Product Description
A tribute and instructional introduction to the woodcraft of North American hoboes and tramps. A gallery of pieces, a selection of hobo poems, historical information and hobo code signs celebrate the spirit of this folk-art heritage. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Hobo & Tramp Art Carving
This book was a very good read, and had great examples of the style of carvings for the Hobo art. I am very interested in learning about this style. I have been to several exhibits of the art style by Adolph Vandertie and found them exciting and interesting. I was glad to get a book that I could have at hand all the time.

Answered all of my questions
The book answered all of my questioins about tramp art and the methods to create it. Would have been nice to have detailed patterns in it but since there is not much out there on the subject, I am glad for what I have learned. ... Read more

Product Description
Suitable for the beginner as well as the more experienced enthuiast, this innovative title explains all techniques fully. Includes 25 original, step-by-step projects and between 200 and 300 color photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Arty Polymer Clay
The projects in this book are more of a modern artistic
way to use polymer clay.
I really enjoyed reading about the history of "clay".
I find the projects interesting and different.
I do plan to make the Cactus Candleabra though.It
intrigues me.
We have an art district in my area..I plan to make it and
place it in one of the stores.I think it would fit right in.

Its ok, but not the best
A lot of the projects in this book are very different. It doesnt go into great detail in describing how to make the project. I wouldn't recommend the book for beginners.

A Pretty Project-Based Book with Excellent Front Matter
Polymer Claywork is a project-based book, but what is most interestingabout it is its front matter.The projects themselves range from fun to abit dull.

The book includes both a section I've not seen in another PCbook - a short history of PC - and a lovely gallery.The history wasfascinating for me, since I'm rather new to PC, and answered one of mylong-standing questions (what does Fimo mean?).And the gallery was,sadly, too short, but inclusive and inspiring.Those two items alone wereworth the lower-end price of the book.

The projects themselves, whileattractive, don't always include new techniques or new ideas.They rangefrom extremely basic to somewhat complex.Most of them are of the homedecorating or knickknack variety, with a few basic jewelry or bead ideas. One interesting facet of these lessons is the mixed-media aspect; there'srather more of this in Polymer Claywork than in most books - projects liketassels and hand mirrors, for example, with both PC and non-PC components(other than findings).

This book is hardcover and stitch-bound, which isreally nice.I haven't had it very long, but I suspect it will hold up tostandard use better than many of the PC books available.It's alsoattractively priced; many of the softcover project-based PC books are morethan this one.

A nice, attractive book, and one I'm happy to have, thoughperhaps not essential in a PC library.

If you love polymer clay...you'll love this book!
This new addition to my library is a real winner.It's colorful pictures, step-by-step instructions, and inspiring ideas really inspire the new polymer clay artist...and the experienced alike.It's range of projects from bronzed jewelry to an awesome magnetic theater lend instructions whichcan be applied to the clay enthusiasts imagination for other projects.Areal keeper! ... Read more

Product Description
This book grows out of many requests we have received for animal carving books in general, and for Tom Wolfe animals in particular. His raccoons and hounds have graced the pages of his previous books. His bears, in their original form and as reproductions, have found their way into the hearts of people across the nation. Beginning with a plain block of bass wood or white pine Tom creates a menagerie of characters. Bunnies and bears are the epitome of "cuddly," and are a favorite of children and adults alike. These projects are perfect for the person who carves for relaxation. After bandsawing the patterns, they can be completed with the simplest of tools-a knife, a gouge, a veiner, and nailset. Tom helps the less experienced reader with the basic skills required for carving. Those who are more experienced will value a few of the secrets and shortcuts he has learned over the years. The projects can be adapted so that your bear or bunny will take on a different character through its size, position, and/or color. Your imagination is all that is necessary to make the changes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Carving Bears and Bunnies
I would have liked to see a better pattern to start with.I also would have liked to see more details walking through the process of the rabit.

Carving Bears and Bunnies
The cutting pattern for any project in this book is very poor.I ended up hand drawing my own pattern(s) to accomplish what I needed.

