Jointed dolls are an ancient concept. As a folk art in the American Appalachians and elsewhere, Dancing Sams have used the jointed idea to create a dancing motion when moved by a vibrating board for hundreds of years. When Tom Wolfe was visiting the British Museum in London, he came upon an Egyptian doll that was constructed just like the Santas in this book. The jointed Santas in this book are delightful. They can be easily posed and made to do a variety of things. And they are easily carved, following the step-by-step color photo illustrations. From the carving to the joint construction to the painting, Tom makes it easy for even the novice to carve these Santas. The more advanced carver will also enjoy the carving. In addition to the Santa carved in the book, there are patterns for 8 other jointed Santas, plus a nice sleigh for Santa to ride in. The gallery photos give perspectives on each of the carvings, an invaluable aid to the carver.

Collecting and displaying souvenir plates first became a passion in 1893, a passion still very much alive today. Over 560 color photos illustrate this survey of souvenir plates dating back to the 1800s. The views of prominent potters such as Adams & Company, Wedgewood, and Wood and Sons are included. Short histories are provided for each manufacturers or importer to which specific views are attributed. A list of views is also provided, using the name given to the view by each manufacturer whenever possible, and including additional information on border designs, unusual features, color, and size when possible. Information on recent oriental imports similar to older souvenir plates are also discussed.

The Hagen-Renaker pottery company of California was founded in the garage of John and Maxine Renaker in the mid-1940s. They vigorously pursued the dream of having their own pottery company, creating appealing, yet affordable, figurines, along with a few table pieces. Their dream blossomed into reality, and the business has grown over the years, a testament to the desirability and durability of their creations. Here are the unique products the company produced as it grew, illustrating how it and the designers who worked there evolved and matured. It presents hundreds of charming Hagen-Renaker creations, from their realistic horses to whimisical or stylized animals in many varieties. Also included are some fabulous test pieces, a chapter dedicated to identifying and dating Hagen-Renaker pieces, and a current price guide. This invaluable guide identifies the period in which these items were created, and gives tips for recognizing Hagen-Renaker models and the imitations that have followed.

Learn all the steps necessary to carve a lively 5-piece Mexican Mariachi band through straightforward instructions and 249 clear, color, step-by-step photos. The caricature figure, wearing traditional attire, brings a time-honored Mexican tradition to the wood carving world. Patterns for the five members of the Mariachi band (the trumpet player, singer, bass player, guitar player, and violin player) are provided. Detailed painting instructions help bring the figures to life. A gallery shows each figure individually, from all sides, so no detail is overlooked. The instructions are provided in both English and Spanish. This book will be a wonderful, humorous challenge for carvers of all levels of experience.

Few decorative crafts can claim to be more ancient than stone carving, with the earliest carved objects being dated well into prehistory. The greatest monuments to human civilization, from the temples of ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt to the great cathedrals of Medieval Europe, are richly ornamented with decorative relief and sculpture carved in stone. Alan Micklethwaite, a stone carver with many years' experience in the conservation of historic monuments and sculpture, introduces the reader to the techniques and methodology of restoration stone carving, from simple relief to complex sculpture in the round, set against a sound conservation philosophy. The book provides a thorough understanding of stone as a material and describes its use in sculpture and the agents of its decay, as well as the method by which disfigured carvings can be forensically reconstructed, resulting in the re-emergence of beautifully carved historic architectural sculpture. The book is intended as a detailed introduction to restoration stone carving, and is aimed at those who are learning to carve stone or have an interest in pursuing a career in the conservation of stone sculpture and ancient monuments. While having a depth of detail which will allow it to serve as a reference manual for the professional, it will also inspire the beginner and fuel the interest of those who harbour a desire to pursue traditional crafts.

If you have ever wanted to try your hand at chip carving and are looking for an approachable introduction, Chip Carving Starter Guide is the perfect place to begin! Its opening chapters will help you build a solid foundation of knowledge on the basics of chip carving, transferring patterns, applying finishes, and correctly making a variety of chips. You'll then go on to complete more than 22 activities and projects to practice carving with confidence as you start simple and slowly progress to advance your skills! Featuring clear step-by-step instructions, coordinating photography, complete materials and tools lists, full-size patterns, and expert tips, this must-have guide emphasizes the importance of skill-building and developing your techniques correctly and carefully to ensure success!

