Product Description
Polymer clay is a versatile, inexpensive substance that can be used to create works of art ranging from beads and dolls, to sculptures. This book outline traditional, fundamental design elements and their applications in polymer clay. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A fine resource for design and polymer clay
Polymer clay is such a versatile medium that it's hard to know if you're really creating a piece of art or something your kids are going to hide in the attic. This book goes a long way toward answering questions about color, balance, and good design principles, all illustrated in enjoyable projects. For those of us who love the medium but didn't happen to study art, this book truly provides the foundation we should have been looking for.

Not as interesting as it looks
I was disapointed by this book.The cover is great and drew me to buy it but the contents is a bit all over the place and I'm not sure what the purpose of the book is.There aren't really any projects and the design foundation information is a bit hard to follow.I must admit that I haven't picked it up again since looking at it the first time.

Wonderful concept, badly written
This introduction to design principles for artists working in polymer clay is a useful book, and I learned a lot from it.McGuire discusses the elements of design, including value, color, form, shape, line, space and texture, and addresses more briefly design principles like balance, pattern, rhythm, emphasis, and unity.McGuire follows each section of the book with an exercise designed to allow the reader to experiment with the element or principle being discussed, and illustrates each section with excellent photographs of polymer clay art that uses that element or principle particularly effectively.Between the exercises and the photographs, I was able, as a design newbie, to gain some understanding of McGuire's topics.However, McGuire's writing is so muddy and vague that I learned almost nothing from the text itself.Indeed, some of the paragraphs--especially those defining the key concepts--were so unclear and confusing that I was completely unable to discern what McGuire was talking about.The editor of this book really fell down on the job!

So, while this book did help me get started thinking about the elements and principles of design, I will have to turn to other authors to gain a richer understanding of these ideas.

Gorgeous book
This has some of the most wonderful artists.And good examples of their work.Just lovely a favorite.

My favorite polymer clay book...
Barbara McGuire's Foundations in Polymer Clay Design is a must have for every polymer clay artist.It has exceptional information to enhance one's design knowledge and how to apply this knowledge to polymer clay artwork.The photos are stunning and best of all, show evidence of today's talented pc artists.Barbara's examples of each design concept and how they apply to working in polymer clay are valuable to the serious artist.

This book has several wonderful easy-to-try projects that demonstrate the chapter's concept.These lessons help to satisfy the reader who is looking for practice, but may not be 'enough' for the person who is simply looking for a book of how-to projects.

McGuire's book will remain an excellent reference for the artist and one where new lessons can be learned each time the book is taken off the shelf to reread.Five Stars!!!! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

carving figureheads & other nautical designs
I am quite torn on this book. It has some good ideas, and the project sections in the beginning of the book are very complete. However, the second half of the book is a different story. As you are rushed through the carvings, critical details and views are left out, some of the directions become unclear and confusing due to a poor flow in writing and bad use of verbiage, and the authors even contradict themselves on their woodcarving techniques. If you are a beginning woodcarver, be wary, you might end up a bit lost. Even though the book is a bit lacking, it may still be worth it as a reference book if you are interested in nautical carving. ... Read more

Product Description
Tall tales, local legends, and personal ruminations are transformed into folk figures by Frank Russell. Follow his detailed instructions with photographs and project plans to create nine delightful folk figures in wood. Accompanying the stories and projects are comprehensive instructions for carving small details of hands, feet, clothing and shoes. Frank introduces the reader to the power tools, techniques, and painting schemes required to create these characters in wood. Many hours of challenges and enjoyment for carvers at all skill levels are to be found in this text. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Woodcarving
Love the detail directions on carving figures along with the patterns. This author also made DVD on wood carving that came with my power carver. So really could follow his directions easily. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

sumptuous magnificence
"Pietre dure" is the Italian word for "hardstones". It is used to describe artworks utilising semiprecious stone. A variant of this is called "comesso" where a mosaic of flat stone pieces is formed into a decorative or pictoral panel. This artform was developed and reached its peak in renaissance Florence. This catalogue of an exhibition held at the Metropolitan Museum presents 147 examples ofthe various permutations of this dazzling area of decorative art.

