Bøker utgitt av Tuttle Publishing

Step into a story of life and love in Kyoto's 10th century royal court.Tale of Genji tells the story of Prince Genji, the passionate heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne. Handsome, romantic, and talented in the art of seduction, Prince Genji skillfully navigates the court and all its intrigues--always in search of love and often finding it. His story is the oldest and most famous tale of romance in the annals of Japanese literature and, as a representation of passion and romance, remains beyond compare.In this beautifully illustrated edition, Genji's story comes alive as readers experience: His birth in the royal court to Kiritsubo, who comes to represent Genji's ideal of female beauty and grace. His lifelong obsession with Fujitsubo, one of the emperor's lovers and mother to Genji's son Ryozen. His romantic life with Murasaki, Fujitsubo's beautiful niece and Genji's favored lover. Taken with him at first she becomes wary of his motivations but she becomes the true love of Genji's life. Lady Murasaki Shikibu wrote this story some 500 years before Shakespeare put pen to paper. It is acknowledged to be the world's very first novel, and English-speaking readers can now experience the story in manga style for the first time.Superbly illustrated and retold, this visual take on Japan's most important classic offers an intimate look at the social mores and intrigues in the Heian-era court of medieval Japan, and Prince Genji's representation as the ideal male courtier.

Kids will learn how to make colorful kites while exploring Asian culture and history with this easy-to-follow craft book for kids. Fun to build and exciting to fly, kites are a universal expression of joy and wonder for enthusiasts of all ages. Asian Kites for Kids features kite building projects that are beautiful and functionalideal for teachers, camp counselors, parents, and budding young kite makers themselves. Kite making is a traditional Asian craft and an essential aspect of folklore that uses everyday materials to create beautiful works of art. In fact, kites are just as much fun to build as they are to fly! The colorful, easy-to-follow instructions will have readers building and flying fifteen different models from across Asia, including China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Korea. With Asian Kites for Kids readers will learn to build: A Butterfly kite from China A Cobra kite from Thailand A Mini kite from Malaysia A Shield kite from Korea An Octopus kite from Japan and much more!This book includes sections on safety, the anatomy of kites, troubleshooting tips, as well as an index of online retailers and resources. Spend hours of fun with your kids and friends crafting handmade Asian kites, and then watching your original creations soar.

Vietnamese Stories for Language Learnersa language learning experience for beginner to intermediate students of the Vietnamese language. Nothing introduces students and cultural enthusiasts to a language and people better than stories. Intended for Vietnamese language students or heritage learners, the stories in this volume present the everyday vocabulary and grammar in use in Vietnam today. Forty folk stories have been edited and simplified for learning purposes and are presented in parallel Vietnamese and English versions to facilitate language learning. These delightful Vietnamese folktales immediately animate the culture, offering readers a glimpse of the social, cultural and religious aspects of Vietnamese society in bygone eras. The English translations allow readers who are not yet studying the language to experience the wisdom and humor in these traditional, well-loved stories. An audio CD in Vietnamese helps students improve their pronunciation and inflection and introduces readers to the uniquely Vietnamese story of storytelling. Discussion questions, vocabulary and cultural notes are provided at the end of each story.

Understanding North Korean Through the Eyes of Defectors.

"Readers will learn ... about all aspects of tea--from the practical to the spiritual--and how they can implement the accompanying ancient traditions into their modern life. With [this book], you'll start by tapping into the wisdom and insights of the Chinese tea masters, learn more about the distinct practices of the chanoyu (tea ceremony), and delve into the healthful and holistic benefits of drinking tea. With its antioxidants, polyphenols, and amino acids, tea reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease, lowers blood pressure, relieves stress, can help prevent diabetes and eye disease, and improve dental health"--Publisher marketing.

