Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd – serie

The timeless designs featured in this book were designed in the mid-1950s by the Japanese design group KAK, led by architect and industrial designer Yoshio Akioka. Now, more than half a century after the creation of these designs, the chairs, tables, and storage furniture retain their simple beauty and functionality.The 24 rewarding projects are presented with notes on the key design elements of each piece, the tools and techniques needed to construct them, and step-by-step instructions for completing them. The designs are chosen to highlight the structure of furniture and the techniques are well-suited to working with softwood planks and plywood – readily available in DIY stores. Each project is described in a brief overview, with a difficulty rating and an emphasis on key design elements. This is followed by a detailed instructions section with helpful illustrations.Appealing to woodworkers and hand-tool enthusiasts, the book reflects a growing interest in making simple practical furniture for the home as well as an appreciation of Japanese design.Projects include:Two-way cross-braced stoolRound plywood tea tableSturdy porch benchSimple umbrella standV-shaped leg tea tableVariable-height tableBox-shaped benchLow plywood chair.

Woodworking Joinery by Hand is a ground-breaking woodworking book that introduces a new twist on the traditional hand-cut methods of joint making.One of the biggest challenges with conventional hand-joinery techniques is that the novice woodworker needs to first master the difficult skill of cutting perfectly straight and with a high degree of accuracy. With Sugita’s unique method of guiding and controlling the saw blade using jigs and magnetic sheets, even a complete beginner can learn advanced joint-making techniques with hand tools alone. Making it easy to produce straight and square cuts, this pioneering technique is a game-changer for producing high-precision, beautifully made wooden joints. Japanese-style saws only cut when pulled towards the body, allowing them to be made of thinner-grade metal and therefore cutting a finer, more precise line than more conventional western-style saws. This book won’t just appeal to beginners, but also more experienced woodworkers who want to brush up on their sawing skills.Through the construction of a variety of different types of frames, boxes, guides and jigs, with clear progression through levels of difficulty, you will learn all the skills you’ll need, from basic frame construction to more challenging and intricate joints. Quiet and safe, these techniques use hand tools and bespoke jigs for a peaceful approach to the craft, making it enjoyable and sociable. Including detailed step-by-step instructions, illustrations, tip and tricks, you’ll find everything you need to get started.Joints featured: half lap joint, splined mitre joint, mitred lap joint, rabbet joint, box joint, mortise and tenon joint, dovetail joint and more.Includes tutorials on seven types of basic frame, seven styles of box, a set of drawers and ten types of guides and jigsFeatures ground-breaking magnetic jig technique, devised by the author and not found in other booksIntroduces Japanese-style saws, increasing in popularity in the western worldAimed at beginners to jointing techniques but will also teach new skills to more experienced woodworkers

With more stitch patterns than any other full-colour stitch dictionary on the market, 400 Knitting Stitches is an expansive resource. This book provides a basic guide to knitting techniques as well as the instructions for creating more than 400 stitches, from simple to elaborate. Each stitch is clearly illustrated with a close-up photograph and accompanied by a chart to make it even easier to master. Perfect for: knitters everywhere who love cables, lace, and textured stitches; intermediate and experienced knitters who want a no-nonsense guide that contains every stitch they need; creative knitters - new or experienced - who love to experiment with their designs.

The Whittling Handbook is the perfect introduction to the simple, yet immensely pleasurable, craft of creating attractive objects with nothing more than a knife and a piece of timber. Whittling is an art form that can be as simple or as complex as you like.This delightful book guides the reader through the basics starting with straightforward projects such as a garden dibber and paper knife then progresses to more complex and intricate items such as a linked chain and whistle. The tools you'll need, plus the basic techniques and how to perform them safely are all covered in a clear and straightforward way.Projects include:butter spreaderforkcane toppersbookmarkpolar bearnuthatchThis book makes the perfect gift for all whittle enthusiasts in your life!

Plants have the power to make any space feel more calm and peaceful. Now you can surround yourself in a green indoor oasis without ever having to remember about watering, repotting or feeding. Idea for aspirational gardeners who aren’t keen on getting their hands dirty, these crocheted beauties will give you year-round horticultural satisfaction, without any of the hassle. You’ll find popular crowd-pleasers, like yucca, spider and cheese plants along with the dramatic purple foliage of coleus, delicate blooms of the moth orchid and the menacing venus fly trap.Flip through the stylish gallery pages, pick your favourite plants and get started. Everything you’ll need to know is included in the book, from tools and materials to explanations of the basic crochet stitches. You’ll also find out how to pot up and display your fabulous, crocheted creations.25 popular houseplants including Boston fern, Christmas cactus and Tiger aloeFrom bestselling crochet author Emma Varnam (Crocheted Succulents has sold over 15,000 units)Includes how to pot up and display your finished creationsDetailed patterns with clear photos, shown at actual sizeInspiring gallery of styled photographs

