Potpourri

Ikebana: The Art of Arranging Flowers, a classic Ikebana text, has now been completely updated for modern readers. Written by Shozo Sato, a well-respected and renowned Ikebana expert, this book presents a fascinating verview of the history of Ikebana to present day, and introduces classic Ikebana styles such as Rikka, Seika and Moribana to Freestyle. The reader is familiarized with the tools of Ikebana and the basic Ikebana flower-arranging techniques. Simple and detailed instructions guide Ikebana enthusiasts through the process of making dozens of stunning arrangements.

Drawing on years of experimentation and fine-tuning, author and chemist Dr. Robert McDaniel has developed simple instructions and recipes for making a wide variety of cold process soaps as well as melt and pour and rebatched soaps for the beginner. McDaniel instructs on how to work with fragrances, skin treatments, colors, and shapes, and discusses the aromatherapy benefits associated with many essential oils.

-25 recipes for cold process soapmaking.
-Easy to follow step-by-step instructions.
-Time-saving melt and pour and rebatch techniques.

The book's second half is devoted to potpourri, which is given the same careful treatment. A short introduction to scent in history--touching concisely upon perfumes, incense, and aromatherapy--leads into explanations of several methods for creating potpourri (fixatives, drying, storing, displaying). This is followed by specific recipes for, among others, spring, summer, and autumn medleys; energy-boosting, relaxing, and romantic scents; and themed potpourris for Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. A final section charts botanicals to grow for potpourri making, explores essential oils and their useful properties, and offers additional candle-decorating ideas. Pretty photos enhance the presentation. --Amy Handy

technique that uses fire and smoke to form unique patterns on

the glaze, has long been a favorite of ceramists. This

comprehensive overview of Raku explores the fascinating art

and its history in full detail.

Inside, readers will find information on the clay types used in

Raku and the subsequent firing process, as well as the glazes,

techniques and reproduction processes common to the art.

This new edition has been completely re-written and updated

with over 200 all new, full-color photos of beautiful Raku

pottery. It also contains an in-depth history of the origins of

Raku, its development over the last 20 years, and the changes

in techniques and perception of the art during that time.