A world of dewAnd within every dewdropA world of struggle The iconic three-line haiku form is increasingly popular today as people embrace its simplicity and graceand its connections to the Japanese ethos of mindfulness and minimalism. Say more with fewer words.This practical guide by poet and teacher Bruce Ross shows you how to capture a fleeting moment, like painting a picture with words, and how to give voice to your innermost thoughts, feelings, and observations. You don't have to be a practiced poet or writer to write your own haiku, and this book shows you how.In this book, aspiring poets will find: Accessible, easy-to-replicate examples and writing prompts A foreword that looks at the state of haiku today as the form continues to expand worldwide An introduction to related Japanese haiku forms such as tanka, haiga, renga, haibun, and senryu A listing of international journals and online resourcesDo you want to tell a story? Give haibun a try. Maybe you want to express a fleeting feeling? A tanka is the perfect vehicle. Are you more visual than verbal? Then a haiga, or illustrated haiku, is the ideal match. Finally, a renga is perfect as a group project or to create with friends, passing a poem around, adding line after line, and seeing what your group effort amounts to.Ross walks readers through the history and form of haiku, before laying out what sets each Japanese poetic form apart. Then it's time to turn to your notebook and start drafting some verse of your own!

Kids will have great fun folding their very own cute origami modelsfrom animals and sweet treats to vehicles and flowers. All the models in this book are easy to fold using ordinary paper. The colorful paper characters and objects are adorable, and offer kids a chance to have fun away from screens while honing their fine motor skills. The versatile models look great displayed on a desk or bookshelf, but can also be used for interactive play.Kids will learn to fold the following colorful paper characters and objects:Cute Animals, like a stripe-tailed Squirrel, a Cat with Kitten (both wearing Bow Ties!) and a Lion with a maneAdorable insects, including a Ladybug, a Dragonfly and a HoneybeeTempting Snacks & Sweets, such as a Cupcake and LollipopsPlanes, Trucks, Cars and a speedy Bullet TrainFriendly Flowers including Violets, Tulips and Carnations

Elevate your manga drawings to the next level with help from a Japanese professional! Manga drawing expert and author Ebimo is an action film junkie who taught herself to draw by studying martial arts films. In this book, she brings those techniques, tips, and tricks to you! Learn how to draw every detail of exciting action charactersfrom the muscles used in fight scenes to the 3-D arc of a flying frontal kick.What sets Ebimo apart is her fusion of the basics of figure drawing and proper posing with cutting-edge digital-age illustration and coloration techniques. Artists working on paper or a screen will learn to bring greater depth and complexity to their characters with these expert tutorials.This all-in-one guide is unlike any other, offering:Dual-format step-by-step tutorials for those who draw on paper, on screen, or bothUp-close "e;studio visits"e; where you can follow along as characters are drawnAn essential reference guide to all the key poses in action scenes and sequencesDynamic full-color examples with single, dual and multiple charactersOver 1,350 sample illustrations to study and learn from! How to Draw Bold Manga Characters presents the best of both worldshand-drawn detail with digital dynamicsin one essential volume.*Recommended for artists 14 and up*

This stunning guide invites you into the story of sakean ancient beverage finding its way in a modern world. Whether you're a sake novice or an experienced connoisseur, Exploring the World of Japanese Craft Sake offers fascinating insights, practical tips, and rich stories about this popular beverage.Authors and experts Nancy Matsumoto and Michael Tremblay personally undertook the challenge of visiting 33 artisanal sake breweries in Japan, the US, and Canada to interview makers and document every stage of the sake brewing process. Nancy's celebrated journalistic background combined with Michael's sake sommelier experience have led to an engaging and informative look at the world of sake.With over 300 color photos and a lively narrative, this fascinating book provides:A comprehensive introduction to the science and history of sake brewing in JapanA look at how fine craft sakes are brewed today using traditional methods and no additivesonly rice, water, koji, and yeastHistories of Japan's venerable breweries, some of them over 300 years old! An answer to why some breweries are able to turn out a superior quality of sakeA discussion of rice varieties and "e;terroirs"e; where exceptional sakes are producedCurrent trends in the world of sake, including the fine sakes now brewed outside JapanTasting notes and recommendations for top craft sakes you have not heard about yetThis book also includes personal recipes from several top Japanese brew masters along with food-pairing tips and the authors' own personal recommendations for the best sake bars in Japan and overseas!

