Exploring Materials: Creative Design for Everyday Objects

As the title fittingly announces, this volume explores materials as inspiration and destination. Alesina (independent product designer) and Lupton (Maryland Institute College of Art) offer a taxonomic account of materials that speak the language of human sensations and solutions. Following the imperative to unite design thinking and making, through materials, the book is organized as follows: "Introduction"; "Study, Prototype, Test"; "Know Your Values"; "Think with Materials"; and "Make It Real." The bright images, bolstered by efficient descriptions, support the focus on objects as manifestations of active design thinking. By promoting design thinking through materials, this volume promises to be both reference and inspiration for designers at all stages. As such it will be useful for practicing designers ranging from students to professionals. (Choice)
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Watercolor for the Absolute Beginner

Authors Mark and Mary Willenbrink provide indispensable hints, tips and guidance throughout, and their background in watercolor painting, teaching and writing ensures you feel encouraged and inspired throughout.
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Oil Painting for the Absolute Beginner: A Clear & Easy Guide to Successful Oil Painting

This husband-and-wife team combines Mark's work as a fine artist, illustrator, and art instructor with Mary's expertise as a writer and literature teacher. Having published Watercolor for the Absolute Beginner and Drawing for the Absolute Beginner, they have hit another home run. Unlike less successful art books for beginners, this one starts simply and takes the rank amateur to a satisfying level of accomplishment. Projects include monochromatic rocks, a sunset over a beach, mountains with primary colors, and a still life of pears. The accompanying DVD offers useful demonstrations of two complete paintings. This has an edge over Linda Birch's briefer You Can Paint Oils. (Library Journal)
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Stitched Postcards: Beautiful Textile Designs in Miniature Using Quilting and Mixed Media Techniques

Artist mailing cards, like the smaller artist trading cards, are a genre of decorated cards intended to be swapped and collected by artists and their friends. These projects are contemporary machine-stitched needlework pieces in postcard format with simulated address/message spaces on the backs. They are intended as practice in using and embellishing unusual materials such as silk paper, so that artists can create original works for trading.
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The Complete Book of Polymer Clay: Step-by-step Instructions, Original Projects, Inspirational Gallery

If crafts are big, then clay is colossal. From pins and pendants to bracelets, buttons, and embellishments, crafters of all ages are embracing the creativity that polymer clay inspires. This encyclopedic book by renowned expert Lisa Pavelka includes the latest techniques, handy tips, and trade secrets. Pavelka presents a sweeping overview of materials, how-to fundamentals, and construction techniques. She also introduces six original projects with complete instructions showing readers how to make pendants, curio boxes, a necklace, and a bracelet. Clear, concise, and comprehensive, this is an essential addition to any crafter’s library, no matter his or her skill level. For even more inspiration, this indispensable reference features a gallery of 50 original projects by Pavelka and other talented polymer clay designers. (Ingram)
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PatternReview.com 1,000 Smart Ways to Sew: Top-Rated Favorites from Sewing Fans and Master Teachers

The title says it all. Prakash has assembled a plethora of handy sewing tips from her popular website, PatternReview.com. The tips are brief and arranged by general topic, from organizing one's sewing space to sewing. "Master Classes" on specialized topics, such as sewing knits or embroidering with beads, are interspersed. There's a lot of good information here, but finding what you need isn't always easy, even with the index. However, crafters with sewing experience are sure to find something useful. (Library Journal)
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Chain and Bead Jewelry Creative Connections: New Techniques for Wire-wrapping and Bead-setting

Far from its original utilitarian use—to create armor—the chain-mail technique has been adapted over time to create beautiful, unique jewelry. In Chain and Bead Jewelry Creative Connections, chain-mail expert Scott David Plumlee shows jewelry makers, beaders, and crafters at all skill levels how to incorporate beads into a variety of chain-mail weaves to create showstopping pieces.

First, Plumlee walks readers through basic skills and provides detailed information on traditional chain designs. He then presents more than 20 wire-wrapping and bead-setting techniques that incorporate beads seamlessly into a variety of designs, from the creative “Chaos” wire-wrapped bead to the sinuous Snake.

With step-by-step instructions for assembling age-old chain patterns—from simple to complex—and gorgeous designs that can be executed using only simple hand tools, Chain and Bead Jewelry Creative Connections is sure to inspire jewelry artisans at all levels to expand the creative possibilities of their work.
(Random House)
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Pure Silver Metal Clay Beads

Precious metal clay (PMC) is an innovative material that combines the workability of clay with the beautiful finish and durability of precious metals. The material is easy to manipulate and shape by hand to make beads for bracelets, necklaces, and other jewelry. This book contains fifteen projects for creating fine silver beads and a design gallery of 25 additional jewelry pieces. Intro chapters include information about tools and techniques. Projects are organized workshop-style, to build skills cumulatively. (Quayside)
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The Weaver's Idea Book: Creative Cloth on a Rigid Heddle Loom

