"The author combines the...basic elements common to all visual arts--space, proportion, line, texture and color--with the processes necessary to produce an illustrated item, from surface preparation to sanding and varnishing. What happens next is not a procession of patterns. Rather, she examines a few dozen different techniques, including sponging, stipping, and faux malachite, as projects...the numbered step-by-steps give readers....directions about how to achieve certain effects. Glossary, suggested reading, and suppliers appended."--"Booklist."

New York Times Bestseller Named one of the Best Gift Books of the Year by Entertainment Weekly, InStyle, House Beautiful, T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Luxe Interiors + Design, People StyleWatch, Garden & Gun, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, New York Magazine, and more John Derian’s home goods empire reaches far and wide—in addition to the four John Derian stores he owns in New York and Massachussetts, his products are sold by more than 600 retailers worldwide, including Neiman Marcus, ABC, and Gump’s in the United States; Conran and Liberty in the UK; and Astier de Villatte in Paris. It all started with his now-iconic collectible plates decoupaged with 19th-century artwork sourced from old and rare books, a process that credited him with elevating the decoupage technique into fine art. Over the past 25 years, the brand has expanded greatly to include home and general design gifts and products. Now, for the first time ever, comes the book John Derian fans have been waiting for. Culled from the thousands of images that have appeared in his biannual collections, here is an astoundingly beautiful assortment of nearly 300 full-bleed images in their original form. From intensely colored flowers and birds to curious portraits, hand-drawn letters, and breathtaking landscapes, the best of John Derian is here. The result is an oversized object of desire, a work of art in and of itself, that brilliantly walks the line between commerce and art, and that is destined to become the gift book of the season.

Clear explanations of every step of every procedure by man who probably knows more about craft than anyone. 91 drawings, over 100 photographs. Index.

Offering an abundance of information and inspiration, Homemade is a revelatory addition to the craft world—the ultimate reference book on crafting and also a warm, engagingly written book that combines history and personal narrative with the science that makes a craft possible and the passion that inspires it. Carol Endler Sterbenz is a crafter, a teacher, a homemaker, a wife, and a mother. Raised by immigrant parents who taught her the enduring value of resourcefulness and creativity, she makes her lifetime of experience and infinite enthusiasm the foundation for Homemade. Sterbenz provides readers with not only practical information and direction but also a philosophy and methodology of crafting that build confidence and ability, making it easy to achieve truly professional results. Teeming with clear, reliable, and thorough information on everything from tools and materials to techniques, Homemade is an essential guide to seven of the most beloved crafts: beading, the flower arts, paper crafting, hand printing, decoupage, decorative embellishing, and children’s arts and crafts. Crafters—beginners and veterans alike—can turn to Homemade to learn which glues and finishes to use, how to form a perfect beaded loop, assemble a miniature robot, hollow out an egg, emboss paper, make a hand-tied bouquet, or transform a chandelier. Overflowing with hundreds of techniques; easy-to-follow step-by-step directions supported by more than eight hundred beautiful and precise hand-drawn illustrations, diagrams, and patterns; and countless insider secrets and troubleshooting tips, Homemade is an indispensable go-to reference no crafter should be without.

A collection of short stories and poetry published by the Wakefield Press, mainly resulting from the postgraduate Creative Writing Program of the Discipline of English at the University of Adelaide.

Good-bye dorm, so long mom and dad, and hello new digs! Whether your rent, buy, or share your first home or apartment, getting it to look great without spending a lot of money can be a challenge. Yee-Fan Sun comes to the rescue with this engaging guide to decorating, refurbishing, and repurposing so you can leave those milk crate bookshelves and sagging futons behind. Packed with DIY solutions and guidance on how to personalize your new home, First Digs covers everything you need to know to decorate, organize, and maintain a cool, comfortable space that reflects your own unique style. First Digs features: · Guidelines on how to prioritize and allocate a miniscule budget · Savvy bargain-hunting advice · How to spruce up home furnishings · Tips on painting like a pro · Illustrations throughout · DIY projects for lighting, slipcovers, window treatments, wall hangings, and more! Learn how to make the move into your first home a little easier, much more creative, and a lot of fun!

Marie Browning's best-selling Jazzy Jars delighted crafters with its clever, yet wonderfully easy, suggestions for turning the humble jar into a breathtaking gift package. The creative fun continues in this follow-up collection, which has dozens of all-new, even better projects, patterns, techniques, and ideas. There are spectacular options galore: decorative painting with permanent enamel glass paints, decoupage, altered art, polymer clay, gluing and embellishing with trims or found objects, quick and easy lid decorations, special tags and labels, and much more. Fill up that empty jar, and make it complete, with an entire section of recipes for layered mixes and other foods. Tie a bow around the finished jar, and voila! The perfect present to make anyone happy. A Selection of the Crafters Choice and Homestyle Book Clubs.