In its heyday, the finest and most elaborate examples of pietre dure were highly prized by wealthy art patrons. It was a way that kings and princes could show off their riches. These works were hugely expensive, costing far more than paintings executed by famous artists such as Titian. This fact is not surprizing, given the expense of the semiprecious stones and the time involved (sometimes up to 5 years) in its manufacture.

Many of the pieces presented in this catalogue are of sumptuous magnificence. A number of them were originally owned by Emperor Rudolf the Second and the Medici family. There are too many types of objects to detail; here is a small example of what is to be seen. Tabletops, mosaic paintings (comesso), reliquaries, a tea service, bowls, collectors cabinets, statues and vases. Particularly memorable is No 38, "Table with top depicting flowers", made of hardstones and gold. The complexity and detail of the design is akin to that seen in a fine oriental carpet. Its manufacture took around four years. What skill and patience those artisans must have possessed.

This catalogue has copious and interesting essays on pietre dure and the exhibited works are comprehensively annotated. The quality of the reproductions and printing in general is well above average. A must buy for those inerested in this fascinating area of decorative art.

Art of the Royal Court
Great value, fantastic content. Exactly what I had hoped for at a price I forced myself to afford.

It's got to be seen to be believed!
I've just returned from seeing the exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and now I can't wait to have the book.I saw the book while I was in the Met's Book Shop and it is absolutely great with so many pictures of the items on exhibit.If you can't get to the exhibit which is on thru Sept. 21st, this book is the next best thing! ... Read more

Product Description
Contents: Artist, Florist, Inventor; Muted Palette; Burning for Colour; Tiger of the Air; Magic Moments; Heaven, Earth and Man; Needles, Feathers and Bone; Pebbles, Patterns and Polyurethane Birds; Pewter Feet and Ruby Carvers; The Teacher; The Projects -- Black-Capped Chickadee; Immature White-Throated Sparrow; Immature Bluebird; Carolina Wren; Meadowlark; Robin; Downy Woodpecker; Evening Grosbeak; Cardinal; Blue Jay Family. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Songbird Carving with Ernest Muehlmatt
Book arrived in new condition. This book contains very detailed pattern of 10 favorite songbirds. The author Ernest Muehlmatt is a world-class ribbon winner. He teaches you how to carve and paint these songbird. Excellent book for the beginner or pro wood carvers.

Black Capped Chickadee,by Ernest Muchlmatt
I believe this book on carving birds is one of the
most informative bird carving anyone has ever written.
It's not so much about how to carve a Chickadee but an
all important and explicit information regarding,carving,
detailing,burning realistic feathers and painting birds.
One can apply all the information given by the author to
all avian species including raptor and owls.This book is
so well written it gave me the feeling I was in a carving
class with the author.

Oscar Legaspi

song bird carving
This a mighty fine book it is full of very good illustrations.It is a book recommended to me by my carving instructor who has used it as referance for years.Well worth the money a trully great book for any one wishing to learn more about carving birds

The Perect Book for anyone interested in learning how to carve songbirds
This was my first real book on carving birds out of wood.This book is very easy to understand with lots of information for the beginner.Lots of pictures with step by step detailed instructions on carving, detailing, and painting 10 songbirds.Ernie covers more birds in this one book then any two books I know.GREAT BOOK, GREAT TEACHER!

Useful book for ideas and patterns for bird carving.
Written by Roger Schroeder, this book is a summary of Ernest Muehlmatt's carving techniques that takes the reader through the steps of carving song birds using a power carver. Mr. Schroeder's writting style is difficult toget used to. He uses many un-necessary adjectives to describe the processof carving. Much of the first part of the book is devoted to reviewing Mr.Muehlmatt's personal opinions in bird carving. The reader gets a sense thatMr. Muehlmatt is quite egotistical. Nonetheless, the book does go over afew techniques useful to aquire for both carving and painting birds.Although geared toward people who use power carving tools, much of theinformation can be used for those who utilize knives and gouges. The secondpart of the book includes patterns of some common song birds and apictorograph showing how each one was carved and painted. This turns out tobe the most useful part of the book. Overall, readers will gain someknowledge of song bird carving and painting and a lot of insight into thethought process of Ernest Muehlmatt, albeit at the expense of siftingthrough the cumbersome writing sytle of Roger Schroeder. ... Read more

Product Description
This study of carving the human figure in wood concentrates on the anatomical structure of the body and details specific areas of common difficulty to woodcarvers such as eyes, ears, hands, feet and hair. The book includes step-by-step sequences outlining the techniques involved, as well as providing a range of work that should both stimulate and improve the understanding of the human form. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

I carve and this is a good book
Good photos and instructions.Well worth the read.I carefully tore mine apart, trimmed the edge and took it down to Kinko's to have it spiral bound. Now it'll lie flat on the workbench.You don't have to be copying Norbury's carvings to find this book useful.

eye opening
I have just started to learn, how to carve stone. And like averyone else, I wanted to carve a figure,face,eye etc. But did not know how to even start. Even though it is about wood carving,it helped a lot.

