'David Esterly's handsome book on Gibbons has been republished by the V&A with sumptuous pictures' Laura Freeman, The Times, 14th August 2021 Reissued to mark 300 years since the death of Grinling Gibbons (1648-1721), this study views the work of the greatest of decorative woodcarvers from the perspective of a fellow carver, the late David Esterly. Grinling Gibbons is famous for giving wood "the loose and airy lightness of flowers." His flamboyant cascades of lifelike blossoms, fruits, foliage, birds and fish dominate English interiors of the late seventeenth century. They are among the glories of Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, and St. Paul's Cathedral, as well as Badminton, Burghley, Petworth, and other great country houses. A contemporary of Christopher Wren and of the diarists Samuel Pepys and John Evelyn, Gibbons was part of the colourful world of Restoration England. His discovery by Evelyn in a tumble-down cottage near the River Thames was followed by a presentation to King Charles II, who rejected his early sculptural work. Gibbons responded by inventing his spectacular style of decorative carving. He was then rediscovered, reintroduced to the king, and launched into a triumphant career. After setting Gibbons in historical context, David Esterly's ground-breaking approach allows us to understand the process by which these exuberant carvings were created and how their forms reflect the organization of Gibbon's workshop. Esterly, a professional woodcarver who restored some of Gibbons' most important carvings, shares his unique knowledge of the layering process by which Gibbons built up such masterpieces as the Cosimo panel or the elaborate overmantels at Hampton Court Palace. Specially commissioned photographs show these carvings in a disassembled state, revealing the secrets of their construction. Esterly also discusses Gibbons' formidable carving techniques, and his tools, workshop practice, materials, and finishing are described in detail. This generously illustrated volume will have a special appeal for carvers as well as for those interested in seventeenth-century interiors and the decorative arts.

Here is a fascinating study of commercial glass production along the Ohio River Valley in the 1950s and 1960s. Companies such as Blenko, Pilgrim, Rainbow, Viking, Kanawaha, Bischiff, Morgantown, and others made free- and mold-blown production glass in modern, sometimes bizarre shapes and wildly vibrant colors. Over 100 new images have been added to this revised and expanded second edition, for a total of over 530 color photographs of the beautiful glass, its labels, catalog pages, company histories. An updated price guide provides valuable insight into today's marketplace.

This guide for carving an intricate, three-dimensional dogwood branch sculpture in butternut lends itself well to wood carvers at most skill levels and will inform and inspire carvers to create future 3D relief projects. The book includes advice on power carving and back-cut techniques, and the step-by-step process is easy to follow. These simple but innovative methods can be applied to flat-plane furniture or multi-depth relief and implemented with themes from nature, the arts, or anything else the carver can imagine. The biggest challenge for many may be taking the opportunity to reflect and hone wood-carving skills and to anticipate a Best-of-Show quality by slowing down technique. Carvers can control the level of difficulty by modifying the depth levels. The guide includes invaluable tips on specific chisels, router types and transfer methods, as well as chapters on sealing, painting, and building a frame, and an inspiring gallery.

In 1813 Charles James Mason gave the public just what they needed, patenting his "ironstone china." This durable yet beautiful dinnerwarewas stronger and less expensive than the china that then dominated the market. And its white, unadorned base soon became popular as a canvas for decorations such as Flow Blue, Mulberry, and Copper Lustre, especially the Tea Leaf motif. This pictorial and collectors' guide provides an alphabetic listing of all known shapes and their makers, illustrated with more than 700 color photographs to help easily identify pieces and show the ironstone in detail never seen before. Collectors will find this cross-referencing tool invaluable. Included is also a miscellaneous chapter, which brings to new light the unusual and hard to find pieces and a section devoted entirely to children's sets. Color photographs of makers' marks are identified and dated to aid those wishing to date their pieces.

This comprehensive study combines a fantastic historical account with exciting, newly-discovered examples. Art pottery and tiles from the Weller, Roseville, J.B. Owens, and related companies were made variously from 1872 to 1967 in Zanesville, Ohio. The authors studied many private collections to find fresh designs and shapes in this highly popular collecting field. This reference provides in one volume a full account of the companies, shapes, glaze lines, and values on today's market.

A new book, expanded from the 1995 first edition, describing detailed, step-by-step procedures for sculpting, molding and painting original prehistoric animals, emphasising the use of relatively inexpensive materials including oven-hardening polymer clay and wire. Additional tips are offered on how to build distinctive dino-dioramas and scenes involving one's own original sculptures that you will learn how to conceive and build. This book will appeal to - and inspire - the latest generation of prospective prehistoric animal lovers who would like to break into the industry of paleosculpture. Techniques range from the ""basic"" to ""advanced."" The authors also discuss what it means to be a ""paleoartist,"" both in the past and present.