Joint-making – a top priority for woodworkers!Woodworkers have plenty to cheer about with The Complete Guide to Joint-Making. This comprehensive and practical book demystifies the all-important subject of choosing, designing, and cutting woodworking joints. It’s packed with insightful information and tricks of the trade that will advance the work of novices and seasoned craftsmen alike.The litmus test for woodworkers. Strong, appropriate, and well-fitting joints are one of the hallmarks of the skilled woodworker. Making them properly requires intelligent planning, accurate layout, and a sufficient degree of care in cutting, fitting, and final assembly.A methodical approach that pays off. That's the approach author John Bullar pursues in this essential guide. He walks readers through choosing the appropriate joint for its intended purpose and continues methodically through constructing and finally assembling the finished pieces. He also covers lumber selection, tools, and adhesives, and offers recommendations for the working methods and habits that are needed to achieve consistently good results.Techniques for hand tools and machines. The Complete Guide to Joint-Making explains in detail the traditional hand techniques that are the foundation of woodworking. Plus, the section on machine-made joints covers every power tool needed for joints, including how to get the best results from a biscuit jointer, a router, and other power tools.This Book Includes:34 types of jointsAdvice on which tools to use and how to use themColour photographs with techniques fully explained

Fun, Creative and Character Driven Dolls. Make for a loved one or for yourself!Delight children and adults alike by creating a whole host of fun and fabulous knitted characters from this latest book by best-selling author, Sarah Keen.Inside you'll find 50 knitted dolls in costume and work attire, including:GraduatesA doctorA fire-fighterPainter and decoratorBallerinaBride and groomSpacemanSnowmanFitness enthusiastHikerTo name just a few...All the projects are made from DK yarn, which is easy to wash, durable and child friendly. They are perfect gifts for loved ones or as a treat to yourself.

Quilling Art features 20 stunning projects to make. Beautifully stylised and with a clever use of colour to create exciting effects, these projects look fabulous framed, used as greetings cards or hung as decorations around the home. Designs include a butterfly, sail boat, dancer, confetti, cocktail, cloud, heart, cat, and mermaid, to name just a few. The projects vary in complexity and will appeal to beginners and experienced quillers alike. They are broken down into concise, fully illustrated step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow, and templates are provided.All the tools, materials and techniques you need to get started are fully covered. The projects will appeal to a wide range of ages, and would make lovely gifts for friends and family. Once you have learnt the techniques, you can create your own designs for any number of occasions, such as house warmings, anniversaries, weddings and graduations. The possibilities are many and varied with this fun and absorbing paper craft.

Learn how to light a fire without matches, build a shelter to sleep in, cook on a fire, hunt for bugs and much more. From essential bushcraft basics and Stone Age survival skills to joyful outdoor play, this book is packed with ideas to bring your little ones closer to nature and all its magical offerings.Young children will be immersed in imaginative, gloriously messy play and crafts, whilst older ones can get to grips with more complex activities like stone tool making and sourcing water. Whether in an organised setting, a group of friends or a family outing, the fun-filled games will build confidence, bonding and result in happy and energised children. Entertaining anecdotes from the authors’ own experience of surviving in the wild can be read aloud to children, bringing to life the thrilling reality of sleeping in a cave or savouring your first-ever foraged meal.

Adventures in Wild FoodWhile there's no doubt the world is a very different place to how it was 10,000 years ago, some things have remained the same. We are still hunter-gatherers, just like our ancestors. Our minds and bodies are designed to survive and thrive, allowing us to forage in highly complex, varied, and ingenious ways. We can observe the landscape around us and use it to our advantage, making fire and tools for hunting and fishing. But while most of us ignore our innate skills, choosing to forage for food in supermarkets, there are a growing number of people who are rejecting this in favour of reconnecting with past ways. They’re learning how to really enjoy their food from start to finish by creating the means to do so. They are growing their own vegetables, curing, preserving, brewing, even raising livestock. They are 21st-century hunter-gatherers. If, like them, you're uninspired by the mundanity of the weekly shop, care about where your food comes from, and wish to add excitement to the necessity of feeding and watering yourself, then this book is for you.Contents include:Cold SmokingThe Underground OvenSelf-Feeding FireSlow CookingButcheringCarpaccioAnd so much more... It aims to set you on a fulfilling, lifelong path of culinary adventures and food DIY and show you how to embrace the lifestyle that surrounds the 21st-century hunter-gatherer. It will make wild food accessible to you and take away any sense of trepidation at making your first brew, burger, or carpaccio. And if you're already a 21st-century hunter-gatherer, then it will help you to expand your culinary repertoire, taking your experimentation and enjoyment to the next level.

