Retreats, hideaways, escape spaces - call them what you will, such havens offer us a personal, private and peaceful place to nest, nurture and take time out. These spaces offer the chance to create a completely unique interior. Be it a simple garden room, a homely shepherd's hut, a yoga-lover's cabin, a fishing lodge or summer house, a treehouse, a circus wagon, a purpose-designed garden smart pod or even a canal boat, the glorious retreats showcased here will provide inspiration for creating your very own place for escape or somewhere to enjoy favourite activities. Author Sara Bird reveals the essential elements of a soulful hideaway, from building materials to decorative details, and then explores 14 remarkable retreats in three chapters: Close to Home, On the Water and In the Wild. These are spaces designed for rest, relaxation, play and daydreaming either alone or en famille, as well as for their effects on our mental and physical wellbeing.

Experienced potter Henry Leighton has spent years creating potteries and ceramic objects of his own and for others: this is his practical, all-encompassing guide, complete with step-by-step illustrations. A brilliant introduction to making pottery by hand, this book introduces the reader at first to the philosophy and notions of design possessed by every good potter. When is making quality earthenware an art form, and when it is simple manufacture of a product? What distinguishes ordinary pottery from porcelain? The book delves into the materials and clay necessary, and the methods and distinctions in crafting. Important qualities such as the porosity and plasticity of clay, and the various kinds of clay useful for making quality earthenware, are discussed. We're also instructed how, and in what proportions, we should mix clay to achieve an ideal consistency for either earthenware or porcelain.

This origami pack contains 500 high-quality origami papers printed with colorful kaleidoscope designs and patterns. These exciting paper patterns were developed to enhance the creative work of origami artists and paper crafters. The pack contains 12 different designs unique to this pack, and all of the papers are printed in coordinating colors on the reverse to provide aesthetically pleasing combinations in origami models that show both the front and back of the sheets. This origami paper pack includes: 500 sheets of high-quality origami paper 12 unique designs Over 40 sheets of paper for each design Vibrant and bright colors Double-sided color 6 x 6 inch (15 cm) squares Instructions for 6 easy origami projects

Introducing a book of cool, quirky, and super-quick projects for those who love to be creative but rarely have the time. If you have half an hour to spare, you can whip up beautifully sewn home goods, toys, accessories, simple garments and more. Professional seamstress Heather M. Love offers clear, easy-to-follow instructions for:

• An evening clutch
• A casserole carrier
• Baby burb cloths
• Finger puppets, and much more
  With projects ranging from simple tasks to more challenging skill-builders--"30 Minute Sewing" is suitable for newbies and experienced sewers alike. Includes the basics of using patterns and hand-sewing, an overview of essential tools and notions, and a guide to sewing machine maintenance.

Artist and popular workshop instructor Traci Bunkers can turn just about anything into an interesting stamp, printing block, or tool. In this book, she shows readers how to see overlooked, everyday objects in a new way, and how to "MacGyver" them into easy to use printing blocks and tools. Readers learn to create 52 print blocks and stamp tools, all from inexpensive, ordinary, and unexpected materials--string, spools, bandaids, flip flops, ear plugs, rubber bands, school erasers, and a slew of other repurposed and upcycled items. The book also shows how to use those simple tools to make gorgeous, multi-layered prints and patterns that can be used to enhance journal covers, stationery, fabrics, accessories, and more.

Master the craft of glass art in your own home studio

The Glass Artist's Studio Handbook is a robust review of three popular glass art styles--stained glass, fusing, and lampworking--that brings learning new skills and making glass art within everyone's reach. With the right tools, classic techniques, and several "teaching projects," you will soon be making beautiful glass art at home.

Artist Cecilia Cohen walks you through planning your work space, selecting tools and materials, mastering basic glasswork techniques, and applying your new skills to original pieces. In addition, "The Glass Artist's Studio Handbook "encourages good organization, unique and inspired design, and eco-friendly practices, ensuring it will remain an invaluable resource for artists.

The Glass Artist's Studio Handbook

- Invites you into the studios of 18 glass artists from around the world

- Teaches fundamental glass-art techniques--cutting glass, soldering, flameworking, kilnwork, and more--in full-color photographs

- Illustrates the steps for crafting beautiful pieces of glass art, including suncatchers, jewelry, boxes, beads, and a kaleidoscope

Whether you are new to the art and want to set up your first studio and learn the basics, or an experienced artist looking to expand your repertoire and stimulate your creativity with advanced projects, The Glass Artist's Studio Handbook is for you.