Crafts & Skills
The Wonderful Art of Drawing Horses
by Barry Stebbing
Over 80 fun lessons take young artists from the basics of drawing through developing intermediate art techniques to learning from the masters. Along the way, children will learn how to apply their new skills to horses of different breeds and in different poses. Spiral-bound. Read more »
The Art of Drawing and Painting Horses
by Walter Foster
Several artists share their expertise on capturing the grace and personality of horses. Step-by-step lessons demonstrate both basic and advanced techniques for pencil, watercolor, oil, acrylic, and pastel, each lesson culminating in a beautiful work of art. Paperback. Read more »
Music Practice: The Musician’s Guide to Practicing and Mastering Your Instrument Like a Professional
by David Dumais
No matter what instrument you play, you will find this little book a great help in developing good practicing habits. Includes incredibly effective exercises for learning a variety of skills, including playing in tempo, improving your ear, memorizing music, and performing in public. Paperback or Kindle. Read more »
The Banjo Encyclopedia: Bluegrass Banjo from A to Z
by Ross Nickerson
Nickerson starts with the basics of banjo technique, including hand position, rolls, scales, hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, and chokes. Then he moves on to examine some of the most popular bluegrass banjo styles (Scruggs, melodic, and single-string) and ways to combine them. Subsequent chapters discuss other topics of importance to banjo players like improvising, jamming, and using a capo. Paperback/CD set. Read more »
Tony Trischka’s Essential Practice Techniques for Bluegrass Banjo
by Tony Trischka
This resource can help the beginning banjo player build a solid foundation, or it can help an intermediate player brush up on a few skills. Topics covered include rhythm, standard rolls, right-hand technique, playing by ear, and effective practicing. DVD. Read more »
Essential Techniques for Mandolin
by Chris Thile
Chris Thile explores the principles of mandolin technique, including right-hand technique, left-hand technique, scales, and more. Great choice for those have just taken up mandolin and are ready to progress to the next level. DVD. Read more »
You Can Teach Yourself Dobro
by Janet Davis
Offers a logical sequence to learning this unique instrument, starting with the basics and using previous skills as a foundation for new skills. The book is divided into lessons, early lessons covering essential technique and subsequent lessons introducing a mix of music theory principles, improvisation exercises, and advanced slide techniques. Paperback or Kindle. Read more »
Homemade Cards: Fresh Techniques and Ideas for Making Your Own Cards
by Charlene Kennell
Gather an inexpensive collect of basic supplies, then set to work using the elements of good card design to create an attractive card tailored to that special person in your life. Top it off with a message from the heart. Paperback. Read more »
Kids Knitting
by Melanie Falick
Although this book is simple and inviting enough to make a great resource for children, it’s helpful for beginners of all ages, as well! Part of the appeal of Kids Knitting is that the knitter learns by creating interesting and useful projects ranging from backpacks to sweaters. Paperback or hardcover. Read more »
HomeMade: 101 Easy-to-Make Things for Your Garden, Home, or Farm
by Ken Braren & Roger Griffith
Build anything from a gate to a cold frame to a basement closet. Drawings and summaries are included for each project, and dimensions are also included for many of them. Paperback or Kindle. Read more »
Field Dressing and Butchering Deer: Step-by-Step Instructions, From Field to Table
by Monte Burch
Clear instructions supplemented with illustrations make it easy to learn how to shoot, field dress, skin, butcher, and cook a deer that you will enjoy eating. More experienced hunters will appreciate the extensive recipe section, demonstrating the incredible versatility of venison. Hardcover, paperback, or Kindle. Read more »
