Furniture Books

I'm a woodworker, so when I was at the local tool store, I started thumbing through this book. The book is a wonderful survey of current woodworking. I saw lots of stuff that I'd love to build. When I saw a certain floor lamp very much like one I have been mentally designing, I bought the book.

This book can best be described as fancy, "glossy catalog."

One very helpful item is a summary of the 'terms and conditions' of the various craftspersons--required deposit, lead times, whether there is a charge for design work, etc. Apparently, I might be able to ask for (and receive) more from my clients.

I love this book. It is filled with beautiful, unique pieces of furniture. There are a few extreme designs, but most of the pieces you could imagine having in your own home. All of the pictures are in color and a good size so you can see the details clearly. Besides giving the names and postal addresses of the craftsmen, the author also furnishes websites and email addresses for many of them. In the back there is a regional index and a style index which are both very useful. Even though this book is paperback, I think it would make a great coffee table book because every aspect of it is beautifully designed; the text, the photographs and the layout.

(I looked over this book in the store, and hope to get it for Christmas)

Lots of great pictures! If you are a long time Fine Woodworking reader you will recognize many of them. However, you notice other nuances when they are placed with unseen pictures of the craftsman's other work.

The wide variety of styles is very useful for forming your own sense of design and proportion. You see traces of James Krenov's style on many pages. I found it more useful and inspiring than Taunton's Design Book series.

If you were looking to hire somone to make you a custom piece I suspect this book would be quite a help, but I'm looking at it as more of a survey of current work. I plan to use it to help refine where I want to go with my own furniture design and woodworking.

-Jeff

This is the perfect present to give someone who thinks that the art of making fine furniture is a dying one. In it are representative works by 125 of our finest craftsfolk. Here you will find artists who extends styles which have become timeless without ever being imitative (Robert Stevenson and Jeffrey Greene), woodworkers who are intent in opening new avenues of creativity (Tom Hobgood and Christoph Neander), and every variation in between. And each and every one is a master of the craft.

In a sense, this is a puff book - created to facilitate the contact between the artist and the knowledgeable consumer. Each furniture maker gets two beautifully printed pages to present their work and their ideas. Not very much room, when you think of it. Reading the book is like spending a day at the very best custom furniture show in the world. And like a good show, the submissions were juried by a panel to ensure that promotional or not, the contents were the genuine article.

I bought the book to look for some ideas for furniture - not to buy, but to build. If I look too long I get a bit depressed as I realize how much more skilled these makers are than I am. But it is an inspiration, and, eventually, it helped me make what I wanted to do a bit finer in concept. If you love to look at fine things, or are one of the fortunate who can look forward to having them, this book is a homage to artistry that is a combination of great imagination and the skill to execute it.

You've seen all those lovely one or two page articles and photos in the popular magazines about how to do vinegar graining on furniture, boxes, and frames, but they left you wanting more. Well, look no further, for this is THE answer. Loads of pictures with the author working on all kinds of stuff. Lots of different tools to use. Very detailed...this author shares his love for this craft (really artistry) and his sources with you in this book. You'll even want to sign up for his workshop in Philadelphia, PA if you can't get enough here! AND...don't forget to add these to your list as they will round out your selection of decorative painting books/photos/techniques: THE ART OF FAUX by Finkelstein, PROFESSIONAL PAINTED FINISHES by Marx, and FOLK FINISHES by Teles. You won't go wrong by adding one or all of these to your shopping cart. Knowledge is power...and these books give you the power to do great things with glazes and paint!

I've been looking for a book on this topic for a long time. I had seen some examples of vinegar painting in a magazine and was blown away by the wonderful dimensional effects it produces but the article contained no instructions as that artist called the process his "secret". Well, Bill Russell (bless him) is an artist who's happy to tell how it's done. This beautiful book is full color with very complete instructions and photos for creating the dimensional illusions which are the hallmark of vinegar painting. Personally, I think the results exceed most of the time- consuming oil paint approaches. The supplies are basic and affordable and it's a very health-friendly art form. The effects can be varied endlessly to give you completely unique designs that can be used together in a project without becoming repetitious to view. I'm surprised vinegar painting hasn't become more well known to artists as it is surely the most user-friendly way to create sophisticated faux-texture effects. People invariably look at my vinegar paint pieces in amazement and ask how in the world I did that (it looks like it takes forever--it doesn't). Maybe no one else has been able to find instructions either...

If you're interested in creating stunning paint effects that (almost)no one else is doing, you will love this book. I think this is the only book currently available on the topic (I certainly did look) but it really is the only one you need.

