5 comments about Jewelry Concepts & Technology.

1. It's hard to justify $85 for a jewelry book, but this combines history, technique and art in one book. If you intend to work with jewelry professionally, or are a very serious jewelry student, it's wise to get this book. You won't get the step-by-step techniques, but you'll get enough background technique you'll be able to wing it, usually sucessfully. He covers the international world of jewelry, so it has everything from ethnic tribal to Danish contemporary, and all the stuff inbetween. I sit down with this book periodically to just enjoy the book, and I always find something 'new' I want to try. Many times I use it a reference for finding the basis of a technique, or a particular table that has the info I require. Whatever it is that I need, I can find it in this book. It's worth the $85 and you won't regret the decision.



2. This one expands on were he stopped with the first book. 19 chapter headings with a multitude of sub headings.
   
   * The Message of Jewelry, why we wear ornaments
   * The Means to Creation: working environment, facilities and implements
   * Metal, the Jewel's Raw Material: Its origin, quality control and variety
   * Basic Techniques: processing sheet metal without deformation
   * Sheet Metal: Forming by deformation techniques
   * Wire: The uses of drawn or extruded flexible filaments
   * Tubing: The use of Fistular Forms
   * Surface ornament with out heat: Metal removal techniques
   * Surface ornament with heat: Metal fusion techniques
   * Fabrication: Building fragments into units
   * Casting: Methods of giving form to molten metal
   * Natural Materials in Jewelry: Using natures valued nonmetals
   * Stones and their setting: Inorganic minerals employed in jewelry
   * Metal Finishing: Achieving desired surface appearance
   * Metallic Coating Techniques: Changing the base metal's surface appearance
   * Metallic Buildup: Electrolytic molecular creation of surface and form
   * Coloring Metals: Achieving patinas through heat, chemicals and electrolysis
   * Standard weights, Measures and Tables
   * Glossaries, Bibliographies, Sources of tools, supplies and services: USA and UK
   
   Around 800 pages of pure golden info, I have read and keep finding new and interesting things since I picked up a copy last year. I find this gift keeps on giving every time I pick it up. He goes into detail that others can only dream about.
   
   This book isn't only for jewelry artists, anybody that is into the metal arts working or a collector. This will give years of educational enjoyment. It is truly an investment grade book of knowledge. I use my copy on a metals arts forum for answers to question from people that are looking for answers that can be counted to be correct.



3. This book is the jewelry makers bible. I cannot begin to scratch the surface of its value by lising content. It is a gem of a book (pun intended).
   
   Oppi Untracht did the jewelry industry and anyone serious about learning jewelrymaking the right way, a HUGE service by compiling the information in this book and presenting it in clear and easy to understand language. This book must have taken years of research and editing to produce and publish. That, my friends who harp about price, is why this book is so high priced. It is not over-priced, it is aptly priced. Think how much the Oxford English Dictionary costs- [...]
   it's just words, why so expensive?!
   
   You could learn a new technique or factoid every day for a year from this book and then start all over again and learn even more.
   This book, however, is not for teaching silver or goldsmithing, gem setting, etc. It is not a how-to book at all. It is a reference book, like the ones that the library won't let you check out because they're too valuable.
   
   If you are serious about jewelry making, fine and art jewelry- not hobby craft wire and bead stringing- put this on your wish list. You'll be thrilled if someone sends it to you for a birthday or holiday gift. If nobody will kick for it, save your nickles and find a used one, reclaiming the silver from spent pickle solution and making solder from scratch never goes out of style.



4. This book was purchased to replace a book lost out of our Mineral & Gem Society library. We have many master gemologists and geologists in the club and each speaks highly of this book. It's full of basics but also provides information for the advanced jeweler. Highly recommneded.



5. Jewelry Concepts and Technoloty by Oppi Untracht is the must reference text for the jewelry artist. Untracht provides historical reference for styles and techniques, clearly explains how various techniqures can be utilized by beginners, advanced art jewelry students and professionals. If that is not enough, the visuals and historical references stimulate the imagine.

5 comments about Manual of Traditional Wood Carving.

1. This book is full of information, with a catch. It is like a hundred years old! and has never been updated. To sharpen chisels, it recommends a three foot diameter grinding wheel set in the ground. good for traditionalists.



2. maybe in the 1700's it was a good book, but now it s not. i read about half of it, put it where it belongs, in the trash. save your money, go on line, alot better info on the web,for free. tim



3. This book is somewhat outdated. Don't purhcase it if you are planning to learn wood carving from it.
   It is however an interesting reading and will provide some usefull information.



