Valentines, A Collector's Guide, 1700s - 1950s, is a thorough reference for accurately dating and identifying valentines. The book's dating system uses nearly 1,300 photographed cards arranged in chronological order based on extensive research. Besides the visual arrangement, collectors will find researched lists of design trends, card subjects illustrated, and important publishers for each decade and for each different type of card. These key facts placed at the fingertips of the collector make dating and identification easy, accurate, and enjoyable. Illustrated valentines include those by anonymous and early makers from the United States, Germany, Great Britain, and Canada. Feast your eyes on lacy Victorian valentines, romantic couples, adorable children, hearts, flowers, whimsical mechanicals, dimensional tissue paper cards, sarcastic vinegar valentines, and dimensional fold down cards. Beyond the illustrated valentines, lists of non-illustrated cards by more contemporary manufacturers are compiled so collectors can identify way beyond what is illustrated. Enjoy these sentimental, entertaining tokens of love and affection in a clear, easy to understand presentation that will be an indispensable reference for anyone who loves and wants to date and identify their valentines. 2011 values.

A moving and eloquent novel about love, grief, renewal—and the powerful language of flowers. Ruby Jewell knows flowers. In her twenty years as a florist she has stood behind the counter at the Flower Shoppe with her faithful dog, Clementine, resting at her feet. A customer can walk in, and with just a glance or a few words, Ruby can throw together the perfect arrangement for any occasion. Whether intended to rekindle a romance, mark a celebration, offer sympathy, or heal a broken heart, her expressive floral designs mark the moments and milestones in the lives of her neighbors. It’s as though she knows just what they want to say, just what they need. Yet Ruby’s own heart’s desires have gone ignored since the death of her beloved sister. It will take an invitation from a man who’s flown to the moon, the arrival of a unique little boy, and concern from a charming veterinarian to reawaken her wounded spirit. Any life can be derailed, but the healing power of community can put it right again. READERS GUIDE INSIDE

With vibrant, full-color photographs and detailed instructions, Japanese Flower Wrapping shows readers how the traditional Japanese arts of origami, ikebana and gift-wrapping can be combined to create beautiful and unusual floral arrangements.Making gifts of flowers has long been a Japanese custom. Traditionally, flowers were wrapped in folded washi (Japanese paper) and tied. This practice, known as hana tsutsumi, or flower wrapping, was passed from generation to generation, going back to the time of the samurai. Few modern Japanese people are aware of this ancient style of art and it has been in danger of being forgotten. Author Mitsuko Kawata hopes to recapture the art based on the traditional practice of flower wrapping, while, at the same time incorporating a modern sensibility. She guides readers through the steps of folding decorative papers and tying them with mizuhiki (tightly twisted, long, narrow sheets of washi to which liquid glue is applied) and kimihimo (braided ropes) to fashion breathtakingly beautiful containers and arrangements. In addition to her easy-to-follow instructions, Kawata includes a section on the tying styles of Mizihiki and Kumihimo, as well as a fascinating description of washi.This unique book contains examples of arrangements for a variety of occasions, from Valentine's Day to school graduation. Another section focuses on flowers from every season, shown in arrangements from the simple to the sophisticated. Japanese Flower Wrapping is a book with wide appeal: for practitioners of ikebana and origami it will bring a new dimension to their arts. And for anyone who is looking for innovative ways to present gifts with flair and distinction, the book is sure to be a source of inspiration.

Learn the secrets to designing showstopping monochromatic arrangements in this spectacular guide from floral artist Kiana Underwood. Underwood shares her techniques for creating dazzling single-color displays using inspired ingredients, dramatic textures, and vibrant colors. Organized by season, the book includes how-tos for 40 arrangements— including a lush green display for spring, an astonishing black bouquet for summer, a striking magenta design for fall, and an unexpected, oh-so-pretty pink arrangement for winter. Featuring hundreds of eye-catching images and easy-to-follow tips throughout—such as suggestions for substituting flowers and options for both the beginner and advanced designer—this book is as useful as it is gorgeous. The ultimate resource, Color Me Floral has an extraordinary arrangement to enhance every occasion.

Do you suffer from chronic illness, insomnia, inflammation, or stress? Or are you just cannabis curious? No matter what your reasons for wanting to learn more, there is no denying the potential of hemp and CBD as a powerful solutions to a myriad of modern ailments. In Getting Baked, sustainable living expert Barb Webb takes you on an in-depth journey through everything you ever wanted to know about CBD, including the science, side effects, dosages, and benefits. You’ll also take a deep dive into herbs and botanicals that complement CBD and complete your medicinal garden. Part scientific research and part firsthand know-how, Webb rounds out her authoritative guide with dozens of recipes to enhance your experience—from smoothies and teas to CBD bath bombs and hemp body butters. Learn how CBD, hemp, and herbs can work for your body and start Getting Baked today!

My Soulful Home, A Year in Flowers offers detailed instruction for those new to floral arrangements and fresh inspiration to the experienced. Join award winning blogger Kelly Wilkniss as she seeks to elevate the every day with fresh cut beauty, illustrated with 105 gorgeous pictures.

More than anything else, colour is how people instinctively think about flowers — whether planning for a wedding, commemorating an occasion, or looking for an easy way to bring life into a space. With 400 gorgeously photographed cut flowers organized to span the full spectrum of shades, Flower Colour Guide is the essential tool for flower selection and arrangement, and a primer to understanding and appreciating flowers and colour. 'This is the book we wish we had to help us before we started,' say authors Darroch and Michael Putnam, the duo behind New York's leading floral design studio, Putnam & Putnam.

First there was "slow food." Now there's "slow flowers," local and fresh: no chemical-laden, lifeless blooms flown in from afar. Acclaimed garden writer Debra Prinzing wants to show us the rich, floral bounty closer to home. In Slow Flowers, she takes us through the seasons to create 52 vibrant, sensual bouquets using only locally sourced materials - even in winter.--

3 book set