An ingeniously simple and fully-illustrated book for crafting toys from objects found around the house.
This clever guide focuses on fun, homemade projects using materials anyone can find around the house or that can be purchased for a fraction of what a commercially-produced toy can cost. Using everyday objects from cardboard tubing to paper to clothespins, readers will discover how to make such projects as:
- A milk carton balloon boat
- A rubber band banjo
- A cardboard tube kaleidoscope
- An embroidery hoop tambourine
- And more
Perfect for parents and teachers, these projects enable families to spend less while keeping entertained. Because fun doesn't always have to come in a box-sometimes, it's the box itself.

This book is a facsimile reprint and may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages.

This photographic book documents a delightful collection of handmade miniature vehicles, boats and planes made from discarded and recycled material in Africa and purchased in at least 20 different countries between 1985 and 2003. They range from rudimentary to amazingly sophisticated. The collection has educational, cultural and environmental aspects, and the pieces showcase the imagination and ingenuity of African children and craftsmen. Author and collector Jude Andreasen spent eight years working and living in African countries. Cleve Overton has traveled the continent with Ms. Andreasen from the Cape to Cairo.

Basic rag dolls and richly embellished sculpted cloth figures come alive in this construction technique manual. Note: The printing quality in this copy may vary from the original offset printing edition and may look more saturated due to printing on demand by a high-quality printer on uncoated paper. The information presented in this version is the same as the most recent printed edition. Any pattern pullouts have been separated and presented as single pages. Note: The printing quality in this copy may vary from the original offset printing edition and may look more saturated due to printing on demand by a high-quality printer on uncoated paper. The information presented in this version is the same as the most recent printed edition. Any pattern pullouts have been separated and presented as single pages.

A guide to creating Salley Mavor's charming, bendable "Wee Folk" fairies and dolls. There are 18 wee folk projects featuring dolls, pins, purses, chequebook and cell phone covers, and more. No sewing machine is required. Techniques include applique embroidery, thread wrapping, and painting - and it should be easy to add buttons, beads, natural materials, and "found objects" for extra embellishment. There are concise directions and how-to illustrations. The guide should be suitable for doll makers and crafters of every skill level.

Important Note about PRINT ON DEMAND Editions: You are purchasing a print on demand edition of this book. This book is printed individually on uncoated (non-glossy) paper with the best quality printers available. The printing quality of this copy will vary from the original offset printing edition and may look more saturated. The information presented in this version is the same as the latest edition. Any pattern pullouts have been separated and presented as single pages. If the pullout patterns are missing, please contact c&t publishing.

This is a guide to creating dolls, covering all aspects from concept to construction. The author explains elements of design, such as focal point, scale, harmony, style and the use of colour, texture and pattern. Photographs of dolls from top doll artists illustrate the text.

Complete step-by-step instructions, patterns, and embroidery notes for creating a basic doll and a wardrobe of nine charming mid-19th-century costumes that include a tailored riding habit, a lovely afternoon dress for tea, a satin ball gown, a lovely wedding dress, and five other outfits. Dollcrafters can paint individual faces to achieve the looks and personality desired, by arching eyebrows, adding spectacles, altering hair colors and styles with yarn, and more.

*Important Note about PRINT ON DEMAND Editions: This title will be printed after purchase and will arrive separately from any in-stock items. Please allow approximately 2 weeks for USA delivery, with an additional 2 weeks for international shipments. Expedited shipping is not available on POD Editions. The printing quality in this copy will vary from the original offset printing edition and may look more saturated due to printing on demand by a high-quality printer on uncoated (non-glossy) paper. The information presented in this version is the same as the most recent printed edition. Any pattern pullouts have been separated and presented as single pages. This book concentrates on unique dolls made from polymer and paper clays, especially those that combine sculpted clay with cloth bodies. The author emphasizes creativity rather than imitation, teaching the arts and skills of bringing your idea to life through the sculpture. After discussing how to think about your idea and about specific planning, she introduces supplies and the ways you should begin to think. She then takes you through each detailed step in sculpting the head and body, curing and finishing the materials, constructing the body and clothing, and creating a display. Clear drawings illustrate every detailed step in the process. For additional inspiration, there are color photographs of dolls by some sixty professional artists. In addition to the instructional materials and the gallery of dolls, the author includes reference materials about the new clays, drawing upon experiences other artists have had in working with them. There are lists of resources, study exercises, and more.

