Kings Way: The Beginnings of Australian Graffiti: Melbourne 1983-93

Duro Cubrilo, Martin Harvey and Karl Stamer

Part visual encyclopaedia, part social history, Kings Way chronicles the events, spaces, materials and folklore that made up the lives of Melbourne's early graffiti writers. With more than 1200 full colour images, this volume captures the rapid changes in styles in these early years, as Melbourne's graffiti evolved from basic tags through to explosive full colour masterpieces. Compiled by active participants in the subculture across this period, it pays tribute to the individuals and crews who laid the foundation for Melbourne's reputation as a graffiti style capital. It is an important documentation and beautifully produced book.

373pp       PB           $65

Printmaking: A Complete Guide to Materials and Processes

Bill Fick and Beth Grabowski

Printmaking: A Complete Guide to Materials and Processes introduces the student to fundamental printmaking techniques including relief, intaglio, collagraph, lithography, screen print and monoprint, and shows how they can be used to achieve cutting-edge results. Each chapter features clear, step-by-step illustrations plus expanded case studies and a profile of an international contemporary printmaker, helping the student understand the technical aspects of each printmaking technique and possible applications. Highly recommended.

240pp       PB           $59.95

500 Plastic Jewellery Designs: A Groundbreaking Survey of A Modern Material

Ed: Susan Kasson Sloan

In the latest in the ever popular 500 series, juror Susan Kasson Sloan has put together a groundbreaking survey of the best work being done with this thoroughly modern material. This edition of the series takes its hippest, most fun approach yet, with an intoxicatingly vibrant and technically diverse collection of contemporary jewellery. Showcasing the latest and greatest, every page offers delightful eye candy, with pieces that stretch from the subtle and sublime to the fantastically humorous.

420pp       PB           $40

The Fabric of Society

Annette Gero

The Fabric of Society profiles the rich, diverse heritage of Australian patchwork quilts. It covers quilts made by convicts, Governors wives, Gold Rush immigrants, wealthy shop owners, dressmakers, church ministers, WWI diggers, people who were forced off the land during the Depression, WWII Australian prisoners of war, rabbit trappers, artist's wives and finally last, but not least, everyday mothers who made all her children's clothes and never threw anything away. The thread that holds this patchwork of Australian history together is that each story told includes the making of a quilt. It draws on women's memories, diaries, their letters to relatives, official records, newspaper and magazine articles reflecting the current domestic influences and, of course, the old magazines which provided the quilt patterns.

240pp       PB           $135

Love Vintage: A Passion for Collecting Fashion

Nicole Jenkins

Love Vintage takes the reader on a charming visual and literary journey through the annals of 20th-century fashion design. This beautifully produce title contains a wealth of information, including valuable notes on dress construction, vintage designers, and fabrics, together with an inspirational collection of photography that helps describe each piece to its full. With its beautiful photography and an elegant text, it effortlessly reveals both the recurring themes of fashion whilst also identifying the distinct features and innovations of each era. This book is the culmination of almost 30 years of studying, collecting and repairing vintage clothes by Nicole Jenkins, a costume designer, vintage clothing afficionado, and owner of the highly respected vintage clothing store, CIRCA, on our own Gertrude Street, Fitzroy.

232pp       PB           $49.95

500 TABLES: Inspiring Interpretations of Function and Style

Ed: Andrew Glasgow

The 500 tables featured in this contemporary showcase are more than just practical pieces; they’re inspired works of art. Esteemed juror Andrew Glasgow has selected a wide array of styles and forms, from pieces that showcase masterful woodwork to ones that feature alternative materials and aesthetic sensibilities. More than 300 artists are featured in this beautifully produced book. Every piece offers stunning craftsmanship, beauty, design and constant surprise. Highly recommended.

420pp       PB           $40

FREEFORM STYLE: Blend Knit and Crochet to Create Fiber Art Wearables.

