Relax. Refresh. Restart. Amid the commotion of everyday life, finding a few precious moments of "me time" can be challenging. With so many demands on our attention, knowing how to get the most out of our limited downtime is more important than ever. Discover new ways to take some time out with this invaluable guide to finding and creating sanctuary. Whether you're searching for serenity at home or seeking solace in the great outdoors, this book is packed with self-care tips, calming crafts and delicious recipes to help you relax, recharge and rejuvenate.

Once, nutmeg was worth its weight in gold. For much of human history, the tiny Banda Islands in Indonesia were the only source of this esteemed spice. From the age of the Silk Roads through to the mid-19th century partial shift of production to the Caribbean, covering battles between the Honourable East India Company and the Dutch Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie, this book traces the story of nutmeg, revealing its extensive and often surprising influence over conflict, politics, social mores, and Western society. Beautiful antique silver, gold, enamel, bone, ivory, treen and Tunbridgeware graters and rasps demonstrate how much nutmeg was valued throughout history. This book gathers pictures of some of the finest examples world-wide, alongside mechanical and base metal graters and spice containers. It illustrates, and provides useful information on, the history of pomanders which were associated with nutmeg, as this spice was once thought to ward off pestilence and plague. Combining the social history of nutmeg with explanations of the spice production and transportation process, and illustrating in detail examples in international nutmeg grater collections and museums, this book is the essential reference work for collectors, antique dealers and auctioneers.

"A pragmatic account that will ground your right brain sensibilities in tried, true, and new ways of bringing what you make to market." --Pamela Diamond, Director of Marketing & Communications, American Craft Council

• Pointers for getting started, selling, exhibiting at trade shows, pricing, and marketing to turn a hobby into a profitable business
• Updated for the digital age, with new sections on creating effective websites and blogs, marketing with social networks, selling online, and using smartphones and tablets for payments
• Previous editions sold more than 180,000 copies

Learn how to draw, with a masterclass from the man who inspired Walt Disney. Credited with being the inspiration for Walt Disney to pick up a pencil and pursue a career in animation, E G Lutz's method of drawing complex illustrations in gradual, simplified stages paved the way for many of the artists and illustrators who followed him. * Learn how to draw a delightful range of subjects, from animals and people to toys, buildings and landscapes. * Pictures are broken down into simple shapes and lines, which are then built up, with the aid of clear step-by-step instructions, into beautiful drawings. * Simple to follow, yet using principles seen in sophisticated artworks and animations today, this guide can help budding artists of all ages to develop their skills. Nostalgic yet timeless, this historically and culturally important book has inspired so many adults and children to draw and can help you too to discover the delights of creating your own artwork.

Whether you call it gimp, lanyard, scoubidou, or boondoggle, vinyl craft lace is the perfect activity for home, camp, school or party. And Plastic Lace Crafts for Beginners is the perfect way to get started in this easy-to-learn craft. This book shows readers all of the essential stitches and skills they need to master the art of plastic lacing, with easy-to-follow weaving diagrams and colorful photos of finished projects. 17 simple but fun projects are provided for making cool zipper pulls, key chains, bracelets, decorations and more. Every braid is clearly illustrated, so instructions are a cinch to follow. The projects include imaginative columns, fishtails, ankhs, hearts, and free flow designs, and use fun accents like beads and pom poms. The authors begin by teaching the fundamental 4-strand technique, then move on to more complicated 6-strand designs.

This early work on taxidermy is a fascinating read for the amateur or professional taxidermist and also contains much information that is still useful today. Extensively illustrated with text and full page diagrams, drawings and photographs forming a complete how-to guide. Contents Include: The Early History of Taxidermy, Field Collecting, Tools and Materials, Formulas, Birds, Mammals, Fish and Reptiles, Game Heads and Fur Rugs, Tanning, and an Index. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Flutter into a pixie-filled utopia where magic reigns...

Wander through mystical gardens where fairy dust swirls through the sky in Mythographic Color and Discover: Fairy Wonderland. In this hidden world freckled with tiny winged nymphs and enchanted animals, imagination is found where dreams and illusion meet. Color more than 40 hand-drawn illustrations that unlock the mysteries of glittering fairy charms. Explore dazzling meadows of miniature dominions, peer through translucent portals connecting spritely realms, and become the secret keeper of unknown dreamlands in an entrancing escape to Mythographic Color and Discover: Fairy Wonderland.

• Set your artistry soaring with more than 40 mesmerizing illustrations
• Give your whimsical imaginings vibrant hues with pens, glitter, or watercolors
• Color a universe where magic floats in with the mist and creativity flourish