Woodturning is as popular as ever -- a constantly growing segement in the woodworking world and one of the most wide-reaching woodcrafts among artists and hands-on crafters. It’s appeal is based on the short learning curve, the minimal equipment, and the sheer joy of learning to make something out of wood with one’s own hands. But, unlike a lot of crafts that rely on individuality and creative thinking, the initial techniques of woodturning must be mastered. While at first liberating, these same techniques can eventually be confining because in mastering them, one must follow the lead of others. At a certain point, woodturners can feel that mastering the techniques has become the end in itself as they lose sight of their true pursuit: to create one’s own original style. In fact, some woodturners, who believe they aren’t creative enough, will simply continue to master techniques while imitiating the style of others.
Terry Martin, the author of The Creative Woodturner and a woodturning artist, instructor, and photographer for over thirty-years, believes this goes against the fundamental nature of creating and being an artist. There is no “right” or “wrong” and the pursuit of originality should be the goal of every woodturner. Best of all, creativity can be learned and the ability to think and see in one’s own artistic style can be achieved. The Creative Woodturner is not your usual “how-to” woodturning book. It won’t tell you what a chuck is, how to sharpen a scraper, or how to turn a goblet. Instead, this book is a “how-to” for unlocking curiosity, how to break the rules, and for following one’s own artistic path with confidence.
Designed to give readers a wide-persepective on creativity, The Creative Woodturner begins first with insightful commentary, quotes, and examples from the woodturning and art community that will both inspire and inform. In addition, the author shares his Idea Tools: questions to ask during the planning and creative process that are as important to the creation of the woodturning project as any equipment in the shop. Finally, 16 one-of-a-kind projects – from boxes and vessles to bowls and one-of-a-kind scultpures – are featured that will spark the creative mindset of any woodturner.
Each project is documented with instructions and crisp photography highlighting the key steps, techniques, and tasks necessary for completion. In taking the reader through each project, the author pulls back the curtain on his woodturning magic and shares his vision and how the Idea Tools and creative thinking emerges in each project.
An inspiring and enjoyable read not only for woodturners, but for any artist, The Creative Woodturner will anyone to think and see differently so time is spent at the lathe – or whatever creative pursuit it is -- creating the original ideas instead of imitating someone else
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$19.95 $11.97 |
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.
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$24.95 $14.97 |
From Spring House Press. By Vic Tesolin. To enjoy woodworking, all you need is a few essential tools, a little bit of space, and the desire to make something with your own two hands. The Minimalist Woodworker is about making woodworking clean and simple – from the tools and the workspace to the easy-to-follow instructions. It eliminates the fears and excuses as it demystifies the craft. Written by Vic Tesolin, aka the Minimalist Woodworker, The Minimalist Woodworker is a stress-free approach to woodworking. Beginning with an understanding of the minimalist mindset, The Minimalist Woodworker quickly details how to make a small space productive and outlines the most efficient tools for a woodworker. Each piece of equipment is explained and instructions provided. Techniques for keeping each piece sharp and well-maintained are also detailed. Once space and tools are covered, seven projects are presented: a saw bench and matching saw horse; a Nicholson-style workbench; a shooting board/bench hook; a shop mallet; and a small hanging cabinet. Each project not only develops woodworking skills, but also outfits a small shop. With step-by-step instructions, photos and illustrations, and an easy-going tone, The Minimalist Woodworker offers an informative, but stress-free point of entry into the life-long craft of woodworking.
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$17.95 $10.77 |
Subtitle: "An Illustrated Guide to Building a Safe House." This book emphasizes life-safety principles underlying building codes. Using clear language and helpful diagrams, this edition reflects the most up-to-date changes in the 2006 International Residential Code. It is also cross-referenced to the Uniform Plumbing Code, Uniform Mechanical Code and the National Electrical Code. Endorsed by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO). Durable laminated pages.
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$24.95 $14.97 |
Subtitle: "10 Step-by-Step Projects for Furniture Makers". Carving 18th Century American Furniture Elements guides the reader through the process of carving authentic motifs found on the most treasured pieces of 18th century American furniture. Each of the 10 projects are presented in a step-by-step progression, from shaping the surface through layout, to rough carving and finally detailed carving. Each step is described in detail with emphasis on technique and methods used to accomplish the task. In addition, the text is supplemented with numerous annotated diagrams and photographs to assist the reader. The intent of the book is two fold. First is that the serious reader will be able to carve the elements from the text and photographs. These projects are not simplified versions that leave out the more complex details that make each element interesting and noteworthy. The entire process is covered and no steps are omitted. Second is to instill confidence in the reader that carving these elements is a learned skill and to provide guidance to that end. Carving 18th Century American Furniture Elements is intended for the serious student of American period furniture as well as those who are trying to improve their carving skills through practice and self study. It is written so that an experienced carver can learn new motifs and that a novice can gain confidence quickly. All of the projects are presented as part of a piece of furniture rather than stand-alone items that are for practice only. The projects selected for this book were chosen because of their importance and popularity in relation to museum quality 18th century American pieces.
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$26.95 $16.17 |
Framing can be a high-productivity, high-profit business, if you have mastered the requisite framing skills. Currie describes quick, efficient ways to frame residential and commercial buildings. How to mark, cut, and drill plates efficiently. How to speed-cut blocks, trimmers, and plates by eye. How to spot information missing from plans. The author suggests typical piecework prices you can quote for most framing work. Mr Currie owns his own construction company specializing in custom homes and residential tracts. REGULAR $26.50 OUR PRICE $19.95. You save 24%. REGULAR $26.50 SPECIAL $19.95
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$21.95 $13.17 |
The secrets to carving powerful and emotionally-charged faces are revealed in this innovative handbook. Step-by-step explanations demonstrate how to create unique spherical heads laden with a variety of moods and expressions, including soft smiles, laughter, and tears. Guidelines also highlight a number of difficulties often encountered when carving emotions and offer helpful solutions. Ideal for carvers of caricatures and serious works alike, even experienced carvers will learn how to instill realistic feelings into their work.