Handbook of Decorative Motifs

By Birthe Koustrup

Plants and flowers, borders and bouquets, popular art, chinoiserie, and faience, Koustrup, provides simple design techniques as well as more general tips on caring for plant and flower models to help ceramicists, cloth painters, embroiderers, and weavers adapt the motifs to their own styles and on their own mediums. From Kellinghusen faience patterns to floral garlands and the traditional Danish "three tulip" motif, this handbook is a rich source of inspiration for and artistic creators of all ability levels and persuasions.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393731480
• ISBN13: 9780393731484
• Release Date: August 2004
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 2.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.8" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

rare...helpful....lovely

As a professor of textiles for many years I have seen many books on design. This one is a gem. I wish I'd found it sooner. It takes a unique approach to translating the varieties of nature into the regularity of patterning without losing the richness and detail of the subject.It shows how to develop radial,circular, border, and repeat patterns.It is useful for work in ceramics, textiles,decorative painting,etc and would be enjoyed by gardeners and botanists.

Rich in Color and Style!

A wonderful reference book in styles and shapes of flowers, leaves, fish and colors. Great to use for resources by many artists. Birthe shows you how to break up a design into repeat patterns, sizes, and designs. She has wonderful flowing motifs. Great use of colors, soft to vibrant. This book should be in all artist library.