Crocheting skills are learned by working on projects, beginning with something very easy and getting progressively more difficult as the reader works through the book. New skills are explored in depth as they are introduced. The introductory section covers all the basics of crochet-selecting yarn, hook types and sizes, other tools and accessories, crochet gauge, chaining, forming the basic stitches, reading patterns-making this the most comprehensive beginner’s book available. The online video tutorials created to supplement this book are an additional learning tool demonstrating the essential techniques used in crochet.

    Acclaimed illustrator Keri Smith encourages journalers to engage in "destructive" acts-poking holes through pages, adding photos and defacing them, painting with coffee, and more-in order to experience the true creative process. Readers discover a new way of art and journal making-and new ways to escape the fear of the blank page and fully engage in the creative process.

    Even if you don't consider yourself a doodler, the exercises and techniques in this book will give you a fun way to tap into your personal style.The invitation starts with a pencil as you work through doodle assignments. Eventually, you will learn how to size up and combine these doodles into larger compositions. Then, you will begin mixing it up with watercolor paints and, finally, with acrylic paints.In If You Can Doodle, You Can Paint we will:Dig for treasure/doodleObserve, arrange, and studyMake folded books for doodle-ready surfacesCopy your images with hand/eye coordinationScan and enlarge your doodlesAdd color combinations with colored pencil and acrylic paintCreate compositional grid paintings, andCreate a large complete painting!So what are you waiting for? Grab some pens and paints and get creative!

    Fed up with her dead end job at a call center, and with dreams of being a star one day, Holly applied for a new reality TV show. She couldn’t know it was to catapult her into fame and make her one of the most recognizable faces on British TV. Fame and fortune, though, came at a price—the road from the call center to the celebrity circuit has been far from smooth. For the first time, Holly is lifting the lid on the perks and perils she’s faced ever since her topless hot tub antics shocked the nation. Holly owes her success to a very simple change of look, which involved both a new bottle of red hair dye and a newfound confidence. Ever since then, audiences have been in stitches as they watch Holly (and her flame-red hair) flirt her way around Newcastle’s famed "Diamond Strip," and places further afield, such as Magaluf, Cancun, and Australia. In this action-packed, revealing, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking memoir, Holly recounts her life in and out of the limelight with brutal honesty—from her childhood days when she was badly bullied, her shocking take on sex and dating, her liaison with bad-boy musician Frankie Cocozza, and what really goes on behind-the-scenes on the UK’s biggest reality TV show. Filled with genuinely touching stories and inside accounts of what they don’t show you on TV, Holly has laid herself bare, first physically and now emotionally. If you think you know all there is to know about Holly from Geordie Shore, think again.

    The result was Knit Cafe, a sleek yet homey neighborhood yarn store in one of the most famous neighborhoods in the world. This fabulous shop—and its unique spirit—are celebrated in Greetings from Knit Cafe, now available in an updated paperback edition.  Colorful and chic, the book offers 30 of Knit Cafe’s most dazzling patterns for "California-style" projects ranging from hiking socks to a bikini to a "red carpet" gown. It also features stories about how the celebrated store came to be and how its eclectic clientele came to shape it. Even a few favorite recipes from regular customers are included. Knitters nationwide will enjoy Knit Cafe’s California spirit and join its eclectic circle of devotees.

    The Fine Art of Paper Flowers is an elevated art and craft guide that features complete step-by-step instructions for over 30 of Tiffanie Turner's widely admired, unique, lifelike paper flowers and their foliage, from bougainvillea to English roses to zinnias. In the book, Turner also guides readers through making her signature giant paper peony, shares all of her secrets for special paper treatments, candy-striping, playing with color and creating botanical imperfections, and shows how to turn paper flowers into gorgeous garlands, headdresses, bouquets and more. These stunning creations can be made from simple and inexpensive materials and the book's detailed tutorials and beautiful photography make it easy to achieve dramatic and lifelike results.

    Her profusely illustrated primer allows you to create your own fashionable patterns and personalized commercial patterns. You'll learn how to design and execute everything from skirts, dresses, and blouses to sportswear, jackets, and children's clothing. You'll also find tips for: shaping fabric to your figure; mastering the art of flares, flounces, pleats, and tucks; creating fashionable necklines, pretty pockets, stylish sleeves, and much more.Simple step-by-step directions and more than 1,000 illustrations show how to successfully complete apparel for work, home, and play that reflects your personal style and taste.

    Then experiment with four basic container styles to create round, oval, square, and other shapes. Create purses, baskets, and bowls in an endless variety of sizes, shapes, and colors Simply wrap fabric strips around cotton clothesline, coil into the desired shape, and secure with machine stitching Special sections on lids, handles, and embellishments offer unlimited options for your own variationsVideo

