Literally a classroom-in-a-book, this engaging volume enables virtually anyone with a band saw, rotary power tool and a few of the most common cutting burrs to bring birds, fish, and even penguins to life beautifully Professional artist-woodcarver Gene Larson demonstrates in words and pictures why he concentrates on simplicity of form, and how even a beginner can use a block of wood the way a sculptor would use a piece of marble. With a unique ability to reduce a complicated subject to its most basic components, Gene provides step-by-step guidance (from the wood block up) on the creation of...

America in the nineteenth century Victorian age was changing as fast as the engines of the Industrial Revolution could carry it. At every turn, Flow Blue was there, first sparking the interest of the affluent and later the middle class with its rich colors and complete table services. This book puts Flow Blue in its historical context and covers the British, American and European manufacturers who produced it, the exhibitions that promoted it, the people who owned it and what moved them to buy it. Over 500 color photographs present the variety of forms and patterns in these popular wares from...

Accomplished carver Cleve Taylor brings the hard-working western cowboy to life in basswood. A combination of exacting detail and wry good humor make his carvings unique. Now Cleve shares his carving methods, combining hand and power tools, with you. Follow the detailed and lively instructions presented here to learn his techniques for creating western art. Each step is well illustrated with full color photographs. Once the piece has been carved, Cleve provides detailed instructions for painting and finishing the work. Patterns for four cowboys and a horse are provided. An additional pattern...

Spread Christmas cheer with festive necklaces, pins and earrings of your own making. Patterns for endearing angels, Christmas trees, gifts, holly, gingerbread men, teddy bears, and old Saint Nick himself are provided along with Bridget Albano's easily followed instructions and clear color photography. With a few simple tools, everyone--from the youngest to the oldest--will enjoy this book. The polymer clays Bridget uses are among the most versatile materials ever invented. Relatively soft and easy to form, they will not harden until baked. Once baked, the clays stay hard, durable, waterproof,...

From the author of Flow Blue and Historical Flow Blue, a field guide to this captivating nineteenth century collectible. An indispensible reference, it provides basic definitions of Flow Blue wares and offers 100's of color photographs. Whit this book in hand, the reader will be able to identify and date Flow Blue ware with confidence. A Values Reference is included to help the collector. This book is a must for anyone who collects these avidly-sought and highly-prized Victorian services.

Building upon his previous book, Sculpting Miniature Military Figures, Kim Jones shows how his various techniques and hand-made tools can make the sculptor's project easier. Kim gives tips on constructing weapons, adding straps and belts to a figure, and creating realistic terrain using materials that can be found around the house. In this new book, Kim helps solve some of the seemingly difficult problems that can confront the novice sculptor. Each technique is detailed using close-up photography and clear, concise captions to explain every step. This book is a must for not only military...

From the early years of the twentieth century to the 1980s, the A. E. Hull Pottery Company has produced imaginative ceramics that have entranced both consumers and collectors alike. Hundreds of brilliant color photographs present a sweeping survey of the broad scope of Hull pottery produced over many decades. Novelty items, flower pots, cookie jars and containers, vases, and serving wares are all included in this informative book. Additionally, a brief history of the company, an examination of its many manufacturer's marks, an Index, and a Bibliography are included. Revised values for the...

Mice make wonderful carving subjects. Their high-speed antics and busy, scampering ways always attract attention and are the stuff of countless stories. The carving project presented here features an industrious mouse who, having gathered up a plump strawberry for dinner, has paused to enjoy the cooling shade of a strawberry leaf before heading home. The mouse, strawberry, and strawberry leaf are carved separately from unseasoned (or green) white pine. Over 230 color photographs and clear, concise instructions guide the reader through each and every step, making the process both enjoyable and...

This is an expansive introduction to the popular ceramics produced by the prolific Hall China Company of East Liverpool, Ohio, beginning in 1903. Over 600 brilliant color photographs display these popular pottery wares, ranging from coffee pots and mixing bowls to refrigerator wares and teapots, in both solid color glazes and beautiful decorations including Autumn Leaf, Crocus, Silhouette, and many more. A history of the company, manufacturer's marks, an extensive bibliography, an index, and current market values are included in this fascinating study of one of America's most prolific pottery...

Franciscan dining services have graced table tops since 1930s. These colorful ceramics, potted in both earthenware and china and in a wide array of varying patterns and shapes, have come to the attention of collectors in recent years. A wide range of patterns and forms are captured here in over 700 beautiful color photographs. Individual patterns are portrayed, along with five-piece table settings and a variety of serving dishes. Museum pieces and advertising signs round out the presentation in this wide ranging text. A history of the Franciscan ware potteries is included, along with their...