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 For a lifetime of learning fun! |
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 Masterpieces: A
Fact-Filled Coloring Book. Learn all about great paintings by coloring
them yourself! Sixty world-famous paintings are ready to color with colored
pencils, crayons, or markers. The reproductions are simply redrawn to allow for
the user to fill in the details.The illustrations are accompanied by lively descriptions of the paintings and their artists, among them: Gaugin, Degas, van Gogh, Renoir, and Audubon. Five centuries of art are covered. A 17"x22" ready-to-color poster is included. Paper, 121 pages. |
Bellerophon Coloring Books
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 Crochet: Learn to Crochet Six Great Projects (Klutz) - This Klutz
kit is perfect for the beginner. It includes all the materials you need to make
your choice of six projects, a crochet hook, stitch markers, two different
weights of yarn, a yarn needle, a button, and - of course - a book of patterns!The book itself contains clear instructions in writing as well as drawings that not only get you from point A to point B, but explains what's really going on. Besides the easy-to-follow instructions to learn all the basic stitches needed for crocheting, it also contains a section on buying yarn, checking gauge, and finishing details. One of the nice features that this book includes is a chart of UK names for all the basic stitches. Although all of the patterns in this book are written in the American form, having this chart can help you when you read patterns outside of this book. The patterns themselves are easy and rewarding, with added side notes with tips and suggestions perfect for personalization. This kit not only gives you the ability to complete all the projects within it, but gives you a strong and helpful base that will guide you through future crocheting adventures. Paper book (86 pages) with yarn, hooks & other material. Reviewed by Lane Greer, 15 (who learned how to knit from the Klutz Knitting book when she was 13). #8703 |
 Easy Knits: Learn to Knit the Easy Way
through 10 Simple Projects by Zoe Mellor teaches you how to knit in two easy
steps. Presented in an easy-to-use format, you can follow clear, practical
instructions and use the full-color illustrated photos to achieve great results.
The ten projects include: cushion cover, throw and baby shawl, kids' tassel hat,
baby slippers, sundress, and more! |
 Kids Knitting: Projects for Kids of All
Ages by Melanie Falick teaches the basics of knitting for beginners of
all ages and contains 12 knitting projects. Learn how to make bean bags, socks,
scarves, hats, bath puppets, an afghan, a purse, your own knitting needles and
more! Stitches, embroidery and other basics are covered, as well as additional
interesting information. Includes lots of color photos and illustrations. 128 pages. Hardcover (out of print, limited quantities) #3763X |
 Klutz Knitting Kit (Klutz) by Anne
Akers Johnson - Just a couple of months before Christmas my 13-year-old
daughter, Lane, decided that she wanted to learn to knit so she could create
personalized gifts for her friends without spending a fortune. I had the Klutz
Knitting kit in my pile of items to review, so I pulled it out and handed it to
her with instructions "to try it out and come to me with questions." Well, by
Christmas she had not only taught herself to knit, but she'd made 7 hats, 5
scarves, one purse and 20 scrunchies (for a Christmas craft sale). I anticipated
answering her various questions, but she had not a single one for me in those
early days.She's had such great success that she graduated to knitting amazing sweaters and jackets from Vogue knitting magazines just a few months after learning to knit. Lane has such a passion for her newfound love that yarn is her preferred gift and any spending money she has goes toward yarn. She hangs around my adult knitting friends and attends a monthly knitting club with one of them. She has even designed some of her own pieces. Update: Lane won "Best in Show" for knitting at the local county fair and won first place in all eleven of her entries! Will anyone using the Klutz Knitting kit have the same success? I don't know (my daughter is already a better knitter than I am), but the Klutz Knitting kit provides all the tools needed for a beginner to learn the craft of knitting. As with all of their books, Klutz uses colorful and clear illustrations, photographs and easy-to-understand instructions to help a beginning knitter go from the very basics of how to hold the needles and yarn to completing a project. The kit comes with over 200 yards of acrylic yarn, knitting needles, a crochet hook, a yarn needle, and 2 buttons and instructions for six projects: hat, pocket purse, scarf, sunglass case, purse, and cell phone sock. Note: This book uses the "English" style of knitting (also known as the "American" or "Throw Method"), which is the most popular method in the U.S. and also thought to be the easiest method for a beginning knitter. The publisher states that the kit is for ages 10+, perhaps because of the needles; but a younger child should be able to use the kit with adult help/supervision. Of course, the kit can also help adults who have never knitted before or who need a little more help. The book portion is made of 96 colorful pages, and the rest of the material comes in an attached box. Comes with a free storage pouch. #8617  Klutz Knitting Book only. No yarn, needles or other extras included. Paper, 94 pages. Book Only #8617X $5.00
