P. Allen Smith's Bringing the Garden Indoors: Containers, Crafts, and Bouquets for Every Room

Tsia Carson

Craftivity: 40 Projects for the DIY Lifestyle

From the creators of the hugely popular craft site, Supernaturale.com, comes a hip and funky compendium of new DIY projects that reshape, reuse, and redefine the concept of "handmade," moving away from country-cutesy, granny craft into utilitarian craft art for the 21st century. Got a pile of extra buttons and don't know what to do with them? Make a cool bracelet. Need some pillows for your new couch, and have a bunch of old wool sweaters? Turn those sweaters into felt! Knitting, felting, leather tooling, glass and metal work--it's all here. CRAFTIVITY is filled with 60 amazing DIY projects that make the most of what you have by taking old stuff and turning it into functional, breathtaking art.

Gustie L. Herrigel

Zen in the Art of Flower Arrangement: The Classic Account of the Meaning and Symbolism of the Japanese Art of Ikebana

Japanese masters have developed the techniques of ikebana over centuries and, while many different styles have evolved, they all share the same fundamental principles. The art embodies aesthetic considerations, knowledge of the natural forms of plants, and a profound understanding of the space around them. This book explains these principles by describing the lessons learned from master arranger Bokuyo Takeda and the underlying Zen symbolism in the art of ikebana. Readers will learn that training in ikebana is a process of achieving spiritual enlightenment and that the craft of arranging flowers is a form of meditation. These lessons provide a perfect escape from the stresses of everyday life and the incomparable satisfaction of creating beauty in the home.

Margaret B. Krohn, Phyllis W. Schwebke

How to Sew Leather, Suede, Fur

The perfect guide for sewers looking to increase and strengthen their skills, this book provides drawings, photographs, and step-by-step instructions for creating new pieces out of suede, leather, and fur. With over 250 drawings and photographs included, this complete guide for home sewers includes all the instructions needed to make leather jackers, mink coats, shirts, vests, stoles, capes, and more! How to Sew Leather, Suede, Fur shares practical and detailed insight on the techniques of sewing with skins and furs. From pre-sewing operations to finishing touches, this book provides illustrated instructions for every step in created luxurious garments.