Excellent Step-by-step instructions.
The reason I really liked "Carving Bears and Bunnies" by TomWolfe, was the step-by-step instructions and color photographs.As abeginner they really helped me to get the proportions right on thecarvings. I really enjoyed this book of Tom Wolfe's and I am hoping to getsome other ones of his. ... Read more

Product Description
Once again Tom Wolfe brings his artistry, skill, and wit to the mythic figures of bygone days: The Wild West. Taken separately, the cowboy, gambler, bartender, sheriff, and soiled dove offer interesting challenges to the carver. Together they make an enchanting scene, interacting with each other and almost magically taking on a life of their own.Fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions from the blank to the painted figure.

, 280+ color photos, 8 1/2" x 11" ... Read more

Product Description
An illustrated introduction to internationally acclaimed glass artist Stephen Rolfe Powell's career, this book charts the evolution of Powell's remarkable body of work. Dazzling photographic close-ups not only detail the luminous murrini patterns that have become Powell's signature but also reveal new ways of appreciating the complex interplay of color and texture in his art. Biographical and analytical essays by Mark Lucas, Laurie Winters, and James Yood explore such topics as the teamwork that is so critical to Powell's unique glassmaking process; his teaching and learning experiences on the road, from the former Soviet Union to Salt Lake City during the Olympics; and the story of the two freak injuries that deeply affected his work and how he thinks about it. Reflections by Kenn Holsten, Marvin Lipofsky, Dante Marioni, Bonnie Marx, John Roush, and Lino Tagliapietra further supplement the book.

The book's stunning photographs encourage the viewer to see Powell's work from different viewpoints, and they highlight the unique interactions between transparent, opaque, and translucent glass and Powell's bold color combinations. Stephen Rolfe Powell: Glassmaker vividly portrays the tension and excitement involved in the artist's nontraditional, collaborative approach to working with molten glass. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

PAPER SCULPTURE
THIS IS A FABULOUS BOOK BUT BEWARE YOU NEED TO BE VERY ADVANCED IN PAPERART TO EVEN ATTEMPT THE PROJECTS. UNBELIEVABLY FANTASTIC WORK.

Rare find in the field of paper illustration
I bought this book many years ago and I have used it for inspiration, but this is an obscure artform and very few books are available.The authors have one more book on the same subject, which is more advanced than this one.If you google the authors they are now writing books on a completely different medium. So books on this topic are hard to find. The best thing to do if you enjoy this art form is experiment. Keep your projects small and simple because finding large sheets of decorative paper is extremely hard even through the internet.

good but not necessarily for the beginner
This is a good book for inspiration of ideas, however, it's not a step by step guide.Like just about every book that I've seen so far on paper sculpture, they skip crucial steps which will lose the layperson.Even I had to reread the book serveral times only to goabout it on my own.The authors would do better to give a more thoruogh explanation of a work than fill the book with artist showcases.I am sick of picking up coffee table books.I want a book that gives time on paper quality and tools, and techniques first and foremost.

Beautiful, but not for beginners
A remarkable book showing what can be accomplished in paper sculpture, but definetly not for beginners.It shows some step-by-step projects, but not really the technique used.Good for inspiration, but it assumes that you already know what you are doing.Good reference when you are up and running.

Superb!
I consider myself an intermediate since I started with Clive Stevens' Fun with Paper Sculpture--I didn't really learn much more than I already knew. However, this book is suitable for anyone from a rank beginner to polished professional. I picked up some new techniques and discovered new types of paper and paints to use in my work. I've gotten the most use from the artist galleries beacuse they spur my own creativity to no end! I never tire of looking at the gorgeous pieces and find myself reading this book from cover to cover every now and then.

I don't draw very well, but I've found that I can easily build flowers and other objects from component shapes. The professional quality of featured projects spur me to do my very best to make my own stuff as polished and professionalas possible. You'll be amazed with what you can create with little more than white glue and some cut up paper. There's even a lobster project that can be made from cereal boxes or toilet paper tubes! Great book, geat hobby, great price. ... Read more

Product Description
Preliminary chapters cover the basics - how to use clay effectively to capture form, workshop practice, equipment, firing and glazing, clay recipes and their preparation. There is also useful information on the variety of methods used - coiling, throwing, moulding, slab-building, extruding. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

I wish I could buy it off the library !!
This is a beautiful book of ideas for animal lovers who dabble in clay. Ms Wren's creations capture beautifully the essence of cats, owls, birds, etc. It's a shame it's no more in print. I'd love to get my hands on it. ... Read more