Jonelle Raffino & Prudence Mapstone

Learn to combine freeform knitting and crochet into gorgeous wearable art with patterns and instructions to suit every level. Master freeform artist, Prudence Mapstone, offers amazing inspiration through her wide array of freeform creations. Organised for easy access, each pattern is labelled as either beginner, intermediate or advanced and, depending on the level, additional freeform stitches are incorporated into the patterns to create individual stylish garments. A must have for anyone interested in wearable art and freeform knitting and crochet.

144pp      HC         $40

FELTING FASHION: Creative and Inspirational Techniques for Feltmakers

Lizzie Houghton

Feltmakers and wearable art fans will love this inspiration-packed book. Beautifully illustrated, it offers several ways to make felt and a wide range of patterns for stylish felt garments and accessories. The fashions include everything from hats to lavish full-length coats, and the instructions cover techniques for creating Nuno Felt (a lightweight modern type that drapes) as well as traditional felts. This wonderful book also includes plus methods for dyeing wool, ruching, and making cords, spikes, balls, and other embellishments.

128pp    HC           $50

QUILT NATIONAL 2009: The Best of Contemporary Quilts

Presented on these exquisite pages are the most innovative quilts being designed today, all selected for this world-class 16th biennial international juried Quilt National exhibition. For more than three decades, the exhibition—which travels throughout America—has served as a showcase for contemporary quilt artists who expand the boundaries of the craft. Large, spectacular colour photographs and the artists’ commentary will inspire quilters and textile artists alike. All the pieces are genuine artworks meant for display and set the standard, serving as the benchmark for art quilts worldwide.

112pp                HC                  $50

Handmade in Melbourne: Your Guide to 200 of Melbourne's Fine Artisans

Editors: Nancy Ianni & Julia Gaw

The first edition of Handmade in Melbourne was published in 2006 to
great acclaim. For this, the second edition of Handmade, the inclusions have been increased and the concept has changed. The book is a very honest account of Melbourne's finest craft makers, penned from their own hand, about why they first entered the handmade world, what inspires their creations, and the process they go through. Artisans are listed from A to Z. Crafts range from boutique chocolate making, ceramics and furniture making to knitting, textile printing and millinery, and everything in between. Features focus on Melbourne's uniquely creative and crafty suburbs and there is a dedicated stockists section inspiring readers to seek out the artisans or find sources of materials for their own creations. A highly anticipated release.

PB     $29.95         240 pp

From Image to Stitch

Maggie Grey

The latest book from acclaimed textile artist Maggie Grey, shows you how to take an image - a photocopy, digital image, computer design, drawing or painting - and, using simple methods, turn it into a stunning piece of textile art.
The author takes you through a variety of techniques for creating the image, such as scanning mixed-media artwork and digital photographs, or using imaging software to create exciting patterns and effects. No technical knowledge is required to use this book as it offers easy-to-follow instructions, and the materials, technology and equipment are all readily available.
Throughout the book, inspirational ideas are offered to stimulate creativity. Featuring books, bangles, panels, bags and vessels, From Images to Stitch offers textile artists new ideas and processes to expand their creative practice.

128pp HC $50.00

Masters: Art Quilts. Major Works by Leading Artists

Martha Sielman

The art quilts featured it this wonderful title from Lark Book’s Masters series showcase such versatility, innovation, and beauty that readers can’t help but be truly inspired. Esteemed curator Martha Sielman has selected 40 gifted artists from across the globe - including Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America - and highlights their work and the varying sensibilities, backgrounds, and talents with illuminating essays and eight-page features. A beautifully presented book, this title will appeal to quilters and textile artists of all disciplines.

415pp  PB $35.00

The Art of Jewelry: Plastic & Resin

This exciting new entry in the popular Art of Jewelry series is an inspirational treat that introduces the major techniques of working in plastic and resin. With insights from contemporary artists, a showcase of eye-opening work, and easy-to-follow how-to photo demonstrations clarifying key steps, this title teaches you all you need to know in order to get you comfortable working with these materials. With tutorials on sawing, drilling, joining, constructing, and laminating plastics, to mixing, curing, adding inclusions and finishing resin pieces, as well as 22 amazing projects from premiere innovators in the field, this title comes highly recommended for anyone wishing to delve into the world of plastic and resin jewellery.

