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$40.00 $24.00 |
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.
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$14.95 $8.97 |
Includes tips, techniques, 2 step-by-steps and 25 ready-to-cut patterns including dragons, unicorns, mermaids and mythological creatures. Mythical creatures such as dragons and gargoyles, unicorns and mermaids, and griffins and hydras come alive in this guide to scroll saw puzzles. Each puzzle interlocks and can stand on its own. Step-by-step instructions, detailed guidance on getting started, and tips on wood selection, sanding, and finishing ensure success for all woodworkers. Simple patterns include a centaur and a hatchling; medium difficulty patterns include a unicorn and gargoyles; and patterns for experienced scrollers include a green man, an imperial dragon, and a phoenix.
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$17.95 $10.77 |
The best articles from Fine Homebuilding magazine that give step-by-step guidance from hands on experts. Includes trade secrets, new techniques, and time-saving tips. The book presents the basic principles you need to know to waterproof residential structures.
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$21.95 $13.17 |
Is it possible to create the perfect workbench? The answer is yes, with Fine Woodworking Best Workbenches, a collection of the best articles on the subject from Americas premier woodworking magazine. Filled with focused advice on how to choose and customize a workbench, this book will prove invaluable to woodworkers of all skill levels. Whether youre looking for a quick and easy workstation that will handle 90% of what you need or a no-compromise workbench that will function flawlessly for decades, or you just want to soup up an existing or ready-made workbench, this indispensible reference book offers the best projects and designs, ranging from traditional to special-purpose workbenches and those sporting the latest innovations and hardware.
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$24.95 $14.97 |
The popular Code Check series latest installment cover commercial buildings, including apartments, restaurants, offices, retail, educational, manufacturing facilities, and more.
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$24.95 $14.97 |
In-Laws, Outlaws, and Granny Flats is the first book to explore the many designs, uses and benefits of this time-honored and emotionally satisfying living arrangement. In-law units take many forms and theyre all shown here: attic, basement and garage conversions, bump-out additions, carve-out suites, and backyard cottages. This book covers every aspect of turning one house into two homes. Its first four chapters deal with the specifics of assessing your needs, selecting an appropriate design, choosing space- and energy-saving appliances, and getting your plans approved. The books second half is a warm and engaging portfolio of in-law units and the families who created them: what needs prompted their decisions, which layouts worked best, and how they met life challenges with common sense, creativity and compassion. With more than 200 color photographs, 50 floor plans and architectural details, and a lively, personable voice, In-laws, Outlaws, and Granny Flats is perfect for homeowners who want richer lives and a more secure future.