Crafts & Hobbies

Breaking down the craft of melody and lyric writing into easily digested lessons that anyone can follow, Michael Lydon shows the beginning songwriter how to integrate the craft's many skills into a seamless artistic and commercial whole. more...

Price: $24.95

Jewelry making is among the most popular crafts today--and it's a growing segment of the $30 billion U.S. craft and hobby market. Making your own jewelry is often significantly cheaper than buying the same pieces, and you can tailor designs to suit your own tastes. The prevalence of retailers selling jewelry-making supplies makes it an easy hobby to pick up; a 2004 survey conducted by Interweave Press found that there are nearly 1,800 independent retail bead shops in the U.S. And craft chains like Michael's and JoAnn's have significantly increased their inventory of jewelry making supplies as well. Wire Jewelry Making VISUAL Quick Tips shows readers how to make necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and more from various types of wire, all in the series' easily accessible, portable format. Hundreds of full-color photos help visual learners see exactly how each technique is accomplished. more...

Price: $14.99

A 96-page book with an hour-long DVD introducing readers to gentle yoga. On the DVD, are four  15-minute sequences that are ideal for daily stretching.  The author, Louise Grime, is an experienced yoga instructor, who specialises in gentle yoga. She teaches at London's respected Triyoga Centre. In the accompanying 128 page book all sequences are explained in step by step detail, with gatefolds that open up to reveal the sequences at a glance. more...

Price: $17.95

These Latin American celebrations—rich in cultural significance and Latin history—present opportunities throughout the calendar year to reach out to all populations with engaging programs and activities. The easy-to-organize projects in this book are organized around important Latino holidays and are inspired by artesenías (Latino folk art) traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. And, because each project is tied to literature, kids get the reading bug early!. With more than 75 detailed illustrations and step-by-step instructions for making masks, cornhusk dolls, beads, paper flowers, piñatas, and Incan headdresses, the creative activities in this book don't require expensive or hard-to-find materials. Also included are easy recipes for such delectables as tamales and gorditas. Each chapter includes an activity for preschoolers, after-schoolers (over 6 years old), and families (all ages). Related resources help you to turn each craft project into a comprehensive program by incorporating songs, poems, and books. At their best, libraries can serve as a nucleus where people with different backgrounds and traditions can come together and learn from each other. While Latinos are the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States, this book acts as a powerful tool for reaching out to everyone—Latinos and non-Latinos alike. Use Borrego's and Pavon's tips on developing and publicizing unique cultural programs to make a lasting impression on your community. more...

Price: $30.00

You have a digital camera, now what? Thanks to memory sticks, docking stations, computers, image editing software, and printers, using your new digital camera can be frustrating and intimidating. With Absolute Beginner's Guide to Digital Photography, you'll learn everything you need to know to take great digital pictures and share them with friends or family. Author Joseph Ciaglia, a teacher and award-winning landscape photographer, first gives you a quick start guide to using a digital camera so you can read a few step-by-step pages and then go from picture to print in moments. He then uses everyday, easy-to-understand language to explain exposure, focus, lighting, file formats, file storage and organization, how to use Adobe Photoshop Elements and iPhoto to edit and improve images, printers, specialty photo papers, and how to get your photos on the Web and in email messages. After reading this book, even the most digitally challenged shutterbug will be able to produce high-quality digital photographs! more...

Price: $15.16