This book features 18 fashion-focused pieces for beaders and jewelers of all skill levels to make. Techniques combine traditional bead and wirework with feathers, fabric, chain and leather. It offers beautiful and inspirational photography throughout. You can learn how to use basic beading skills combined with wire, fabrics and a range of materials to make fashion jewelry from the comfort of your own home. This innovative book focuses on current fashion trends and shows you how to make stunning large statement pieces. There are projects for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced jewellers looking to diversify their skills. Chapters include: statement necklaces; designer earrings; couture bracelets; blinging rings; show-stopping sets

Haiku - seventeen-syllable poems that evoke worlds despite their brevity - have captivated Japanese readers since the seventeenth century. Today the form is practiced worldwide and has become established as part of our common global heritage. This beautiful traditionally hand-bound volume presents new English translations of classic poems by the four great masters of Japanese haiku - Matsuo Basho, Yosa Buson, Kobayashi Issa, and Masaoka Shiki - accompanied by both the original Japanese and a phonetic transcription, and a photograph or artwork highlighting or echoing the poem's theme. With a timeless design, Haiku Illustrated is an expert introduction and celebration of one of the most beautiful and accessible forms of poetry in the world.

This book introduces the reader to 32 self-taught artists in the Southeastern United States. Some have already come to the attention of collectors and scholars. Many others have been unrecognized outside of their immediate neighborhoods. What they all have in common is an unquenchable desire to make art. Often defying the expectations of family and friends, they have pursued this inspiration. In many cases, these artists began to create in response to a personal crisis. Others harbored an interest in art for many years but only had the time to create following retirement. Most were initially unaware of the academic art world, either because they were unable to afford an art education or because their families considered such an aspiration impractical. These stories of perseverance, struggle and triumph illustrate the strength of the creative impulse, which is a part of us all.