Craft Focus - December/January 2024/2025 (Issue 106)

78 Bookstand Stock your shelves with the latest craft-related book releases MYSTERY COLORING MANDALAS £9.99 9781446316252 David & Charles Get ready to explore the intriguing adventure of Mystery Coloring... this latest trend in colouring books combines the joy of colouring with the thrill of a surprise! Each of the 30 fresh and modern illustrations features a colourful mandala that’s revealed as you complete the colour-by-numbers design. The high-quality 180gsm uncoated paper ensures a smooth experience whether you prefer coloured pencils or markers, with no risk of bleed-through. To add to the fun, each illustration comes with a riddle that you can ponder as you bring the artwork to life. Uncover the answers in words and pictures at the end of the book. We say: Mystery Coloring Mandalas offers a delightful and engaging escape for colouring enthusiasts of all levels. SIMPLY PAINT BIRDS By Tom Shepherd £12.99 9781800921795 Search Press Painting birds doesn’t have to be technical or daunting, even for a complete beginner. Through friendly advice and clear instructions, expert artist and tutor Tom Shepherd will show you how to paint 26 dynamic, colourful birds in eight steps each, including: eagles flamingos, owls, macaw parrots, red cardinals, toucans and robins. If you’re a complete beginner, simply follow the projects in order to learn how to handle watercolour in achievable, rewarding steps. You’ll build essential skills while producing impressive results right from the start. Meanwhile, if you’re a confident hobby artist, you can dip in and out wherever you wish. We say: Tom’s step-by-step process for each bird is simple and achievable, and uses just a few watercolour paints and a handful of brushes. Colouring Watercolour KNIT MODERN SCANDI SWEATERS By Marita Clementz £16.99 9781446314395 David & Charles Author, Marita Clementz, was inspired to design her bright, colourful sweaters when she couldn’t find any knitting patterns that featured the kind of designs she was looking for. She’s taken the concept of the traditional Scandinavian sweater and given it a fresh new look by using her own beautiful patterns and colours to make gorgeous sweaters that are as warm and snuggly as the traditional versions but look very contemporary. The sweaters are all knitted top down and in the round so they can be easily adapted to change the length of the body and arms and there is no seaming to do later. They are designed to have a loose fit which means they work as unisex sweaters and can be worn by the whole family. We say: Made with yarn from Iceland, Sweden and Norway, these sweaters are as cosy and warm as traditional Icelandic sweaters but with fresh, bright designs and colours for a brand-new look. Knitting

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