Don't let the title fool you.
This book is for anyone who does decorative painting, not just furniture.
I just recieved my copy and am having a ball experimenting with all the great information I have found in this book.
Most of my painting is on the paper mache objects I create, but I see more wonderful possibilities for more vinegar painting.
Like the room divider/screens I purchased for a steal this summer
at yard sales. I kept wondering what can I do to make these screens look unique and different. I found my answer in this great book.
I highly recommend this book. It's a real treasure!

Many years ago I was at a stranger's house (maybe the house was for sale or for rent), and I saw the most beautiful painted piece of furniture. This armoire was finished in a variety of rich brown textures, and I asked the woman how it had been done. Although she was the artist, she was very secretive, admitting only that she had used a wine bottle cork to produce one pattern.
Since then I've been looking for a book that would show me how to create these results. I've bought at least a dozen 'paint your furniture' books, but they focused on flat applications of paint. Admittedly pretty, I wanted instead to produce the illusion of depth and exotic wood grainlines that I had seen.
Yesterday I received Bill Russell's book, and this book reveals the secret! The pictured projects are gorgeous, the illustrated instructions are some of the clearest and easiest to understand that I've ever seen in hundreds of how-to books, and the necessary supplies are explained in detail.
Bill uses a variety of tools to manipulate his paint, but not a cork. Yet following his explanations I can see how to use one, both on its side and using the end. Bill suggests making sample boards out of inexpensive cardboard to test colors and techniques. What would happen if I used a sponge? A piece of crumpled cloth or lace? Based on his solid basics, a decorative artist could have a ball exploring the possibilities. But one doesn't have to be an artist to produce lovely results using Bill's suggested colors and combinations. What a fantastic book!

I have emjoyed this book immensely at first reading. I bought it inorder to make the modern livingroom featured in the back of the book. The pictures are fantastic and clear and almost lifesize. The directions for making the furniture and accessories are concise and readable. The author really took the time to tell us how to create the same beautiful rooms she herself built and decorated. Bravo to the author and her photographer! My favorite rooms next to the modern livingroom is the country kitchen and the red dinner. I am a fan of Kathy Dalmeny for life!

Wow... This book is as good as travelling to Europe and visiting stately homes. The attention to detail is stunning and I loved the ornate rooms 17th & 18th centaury rooms. Any miniature maker who is looking for inspiration and has an interest in history should buy this book.

As with her previous book it has a European slant and I would love for her to visit the US and do a book on period American houses.

My advice is buy this book and never listen to nay sayers! Keep up the good work

If you are looking for that reference book for everything-you-need-to-know about miniatures and how to create them, then this is the perfect edition for you. Everything in this publication is imaginative and very useful for those who wish to make their own miniatures from scratch. The ideas for room settings are unique and there's something to please all ages and generations. I found it an extremely well set out volume and have some new ideas for future projects. Very recommended.

This book features dollhouse rooms specializing in certain historic areas including Renaissance (the Tudor dining room), the Colonial dining room, and the 1950's style diner. My favor is the curiosity shop. It is so full of detailed items that you just can't believe it's a dollhouse.

The photos cover two whole pages together and really provide an up close look at the way the rooms were made, etc. In addition to the beautiful photos, the author also includes the basics of dollhouse accessories (how to make miniature food, furniture, etc). She includes selected projects from each period room and shows you how to reproduce it using simple materials such as glue and paint. Her instructions are clear, simple, and easy. Some people might not like the fact that not all of the items are included but that's ok. I think from the selected instructions and the inspiration you're bound to get from this book, you'll be able to figure out how to make them yourself.

Well worth adding to your antiques library! Emyl Jenkins covers both antiques of today plus which items will become the antiques of tomorrow. Well written with good pictures.

This book does just what the title says. An excellent reference book for just about everything a person might come across in garage sales, collectible stores, auctions, and attics. Fun to read and indexed very well. Learned a great deal from it.

Emyl Jenkins "Appraisal Book" is written for any level of antiques collector. She defines what antiques are, categorizes many periods, styles and different types of antiques, as well as collectibles, and helps the reader understand how to begin the process of valuing an antique. She uses humor and a down-to-earth approach to make her points, and makes the entire process of "antiquing" approachable even to a novice collector.

This book was a lot like "Fake, Fraud or Genuine" in terms of identification content. I was hoping for a book that would help me find out where some of the odd old things I have came from.

This book tells the reader how to recognize pieces that are truly old, and explains the differences between truly old furniture, new furniture made from pieces of old furniture, reproductions, and other categories of collectible pieces.

It also has vast sections on cataloging and documenting for insurance and other valuation purposes, and working with appraisers.

