This photo-filled guide offers you all the information you need to begin the fascinating ancient art of illumination, and then to improve your skills.

A short history of the art, including photos of some of the world's great medieval masterpieces, gives you context, and then you're introduced to the materials and basic techniques.

• First learn the proper ways of preparing your parchment, selecting pigments, gilding, and using color.
• Next, the five steps of illuminating are clearly taught in detail.
• By learning to create friezes, detailed human faces, flourishes, creatures such as dragons and elephants,  and much more, you'll discover a skill that has crossed the centuries.

Today, illumination can be used to add a special flair to diplomas, invitations, family trees, or a memorable event like a wedding, a birthday, or an anniversary.