Furniture Books

This is a real how-to book with great illustrations and pictures which make the construction techniques really come to life. It is a great resource for those who want to create a classic look with readily available and easy to work with materials such as plywood and stock lumber. I appreciated the step-by-step narrative supporting the illustrations and the practically endless options provided for personalizing the mantel with finishes and detail moldings. The book is a must have for those who want to replace their exising mantel with a new look at a low cost but, at the same time, want to draw praise for their handywork. A great addition to your woodworking library.

The book details about 30 projects, some of which are simple enough for beginners to get to learn their tools (hanging display shelf, candle shelf) and some others are more complex and will definitely need more than one week-end to build(corner cupboard, narrow Amish cabinet, dry sink). At the beginning of each section, you get a picture of the original antique from which the plans were "extracted" and some of its history. You then get detailed instructions for building the replica.

The book also includes terrific "ShopSmarts" tips such as resawing techniques, raised panel techniques and antique finishing methods.

I'd only wish there was another book (part 2?) with some more projects.

An illustrated guide to the works of more than 300 artists craftsmen.

Published by the Crafts Advisory Committee/British Crafts Centre

Printed in Great Britain

This book gives a sample of the artist work in black and white pictures, the artist name, where their shop or gallery is located and a write up about their work. Artists are from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, West Germany, Canada, Eire, Gwynedd, Gwent, West Glamorgan, Spain and one from the U.S. (Weaving, Helena Hernmarck). There are artist that do glass, leather, lettering, metal items, musical instruments, pottery, textiles, wood, furniture, toys and puppets.

Example:

Dennis Woolley with address, phone number, when you can visit. He makes harpsichords, spinets and clavischords based on or copied from classical instruments. It gives his qualifications and a picture of a spinet. It also tells that he sells direct to clients.

A really interesting book!

A pity the publisher has not kept this book in print. Almost every wookworker has a trim/scrap pile that begs to be used. This book is crammed with projects to use those scraps and to recycle any old crates or pallets you have access to. This book should be a must for every woodworker or cabinet maker no matter how advanced they are.

One might argue that a cruising sailboat doesn't need and wouldn't benefit from a woman's touch. And I'd have to agree with you, your boat will sail on just fine without it. It'll sail on just fine without a woman too and I know some cruising sailors who have made that decision, some cruising writers too. However, in my opinion it's just better if you have a woman aboard and if like most of us, you do, then Janet Groene has written an essential book for her. One that will help you and your mate turn your floating home into a real home.

A note here: I am one of those guys who is currently sailing alone, but that does not mean I'm not looking. Plus, I'm the kind of guy who likes a homey looking boat, so even though I don't have a woman on board at the moment, I am making use of this fine book.

I ordered this book because I've become interested in the process of sculpting with concrete. There is so little information out there! I read this two times, from cover to cover, in one sitting. I currently sculpt with metal, so this book just helped everything fall into place. By watching a project unfold, I was given insight into timing projects, possible disasters, and the vast potential of this medium. This was money well spent, and I can't wait to get into the studio and start playing.

The author shows how to transform new and old, outdate furniture with paint finish techniques. The book is broken down into a variety of easy to follow methods. Large full color step-by-step photographs show the reader how to acheive successful results. A novice can understand the instructions and get results quickly. Techniques that are especially attractive: faux leather look, patina verdigris, painted mosaics, crackle finish. From the start to the last page- a wealth of valuable information on painting and decorating furniture. Highly recommended for any "do-it-yourself" furniture and home decorators

This book inspired me to create a scarecrow for my backyard in San Francisco. My sons and I had a ball recycling junk to make our Garden Goddess. I thought this book had fantastic seasonal ideas. The Pumpkin Shepherd is adorable for fall. My sons can hardly wait to create the White Rabbit in the spring and what a great way to recycle all those white plastic bags. What an excellent family activity. My other favorites are the One Man Band made with an old chair and tomatoe cage and the Junction City Jug Band with plastic milk jugs for heads. What an inspirational and creative way to take items that are considered junk and turn them into something magical. The illustrations are really well done. Thanks for writing this book! Happy foraging!

THIS BOOK CONTAINS EXCELLENT INFORMATION FOR THOSE WHO TAKE PRIDE IN DOING IT YOURSELF AND FOR THOSE WHO NEED SOLUTIONS FOR PROBLEM DECORATING AREAS BUT DO NOT HAVE THE FUNDS FOR THOSE FLOORS, WALLS, ETC., WHICH THEY MIGHT CHOOSE.

There are so many ideas in this book I've never seen before using things you already have. The best part is the individuality
of all the options.. Things that are truly original but pleasing to the eye as well.