More than 350 beautiful color photographs and a descriptive text depict 18th to mid-20th century Mexican devotional art including danced masks, devils and angels, santos, milagritos, retablos, and ex-votos. These religious items were used in ceremonies both at home and church, and include wood carvings, as well as clay, stone, metal, and paper items. Seven essays include a major new work by historian and scholar Gloria Fraser Giffords, who, along with Tom Pirazzini, edited the essays. Other essays are by Philip Wrench, Roberto G. Cruz Floriano, Janet Brady Esser, Martha J. Egan, and Joanna Stuhr cover ing the history, symbolism, and uses of Mexican devotional art, as well as the methods of manufacture. For historians, folk art connoiseurs, and those who have an interest in Mexican culture, this is an essential and welcome new volume.

The arts and crafts of the second half of China's Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) are represented, with a brief nod to the early 20th century and the Art Deco influence in Chinese design. Included are the tools of the scholar, ancestor paintings, and other new categories, in addition to Chinese furniture, basketry, and cabinetry. Newly fashionable Chinese furnishings and accessories from the 18th and 19th centuries are presented in nearly 600 full color photographs. Each piece is clearly described and set in its historical context. \nWhile appreciating the beauty of furniture designs of the late Qing dynasty, readers will be enriched by photographs of their places in ancient settings as well as in contemporary household interiors. Designers and decorators will be surprised to see how well these antique forms blend with and enhance contemporary decor. Values are also included.

Pottery tells us about religion, daily life, humour, trade, sex, folklore and creativity. Bearing the imprint of their maker more than any other crafted object, ceramics give us a unique physical link to the past, often the only evidence of long-forgotten civilizations that have otherwise crumbled to dust. From ancient Egyptian canopic death jars to ethereally beautiful porcelain, and from lewd Renaissance novelties to sleek contemporary vessels, Around the World in 80 Pots is an eclectic journey across time and cultures. Expertly selected from the unrivalled collection of the University of Oxford's Ashmolean Museum, this compendium shows that humankind's oldest craft is the perfect prism through which to view human history.

The Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, holds stunning examples of jewellery and metalwork from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This exceptional period of design covers the neo-Gothic and historicist designs of the mid- to late nineteenth century, the groundbreaking work of British Arts & Crafts designers, sinuous curves influenced by the European Art Nouveau movement and the structural modernity of the 1930s. The collection contains jewellery by some of the finest historicist designers, including the Castellani and Giuliano families and John Brogden, as well as a spectacular decanter by William Burges. There are important pieces of jewellery and silver by the most famous of Arts & Crafts designers, including C.R. Ashbee, Henry Wilson, Gilbert Marks and John Paul Cooper. Unique pieces designed by the artist Charles Ricketts hold a special place in the history of queer art in Britain, having been designed for his friends Katherine Bradley and Edith Cooper, a couple known collectively as Michael Field. Modernist silver is represented by leaders of the field Omar Ramsden and H.G. Murphy. This beautifully illustrated volume reproduces 70 of the Museum's most important pieces from this period, many previously unpublished, with comparative illustrations of some of the original designs. Importantly, the book is arranged chronologically by designer and includes biographies, a description of their work and how it changed over time, as well as commentary about the specific works in the Museum's collection. The resulting book therefore brings together for the first time the Fitzwilliam's exceptionally fine holdings of jewellery and metalwork from this highly popular and fruitful period of design.

This essential book will show you everything you need to know to create beautifully handmade scroll saw art and wooden signs. Featuring comprehensive sections on tools, materials, scroll saw basics, safety, and troubleshooting, equip yourself with the essential skills needed before you dive into the sign-making technique sections. From the basics, like cutting lettering, adding a graphic and painting to the more challenging skills of using epoxy resin, engraving and woodburning, you’ll have a blast building your woodworking skills and seeing all the possibilities of what you can make. This book includes step-by-step projects to try, as well as practice patterns. Perfect for housewarming and wedding gifts, nurseries, and other personalized keepsakes both for you and your family and friends, this exciting and fun guide to sign-making will inspire your DIY projects and original designs for years to come.

Whimsical jewelry that incorporates images of people, animals, flowers, birds, fish, insects, ingenious tremblers and duets, and totally imaginary beasts are featured here, comprising a delightful cross-section of styles that all can be described as "fun." These are the mechanical and light-hearted designs that tickle one's humor and provoke a smile. They may contain important gems and expensive metals, or they may not, for in this jewelry it is the design that wins the nod. Antique as well as modern jewelry, and fine as well as costume designs appear together here to create this appealing collection from European and American sources. Fun Jewelry contains over 400 beautiful color photographs showing over 1,000 pieces and an explanatory text which identifies all marked pieces. Drawn from many styles and times, this fun jewelry is sure to become a favorite of all who enjoy decorative ornamentation.

