The folk artists of Italy have created some of the most beautiful crafts in the world: laces, mosaics, leatherwork, quilting, and wood inlay are among the most well-known. In this vintage book, originally published in 1977, Janet and Alex D Amato explore these traditional Italian crafts as well as others not so well known, such as tambour (a kind of crocheting worked directly into a fabric), straw marquetry (a mosaic-like craft done with tiny pieces of straw), wood carving and quillwork. They explain each craft as it was originally practiced, then adapt it to make contemporary craft pieces. The projects include an embroidered full length apron, a bobbin lace wall hanging, a straw marquetry box, jewelry, and many more. Also included are instructions for a Presepio (a traditional Italian manger scene) and a Pinocchio marionette. Italian Crafts will teach you the traditional folk arts of Italy, and will inspire you to use those folk arts in new and creative ways. There are line drawings and photographs throughout this unique book."

Originally published by the Britsh Museum (Natural History) in 1902 as a series of pamphlets on collecting and preserving specimens in all branches of natural history. These were then combined in book form by popular demand. Contents include: Removing and Preparing Mammal Skins Preservation of Birds Sexing Birds Collecting Reptiles, Batrachians and Fishes Collecting Insects Diptera Collecting Mosquitoes Blood Sucking Arthropoda Collecting Spiders Collecting and Preserving Invertebrate Animals Collecting Shells, Plants and Fossils Collecting Materials Instructions for Preservation etc. Illustrated. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Quillwork began in Europe around the 13th century as a paper imitation of gold and silver filigree work. In this vintage book, originally published in 1975, Janet and Alex D Amato have evolved traditional quilling into a delightful and whimsical craft. They show you how to make quillwork jewelry, wall-hangings, Christmas ornaments, gift wrap decorations even quilled Valentines, place cards, mobiles and paperweights. The materials are so inexpensive and the techniques so simple, that quillwork is truly a craft for all ages and budgets. Line drawings and photographs throughout the book provide inspiration and clarification."

Thirty years since its original publication, The Children's Year has been a much-loved book that has never been out of print. Now called Making the Children's Year, with colour illustrations and new projects that bring it up to date, it will appeal to a new generation of people keen to engage children in creative play, the seasons and the joy of handcrafting. Marije Rowling has revisited the book she originally co-wrote with two friends and brings new inspiration and ideas to a modern readership. Packed with all kinds of crafts, from papercrafting to building dens, she brings the seasons into the home. From beginners to experienced crafters, this book is a gift for parents and adults seeking to make toys that will inspire children - and to provide an alternative to a throwaway culture.

Appalachians have always honored craft. Showoff quilts, complicated whittlings, ""face jugs,"" intricate woven coverlets, and the work of famous basketmakers constituted the art of early Appalachia, the life and color of its remote mountain households. By the 1920s, however, the craft tradition was quickly vanishing. This lively, highly personal book recounts the ""missionary"" effort that preserved the traditional Appalachian craft culture and traces the organization, politics, and economics of later handcraft revival organizations in Southern Appalachia. Deeply involved in many of the events he describes, Garry Barker has worked in the Appalachian crafts world since the early 1960s. He draws on memories of the leading craftspeople of a bygone era, LBJ's War on Poverty, mushrooming markets for craft products, and the rise of academic crafts training. The Handcraft Revival in Southern Appalachia represents the thoughtful winnowing of Barker's decades of serendipitous experience and disciplined observation, casual conversation and formal interviews, research and collecting, teaching and writing. The book is the only history of the Appalachian craft movement between 1930 and 1990. As such it will become an essential resource for craftspeople, scholars, and all interested in the Southern Appalachian region. In addition, it constitutes a crucial chapter in the newly emerging history of American craft.