(One copy available) |
 Mary Frances Sewing Book: Adventures
Among the Thimble People by
Jane Eayre Fryer. This delightful book was
written in the early 1900's to teach children how to sew. It is the story of a
resourceful young girl who wanted to sew; and her grandmother's sewing bird, and
all the other sewing tools, show her how. There are 33 sewing projects for 16"
dolls which includes a wedding dress pattern. Full-size patterns are included with
the book.Apparently adult doll collectors use this book as a reference to sew clothing for dolls such as bisques, Schoenhuts, compositions and others from the early part of the 20th century. Paper, 280 pages. 100+ illustrations. Out of print, one copy available. This copy comes with all of the patterns. However, the patterns are no longer shrink-wrapped with the book and the first pattern page has some discoloration (not to the actual pattern, though). #5373 $26.99
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 My First Machine Sewing Book: Straight Stitching (Kit) by Winky Cherry -
Children are introduced to the sewing machine on an elementary level,
substituting pictures for words, for repetition, and to help children who are
learning to read. Rhymes and silly names for machine parts help children
remember information and rules. Children will learn about: Seam allowances, tapering, snips, clips, stitching inside, turning the shape outside. The kit includes: sewing practice sheets, fabric for two stars. For Children ages 7 and up. #8400 |
 Cooking
Art: Easy Edible Art for Young Children by MaryAnn F. Kohl & Jean
Potter. I wish I had a book like this when I was a kid! Contains 150 fun
activities, most edible, for children or the young at heart (hey, I liked making
these too!) Many of them require little or no baking, 5 ingredients or less, and
short preparation time (my personal goal for all meals!) Twelve theme-related
chapters include numbers & letters, shapes & forms, building & construction,
color & design, and animals & creatures. There is also a section called A
Year Full of Special Days that includes activities for each month of the
year. Treat your tastebuds to Rainbow Snow Slushies, Number Pretzels, Cowpoke
Cakes or try your hand at making a wooden trivet or napkin rings and more. Each
activity is accompanied by fun illustrations. Paper, 191 pages. #1845 |
 The Mary Frances Cook Book: Adventures
Among the Kitchen People by
Jane Eayre Fryer teaches children to cook
via the antics of Toaster Man, Auntie Rolling Pin and other bantering Kitchen
People who befriend young Mary Frances. They share the secrets of the kitchen
with her in a series of fun adventures. Mary Frances learns how to prepare 40
simple dishes, including baked potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and Queen of Heart
Tarts. Some of the instructions are for an antiquated style of cooking (most
people probably don't toast their bread over a fire unless they are camping),
but others are perfect for today's kitchen.The book was written in 1912 and the reader gets glimpses of that time via an encounter with a "tramp" and a chapter on a "man's lunch". It is a fun way to learn cooking through storytelling. Paper, 175 pages. #5884 |
 Curiosity Kits Air-Dry Clay Refill - We no longer carry the pottery wheel for which this kit was designed, but the clay can be used for any free-form project as well. It includes two pounds each of beige and terra cotta clay. No baking is required; clay air-dries in 48 hours. Illustrations show how to make loads of fun and easy projects; pots, character sculptures, ornaments, and more. Workable right out of the box. Ages 4+. #1802 $10.00
(Two available). |
 The Gnome Craft Book by Thomas
& Petra Berger is chock full of inspiration and instruction for creating a
variety of handcrafted gnomes from easy-to-find materials, many of which are
natural: felt, yarn, wool, twigs, pipecleaner, wire and even nuts. The instructions and patterns included are good for beginners because they are detailed. (Instructions for knitted gnomes assume you know how to knit). Experienced crafters will appreciate the finishing touches. Children can make the gnomes with help from an adult. This book even has patterns for paper tissue transparencies and cross-stitched gnomes. My favorite is the paper chain of gnomes sitting on a toadstool! Wonderful color pictures are included on almost every page, showing examples of finished products. CK Paper, 180 pages #3003 |
 Calligraphy
Kid Kit (Usborne) Calligraphy is lots of fun to learn and comes in handy
when sending out special invitations, writing a special piece of prose or
poetry, or just for fun! Purists may prefer the old-fashioned nibs and ink; I
much prefer using the Speedball Elegant Writer calligraphy markers that are