This book reveals a great untold story of enterprise and innovation based on the relationship between the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Elkington & Co., the renowned industrial art and design manufacturer of the 19th-century. The Birmingham-based company pioneered and patented the industrial art of electro-metallurgy to create original artworks, perfect replicas, and mass-reproduced luxury consumer goods that used electricity to 'grow' metal into shape at a molecular level. This technological revolution created a profound legacy, which continues to influence the way modern material culture looks and operates today. Elkington's syntheses of science and art into industrial manufacturing processes revolutionized the design and production, replication and reproduction of precious metalwork, metal sculpture, and ornamental art metalwork. Elkington & Co. gained huge public acclaim at the Great Exhibition of 1851. They subsequently produced artworks and luxury goods, including world-renowned sports trophies like the Wimbledon Singles Trophies, as well as luxury dining services for great steamships and railways, including tableware that sank with the Titanic. Elkington played a crucial role in shaping and building the V&A's permanent collection from its foundation in 1852 (following the Great Exhibition) until the First World War. The V&A's collections in turn had a profound influence on Elkington's output. The great success of their relationship cemented both the museum's status as a leading cultural institution, and the E&Co 'makers-mark' as one of the world's first truly multinational designer brands. Elkington's electrical alchemy helped spark the electrical revolution that founded the modern world.

The idea for the cane in this book came from the author's good friend and fellow carver Claude Bolton. Both belong to the Caricature Carvers of America, and the group was looking for some way to honor a friend and supporter. Claude hit upon the idea of a cane made up of many segments to be carved by various members. In addition to Tom and Claude they include: Jack Price; Peter Ortel; Steve Prescott; Harley Schmitzen; Rich Wetherbee; Bob Travis; Dave Dunham; Dave Stetson; Keith Morrill; Joe Wannamaker; Tex Haase; Doug Raine; Marv Kaisersatt; Dave Rasmussen; Harley Refsal; Harold Enlow; Claude Bolton; Gary Batte; Desiree Hajny; Pete LeClair; and Randy Landen. In the gallery of this book you will see the results of their enormous talents. Tom Wolfe takes the reader through the process of creating a four-face segment for a cane. What you learn there can be applied to any of your caricature carving or can be used to create your own friendship cane, by yourself or in your carving club. The cane you create will be a true token of friendship and will be cherished for many years to come.

The movement to buy locally, which has gained momentum in the areas of produce and food, is now spreading to arts and crafts. Through the work of over seventy contemporary furniture makers, the role of place in the creative process is explored and celebrated. Whether in terms of materials, inspiration, or the interaction with customers, these artists are rooted in their surroundings. What springs from these roots is usually unique, often edgy, and always beautiful furniture and accessories. Over 150 examples of their work are shown in full color, with ample detail photographs so the reader gets an intimate look at the skill and artistic instincts of these makers. Essays by furniture makers and leaders in the craft world amplify the visual feast and help the reader understand the vision, motivation, and inspiration that give impetus to the artists and inform their work.

Build Stuff with Wood is a true beginner's guide to woodworking, aimed at anyone who is interested in the craft but has only a few tools and no real idea where to start. The idea behind the book is to begin with a basic toolset (a circular saw, chop saw, cordless drill, jigsaw, and a few hand tools) and then add tools as you go. Step-by-step projects are presented showing what you can build with that tool (plus the basic toolset). For example, adding a router to your tool arsenal allows you to gracefully round edges on tables and shelves; buying a simple doweling jig opens up the world of joinery. As well as power tools, hand tools are also introduced. In all, 14 fun projects will be presented, all built with just a few woodworking tools and off-the-shelf lumber.

Elegant dining rooms in the nineteenth century served an important role in the social discourse of the Victorian household. They tended to be "masculine" spaces and typically were filled with solid, heavily carved sideboards and tables, and draped with rich, velvet curtains. Sideboards "groaned" with the weight of opulent silver serving pieces, set off by the jewel-like tones of colored art glass vases and bowls. There could never be too many objects; after all, these were rooms that were meant to impress. So it was perfectly fine to have silver asparagus tongs or orange slicers, sitting beside the silver spoon warmer in the shape of a shell. This richly colorful book is a visual journey through the nineteenth century dining room. From the sideboard to the tea table, the serving pieces, silver, glass, and unusual Victorian oddities are presented. Through over 200 photographs, it becomes clear why the whimsical, beautiful, and sometimes bizarre products of that inventive and colorful time continue to astound and fascinate us. Also included is a facsimile of "How to Set the Table," a rare booklet from 1901, which will help the reader understand the variety and uses of the Victorian table setting. A Value Guide completes the work.

The perfect resource for starting work in metal forging, this guide introduces the traditional techniques from a modern perspective. It focuses on the basics, and includes classic procedures of the craft like punching and bending, as well as modern processes such as plasma cutting, heating with a blowtorch, or the use of manual power tools. With clear instructions and over 500 detailed full-color photos throughout, the book introduces the craft's materials and tools, from the raw material (iron and steel), to the fuels, to the forge and its accessories. Next, basic techniques in eight key subject areas are taught step by step. The book includes instructions for ten creative projects ranging from a cold-forged table trivet to a candelabra, and even a large sculpture applying industrial processes. A creativity-inspiring photo gallery features a selection of pieces by artists worldwide.

