Both crafting pros and newbies can learn how to turn five minutes, a few simple items, and their own creativity into stylish, personalized keepsakes.Each of these fifty crafts comes together in a snap with the simplest materials—paint swatches, twine, tag-sale ceramics—to create elegant and practical home decor that transcends its humble components. Whether it's re-creating designer jewelry with nail polish on an old necklace or fashioning sophisticated modern coast...

A delightful sample from Character Cake Toppers, including a Mucky Pup; Daisy's Birthday; First-Class Meercat; Knit One, Purr One; and Panda Playtime.Learn how to make amazing fondant cake topper designs, with five fun ideas for sugar characters, bases and accessories.Whether it's a playful mummy panda with her mischievous cubs, or a kitten with a comfy cushion and a ball of yarn to play with, each cake topper design has three unique features for y...

Flowers are probably the most popular choice of all cake decorations. The simplest representation of a flower is a cut-out shape. Other more interesting ways of representing flowers are to create fabric-effect flowers out of paste or to try your hand at creating lifelike flowers. There are many books written on the art of sugar flower making; LindySmith touches on this subject here, showing you how to make lifelike poppies and peonies, as well as fabric roses, blossoms and dahlias, and sim...

Stenciling is an extremely effective way to add impressive decorations to your cakes and cookies quickly. For the best and most satisfying results, Lindy Smith recommends using laser-cut culinary stencils made from durable food-grade plastic. How you choose to add a stenciled pattern will depend on the effect you wish to achieve and the size of the item to be stencilled. This chapter, taken from The Contemporary Cake Decorating Bible, shows you various techniques using both edible...

Have beautiful nails right in the comfort of your home with this YALSA Quick Pick Award Winner and #1 New York Times bestselling cure for the common mani.Black Lace. Summer Citrus. Hot Pink Zebra. Get ready for nails that will get you noticed!Catherine Rodgers, creator of the popular nail art YouTube Channel Totally Cool Nails, shares her secrets in DIY Nail Art. Packed with easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips for recreat...

Bring some serious wow factor to your cake displays with a sumptuous sweet table of sensuous desserts softly textured with piped swirls, frills and ruffles in dreamy, muted tones. Includes how to make a trio of celebration cakes, white chocolate truffles, flouncy flower cookies, ruched ribbon cupcakes and tempting twirls of meringue.A sample chapter from Zoe Clark's The Cake Parlour.

Toddlers and preschoolers can be difficult to keep busy because their attention spans tend to be short lived. Yet, they are curious and imaginative and so much fun to spend time with. Furthermore, most young children just want to be entertained throughout the hours of the day and are eager to learn anything they can. Now, you too can collaborate with your little one on art masterpieces and decorative crafts, as well as play educational games. Whether you’re a ...

From making a monster mask to going on a bike photo safari, 365 Smart Afterschool Activities will let kids' imaginations soar with terrifically fun things to do during those valuable afterschool hours and beyond.365 Smart Afterschool Activities is perfect for parents, teachers, grandparents, babysitters and youth leaders. Illustrated by children, a terrific variety of adventures await you, including activities for:CraftsDance and movement

Packed with creative suggestions for both indoor and outdoor activities, this illustrated deck will provide inspiration when boredom strikes. Try Treasure Hunt, Secret Writings, Science Cubes, and Nature Wind Chimes. Perfect for any day—rain or shine—these cards will keep kids engaged and entertained.

Want to try your hand at making gorgeous homemade goodies? These brilliant quick & easy cake decorating projects give you the opportunity to try something new and expand your crafting skills! From beautiful biscuits to floral cupcakes, festive treats to celebratory cakes designs, create stunning items for yourself, your friends and your home.Each unique project includes:Simple step-by-step instructionsQuick makes for fast resultsBeautiful photograp...

Nail your next cake—no matter the occasion or season—with step-by-step instructions from the internationally renowned sugarcrafter.Renowned cake designer and sugar modeler Maisie Parrish returns with another adorable collection of children's celebration cakes. Each design is truly charming and brimming with character—and will make any child's cake a standout. Quick-to-make cupcakes and mini-cakes designed to complement each project are also included. With simple su...

Martha Stewart's Favorite Crafts for Kids focuses on craft projects that children, aged three to twelve, can make with their parents. These projects are fun, yet serve a practical purpose; children can wear, decorate, and play with what they make. Filled with ideas for a range of ages, skill levels, and interests, this book lets children's creativity run wild, while creating precious memories as parents and kids learn and create as a team.