Crafts Recent Picks
February 2008
The underlined title links will take you directly to our catalogue.
Some featured items are linked via a book cover to enable you to read more reviews.
Metal clay and mixed media jewellery : innovative projects featuring resin, polymer clay, glass, fibre, concrete, collage materials, and more, Sherri Haab.
"Clay that turns into silver - does it get any more magical? Now it does with Metal Clay and Mixed Media Jewellery! Sherri Haab, author of the best-selling Art of Metal Clay,... take metal clay to the next level by combining it with other media, ranging from the timeless to the unexpected. Ribbons, resin, pottery shards, leather, glass, paints, polymer clay, and concrete are just a few of the materials that come together with metal clay in twenty stunning designs. Beautiful photography showcases these innovative pieces, and fully illustrated step-by-step instructions make it easy to re-create them. The book also presents an overview of basic materials and techniques, including new formulations of metal clay and recently developed firing techniques, and gallery images of pieces by talented designers. Whether you want to expand your repertoire of metal clay techniques or you're just getting started in this exciting medium, this comprehensive book has all the information and inspiration you need to create exquisite mixed media jewellery with metal clay." (Book jacket)
Crochet designs : 25 must-have items to make, by Tess Dawson.
"If you enjoy crocheting or fancy learning how, then you'll love this book, which is packed with fresh, modern designs for all occasions. If you are new to crochet you'll find all you need to know here: there is a chapter on yarns and recommended substitutes, advice on crochet hooks, including the benefits of different types and sizes, plus a fully illustrated guide to all the techniques. All projects are clearly graded with a difficulty rating of basic, intermediate or advanced. So add some glamour and luxury to your wardrobe with the help of this book and start crocheting these fabulous designs today! Designs include: Scarves, Shrugs, Shawls, Caplets, Ponchos, Hats, Bags, Mittens." (Book jacket)
Extreme pumpkins: diabolical do-it-yourself designs to amuse your friends and scare your neighbours, by Tom Nardone.
"Based on his popular and addictive Web site, ExtremePumpkins.com, Nardone creates a full-colour guide to pumpkin carving that's truly frightening." (Library catalogue)
Knitting little luxuries, by Louisa Harding.
"Learn to pamper friends and loved ones with lavish and fun knitted gifts. Projects are broken down into four different categories by style and include hats, mittens, purses, wraps, tops, sweaters, and socks all of which are simple to make and require minimal yarn. Tips are provided for embellishing each project with different fabrics, edgings, and stitching patterns, making personalization easy, even for novices. Beautiful photographs and colour illustrations detailing how to create each piece, as well as contemporary designs and small, quick projects make this guide a must-have for the gift-giving knitter." (Library Catalogue)
Japanese quilt blocks to mix & match: over 125 patchwork, appliqué and sashiko designs, Susan Briscoe.
"Modern Japanese quilting uses Eastern and Western techniques to create quilts of extraordinary beauty. This book is a treasury of more than 125 block designs, characterized by their use of oriental textiles, unusual motifs and striking colour combinations. Choose from patchwork, appliqué, and sashiko blocks, organized into themed sections based on geometric, pictorial and family crest designs. All the techniques you'll need are clearly demonstrated. Each design features a photograph, clear instructional diagram or template, fabric palette and cutting guide, and instructions for making the block. At-a-glance icons indicate skill level and techniques used. All of the blocks can be mixed and matched, and you will find examples of fail-safe block combinations for stylish quilts, from tessellated all-over patterns to spectacular sampler quilts." (Book jacket)
Quilted bags & totes by Denise Clason.
"Bags and totes are THE hip accessory for a new generation eager to find stylish new ways to haul their stuff." (Library Catalogue)
Creative greeting cards, Sandi Genovese.
"Window cards, pop-ups and other dimensional cards are sure to intrigue... After an introduction to technique and tools, you're off to projects for nearly any occasion. The focus is on dimensional elements and interactivity, whether you consider a diorama card... or a spiral mobile card... the author knows how to share her expertise with composition and colour..." (Library Catalogue)
Knit with beads: beautiful gifts, easy techniques, 18 unique designs, by Scarlet Taylor.
Crochet techniques, by Renate Kirkpatrick.
Fig tree quilts, by Joanna Figeroa and Lisa Quan.
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