Great book
Lots of pictures and very detailed descriptions of the process.He spends a lot of time on the technique.It's a very hard thing to do, but if you want to carve people, you must own this book.

Fine how to and esthetic guide to carving the figure in wood
Mr. Bradbury has written the best book I've seen for the woodworker that would like to do realistic full relief carving of the human figure.Having started out to do this myself (without the aid of his book) the verypractical way that he approaches carving picked up for me right where I wasstuck:I found that it was one thing to carve an abstract figure but quiteanother to carve one with a high degree of realism.

In multiple cases,for both full figure and busts and for both male and female subjects, heshows the process from initial photos or sketches through outlining,blanking, and all of the succeeding carving, sanding, and finishing steps. All of the steps are well and amply illustrated.There is no hiding on hispart, either, with each step described along with his intended purpose forit.Comparing his finished product with the photos of the original subjectshows that you are being taught by a master who makes you understand theobjective of each step and how to do it. ... Read more

Product Description
These four-legged friends of man have been a favorite subject for carving since the earliest years. From hunting dogs to the family pet, dogs have a special place in the hearts of people and Tom Wolfe manages to capture their personality in his own creative, witty way. Easy to follow step-by-step instruction, with color illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Disapponted
Was looking for something for a beginning woodcarver but this one didn't work for me. Three pages of patterns were just about all side view coloring line drawings and half of them were just mirror images that could have be accomplished on a copier. One top view that didn't seem to be related to the carving. Only one dog was carved, and that was dog with bandange wrapped around its paw. Nice carving but wasn't all that helpful .The photos were not very helpful since lighting caused a lot of shadows on the carving. The other finished carvings shown were so dark and small it was hard to see details. I like Tom Wolfe's style and carvings and his classes might be great, he was selected as carver of the year by Woodcarving Illustrated, and he is a prolific author but I'll have to actually look at other books written by him before I decide to buy one.

Good quality.
This is another of Tom Wolfe's good quality carving books. It's good for beginners and experts alike. Tom always has something useful in his books. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

not for the novice
I own a number of Hillman's works and this one is comparable to the rest.It has patterns printed on heavy paper which can be cut out and used directly to trace on to wood, which is nice in that it eliminates the steps of scanning into a computer and then printing out templates.Carving instructions are minimal and painting instructions virtually nonexistent.As usual in Hillman's books, painting patterns are simply photos of completed carvings showing top and bottom views.In this particular book I found these photos lacking in clarity and spent a lot of time on the internet researching photos of live ducks for details of hue and head details.The book does tell you to research other sources for realistic details, but you don't know this until you have already bought the book!
That said, this book can be a lot of fun!You don't have to be a master carver to produce likable carvings.After cutting out blanks on a band saw I do most of the actual carving with a simple bench knife while sitting in my recliner!If I decide to put in more detail I can add texture with either a burning pen or stone burs and produce miniatures which are quite realistic.Although this book does not provide detailed instructions for each pattern, even relatively inexperienced carvers can read other sources, apply their learning to this handy collection of patterns, and refine their carving skills by simple repetition.A complete novice, however, might find the lack of specific instructions overwhelming. ... Read more

