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.

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

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.

If you think you know what cross stitch is, look again! Jamie Chalmers, aka Mr X Stitch, shows you how to cross stitch using simple step-by-step instructions and also takes you to the frontiers of cross stitch design. The book is aimed at stitchers of all abilities, from absolute beginners looking to learn a new craft to embroiderers and cross stitchers who want to do something different in cross stitching. For many, cross stitch conjures up images of cute kittens and country cottages, but this book shows people that theres a different side to cross stitching that its an art in its own right, and will encourage them to be a little braver with their art. Jamies writing style is fun, entertaining and highly inspirational. The book aims to appeal to men as well as women, encouraging one and all to take up the ancient craft. It teaches the basics of cross stitching, including information on materials, tools, techniques and colour blending, but also puts Jamies own individual spin on it, with urban flavours and the introduction of different materials such as glow-in-the-dark threads and stitching on metal. As well as providing exciting designs to stitch, there is guidance on how to create cross stitch designs of your own, for example by using photographs and other images for reference. Jamie also showcases the work of other contemporary cross stitchers who are pushing the boundaries of their craft, and introduces more than 20 stunning cutting-edge projects to make, showing that beauty, innovation and 'craftivism' are alive and kicking in this inspirational book.