My First Book of Chinese Calligraphy is a fun and engaging introduction to one of China's most popular arts and crafts for kids. Calligraphythe art of producing decorative handwriting or lettering with a pen or brushhas been around for thousands of years. In this fun calligraphy for kids book, readers will follow along with Mimi, an eight year old, who takes her first steps towards learning this magical art. Dive in, and explore:The Evolution of Chinese Writinghow Chinese characters first began, thousands of years ago, and how they have evolvedThe Order of the Strokeslearn how to write the strokes in the correct orderThe Radicalswhat are they, and how to unlock their secretsThe Four Treasures of Calligraphy the four essential tools to get startedMovements and Positionhow to master your mind's focus, your breathing and even how to moveThe Five Styles of CalligraphyZhuan Shu (seal), Li Shu (clerical), Kai Shu (regular), Cao Shu (cursive), and Xing Shu (running)The Eight Strokes how to draw the 8 strokes; with them, you can write anythingWriting a Character in Calligraphycreate an entire character in calligraphy

In this book, master origami designer Muneji Fuchimoto presents a collection of 34 totally unique origami models!These pieces will delight and challenge origami enthusiasts with their clever folding patterns and striking realism. With a play on modern design and art, Fuchimoto's stunning models offer a clever way to show off your skills.In this book you'll find:More than 20 realistic origami animalsfrom a bird in a birdhouse to a long-necked Alpaca to an Asian Elephant with decorative headgearSix mid-century modern origami chairsFashionable origami spectaclesA "e;mounted"e; deer headAnd much more! In addition to the easy-to-follow project instructions, this book features special sections with origami display idea and instructions for constructing an origami mobile.

Mend, rethink, transform, recreate!Mending your favorite fabric itemsfrom jeans to sweaters to sofa coversbecomes a true art form in Creative Mending. In this book, mending guru Hikaru Noguchi shows you her entire range of valuable techniquesfrom embroidery and patching to darning and feltingthat are just challenging enough for experienced menders.Noguchi's basic rules of mending are that the repair should suit the fabric and its user, and that there are lots of creative ways to create beautifully customized repairssome subtle, others making a statement.She provides 13 techniques that show you how to:Apply creative repairs to both knitted and woven fabricsUse yarn, floss, ribbon, and fabric to reinvent well-loved garmentsMake understated repairs that add just a touch of contrast, color, or textureUse visible mending techniques for bold repairsDarn with felt to add body and dimension to a repaired itemMatch your repairs to the damage, the fabric, and the wearerManeuver through tricky places like inseams and underarmsAnd more!The 13 illustrated lessons and over 300 color photos in this book provide detailed examples for all the basic techniques. Lots of variations plus plenty of tips and examples (67 in all) provide you with all the guidance you need to rethink and repair beautifully.The stunning photos will inspire you to get creative on that fraying neckline or worn elbow!

Small Loom Weaving is a friendly introduction to the joys of making your own handwoven goods.Illustrated lessons introduce you to the fundamentals of the loom, materials, tools, color changes, introducing texture, finishing, and more. This useful guide also shows you how to make chic, boho items ranging from coasters and placemats to scarves and small wall hangings.In this book, textile designer and expert weaver Ichi.co proves that creating beautiful textures and patterns on a loom is easier than you may think, and weaving your own pieces is an immensely rewarding experience.This book shows you how to make over 25 projects, including:Easy coasters in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns, including variegated stripesPlanter covers that dress up any basic potAttractive little purses for your phone, money, or business cardsLovely fringed scarvesboth monochrome and patternedSmall wall hangings and multi-purpose mats in motifs from whimsical to classicThe simple projects in this book help you master the essentials while creating something useful and beautiful, and the diagrams show you how easy it can be to plan designs of your own.

Prepare delicious and authentic dishes with this easy-to-follow Singapore cookbook. An abiding Singaporean passion, food is a central part of life on this multicultural island quite simply because there's so much of it that's so good! Singapore Cooking, featuring a foreword by James Beard Award-Winner David Thompson, is a fabulous collection of beloved local classics, including the most extraordinary Chicken Rice and Chili Crab you will have ever eaten, as well as less common but equally delightful dishes, such as Ayam Tempra (Spicy Sweet-and-Sour Stir-Fried Chicken) and Nasi Ulam (Herbal Rice Salad).The recipes are well written, easy to follow and accompanied by beautiful color photographs. With this Singapore cookbook by your side your acquaintanceor re-acquaintancewith Singapore food promises to be an exciting and mouthwatering experience.Authentic Singapore recipes include:Bergedel Potato Fish CakesSop Kambing Spiced Mutton SoupMalay-style Nasi Goreng Fried RiceLaksa Rice Noodle SoupSambal Roast ChickenHainanese Pork ChopsDevil CurrySingapore Chilli CrabFish Moolie in Spicy Coconut SauceBeansprouts with TofuPumpkin with Dried PrawnsKueh Dadar Coconut Filled Pancakes