Product Description
The often surprising predicaments in which we find ourselves are personified in this wooden cowboy and his hapless steed. Cleve Taylor takes you step-by-step through the process of carving the cowboy, his horse, the cliff, and all the little details that complete this delightful work of art. Concise directions, 265 color photographs, and detailed patterns guide you through the carving process and detailed painting instructions complete the project. Cleves text is also peppered with his wry humor to keep you chuckling while you work. A gallery of color photos gives you a close look at the details. Hanging' In There is a wonderful project for intermediate to advanced carvers and an educational challenge to beginners. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the second comprehensive wood carving manual by the successful team of Roz Daisey and Pat Kurman. Through a detailed yet concise series of carving and painting instructions, beautifully drawn illustrations and careful photography, novice as well as expert carvers are given all the information they need to complete realistic wood carvings of five different songbirds. The instructions for creating wooden replicas of the male and female Northern Cardinal, House Sparrow, Blue Jay, and American Robin provide five home seminars at your fingertips. Roz and Pat are experienced carvers and teachers who have developed systems that work for everybody every time. Their own carving achievements, abilities to illustrate and communicate, and their devotion to the bird carving art forms they create all combine here to inspire a new generation of wildfowl artist. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Song Bird Carving II by Rosalyn Daisey
As a bird carver I found this book very descriptive,
loaded with excellent measurements for each project.
The author backs the measurements by quoting her source.
sizes and measurement for each part each and every
part of the bird,including the beaks. The author included
photographs and an excellent painting instruction for folks
like me that put off painting my project for lack of knowledge.
I recommend this book for all aspiring bird carvers.
Oscar

Songbird Carving II
Book is very detailed and photographs are excellent.Well written and focuses extremely well on details of carving and paint techniques.

Rosalyn Diasey can help even a novice painter look great!
My husband, Ron, is an excellent carver and has been doing songbirds for about ten years.He brings life to his carvings by burning the feathers in with such detail nearly everyone reaches out to "pet" his birds.This past year he decided to go beyond the "natural" look and asked me to paint a robin so that the gift to our grandson would be from both of us.
I had only worked with watercolors previously and so, having had no experience with acrylic painting, I was still able to follow the instructions in this wonderful book and came out with a robin that looked very real.In fact, when painting one day, I had to answer the door and the guest flinched, thinking I was holding a real robin.Now if I can only come up with her instructions for painting a blue bird and/or a blue herron I would be grateful beyond words.

Rosalyn Diasey can help even a novice painter look great!
My husband, Ron, is an excellent carver and has been doing songbirds for about ten years.He brings life to his carvings by burning the feathers in with such detail nearly everyone reaches out to "pet" his birds.This past year he decided to go beyond the "natural" look and asked me to paint a robin so that the gift to our grandson would be from both of us.
I had only worked with watercolors previously and so, having had no experience with acrylic painting, I was still able to follow the instructions in this wonderful book and came out with a robin that looked very real.In fact, when painting one day, I had to answer the door and the guest flinched, thinking I was holding a real robin.Now if I can only come up with her instructions for painting a blue bird and/or a blue herron I would be grateful beyond words. ... Read more

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Instructions and colour photos show how to paint and finish four projects: a queen angel fish, a long-nosed butterfly fish, a French angel fish and a school of cherub fish. ... Read more

Product Description
41 exciting, creative new Santa patterns in one book! 41 Santa Patterns for Woodcarvers provides beginning wood carvers with projects which they can accomplish with a minimum of tools and frustration. For the intermediate and advanced carvers it offers a wide assortment of Santas in different poses. One project is followed in a step-by-step, fully illustrated manner, so even the beginner can pick up on basic carving techniques. The patterns in this book are full-size, and include approximate dimensions of the side and front views. Santa carvings are an ever-popular item with carvers, as well as with collectors and people who want them for a touch of warmth in their homes. This book comes at just the right time for those Christmas projects, and will be a delightful resource throughout the year. ... Read more

Product Description
Masterpieces of Dutch art from the seventeenth century: this sumptuous survey illuminates the extraordinary richness and versatility of the art produced in Holland in the seventeenth century--the Dutch Golden Age. It is published on the occasion of an ambitious exhibition organized to celebrate the bicentenary of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, and the decorative arts: more than 200 works of art have been carefully selected from the extensive holdings of the Rijksmuseum and from museums and private collections around the world. The paintings and drawings--portraits, landscapes, still lifes, genre painting, history painting--include masterpieces by the renowned painters Hals, Rembrandt, Ruisdael, Steen, and Vermeer. The applied arts are represented by exquisite examples of Delftware, silver by the brothers van Vianen, tapestries by Francois Spiering, and more. The accompanying text describes in detail the development and accomplishments of Dutch art in the seventeenth century. With its wealth of illustrations and extensive reference section, The Golden Age of Dutch Art provides the most comprehensive overview possible of this seminal period in Western art. 475 illustrations, 225 in color. ... Read more

