diluted before being applied, but it's opaque and contains a high amount of pigment. The texture isn't delicate, so it's a good medium for canvas or coated surfaces. New and experienced painters alike will enjoy lessons on color theory, mixing, and the innovative techniques offered in this book--there are thirty guided projects so you can practice what you learn.

Focusing mainly on long-and-short stitch and Trish's delicate, considered use of silk shading, the book contains all the stitches needed, clearly illustrated, and gives thorough advice on preparation and choosing fabrics and threads - including a handy thread conversion chart.

The embroideries are reworkings of botanical artworks from Kew's Art Collection. There is one 'starter' project to encourage readers to try out the techniques, one large sampler containing eighteen small elements that can be worked individually or as a group, and nine further projects, including a striking spider chrysanthemum, an elegant waterlily and an opulent magnolia. All the projects are shown step by step, with an order of work diagram given where appropriate. The templates are included at full size at the back of the book.

Beautifully photographed, this beginner-friendly guide has everything you need to make 18 lovely soaps. Inspirational for seasoned soap-makers as well, the recipes use only natural ingredients that are kind to the skin and our environment. From olive oil to juniper and cucumber to honey, there are lots of gorgeous fragrances and colours to satisfy everyone.

With comprehensive information on where to start and what you need, the book includes essential tips on utensils, safety issues to consider, and by a step-by-step guide to making soap. There are also useful sections on fragrances and natural colourings and additives such as coffee and cinnamon. This book tells you everything you need to know about making your own hand-crafted soap, using tools most people already own

An addictive hobby, you will find yourself making lovely, personalised soap ideas for gifting.

This is the book authors Roz Dace and Judy Balchin wish they had been given when they started out on their felting journey. A complete course for the absolute beginner, it is packed full of useful tips and techniques to help you on your own felting adventures.

Learn how to sculpt miniature teacup worlds, animals and birds, and even your friends and family. There are 12 varied projects, starting with the easiest and progressing in difficulty. Master the basics, then learn how to use wire, embellishments and armatures in your work, and even how to capture expression in faces. You can use the techniques you have been shown to create your own variations.

Pick up that felting needle and you are guaranteed to have fun with this much-needed book.

In this beautiful book, Paul and Niko of Earl of East London share the secrets behind the gorgeously scented candles they create at their studio. As well as the basic steps to preparing and pouring candles at home, the book includes a fascinating exploration of the art of building scent, so that the reader can create their own signature fragrances. Paul and Niko are devoted to capturing memories and feelings in scent, and in this book you can learn how to combine different essential oils to trigger different emotions and memories, whether that is the recollection of a childhood holiday conjured up by a hint of mandarin and seaweed, or an imagined walk in your grandparents' garden scented with basil and parsley.

Not only is candle making and scent development a wonderfully relaxing craft, it is also a unique way to create personalized gifts or to create a signature scent for your own home or special event.