This comprehensive guide to pop-up design and paper mechanics is a delightful introduction to the fun, surprising and intriguing aspects of a fascinating craft. Duncan Birmingham’s accessible approach to pop-up theory and practice distils the numerous mechanisms into a logical set of 18 underlying shapes and the techniques for building these shapes is methodically explained with step-by-step pictures and text. Pop-up is shown to be a hands-on, sculptural skill, that is not dependant on mathematical calculation, measuring and technical drawing, indeed no measuring is necessary for most of the pop-ups and only card, scissors and glue are needed to make many highly complex folding sculptures. Duncan demonstrates how sophisticated pop-up designs are constructed and shows how to form a three-dimensional reference book, invaluable for both professional and amateur designers interested in this craft.

Fantasy Colouring is a beautifully therapeutic approach to resetting your mind, relaxing your thoughts, and taking yourself out of the everyday!Relax into the creative world of colouring. Containing a beautiful and diverse collection of illustrations, this fantastic book will allow the artist within you to shine! This edition contains a selection of fantasy artworks for you to complete in your chosen colour scheme. You can make your finished artworks as simple or as complex as you like - whichever you choose, you'll be thrilled with the results.Designs include:Complex Unicorn ArtIntricate SpirallingEnchanted KingdomsUnder the Sea Mosaic Effects It will appeal to both adults and children and makes the perfect gift!

Wild Days is the ultimate guide in outdoor play for young adventurersPerfect for inspiring kids to get out in the fresh air, this brilliant book is crammed full of outdoor activities and fun for children. As well as gaining some simple survival skills, children will learn more about the world around them and their place within it.Contents include:MakingGames and StoriesExploringAnd much morePractical, creative, and educational, the tasks concentrate on leaving only a positive trace, while enjoying the great outdoors.

From making campfires and shelters to drawing in the sand and making beach mosaics, this comprehensive guide is packed with ideas and activities for children of all ages, who are shown how to play safely and responsibly in a beach environment.‘Blue Health’ is the positive impact that water environments (such as oceans, lakes, and rivers) have on our well-being. It is as beneficial for children as it is for adults. Beach school uses a play-based approach in this setting to encourage children to explore their interests and develop their creativity, communication and problem-solving skills.The varied activities include rockpooling, making wild food, navigation and survival skills, map reading, storytelling, crafts and games.

Knitted Menagerie provides 30 easy-to-follow knitting patterns for an eclectic array of international animals.Within the pages of this bright and appealing book you’ll find 30 adorable animals to knit, ranging from sealife to birds, insects to mammals. You’ll find everyone’s favourites, including a lion, an elephant, blue whale, meerkats and a llama, and discover more unusual species to knit, such as a red-kneed tarantula, a seahorse and tropical tree frogs.The patterns vary in complexity, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Complete beginners or knitters needing a refresher course can be reassured by the comprehensive illustrated techniques section provided. Packed with fun and enticing photography that shows each of the projects from different angles, this book is sure to delight the knitter and the lucky receiver of these gorgeous, knitted creatures.Projects include: orangutan, dragonfly, octopus, fox, guinea pig, otter, puffin and puffling, owl and owlets, swan and cygnets, walrus, duck-billed platypus, beaver.30 brand new animal patterns from best-selling knitting author Sarah KeenSuitable for beginners through to experienced knittersProjects are safe, durable and made from readily available DK yarn

There are projects designed for those just starting out in woodworking and others that will be fun for even the experienced woodworker to create. All of the projects include clear guidance on how best to approach the construction of each piece and they can be made with standard-sized wood from the DIY store. There are also several projects that include helpful hints and tips to achieving perfect results.Projects include:PagodaBridgeAdirondack chairSide tableThe projects include helpful step-by-step instructions with clear photography and detailed diagrams.

Wood ID Handbook is a gift book for wood lovers - an indispensable and informative guide to over 100 different kinds of wood.This compact directory explores the world's most valuable natural resource in detail. This new gift edition gives helpful details about the most popular and useful woods with illustrations and photographs to help with identification. There is also valuable information on:Typical usesDurabilityWood defectsPotential health hazards for each species.Based on a best-selling reference work, this revised and updated abridged version includes drawings and descriptions of the living trees to enhance appreciation of the raw material of woodwork. In-depth yet accessible this handy pocket guide will be the perfect gift for all woodworkers and wood lovers.The book features 300 beautiful illustrations and 150 clear photographs.