Really two books in one! First a book of puppet craft which details how to construct papier m[ch puppets, cloth, moveable-mouth puppets, how to build a folding puppet stage and instructions about using puppets in performance. Many pages of action illustrations and patterns to help guide the user. The second half of the book includes a wide variety of puppet playscripts including Old Testament themes, church life plays, Christian behavior, Bible lessons, special days and other topics. The best possible book for a beginner or for a teacher who is instructing others to do puppetry. A valuable book for every church school library.

Of all the French dollmakers, for over half a century, Jumeau reigned supreme. Originally made as playthings, many of these dolls are, today, among the most sought after antiques, being fought-over at international auctions by some of the leading collectors. This history book, the most complete written on the subject to date, traces the chronology of Jumeau production from its beginnings in the 1840's through the end of the nineteenth century. Full color pictures, carefully chosen to show the beauty and different moods of the faces, are accompanied by text that provides collectors with important and interesting information. A current price guide, a special section on Jumeau marks, and a historical list of international prices and sizes are presented as important references.

This tremendously informative book is the most complete source for collectible plastic toys. Over 850 vivid color photographs display plastic toys-from cars, trucks, and airplanes to dolls and dollhouse furniture-supplemented by manufacturers' diagrams and molders' marks. Industry development from the 1930s through the 1960s is discussed, with attention to wartime changes in plastic toys production. With charm and light touch, Bill Hanlon explains technical facts of the plastics industry and provides down-to-earth, useful information on how to evaluate, repair, and care for your collection. For the detail-hungry collector, there is an extensive price guide and a chapter on researching and identifying individual pieces. Hanlon also presents significant information that has only recently come to light, providing a means of identifying toys whose origins until now were a complete mystery.

Andy Singleton has been modelling and painting most of his life and has been a professional commission figure painter for some years now. Here he shares his experience and tips of the trade with those collecting figures for the North African campaigns in WWII. The four main sections of the book cover British, Italian, German and US troops, as well as tips on assembly and painting camouflage uniforms. Each section is divided into three levels of complexity, 'conscript', 'regular' and 'elite', allowing the reader to build up an array of techniques as they gain confidence and experience. The emphasis is on achievable results and practical advice that is applicable to painting units or whole armies for wargaming purposes in a reasonable time frame, not on spectacular individual display pieces. Most of the figures featured in the numerous illustrations are sized either 28mm or 20mm but the techniques described are easily adaptable to smaller sizes and both plastic and metal figures are covered. Andy's clear, step-by-step guidance takes the reader through the process from the initial preparation and assembly of the figure, to finishing and basing.

Bring characters from favorite stories to life with creative stitchery This unique guide to making cloth dolls offers patterns for the eternal optimist, Pollyanna, as well as Dorothy from "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" and Mary of "The Secret Garden." Ther book also features patterns for clothes, pets, and accessories. Easy-to-follow instructions include 263 black-and-white illustrations, plus an eight-page color insert. Perfect for beginners, this manual will also appeal to more experienced dollmakers.
All three characters use the same basic doll body and accessories such as hats, shoes, and slips. Dorothy's wardrobe, based on descriptions of her clothing in the "Oz" books, comprises six dresses and a nightgown. Mary's ensembles include five dresses, a coat, and a housecoat; and Pollyanna's costumes consist of six dresses and a gown. Extras include Dorothy's green spectacles and Toto the terrier; a miniature copy of "The Secret Garden, "a bed cover, and a pillow for Mary; and Pollyanna's pets, Fluffy the cat and Buffy the dog.