Product Description
The 15 projects in this book show how to decorate tableware, vases, tealight holders, lanterns and light catchers in a range of glass painting techniques suitable for all levels of ability. ... Read more

Product Description
"Heavens Above" features the recent work of Incisive Letterwork - the inspirational professional partnership of Brenda Berman and Annet Stirling, leading practitioners of the art of lettercarving. Incisive Letterwork has fulfilled commissions for original hand-carved lettering on stone surfaces such as portals and plaques for major public institutions, including the Kunsthalle, Hamburg and the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and Royal Opera House, London. Individually and as partners, Berman and Stirling create new work of their own. "Heavens Above" accompanies a new touring exhibition of their work. In this intriguing book, designed by Ron Costley, Berman and Stirling reflect on the context, the aesthetic and the practice of their work through detailed descriptions of some of their most important public and personal projects. The text contains contributions from Charles Saumarez-Smith, Director of the National Gallery, David Whiting, curator and critic, Gerald Cinamon, design historian and Trev Haysom, Purbeck quarry-owner. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent instruction book
This book is a grand one for any one aspiring to wood carving.Basic methods for enduring construction applicable to any good work.Should be in every art and shop classroom library.Detailed photos showing the progression of construction for large animal sculpture in quality wood.The end product should stand decades of wear by young ones...look at how long the antique carousels have lasted! It is also fun to know what kind of hard work went into making the carousels we almost take for granted.A good wood carver is hard to find these days and this book may inspire someone to take up this creative and well-loved art. ... Read more

Product Description
These four-legged friends of man have been a favorite subject for carving since the earliest years. From hunting dogs to the family pet, dogs have a special place in the hearts of people and Tom Wolfe manages to capture their personality in his own creative, witty way. Easy to follow step-by-step instruction, with color illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Disapponted
Was looking for something for a beginning woodcarver but this one didn't work for me. Three pages of patterns were just about all side view coloring line drawings and half of them were just mirror images that could have be accomplished on a copier. One top view that didn't seem to be related to the carving. Only one dog was carved, and that was dog with bandange wrapped around its paw. Nice carving but wasn't all that helpful .The photos were not very helpful since lighting caused a lot of shadows on the carving. The other finished carvings shown were so dark and small it was hard to see details. I like Tom Wolfe's style and carvings and his classes might be great, he was selected as carver of the year by Woodcarving Illustrated, and he is a prolific author but I'll have to actually look at other books written by him before I decide to buy one.

Good quality.
This is another of Tom Wolfe's good quality carving books. It's good for beginners and experts alike. Tom always has something useful in his books. ... Read more

Product Description
Using projects to demonstrate the various aspects and different styles of carving to the newcomer, this step-by-step guide shows how to approach the craft without the assistance of large machinery. Each project is specifically chosen to introduce new techniques. Projects are small, useful, fun to carve, and can be completed in a few days or over a weekend. Major techniques such as carving in the round, relief carving, knife work, and working with burrs and rasps are covered. The projects presented help beginning woodworkers to learn particular carving techniques that they can then employ on more complex projects. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This Worthless Book Should Have Never Been Printed
This book was an absolute waste of money.All it is has in it is photos of different projects the author did.It's like a portfolio of his work and nothing more.The projects aren't even that great looking.There is no instruction in the book as to how he did what he did.It just shows a photo of one stage and then the next photo jumps to the next stage with the author commenting on what he did but not HOW he did it."Next I carved out the..."VERY helpful!Don't waste your money.The other individual who gave this lousy book 5 stars is obviously the author or a shill friend of his."Very well explained" my foot!

woodcarving book1 basic tecniques
nice book for beginners and advanced alike who wish to learn another technique. very well explained ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (9)

Another book for horse wood carvers
For woodcarvers liking this book, there is a new book coming out by The Connecticut Press called "Flying Horses: The Golden Age of American Carousel Art, 1870 - 1930." It has over 200 high quality photos of carousel horses and their history.To read more about it on Facebook, click on "Flying Horses."

Carousel Horse Carving
This was an excellent, easy to follow guide to carousel horse carving.
The instructions and illustrations were very helpful in the building process.