From Anchor Hocking's Manhattan pattern to Carder and Teague designs for Steuben, all of the major American companies who made Art Deco glass during the Depression Era-Cambridge, Consolidated, Duncan, Fostoria, Heisey, Libbey, Morgantown, Tiffin, and many others-are presented in this long-awaited book. With more than 350 color photos of both popular and rare examples, informative captions with values, plus patent drawings, company information, a bibliography, and a detailed index, this book will delight anyone interested in this highly collectible American glassware or in the Art Deco style.

Block Print Magic is an essential guide to the techniques of linoleum block printing, including 17 captivating step-by-step projects and the works and insights of talented printmakers for inspiration and visual demonstration. Block Print Magic is the perfect reference for a wide range of printmaking enthusiasts. The easy-to-follow illustrated instruction takes you through every step of the process, beginning with choosing and caring for tools and setting up a studio, through design essentials, carving techniques, and printing techniques. Those techniques include multi-block printing, reduction cuts, puzzle blocks, and rainbow-roll printing. Advanced carving techniques for creating textures, crosshatching, and three-dimensional shading will give you the opportunity to expand and strengthen your expertise. Among the visually stunning projects you'll learn to create: Colorful, multi-block hex sign Reduction cut sunflowers print One-page pocket zine from a single block Fabric wall hanging embellished with embroidery Along with author Emily Howard's own work, artist spotlights feature interviews with and examples of work by five other contemporary artists-Lili Arnold, Jen Hewett, Kelli MacConnell, Derrick Riley, and Aftyn Shah-as a means of clarifying how each technique can be used in different ways. Block Print Magic is a must-have addition to any printmaker's bookshelf.

Once again, Dick Sing makes his mark with his high quality, beautiful pens and pencils. Sharing his skill and expertise at the wood lathe, he teaches you how to make something more than a mere instrument for writing-this is art, a keepsake, a great gift, something to make the turner proud. In his first book on pen turning, Sing provided basic instructions and lots of helpful tips. This book also provides the basics, adding new kinds of pens and variations on some of the old favorites. Tips are given for ways to work with challenging materials or grain alignments to create spectacular results. Dick details methods which make beautiful pens time after time. More than 260 photographs and detailed instructions advise the turner on more than a dozen variations, plus there are sections on the special equipment he has modified to make pen turning easier and improve the quality. A gallery of pens provides inspiration for variety and creativity.

Resin craft is a great way to make beautiful items for your home and gifts for yourself or others. Hazel Oliver is the name behind Badger & Birch, whose eco-friendly practices include using solvent free and non-toxic resin, and incorporating natural waste such as mussel and oyster shells from her local restaurant, as well as natural minerals, gemstones and crystals. In this her first book, Hazel shows you the basics of resin craft, including mixing and pouring, making moulds, and finishing your pieces. The 30 projects include vases, planters, candle holders and other items for the home, as well as moulded decorations in leaf shapes and other natural forms. The soft colours, natural elements and beautiful finish of Hazel's work will inspire you to take up this flourishing craft, or give you new ideas if you are already a keen resin crafter.

This is the ultimate resource for getting started in woodcarving! All you need to start a rewarding hobby in woodcarving is an x acto knife, some wood and this book by famed woodcarving instructor, Mary Duke Guldan. With illustrated instructions and detailed patterns, this book will guide you through every step. You can select from any of the fully detailed projects for carving: sun, dogs, cherub and others. Finishing tips are also included.

Accomplished carver and teacher Cleve Taylor takes to the hills, carving mountain men of years gone by. With clear, concise instructions-illustrated with over 225 color photographs, Cleve guides wood carvers through every step and tool needed to make these popular figures from the past. Once the basswood figure is carved, instructions are also provided to paint and antique the completed figure. Patterns are included with the instructions to carve both the mountain man and his long rifle. The mountain man presented here is a challenge for the carver with a course or two under the belt and a delight for the more advanced wood carver.

The essential guide to the smoke firing method with highlights from international artists' work. Smoke firing is an ancient technique, used both to fire raw clay into durable ceramic and also to decorate it with smoke designs. Its technological simplicity not only lends itself to endless interpretations but encourages artistic creativity through improvisation and experimentation. Smoke Firing is a thorough survey of the varied work and approaches of contemporary artists today, showing recent innovative developments. By investigating the ideas of selected ceramicists Jane Perryman reveals the meanings and inspiration behind their work. Clear and colourful images demonstrate the various processes used, showing sequences of artists in action. The book covers smoke firing using bonfires, various containers, earth pits, saggars, and kilns, with a chapter on how smoke firing can be used as an educational tool in groups and workshops. Dynamic illustrations feature the work of the 29 artists represented, from 17 different countries, making it a truly international focus on smoke firing.

Featuring the fine collection of 17th century to 19th century Spanish and Mexican maiolica at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, this book explores and celebrates Spanish traditional ceramics of Old and New Spain. Renowned ceramic expert Florence C. Lister and archaeologist Robert H. Lister studies one hundred and forty-four examples of historical maiolica in what is the first study of its kind tracing the decorative styles, influences and innovations in a ceramic tradition that is almost a millennium old.

