Package Form and Design: Encyclopedia of Paper-Folding Design

Today, product packaging must not only protect the merchandise, it must act as a branding tool to differentiate the product from those of competitors, and for seasonal and other promotional campaigns. It is charged with the task of presenting the product's features in an appealing light by being attractive, fun, and easy to use. Creating these alluring shapes requires considerable time and effort, in a process of trial and error to achieve the best form and function. Among package materials, paper is most fundamental, yet sensitive; it requires skills and techniques in cutting, folding, and gluing to maximize the characteristics of the material and develop a perfect package design. In this volume, 160 high-quality commercial paper packages created by industry professionals, including such famous brands as Champagne Veuve Clicquot and Liberty, unveil the details of the package designs through photographs and schematic drawings, which help readers understand the construction of the boxes and how they work. Drawings are included on the accompanying CD-ROM in pdf format. This book will serve as a gateway to the world of design, made possible by paper materials.
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Steampunk Gear, Gadgets, and Gizmos: A Maker's Guide to Creating Modern Artifacts

Unleash your inner mechanical mastermind!
Welcome to the wondrous world of Thomas Willeford, aka Lord Archibald "Feathers" Featherstone, in which he shares his closely guarded secrets of Steampunkery. Filled with do-it-yourself projects, "Steampunk Gear, Gadgets, and Gizmos: A Maker's Guide to Creating Modern Artifacts" shows you how to build exquisite, ingenious contraptions on a budget.
Learn from Lord Featherstone as he distills his wealth of hard-learned skills, describes how to use the readily available tools of the modern mad scientist, and expounds on the art and philosophy of scavenging unique components and raw materials. The perfect companion for the hobbyist and advanced machinist alike, this inventive volume will guide you through the creation of your very own infernal devices.
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Socktopus: 17 Pairs of Socks to Knit and Show Off

Sock knitters now have something to really get their needles into with the lavish and inspirational "Socktopus," which is packed with invaluable tips and 17 fabulous patterns. Full of clear, helpful instruction on topics such as how to master turning a heel, sizing a sole, and fitting a high arch, "Socktopus" is the book that will enlighten and intrigue knitters.
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Contemporary Enameling: Art and Technique

This is an enlarged, all-color edition of Bachrach's Enameling with Professionals, with nine new sections and more than 300 color photographs added. It features a collection of articles by enameling artists and covers all aspects of studio enameling techniques. There are no projects, so artists are expected to use the book as a guide in mastering their own designs. The finished works -presented in an extensive gallery -are quite beautiful and should serve as an inspiration for advanced enamelists. Recommended for academic and public library art collections. Library Journal.
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The Penland Book of Jewelry: Master Classes in Jewelry Techniques

The esteemed Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina has produced an incredible book by ten master jewelers who are also Penland instructors. This glossy, 9 x 12-inch book explains in detail multiple metalsmithing processes, including electroforming, etching, and hydraulic forming, through beautiful photography in a step-by-step format. The book also covers forging, steel fabrication, lost wax casting, gold alloying, mold making, the use of alginate molds, and goldsmithing basics of rolling sheet and wire from ingots. In addition to its too-pretty-to-be-used-in-the-studio appearance, the book offers a Gallery section in each chapter, where each instructor shares work by fellow artists whom he or she admires. This book is a must-have for anyone who likes to connect written information with clear illustration.
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The Christmas Book

With beautiful photographs illustrating easy-to-achieve ideas for decorating, giving, entertaining, and cooking, this sourcebook will help you have the kind of Christmas you hope for--in the amount of time you actually have to get things done. Inside, you'll find:
- Festive ideas for decorating your home
- Seasonal recipes, including gifts from the kitchen
- Low-stress strategies for entertaining
- Easy ideas for personalizing presents and gift wrap
- Innovative ways to use--and reuse--holiday cards
- Fresh approaches to displaying keepsakes
- Imaginative ways to build new holiday traditions
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How to Sell Your Crafts Online: A Step-By-Step Guide to Successful Sales on Etsy and Beyond

Online craft marketplaces such as Etsy and ArtFire have made it easy for crafters to sell their wares online. But how do you market them in the increasingly crowded handmade marketplace? Sutton, who operates a successful online craft business, provides a wealth of tips and tricks to help crafters get noticed and grow their business. The content is Etsy-centric, and Internet-savvy sellers will find some of the advice obvious, but crafters looking to start or grow an online business may appreciate Sutton's guidance. (Library Journal)
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The Knitter's Book of Socks: The Yarn Lover's Ultimate Guide to Creating Socks That Fit Well, Feel Great, and Last a Lifetime