128pp HC $40.00

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Embroidered Textiles

Sheila Paine   

This beautifully illustrated book from Sheila Paine, a world expert on textiles and tribal societies, examines in detail the fascinating symbolism of embroidered motifs and embroidery patterns worldwide.
All aspects of embroidery are covered - fabrics, stitches, symbols, protective or decorative embroidery - and the global range is as astonishing as the variety of materials and motifs on display.
Complete with hundreds of colour photographs and drawings, a glossary, dictionary of embroidery stitches, further reading lists, where to see collections, and a chapter on how to collect embroidered textiles, this is an unrivalled guide for anyone interested in embroidery, textiles, costume or needlework crafts.

240pp HC $90.00

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Corsets: Historical Patterns & Techniques

Jill Salen

Corsets: Historical Patterns & Techniques showcases 25 beautiful and historically accurate patterns of corsets made from 1750 until 1917. Each stunning example is accompanied by a pattern, photographs and drawings, as well as an historical overview, giving invaluable insight into the manufacturing of these amazing period pieces. The book includes practical advice on construction and period detail, from inserting gussets and split busk insertion to eyelets and flossing. Recommended for students of Costume and Fashion, lovers of lingerie or anyone with an interest in corsetry.

128pp PB $50.00

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Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet: Making Designer Metal Jewelry

Mary Hettmansperger

Mary Hettmansperger describes her jewellery as rustic, altered, and organic. To create her unique designs, she uses shapes cut from metal sheeting, embellishing them with beads and found objects. She cold-connects them with weaves, ties, and wraps as well as with commercial materials like bolts and rivets, while avoiding the soldering methods used by traditional metalsmiths. The projects she presents, all with step-by-step illustrations, will teach you the techniques she uses and help you develop your own designs. Highly recommended.

128pp HC $35.00

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Color Sense: Creative Color Combinations for Crafters

Susan Levin

Color Sense, conveniently published in a ringbound hardcover, offers a clear and concise introduction to colour theory. Containing a colour wheel, colour swatches and pop-out templates and showcasing thousands of tried-and-true colour combinations based on recognized values of colour theory, this handy resource will allow you to find the perfect colours for every project.

200pp HC (ringbound) $25.00

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500 Handmade Books

The next installment in the popular series from Lark books, 500 Handmade Books showcases examples of handmade books from around the globe, capturing the range and depth of the craft in the present day. Featuring collage, pop-up, flip, assemblages, altered books, artist books and many many more, this beautifully produced book will appeal to book lovers, papermakers, binders, collectors, and anyone who is intrigued by the possibilities of this enduring form.

420pp PB $35.00

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Cloth Dolls for Textile Artists

Roy Slater

A new title from Batsford publishing, Cloth Dolls for Textile Artists, is a comprehensive guide from Roy Slater, one of the world’s leading dollmakers and textile artists. Featuring full step-by-step instructions, patterns for three key doll styles (stump dolls, wire dolls and stuffed cloth dolls), and a wealth of innovative textile techniques for decorating and personalizing your doll, this lavishly illustrated book is a must-have for all those interested in the art of dollmaking.

128pp HC $50.00

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Embellish, Stitch, Felt

Sheila Smith

The latest book from acclaimed textile artist Sheila Smith and Batsford publishing, Embellish, Stitch, Felt covers the new dry-felting techniques and the hugely popular embellisher machines. These mess-free techniques open up a range of felt ideas for textile artists. The book includes the use of commercial ready-made needle-punch felt for fashion and design work and provides a range of decorative stitching and dyeing methods that can be used to embellish the felt. Beautifully illustrated in full colour, with clear step-by-step instructions throughout.