Product Description
Every power tool and technique necessary for capturing the animal kingdom in wood is presented in this thorough and engaging volume. Frank C. Russell provides concise instructions and never-before demonstrated techniques and carving sequences for transforming a block of wood into a life-like animal. With 150 full-color photographs, every step is illustrated. Following the philosophy that you can only carve what you know, photographs of living animals accompany each carving sequence. Twelve project plans are provided as well. Plans for a bear, bobcat, bison, elephant, fox, giraffe, horse, rabbit, squirrel, tiger, whitetail deer and wolf provide the carver with ample opportunity to apply newly discovered techniques. Color reference photographs accompany the projects. This book will bring enjoyment and challenges to all carvers, novice and professional alike. It will also guide carvers easily and concisely to finished works of art of which they may be proud. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Woodcarving
Love the detail directions on carving animal figures along with the patterns. This author also made DVD on wood carving that came with my power carver. So really could follow his directions easily.

informative, easy to follow and not too remedial
I have read other books written by Russel and found them to be easy to follow, informative and not too remedial. Would buy other books by same author in the future ... Read more

Product Description
Nothing is more challenging to the carver than carving a realistic face. To help in the process Terry Kramer begins with modeling clay. With this pliable medium, he leads the reader through the exploration of the planes and features of the face. In a series of exercises, the carver learns the basics about shaping the face in clay, and then transferring that knowledge to wood. This is a basic reference for face carvers. Following Terrys technique will lead to a new level of accomplishment and competence. Fully illustrated with clear photographs and drawings, each step is clearly explained and organized to take the carver to a satisfying result. ... Read more

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An introduction and eight contributed essays augment some 300 detailed, comparative, and historical photographs that display Meyer's extensive collection of exquisite carved canes. The vivid color photos show a diversity of styles, techniques, and themes; the accompanying text treats methods of dat ... Read more

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This second volume in the Carver's Handbook series gives instructions for carvers to make and paint wooden figures of a tiger, an American goldfinch, and a wood mouse in the round and a great horned owl in relief. The instructions are given with step-by-step suggestions and illustrations. Each project is introduced with a list of all the tools and materials needed for that figure. ... Read more

Product Description
Front, top, side views, characteristic markings of fox sparrow, purple finch, barn swallow, downy woodpecker, northern mockingbird, western tanager, horned lark, five other familiar species. Advice on selecting tools, woods; detailed carving directions, more. Individual portraits in lifelike settings.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fine for folk style birds
In response to the criticism of this book I felt obliged to say that this book and Hillman books are fine books for a folk style of bird carving (or decoy making). These are not to be compared to fine detailed pattern and instructional books. Hillman's are based on simple carving techniques and no woodburning, ie. "smoothies". This is not a bad place for beginner carvers to start, it will help you get started and have a few patterns to try out. Generally, there are no painting instruction in these pattern books. You may want to try your own or pickup a painting book as well.

Hillman series are a joke!
I could post this about any Hillman book.

These are not instructional carving books. They are patterns...and not even good ones. The patterns are side view and lifeless. The top and front views cannot even be used to cut out the blank!...they are 'information only'.

If you are a novice bird carver and wish to purchase instructional books get Lori Corbett or Ernest Muehlmatt's ... Read more

Product Description
Nationally known carver Bob Lundy shares the techniques of relief carving in an easy to follow book. Amply illustrated, it takes the reader step-by-step through two carving projects and offers the information needed to carry out even more. With everything carved by hand, the book is written for both the beginner and for the veteran. Bob Lundy approaches his work with an eye for the personality of the carving. He will instill that sensitivity to the reader, giving the carver a feeling of closeness and intimacy with the figures that come to life from the wood. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Relief Carving with Bob Lundy
Great book lotss of good infromation Have not worked with it yet but read it from cover to cover.I am a novice carver and have done lot of relief carving.Also called friend of mine and recomended it to him.

Great Detail
Bob takes you step by step to relief carve a cougar and an Indian. The pictures are very clear and his written details are very easy to follow. This is one of the best books on instruction and detail that I have seen yet. I am a beginner at carving and I am sure I will be able to complete the projects. ... Read more