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Books > Arts & Architecture > Art forms, treatments & subjects > Decorative arts & crafts > General
Whereas animals are a frequent depiction on gemstones within the
Greek and Roman periods, and play a key role in symbolic
representations on these engraved gems, they have generally been
overlooked with little in the way of focussed academic study. In
the present research, a large group of Greek and Roman gems
(intaglios) bearing depictions of animals was selected. The gems
are presented through a detailed study of the themes described in
an attempt to form a comprehensive approach to the depictions of
animals and their significance on Greek and Roman gems. The work
examines the associations between animal depictions and the type of
gemstone and its believed qualities. The study also discusses the
changes in representation of animals on gems compared to other,
larger media, and questions the significance of these changes. It
is concluded here that as far as animal motifs are concerned, the
gems could be accorded with a deeper symbolism, such as good luck,
abundance and fertility, health, success, and victory. All these
motifs are perceived as capable of weakening hostile forces. The
animals engraved can also symbolise nature's abundance and
fertility, especially when represented along with their offspring,
pasturing and grazing, or accompanied by such fertility symbols as
cornucopia, ears of corn, and wine goblets. Other animals are
related to certain gods, and even comprise their attributes, and
thus it was believed that the owner of an engraved gem was accorded
divine protection.
Chip Carving is the art of removing small sections of wood from a
single piece of timber, usually to form geometric patterns.
Finished pieces can be very intricate and complex but amazing
results can be achieved surprisingly easily with the right
guidance. Unlike many types of woodworking, chip carving requires
very few tools, usually just two knives, and is a wonderful way too
decorate all manner of existing objects including boxes, plates and
furniture. The author guides the reader through the process of
creating 15 distinctive projects. The necessary stages are
explained with the use of detailed step-by-step photographs and
accompanying text. The author also explains how to go about
planning and designing each project in preparation for the actual
carving process.
Ideal for beginners or those looking to brush up their skills, this
quick-reference overview explains the basics of all aspects of
blacksmithing. With more than 450 photos and a focus on only the
most essential tools and equipment, it keeps the information simple
for the beginner. Summaries cover the tools of forging, their uses,
and the essential equipment in the work space; the differences
among free-form forging, drop forging, industrial, hot work, and
cold work; the steps of the process, such as bending, joining,
riveting, welding, chiseling off, and splitting; and the chemistry
of iron and steel. The book also shows a gallery of 44 types of
forged items, from hooks to tool handles, with comments on their
forged features.
Charles Francis Annesley Voysey (1857-1941) is chiefly remembered
today as one of the leading domestic architects of the early
twentieth century. Before his career was established, however, to
supplement his income he started to design fabrics and wallpapers,
and became as successful a designer as he was an architect.
Although the themes and components of his decoration are typical of
his time, Voysey's designs remain as distinctive as his houses.
They are clear and authoritative, and show a sense of colour that
was exceptional in the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. The Royal
Institute of British Architects drawings collection includes a
large number of Voysey's designs, making it one of the most
extensive archives for a designer of the time. The collection
covers a period of over forty years, starting in 1887, and includes
both commercial designs and others, more revealing about the
designer himself. Stuart Durant's study of Voysey's work and
selection of over sixty of his designs makes the gems of this
collection available in print for the first time and presents an
absorbing study of Voysey's working methods and artistic theories.
Voysey can now be seen as one of the major figures in British
design history.
Provides the craftsperson with the guidance needed to promote,
market and sell his or her arts and crafts. The book offers a wide
range of techniques, starting with a business plan, and explains
the processes of obtaining media exposure, locating promotional
tools, and selecting outlets.
Author's previous DIY pallet book is a strong backlist seller,
averages around 75 copies a week on Bookscan Wood pallet projects
continue to be a hot upcycling trend in DIY Includes 25 all-new
tutorials including seasonal decor for Halloween, Christmas, Fourth
of July and more Packaged in a lay-flat binding with hundreds of
step-by-step color photos
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