If you want to share your joy of gardening with your children this is the book for you - you do need some construction skills for all these projects - but worth it - THE bean house is unbelievable - I know my kids will be in there all summer.

A gorgeous fantasy for the gardener who wants everything, replete with color photographs, charts and plans, the Gertleys' combinations of flowers and vegetables in formal designs satisfy the desire for beauty, productivity and the urge to impress the neighbors.

Beginning with an overview of gardens of the past, the authors proceed to design, discussing elements of color, texture and space and offering specific and detailed photos and plans for gardens inspired by anything from quilts to honeycombs to a scaled down version of the kitchen garden at the Chateau de Villandry in France.

In addition to detailed designs, the Gertleys offer guidelines and advice for drawing on your own inspiration, from mixing colors and adding elements of texture (organic or artificial) to plant height and arrangement. On the less creative side of things, they discuss planting timing and harvesting, growing from seed and buying seedlings and garden preparation and maintenance.

The practical advice is basic; useful but almost an afterthought. Weeds, for instance, don't get mentioned until page 134. The designs, however, are well illustrated - from flourishing result back to graph paper plot and plant placement. This is a book for gardeners with time and ambition and dreamers who just love to look.

This book has straightforward directions, excellent diagrams, and wonderful ideas. There is a great playhouse with a tudor facade but whose roof and walls are pole beans, an ocean scene with porpoises swimming through lobelia (appealing to a transplant from Seattle now in the landlocked desert of UT), a giant sundial with flowers marking the hours, a simple but lovely arbor, and more. Several projects assume relatively sophisticated painting skills (tole type) and are way beyond what I could (or care) to do, but one never expects to love everything in a book. When I found myself rereading this book on each trip to the bookstore, I realized it was time to own it (I'm not an impluse buyer).

You'll need access to a round saw and a table saw,or someone willing to cut for you, but the designs are simple enough for most anyone.

This book has turned my children into wild eyed gardeners! After plowing through "The Family Garden" the kids were crazed with inspiration. Armed with shovels and seed packets, they've transformed our backyard into a mini-Disneyland! A must have book for any parent.

Now this is how a book of this type should be done. Nice easy to read detail/plan layouts/etc. Nicely done color photos. This book is a excellent choice.

This book is a standout because every piece in it is an elegant classic worthy of the effort required to build it. I don't know of any other book for which I'd make that assertion. More often books have just a few designs that meet the requirements of truly elegant proportions, classic design and practical utility for a modern home, while the majority of plans given are historically interesting but often display awkward proportions and have little practical value for the way we live now, and the spaces we live in. Not all old designs are good designs! The title of this book, "Fine Furniture for a Lifetime," is appropriate because the designs are so excellent that you'll never in your lifetime come to the realization that you've outgrown them, which can happen with lesser designs. Instead, I think you'll appreciate them more as your design sense matures.

The author's constructed examples are beautifully done, from what is often magnificent wood. The process photographs are clear and informative. The construction steps are well organized and presented. Suggested techniques are professional.

I do have one criticism, and that's regarding the drawings. All of them are done as an exploded view, and in perspective. Only a few dimensions are given on the drawings. You're required to refer to a separate cutting list to get the actual measurements. There are no straight on elevation or plan drawings. These drawings are well done, and together with the cutting lists the information's all there. But you have to labor intellectually a bit more than otherwise necessary to make sense of it. This is in contrast to the furniture drawings of Carlyle Lynch or Franklin Gottshall, for example, who do give you fully dimensioned plan and elevation drawings, and also perspective exploded views where needed. But in my opinion the designs in this book justify the additional effort required.

I own this book and "Building Fine Furniture" (also by Glen Huey). They are both very detailed, providing complete cut lists, exploded diagrams of each piece, and thorough instructions with plenty of pictures.

I haven't built any of the pieces in the book, but I've use several of the techniques described in other pieces.

Great book, I've not made anything from it, but I like the new way that they are printing these How-To books. Lots of pictures 4-5 per page with assembly instructions explaining the pictures. It makes it easier than 2-3 pages of instructions, and you guessing how it all goes together.

This book shows it all. If you are a carpenter, or want to be one, this book will show you in exhaustive detail how to do finish work. I can say that the tricks learned in this gem of a book have really benefited me, and increased my living as a carpenter. A must have.

If there is a textbook for finish carpentry this is it and Gary Katz is the professor. If its not in here you can generalize the techniques in the book to figure out how to do it. I wish I could apprentice for Gary Katz. OOOOHHHH hes my idol.

