Kids

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.

Instead of restricting stranded knitting to only the yoke of a sweater, the 17 patterns in this collection embrace colorwork from top to bottom. Modern and traditional motifs are used in new ways to create an array of styles and shapes, from cardigans, hoodies, and short sleeve sweaters to cozy pullovers, ponchos, and even a dress. A variety of colorful yarns are used to varying effects: mohair for soft halos, merino wool for stitch definition, and alpaca for lightweight warmth. The sweaters are unique and sure to be noticed, yet are comfortable and appropriate for everyday wear. 

Patterns are sized from small to extra large and are appropriate for intermediate knitters comfortable with sweater-making techniques and colorwork. An illustrated tutorial section provides a refresher on stranded knitting, if needed, as well as instructions on how to work a few possibly unfamiliar stitches and techniques. Knitters will be absorbed from start to finish as they add many new favorite sweaters to their collection!

Ten beautifully illustrated essays tell the stories of handcrafted objects and their makers, providing inspiration and insight into Black history and craftsmanship.

Black artisans have long been central to American art and design, creating innovative and highly desired work against immense odds. Atlanta-based chairmaker and scholar Robell Awake explores the stories behind ten cornerstones of Black craft, including:

• The celebrated wooden chairs of Richard Poynor, an enslaved craftsman who began a dynasty of Tennessee chairmakers.
• The elegant wrought-iron gates of Philip Simmons, seen to this day throughout Charleston, South Carolina, whose work features motifs from the Low Country.
• The inventive assemblage art and yard shows of Joe Minter, James Hampton, Bessie Harvey, and others, who draw on African spiritual traditions to create large-scale improvisational art installations.

From the enslaved potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina, to Ann Lowe, the couture dressmaker who made Jacqueline Kennedy's wedding dress, to Gullah Geechee sweetgrass basket makers, to the celebrated quilters of Gee's Bend, A Short History of Black Craft in Ten Objects illuminates the work of generations of Black craftspeople, foregrounding their enduring contributions to American craft.

BLACK CRAFT AND AMERICANA: Delving into the history of Black skilled artisans, estimated to have outnumbered white artisans five to one in the southern United States in the late 1800s, this unique art history book celebrates handcrafted objects that reflect the dynamic nature of Black culture.

DYNAMIC ILLUSTRATED ESSAYS: Luminous color illustrations by artist Johnalynn Holland highlight beloved craft objects and their makers, creating a fascinating volume to study and treasure.

ART HISTORY EXPERTISE: Author Robell Awake is a notable furniture maker, artisan, and educator whose work has been featured in the New York Times and in group shows at Verso Gallery in New York City and the Center for Craft in Asheville, NC. Dr. Tiffany Momon, who contributes an afterword, is the founder and co-director of the Black Craftspeople Digital Archive and a leading scholar of Black history and African American placemaking throughout the southeast.

 

Discover the magical world of reversible amigurumi! Crochet amazing designs and transform them from one character into another by simply flipping them inside out.

- 12 reversible crochet designs, including the Frog Princess, the Rose Fairy, the Witch and Cauldron, the Dragon, Cinderella, the Lily Fairy and many more!

- Playful and surprising amigurumi that are perfect for storytelling & gifting

- Super detailed patterns accompanied by step pictures and diagrams

Challenge yourself with exciting dual designs that are fun to make. Every amigurumi in this book is full or surprises, and holds a touch of wonder and wow.

Step into the whimsical world of Apple Blossom Wood with this delightful collection of sewing patterns for felt toys to treasure.

Featuring seven heirloom toy sewing patterns for 16 inch felt animal dolls and their beautifully detailed vintage clothing, all based around the theme of Apple Blossom Wood, the fictional village where they live.

* The animals all have back stories that are reflected in their outfits, really bringing their personalities to life. Bertie Bear is an antiques dealer and wears his waistcoat and peaked cap with pride.

* The full-size templates for the dolls and their garments are included.

* Features detailed step-by-step instructions and diagrams for the dolls and their wardrobes.

Bertie Bear, Chester and Sapphire Fox, Eli and Elisha Elephant and Emma and Byron the Highland Cows are the animals who have made Apple Blossom Wood their home. Eli and Elisha escaped from the travelling circus and now they make a living by harvesting apples for their delicious apple sauce. Emma and Byron the Highland cows live in the manor house on the edge of the village and Sapphire Fox runs the millinery shop and enjoys showing off her fine clothes when she's out and about with Chester Fox.

The design of the clothing is very detailed with lots of tailored garments like waistcoats and shirts, offering a fun sewing challenge. The designs have a 1920/30s aesthetic and Bertie Bear, with his flat cap and waistcoat, bears a striking resemblance to Thomas Shelby from Peaky Blinders.

Enjoy making these delightful dolls and their wonderful wardrobes to treasure forever.