Victorian Crafts Revived - Tapa blanda

First printed more than ten years ago, "Victorian Crafts Revived", just republished in paperback, is as pertinent now as it was then. Covering a huge range of crafts it highlights the Victorian's artistry and design skills, demonstrating their enduring appeal over a hundred years later. Needlepoint, quilling, lacemaking, decoupage and more are all covered with advice on design, techniques and suggested projects. Attractively photographed in a "Victorian" setting, the objects would look just as much at home in a modern apartment as a period house. Floral decoupage boxes, beaded bottles and embroidered samplers embrace all levels of skill, making this an ideal "dip-into" book for someone unsure what to do with their "handy" hands. An exploration of the history of each craft adds interest too, making this a well-rounded look at these still popular Victorian handicrafts. - Lucy Watson

Many of the designs are taken from original pieces of stitching while others are adapted from genuine Victorian magazines and pattern books. The wide range of delightful projects includes: decoupage Christmas baubles, beadwork earrings, a patchwork cot quilt, lacework cushions, a traditional Christening gown, an embroidered pillow case, a needlepoint footstool, shellwork Valentines, a quilting picture and boxes, paper-lace picture mounts and dried flower displays under glass. Each craft is described in complete step-by-step detail, providing easy projects for beginners and ideas to tempt the more experienced craftsperson. And, throughout, there are gorgeous colour photographs with antique settings and accessories, which evoke the Victorian atmosphere and show the great potential of the designs as family heirlooms and desirable gifts.