included with this kit. Three different colors (red, black and blue) with broad, medium and scroll points are included, along with a 48-page paperbound book that provides beginners and experts with a variety of unusual calligraphic works. Ages 11+ #6925
Special 25th Anniversary Price for a limited time. |
 Forest
Fairies QuicKit (Curiosity Kits) - Make five enchanting forest fairies
with this kit to play with or for decoration. Includes assorted flower petals, ribbon, pipe cleaners, wooden beads, glue, cord, floss and instructions. Add your own creative touches! Ages 6+. #3252 $5.00 |
 The Nature Corner by Leeuwen &
Moeskops - celebrate the seasons by creating table arrangements with simple,
natural materials and basic crocheting and knitting skills. The Nature Corner
has lots of photos, diagrams, and charming pen and ink illustrations to
accompany the instructions for making a variety of crafts (there are some
adorable doll and animal designs).Seasons covered: early spring, spring, Easter, Ascension and Whitsun, St John's Tide, Summer, Autumn, Halloween and Martimas, Advent, Christmas, and Winter. A seasonal table arrangement is a wonderful way to help young children follow the year's cycle and celebrate major festivals. Paper, 88 pages. #1116 |
 Potholders and Other Loopy Projects
(Klutz) - Remember making potholders as a kid? I do! Every year I would attend a
summer rec program, and making potholders there was one of my favorite crafts.Well, Klutz has come along with their own potholder kit that is even more fun! It comes with a sturdy plastic loom, and lots of colorful, cotton-blend loops. Not only will you be able to craft classic potholders (using different weaving patterns), but there are also instructions to weave a purse, a picture frame, game boards, bean bags, and a cute chicken. As usual with Klutz, the step-by-directions are clear, with lots of photos and illustrations. For ages 6 and up. #963X |
 The Shrinky Dinks Book: The Ultimate Book of Plastic Shrink Art (Klutz)
Draw or trace a design on special plastic, color it, cut it out, bake it
briefly on a cookie sheet in your oven and, voila!, your creation shrinks to
44% of its original size. Cool! You get six sheets of Shrinky Dink in this
book, along with a collection of ready-to-trace artwork.I loved shrink
art when I was younger, and it's just as popular among today's youth. The
Shrinky Dinks book and Window Art (see below), are consistent favorites in
our house (it appeals to young children, teens, and adults) and is
frequently used as an activity when friends come over. Because of this, we
have gone through several refill packs. |
 The Shrinky Dinks Refill Pack (Klutz)A must-have for the shrinky-dink artist! This pack
includes eight 8" x 10" sheets of shrinking plastic, along with full
instructions for use, packaged in a folder for easy storage.
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 Window
Art (Klutz) - This book and paint set was an
instant hit among my children and every one of their friends! They have regular
“socials” at our house, and the creation of window art is a favorite activity at
these gatherings.Window Art comes with six bottles of peel-off paint: five 22 ml/.74 oz bottles of color (purple, blue, green, yellow, and red) and one 40 ml/1.36 oz bottle of black paint for outlines. The book contains more than a 100 ready-to-trace designs. The craft is simple: place the included plastic sheet over the desired design, trace the outline with black paint, and fill it in with color. Let it dry and then stick it on any glass surface, such as a mirror or window. Since a whole group of kids like to participate at once in our house, we use clear, plastic report covers to allow more than one person to work at the same time and to extend the amount of available space for their art. The only drawback is that there isn't enough paint in the set to satisfy the demand for someone who likes to create lots of art or for a group of users. Fortunately, a deluxe refill kit it available and is highly recommended. Spiral-bound hardcover book and paint #6436 Window Art Book Only - No paints or plastic sheet. Book Only #6436X $5.00 |
 Window
Art new version (Klutz) - This
new version of the Window Art kit has all new designs and the paint set
now includes two bottles of glitter paint.The updated Window Art kit comes with six bottles of peel-off paint that are different than the original kit: five 22 ml/.74 oz bottles of color (white, blue, orange, glitter green, and glitter yellow) and one 40 ml/1.36 oz bottle of black paint for outlines. The book contains more than a 100 new, ready-to-trace designs. The craft is simple: place the included plastic sheet over the desired design, trace the outline with black paint, and fill it in with color. Let it dry and then stick it on any glass surface, such as a mirror or window. The only drawback is that there isn't enough paint in the set to satisfy the demand for someone who likes to create lots of art or for a group of users. Fortunately, a deluxe refill kit it available and is highly recommended. Spiral-bound hardcover book and paint. Ages 6+. #1671 |
 Window
Art Deluxe Refill Kit (now includes two bottles of paint with glitter!)