Crocheted sisters Amelie and Mako and are ready for anythinga day at the beach, a birthday bash, a visit to the libraryand their outfits are, too!In this book, popular Japanese amigurumi designer Miya takes you step-by-step through the dollmaking process, showing you how to create two charming doll companions, their teddy bear pal Marron, and 63 miniature wardrobe additionsranging from warm winter coats to delicate ballet slippers.Clear instructions provide a pattern for each clothing item and accessory. A basic guide to the crochet stitches used in the book is included as a refresher to the symbols and stitch execution.Mix-and-match doll clothing and accessories, including:Cozy, cold-weather wear for looking great on chilly daysChic pants, tops, berets, or straw hats for a market-day-in-Paris vibeCharming little tops, like a colorful ruffled tunicgreat for a day at the beachClothes for ballet, cheerleading, and dress-up (be a flight attendantor dance a hula!)Tote bags, evening bags, and shoulder bagsyou can never have too many!And much more!But you don't have to stop here! Handmade toys open up a whole new world for creativity. With this book as a guide, you can create crochet dolls whose colors and features celebrate diversity or design wardrobes based on specific interests. With the inspiration provided in this book, you can do it all. Let it be your springboard to fostering many hours of gentle, creativeand fashion-forwardplaytime.

Learn the ancient knowledge of how the body's vital points, the centers of the body's natural energy, can be exploited to gain an advantage over your opponent in martial combat or self-defense. In this detailed guide to pressure point fighting, martial arts expert Rick Clark describes how to target expertly placed blows which can defeat your opponent quickly and effectively. He offers a systematic introduction to this knowledge and to the tools needed to recognize vital points in the kata, hyung, or forms already in place. The lessons explain: Where the body's vital points are located and how to strike them for maximum effectHow vital points can be targeted most efficiently to successfully defend oneselfHow targeting vital points can be used in conjunction with traditional martial arts to help meet a variety of threatsWith 230 photos and 25 detailed charts, Pressure Point Fighting teaches that success in this discipline is not dependent upon acceptance of the tenets of traditional Chinese medicine, or modern Western medicine, for that matter--solely on open-minded observation and willingness to try different approaches to martial arts training. Forewords written by pressure point combat expert Vince Morris and Tai Chi master Jane Hallander explain how this book's lessons are indispensable to anyone seeking to learn the elements of pressure point fighting.

New functional format, same beautiful paper! This origami paper pack from Tuttle Publishing has 256 sheets of richly saturated, double-sided origami paper. Held into place with an easy tear-out design, you won't have to worry about loose papers in your pack falling out or getting creased and crinkled. Origami Cherry Blossoms Paper Pack Book includes: 256 6-inch folding papers16 unique patterns, with a coordinating color on the reverse side13 pages of full-color instruction, with origami tips and tricksStep-by-step directions for folding 8 origami models

Make decorative paper models with this beautiful origami paper pack. 192 Origami Folding Papers in Geometric Patterns takes traditional Japanese patterns and transforms them into origami folding paper. This paper pack is a great resource for all different kinds of folding and paper crafting projects. The package includes folding sheets as well as a booklet with instructions so that folders can start right away. This origami paper pack includes: 192 sheets of origami paper10 different patternsDouble-sided colorSmall 6 inch (15 cm) squares Origami basics introductionFolding techniquesInstructions for 4 projects in a 32 page full color book

This exciting book shows you how to fold realistic models of your favorite pets, zoo animals and other wildlife!Master origami designer Muneji Fuchimoto's clear instructions show you how to fold 30 amazing animal and insect models, including the following:Five different popular dog breedscomplete with stylish foldable outfitsA cute little paper catLess conventional pet models, including a miniature pig, mouse and turtleSafari wildlife, including an elephant with tusks, a lion with a mane and a chimpanzee with a contrasting posteriorA brown bear with a freshly-caught salmon in its mouthfolded from a single sheet of paper!And so much more!These models are intermediate-level origami projects, and require some prior folding knowledge for the best experience.

