No comments about Artistry in Chip Carving: A Lyrical Style (Schiffer Book for Woodcarvers).

3 comments about 3D Scroll Saw Patterns & Techniques.

1. I like this book because it is simple and straight forward. While there is not a huge amount of technical information, there are great examples of what can be made. I use this book as a reference and guide, and I am not bothered by the crudeness of the finished products.



2. I really enjoy making the whimsical projects in this book. The directions and techniques are relatively easy. The projects can be made quickly from scrap wood. Everyone I know got a little pink flamingo for Valentine's Day. I made flocks of miniature ducks and herds of tiny bunnies to stuff into plastic eggs for Easter gifts. 3-D minis are a fun new way to make little folk art figures.



3. I was intrigued by the idea of miniature wooden "statues" but was disappointed when reviewing this book. On a technical basis it does not always provide step by step instructions to achieve a result. You typically get a before and after picture. On a personal basis, the finished products are generally quite crude which does not appeal to me. I'll stick to scrollsawing larger items!

1 comments about Robert Gober: Sculptures 1979 - 2007.

1. The catalogue for a comprehensive retrospective of Robert Gober's career to date, this book is an invaluable tool for the study and the appreciation of one of the most difficult artists on the contemporary scene. If you want to understand how a mere sink or playpen can be turned - or moulded, or distorted, to use more appropriate terms - into a work of art, how a mere board of rough plywood can be called a sculpture (and rightly so), then peruse this book and stop to ponder the meaning of those beautifully illustrated works.
   
   The complete series of sinks, playpens, human legs and more recent installations (especially one already exhibited at the Matthew Marks gallery in NY in 2005 that reminds the viewer of a cathedral) are illustrated in the book and some works are explained by the artist himself. Also present are pictures of the making of some of the sculptures, which help the reader understand where the idea of the work came from and what its meaning is.
   
   Highly recommended.

3 comments about Gunstock Carving: A Step-by-Step Guide to Engraving Rifles and Shotguns.

1. This book explains the specific use of ultra high speed pneumatic rotary engraving tools in the art of gunstock decorative carving.
   It contains a couple of hundred color photographs showing in great detail the layout and steps to create fishscale and basket weave checkering, oak and acanthus leaf carving, and a wildlife scene. The author does a great job of answering all questions you might have as he takes you through the complete process step-by-step and tool-by-tool.
   Also included are full page photocopiable patterns for all of the previously listed items and more. And to top it all off, for the reader's inspiration the author included 23 color photos of other finished carving.
   If you want to do decorative wood carving with an ultra high speed engraver, this book is a must have.



2. I ordered two books on this subject at the same time. This book was clear and to the point--and very helpful. The other "Custom Gunstock Carving" was a big disappointment.
   The Janney book was better illustrated, better written, and had better sequences of what to do next. Gunstock Carving had a list of suppliers which was extremely helpful especially for us beginners.



3. The results achieved on my first attempt were very satisfying. I was surprised on receiving the book that most of the work is done thru a pattern with rotary tools. The text is plain and complete, and the illustrations better than average. I was particularily happy with my results (after a bit of practice) with the fish scale checkering. A real bargain.

No comments about Christopher Wilmarth: Drawing into Sculpture (Harvard University Art Museums).

2 comments about The Art of Diamond Cutting Second Edition.

1. I have been faceting colored stones for a few years and am hoping to start cutting diamonds. The editorial description of the book sounded great "... all you need to know about polishing and production of the popular round brilliant diamond." The book's introduction also looked great and I was excited. I read the book, got to the end, and figured that I must have missed something - so I read it again.
   
   The critical information that is missing from this book is information about equipment. Diamond cutting is an equipment intensive hobby (that is really part of the fun) and is the limiting factor when getting started. I am no closer to knowing what equipment I need, and that is the information that I need to get started in this hobby.
   
   There is a book with a similar title "Diamond Cutting by Basil Watermeyer," ISBN 0 629 30756, that I found online for around $75. This 400 page book far better suited my needs and contained all of the information that I was looking for.



2. I have read many books on diamond cutting but this is truly the best of all.To become a complete diamond cutter one must read this book.

4 comments about Pens from the Wood Lathe: Step-By-Step Instructions for the Wood Turner.

1. Great book to get me started turning pens. A lot of good info and pictures. Covers all the basics well.



2. I picked this book up on the recommendation of a friend. I've advanced to the stage where I'm getting pretty good at making dowels on an expensive lathe, and was feeling like I needed to find something that made me feel more productive. If I've got it figured right, my first pen will cost me about $4,000. After that, hopefully, economy of scale should set in (I hope). If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm pretty good in a wood shop, but an absolute newbie at turning.
   