4. If a person could only have one book on woodcarving, this would be THE book. It was written back in 1911, so some of the material is out of date. For example, the section on how to sharpen tools is dated. Some of the "tone" of this large (568 page)book is in the style of stuff written at that time. It can be a bit preachy and it can get a bit philosophical at times. For example it talks about how learning to carve wood makes you a better person. But these points are so minor, when you consider the entire book, that they cannot even be considered as flaws. There is no other book which even tries to cover just about all types of woodcarving. It covers:tools, history, and styles. It provides an almost unlimited (1146 to be exact), and certainly unparalleled set of photos and line drawings of different types of carvings throughout history. He even has a chapter on how to set up training programs for woodcarving for various groups of people.
   Mr. Hasluck does provide some "how to" information. He provides a set of recommended gauges, clamps, sharpening equipment, bench designs, etc. He tells you about and even illustrates the various steps of carving (setting in, grounding, modeling and finishing). He is the only author I have come across who explains why he recommended every tool that he recommends. This is absolutely enlightening!!! It is interesting that his recommended set of tools is much different from the modern authors on this subject (eg Chris Pye, Nora Hall, etc). After researching this topic, I have come to the conclusion that Hasluck selected his set to be most appropriate to highly detailed relief carving, which is the type of carving that he spends the most time on.
   I would bet that if someone wanted to start learning how to carve, and they bought only this book, they would be very disappointed. If you are looking for a "how to" book, which gives you a preselected sequence of five projects, from easy to medium, and tells you which tool to use to make each cut in each project, then this is NOT the book for you. There are other books that do this much better. Go to the website for Chris Pye and check out his books on introductory carving, and check out the videotapes of Nora Hall on her website. These will give you much more of the very specific "how to" information on a sequence of specific graded projects.
   Every really good carver that I know has used this book extensively. Most of the good carvers that I have talked to are mostly self taught. All speak "lovingly" about Hasluck's book. It is the greatest source of carving information and suggestions and illustrations you can find in one place. One of its "drawbacks" is that it is so encyclopedic, that one could not read it from cover to cover. This is more of a reference book that a carver refers to VERY often during his/her development.
   Hasluck's coverage of Chip Carving is an example of how encyclopedic he is. Other authors on this subject only cover one of the many ways that it can be done. He covers many of them in great detail, and he doesn't denigrate any of them. I would buy this book only for the set of chip carving designs that it includes. The rest of the book would be "gravy" to me.
   This book is to woodcarving what the Roman Coliseum is to sports arenas. It is a classic. I doubt it will ever be surpassed.
   Hasluck's book is really for the person who has taken control of his own education in woodworking, and who wants to become VERY good. It is far too much for the casual person who wants to make one or two carvings with inexpensive tools. Of course, if you like to have impressive books on your coffee table, this would be a good one!!!!!
   I am in awe of Paul N. Hasluck, the author of this wonderful book. Having the goal of writing a book of this scope and depth would be like having the goal of climbing Mt. Everest without oxygen. It would not be for the faint of heart. Virtually all serious modern books on woodcarving refer to this 1911 book. It is incomparable, and it is a real bargain. In my humble opinion, you'll get far more out of this book, which will probably cost you less than $20, than you will from a course on woodcarving that will cost you $1000.
   BUY THE BOOK. You'll be glad you did.



5. This is one of those rare books written a long time ago (early 1900s) when craftsmen and artists actually made their livings working with their hands (after serving apprenticships under masters). Their art went on to be perfected during a time when such hand-craftsmanship was valued and rewarded albeit simply and honestly. The treasure trove of techniques and historical information in this book is the kind that I typically find only in old books like this one. 'Very applicable to todays professional or recreational woodworker/carver and to those simply interested in historical carved styles evident in todays antiques.

No comments about Lee Bontecou: A Retrospective.

5 comments about From Clay to Bronze: A Studio Guide to Figurative Sculpture.

1. I have owned this book since 2001, and still find myself referencing it for additional insight and techniques. As my work evolves I find this book an invaluable manual to refresh me and acquaint myself with alternatives to what I have been already doing. Finally it has been very helpful for me in working with foundries to check their process and verify the quality of work produced- whether speaking of molds, waxes or finished bronze.
   
   This is a very helpful book for anyone creating sculpture and wishing to mold and cast into another material. Langland is very knowledgeable in the history and practice of casting in a variety of materials. His depth of knowledge shows in the attention to methods for wax, plaster, bronze and other metals.



2. I have sculpted for the past 15 or twenty years and bought this book specifically for the page that dealt with plaster piece molds. Unfortunately, piece mold making is a lost art and few books even attempt to describe them, never mind explain how to make them. I'm still not sure how to tackle piece molds of fully articulated figures, but relatively solid pieces, like the portrait head illustrated in the book, would be reasonable to attempt.
   
