This title offers 25 step-by-step hand-crafted projects. It shows you how to master decorative wood techniques including carving, pyrography, marquetry and fretwork, as well as basic automata and construction. It offers 25 stunning projects that include a tomato box chest, a carved maple clock with carved numerals, a rodeo toy, mirror frame and a contemporary shelf. It offers step-by-step instructions for techniques and ideas with over 300 photographs. Simple materials and equipment are used to create a diverse range of wooden objects. It introduces an inspiring variety of contemporary work by leading craftspeople. Essential information for selecting and preparing wood is included, with details of the main hard- and softwoods, the tools and the basic techniques. For anyone who enjoys creative crafts, working with wood is a perfect medium for both practical and artistic purposes. This book introduces a variety of decorative wood techniques, that are used in 25 appealing projects, which range from a simple keepsake card in balsa wood requiring the minimum of equipment, a harlequin book end, and a sturdy five-piece bench constructed in hardwood parana pine. Other imaginative projects use found or dismantled wooden objects, such as the Mirror Frame with stair spindles or the Lamp Base made from orange boxes. Every project is designed to reveal the characteristic grain, natural shade and texture of the individual wood. Although to make a number of these projects you will need a drill and a jigsaw, many do not require elaborate power tools. Don't be put off by sophisticated techniques, but connect with this natural resource at the most basic level, enjoying its classic, natural simplicity.

This title features 25 beautiful and practical projects shown step by step. This is the simple but pleasing art of paper cutting celebrated in inspirational designs and appealing projects. There are complete step-by-step instructions for 25 superb projects, including Mexican bunting, a paper-cut blind, shelf edgings, and delicate lace scherenschnitte. Featuring examples of the finest paper cutting from contemporary craft artists, it is a comprehensive guide, including an introduction to the history of this timeless craft and the materials and equipment you will need. Paper cutting requires the bare minimum of equipment - a sharp pair of scissors is often sufficient. This volume brings this accessible and rewarding art form to life in a series of 25 attractive and varied practical projects. Whether you choose to make bookmarks, greetings cards, or Chinese lanterns, every idea is easy to complete, as each stage is clearly illustrated with photographs in step-by-step instructions. This stylish book includes an introduction to the craft and its history, as well as a gallery of work created by contemporary craftspeople to inspire you. With many ideas for seasonal gifts and decorations such as valentines and snowflakes, silhouettes and Chinese lanterns, you will find out how, armed only with a pair of scissors, you can create fabulous paper projects.

In the DONE IN A DAY series, a step-by-step instruction book containing twelve basic projects for the garden, each of which can be completed in one day. Each project can be personalized by variations and is illustrated with photographs and exploded diagrams.

The spirit of 'country' can be evoked in many ways, but is an enduring and much-loved home style.This beautiful collection offers the reader practical knowledge and inspirational ideas to create their own very personal sense of country, wherever they live.The first section, Country Decorating, illustrates how you can create restful decorative effects around your home.The second section, Country Crafts and Flowers, uses materials and themes from nature for a variety of decorations and arrangements created from fresh and dried flowers, and the final section, Country Cooking, is a collection of 50 seasonal recipes for mouthwatering country fare.