In The "Knitter's Book of Wool" and "The Knitter's Book of Yarn", Parkes educates knitters on the ins and outs of fiber and makes minutiae interesting. Here, she describes the qualities that make yarn suitable for sock knitting, explores the different types of fibers that can be used in sock yarn, and analyzes stitches and stitch patterns commonly used in sock knitting. There's also a beautifully curated selection of sock patterns, including new designs by some of the biggest names in the field. Though the instructions are clear, the majority of the patterns are best suited for those with sock-knitting experience. (Library Journal)
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Jewelry Lab: 52 Experiments, Investigations, and Explorations in Metal

"Jewelry Lab" uses brevity to ignite a passion for working the metals processes and learning about all the ways metal can be used. It provides aspiring metalsmiths and jewelry makers a way to learn fundamental techniques that is quick and fun. In addition to the basic skills such as sawing, drilling, soldering, and finishing, the book covers texturing, etching, rolling, coloring, patinas, forming, connections, findings, solders, bezels, rivets, and other experimental techniques. This is not a project book; rather, it is an approachable, unintimidating workbook that breaks metals processes down into very specific experiments, such as texturing or plastic deformation of metal, with no goal in mind other than to experience how metal moves. Readers learn to understand more about metal, how to master it, and gain a deep, thoughtful underlying appreciation for process and method, becoming entranced with finely crafting objects with great care.
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Crafting Modernism: Midcentury American Art and Design

Crafting Modernism: Midcentury American Art and Design "is an in-depth examination of the American studio craft movement in the decades following World War II, with a focus on the major mediums (clay, wood, fiber, metal, jewelry, and glass) favored by the greatest craftspeople of the period. Published to coincide with an exhibition opening in October 2011 at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, this book explores the origins of the studio craft movement, the international influences that helped it grow in this country and abroad, and its convergence with the fine arts and design. This examination of the movement in the postwar years reveals how a new generation of craftspeople began to express cultural identity and artistic innovation through their work, which led to a proliferation of the craft movement in museums and exhibitions worldwide. A few of the many artists represented include Dale Chihuly, Charles and Ray Eames, Wharton Esherick, George Nakashima, and Peter Voulkos. 
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Cowl Girls: The Neck's Big Thing to Knit

Forget tired scarves and bulky turtlenecks-funky, chunky, hip and happening cowls are where it's at! Following up her hit book" Hattitude," author and designer Cathy Carron weaves a fashion statement that puts in-the-know women head and shoulders above the rest. Among the more than 35 patterns provided here are a cozy neck wrap featuring a built-in iPod holder, a lacy drawstring hood, and a woven necklace sparkling with Swarovski crystals.
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Austentatious Crochet: 36 Contemporary Designs from the World of Jane Austen

The timeless appeal of Jane Austen is evidenced not only by perpetual interest in her classic novels but also by countless book clubs, movies, plays, books, and sundry products which celebrate her work. "Austentatious Crochet" presents Austen fans with a unique opportunity to step into the scarf, skirt, or chemise of Elizabeth Bennett, Emma Woodhouse, and a host of other favorite Austen characters.
The book features thirty-two original crochet projects inspired by Austen novels but fabulously brought up to date and wearable today. The designs focus on women's wear, such as dresses, sweaters, cardigans, and capelets, but also encompass accessories such as handbags, scarfs, and pillowcases and clothing for children.
Introductions to each project include favorite bits of dialogue from the original novels. Fully illustrated with evocative photos, Regency-style illustrations, and step-by-step schematics, "Austentatious Crochet" is certain to please the devoted Austen lover as well as craft enthusiasts.
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Steampunk Chic: Vintage Flair from Recycled Finds

Catch the wave of the popular Steampunk Style in crafting as well-known authors and designers, Jennifer and Kitty O'Neil present their own version of this fun and funky look in crafts and home decor with 15 new fanciful projects. They'll show how to create delightful vintage flare from recycled finds of all kinds. 
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Country Living Merry & Bright: 125 Festive Ideas for Celebrating Christmas

Make this Christmas season Merry & Bright with this delightful volume from the editors of Country Living. Every page is breathtaking, with 125 enchanting ideas for celebrating and sharing the most wonderful time of the year with family and friends. From decorations and gift wraps to recipes and simple crafts--and eight pages of gift tags exclusively designed for the book--this perennially popular collection is the happy holiday must-have.
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Liberty Book of Home Sewing