   After receiving the book from Amazon, I was pleasantly surprised by the thoroughness of the book on a host of topics. Trust me, for anyone who is starting out, you can save yourself years of trial and error by referring to this book. In the chapter titled "modeling the figure" Langland explains the importance of building up slowly in "strings" that follow the forms of the muscles and stresses the importance of creating a solid pelvis, rib cage and head making sure that they align properly with the spine. I found myself nodding in agreement at countless points reading the book. It is remarkable how many processes and artistic concerns he manages to thoughtfully and clearly address throughout the book. As an example, Langland describes three methods to mark locations where holes will be drilled through a base to facilitate mounting a bronze sculpture. Now, this sounds like a very straightforward thing to do, but in practice it is a little tricky. Typically, underneath a bronze sculpture, a foundry will drill and tap two or more holes that can receive screws that pass through counter-bored holes in a stone or wood base. How would you locate hole centers in a blank base so that they will match the existing hole pattern in a bronze sculpture?



3. This book covers so many aspects of sculpture from start to finish. You are never left with unanswered questions or uncertainty to any of the processes. The color section on patinas is marvolous. I love this book and have enjoyed reading it. Highly recommended!



4. really good technical manual for the whole sculptural process, and clearly and simply written and illustrated. I would certainly recommend this book.



5. I have been sculpting in bronze for nearly twenty years. Had I owned a copy of Tuck Langland's book when I started out, the quality of my bronzes would have taken a quantum leap, and I would have become a better instructor sooner. In my opinion, Mr. Langland has an excellent working knowledge of the sculpting process, and he presents it in an interesting and witty writing style. This is the best "how to" book on bronze sculpture I have seen.

5 comments about Modelling and Sculpting the Human Figure.

1. It is impossible to read this book and not benefit. The instructions are clear and concise, the photos are very helpful, and the wisdom of the author is unsurpassed. I don't think we will ever have a better book on sculpture technique.



2. this is the essential text for figure sculptors. if you intend to take figure sculpting seriously you must have this book. i've appreciated my copy as a dear friend for many years & regardless of the many other books i've read in the same vein, this is the one book that i'd probably run in & grab from a burning building.. though thanks to amazon & the like i can just order another copy instead. cheers. p.s in fact i got my copy as fire damaged stock from when the local library burned down.



3. A to much classical style for my taste. There is an extreme rigour, out of date nowadays. Besides, it presents few photos and hands and feet are forgotten!



4. Trying to learn art in a town where no "REAL" art doesn't exist is difficult, but this books goes into the basics of how to expertly form some curiousities as can be difficult without an instructor. All in all it could have used more examples, but it's a great book



5. This book was recommended to me (as a beginning sculptor) by a well-established sculptor, and he was right in recommending it. I am not through reading it all, but it isn't the type of book you would really sit down and read from beginning to end. It is a great resource for figure sculptors. My biggest issue with this book is that it has so many pages in a small format that it is a thick book that requires the reader to prop open a page with something heavy if you want to refer to a drawing or text WHILE sculpting. It is really the type of book that should come in a loose-leaf binder.

5 comments about Hallmarks of the Southwest (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. This book is a must have for the serious collector of Native American jewelry. This compilation is broad and attributes many makers to their nation of origin. There are names, initials, and pictographs, with an assortment of unknowns as well. This book is worth its weight in gold!



2. I've been able to find some of the marks in the book but so many times the marks I'm looking for are not listed. I was also surprised that some names, such as Harry Morgan, were not in the book.



3. We have had previous editions of this book by Barton Wirght for years. This up-dated edition is just more current, but overall it is a very helpful bood to us.



4. Although the exchange process was easy, both copies of the book that Amazon sent had pages either missing or hugely out of order. I wished there was a way for Amazon to check the copies, under such circumstances, before sending them out.



5. This is the eagerly-awaited second edition of Hallmarks of the Southwest; as a longtime collector of Native American jewelry, I'm happy to finally have a copy of this book.
   
   Naturally, not every craftsman can be represented in such a comprehensive work, and complicating this is that not every piece is stamped with identifying marks. (Some of my favorite jewelry isn't stamped at all, even with "Sterling.") Many of the references are a carry-over from the first edition; since silversmithing is often a family tradition, certian respected craftsmen working today may not be represented but their families are.
   
   It's a valuable overview, and leaves the reader [me, at least] wanting more.

5 comments about Polymer Clay Surface Design Recipes: 100 Mixed-Media Techniques Plus Project Ideas.

1. This book had some interesting techniques in it, but for the most part this isn't something that will get a lot of use. I'm not all that into uing paint on my clay and this book has several paint treatments. So for me, this book wasn't that great.



2. I really like this book for the fact that although i do not use polyclay often, this books ideas on color, scheme, and technique can work for most media. i thoroughly enjoyed the eye candy but savor it mostly for the secret recipes on coloration. i would recommend this book for all involved in visual arts.



3. Great information, I would recomend it to anyone who likes Polymer Clay.



4. This book needed writing! Thank you, Ellen for sharing years of experimentation and innovation. as you created your art. The specific information contained within its covers could well save an artist much time and money.
   
