Crafts

Knitting, Textiles, Paper, Wood, Seasonal, Needlearts, and more

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Folding Paper: The Infinite Possibilities of Origami

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Based on a traveling art exhibition that opened in 2012 at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, this slim volume lives up to its subtitle: readers will indeed find nearly infinite possibilities in folded paper. More than 40 of the world's leading origami artists are represented, with full-color photographs of works leaping off the page. Early on, Paulo Mulatinho's Planta, an abstract riff on the familiar paper crane, faces off with Hieu Tran Trung's Velociraptor Skeleton, a dinosaur skeleton shown on the recto page and made from over 70 sheets of uncut paper. The variety and breadth of the medium are amazingly clear. Animals (including a stunning ball variation on paper cranes), abstract forms, even a house, all dazzle and will inspire artists. The text of the book is mostly academic, but Lang's essay on the math and physics of origami may intrigue some readers, especially when they are left gaping by the overwhelmingly complex, computer-generated "circle packing" he employs to create a grid for folding on paper. Readers are mostly here for the photos, and they are well worth the very reasonable price. Publishers Weekly

Playing with Image Transfers: Exploring Creative Imagery for Use in Art, Mixed Media, and Design

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"Playing With Image Transfers" teaches you the four image transfer methods: Packing Tape, Solvent, Medium, and Acrylic transfers and includes project ideas and an image gallery for added inspiration.

Very Easy Sweaters: 50 Simple, Stylish Designs ( Vogue Knitting )

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From the editors of "Vogue(R) Knitting" comes a chic and beautiful collection of 50 simple sweater patterns, all by notable knitwear designers like Cathy Carron and Kaffe Fassett. Selected from recent issues of the magazine, these "best of" designs are perfect for beginners and cover everything from stockinette, stripes, and cables to lightweight knits and relaxed fit.

The Beauty of Zentangle: Inspirational Examples from 137 Gifted Tangle Artists Worldwide

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"Zentangle(R) is fast becoming a worldwide phenomenon, attracting individuals from all walks of life. Created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, the Zentangle method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. The Beauty of Zentangle celebrates this simple but elegant new craft with hundreds of sensational one-of-a-kind designs from around the world. Selected by the editors of Design Originals, the #1 publisher of Zentangle art, this amazing collection of Zentangle-inspired masterpieces encompasses a wide range of styles. Stunning works are included from breakthrough artists and CZTs like Suzanne McNeill, Cindy Shepard, Marie Browning, Sandy Steen Bartholomew, and many more. Their inventive tangles are at the forefront of a new wave of creative expression and personal freedom"

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

More Modern Top-Down Knitting: 24 Garments Based on Barbara G. Walker's 12 Top-Down Templates

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Barbara Walker’s Knitting from the Top, originally published in 1972, is a treasure trove of inspiration about the technique of knitting garments from the top down (for example, knitting a sweater from the neck down to the hem or a hat from the crown down to the brim). In 2010, STC Craft published Kristina McGowan’s successful Modern Top-Down Knitting, a collection of fashion-conscious top-down designs inspired by Walker’s book. Knitters not only loved the technique, which allows for easy, try-on-as-you-go custom fitting, but also applauded McGowan’s modern sense of style. For More Modern Top-Down Knitting, McGowan has dug even deeper into Walker’s iconic work—this time challenging herself to design two garments based on each of Walker’s 12 basic top-down templates. The results come together to form a fresh, stylish wardrobe that includes everything from sweaters and dresses to capes, skirts, hats, and even pants and shorts.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Lena Corwin's Made by Hand: A Collection of Projects to Print, Sew, Weave, Dye, Knit, or Otherwise Create

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Lena Corwin's Brooklyn art studio is home to dozens of different crafting classes taught by several professional designers with an assortment of skill sets. The diversity of activities presented in Made by Hand opens up possibilities for dozens of skills, from printing to origami, from soap-making to patchwork] tie-dying, weaving, embroidery, and more-there's something for everyone.
Each teacher advises her students in how to select the most effective materials, set up a workspace, and ensure that as few mistakes will be made as possible. Photographs accompany the steps so that more advanced artists, or those who are completing the project for a second time, can reference them as a guide. These straightforward pictures are uncluttered demonstrations of the most important steps in the process.
Whether you're interested in mastering a new skill or are looking for a few fun summer projects, Made by Hand offers the perfect range of usable textile handiwork, presented by fourteen teachers who obviously enjoy their craft.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Irresistible Gifts to Cross Stitch: Inspired Designs and Patterns for Hand-Stitched Projects to Make and Give

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It's so much fun to stitch for others, because making gifts is the perfect excuse to stitch! With this in mind the editors of CrossStitcher magazine have assembled the ultimate collection of irresistible gift ideas. Inside you'll find 255 amazing gift and card patterns for each and every special occasion, from Mother's Day to the arrival of a new baby. Featuring projects by 16 top cross stitch designers, this tantalizing compendium is a must-have for every stitcher.
Romance is forever in the air for cross stitchers, with weddings, engagements and anniversaries, and there's always another day ahead on the calendar for family get-togethers, from Christmas and Halloween to Easter and birthdays. And we've got them all covered! With projects suitable for every skill level and simple step-by-step instructions, you'll be ready for anything.

Soft Toys: Cut Out and Sew Your Own Original Toys

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This handy guide to the rewarding craft of soft toy making is packed with new personalities just waiting to come to life! "Soft Toys" offers 13 easy-to-sew projects for loveable softies, with step-by-step instructions designed for all skill levels. Patterns are drawn on a grid system so you can work to any size by scaling up or down.

The New Encyclopedia of Jewelry-Making Techniques: A Comprehensive Visual Guide to Traditional and Contemporary Techniques

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"The Encyclopedia of Jewelry-Making Techniques" is an all-encompassing guide for making beautiful jewelry at home. In a step-by-step approach, readers learn a plethora of techniques for creating intricate pieces of wearable art. The author provides simple instructions for all sorts of jewelry, and she shows readers an array of finished projects.