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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.

• TURNING TOYS WITH RICHARD RAFFAN DVD

  $19.95 $11.97 0 review(s)

  
  

  You're about to feel like one of Santa's toymakers. Christmas doesn't have to be around the corner to start turning wooden toys that are sure to delight the kids (both big and small) in your life. There's something about these simple, yet satisfying treasures that bring out the inner child in us all. Now you can join the thousands of woodturners who have learned to turn with the incomparable dean of teachers, Richard Raffan, through his best-selling books and DVDs. Woodturners of all levels, start your engines because Turning Toys with Richard Raffan, an informative and inspiring step-by-step DVD, teaches you how to make a wheelie bug, a racing car, wands, tops, and so many other favorite projects you'll want to twirl and wave, roll and spin! There are 8 wonderful hand-turned wooden toy projects in all, and each one is easy to make—and will surely make someone smile. This 160-minute DVD shows you how to: •Learn tricks of the trade including clever tactics for salvaging snafus like catches and wood splitting •Identify exactly how the cutting edge should relate to the surface you're cutting •Stand properly to support and hold the tools so that working at your lathe is comfortable •Create a measurable difference in your lathe skills In no time, you’ll make fun, educational toys that spark the imagination, improve hand-eye coordination, and are powered solely by joy. What a refreshing alternative to electronic games! And to reinforce the new skills culled from watching and listening to Richard Raffan's DVD, be sure to read and then reread the companion book Turning Toys with Richard Raffan to lock in your knowledge.

• NEW MASTERS OF WOODTURNING

  $29.95 $17.97 0 review(s)

  
  

  In the New Masters of Woodturning youll meet thirty-one contemporary artists from around the world, who have created a wealth of stylistic approaches, innovative techniques, and distinctive philosophies of woodturning. Their stunning works push the boundaries of the craft and art, as well as evoke their personal motivations, thought process and groundbreaking techniques.

• BEST OF FHB: ENERGY-EFFICIENT BUILDING

  $14.95 $8.97 0 review(s)

  
  

  This brings together 29 of the best articles from Fine Homebuilding magazine. Articles cover ductwork and housewrap to building efficient fireplaces and storm windows. In addition there is information on what home-owners and builders can do to improve energy efficiency in older homes. REGULAR $14.95 OUR PRICE $12.00. You save 19%.

• 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.

• PRACTICAL GREEN REMODELING: Down-to-Earth Solutions for Everyday Homes

  $24.95 $14.97 0 review(s)

  
  

  Going green at home can seem like an all-or-nothing proposition. Do you sell everything (including the house) and start over, building and buying only eco-friendly, renewable goods? Or do you take the advice offered up in this smart and sensible book — and remodel instead? Green building expert Barry Katz makes a compelling argument for remodeling, as he guides readers through what can be a perplexing and daunting process. Too many decisions? No worries. Katz explains how different choices impact a home’s overall green quotient, as well as its bottom line. Emphasizing off-the-shelf materials, the book shows how homeowners of ordinary means can “green up” a remodel, resulting in less waste, more energy-efficient homes, lower maintenance costs, and more comfortable, healthful environments. This is an essential guide for anyone who has ever wanted to go green but wasn’t exactly sure where to begin.