Barbara Purchia

Featuring the work of dozens of talented artists, this richly illustrated and redesigned sequel to Fairy Homes & Gardens further spurs the imagination with images and stories of more than 50 new fairy dwellings. Fairies—those mythical sprites of folktales and daydreams—are an enduring source of fascination to humans. Designing, creating, and maintaining fairy dwellings and gardens has become popular as an artistic endeavor, family activity, or form of meditation. Published in 2014, Barbara Purchia and E. Ashley Rooney's Fairy Homes & Gardens has transported thousands of readers to the magical realm of fairy gardening. In the ensuing years, fairy homes and gardens have become much more than a fleeting trend, establishing a perennial pastime for people of all ages. A treasure trove of ideas, this inspiring follow-up features • images and stories of more than 50 new projects that encompass a wide variety of fairy dwellings—communities, cottages, houses, castles, chalets, and other serendipitous structures, • creations by more than two dozen of the most talented and innovative artists creating fairy environments, • a special chapter on fairy accessories, including furniture, doors, swings, and the other creature comforts that fairies appreciate, • an appendix spotlighting plants that are ideal for incorporation into fairy gardens, and • a foreword that tells the story of Florence Griswold Museum's wildly popular Wee Faerie Garden event. Appealing to fairy enthusiasts and nature lovers of all ages, this book provides bold inspiration to help readers embark on a creative and relaxing pursuit that takes them directly into the world of fairy magic.

In this collection of works by more than 25 contemporary ice artists, discover a fascinating art medium defined by its ephemeral nature. Merging creativity and engineering, today’s ice artist can create incredibly complex artwork, featured here in more than 150 photos. Ice sculpting's history and impact are described by champion sculptor James Stugart, including events such as the ice festival in Harbin, China. Sculpting firm owner Justin Gordon explains the tools and techniques, and Dick Brickley, former chair of the BP World Ice Arts Championships held in Fairbanks, Alaska, relates the history of this largest international competition. As sculptor Ben Firth says, "Carving ice is a good reminder that no art lasts forever; that, in the end, art is not about creating a permanent object, but about changing people."

Part performance art and part engineering, sand sculpture has become amazingly sophisticated as artists explore the boundaries of their skill with sand as a medium. Within a very short time, a sculptor can create an awesome, thought-provoking experience that will completely vanish after a few weeks. The photographs are all that’s left. Barbara Purchia and E. Ashley Rooney take you on a round-the-world tour of sandscapes showcasing a dazzling array of sculptural figures, forms, and styles. Behind-the-scenes interviews with the sand masters reveal what motivates them and how they approach their art. Todd Vander Pluym, the world's premier sand artist and president of Sand Sculptors International (SSI), shares a contemporary history of sand sculpture, and renowned international sculptor Kirk Rademaker describes how he built a new life around this ephemeral medium. The images of these art pieces will have you wanting to stick your toes in the sand!

Nearly 600 brilliantly detailed photos capture the work of 112 glass artists and show the tremendous diversity, depth, and breadth of how this ancient medium is used in the twenty-first century. New and emerging glass artists are featured together with well-known experts, and all of them challenge the boundaries of familiar techniques. Many of these artists also teach or continue research into the capabilities of glass. Many have won major awards; still others have been the subject of media attention; and many are mentors and leaders of contemporary glass art. Their towering installations, miniscule insects, glass kimonos, and more will inspire everyone interested in appreciating, working with, or collecting glass.

Many supernatural creatures are said to inhabit our world. Their magical, wonderland realm has been the subject of many books, movies, and our childhood dreams. In this richly illustrated book, 30 designers from around the world transform natural settings into enchanting displays that recreate that sense of wonder. Using artificial flowers, fabric, sticks, wire, crystals, berries, acorns, baskets, and polymer clay, these designers have been inspired to create their own “once upon a time” fairy home and garden for special events, storytelling, or just because they believe in fairies. In doing so, they tap into our inner child and help us to imagine a new world. This is a wonderful resource for designers and artists, as well as parents, teachers, or anyone looking to create their own magical place.