Become a pro at living and thriving off the land. Survival Skills of the Native Americans is a fascinating, practical guide to the techniques that have made the indigenous people of North America revered for their mastery of the wilderness. Readers can replicate outdoor living by trying a hand at making rafts and canoes, constructing tools, and living off the land. Learn key skills like: Building a strong campfire Learning to hunt and butcher your meats Creating a safe and solid shelter And much more! Whether you're an avid outdoorsman or a novice hiker, Survival Skills of the Native Americans is your handbook to not simply surviving the outdoors, but flourishing. The know-how of the Native Americans is unique and popular, admired by young people, historians, and those with a special interest in living off the land. Native Americans have lived outdoors for ages, and now you can be successful, too, with the skills, tips, and tricks included in this handy manual. Skyhorse Publishing is proud to publish a broad range of books for hunters and firearms enthusiasts. We publish books about shotguns, rifles, handguns, target shooting, gun collecting, self-defense, archery, ammunition, knives, gunsmithing, gun repair, and wilderness survival. We publish books on deer hunting, big game hunting, small game hunting, wing shooting, turkey hunting, deer stands, duck blinds, bowhunting, wing shooting, hunting dogs, and more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

As more and more people join the do-it-yourself revolution, they are breathing new life into many time-honored skills and crafts. Blacksmithing is among the trades that are enjoying a resurgence for both practical and artistic uses, yet there is not an abundance of readily accessible information available to beginning blacksmiths to help them get started and understand the craft. Author Ryan Ridgway, a veterinarian and blacksmith with more than fifteen years of metalworking experience, hopes to fill that void with this comprehensive volume geared toward answering the many questions that new blacksmiths often have. By explaining the physics of moving metal, the different styles of anvils and forges, and alternative fuel sources, Ridgway sets his book apart from less detailed volumes. Forty practical, easy-to-follow projects are presented, showing aspiring blacksmiths how to make tools, such as hammers and chisels; farm implements, such as gate latches and hoof picks; and items for home use, including drawer pulls and candle holders. Inside The Home Blacksmith: The evolution of blacksmithing around the world and the differences between the tools specific to each region The behavior of heated metal and the science of metalworking Setting up a shop safely and economically The heart of your shop--the anvil and forge--and the other essential tools Working with different types of steel, including how to salvage steel for different uses Techniques from beginning to advanced Step-by-step instructions for forty blacksmithing projects: tools and other implements as well as decorative pieces for personal use or sale

George Farmer is based in the UK

THE DEFINITIVE WOOD-CUTTER'S BIBLE - THE BESTSELLING, YEAR-ROUND GUIDE TO CHOPPING, STACKING AND DRYING WOOD "The book has spread like wildfire" Daily Mail "A how-to book with poetry at its heart" T.L.S. "A step-by-step guide to preparing your wood store" Independent Whether you're a seasoned woodcutter, or your passion is yet to be kindled, NORWEGIAN WOOD is an entertaining guide for year-round wood management, and the perfect gift. Chopping and stacking wood is a pastime where the world makes sense once more. Because our relationship to fire is so ancient, so universal, it seems that in learning about wood, you can also learn about life. And who better to impart this wisdom than an expert from Scandinavia, where the extreme climate has obliged generations to hone and share their skills with tools, wood and heat production. Lars Mytting has distilled the wisdom of enthusiasts, from experienced lifelong growers, stackers and burners to researchers and professionals of combustion and tree culture. Part guide to the best practice in every aspect of working with this renewable energy source, part meditation on the human instinct for survival, this definitive handbook on the art of chopping, stacking and drying wood in the Scandinavian way has resonated across the world, with more than a million copies sold worldwide. More than 175,000 copies sold in English editions. The book that defined a genre.

A comprehensive guide for chalk art creators! With so many searching for ways to have fun at home in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, chalk art has become a great way to do so while enjoying some fresh air. The Chalk Art Handbook offers budding artists a review of the tools involved, as well as tips and tricks to creating an array of sidewalk creatures. Artist David Zinn, whose work has been used as inspiration for elementary and middle school art lessons, offers step-by-step guidance on how to make chalk art come to life and advice on specific techniques such as smudging, perspective, and 3-D illusions. He also encourages artists to work outside the box with details on how to best incorporate concrete specks and natural holes or cracks in the ground into their artwork. The Chalk Art Handbook even includes bonus activities to keep everyone drawing happily both indoors and outdoors. The perfect gift for those looking for hours of outdoor fun!