Hobbies/Crafts

What is the fitting wrapping for which gift? This book gives the answer-and even provides the wrapping material at the same time. This Christmas edition comes with simple step-by-step instructions so you can learn the optimal way to wrap your gifts. The variety of motifs will more than meet your demands and turn this booklet itself into the ideal gift.

Whether you have a boy who wants to be a cowboy or a girl who dreams of becoming a princess, you are sure to find the perfect costume in "Cute and Easy Costumes for Kids". As a mother of two young children, crafting expert Emma Hardy knows all about unexpected costumes requests, and has created a collection of fun outfits guaranteed to delight kids and please parents with designs that are so easy to follow. If it's inspiration for Halloween you are after, try the witch or pumpkin, or one of the outfits for wannabe adventurers, like... read more

At Matthew Haly's custom-upholstery studio in Manhattan's NoHo district, the demand for his work is incredibly high--and often, so is the price tag. That inexpensive flea-market find seemed great until you discovered just how much it would cost to have it reupholstered. But don't let the professional's price tag deter you. In "Matthew Haly's Book of Upholstery," Haly--the go-to upholsterer to Manhattan's interior design crowd--shares his craft: all the details, secrets, and tips to help you restore the original beauty to a haggard ... read more

Cyril Hobbins, 'The Toy Maker from Kenilworth', introduces a wide range of traditional wooden toys, dolls and games from around the world. Many of the toys here have stood the test of time, proving over the centuries their everlasting appeal to all age groups. The book is richly illustrated throughout with a wealth of Cyril's beautiful watercolour pictures of his toys. This unique book will provide a valuable resource for those wishing to make toys, those interested in the history of toys and toymaking, and for school teachers, for... read more

Made in France: Blackwork takes a modern approach to the ancient art of blackwork. The 50 projects in this book show how simple embroidery stitches worked on a contrasting background can be used to embellish a multitude of charming gifts, accessories and homewares. Follow the easy instructions and learn how the repetition of a few basic stitches results in an endless variety of intricate patterns and designs. You'll be seduced by this timeless and elegant form of embroidery.

For crafters who like their stitching with a twist, this book reworks or reimagines fine embroidery and cute craft imagery so that they cross over to the dark side. Think charming cottages with roses around the door - and trash and abandoned vehicles in the front yard, or napkins embroidered with pretty but poisonous plants. Projects include an RIP (read in peace) bookmark, a butterfly and skulls tote bag, and a pig strikes back barbecue apron. Inspired by popular culture and street art, it's the craft equivalent of the Jane Austin... read more

Best in Show: Knit Your Own Cat offers the unique opportunity to knit yourself a cat. There are 16 different breeds included, from a charming moggy to a sleek Siamese, a precious Persian to a loving long hair. With Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne's designs you can now knit your precious pet, reproduce your favourite breed or even knit the cat you have always desperately wanted. The cats are surprisingly easy to make. It will only take a few evenings to create a covetable companion for life. Idiosyncratic descriptions of the various b... read more

Following the success of Simple Crochet, Erika Knight has turned her attention to the novice knitter with this unique workshop-based how-to-knit book. With Simple Knitting you will learn to knit whilst creating your own accessible yet highly desirable basic projects that are at once essential and inspiring.

Charlotte Stowell shows how to make food-themed polymer clay beads using modelling techniques, and how to make them up into fun and attractive jewellery. First there is advice about the few simple tools and the basic techniques needed to make the beads, including instructions on texturing and varnishing the beads to create realistic food models. We then learn to make really striking jewellery such as a chilli charm, cup cakes brooch, dolly mixtures necklace, burger bracelet, fondant fancies earrings, and much more. Step by step ins... read more

30 designs for coats and accessories in a range of styles and colours. Includes knitted, crocheted and stitched designs modelled by adorable dogs that dog lovers will find irresistible.

This title is a follow up to the hugely popular "Tea Cozies". You can have fun and fast to work from with easy-to-read instructions of this book. Make beautiful, inexpensive gifts - if they can be parted with! Projects are suitable for all levels of ability as a techniques section explains the basic skills. Tea lovers know there's nothing better than a cozy to keep a tasty brew piping hot to the very last sip. There's also no better way to prettify a plain pot or cheer up the tea table. The first tea cozy book was so popular that G... read more

This title includes 30 projects covering various techniques, including different types of wrist and fingers. It offers easy-to-follow patterns and techniques with which everyone can have warm fingers. It is the latest from the highly successful and popular "Cozy" series. Cold hands may mean warm heart - but none of us want frozen digits. "Cozy: Gloves" will be the answer for the whole family. This selection of fun, fast and practical finger-warmers transforms an essential item into an object of desire. The latest title in the "Cozy... read more

This title offers clearly presented, easy-to-follow knitting patterns for 15 fun and colorful wild animals. A comprehensive, illustrated techniques section will guide less experienced knitters. Projects have an adorable and humorous quality, which will amuse both adults and children alike. Delight children and adults alike with a fabulous range of cuddly knitted wild animals. Inside this fun, colorful book there are 15 wild creatures to choose from, each with a very distinct personality, including: Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Lion, G... read more

Vintage Kids is a charming collection of 25 unique designs for children's clothes and accessories developed by Fiona Bell, founder of Their Nibs kids' clothing brand. Fiona opened Their Nibs in London's Notting Hill in 2003, recognising that the children's clothing market was crying out for a vibrant, fresh and inventive alternative to mainstream brands and high street stores. It quickly established itself as a destination shop for parents who want to dress their children as children, with originality and flair. The celebrity clien... read more

One of the most long-lasting and hard-wearing artforms, mosaic pieces are perfect to make the most of your outdoor space. Suitable for a tiny terrace or a large country expanse, the projects in "Garden Mosaics" show you how to decorate your outdoor space in the most charming, individual and enduring way. The extensive techniques section shows you how to choose and use the right tiles for your environment. The range of tiles on the market today is better than ever, and the book makes the most of the wealth of new materials available... read more

This book is a treasure trove of guidance and wisdom, advice based on years of practical and personal experience. It is a comprehensive guide to building your own wood-fired oven. It offers a brief history of wood-fired ovens, basic design considerations, and a guide to starting your wood fired oven project. Appendices cover oven doors and doorways, making arches and door entries, dampers and chimney bases. The book also includes some wonderful recipes.

What is the fitting wrapping for which gift? This book gives the answer-and even provides the wrapping material at the same time.

"After rifling through her cupboards and rummaging through her drawers, Marjorie Massey has discovered yet more of her charming cross-stitch patterns which she shares with us in Made in France: Cross-stitch Samplers. In alternating blues and reds, Massey's designs are timeless and modest. 8 LOOSELEAF PATTERNS included.