Presents an introduction to calligraphy and includes templates and techniques for creating twenty special alphabets for weddings, holidays, birthdays, family celebrations, and scrapbook pages.

Weave and braid versatile parachute cord in an array of fashion colors to create attractive and useful accessories. Parachute Cord Craft ties everything together with 22 clever projects for home, outdoors, school, and sports. Make fashionable bracelets, necklaces, belts, lanyards, dog collars, key fobs and more, with detailed instructions and step-by-step diagrams.

Learn how to create beautiful, hand-lettered stationery, art, and other decorations with Modern Calligraphy, a sophisticated, interactive book full of exquisite sample alphabets, fun exercises, and simple step-by-step projects. From modern calligraphy in ink to hand lettering in chalk on blackboard and brush lettering in paint, you will discover a variety of ingenious and unique ways to turn words and letters into projects that can be given as gifts, sent as snail mail, or used within your home decor. Among other things, you will learn to create eyecatching letterforms, embellish with swirls and flourishes, free-brush letters on canvas, and digitize your work for printing. Along the way, you will find plenty of inspiration and helpful artist tips to encourage you, as well as numerous open practice pages to help you develop your own lettering style. You can customize letters and words, developing your own rules and methods as you go. With oractical projects for all sorts of celebrations, from engagements and weddings to baby showers and even Halloween, Modern Calligraphy Workshop will give you the inspiration as well as the skills to turn your everyday handwriting into artwork.

Islam is more than a system of rigid doctrines and normative principles. It is a diverse mosaic of subjective, often contradictory interpretations and discrepant applications that prohibit a narrow, one-dimensional approach. This book argues that to uncover this complex reality and achieve a more accurate understanding of Islam as a lived religion, it is imperative to consider Islam from the point of view of human beings who practice their faith. Consequently, this book provides an important contribution through a detailed ethnographic study of two contemporary Sufi communities. Although both groups shared much in common, there was a fundamental, almost perplexing range of theological convictions and ritual implementations. This book explores the mechanism that accounts for such diversity, arguing for a direct correlation between Sufi multiformity and the agency of the spiritual leader, the Shaikh. Empirical research regarding the authority by which Shaikhs subjectively generate legitimate adaptations that shape the contours of religious belief are lacking. This study is significant, because it focuses on how leadership operates in Sufism, highlighting the primacy of the Shaikh in the selection and appropriation of inherited norms.

Dive into the rich and vibrant traditions of Ramadan and Eid with this comprehensive guide that provides insights, practices, and reflections on these sacred Islamic observances. From the spiritual significance of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan to the joyful celebrations of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, this book delves deep into the rituals, history, and cultural aspects of these beloved events. Discover the spiritual journey undertaken by Muslims during Ramadan, exploring the importance of prayer, charity, and self-reflection in the quest for spiritual renewal. Learn about the customs and traditions that mark the beginning and end of each day's fast, as well as the significance of communal iftars and nightly Taraweeh prayers. Dive into the history and significance of Laylat al-Qadr, the "Night of Power,and the special blessings it holds for worshippers. Explore the festive traditions surrounding Eid al-Fitr, where Muslims come together to mark the end of Ramadan with prayers, feasting, and acts of charity. Gain insights into the practices and customs associated with Eid al-Adha, the "Festival of Sacrifice,and the importance of Qurbani as a symbol of devotion and obedience to Allah. Discover the rituals of Hajj and how they are integrated into the celebrations of Eid al-Adha. Through personal anecdotes, quotes from the Quran and Hadith, and scholarly insights, this book offers a nuanced and insightful exploration of the spiritual, cultural, and social dimensions of Ramadan and Eid. Whether you are a seasoned observer or a newcomer to these traditions, this book will deepen your understanding and appreciation of these sacred occasions. Embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth as you immerse yourself in the traditions and practices of Ramadan and Eid. Let this book be your guide to a deeper appreciation of these sacred observances and a source of inspiration and guidance as you navigate the spiritual milestones of the Islamic calendar.

Lively, detailed essays explaining the meaning behind the apparatus, traditions, and etiquette particular to the Japanese martial arts—by an American sword master Beginning students in Japanese martial arts, such as karate, judo, aikido, iaido, kyudo, and kendo, learn that when they are in the dojo (the practice space), they must don their practice garb with ritual precision, address their teacher and senior students in a specific way, and follow certain unwritten but deeply held codes of behavior. But very soon they begin to wonder about the meaning behind the traditions, gear, and relationships in the dojo. In this collection of lively, detailed essays, Dave Lowry, one of the most well-known and respected swordsmen in the United States, illuminates the history and meaning behind the rituals, training costumes, objects, and relationships that have such profound significance in Japanese martial arts, including • the dojo space itself • the teacher-student relationship • the act of bowing • what to expect—and what will be expected of you—when you visit a dojo • the training weapons • the hakama (ceremonial skirt) and dogi (practice uniform) • the Shinto shrine Authoritative, insightful, and packed with fascinating stories from his own experience, In the Dojo provides a wealth of information that beginning students will pore over and advanced students will treasure.

In 1985, winemaker Joe Benziger and Sonoma artist Bob Nugent struck on the idea of putting original art on special releases of Imagery Estate wines. The goal was straight-forward: commission the world's modern art luminaries to create works for reproduction onto wine labels. Two decades and 160 labels later, they have assembled a staggering collection of contemporary art, from the likes of Sol Lewitt, Terry Winters, Nancy Graves, John Baldessari, Judy Pfaff, and Bob Arneson. This book highlights 133 works of art, the best of the Imagery collection. The images are big and lush, and accompanied by biographical sketches of the artists' careers, as well as a short description of their individual ideas and methods. The pictorial index shows the works in their label-form, from 1985 to the most recent vintages. These images are evocations of wine's multi-faceted ability to inspire us.