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• Bird Decoys of North America: Nature, History, and Art-NS

  $40.00 $24.00 0 review(s)

  
  

  Bird decoys, which were first fashioned by Native American hunter-artists at least 1,500 years ago, are the only major folk art form to originate in North America. Today, decoys made during the heyday of decoy carving--roughly from 1840 to 1950--rank among the most avidly sought of all folk art collectibles, with some rare and outstanding examples fetching upwards of $8000,000 apiece at auction. These humble hunting tools, intended to deceive wildfowl by luring them into shooters' range, are now appreciated on many levels: as compelling works of sculpture, as exacting portraits of living and extinct species, and as irreplaceable historical objects. Successful decoy carvers of the past knew their prey intimately--spending countless hours observing game birds in the wild and then bringing their accumulated knowledge of different species' appearance and behavior to the carving bench. Because the works these artisans created were meant to attract avian eyes--conveying the essence of a bird's plumage, form, and attitude at a glance--older handmade decoys are deeply observed symbols of living birds that no merely decorative object, no matter how photographically accurate, can match. In this definitive, lavishly illustrated work, folk-art expert Robert Shaw chronicles the now-vanished era in which the great decoy makers pursued their craft. Shaw traces the natural history of North American bird species--more than sixty of which are represented in antique decoys. He relates the history of wildfowl hunting on this continent, detailing the excesses of nineteenth-century commercial hunting and the rise of a conservation movement aimed at ensuring bird species' long-term survival. He examines the distinctive forms produced in each major hunting area, from the Maritime Provinces of Canada to the Chesapeake Bay to the bayous of Louisiana and beyond. And, with a storyteller's gift for the entertaining anecdote, Shaw puts us in touch with the lives and circumstances of the decoy makers themselves.

• TAUNTON'S WOOD CARVING BASICS#

  $19.95 $11.97 0 review(s)

  
  

  From simple to more sophisticated techniques, the book includes a broad sampling of creative wood carving projects -- with step-by-step instructions and colorful photos that show you how to make each one a work of art. The projects -- designed to give beginners a working knowledge of many carving styles -- become increasingly more challenging as you move through the book. Every piece you create will hone your skills for the projects that follow. As you move from one chapter to the next, you'll learn all the valuable techniques you need to grow as a carver. The companion DVD is item #28-120.

• BUILDING COUNTRY COMFORTS

  $19.95 $11.97 0 review(s)

  
  

  Perfect for today's focus on green building techniques and self-reliance, this how-to guide combines and updates two classics-In Harmony with Nature and Country Comforts. The book showcases homes and detailed, step-by-step building projects by non-professionals, along with their personal stories. Heartwarming and informative, this is for everyone seeking a more natural way of life.

• How to Make Outdoor & Garden Furniture: Instructions for Tables, Chairs, Planter

  $22.99 $13.79 0 review(s)

  
  

  From the Experts at American Woodworker. Stylish, well-designed outdoor furniture is the crowning beauty of a charming property. Enjoy outdoor living to the fullest with these functional and decorative furniture projects for deck, patio, yard and garden. From Adirondack chairs, patio bars and picnic tables to showcase Victorian trellises and planters, the experts at American Woodworker provide complete plans and instructions for building great-looking pieces that will beautify your outdoor space. Expert advice on finishing and varnishing ensures that your durable wooden furniture will stand up to the elements for years to come. How to Make Outdoor & Garden Furniture offers 23 do-it-yourself projects for both novice and experienced woodworkers. Superb step-by-step photographs and excellent working drawings help ensure success for both amateur and experienced builders. Each project takes from just a few hours to a weekend to complete, making this book an ideal resource for transforming your outdoor décor.

• THE COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED G/T FINISHING (PB)

  $27.95 $16.77 0 review(s)

  
  

  This is part of Taunton's "Complete Illustrated Guide" series. Jewitt provides in-depth coverage of tools and materials and covers all of the key processes from surface preparation to color matching. There are sections that cover advanced techniques such as adjusting color, disguising defects, toning, glazing, spray finishing and rubbing out. This is a complete look at finishing, from storing finishing materials to using various types of end coats.

• CARICATURE CARVING: EXPERT TECHNIQUES & 30 ALL TIME FAV. PROJ.

  $19.95 $11.97 0 review(s)

  
  

  Whether the goal is to create a whimsical figure or to brush up on basic carving skills, this assortment of caricature projects is reinforced with plenty of assuring guidance—and abundant laughs. In this collection of the best caricature carving projects from the pages of Woodcarving Illustrated, a panel of experts, including Peter Ortel, Pete LeClair, Dave Sabol, and Mike Shipley, unload a wealth of carving knowledge. A useful and comprehensive reference, beginners and experienced carvers alike will discover patterns, tips, and techniques among an assortment of inspiring projects. Carvers are offered a variety of satisfying caricature projects, from hillbillies, hobos, and hombres to cowboys, cork stoppers, and keystone cops. Comical thematic pieces such as “Duck Tonight,” “Catch and Release?,” and “Kickin’ up the Chips” are also included. Building confidence is foremost in this collection, and step-by-step instructions for each project assure success with every effort. Additional articles on finishing techniques help carvers complete each new project.