83 BOOKS HYPER REALISTIC DRAWING By Amie Howard £15.99 9781446309322 David & Charles Take your art to the next level with this collection of step-bystep techniques and tutorials for creating hyper realistic artwork. Artist and author, Amie Howard, is an expert in how to get the most from coloured pencils and she takes you through all the key techniques for rendering realistic representations of everything from pets to water. The first part of the book explores basic drawing techniques including blending, shading, glazing and scumbling - a technique used to create a slick surface texture. There are simple practise exercises for each of the techniques sections so that you can experiment and get comfortable with the different methods before trying them out on a final artwork. This section includes advice about how to get the perfect blend of colours and textures as well as tips about adding in the fine details that make all the difference. The step-by-step tutorials feature a wide range of subjects including animals, portraits, food and drink so you will learn how to recreate a large number of different surfaces and textures. The chapters are broken up into sections: Surfaces; Animals; Birds, People and Other Textures which looks at a range of different natural and synthetic textures including tree bark, grass, a soft drink can and a shiny sweet wrapper. We say: The trend for hyper realistic artworks featuring high shine subjects is inspiring a new generation of artists. Why not give it a go? Drawing DECORATIVE NEEDLE FELTING PROJECTS By Gretel Parker £18.99 9781399000307 Pen & Sword Books Ltd In this beautifully designed book, discover the relaxing craft of needle felting and learn how to make delightful creations to use and wear. Following the basic method, many of the patterns can be resized and with the addition of techniques such as darning, patching and stitching, the home crafter can adapt each design to make their very own creations. No previous needle felting experience is needed. All projects are designed to appeal to a broad base of crafters who will enjoy the added mixed media interest and the opportunity to take a basic pattern and develop it to suit their own needs. The projects range from the quick and easy, such as small Easter Egg Dangles, to the more complex, such as a Winter Gingerbread Village. Wearable designs include an Autumn Fox Bangle and a Midsummer Rose Corsage. This new and innovative approach to needle felting widens the creative possibilities beyond the core twenty patterns so the maker can choose to flex their creative wings and discover new approaches to the craft. We say: Including clear step-by-step photos and concise instructions, the patterns are easy to follow, even for complete beginners. Needle felting CREWEL ANIMAL PORTRAITS By Hazel Blomkamp £16.99 9781800921306 Search Press In this fifth title in Hazel Blomkamp’s series on crewel embroidery with a twist, the focus is on animal portraits. Crewel Animal Portraits is a celebration of Hazel’s signature techniques: a wide variety of surface/crewel stitches, some of which are brand new, and many with a different take, or different ways of combining stitches to make them more interesting. Also included are needle lace techniques used as embroidery stitches, loom weaving techniques modified for embroidery, and combinations of both of these. The incorporation of beads and crystals adds even more dazzle to the intricate designs. There are six projects, each explained with detailed step-by-step instructions and clear photographs, with design templates and a full stitch gallery providing everything readers need to recreate them with ease. The sumptuous and inspiring projects comprise a tiger, lion, zebra, giraffe, monkey and leopard. We say: For embroiderers looking for something different and new to stitch, and for those keen to challenge themselves with more complex embroidery techniques, this book is a must-have. Embroidery ALL-NEW 20 TO MAKE: SEWING WITH SCRAPS By Debbie von Grabler-Crozier £6.99 9781782219675 Search Press In this inspirational book, best-selling author Debbie von Grabler-Crozier shows you how to stitch 20 stylish, fresh items from very small amounts of fabric. From tiny scraps that can be transformed into patchworked coasters, strips that can be made into scrap bunting and offcuts that can be used for pouches or pincushions, your treasured scraps can be given a new lease of life! An invaluable crash-course on key techniques is included at the beginning of the book, and every project includes clear stepby-step instructions and a stunning photograph of the finished design to inspire. Furthermore, there are templates for particular projects provided at the back of the book, so you can sew your items with ease. We say: How do you keep your piles of scrap fabric from growing out of control? Sew with them, of course! Sewing
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