Named for the southwest county on the coast of the English Channel, Dorset buttons date back to the seventeenth century. The practice of button-making -- involving a technique somewhere between needlepoint and knotting or lacemaking -- dates back to the 17th century and is enjoying a resurgence today. Creating distinctive, handmade buttons holds an irresistible charm for modern-day knitting, sewing, and needlepoint aficionados as well as jewelry makers, and this inspiring, easy-to-follow guide is exactly the book to show how it's done. Author Pat Olski provides a history of the craft as well as beautifully photographed instructions for 30 variations on the basic procedure. Many of these jewel-like items resemble tiny canvases embellished with images of flowers and animals. Detailed directions offer a clear approach to re-creating the centuries-old craft and adding a personal flair to modern garments and accessories.

Captivating fun! Discover the delight of making breathtaking thread jewelry based on heritage Dorset buttons in this approachable first of its kind book. In Crafting Thread Jewelry, professional craft designer Pat Olski has authored an astonishingly clear reference and project book that makes it a breeze to learn how to create your own beautiful bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and pins, by simply wrapping thread around wire or plastic rings. Easy and Enjoyable: The dozens of exquisite images, unrivaled step-by-step diagrams, and concise instructions will help you to easily master all of the essential skills you need for this enjoyable craft. This invaluable resource covers every practical aspect of crafting thread button jewelry, from selecting readily available materials to learning traditional and innovative fiber wrapping methods and jewelry cord making and construction. Great for Everyone: Beginner and expert needle workers, crafters, costumers, textile lovers, and fashion and jewelry enthusiasts will all be inspired by the twenty six beautiful, easy to make, and wonderful to wear original designs. Making thread buttons is addictive, and jewelry makers, embroiderers, knitters, crocheters, sewists, weavers, and spinners will all love exploring this ingenious refresh of a classic fiber craft.

Beautify with butterflies! Appliqué and embroidery designs for nature lovers Let your creativity take flight with a rainbow of embroidered butterflies! Internationally recognized teacher Catherine Redford shares her passion for embroidery and embellished wool appliqué. Embroidery, appliqué, or a combination of both? The choice is yours, as you customize 12 designs for 36 unique looks! With delicate details, these winged beauties will inspire you to start your next sampler quilt, pillow, or small project. With an overview of materials, basic stitches, and a robust gallery of ideas, you'll be ready to unwind and enjoy the soothing practice of hand stitching! Embroider and appliqué butterflies with renowned teacher Catherine Redford Inspiring projects! A gallery of electrifying ideas to ignite your creativity Relax with pretty, portable hand-stitching projects and meditative stitches

Learn the art of thread painting from Instagram sensation Michelle Staub Cats and dogs seem to always have a paw planted firmly in our hearts. Capture the life in their eyes and the texture of their fur with a unique embroidered pet portrait! Insta-famous artist Michelle Staub puts a modern spin on thread painting with her easy-to-learn approach. Get started with 4 basic embroidery stitches, and follow the detailed tutorials to hone your skills. Capture awe-inspiring details of your pet with lessons in full-color thread painting or go clean with a simple line drawing—the choice is yours. Learn to personalize your art piece with names, dates, and decorative accents. With 20 sample patterns to customize, you can easily recreate any breed! Paint stunningly realistic pet portraits with just a needle and thread Try your hand at two styles—minimal outlines and incredible full-color renderings Make it modern with floral garlands, personalized banners, and crisp lettering Start today with 4 easy stitches and 20 customizable projects

From the author of the international bestseller Girl With a Pearl Earring and At the Edge of the Orchard, comes a stirring eighteenth-century coming-of-age tale In the waning days of eighteenth-century London, poet, artist, and printer William Blake works in obscurity as England is rocked by the shock waves of the French Revolution. Next door, the Kellaway family has just moved in, and country boy Jem Kellaway strikes up a tentative friendship with street-savvy Maggie Butterfield. As their stories intertwine with Blake's, the two children navigate the confusing and exhilarating path to adolescence, and inspire the poet to create the work that enshrined his genius.