I'm a DIY'er who's tackled projects ranging from electrical to roofing to tile. My experience with finish carpentry was pretty much limited to base molding and the replacement of doors and their casing. I recently purchased a new home, and while walking through various model homes, I really fell in love with the finish carpentry upgrades such as crown molding, coffered ceilings and library-paneled walls. The problem with buying those types of upgrades from a home builder (or from a contractor) is the exorbitant cost. I initially bought this book in the hopes it would get me comfortable in installing crown moulding in a couple of rooms in my new home, but the more time I spend reading it, the more confident I feel in attempting projcets that are much more complex - and rewarding. Crown will now be in the rooms with the LEAST amount of treatment. This book contains many pictures and diagrams that, combined with the text, serve to really simplify the steps for a wide range of projects. The book also includes many tips that help people like me avoid angst and marital problems (like when and when not to use MDF, how to compensate for shoddy construction, etc). The best part is if I don't quite understand something the first time, I can read it again and again until it finally clicks. I've gone from looking at ornate projects and guessing how they were done to KNOWING how they were done, and being confident enough to attempt them myself.

Although the book has a lot of pictures (none in color), It is very comprenhensive. It covers diverse issues usually found in separate books:
Closets, bookshelves, hanging doors and windows, fireplace mantels, curved woodwork, etc.

All the chapters detail very well every project in a professional way: professional tools and methods to accomplish taks efficiently and economicaly. Do not expect a boring book to explain how to use every single tool or a buying guide.

This books goes directly to the target.
Great book to combine with other of the Taunton's books of the series "Build Like a Pro" or the "Traditional Woodwork : Adding Authentic Period Details to Any Home" of Mario Rodriguez.

The missing star is because of the lack of pictures in color.

These authors are among the best at recreating the look of old painted furniture/folk art. Very clear pictures are helpful. Also, they use an easy recipe (basically, vinegar, honey and pigment) which is easy to concoct for new users, unlike mesy oil based potions or those horribly complex formulae or lousy British-based ingredients which noone has ever heard of or found. For as cloise to instant gratification as you can get, this is the book to order for all beginners and intermediate grainers. (Advanced finishers can write heir own book.....) Enjoy!!

An incredible book which quickly became on of my favorite reference materials when studying antique painted furniture and reproducing authentic designs. Contains tips and techniques for your own projects and presents a good array of antique items as well. Very authoritative and offers sound advice on how to pull off complex projects without the complexities involved.

I used to reproduce painted pieces for top name American furniture manufacturers. I worked on projects with the late Dr. Robert Bishop, former curator of the American Museum of Folk Art. We used authentic items in the collection as study guides. He once asked me to come to New York and conduct a workshop. Unfortuately my schedule could not allow it at the time.

This is the workshop book you need. This is outstanding in design and concept. This was not around when I was doing this professionally and had to rely on my own talent, resources, and old texts to be my guide. Now it is all simplified in this one book.

You can buy 100 books on the subject. But this is the only one you will need.

This book does the best job I know of showing wood graining, vinegar paint finishes, and Rufus Porter style landscape painting that I know of, and is also very sound on marbleizing. The illustrations and photo gallery are the best I have seen in any book anywhere. It has a narrow focus on doing Early American style furniture, but if you have any interest in this area you need to have this book. 7 stars!

You've seen those wonderful grained picture frames or pieces offurniture in the shops for thousands, but never went to a classbecause it was too expensive or none was offered in your area. This book is the answer to your prayers! It is filled with loads of photos of antiques and furniture, etc. that have been decorated with vinegar glazes or with handsome primative-style murals. It is also one of the few books that even reveals how to do smoke graining...the whispy finish on many an old rocking horse or on furniture and smalls. Just add this to your shelf which should also include THE ART OF FAUX by Finkelstein, PROFESSIONAL PAINTED FINISHES by Marx, and DECORATIVE FURNITURE FINISHES WITH VINEGAR PAINT by Russell. All are well worth the investment. Happy Painting!

I have almost finished building the summerhouse in Garden Retreats. It overlooks a bay where swan , ducks and other birds come over every day to watch my progress. This has been one of the most gratifying projects I have ever attempted. It has been time consuming, but worth it. I have even put in electric as suggested in the book. I highly recommend this book and this project. Once I got the summerhouse enclosed, I could trim out the interior and it was plenty warm inside the space. I can't wait until summer when I can sit inside the summerhouse and watch the sun go down.

When you make a garden, it doesn't matter what type of garden it is. You will still need structure to help tie it to the earth and sky. Whether you opt for a small arbor or a charming playhouse, this book has ideas and plans to help you fill your garden with structures. From practical plans for garden sheds to fun plans for gazebos, Garden Retreats by David and Jeanie Stiles has ideas for any gardener who enjoys working with wood.