Simply stunning
I've wanted to know how to carve these beautiful animals since I was a teenager. This is the book. The techniques and "how tos" are very useful: from making patterns, to proper technique and tools, this is one of THE TWO books on the topic that will get you started.

Also, the author runs a "school" for carving. Horsin' Around. I think it runs for two weeks and is in the 1K plus range, but if you're serious about carving one of these magical creatures, then Bud Ellis is the man to see.

Makes me wish I could carve wood
This book is a real insiders look at a contemporary top of the line carving school. Worth the price for the photographs alone, it's a nice plus that the information inspires dreams. I can not speak to its usefulness as a carving project guide as I bought it primarily because it is about carousels and I collect carousel books. Carousel Animal Carving is an excellent new edition to a carousel book library.

Carousel Animal Carving: Patterns & Techniques
This is the best book to date on the subject of carving carousel animals. I recommend the purchase of this book even if you have Bud's first great book on the subject, as I do. This new book contains additional valuable tips and detailed instructions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Just for Nice: Carving and Whittling Magic of SE PA.
Excellent resource for folk art carvings of the PA Germans- well detailed information of the objects and their historical context. For the lover of PA German artifacts and folk art this is a MUST have. ... Read more

Product Description
Bone Craving is an old as civilisation itself. Even some of the oldest bone artefacts have decorative features that are clearly necessary for their functional nature. Showing that there have been complex cultural aspects to the carving of bone since the earliest times. In Bone Carving, Stephen Myhre has drawn with great sensitivity, on techniques and styles of carving from a wide range of Pacific cultures, particulary Maori. The result is a superbly practical handbook for anyone embarking upon this rapidly growing craft. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great Book on Bone Carving for beginners and intermediate carvers.
If you are a beginner or intermediate carver you will enjoy this book. It goes into details that are understandable. I would highly recommend it. I have just been bone carving for a month and have made several items that resemble some of the pictures in the book and they look good.

Bone carving
Great book for any interested in this histiry, materials needed and techniques involved in bone carving. I woud highly recommend this awesome book. You will learn alot-for all skill levels of carvers.

Excellent Info
The book provides excellent info on tool creation, braiding techniques and many other hard to find carving concepts.

The photos are excellent but are usually not shown in an order that makes sense. Good enough to get the idea though.

If you want good information on a wide variety of carving techniques this is a great book for it.

A disappointment
The whole book seems confused...chapters are oddly out of sequence,real descriptions of how to accomplish a given step are either lacking, unclear or printed in the wrong order...much is said about how traditional bone carving is etc, but the info on how to actually carve is almost nonexistant - we have pictures of the raw bone with a sketch on it, then a sawed out version, and then the finished piece. What happens between these stages is left to the imagination. Nowhere in the book the actual carving process is depicted.
Exactly two-and-a-half pages are devoted to material preparation, which is neither sufficient not the complete process. The fact that inlays can be made is mentioned in passing, but no information is given to how.
Add to the whole that the language is sometimes strange, with an odd choice of words, and the result is, I'm sorry to say, a confused mess.

Clearly not what I had in mind to learn about techniques. If you are interested in some pictures of finished carvings, you might liek it - otherwise skip it.

Excellent New Zealand Reference
This is a very well written, well illustrated book on the complete process of New Zealand bone carving. The book covers making your own carving tools, creating designs, choosing material, all stages of carving and finishing, and string lashing techniques. The author smoothly mixes traditional designs and techniques with modern interpretations and tools. This is a complete how-to book if you want to create beautiful bone jewelry, or just a fascinating read if you are interested in Maori culture. If you enjoy this book, also try Moko: The Art and History of Maori Tattooing by H. G. Robley. ... Read more

Product Description
Learning to model with polymer clay can be a source of endless pleasure and satisfaction. This fine book teaches you how to get started and how to achieve excellent results. Suzann Thompson, an acknowledged polymer clay expert, has created a collection of more than 30 unique projects, grouped together in five of the books chapters, Miniature World, Jewelry, Gifts, Home Accessories, and Special Occasions.