100 Mini Cross Stitch Designs is an inspiring collection of 100 small, colourful, and fun motifs to stitch.Cross stitch is making a big comeback with modern crafters and it’s easy to see why. Providing the perfect introduction for beginners, 100 Mini Cross Stitch Designs will also appeal to intermediate and advanced cross stitchers looking for inspiration. The book provides a detailed section on tools and materials, instructions on getting started, reading cross stitch charts, essential stitches and finishing touches.With so many wonderful designs to choose from, selecting a project is likely to be the most time-consuming part of the whole process! From bees to bicycles, caravans to cupcakes, and rockets to rainbows, there are contemporary subjects and styles to suit every taste. Display your stitches in an embroidery hoop, frame, or greetings card, or choose a pattern that adorns clothing, home furnishings or other decorative items. There are useful tips on how to add your own personality to projects and ways to incorporate leftover thread or fabric.Projects include:Bee CushionSnowflake OrnamentsCupcake Birthday CardsFlowering CactusForest MushroomsIce PopsSteam Train

Hunter Gather Cook Handbook combines accessible and inspirational instruction for foraging, game & fire cookery with over 40 recipes for the finest wild food.This new gift edition aims to set the reader on a fulfilling, lifelong path of culinary adventures and food DIY, and inspire them to embrace the lifestyle that surrounds the 21st-century hunter-gatherer. With clear guides to foraging wild plants and fungi, and extensive information on:DeerRabbitPheasantPartridgeWood pigeonDuckIncluding hunting and butchery, it makes wild food accessible and aims to take away any sense of trepidation.For readers that already consider themselves well versed in the ways of the 21st-century hunter-gatherer, it hopes to extend their culinary repertoire, and take their experimentation and enjoyment to the next level.Includes methods of making and cooking with fire, including clay ovens and Swedish log candles, illustrated butchery guides, recipes for deer, rabbit, pigeon, partridge, pheasant and duck, advice on foraging, wild plant and mushroom identification guides, recipes for sauces, sides, and basics.

The incredible insects and beautiful bugs in this book are such works of art that even those who are normally scared of many-legged beasties can’t fail to be charmed by them. Made using various yarns, plus metallic and nylon threads, these projects incorporate beads and sequins to give astounding results. The legs are wired, and the designs use a variety of crochet stitches and some embroidered details.Each project includes clear step-by-step instructions and stunning photography. The book includes an extensive and beautifully illustrated techniques section explaining everything you need to know to embark on these wonderful projects. Once completed the projects can either be worn as an accessory, such as a brooch or hair decoration, or they can be mounted in a frame or bell jar for display.Projects include: Bumblebee, Stag Beetle, Cicada, Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly, Leopard Moth, Mirror Spider and Christmas Beetle.

Draw Manga is the complete guide to creating your own manga characters.Manga – Japanese graphic novel and comic strip art based on line drawings of characters noted for their highly stylized facial features – is one of the most popular forms of comic illustration today. This book is for anyone interested in drawing manga, from beginners who want to learn the basics of drawing figures and poses to more experienced artists who are keen to discover the key techniques and details that make manga art so distinct.Each project in the book covers an element of drawing manga, from faces, body shapes and proportions to different angles and expressions and creating action poses. This bite-size approach allows the reader to build up their skills and confidence before they create more ambitious drawings of their own. The book finishes with composition ideas and how to add backgrounds, giving the reader the tools they need to create their own manga stories.In contrast to most manga books, Draw Manga features fully illustrated step-by-step instructions for every stage of the projects, so even the most novice reader will know exactly when and where each line or detail should be added. There is also a wealth of tips and advice to help avoid common pitfalls and difficulties, based on the author's years of experience tutoring manga workshops.

Crocheted Cats is a collection of 10 crochet patterns for 10 popular breeds including Siamese, tabby and tortoiseshell.If you are firmly in the ‘cat person’ camp, get your paws on this book of stunning crochet patterns. With 10 breeds to choose from, these furry pals are astonishingly lifelike and carefully crafted to be accurate down to the last detail. With a variety of poses and stances, you can recreate the cat of your choice from.Maine coon to Bengal, this adorable collection is a cat-lover’s paradise. Each project includes detailed patterns, stunning photographs and helpful hand-drawn charts. There is also an extensive techniques section explaining all the stitches and techniques you'll need to make your perfect feline friend.Latest title from bestselling crochet author Vanessa Mooncie10 projects for popular cat breeds including Siamese, tabby and tortoiseshellBeautifully photographed with detailed charts for each patternPerfect gift for a cat-loving friendTechniques section explaining all the necessary skills and stitches