   Great information and a must have resource on surface treatments and polymer clay.
   
   Donna Kato, author of The Art of Polymer Clay



5. Some techniques in this book were new to me and some I have done for years. I like this book because it is a good collection of surface treatments all in one place.

5 comments about Origami in Action : Paper Toys That Fly, Flap, Gobble, and Inflate.

1. What a great book! The author explains how to accpomplish the different types of folds used in the ' Introduction.'
   So when you go to make one of the models, you'll understand the directions better, than if you just tried it on your own.
   Also, all the origami models in this book perform an action.
   It has all skill levels of difficulty.
   An awesome book to get to learn from and practice with. Besides, you get to make some neat models.
   FYI - Just remember to read the Intro.



2. I BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR MY ONE NIECE, SHE HAS THE OTHER ONE BY: ROBERT J. LANG. THIS WAS WHAT SHE WANTED FOR EASTER. SO ALL I CAN SAY IS: FROM LISTENING TO HER, SHE HAS ALOT OF FUN WITH THE BOOK SHE HAS, THE PROJECTS ARE EASY, ALL YOU NEED IS PAPER. I THINK IT IS GREAT BECAUSE, A CHILD HAS TO USE THEIR MINDS, & NO BATTERIES, NOTHING TO PLUG IN, ONE OF THE FEW ITEMS OUT THERE, WHERE A CHILD CAN LET THEIR IMAGINATION GO WILD & THEY DO IT THEMSELVES.



3. If you're just starting out in origami, I really suggest averting from this book. No, really. Unless you start off taking origami very seriously and have your steel resolve handy, this book will only serve to discourage. There aren't a lot of easy designs in this volume, and there's plenty of designs towards the end that are obvious expert-level pieces. I'd go get a book that had a sizable section of traditional origami designs first, then I'd go pick a copy of this up. It's terribly fun once you have any idea what you're doing !



4. The challenge (and pro) in this book is that you can make the completed model "move" by pull or push the model. And it contains some wonderful models, like the boat rower and the guitarist. However there are too many easy models here, and most of them can be found in other origami books. It's a good idea to make the model come to live, but I'm afraid some quintessential qualities of origami will be lost. A new and good try, but I hope this isn't Lang's new style. From the very beginning Mr. Lang's models are always highly expected and appreciated and adored by folders around the world, and always a challenge. So,fold us more super complex models.....



5. Robert Lang is one of the most prolific and innovative origami model creators around. Many of Lang's books, however, are composed mainly of more difficult models appropriate for intermediate and advanced folders. But *Origami in Action* offers lots of fun model building for folks at every skill level. The diagrams and instructions are wonderfully clear and presented on big pages surrounded by lots of calming white space.

   I've been teaching origami to 20 third graders (an interesting volunteer experience!). *Origami in Action* is one of my top suggestions when a parent asks me to recommend an origami book for an eight or nine year old.

   But this book is also great fun for grownups -- even origami-addicted grownups and other advanced folders. The otter lying on its back is absolutely wonderful!

   Thanks Mr. Lang!

4 comments about Create Anything With Clay.

1. Very nicely layed out. Great photography. There could be a little more detail on technique but overall it is a very nice book



2. I wanted to mention a little omething about the reader wndering about page 5 in this book. The writing does stop in mid - sentence but if you want to know how long to bake, just read the individual instructions for each craft and you will find the exact baking time for your project.

   I would strongly suggest anyone who would like to work with polymer clay to buy this book! There are plenty of wonderful projects to keep anyone busy for a long time. If you run out of clay, most local craft stores will carry more - either Sculpey III or other sculpey brands like Presto which is just about the same. Buy this book and enjoy!




3. The book is excellent - encourages creativity.

   On page 5 in the Baking section, second column, it stops in mid sentence. We wondered how long to bake our creation, but couldn't find a clue.




4. My kids love this book!! It is definitely a great purchase if you want to have fun with your kids and also introduce them into the world of CREATIVITY!....Great Job!.

2 comments about Figure Sculpture in Wax and Plaster.

1. Exactly what I was looking for. If you are looking for well illustrated practical instruction on plaster and wax modeling, then this will be perfect. Although it focuses on the human figure, the techniques could obviously be applied to any subject matter. Wax and plaster are both relatively cheap materials that have quick results and hold there shape and allow reworking later on.



2. This is one of the reference books I keep in my studio.It covers techinques on materials that are not covered in other sources. The set up of the book is logical and helps one to understand the materials and techinques valuable to a sculptor focusing on the figure and other forms of expression. So valuable are these techiques as they offer a sculptor the opportunity to quickly create his design with the use of fairly inexpensive materials. i highly recommend this book to anyone serious about sculpture.