Journey along the famed Tokaido Roadan ancient thoroughfare with a modern twist.The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido is the best-known work of the great 19th century Japanese woodblock artist Utagawa Hiroshige. The series of 53 masterful woodblock prints depicts stops along the ancient Tokaido roadwhich, from the eleventh to the nineteenth century, was the main thoroughfare between Tokyo and Kyoto.Though the road itself is now submerged under Japan's twenty-first-century urban landscape, French artist Philippe Delord set out to see if he could find the original locations, with just a moped, sketchbook, watercolors and a book of Hiroshige's prints.Hiroshige's Japan allows readers to make the journey alongside Delord, venturing from Tokyo and Mount Fuji to mountain passes and rugged coastlines. Inside are all 53 original scenery prints made by Hiroshige, alongside their modern-day equivalent by Delord. A lively commentary about his experiences as he tries to locate each of the 53 scenes (without speaking Japanese!) offers readers an insightful, and often humorous, look into both modern and historical Japan.Part travelogue, part work of art, this book is sure to delight armchair travelers, history buffs, art enthusiasts and Japanophiles alike!

For thousands of years, Chinese storytellers have delighted listeners with stories about the value of virtues like honesty, respect, courage and self-reliance. Chinese Folktales collects nineteen of these fantastic tales, some of them dating back to the third century BCE, and retells them in contemporary English for a modern audience. This updated editionpreviously titled Chinese Fablesoffers the same great stories in a smaller, easier to handle format at a lower price.Each of these stories offers a nugget of ancient folk wisdom and glimpses of traditional Chinese culture and lore. All of the tales express the foibles and wisdom of human experience with great humor and affection. Although the lessons are universal, the wit and flavor are uniquely Chinese.Beautifully illustrated by a master Chinese artist using a patchwork of ancient tones and textures, with a deft touch of humor, this book will give great joy to children and adults alike.Chinese children's stories include:The Practical BrideStealing the BellKwan Yin, the Goddess of MercyCooking the DuckScaring the TigersThe Dragon SlayerThe previously published edition, Chinese Fables, won: *The Aesop Prize for Children's and Young Adult Literature**The Gelett Burgess Children's Book Award for Fables, Folklore & Fairytales**The Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year Award*

Sun Tzu's The Art of War is still one of the world's most influential treatises on strategic thought. Applicable everywhere from the boardroom to the bedroom, from the playing field to the battlefield, its wisdom has never been more highly regarded. Now available in its complete form, including the Chinese characters and English text, this essential examination of the art of strategic thinking features extensive commentary and an insightful historical introduction written by Lionel Giles, its original translator. This new edition includes an all-new introduction by the scholar of ancient Chinese literature, John Minford.

Send a sincere "thank you" on these colorful traditional Japanese inspired note cards. 8 UNIQUE DESIGNS: Each box includes 8 different Cherry Blossom designs-- 5 cards of each design. Displaying mint greens, lilacs, bold fuchsias, deep reds, and saffron yellow, the colors and designs stylishly capture the rejuvenating and romantic spirit of cherry blossoms.40 BLANK, FOLDED CARDS: Whether you're writing a thank you card for a wedding, graduation, or birthday, these 40 blank cards allow you to personalize your own message Each card measures 4.5x3 inches and opens horizontally.41 Envelopes: With 41 sealable envelopes simply slip your handwritten card in; address and add a standard USPS stamp. Your gratitude will be sent with ease. The envelopes measure at 5x3.5 inches, which meets the U.S. Postal Service requirements for mailing with a standard stamp.Inspired by Traditional Japanese Artwork: In Japanese art and culture, cherry blossoms (or sakura) historically have symbolized nature's transience. They also represent springtime, renewal or fresh starts, beauty and strength, and romance. In fact, cherry blossoms are such a powerful motif in Japan that it is customary for people to participate in ohanami ("flowering viewing") at the beginning of every spring. During ohanami people have picnics in parks to celebrate the changing season and observe gorgeous cherry blossoms blooming.

