Big Book of Home Crafts: v.1

Aimed mainly at the beginner, this volume (the first of two) contains a number of projects covering a range of craft techniques. The projects range from simple and traditional ideas through to exotic, innovative designs, and each one comes with step-by-step instructions. The book is divided into six sections covering decoupage, decorative painting, decorative tiling, picture framing, toleware and Christmas ideas. The decoupage section contains 13 projects using adhesives, crackle glazing and varnishing as well as information on materials, equipment, techniques and suppliers. The projects are place mats, ceramic lamp, fabric lampshade, metal trunk, key box, wooden box, watering can, painted table with crackle effect, galvanized iron bucket, waste-paper bin and motifs. The decorative painting section covers skills such as free-hand lining, antiquing and burnishing and explains the preparation of surfaces and the use of paints and varnishes. The topics covered are material and techniques, toy box, watering can, mirror frame, tray, chair, book-shaped box, kitchen tiles, commemorative plate, clock face, game board, chest of drawers, piano stool and templates.
There are 13 projects in the decorative tiling section. These cover basic wall tiling, stencilled flowers, traditional hall panel, chess board, table stand, small tray, framed panel, Gaudi-style planter, sun and moon panel, art deco fish, window box and templates. Ten projects, using a wide range of materials, make up the picture framing section. They are equipment and techniques, basic frame, glass and clip frame, fabric and paper frames, double wood frame, box frame, shell frame, reviving on old frame, papier-mache frame and framing an oil painting. A glossary is also included. The toleware section covers basic equipment and materials, watering can, set of pitchers, water fountain, gilded tray, napkin holder, tin trunk, box of fruit, umbrella stand, ladle, flat iron and templates. The final section covers Christmas ideas which provides suggestions for crackers, decorative gift wrap, table decoration and tree decoration.