With inspiration drawn from the author's love of nature, a theme that lends itself well to cross-stitching and embroidery, this guidebook includes dozens of motifs of birds, flowers, and simple heart designs. From a colorful peacock, red roses, and sweet peas to bluebirds, owls, and patchwork hearts, the featured patterns in can be used for any number of home crafting projects, including greeting cards, framed pictures, pincushions, bookmarks, or to decorate a cushion or a bag. The simple motifs can be created individually or combined for more elaborate patterns, making this book a perfect resource for beginning and veteran stitchers. AUTHOR: Susan Bates has created designs for large department stores in London that sold designer hand knitting yarns and patterns. She has also created cross-stitch designs for other publishing companies in England, trained to be an art teacher, and has taught knitting and sewing classes to adults.