1 comments about Simple Colonial Furniture.

1. The 39 projects consist of a single page of plans, not exploded diagrams with step-by-step as in modern how-to, with a list of parts to cut, and a short commentary on particular problems. The most complicated have two pages of plans with two pages of remarks and "Bill of Material" (parts list).

   Originally copyrighted in 1931, this has been reprinted by the likes of Bonanza Books in recent years. This book was designed for the trained home woodworker and for the teacher of advanced wood shop classes at vocational high schools. The projects are called "problems" for classrooms, and are designed to challenge students as they increase in skill, though the book itself does not teach the skills: turning on the lathe, cutting mortise & tenon joints, etc. Even where he gives rudimentary instructions on making rush seats, he suggests getting a book on chair seating.

   If you can deal with this, you may enjoy the project range. The 8 miscellaneous projects range from book ends and frames to lectern and library magazine rack. There are nine tables, 6 stools or chairs, 6 desks or chests, 6 cabinets or shelving units (they overlap), 2 clocks and 2 beds. I should note that none of these are "authentic" reproductions of any particular antique, but are all the author's (excellent, skilled) designs in the Early American style, often a bit simplified from the original methods. He also includes furniture for modern living: smoking stands (ashtray pedestals), radio cabinets, bulletin boards, etc.

   The chapter on furniture finishing weighs the pros and cons of shellac vs. varnish, and tells how to apply both and trad wood sealers, but of course has nothing to say about modern finishes like acrylic or urethane.

   Consider this an addition of projects to your library of how-to books on woodworking and finishing, rather than any kind of training text, either beginning or advanced.

3 comments about Picture Framing Made Easy.

1. This is not a book for the person who wants to save a little money. It is written for the fanatic who wants to know how to do everything.

   To be fair I did pick up some useful information on restoring old prints and frames. But it all seems a lot more complicated than I want to do. The terminology is British and I have a feeling that some of the materials are not known by the same nomenclature in the USA.

   Maybe i'm just looking for a simpler book.




2. This book is often lacking in details and does not fully illustrate all concepts. For example, it mentions the paper hinge method for mounting a picture to the mount board. However, it does not provide enough detail for an amateur like myself to implement this technique. The techniques all use very cude handtools, and the author does not even mention the tools a professional might use. I'm sure it is possible to use the information in the book to make quality looking frames, but using these tools, it sure will take a struggle of an effort



3. I am a water color painter and I have framed my own work, but it usually looked more lynched than hung. So, when I saw Penelope Stoke's book, PICTURE FRAMING MADE EASY, I muttered, "yeah, right." Well, I read the book and realize the key to framing is having the proper equipment and a place to use said equipment. PICTURE FRAMING MADE EASY shows in detail each tool and tack and tells how to use the equipment effectively. I must admit, her book helps make framing easier, and the finished project really can look professional when done at home. Using her step-by-step instructions you can frame your own art, heirlooms, butterly collection, whatever you choose to frame! I highly recommend it

No comments about Reconnaitre Les Muebles de Style.

2 comments about Price Guide to British Antique Furniture.

1. This is an excellent book, very well illustrated, and includes pieces of furniture readily available in the marketplace, as well as those superb examples seen only in the finest shops and museums. The quantity of photographs makes it easy to distinguish the relative merits of different related objects. I highly recommend it.



2. This is an excellent book, very well illustrated, and includes pieces of furniture readily available in the marketplace, as well as those superb examples seen only in the finest shops and museums. The quantity of photographs makes it easy to distinguish the relative merits of different related objects. I highly recommend it.

No comments about Classical Chinese Wood Furniture: September 1 to November 1, 1992.

No comments about Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840.

No comments about Restoration Recipes: A Paint Recipes Book.

1 comments about 1930S Lighting: Deco & Traditional by Chase (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. This is an exciting book for collecters who are familiar with the wide range of Chase products as well as those just being introduced to these beautiful lamps! My mother began to collect when no one recognized these pieces for their style and beauty - monetary considerations aside. This book juxtaposes the actual lamps with pages from the original Chase catalogs. The design detail and the artist's sketches are a wonderful benefit to designers. A great companion volume to Chase Complete! A real joy to read and study.

No comments about Ancient Egyptian Furniture Vol. II: Boxes & Chests (Modern Egyptology Series).

No comments about The Incorruptible Cashier, Volume 2: The Brass Era, 1888-1915.