Even the aprons in this luscious collection of sewing projects are stylish. For each of the 25 projects included in categories of essentials (such as a tote bag), organization (a gadget case, for example), or accents (a bench cushion), there are lists of supplies needed, step-by-step instructions, and illustrations. Most of the projects require just a yard or two of fabric and some can be made with a fat quarter making it possible to have the elegance of the Liberty fabrics that are featured at reasonable cost. Many require only straight sewing and very little handwork and could be completed in a weekend. Except for the two quilts included, one traditional and one contemporary, all project instructions offer variations that could be further adapted by a more skilled craftsperson. Booklist (10/01/2011):
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Sock Knitting Master Class: Innovative Techniques + Patterns from Top Designers

"Sock Knitting Master Class" showcases methods for designing and knitting creative socks, featuring signature elements and techniques from 16 top designers. You'll learn what makes good sock design, and then dive into knitting 18 spectacular, brand-new patterns featuring the widest variety of techniques.
With patterns divided into two sections by top-down and toe-up construction, "Sock Knitting Master Class" explores such techniques as cables, twisted stitches, lace, stranded colorwork, entrelac, shadow knitting, and intarsia worked in the round. Plus, you'll discover inventive ways to start and end socks, shape heels and toes, and knit the soles.
"Sock Knitting Master Class" is an all-star assembly of the most inventive, exciting designers working in socks including Cookie A, Kathryn Alexander, Nancy Bush, Cat Bordhi, Priscilla Gibson-Roberts, Anne Hanson, Melissa Morgan-Oakes, Meg Swanson, Anna Zilboorg, and many more. And you'll also learn how each yarn contributes to the overall design from Clara Parkes.

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Classic Elite Quick Knits: 100 Fabulous Patterns for Wraps, Socks, Hats, and More

Pair soft, supple yarns in eye-catching colors with timeless yet contemporary designs and you have answered every knitter's dream. For more than 20 years, the studios of Classic Elite Yarns have created enduring patterns that beg to be knitted with their sumptuous products. In this pattern collection, a follow-up to best-selling "Classic Elite Knits," the focus is on quick-to-make accessories. Knitters of all skill levels will love this value-packed collection of 100 patterns for socks, wraps, hats, gloves, bags, scarves, and more. Knitters can indulge themselves or find something to knit for every member of the family. The 120 color photos showcase the range of high-quality yarns as well, including cotton, wool, bamboo, angora, cashmere, and blended yarns. "Classic Elite Quick Knits "will keep knitters' hands busy for a long time to come. 
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Adventures in Design: Ultimate Visual Guide, 153 Spectacular Quilts, Activities & Exercises

Joen Wolfrom updates her classic book, Visual Dance, with spectacular new quilts from around the world. This is the quilter's design textbook, using Joen's internationally-acclaimed expertise and talent to illustrate the seven principals of design: line, shape, color, value, texture, proportion, and scale.
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Martha Stewart's Handmade Holiday Crafts: 225 Inspired Projects for Year-Round Celebrations

Join Martha Stewart for a celebration of handcrafted holidays all year-round!
New Year's - Valentine's Day - Easter - Mother's Day - Father's Day - Fourth of July - Halloween - Thanksgiving - Hanukkah - Christmas
Let Martha inspire your creativity with the most beautiful crafts. The 225 handmade projects include cards and greetings, decorations, gifts and gift wrapping, tabletop accents, party favors, and kids' crafts, as well as more holiday-specific activities, such as egg-dyeing, pumpkin carving, and tree trimming. Each idea is sure to make the holidays more festive--and memorable.
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Craft Activism: People, Ideas, and Projects from the New Community of Handmade and How You Can Join in

There are numerous books about crafting for causes, but none has explored the intersection of craft and altruism with the level of detail found here. Tapper ("Shear Spirit: Ten Fiber Farms, Twenty Patterns, and Miles of Yarn"), inspired by a yarn graffiti installation in Washington state, explores the motivations of creative people who use their skills to make public statements about everything from the environment to the role of traditional "women's work" in contemporary society. There are a few familiar figures, such as Jenny Hart of the Sublime Stitching company, but most will be new to readers. The profiles and the projects that follow them are diverse, and readers are bound to find inspiration in this nicely curated volume. Copyright 2011 Reed Business Information. Library Journal
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Simply Bead & Wire: 20 Jewelry Projects

""Simply Bead & Wire" has 23 great projects where you will able to create a beautiful piece of jewelry without having to solder anything. The book covers wire techniques like straightening, wrapping, spirals, links and loops, twisting, and more. Fourteen designers participated in this beautiful book, giving you the opportunity to have different styles in each project."
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