Forest School Handbook is lively collection of activities, crafts, bushcraft skills and nature-based play which will inspire kids to thrive outside.Whether just popping out for a walk, going camping or exploring in the woods, this handy-sized book will be your essential guide for connecting with the natural world. Packed with ideas and activities for children of all ages, there are bushcraft basics, survival skills, nature crafts and ideas for both energising and peaceful outdoor play. Encouraging controlled risk taking, boosting social skills, wellbeing and a healthy resilience, this is the ultimate way to avoid battles over screen time and classroom-induced fatigue. Build a shelter from what you find around you, design a natural collage, tie useful knots, get to know a tree, light a fire, filter dirty water, make charcoal, go on a night walk, make a bug hotel, create a mini village, whittle a stick and much more.Aimed at parents, outdoor teachers or anyone passionate about getting back to basicsGrab-and-go size makes it easy to pack in your outdoor kit bagWritten by award-winning outdoor specialists, with detailed knowledge of Forest School practices and who are experienced leading school groups either as a thrilling woodland class outing or onlineIncludes traditional Forest School activities and beyond. Catering for older children who are ready to explore more involved primitive skills and bushcraftPlaying and learning outside in nature has been shown to benefit children in many ways, such as improved moods, concentration, confidence and self-esteemForest School Adventure has sold c.35,000 copies and been translated into French, German, Czech and Italian

This interactive crochet book contains photographs of different hat brims, bodies and crowns that can be combined in a total of 10,626 ways to create unique hat patterns. Once you’ve chosen your design, turn over the pages for the correct written pattern for that combination of parts. You can then use the handy embellishments section to add any extra features to the basic design.The ultimate crocheted hat resource, there is something for everyone. Readers are able to easily craft something stylish, unique and personal.

Mythical Colouring contains a unique and diverse collection of over 60 illustrations, with magical creatures such as unicorns and dragons, as well as botanical gardens and other enchanting scenes.Compiled by the same team behind Zen Colouring, the UK’s best-selling magazine, this beautifully illustrated colouring book offers hours of escapism and imagination to colourists interested in mythical and fantasy worlds.

Containing at least one technique for every letter of the alphabet, A to Z of Knitting teaches basic skills such as casting on and off, and expert techniques such as intarsia in the round, brioche and steeking. With clear photographic step-by-step guides, the book breaks down complex skills into bitesize tutorials. It is the perfect reference guide for complete beginners and experienced knitters alike, with three original patterns for readers to practice their skills.Compiled by the expert team at Knitting magazine, including designers, teachers and writers Jeanette Sloan, Jo Allport and editor Christine Boggis.

More than 200 species of wood are included in this lavishly illustrated book. Each species is described in detail with a colour photograph and information on its working properties, seasoning requirements, uses and safety considerations.There are sections on decorative figuring, wood defects and potential health hazards. There are also inspirational examples of finished work, a glossary of technical terms and drawings of living trees which serve to enhance appreciation of the raw material of woodwork.Aimed at small-scale users, whether professional or amateur, the book includes woods used in cabinetmaking, joinery, carpentry, turning, carving and a host of more specialist applications.

It isn’t just the aesthetic appeal or comfort of a chair that defines whether it has been well-designed; it’s also how it has been planned and constructed. This book features 18 classic chairs, each carefully disassembled and then restored to be as good as new. There are over 1,000 photographs detailing every stage of the process, so you can see every piece that went into the construction of each chair and how they all fit together. The chairs themselves are key masterpieces in twentieth-century furniture design and represent the work of visionaries such as Arne Jacobsen, Hans J. Wegner, Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen.

Create six beautifully life-like sea creatures – including a crab, turtle, lobster and puffin – each crafted through surprisingly simple-to-follow patterns. But what makes them truly irresistible is their wardrobe. From a crab in a bum bag and puffer vest to a sea turtle with a removable gingerbread shell, these garments are creative, detailed, and designed to be mixed, matched and reimagined.With 44 individual garments and accessories – including customisable sweaters with colourwork motifs – this collection is rich with personality and playful detail. Each project is paired with clear, accessible patterns and supported by a comprehensive techniques section, plus fun marine facts from renowned scientists and fishermen, including lobsterman Jacob Knowles. Whether you’re knitting the sea turtle’s oversized, life-like shell – complete with a hidden pocket for a hot water bottle – or dressing your puffin in a varsity jacket, you’ll find joy in every stitch.Created by Karla Courtney – the designer behind the viral sea-creature knitting videos with over 15 million views – this book blends storytelling, style and skill in a way that no other knitting collection does.