Natural Wooden Toys is an exciting project book that shows you how tomake over 75 simple and charming wooden toys. Using just a scroll saw and a few simple tools, you can keep a child playing for months to come!You don't need to have prior woodworking experience to create a selection of fun and imaginative wooden toys. Each project comes with instructions so simple that your children can also help with the making and decorating.Rounded corners, food-colouring finishes and natural materials ensure that each toy is both safe and eco-friendly. The book also includes an informative section on natural finishes for any craft project.

Wire and glass beads are combined in this jewelry-making guide as equal partners, making the bending of wire more than just rings for attachments. Time, space, and affordability of the materials are kept minimal, so the jewelry-making process remains fun. Instructions and color photographs of 60 necklace, bracelet and earrings sets are provided to inspire your own creativity. You will love not only creating the jewelry shown, but also making your own jewelry designs in combinations of glass, ceramic, or metal beads with wire elements of various types.

Georgian Dublin is synonymous with a period of unprecedented expansion in the market for luxury goods. At a time when new commodities, novel technologies and fashionable imports seduced elite society, silver enjoyed an established association with gentility and prestige. Earlier studies have focused predominantly on the issue of style. This book considers the demand for silver goods in Georgian Ireland from the perspectives of makers, retailers and consumers. It discusses the practical and symbolic uses of silverware, interpreted through contemporary guild accounts, inventories, trade ephemera and culinary manuscripts. For the first time the activities of Dublin's goldsmiths and their customers are considered in the context of the British Isles, acknowledging Dublin's 'second city' status in relation to London. How did the availability of new products like English porcelain and Sheffield Plate affect the demand for silver in Dublin, and how did silver imports from London affect the Dublin trade? To what extent do the practices of Dublin goldsmiths mirror their North American counterparts seeking to infer associations with the fashionable metropolis of London? Drawing on an extensive range of documentary and object evidence this wide-ranging analysis considers the context in which silver goods were made, used, valued and displayed in Georgian Ireland.

Miniature oil lamps are beautiful reminders of Victorian days, glistening in glass, china, porcelain, brass, and silver. Most were made in the mid-to late 1800s, though the fashion lingered somewhat into the early years of this century. The variety is staggering; lovely glass lamps can be found in a wide range of textures and colors, while china lamps often appear as figurals, or with hand-painted designs. Styles range from the typical delicacy of the Victorian parlor through daring Art Nouveau elegance. Collectors have learned to delight in the endless combinations of beauty and practicality that can be found in miniature lamps. The reference features almost 450 lamps never before seen in any book, with color photographs, detailed information, and current values for each. Collectors and dealers of lamps, glass, and Victoriana will find this book a must for their reference library.

Joints: A Woodworker's Guide takes one of the most important and challenging aspects of woodworking and demystifies the all-important subject of choosing, designing and cutting woodworking joints. Strong, appropriate and well-fitting joints are one of the hallmarks of the skilled woodworker. Making them properly and accurately calls for good planning and marking out as well as a good degree of care in the cutting, fitting and final assembly. It is essential to approach making joints methodically, this book provides all the necessary information to ensure success. Aimed at both those new to woodworking as well as the experienced woodworker. Joints: A Woodworker's Guide is broken down into three main sections: planning and preparation, basic techniques of joint making and individual joints in detail. Areas covered include: planning the work and preparing the wood; measuring and marking; cutting and fitting, glues and assembly.

Analysing the decorative programmes of the most opulent European palaces of the time, Margaretha Rossholm Lagerloef investigates how meaning was conveyed through display and visual effects. She explores the visual meaning inherent in the scheme of spatial relations; in effects of scale, perspective, lighting, figures' positions and postures; and in relations among image types. The analysis concerns the interrelations of various kinds of images in the ensembles; the relations between images and physical site; and the address to the beholder. Lagerloef considers the visual impact of the imagery in conjunction with 'readable' or symbolically 'coded' meanings; thus, the study does not merely subject these decorations to formalist aesthetic principles. She shows the visual meaning generally to sustain the verbal or readable messages, but often in subtle ways, extending or elaborating the meaning. Occasionally, the visual meaning comes forth as an undercurrent or complication, deviating from the proclaimed and symbolic meaning. Fate, Glory, and Love in Early Modern Gallery Decoration contributes to the body of scholarship on visual rhetoric and on how images 'act' out their messages.

The saw is one of the most basic tools and tends to be taken very much for granted. Many hours and much effort can be saved, and more accurate work produced, if the user has the knowledge of how his saw works and how to keep it in good condition. In this book Ian Bradley provides detailed guidance on the use and maintenance of all types of saw, both hand and mechanical, from the humble junior hacksaw to circular and bandsaws, in the comprehensive and succinct manner that has made him such a respected writer on workshop matters.