A wide variety of designs and ideas are included, ranging from drapery finials, and customized cutlery for the home, to a grandfather clock and Victorian fireplace for a dollhouse. The step-by-step instructions are accompanied by full color photographs illustrating important techniques and details of the work, together with beautiful pictures of finished items. Templates are provided where appropriate. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Good basic introduction to working with PC
Wide range and variety of projects for those wanting to begin working with PC. Something for just about any area of interest. Instructions are adequately detailed for easy duplication of the projects. Projects tend to be "homemade crafty" and simplistic in nature and lack any real creativity (probably a plus for those just starting out.)Good background information on manufacturing differences and available tools. For me the best part of the book was the technique for different canes although they too are pretty basic. Not a bad addition to your PC reference library.

Not for the serious crafter
I do not appreciate the craftmanship exhibited in this book.The projects are fine, but I did not find them particularly creative.Irene Semanchuck-Dean(sp?)'s book had better projects and more finesse.

Wonderful Projects, Lots of Varitey, Great instruction
This book is full of a wide variety of fresh projects for beginning to more advanced polymer clay artists. Each project includes step-by-step instructions accompanied by illustrations and finished project photos.

The book starts out by thoroughly covering the basics, including a discussion of several tools that will make working with polymer clay easier. Over 25 projects follow in 5 sections including miniatures, jewelry, gifts, home accents, and special occasions.

Miniature world is my favorite section. You learn to make impressive projects such as a grandfather clock, Victorian fireplace and Christmas tree. The jewelry section is also a treat. Along with a necklace, bracelet and earrings, it shows you how to make a bunch of different of beads and buttons.

My favorite project was the sun & sea clock. Though it is time consuming it is surprisingly easy to create. I have seen similar items in craft stores sell for over $50. The special occasion projects are little less sophisticated, but great for doing with kids during the holidays. I personally loved making the simple, but beautiful decorated eggs.

Conveniently, a list of suppliers is included in the back and templates are provided with instructions when needed. This makes a great gift for anyone wanting to learn all about polymer clay and try a medley of great projects.

Make beautiful things with Polymer clay
Polymer Clay for Everyone, 112 pages, over-size ppb.:If you enjoy the handmade beads and jewelry thatsurely only the most creative of people can make, take heart - Polymer Clay for Everyone will bring out the creativity inyou.There are over 30 delightful, colorful projects to make including jewelry, buttons, beads, quirky magnets andminiatures, holiday decor and cards, gifts, household accouterments and more. This book is careful in detail, instruction,and provides dozens of photographs of completed works, works in progress, even photos of tools needed.

Standard equipment needed is easy to come by, some you'll have on hand, some you'll need to visit a hobby shop for. The cost of equipment is up to you.For instance, a pasta roller is suggested for achieving desired thicknesses quickly,however the author explains, the same results can be had by laying sheets of wood (available at hobby or model shops)of the thickness desired on your rolling surface and rolling the clay out to the thickness of the wood.There are optionslisted for many items called for, so whatever your budget, the book will help you stay within its bounds.

I've seen a couple other books with sections on using polymer clays.What they lack is here.For the first time I readthat when you use anything with uncured polymer clay, you must never use it again for food prep. or serving.This bookcovers the bases.

Creating wonderful things with polymer clayl
Polymer Clay for Everyone, 112 pages, over-size ppb.:If you enjoy the handmade beads and jewelry thatsurely only the most creative of people can make, take heart - Polymer Clay for Everyone will bring out the creativity inyou.There are over 30 delightful, colorful projects to make including jewelry, buttons, beads, quirky magnets andminiatures, holiday decor and cards, gifts, household accouterments and more. This book is careful in detail, instruction,and provides dozens of photographs of completed works, works in progress, even photos of tools needed.

Standard equipment needed is easy to come by, some you'll have on hand, some you'll need to visit a hobby shop for. The cost of equipment is up to you.For instance, a pasta roller is suggested for achieving desired thicknesses quickly,however the author explains, the same results can be had by laying sheets of wood (available at hobby or model shops)of the thickness desired on your rolling surface and rolling the clay out to the thickness of the wood.There are optionslisted for many items called for, so whatever your budget, the book will help you stay within its bounds.

I've seen a couple other books with sections on using polymer clays.What they lack is here.For the first time I readthat when you use anything with uncured polymer clay, you must never use it again for food prep. or serving.This bookcovers the bases. ... Read more