128pp HC $50.00

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The Art of Felt: Inspirational Designs, Textures & Surfaces

Tellier-Loumagne

Often thought of as a practical material, felt can be surprisingly versatile and even poetic. In this beautifully produced book, Francoise Tellier-Loumagne takes an original approach to the world of feltmaking. Finding inspiration in the natural world, Francoise takes the reader on a journey to open their eyes and realize the endless possibilities that this ancient craft offers. Illustrated with hundreds of images, this book is a treasure trove for anyone interested in original textile design.

309pp PB $75.00

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Australian Furniture: Pictorial History and Dictionary 1788 – 1938

Kevin Fahy & Andrew Simpson

Australia Furniture is the most comprehensive survey of quality furniture, the marks and markers, yet undertaken in this country. The result of seven years research, this beautifully produced book, superbly illustrated with over 1000 illustrations, is an essential reference for curators, private collectors, dealers, auctioneers, investors, social and cultural historians, and anyone interested in Australian furniture in general.

Boxed Hardcover $485.00

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Fabulous Felted Scarves: 20 Wearable Works of Art

Chad Alice Hagen & Jorie Johnson

Written by two world renown felt artists, Fabulous Felted Scarves gives you an inside look at how two very different designers approach their work. With their guidance, step-by-step photographs and using simple techniques and materials, Hagen and Johnson teach you how to fashion spectacular hand-sculpted scarves in styles ranging from understated elegance to the wonderfully outrageous.

143pp HC $35.00

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Knit Knit: Profiles & Projects from Knitting’s New Wave

Sabrina Gschwandtner

As the line between fine art and craft practice continues to blur, a new generation of knitters are picking up their needles with a fine art context in mind. Knit Knit chronicles this evolution, bringing together the profiles of 27 of the world’s most talented Artist/Knitters. Lavishly produced with stunning full-page photographs, each of the profiles showcase the artist’s work, outline their philosophies and contains a project especially formulated by the Artist profiled. A beautiful, inspirational and eye-opening book, and at $49.95 for a coffee-table style hardback it is a bargain.

176pp HC $49.95 

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Eco Colour: Environmentally Sustainable Dyes

India Flint 

Eco Colour, by internationally renowned dyer, costumier and artist India Flint, draws on two decades of experience and experimentation in natural dyeing techniques to present an expert, highly accessible and achievable handbook of ecologically sustainable plant dye methods using renewable resources, most of which can be found in the average home garden. Eco Colour fills a gap in the existing literature and uses an exciting range of projects to demonstrate a variety of techniques, some of them entirely new processes developed by the author.

240pp HC $59.95

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500 Handmade Dolls: Modern Explorations of the Human Form

The next instalment in this popular series, 500 Handmade Dolls is a showcase of contemporary handmade dolls from around the world. Made from every conceivable material, including beads, gourds, and polymer clay, the dolls featured are contemporary and unique, ranging from representational to abstract, from skillful realism to provocative surrealism. This beautifully produced book will have dollmakers, crafters, collectors, and anyone who loves beautiful objects drooling over the amazing diversity showcased within. 

396pp PB $40.00

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Enclosure

168pp HC $95.00

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Vintage Furniture: Collecting and Living with Modern Design Classics

Fay Sweet 

Highlighting the most iconic pieces from each international design movement, Vintage Furniture explores the key designers, details and materials that define the most influential collectible furniture created since the turn of the twentieth century. Providing background on the design movements of the time, as well as offering an awareness of the skills and techniques of the past, this book enables the reader to distinguish original and rare vintage furniture from later reproductions. A must have for all those interested in the field. 

223pp         HC       $59.95

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Fashioning Fabrics: Contemporary Textiles in Fashion

205pp PB $75.00

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Hundertwasser: Architecture

Since beginning his artistic career in the 50’s, Hundertwasser has been preoccupied with architecture in his painting. In the early 70’s he designed his first architectural models and façades. Success vindicated his vision. With greenery on the rooftops, irregularly positioned windows, gilded turrets and not a straight line in sight, Hundertwasser's architecture is unmistakable. This lavishly produced book is the first catalogue raisonné of Hundertwasser's architecture. It examines all his buildings and projects, whether realized or not, tracing them from the first sketches, through the models, to completion. Highly recommended.

