What began as propaganda art to celebrate a rare Spanish victory in the Eighty Years' War with Holland, "The Surrender at Breda" is today recognized as Velazquez's narrative masterpiece. The author examines the paintings from which the artist arose, coaxing stories from them that flesh out a complete portrait of one of the world's major artists.

Here are nine original projects inspired by the elegance and sophistication of styles from the 1920s to the 1950s. There's also a purse pattern so that any of the bags can be enhanced with a pretty matching purse. The bags are made from easily acquired materials using straightforward techniques and come in a range of beautiful shades that give them a really stunning and unique look. Designs range in skill level, so if you are new to the craft you...

If you have woodturning experience, now you can create something truly special for family and friends. These beautiful hand-crafted toys are as enjoyable to make as they are to play with. Clear step-by-step instructions, detailed photographs, and easy-to-follow diagrams start with simple toys and increase in complexity. Projects are a mixture of pure turned toys and also basic constructions, whereby turned items may be cut apart and re-sectioned to...