Rigid heddle weaving is an accessible way to try weaving without investing the time (and the floor space) for a larger loom, but it is often seen as restrictive and limiting. Patrick's collection of patterns and projects explores the possibilities of weaving on a rigid heddle loom. From basic plain weaves to finger-controlled and pick-up techniques, Patrick guides weavers of all skill levels. Complex techniques are illustrated with step-by-step photographs, and all patterns are both photographed and charted. This is an excellent addition to any weaving collection. (Library Journal)
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Knitted Wild Animals: 15 Adorable, Easy-to-Knit Toys

Stuffed toys are great projects for beginners, but when you’ve grown bored with dolls and bears what do you knit next? How about a tiger, a warthog, or a moose? Knitted Wild Animals has a menagerie of soft, squeezable wild animal designs to inspire your knitting wild side. All of the toys feature an irresistibly pear-shaped body, realistic colors, and lots of fun details—a soft, curly mane for the lion, trunk wrinkles for the elephant, and a banana snack for the monkey.
With a primer on knitting basics to chapters on embroidering and stuffing your super cute safari softie, even a beginner can knit these cushy, cuddly creatures!
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Polymer Clay Color Inspirations: Techniques and Jewelry Projects for Creating Successful Palettes

Lindly Haunani and Maggie Maggio are renowned for their courses and workshops on color as well as for their outstanding polymer clay work. In this book, they offer instruction and inspiration that focuses on polymer clay as a learning tool that readers can use to explore their own color instincts and preferences and develop their own palettes. (Random House)
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The Art of Metal Clay: Techniques for Creating Jewelry and Decorative Objects

Since it was first published in 2004, The Art of Metal Clay has introduced thousands of readers to metal clay—the moldable, malleable clay that becomes pure metal after it’s fired. Now author, designer, and jewelry-making instructor Sherri Haab has updated her classic book to include the most current and user-friendly information on this revolutionary material, including:
   • the new bronze and copper clays, with must-have instructions for successful firing
   • up-to-date, detailed information on firing with stones
   • an improved method for calculating accurate ring sizes
   • two recently developed techniques for etching metal clay
   • new techniques for adding color, including working with pigments and enamels
   • all-new, inspiring galleries of work by prominent metal clay artists (Random House)
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Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry: Techniques + Explorations

Join master teacher and jewelry artist Kate McKinnon as she explores the amazing effects of metal clay. After a detailed overview of metal-smithing basics, techniques, and tools, Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry explores sculptural forms, moving parts, and organic designs to create custom jewelry pieces. McKinnon uses a variety of metal clay and fine silver wire elements in each design, to create attachments, settings, 3-D forms, unusual textures and patinas, and unique construction. (Blackwell)
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City Quilts: 12 Dramatic Projects Inspired by Urban Views

This fine volume of stylish, modern quilt patterns that are accessible to beginners yet intriguing for experienced quilters is another entry from C&T's new Stash imprint. House (co-owner, Cherry House Quilts) describes her designs as a contemporary version of utility quilts, but they certainly look like modern art. The patterns contain bold, graphic designs, and the use of solid-colored fabrics is especially forgiving for beginners. While the basics of cutting, piecing, quilting, and finishing are described, some familiarity with quilting is assumed.
(Library Journal )
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30-Minute Necklaces: 60 Quick & Creative Projects for Jewelers

Lark does have its finger on the pulse of contemporary crafts; look no further for proof than in this second-of-a-series jewelry craft collection. This book is packed with 60 necklaces, to be fashioned in a half hour or less. (Assumed here is that readers will know their wire and soldering and tool techniques, not to mention having a good familiarity with photo editing and imaging software.) Even if fingers are less than practiced in sawing, filing, planishing, and riveting, a few of the projects don't mandate metalworking know-how. As to be expected, all feature color photographs, a list of required techniques and materials, and good step-by-step instructions with occasional variations and designer notes. Now to the design choices, which truly range from sedate to boldly twenty-first century, all using materials as disparate as green-gold pearls and 14-karat gold to recycled plastic bags and white table-tennis balls. Mark this as intended for intermediate jewelers. (Copyright 2010 Booklist Reviews.)
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Crochet Master Class: Lessons and Projects from Today's Top Crocheters

With today's ever-rising cry for do-it-yourself how-to books, many manuals simply repeat the tried-and-true. But the authors who demonstrate true originality and a spirit of innovation deserve attention. Two well-known designers have done avid stitchers a favor by presenting 18 different crochet techniques. Many imitate their knitted brethren; Aran crochet resembles the best of its cousin through post stitches and intricate cables. Others work from once moribund techniques; hairpin lace and Tunisian crochet, for example, are back in fashion. And still others focus on innovation, like free-form and entrelac crochet. Each lesson first profiles the craft master in a few paragraphs and showcases a few of his or her finished pieces. One pattern follows, ranging from a filet crochet table runner to the Princess of Wales memorial tartan blanket. The all black-and-white photographs, unfortunately, don't live up to the creativity. Expect challenges and some difficult maneuvers. Appendixes provide refresher courses in crochet abbreviations, symbols, and terminology. (Copyright 2010 Booklist Reviews.)
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Metal Clay Origami Jewelry: 25 Contemporary Projects