Learn the basics of the Farsi Language quickly! Reading & Writing Farsi is a self-study guide to the Farsi alphabet for anyone who is just getting started in learning this beautiful language. Author Pegah Vil has helped thousands of English-speaking students to learn Farsi and she developed these easy lessons and exercises to help you quickly get up to speed with the basics. The lessons start by showing you how to write the 32 letters of the Farsi alphabet and how to pronounce them correctly (with the aid of native-speaker audio recordings, available online at no cost). From there, you quickly progress to full words and sentences. Extensive exercises and drills at every stage of the process help to reinforce what you have learned. This complete beginning-level language course includes: Memorable pictures to help you remember the Farsi letters by associating their shapes and sounds with familiar imagesA description of common errors made by English-speaking learners and how to avoid themAccess to free, printable flash cards and online native-speaker audio recordingsA comprehensive bidirectional dictionary of key terms and phrases with English-Farsi and Farsi-English sectionsFarsi is spoken by over 110 million people and has a rich poetic tradition. By using this carefully designed book, learners can quickly acquire a basic understanding of written Persian/Farsi--the national language of Iran.

In this book, Buddhist temple priest and chef Koyu Iinuma shares the simple and delicious plant-based meals he prepares in the kitchens of Fukushoji temple in Yokohama, Japan.The 73 recipes showcased in Zen Vegan Food are incredibly beautiful and tasty, while also being nutritious, sustainable and ethically responsible. Color photos show the finished dishes, while comprehensive information on Japanese ingredients like seaweed, miso and tofu helps home cooks with shopping and preparation.In this cookbook, readers will find:28 recipes for vegan congeethe traditional Asian rice porridge dish that is taking the West by storm. These include Congee with Eggplant and Ginger, Soymilk Congee and Congee with Saffron and Chestnuts.A chapter on Japanese-Italian dishes with recipes such as Grilled Turnips with Mustard and Olive Sauce, and Spaghetti with Pesto and Shiitake.Delicious condiments and starters to brighten up any meal, such as Mushroom Miso Paste and Crunchy Kombu Chips.Though we may not typically associate Buddhist monasteries with trendy chefs and temple cafes, a young generation of priests, like Iinuma, is ushering in a new eraone which emphasizes openness in temples and a reconnection to the natural world for ordinary people. Buddhist monastery chefs have been creating delicious vegan dishes for centuries, and Zen Vegan Food offers a modern take full of fun and flavor.For anyone interested in a sustainable, plant-based diet, this book will be a revelationa new way to eat delicious and varied meals the whole family will enjoy.

The easy way to learn the Japanese writing system! In this beginner's workbook, students of Japanese will learn to read and write the Hiragana and Katakana alphabets, as well as 50 basic Kanji characters. A step-by-step approach moves from tracing letters to reading and writing complete words quickly and effectively. This book gives you all the tools you need to learn to pronounce, read and write Japanese: A thorough overview of the hiragana and katakana alphabets.Audio recordings to improve your pronunciation and comprehension.A step-by-step approach to writing words and then sentences.Practice exercises featuring everyday activities and situations.An introduction to 50 key kanji characters.Free downloadable flash cards to aid memorization of the characters.Instead of dealing with separate Hiragana and Katakana workbooks, as is common, this comprehensive guide provides an efficient way to learn both with the help of one book

Do you know the difference between a bancha and a hojicha? How to brew the perfect matcha? With this book you will!Japanese tea expert Per Oscar Brekell is one of the few foreigners to complete the difficult training in Japan as a tea instructor. Now, with this book, he shares the secrets and insights he's gleaned from a career dedicated to promoting and preparing this ancient beverage.Combining a practical approach with in-depth knowledge and a keen eye for the healthful benefits of tea, this visual guide will help you understand everything from how tea is picked and processed to the physical and mental health benefits that come from drinking it.Through stunning color photos and engaging information from Brekell, readers of this book will get:A guided tour of Japan's main tea-growing regions, from Uji/Kyoto to Shizuoka and Kagoshima, and a journey from leaf to cupAn introduction to top-grade premium and single-estate Japanese teas like yabukita, koshun, yamakai, sofu and asatsuyuA detailed guide to brewing Japanese teas to enhance their flavor and to highlight their healthful propertiesAn in-depth look at traditional Japanese teapots and teacupsA curated selection of teas suitable for home brewing and serving in various situationsEvery tea lover will find something to savor in this comprehensive introduction to the incredible world of Japanese teas.