Section one of this book covers the basics of building garden structures and fencing. This section covers topics such as planning, types of wood to use, and how to set corner markers. Section two covers garden seating. This section has clear, simple to follow directions for each piece, from a simple garden bench to a lovely pergola. Section three is called special places in the garden, and covers everything from arbors to arched gates. Finally, section four discusses garden shelters. I especially liked the garden shower, but there are also structures such as summerhouses and gazebos, as well.

This book includes directions and plans for over twenty garden structures. The plans are clear and the directions are easy to follow. I have several of these projects on my list of things to do next year.

Both my husband and I really enjoyed this book. The projects are interesting and the pencil drawings are great.In one case, we used their project as a starting point and went from there.

Most of the projects are NOT simple DIY stuff, so make sure you want do do a project that is covered in the book. It is not a generalized building manual that is applicable to building in general.

To complete the projects, you will need a good table saw, radial saw, circular saw or compound mitre saw, a good jig saw or band saw, portable drill or drill press, and power sander such as a 5 or 6 inch orbital sander or belt sander, plus the usual standard hand tools.

This is one I'll keep going back to -- in fact some of these projects are really do-able! My only caveat is that the type face, although pretty, is difficult for old eyes to make out even with reading glasses. Fortunately the pictures are lovely enough to be worth the price, all by themselves.

Paul does a good job of explaining the construction process,lavishly illustrated with clear photos and drawings. There are many nice projects by the author and others.

This book is perfect for the beginning to intermediate woodworker who has a table saw and plate joiner and needs some guidance on how to use them on projects. Also ideal for swiping ideas or just learning how to do some simple case construction.

The best part of this book is the first twenty two pages. Paul explains customizing and planning a design to fit your need and then goes into working with different materials. He even explains and has a drawing to show the proper way to install a screw. His information on joinery is easy to understand with the shop drawings to help explain them. Most people think you need a large selection of tools to build a project, not so as is demonstrated with the list Paul gives you. Layout and stock preperation along with the triangular marking system is information every woodworker should know to make a project easier to build, and finally someone gives us a simple finish to put on a project instead of worrying about using expensive spray equipment. Throughout the book there are many tips that can be applied to any project. The photos are great, the book is well written with some fantastic projects anyone would be proud to show off in their home. Thanks Paul for a great addition to my library and my shop.

Taunton Press realizes that a how-to book must not only deliver in content, but must be able to stand the abuse that taking it to the shop can cause. They use a slick cover and page material that looks like it could be damp-mopped many times without wilting. The content will also pass the test of time without wilting also. Anthony has brought six great woodworkers, including himself, to take on thirteen different storage projects.

There is probably not a project in this book that anyone would have a problem with. The attention to detail is amazing; from the complete and accurate cut-lists, to the step by step written procedure for each operation with outstanding photographs to illustrate what tool or machine to use. We have all been advised to do "dry clamp-ups" to make sure of glueing sequence and optimum clamp placement. This is covered in detail on almost every project.

For those of you who are Turners, you get your chance on the legs of the Storage Bench, and Allen Spooner shows how to book-match veneer for the Man's Jewelry Box.

I have found Anthony's book to be more than worthwhile addition to my library, and I am sure you will also. Where else can you get working drawings, great instructions and photographs for thirteen projects for this price?

Paul Anthony's new 'Home Storage Projects' from Taunton Press is not a run-of-the-mill 'store-it' campaign. He teaches fine woodworking along the way, with items as simple as a CD cabinet or pantry door storage. For those who want more complicated pieces, he offers a bench with curved, sleigh-bed end handles and a built-in of under-bed storage with a pedestal and drawers that roll out on both sides. He shows how to construct a printer stand that looks elegant enough to be a display case in a living room.

A long kitchen work station, a file cabinet, and a desktop organizer designed for real storage of work at hand, are some of the projects included. A mobile closet for guests, a man's jewelry box, and a medicine cabinet with a locking partition for drugs, are all presented with design options for fitting to required spaces or use.

The author offers up shop jigs for mitered clamping cauls, spline miter mortises and tapering. Hints show how to set router depth for leaf hinges in an instant, how to spring a batten for a fair curve, and how to install a full mortise lock. Producing these projects off the fully illustrated instructions would be a basic course in woodworking, with guidance in resawing, joinery and simple finishes.

The nice thing about this book is that the author never forgets to inform the reader why he is doing something, so it all makes sense as you go along. Illustrations and photos are clear and move the work along step by step. Selecting a space in the home, then designing a project to fill that space, is one of the best ways to learn design and construction techniques, and that is where this book succeeds so well. From small projects to large, there are useful pieces here for nearly everyone.