Origami seems an unlikely technique for metal jewelry, but the versatility of metal clay sheets makes it possible. Cole is expert in both silversmithing and origami. Her projects use classic origami folds for small metal clay jewelry elements that retain their shape when fired. The resulting metal pieces are attached to jewelry findings in the usual way to make necklaces and earrings. For professional and advanced hobbyist jewelers. (Library Journal)
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The Knitter's Companion

Now with an instructional DVD, The Knitter's Companion is every knitter’s perfect reference guide! Chock-full of techniques, illustrations, and definitions, this resource has everything you need for knitting with confidence. Inside you'll find an overview of stitches, gauges, joins, seams, borders, and buttonholes, as well as detailed descriptions of each technique, and photographs that show the finished look. Innovative methods are also explored in The Knitter’s Companion, including additional ways to cast on, bind off, and increase stitches. Knitter Vicki Square shares an abundance of detail on color knitting techniques, as well as some favorite details such as tassels, fringe, knitting with beads, and more. All the information knitters enjoy is right at their fingertips with The Knitter's Companion—an indispensable addition to any knitter's bag of tricks.(Perseus)
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Twentieth-Century Jewellery: From Art Nouveau to Comtemporary Design in Europe and the United States

Set against the background of global events and conflicts, this book wows the reader with a succinct and masterful text as well as a cavalcade of flawless photographs of dazzling jewels and inspired creations by renowned individual artists and international designers. Design critic Cappellieri (jewelry design, Milan Polytechnic, Italy) takes readers on a fascinating journey through six broad periods. This volume epitomizes the diversity of design and portrays the changing styles from the traditional to the futuristic, from the organic and geometric to the experimental, from couture to costume jewelry. Readers are treated to the sumptuous and iconic works of Lalique, Vever and Fouquet, Liberty & Co., Boucheron, Cartier, Fabergé, Tiffany, and Van Cleef & Arpels, as well as newer creations by Wolfers, Pomodoro, Grima, and others. Items are arranged chronologically and accompanied by a brief description including the artist's/designer's name, type of jewelry, materials used, and location, either in private or public collections. (Library Journal)
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Brave New Knits: 26 Projects and Personalities from the Knitting Blogosphere

Turjoman invited 26 of her favorite knit bloggers to contribute patterns to this collection. The first section includes a variety of sweater patterns in various styles, and the second section focuses on knitted accessories. There are some big names here Ysolda Teague, Connie Chang Chinchio, Anne Hanson, Stefanie Japel, and Clara Parkes, among others and, surprisingly, none of the patterns are the throwaways prominent designers often contribute to books that aren't their own. Given the diversity and quality of the designers represented, there's something in this book for everyone. An excellent introduction to the world of knit blogging. (Library Journal)
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Scarves and Shawls for Yarn Lovers: Knitting with Simple Patterns and Amazing Yarns

The knitting trend is being fueled by wonderful new yarns like ribbon, frizzy, eyelash, and metallic. This books presents easy knit patterns that make the most of these irresistible novelty and decorative yarns. Knitters will learn the secrets of combining colors and textures while creating stunning accessories in no time. Each project has variations showing how different yarns will totally change the look. The easy knit stitches and techniques are taught step by step with photographs. Throughout, a yarn expert shares her tips to make knitting more enjoyable and successful. It is for both beginning knitters, who usually start with scarves and will love this way to take their craft to the next level, and experienced knitters, who are all yarn addicts!
(Quayside)

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Wrapped in Gems: 40 Elegant Designs for Wire-wrapped Gemstone Jewelry

Few people would argue against the beauty and appeal of gemstone jewelry, but some jewelry makers find themselves intimidated by the thought of working with these precious stones. With Wrapped in Gems, even inexperienced jewelry makers can learn to fashion their own beautiful gemstone creations using Mai Sato-Flores’s preferred techniques of wire wrapping and working with chain. This method allows gems to hang so that light can shine through and show off their natural beauty.

For the jewelry maker, inspiration can be found anywhere, but the exquisite beauty of nature is a favorite source. Take a moment to study the leaves of a tree or plant—the contours of a leaf suggest a shape for a pendant, the perfect combination of colors in the leaves and flowers hint at a color palette of precious gemstones to mimic it. The branches and twigs, the patterns of leaf growth, even the shape of the tree or plant itself can inspire ideas for earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings. Wrapped in Gems shows you how to interpret all that you see in nature to create jewelry with wire, chains, and beautiful gemstones. (Random House)
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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Knitting

In The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Knitting, Becca Smith takes aspiring knitters step-by-step through her "learn-as-you-go" teaching technique. Knitters are guided from purl stitch to finished scarf with hundreds of clear and easy-to-understand photos along the way. Readers will also learn to make hats, mittens, blankets, pillows, sweaters, socks, even kimonos-as well as their own patterns. With The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Knitting, anyone can go from picking up a needle to becoming a master knitter. (Penguin Putnam)
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