- Non-toxic, easy-to-use, these paints go with the Window Arts books, or they can
be used to make your own freestyle designs. Window Art paints are a bondable
plastic material, and it is recommended that finished window art be stuck to glass
and mirrors only since it could permanently bond to plastic and wood surfaces.The kit contains ten 22 ml/.74 oz bottles of color (red, turquoise, sparkle yellow, glitter green, violet, emerald green, royal blue, orange, clear, and white) and two 40 ml/1.36 oz bottles of black outline. #4498 $19.95 |
 Block Building for Children: Making Buildings of the World with the
Ultimate Construction Toy by Lester Walker - Award-winning
architect, Lester Walker, presents 18 exciting projects for children of all
ages, including a bridge, boat dock, drive-in restaurant, shopping mall,
skyscraper, castle, and even a Toy Store City, a City of the Future, and The
Emerald City of Oz.Each project is accompanied by detailed plans, photographs and a stunning line drawing to fire the imagination, and the text for each project puts it in its historical context. All you need is a set of unit blocks, available at any toy store - or you may already have them. Hardcover, 168 pages. (One copy available). #6093 $22.95 |
 Woodworking for Kids: 40 Fabulous, Fun
& Useful Things for Kids to Make by Kevin McGuire - In
addition to basic information about wood, tools and setting up a simple
workshop, this fabulous book contains 40 fun and useful projects for children to
make (with some assistance).Learn how to make a tool box, rope ladder, doll's cradle, puppet theater, and more! Small and large, fun and functional projects are offered, each rated by level of difficulty. Lots of color photos throughout.
Table of Contents |
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Art from Many Hands:
Multicultural Art Projects by Jo Miles Schuman. Includes detailed instructions,
illustrated with many photographs, for authentic art projects from around the world. Historical
backgrounds as well as a variety of art forms are covered for many cultures, including
African, South American, Asian, European and native American. 
Discovering
Great Artists: Hands-On Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters
by Maryann F. Kohl & Kim Solga. Learn all about the art techniques of great
artists through hands-on activities. There is an art activity for each artist
that focuses on their particular style, with a brief biography to add depth and
interest. Included at the front of the book is a convenient chart that lists
each artist, the date they were alive, their style and art technique, the art
activity explored, level of the activity's difficulty and the amount of
preparation time. More than 75 artists are covered, from gothic times to the
present, and 110 different art activities. 
Ralph Masiello's Dragon Drawing Book - Author/illustrator Ralph
Masiello explores the world of dragon lore, from the mystical Australian rainbow
serpent to the revered imperial dragon of China.
The
Figure: The Classic Approach to Drawing & Construction by Walt Reed -
Make-Your-Own Comic
Book (
The New Drawing on the Right Side of the
Brain by Betty Edwards focuses on helping readers visualize objects with the
right side of the brain because that's the side that allows artists to draw
objects as they are.
The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Workbook: Guided
Practice in the Five Basic Skills of Drawing by Betty Edwards - If you
would like to jump right in and start using the skills Betty has to offer
without the extra philosophy or insights of the main book (listed above), this
book is for you. You could also use this book in addition to the book above.
Storybook Art: Hands-on Art for
Children in the Styles of 100 Great Picture Book Illustrators by MaryAnn
Kohl & Jean Potter. Like Kohl’s other book, Discovering Great Artists,
this book teaches the art techniques of artists. This time around, though, the
artists are great picture book illustrators. Some of the illustrators included:
Jan Brett, Tomie dePaola, William Stieg, Leo Lionni, and Eric Carle.
The
Anti-Coloring Book
Young at Art by Susan Striker - From the creator of the
bestselling Anti-Coloring Book series, Young at Art is about the
nature, value and impact of art on very young children. Directed towards parents
and educators of one to five year olds, Susan Striker explains why children's
art is not a frill, but the very foundation upon which all later fundamental
skills are built. She drives home the idea that encouraging children's artistic
growth will have beneficial effects on all other aspects of their emotional and
intellectual development.
Linnea in Monet's Garden by Christina Bjork and Lena
Anderson. Both the delightful book and award-winning video introduce children to art
through Linnea's trip to Monet's garden in France. The illustrations are
engaging; and I particularly enjoyed the way they are intermingled with photographs of
Monet, his family, and various flowers. There's lots of interesting information about
art and Monet in both the colorful book and movie.
This collection can be colored, cut out, or simply read and enjoyed.
Bellerophon Books are unique because the pictures are drawings from the actual
time period being covered. So, not only do you get information about the time period through the
accompanying text, but a feel for popular art styles. This is only a partial
list of the large selection of Bellerophon books that we carry throughout the
catalog. 
French
Revolution Paper Dolls (Bellerophon Books) - Includes the grand family
of Louis XVI and friends and their lovely court costumes all in color, together
with dolls of leading revolutionaries. The text is in both French and English.
Women
Explorers by Ubet Tomb, drawings by Nancy Conkle - From the middle ages
to now, they rambled the earth as well as the boys. Their contributions are
immortal, and you will rejoice in their great and rare adventures. Over 20 women
are profiled, from Margery Kemp (1373 - c.1440) to Sally Ride (b. 1951).