    There is a certain joy in the basics of life and going back to simpler times. Today we live in a fast-paced world of machines and premade everything. Crocheting gives you a way of slowing down in this hectic life. From just a hook and a ball of yarn you can create items with more value than what you find in any store. Are you ready to start something different? This book will take you through the basics of how to crochet and give you twenty basic patterns to follow for crafts that range from whimsical to practical. From headbands to caterpillar’s this book has a little of everything. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to get started. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can get started with some of the most basic patterns. Want to create something that’s one of a kind? Pick your favorite colors. Represent your team. Match your décor. You have the power to make the pattern your own just by simply changing the colors. This is a great craft for everyone, regardless of your age or gender. Studies have proven that crafts like crocheting can help reduce stress, improve motor function, and increase mental clarity and retention. It’s more than just a hobby! Complete with full directions, material lists, and color photos of each project, this book is a great how-to guide if you’re just getting started. There’s more advanced projects too! Download this book today and get started on one of the best little crafts out there! Comments From Other Readers “Being new to crocheting, I was looking for something that would be easy to follow and keep up with. I’ve been learning how to crochet with my daughter and I thought this was the perfect book! We were both able to follow along with the patterns and made some cute scarfs and matching mittens. We each picked our own colors but it was great getting to work on the project together!” - Tobi (Manitoba, Canada) “There’s so much that can be done with these books! I’m not a novice, I’ve been working with yarn for years and I even spin my own, but it’s nice to get back to the basics sometimes to keep my skills sharp. That’s why I love books like this that help me to keep steady with my skills. The instructions were clear and the patterns came out wonderful. This is a great book for beginners or even more advanced crafters!” - Erika (Los Angeles, US) Tags: crochet, crochet 101, beginners, easy patterns, novice crochet, crocheting, one day crochet, learn to crochet, crochet patterns, afghan projects, crochet stitch gallery, easy to crochet, knitting, crochet for beginners, cross-stitching, needlework, one day crochet afghan, crochet scarf, craft, crocheting for dummies, crochet craft, crochet book

    Learn how to choose and mix colors, and create a multitude of effects using only one set of tubes. Discover how to make your own equipment, set up a "studio" space, and use household materials to save money. Beginners can follow processes stage-by-stage, while more experienced artists can dip in and out for help with specific problems. A unique section on how to develop your art and take it to a wider public is full of professional secrets which can bring you success much more quickly. “Try it” and “Fix it” panels placed throughout the book suggest ways of practicing and developing new skills, and avoiding or correcting common painting errors.

    She’s created 20 new patterns to get readers wearing their own high-quality knits in only two weeks. Each sweater features just the right amount of detail for a beautifully textured look with minimal work. Fewer buttonholes and no-fuss construction make the garments surprisingly simple to finish. Designed with portability in mind, the patterns are easy to memorize, making any spare moment prime knitting time. Marie’s friendly, straightforward instruction and clear technique tutorials have made her patterns a hit with knitters online. In this book, she shares her tested tips and tricks for more efficient knitting and faster results. This collection of cozy pullovers and contemporary cardigans never sacrifices style for speed. Captivating details like cables and stripes are made simple with Marie’s techniques. Readers will find tools to gauge their stitching speed, set a project timeline and achieve the perfect fit for any size. Timeless, comfortable and versatile, these quick sweaters will be readers’ favorites to gift and wear for years to come.

    In this book, Sunshine Cobb covers all the foundational skills, with lessons for constructing both simple and complex forms from clay. Ceramic artists will also find a variety of next-level techniques and tips: designing templates and replicating pieces, lidded vessels, using molds, a variety of decorative techniques, and other avenues of exploration are all inside.Artist features and inspirational galleries include work from today's top working artists, such as Bryan Hopkins, Lindsay Oesterritter, Liz Zlot Summerfield, Bandana Pottery, Shoko Teruyama, Courtney Martin, Sam Chung, Deborah Schwartzkopf, and many more.  Take your hand building skills—and your artwork—to the next level with Mastering Hand Building. The Mastering Ceramics series is for artists who never stop learning. With compelling projects, expert insight, step-by-step photos, and galleries of work from today’s top artists, these books are the perfect studio companions. Also available from the series: Mastering the Potter's Wheel and Mastering Kilns and Firing.

    From brides who want to address their wedding invitations to do-it-yourselfers who want to prepare certificates or make a family tree, and even for art journalers and scrapbookers who like creative text in their works, calligraphy books and classes are hot.This new-in-hardcover book will spark the interest of the calligraphy novice by introducing a new approach to lettering, one that combines a lively combination of traditional lettering styles, fun and scripty modern styles, and artsy street-style lettering, along with project ideas that incorporate creative lettering.The book demonstrates the uses of traditional and cutting edge lettering tools, from classic calligraphy pens to bling-producing metallic foils and glue pens. It introduces a wide array of lettering styles with complete alphabets sample artworks that show an application. Fully stepped-out illustrations break down each letterform, taking the reader through each stroke and a large collection of gallery images provides further inspiration for how to use creative lettering in artwork.

    With fundamental skills for beginners that progress to more sophisticated designs, this book covers techniques such as basic wirework, texturizing, silver fusing, adding patina, and traditional finishes.Included are over 30 projects for making custom wire findings, each accompanied by step-by-step photographs and directions to ensure success.

    The entries are collected from the website’s enormous database of members’ shared comments and advice, rated by hits and reviews. Also included are five special how-to features by PatternReview.com's master teachers and pattern designers, who regularly conduct online chats and workshops (including Kenneth King, Susan Khalje, Sarah Veblen, Shannon Gifford, and Anna Mazur).