This book and its companion work Playtime Pottery and Porcelain from the United Kingdom and the United States together become the most comprehensive work on identifying children's play dishes. Over 800 color photographs, trademarks, and company markings accompany descriptions of tea sets, dinner sets, and other play dishes. With 24 countries represented and items ranging from 1770 to the present, you will be bale to identify, date, and price children's play dishes.

This eye-appealing book presents a sweeping survey of much sought after designs from Finnish and Swedish glass-making communities throughout the twentieth century. Glass forms from Orrefors, Iittala, Johansfors, Kosta, Nuutajarvi, and others are covered. Over 330 vibrant color photographs bring the beauty of these highly collectible artware bowls, sculptures, stemwares, vases, and more to life. The text includes histories of the glass factories and celebrated artisans who worked there (from Aino Aalto to Sven Palmqvist), a detailed bibliography, an index, and current market values in the captions. This beautiful reference will be treasured by all who enjoy glassware design.

Tiffin was one of the giants of American glassmaking. The colorful decorative glassware from the first half of this century is quite popular today, and this is the first book to present all color photographs of hundreds of Tiffin's products. Vases, bowls, and candlesticks in a wide variety of colors and styles, from common to rare, are all in this book, with large sections devoted to Tiffin's pressed satin glass, lamps, and baskets. This useful reference will be used by glass dealers, collectors and scholars alike. It is a great tribute to the many workers who made Tiffin glass so popular and so well.

More than 570 Pairpoint lamps with their distinctive glass shades are shown in this and the companion volume that comprise the catalog. They represent a broad sample of the production of Pairpoint lamps from 1900 to the early 1930s. The most remarkable feature of the catalog is that so many of the pages are hand-colored with watercolors, having been painted by the original factory decorators. This practice occurred at the factory when orders for the lamps were slow.

Perfectly detailed miniature perfume bottles have always fascinated collectors. This book, packed with full-color pictures, is the first to document these miniatures. From the demure and delicate antique bottles of the last century, dramatic and striking Art Deco bottles of the 1920s, and graceful bottles of the World War II era, to today's variety, Glinda Bowman's book covers the range. The top makers are well-represented, including Lalique, Guerlain, Coty and Lentheric, with a special section of the popular bottle produced by Avon. Bowman has also compiled a fascinating history of perfume.

Vallona Starr Ceramics started in Los Angeles in the 1930s and later moved to El Monte, California where it manufactured ceramics until 1953. Known for their whimsical designs like the Winkies, the Up Family, and lower fairies, as well as Corn, Cosmos, Woodland, and Sweetheart designs, Vallona Starr pieces included salt and pepper shakers, sugar and creamers, vases, cookie jars, ornaments, and more. This new book is the first devoted to the creative work of Vallona Starr Ceramics. Its color photographs make it clear why collectors are so excited about Vallona Starr. The price guide will help those who are seeking to add to their collection make wise decisions.

Few craft materials are cheaper to buy or easier to work with than plaster, and by mastering and using a few simple techniques you can turn this humble material into gloriously inspiring objects and artefacts. No expensive equipment is required - plaster dries naturally and does not need kiln-firing - so all you need to get started is a bag of plaster, a few simple materials and some basic shaping tools. The book shows how to make articles such as shells, fruit, animals, masks, wall plaques and bows; practical objects such as containers, candleholders, frames and bookends; and how to restore damaged frames. There is also advice on finishing techniques - from painting and gilding to weathering, distressing and varnishing. The book presents the craft of plastering in a beautifully inspirational form.

