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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.

• Creative Woodcarving for Beginners: Basic Techniques + 50 Projects

  $17.95 0 review(s)

  
  

  Woodcarving is a time-honored art, and here is the definitive beginner's guide to this traditional craft, from carving with a pocket knife to sculpting with chisels and mallets. Starting with a detailed course in techniques such as chip carving, relief carving, and sculptural carving, it goes on to offer detailed plans, templates, and instructions for 50 projects, from distinctive front-door house numbers to a spectacular fire-breathing dragon. Every step is thoroughly illustrated with photos, right up to applying finishes such as paint, varnish, burning, or oiling.

• POPULAR MECHANICS WORKSHOP: LATHE FUNDAMENTALS

  $17.95 $10.77 0 review(s)

  
  

  Over 300 color photos help woodworkers take full advantage of the essential piece of shop machinery. Peters examines all parts of the lathe, as well as brands and models, features and accessories. Solid information on spindle, faceplate, bowl, and embellishing turning. Also sections on troubleshooting and maintenance.

• CARVING CLASSICAL STYLES IN WOOD

  $19.95 $11.97 0 review(s)

  
  

  Here is a great guide on how to add exquisite period details to all your woodworking projects. Detailed carving instructions help you incorporate relief panels, burst, shells, keystones, and finials into your own work. A final project chapter offers examples of these elements in the making of chests, mirrors, cabinets, benches and other pieces.

• Illustrated Guide to Carving Tree Bark: Releasing Whimsical Houses and Wood Spir

  $14.95 $8.97 0 review(s)

  
  

  In this book, you'll learn the specialized technique of carving figures in tree bark. Included is a complete guide to the various species of cottonwood bark and the best tools to use. A step-by-step carving project of a magical tree house is included along with a beautiful gallery including wood spirits, animals, whimsical tree houses and much more.

• Intarsia Workbook: Learning Intarsia Woodworking Through 8 Progressive Step-by-S

  $14.95 $8.97 0 review(s)

  
  

  Learn the art of intarsia from the #1 expert, Judy Gale Roberts! You’ll be amazed at the beautiful pictures you can create when you learn to combine different colors and textures of wood to make raised 3-D images. Features 8 projects and expert instruction. Great for beginners!