Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 72)

63 MEN’S CRAFTS Man made Our pick of craft ideas for guys SOLOCRAFTS This impressionist scene would look fabulous on a living room or study wall, bringing joy for many years to come. The new RIOLIS design is taken from Monet’s painting The Red Boats at Argenteuil and comes with Zweigart 14-count aida fabric. The kit includes special wool/ acrylic threads, providing a deep colour that’s hard to achieve with stranded versions. The finished piece measures 40cm x 40cm and retails at £65.99. It’s available from Solocrafts. +44 (0)161 464 7313 solocrafts.com SEARCH PRESS Featuring everything readers need to know about perspective, this fascinating guide is perfect for new comic book artists. Graphic novelist Dan Cooney explains how to draw from any point of view, creating convincing backgrounds to capture the angle of each character. The title features practical demonstrations and an interactive workbook, together with inspiring illustrations and useful guidance. The Graphic Novelist’s Guide to Drawing Perspective retails at £12.99. +44 (0)1892 510 850 searchpress.com KYLE BOOKS In this beautifully compiled tome, Charlie Whinney shares the secrets behind the magical art of steam bending. Charlie is the UK’s leading expert in the field and is passionate about showing readers how wood can behave in remarkable ways with the application of heat and steam. Projects featured include a wooden coat-hanger formed in the embers of a campfire and wooden hoops made using a saucepan and mug. There’s step-by-step instructions and inspiring photography from Charlie’s Lake District studio. The retail price is £20. +44 (0)20 7692 7215 kylebooks.com PLASTIKOTE PlastiKote’s Twist and Spray colour paints can be used both indoors and out for a variety of craft and recycling ideas. Each spray provides a quick, easy and affordable way of upcycling items to create something new. In this project, a set of shabby tools has been given a new lease of life; the handles have been sprayed with bright colours, making them easier to spot in the garden. +31 561 694400 plastikote.co.uk GMC GROUP Minisa Robinson’s stunning new book shows how to create lifelike portraits of pets and wildlife. In Woodburning Realistic Animals , the author challenges readers to rethink the possibilities of this technique using a range of skills, demonstrated through 20 step-by-step makes. The retail price is £14.99. +44 (0)1273 402 873 thegmcgroup.com