The worldwide interest in automatic organs is larger now than ever before. From delicate and musically sublime little organs contained in musical clocks of the type Mozart and Haydn composed music for, through to enormous and loud dancehall and street organs, the genre exists to please everybody and to suit all tastes. This comprehensive, yet delightful and easy-to-read, reference unlocks the mysteries of mechanical versions of the King of Instruments and its smaller counterparts. 79 color and 538 black and white photos display examples from 18 chapters and six Appendices that specify how automatic pipe organs work, Italian water garden organs, barrel organs, orchestrions, and street and showground organs, as well as automatic organs of the 21st century and more. The list of makers, distributors, and inventors the world over has never been available before. Now musicians, instrument collectors, owners, museums, and grateful audiences can explore the how, where, and why of these charming entertainers. The valuation and price guide includes a thoughtful discussion of the market and its variables.

In over 725 color photographs, this comprehensive new volume illustrates the colorful and diverse dinnerware produced over a sixty year period by Universal Potteries, Inc. of Cambridge, Ohio, and its predecessor companies. Starting in 1900 with the Cambridge Art Pottery, the text outlines the "family tree" of potteries leading up to Universal itself, including The Guernsey Earthenware Co., the Oxford Pottery Co., and the Atlas-Globe China Co. Examples of wares from each of these early companies are shown, along with a broad array of items dating from Universal's actual incorporation in the 1930s to the phasing out of its dinnerware line in 1960. Plates, platters, bowls, teapots, pitchers, jugs, cups, casseroles, and more are all shown in Universal's classic shapes, including Ballerina, Camwood Ivory, Upico, Fascination, and Vogue. Decorations highlighted in the photos include Cherrytone, Poppy, Moss Rose, Bittersweet, Cattail, American Beauty Rose, Old Curiosity Shop, Southern Garden, and many more. Universal enthusiasts are sure to find their favorites here! Values for all items are included in the captions.

Elegant and utilitarian glasswares have been made for over thirty centuries. The manufacture of cut glass in America stems from a history that reaches back to ancient Egypt, while engraved glass was known in classical Rome. In this excellent new edition of a classic work, the author traces the American phases of this fascinating history by describing the products of major and minor manufacturers. See the American industry evolve from its early days of imitative work, through highly imaginative products in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, to a declining mediocrity in the 1920s and '30s. This book has been established as the "bible" in this field, and the addition of 150 new photos and fully updated text and pricing information make this edition the best yet. Glass collectors will treasure this unequalled reference.

Fine glassware was hand produced at the Pairpoint Corporation in New Bedford, Massachusetts, by skilled glass blowers, cutters, and engravers for more than five decades and reached a level of unmatched elegance between 1918 and 1938. This is their story, in words and beautiful color pictures, sufficient that today's glass enthusiasts can identify the Pairpoint shapes, colors, and patterns and fully appreciate these artistic treasures. The distinctive Pairpoint bubble ball, specialty and regular line items, markings, and many identifying characteristics are all fully explained. Value guide included.

Having an Al Streetman book is liking having your own personal carving instructor sit down on the back porch with you. His easygoing Oklahoma ways and his patient, soothing voice are evident in the simple instructions, as though he were right there with you, carving blade in hand, leading you through the simple step-by-step task of characterization. And that's where the Streetman's true brilliance lies-he is a master of the character, and this book is rich with them. There are 30 patterns, with something for every holiday of the year, in here. Streetman's instructions, clear photos, and meticulously drawn patterns will make an expert of beginners, and offer experts a challenge. Many people simply trace his well-drawn patterns on thin flat board or cardboard and paint them for tree ornaments.

This 1880s-style Western Train woodcarving is part of the effort of The Caricature Carvers of America to promote the art of caricature carving. This new book contains not only pictures of the wonderful finished work, but patterns for the characters and an extensive how-to section by Dave Stetson for carving one of the figures. The carvings, the train, and the buildings were created by members of the CCA, which is comprised of 25 of North Americas best caricature carvers. Their work is presented in full color, detailed photographs, that will help the reader appreciate the skill and inventiveness of the carvers. The included patterns and the instructions make the book a helpful starting point for carvers wishing to create their own figures.