This practical guide is perfect for those looking to try this ancient art form for the first time! In this book, Japanese master artist Shozo Koike reveals the simple secrets of Sumi-e, offering step-by-step instructions with clear photographs and online video tutorials showing you how to paint 19 traditional subjects. Sumi-e is the meditative Japanese form of ink painting taught by Zen Buddhist monks to encourage mindfulness and an awareness of our surroundings. It uses only ink, water, a brush and paper to capture natural objects and landscapes in a vivid, spontaneous fashion. Koike begins with the basics--what to buy and how to prepare the ink in a traditional inkstone. Next, he shows you how to practice the 11 basic brushstrokes used for all Sumi-e paintings. The 19 traditional subjects taught in this book include: Flowers like orchids, chrysanthemums, camellias, roses and peoniesPlants and fruits including bamboo, eggplants, grapes and chestnutsAnimal figures including small birds, butterflies, chicks, crabs and goldfishKoike also explains the philosophy of Sumi-e, which emerges from the use of negative white space to enhance the painted forms. Readers will enter into a world not just of black and white, but of infinite shades of gray which are capable of evoking all the sensations of color using these techniques.

From selecting yarns and learning the basics of crochet to assembling your projects and adding whimsical details, The Complete Guide to Crochet Dolls and Animals makes any amigurumi project possible!Hundreds of photos demonstrate the best crochet stitches to use, along with lessons on how to assemble amigurumi figures correctly and give them more personality. All the basic stitches and steps are explained in detail, including extra directions for left-handed crafters.This is the official guide created by The Japan Amigurumi Associationwhose thousands of members are found all over Japan, the original home of amigurumi. It provides an authoritative overview of techniques and includes all the information that amigurumi enthusiasts need to know to start creating.This indispensable book shows you how to:Shape and proportion expressive heads, limbs and tailsAssemble all the pieces together in a way that makes your toy come aliveAdd armatures so your toys can bend and stand on their ownCreate facial features that give your toy attitude and personalityMake cute little accessories (zakka) like mittens, scarves and pursesThe Complete Guide to Crochet Dolls and Animals includes 3 sample projects to practice the skills you learn. With over 1,500 color photos and detailed diagrams instructing more than 100 crochet stitch techiniquesthis is a reference you'll refer to again and again as you create and style your own amigurumi for years to come!

Perfect for Sunday school classes, youth groups or family time--this kit enables kids to experience first-hand the life-changing message of the Bible's most powerful stories!This new interactive kit combines the fun of origami paper folding with the joy of recreating and retelling the most beloved stories in the Bible! The beautifully produced paper models are easy to fold up and the instruction book explains how to use the models to retell the following important stories:Adam and Eve--The creation of the world according to Genesis--beware, there's a snake in the garden!Noah's Ark--Noah and company would have been in over their heads if not for God's providence. Don't miss the boat!Moses and the Ten Commandments--God liberates the Israelites and shows them a new way to live--it's written in stone!Daniel in the Lion's Den--God rescues his faithful servant from becoming so much lion chow. David and Goliath--David has a giant problem, but God never misses an opportunity to rescue the faithful. The Annunciation--Mary gets good news from none other than the archangel Gabriel--pass it on!The First Christmas--Where does baby Jesus "hit the hay?" In a manger, of course, where both lowly shepherds and noble kings honor him. The Story of Easter--Don't you love a comeback story? Look no further! After sacrificing his son on the cross, God raises Jesus from the dead, triumphing over death and evil. Christ, the Good Shepherd--This reassuring tale reminds us of a loving God who guards us and guides us--even when things get wild and wooly!Each of these stories is retold in the book, with an explanation of the paper figures provided. Just a few steps are required to fold each paper model, and the simple instructions are perfect for kids. Intended for children and young adults, these interactive models enable you to retell the powerful biblical stories using lifelike folded paper figurines. The figures can be displayed as dioramas and to stage miniature reenactments that bring these sacred Bible stories to life for your kids, your youth group or your Sunday school class. Everything you need is in the box--a full-color instruction book, high-quality double-sided papers, and lovely cardstock backdrops which can be used to display them. This kit contains:A full-color 48-page book retelling the 9 famous Biblical stories64 sheets of double-sided folding papers in a variety of sizes and designs33 different models and tableau backdrops to display the stories as dioramasSimple, step-by-step folding instructions for each character