Coloured Aluminium Jewellery by Lindsey Mann, softback published by A&C Black. ISBN 978-1-4081-0629-7, price 16.99 available from www.acblack.com

Another fine book in the Design & Make Series. Lindsey explores the versatile medium of aluminium to the full. She explains the processes involved in using aluminium such as anodising and then goes on to look at techniques such as screen printing, digital print and resists. There is also a useful troubleshooting chapter. What really makes the book work for me is the thoroughness of its approach and the amazing versatility of the medium.

Creative Machine Embroidery by Linda Miller, softback published by AC Black. ISBN 978-1-4081-0398-2, price 15.99 from www.acblack.com

This is a textile handbook, one in a series from this reputable publisher. The instructions in this book are good and the production the same. Short yet interesting sections on many aspects of machine embroidery. It’s rather difficult to review a book when you don’t particularly feel an affinity with the work of the artist that has written it. Linda has a kind of naive, exacting style – there is no guesswork for the brain, nothing the eye has to fill in. There is also another book under the same name, written in 2003 by another author and published by Batsford and to me the latter is the better book of the two.

Scandinavian Weaving by Tina Ignell, softback published by A&C Black. ISBN 978-14081-27278, price 19.99 from www.acblack.com

A specialist publication on Scandinavian weaving. What better way to create unique fabrics with Scandinavian flair. The 45 designs have been taken from a Scandinavian magazine and feature projects for anywhere in the home. Stylish patterns from rugs, pillows and blankets to innovative table runners that incorporate fresh flowers. Delivers Scandinavian elegance into your home.

Stitchopedia by Helen Winthorpe-Kendrick, hardback, spiral-bound published by A& C Black. ISBN 978-1-4081-1998-3, price 19.99 from www.acblack.com

This book makes a big claim to be ‘the only embroidery reference you’ll ever need’. I love the images of embroidery at the beginning – very inspiring. It’s nicely laid out, a bit on the boring side but easy to understand with good diagrams and instructions on mounting, framing, design, many different types of embroidery, a definitive list of stitches and finally projects. I think the projects on the whole let it down. The book overall lacks ooph. So, for me, although it is good and wort having, there are other embroidery references and books I need.

Glass Jewellery by Yvonne Coffey, softback published by A&C Black. ISBN 978-0-7136-7940-3, price 15.99 from www.acblack.com

This book tells you all you need to know about making glass jewellery. It includes methods of working, techniques, firing and more. As one of the handbook series, this is a good introduction to the subject, but I did not find it particularly inspiring. There is some pretty cool glass jewellery out there and I did not find it in this book.

Wall Pieces by Dominique Bivar Segurado, softback published by A&C Black. ISBN 978-1-4081-0407-1, price 15.99 from www.acblack.com

The wall ornaments in this book are probably not quite what you are thinking of, large pieces, the majority would be unsuitable for the average home. There is a superb piece designed for a kitchen by Victoria Ellis and some smaller raku pieces by Emma Johnstone, but by and large, the book deals with inspiring, large-scale, installation pieces. They do, however, give an insight to what is possible in the world of ceramics. Anne Mercedes has written the first chapter.

Dry Glazes by Jeremy Jernegan, softback published by A& C Black. ISBN 978-0-7136-7671-6, price 15.99 from www.acblack.com

This is a useful ceramics handbook for all those wishing to understand and use dry glazes. Often used in sculpture, dry glazes add texture. It looks at all types of dry glaze and is amply illustrated with examples of work. Includes formulas to achieve effects. This is a comprehensive book, part of A&C Black’s acclaimed Handbook Series.

isms…Understanding Fashion by Mairi Mackenzie, softback published by Herbert Press part of A & C Black. ISBN 978-1-4081-0579-5, price 9.99 from www.acblack.com

For all those who struggle with isms in fashion, this interesting volume looks at fashion and its many categories from the seventeenth century to current fads. All the phases and crazes are here, illustrated in full colour. You get the dates, the key figures, the key attributes that typify the era. I loved this little book, it’s great fun. See how many styles you know, how many have passed through your own wardrobe. Look at what your mother or grandmother wore. It’s a superb book for the student of fashion or the budding designer.

Print Workshops Directory by Sean Rorke, softback published by A & C Black. ISBN 978-0-7136-7518-4, price 15.99 from acblack.com

More suitable for the library than the individual, this fabulous directory lists printmakers’ workshops throughout the world, but concentrating on the UK. Anyone looking to make prints but lacking the expertise or equipment can find a printmaker relatively close at hand offering facilities and workshops. My own college lecturer is listed and I would recommend him any day. Pete York runs courses in Sheffield.

This is an excellent 240 page resource. One niggle, listings are in alphabetical order by print workshop name, not by city or area.

Scarves, Collars, Ties & Belts by Christina Brodie, softback published by A & C BLack. ISBN 978-0-7136-8834-4, price 16.99 from www.acblack.com

Part of the Design & Make series, this book is well produced as all A & C Black books are, but for me the designs let this book down big-time. The Bollywood belt is the best design. Christina is an accomplished botanical artist, she also has her own website selling fabulous gloves, so she is not short on ideas. I don’t know what went wrong, but this book does not do it for me.