This detailed and fascinating text explores the twentieth century ceramic arts of R. Guy Cowan. Amply illustrated with over 1120 images in color and black and white, the book includes glaze and shape guides which assist the reader in identifying Cowan's pottery. Invaluable details are provided about Cowan's pottery and ceramic sculptural art, his professional history as a potter and a teacher, the various artists who worked closely with him and their pottery, the history of Cowan's potting firm, and his influence on the ceramic arts and upon Cleveland's artistic heritage. Additional information includes a study of Cowan's pottery marks and their dating, a 1929 price list of Cowan's pottery, museum holdings of interest to Cowan collectors, and a general price guide to Cowan pottery. An extensive bibliography and an index of proper names make the book invaluable for collectors and historians alike.

Over 420 color photographs illustrate the wide range of wares made available by Cliff, Cooper, Murray, Rhead, and those at Carlton: designers whose creative genius surfaced during the Art Deco years and recently met with a resurgence in popularity. The early twentieth century, following World War I, was a time of experimentation and radical change in the arts. After World War II, the revolutionary modernist movement began. Yet, despite the changing times, Cliff and her contemporaries maintained their position of influence. This book traces the artistic heritage of these designers and their sources of inspiration. By examining these designers' works and patterns, collectors gain a new appreciation for their talents, adaptability, and creative genius. Throughout this book, detailed observations regarding the artistic merits suggest reasons for the continuing popularity of these designs. In addition, historical information on the factories, a price guide, and vital information on forgeries make this book a valuable resource for both the beginning and advanced collector.

Just when it seems that Tom could not possibly have any more Santa patterns, here are 75 never before seen designs. They reflect Tom's unquenchable creativity, his boundless sense of humor, and his keen eye for caricature. Each pattern is clearly drawn and reproduced at full size. A color gallery is included on the back of the book to use as a paint reference.

This comprehensive new reference focuses on the variety of animal figures produced in Staffordshire during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Characterized by a cottage industry quaintness, Staffordshire figures were known as "image toys" and "chimney ornaments" in their day. Countless subjects were produced but the animal models comprise a Noah's Ark of some of the most charming and endearing figures. Today, Staffordshire animals are among the bestselling and most widely collected antique ceramics. Beautifully illustrated with over 400 color photographs, this book traces animal figure evolution through chapters on animals in art, British ceramics, Staffordshire potters and potteries, and production techniques and styles. Informative captions provide descriptions, dates of manufacture, and current values.

The ultimate beginner-friendly project guide to whittling flat-plane carvings with a modern twist! Whittling Workbook is perfect for anyone seeking a range of easy wood carvings they can accomplish with just one knife - including roughing out. All you need is a block of wood and one knife to achieve any of the 15 wood carving projects featured within these pages! From a simple strawberry, whimsical wand, and magical mermaid to a sea captain, Martian, pig, and so much more, each project includes detailed step-by-step instructions to walk you through the entire process from start to finish. Also included are insightful overviews on basic carving cuts, painting and finishing techniques, safety notes, and how to join a carving community. Author James Miller is a recent college graduate and a protege of decorated Scandinavian-style carver, Harley Refsal. James has been a regular contributor to Woodcarving Illustrated since 2010 and published his first book, Whittling Flat-Plane Animals, in 2020.

Iridescence! An ever-changing, shimmering play of color, a dancing rainbow of light- this is the essence, and indeed, the art of Carnival Glass. This beautiful book begins at the very heart of Carnival, with a comprehensive analysis, full of fascinating insights, into how the glass was made, colored, iridized, and decorated. The language of Carnival is fully documented through definitions of shapes and edge treatments plus straightforward explanations of a multitude of Carnival Glass terms. But the core of this encyclopedic volume is the detailed coverage-simply set out and easy to follow-on Carnival Glass shapes: bowls, plates, vases, drinking vessels, tableware, lighting, tobacciana and more. All are adorned with peacocks, flowers, butterflies, fruits, dragons, and other fanciful treatments-in vibrant, shimmering iridescence. The book is gorgeously illustrated with almost 700 full color photographs that feature a wealth of classic as well as contemporary United States Carnival, and new discoveries from Europe, South America, and India. Each photograph is captioned with complete information including color, pattern, manufacturer and current values. The Art of Carnival Glass is an essential reference tool for all Carnival collectors.