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.

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

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.

Willow weaving is an exciting and rewarding craft for anyone who wants to reconnect with the natural world. This essential book gives all the information and tuition needed to get started and includes projects on sculpture, basketry and folk-art decorations. Thirteen projects are set out in clear and detailed stages, ranging from practical baskets to planters, lifelike scultpures and wreaths. Advice is given on adapting recipes and designing your own baskets.

This book was written for gourd artists looking to improve their skills with the mini jigsaw. With step-by-step guidance, supplemented by detailed instructional images for ten projects, gourd artists will be able to create everything from simple puzzles and jack-o-lanterns to lidded leaf bowls and luminaires. By working through these projects, artists will build their confidence in using the mini-saw to execute techniques such as cutting tighter lines, cutting through a tight curve, and cutting 90-degree angles. The exercises also emphasize tips on cleaning, coloring, and sealing gourds. The book includes an extensive inspirational gallery and resource section for those who aspire to even more advanced projects.

Celebrate the splendor of wood with these wood-crafting projects. From simple woven panels to making a functional yurt, Woodland Craft features an array of easy-to-follow projects that include crafts for the farm, garden, wood fuel, building and domestic use. Green wood - wood that has been recently cut and is therefore still moisture-rich - is the predominant material used in the projects featured in this essential guide for craftsman of all levels. With Woodland Craft: you'll learn all you need to know about tools and devices, both old and new. you'll browse through the directory of tree species and identify the best uses for each. you'll gain the insight you need to make practically anything out of this clean, crisp, beautiful element. Includes 700 illustrations and photographs

This volume discusses all you need to know to get started with greenwood crafts, including tools, workshops, sourcing wood, making some of your own devices and the characteristics of various woods. It covers a wide variety of turned and carved items for the house and garden.

Illustrated in full color throughout, this book presents the art of making wreaths and garlands from fresh and dried flowers. An initial chapter provides a concise description of techniques and materials, while the accompanying images ensure that even the novice is able to follow instructions with ease. Subsequent chapters, featuring more than 30 floral projects, take a seasonal approach, suggesting a range of delightful creations that will beautify the home throughout the year

Candles is a celebration of candles and the making process, showing you how to create a collection of 18 sustainable, seasonal candles to be enjoyed all year-round. Ebi and Emmanuel will teach you everything you need to know about soy wax, essential oils, wicks and scent blending. Once you have mastered the techniques, put your knowledge to the test through the 18 projects featured in this book. From taper candles and scented tea-lights for summer evenings to fragrant aromatherapy candles and crackling wood wicks for autumnal mornings - there is something for every occasion. Candles help us create calm in our homes. They are a symbol of warmth and can transport us to far off places with their scent. Discover the secret of blending scents that suit your mood and be inspired by beautiful lifestyle photography that captures the very essence and joy of making your own. This is a craft for all so snuggle up and make candles you can enjoy when seeking a moment of cosiness.

The exquisite Japanese hikaru dorodango, or shiny mud ball, is created by rolling earth by hand into a perfect sphere and polishing it until it gleams. Not only are the results truly impressive, but this calm and meditative practice, once a playground game, has been rediscovered as a peaceful pastime. Known for inducing flow, the ultimate state of happiness, this simple art is being adopted by people of all ages. Alongside beautiful photographs of the process, master dorodango maker Bruce Gardner covers every aspect of making and finishing your dorodango, accompanied by inspiring words on the mindful qualities of this earthy activity.

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!

Woodlander is a complete and comprehensive guide to managing a small woodland, incorporating nearly 30 years of knowledge and experience from woodsman Ben Law and his unique home in Prickly Nut Wood. Woodlander contains everything you need to know if you are managing, or intend to manage, a small woodland. Ben's inspiring, forest-dwelling life has allowed him to put together a complete package of detailed information and practical examples based on his personal experience, giving this beautiful book an entirely authentic voice. Every page is infused with a deep respect for the traditions of the past while also embracing new ideas, methods and creative thinking. This is a holistic approach to woodland management, which looks at the entire place - the wildlife it supports, the natural cycles of growth and life, the precious products it creates and the communities that inhabit and surround it. All the while, understanding and emphasising that it is a balance of all these things that makes a healthy, biodiverse, resilient ecosystem. Detailed sections cover different types of woodland, the rich history behind them, how to assess what you've got, practical maintenance, planning for the future, promoting wildlife and biodiversity, harvesting and extracting timber, the tools you will need, crafts, social forestry and an in-depth resources section. Dotted throughout are personal snippets, observations and insights from Ben's life at Prickly Nut Wood.

Alli Koch has mastered the art of turning simple doodles into beautifully designed floral illustrations. She shares her expertise in this book, a step-by-step guide that teaches everything you need to know about modern florals. You'll learn designs from classic favourites like the rose to today's trendiest florals, as well as succulents and cacti. 'How to Draw Modern Florals' is an introduction, so no experience is needed!