   I think my friend was being kind. Dick Sing assumes you have some familiarity with small gouges, skews and scrapers, which I do, and does little or no explanation of the turning part of pen making. He focuses on the intricacies of the equipment that is peculiar to pen making (mandrels, drilling jigs, etc.). Truth is, basic pen making is not a challenging occupation, and Dick Sing offers lots of pictures and straightforward text. This could have been called Pen Making for Dummies. In other words, anyone who can make a dowel on a lathe should be able to follow this book. Even me.
   
   What is missing, though, is and real focus on creative pen making. But this I mean grooves, beads, and chatter work sort of things that can turn a pen into something other than a useful dowel. He does play around a bit with materials and an interesting desk pen, but for the most part this book is about kit making and not about custom pen making. Even so, it is a terse, but very useful, introduction.



3. 64 pages, full color, 9 gallery pages. Step by step pictures with detailed text on how to make pens/pencils on the lathe. This book was a must for making my first pen, and a great reference as I have progressed. Pens include: Standard twist (and pencil), Dome-top, Rollerball and Fountain, Cigar pen, Flat-top click pen, Flat-top twist pen, and desk pen.



4. A very clear and concise presentation of what is required for making excellent writing instuments. Great color photos of all materials and instructions of each step in the selection of woods, and hardware, how to drill, match and assemble the components. The number of ways to varie the appearance of the instruments. He does not go into the discusion of lathes. He concentrates making pens and pencils and the variations that can be created. I have his other book, "UNIQUE & UNUSUAL PENS from the wood lathe" and I refer to them quite ofen for new ideas. I also refer to "TURNING PENS AND DESK ACCESSORIES" by Mike Cripps which I also use

2 comments about The Art of Parchment Craft.

1. This book is very clear and easy to follow, however the only thing I do not enjoy so much is having to enlarge the patterns on the photo-copy machine. (I'm just bone lazy I guess) but get it its worth it!



2. This book is very pretty to look at. It has lots of good pictures allowing you to follow most examples through step-by-step. The clear instructions accompanying the pictures (or vice-versa) make it easy to use, even for beginners. I found that the diverse range of projects have been useful for me many times. It has taught me the Art of Parchment Craft so well that I have been asked to demonstrate this craft for a local ladies group. I would love to see more books by the same author.

3 comments about Rodin: Sculpture and Drawings.

1. As a Rodin researcher, I find Catharine Lampert's book extremely useful as a reference. It is very insightful in providing three-dimensional characterization, particularly to Camille Claudel who played such an important part in influencing Rodin's style in the 1880's, serving both as a detailer (hands and feet) of his own works, a model and his lover while continuing to become a better and better sculptor in her own right. The book is a beautiful publication worthy of coffee-table display. The lure of the coffee table, however should be balanced by the posible reactions of those who may flip it open towards the end. Here one finds many of his drawings. Wonderful though they and his style are in the drafting field, there are quite a number of sketches that are also extremely explicit . I would not want my grandchildren to be 'hit' by these. Buy the book by all means but be forewarned to display, or not display, according to the company that surround your coffee table. Neville Hale, author "The Rodin Quest" listed by Amazon.



2. "Anybody can look at a pretty girl and see a pretty girl. An artist can look at a pretty girl and see the old woman she will become. A better artist can look at an old woman and see the pretty girl that she used to be. But a great artist-a master-and that is what Auguste Rodin was-can look at an old woman, protray her exactly as she is...and force the viewer to see the pretty girl she used to be...and more than that, he can make anyone with the sensitivity of an armadillo, or even you, see that this lovely young girl is still alive, not old and ugly at all, but simply prisoned inside her ruined body. He can make you feel the quiet, endless tragedy that there was never a girl born who ever grew older than eighteen in her heart...no matter what the merciless hours have done to her. Look at her, Ben. Growing old doesn't matter to you and me; we were never meant to be admired-but it does to them."
   
   -Robert A. Heinlein "Stranger in a Strange Land"



3. This book contains many wonderful pieces, as well as providing details of Rodin's life during the time he created these enchanting works. I love to turn each page, because his collection always remain fresh and exciting...Jasmine

5 comments about Carving & Painting the American Kestrel (Carving & Painting).

1. I have plans on becoming a world class carver one day. If Floyd keeps putting these books out im afraid the competition will be to much for me to handle! In all seriousness its a great book! Thanks!



2. Very informative book, I would recommend it. Lots of good photos and very detailed step by step instruction. I'm using this book to teach 3 beginning students to carve birds of Prey. Floyd Scholz books have been among the best. Thanks



3. Floyd Scholz has developed into a world class carver and his books reflect that care and precision with excellent instructions.



4. GREAT BOOK FOR THE POWER CARVER. HAND CARVERS CAN ALSO USE SOME OF THE TIPS AND INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN. HIGH A++



5. This is the best of the 'Carving & Painting' series of books, and should be on the shelf of every serious bird carver. Not only does it cover carving and painting techniques, but it provides some beautiful reference photos of male and female kestrels. It also discusses wood choices, tools, patterns, and design and composition. It's a lot of information at a very reasonable price!