1 comments about Inspirational Scroll Saw Projects: Ready to Use Patterns.

1. I purchased this book about 4 years ago, and it remains one of the most used reference book in my shop. The patterns are simple, yet majestic when finished. John Nelson has a definate flair to his projects, and these patterns are no exception
   
   I usually leave a few pattern books lay around the shop, so relatives/friends/visitors can browse for items that they like to own and display, would like to try to make or have made for them. This book is chosen from more than the "normal" book. More people try their hand at these patterns, though some are not for beginners, they give a good example reference to allow the beginner to advance in scroll saw skill.
   
   A top notch pattern book with great subjects that people really want to make or own AND display.

2 comments about The Complete Potter: Throwing (The Complete Potter).

1. I confess that in my 30-second browse of this book at the library, I was not that excited about the book. Most of the photos are black and white and the book is very short. I decided to check it out anyway because I could, but I was sure that I would prefer the other book that I was looking at (Joaquim Chavarria's "Throwing Techniques") because of it's much better "shelf appeal" with glossier pages and color photo's. I read both books cover to cover and the Phethean book is much much better.

   The pictures although not glossy, are very clear, and the text is clear and reinforces the pictures. In addition, he shows a color photograph of a completed piece that relates to the technique just demonstrated. He uses examples that are manageable for beginners and this book would nicely supplement a class at a local studio. (Chavarria's book is not teaching what most beginner classes in this country would teach.) Phethean also uses appropriate sizes of clay for a beginner. Some of the pieces he works on in the book are large to get a better view of what is being done, but he gives folks sound advice about slowly increasing the amount of clay. He also gives a table listing an appropriate amount of clay to use for a number of common pieces.

   The techniques demonstrated in the Chavarria book are very cumbersome and advanced, I have taken many throwing classes and never encountered some of these techniques. The text is awful, and the authors' attitude is that you must do exactly what he says to master throwing. Consequently most of his text concentrates on where each finger should be and it is difficult to follow.

   Phethean has a much more relaxed approach saying that finding what works is personal, he uses pictures to show the position of his hands, but uses the text to describe what the student should be accomplishing with each movement.
   All in all, it is an excellent book that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in learning to throw.




2. The book itself is not of quality binding, but the information contained within is. A good book for beginners and begin-again-ers. Processes are described step by step with excelent photos or line drawing examples.

2 comments about The Art of Netsuke Carving.

1. There are good many photographies, description of different techniques, styles. This book is very helpful for any carvers!



2. This book captures both the beauty of ivory and the art form of Netsuke carving. The artist Masatoshi is a superb carver and the photgraphs of his works and others in this collection epitomize the "best of the best" in the field of this unique Japanese art form. If you like oriental art, this book is a must for the true collector. The book itself is highly collectible, although the First Edition is impossible to find.

1 comments about Bing & Grondahl Figurines (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. This is one of the best books on pottery that I have purchased. It's very easy to locate a piece along with its value. Factory marks and numbers are well explained. I highly recommend this book.

2 comments about The Paper Sculpture Book.

1. What a disappointing waste of money. My copy came today and it will go to the Goodwill tomorrow. I found nothing but drab, useless projects in this book. Not one single thing I would ever want to make.



2. i bought this for my kid but i think it is mine now. you need rubber cement. 50% crafty + 50% artsy fartsy = 100% awesome!

1 comments about Gem testing.

1. All rock hounds and pebble pups should get this book. Often helps in the field.

No comments about Robert Gober: Sculpture And Drawing.

No comments about Expressions in Wood: Masterworks from the Wornick Collection.

No comments about CityScape: The Book.

2 comments about Making Ceramic Sculpture: Techniques * Projects * Inspirations (A Lark Ceramics Book).

1. As a sculpture student who has worked primarily in wood and plaster, I wasn't interested in this book as much for technique as for a photo gallery of contemporary sculpture. I was blown away. I will be taking ceramics in the future, and now I can hardly wait to get my hands on clay; I was fascinated by the different styles possible in this medium. Those coming from a ceramics background will have an entirely different appreciation for this book (I don't know anything about the techniques introduced, but the author made them seem very 'do-able'). At any rate, it's a wonderful book to peruse, and stimulate that creative muse.



2. A beautiful ceramic sculpture book... this book deals with handbuilding sculpture work. It is both for learning and looking, has several step by step projects you can follow along with and a gallery full of wonderful images in the back half of the book. There is also good information on finishing your ceramic work, and even talks about alternative finishes on clay such as oil paints, acrylics and experimenting with your finishes.