HC 317pp $99.00

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The World of the Book

by Des Cowley & Clare Williamson

Beautifully illustrated, The World of the Book is a celebration of the age-old tradition of making books, drawing upon the rare collections of the State Library of Victoria. A journey through time and across the globe, this volume features great books and publishing innovations of the past and present. It also revels in the sheer beauty of books as objects to be desired and treasured.


HC 247pp $59.95

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Vintage Fashion: Collecting and Wearing Designer Classics

by Forward by Zandra Rhodes

An exquisite journey through the fashion of the decades, Vintage Fashion explores the key designers, silhouettes and shapes, prints and fabrics, and other details and characteristics that define influential vintage garments from the 20th Century. Providing background on the movements of the time, as well as offering an awareness of the skills and techniques of the past, the book enables the reader to distinguish original and rare vintage clothing from later reproductions and provides a shopping guide which offers pointers on sourcing and caring for original pieces, along with a glossary of fashion terms and designers. Highly recommended

HC 223pp $69.95

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Art and Embroidery for Jane Hall: Reflections of Nature

Jane Hall

In a unique combination of art, photography and prose, Jane Hall magically intertwines her exquisite work as a textile artists with the world that has inspired it. She presents her breathtakingly beautiful embroideries through numerous photographs and descriptions, conveying the very essense of her work: ‘to achieve works which are not simply observational, but translations of wonder as well as nature’.

HC 127pp $59.95

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Art Textiles of the World: Australia Vol 2

Ed: Matthew Koumis

This inspirational book is the 12th in the acclaimed series ‘Art Textiles of the World’, which profiles outstanding textile artists working across the spectrum of contemporary textile practice. Lavishly illustrated with over 100 glorious colour photographs, together with an introduction by Robyn Daw and up-to-date biographies of the artists, this book is a ‘must-have’ for anyone with a serious interest in Australian art in general, and contemporary textile art in particular.
Others in the series include Scandinavia Vol 1, Scandinavia Vol 2, Japan Vol 2, Netherlands, USA, Korea, Great Britain Vol 2, Great Britain Vol 3.

PB 110pp $85

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The Art of Jewelry: Paper Jewelry

Marthe Le Van

Ever considered the creative possibilities of fashionable paper jewellery? If so this is the book. With 35 projects covering everything from brooches to necklaces Paper Jewelry seeks to push the envelope. The projects, designed by some of the premier artists in the field, encourage you to think outside the box. No previous jewellery making experience is needed to embark on these exquisite projects. Recommended to jewellery makers and paper artist alike.

HC 144pp $40.00

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Knitting Never Felt Better: The Definitive Guide to Fabulous Felting

Nicky Epstein

The inimitable and incomparable Nicky Epstein follows up on the success of her three volume Edgings series with another trailblazing book. Her signature tastes and creativity are apparent throughout as she introduces the reader to the fabulous possibilities felting provides for knitters. Each technique is illustrated with before and after swatches and is accompanied by detailed, step-by-step instructions. With projects covering shawls, scarves, jackets, hats, bags and toys, to name a few, this book comes highly recommended to those interested in felted knitting.

HC 176pp $40.00

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Melbourne Design Guide

Ed: Viviane Stappmanns & Ewan McEoin

Whether it’s a brooch, a bar or a building, this book has been carefully researched and written to give locals and travellers a sense of what is happening in Australia’s creative capital. Take a tour of Melbourne’s cutting edge architecture, discover the latest design talent, where to buy their wares and where they drink and dine. The Melbourne Design Guide is the perfect companion on a journey to this city’s thriving and diverse design scenes.

PB 316pp $35

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