If you love caricature carving but are getting a little tired of cowboys and Santas, this book is for you! Inside this book, you'll find 15 whimsical characters just waiting to be released from wood. Follow along with popular woodcarving instructor and author, Floyd Rhadigan as he takes you-step by step-through carving and painting a fantasy character. Once you master the basic skills, you can move on to the additional carving patterns that are included. From Eric the Red to Merlin, you'll have plenty of great new projects to choose from!

The foremost experts on cut glass of the 1876 to 1916 period, Bill and Louise Boggess, have brought together vital information for collectors to identify, select, and evaluate cut glass. All collectors will have to own this important new reference book. In Collecting American Brilliant Cut Glass, patterns are identified, signatures are shown, and major American companies are described. Thousands of cut glass pieces are shown in 1065 photographs. Even the unusual colored glass examples are illustrated. Each piece is graded for its rarity.

Make floating candles, herbal soaps, and even a home spa

Discover the secrets of color, shape, and scent the fun and easy way?

Whether you're a beginner or seasoned craftperson, this fun book offers everything you need to make beautiful, professional-looking candles and soaps at home. You get practical tips on dyeing and scenting wax, using unusual molds, adding embellishments to candles, working with soap ingredients, and even turning your hobby into a business!

Discover How To: Stock a safe & efficient work areaWork with all types of waxAdd color and scent to your projectsMake melt-and-pour soapsTurn a hobby into a business

A thousand and one ideas for making beautiful polymer clay millefiori. In Venetian glassmaking, slender rods of molten glass are shaped, then cut to reveal amazingly detailed patterns: flowers, geometric shapes, dancing colors. These slices are called millefiori, "thousand flowers," because they form a carpet of flowers when placed side by side. Now celebrity author Donna Kato shows crafters exactly how to re-create these intricate, fascinating designs in polymer clay. "The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques" reveals the entire process: how to work with the polymer clay, the basics of planning and creating a cane, and using color effectively. Dozens of canes, from simple to simply stunning, are included, and everything is clearly explained and illustrated with full-color photos, the Donna Kato way. Throughout the book, examples of stunning work by such millefiori artists as Kathy Amt, Pier Voulkos, and Kathleen Dustin provide inspiration. There must be a thousand ways to make beautiful millefiori . . . explore them all in "The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques."

This book is targeted at enthusiasts, both those interested as a hobby and professionally. This book provides a complete guide to the design, sculpting and marketing of pop culture action figures, statues and collectibles. It begins by tracing the history of toy making and collectibles and then shows how figurative sculpture is created by today's top professional technicians and artists using modern-day tools, techniques and applications. Each chapter progresses chronologically through the stages of creating a sculpture, providing discussion and instruction about all aspects of the process from start to finish, including concepts, sculpting, mold-making, casting, painting, manufacturing, distribution and business and legal considerations.

Wood Engraving is an easily followed, practical manual on wood engraving for the beginner, written by a master in the field. The processes of printing and engraving are clearly explained, together with their material requirements. Up-to-date variations on techniques, and all the tips and methods that the author has found helpful in 30 years as a practitioner are included. The book is also a beautiful object in its own right and as the author Simon Brett's work is highly collectible. It is a must have for all those who treasure his work and fine wood engraving in general.

The Woodland Craft Handbook is an inspirational yet practical guide to traditional crafts, woodland coppice products and forest permaculture. Step into the shoes of woodsman Ben Law as he explores this diverse collection of crafts made from materials sourced directly from the woods. Brooms, rakes, pegs, spoons, chairs, baskets, fencing and walking sticks - the items are one-off and unique -- hewn and shaped by hand, infused with a simple, rustic beauty. With fascinating information on the history and traditions of the crafts, coppice management, tree species and the tools and devices used, we learn about all aspects of the low-impact woodland way of life. Much as the traditional techniques associated with the woods were passed down through families, this book aims to help secure their relevance and adapt them for future generations.

Grow a glass garden--and beautify any space with the exquisite decorative items you've created. George W. Shannon and Pat Torlen, two master teachers and artists who run the On The Edge Glass Studio, offer an array of glorious patterns for stained glass flowers, butterflies, birds, birdfeeders, planters, lanterns, and mobiles. Using dozens of close-up photos, they teach all the basics of both copper foil and lead came construction, from materials and tools to how-to techniques. "A Selection of the Crafters Choice Book Club."

When Sidney Camm's masterpiece, the Hawker Hurricane, entered RAF service in late 1937 it quickly became one of the most important aircraft in Britain's military arsenal, especially in the first three years of the Second World War. This title covers the history of this iconic design, from the prototype and the initial production variants' entry in to RAF service, through its development and use, first as a day fighter, and then night fighter, intruder, fighter-bomber, catapult-launched and then carrier-based fighter, and eventually dedicated ground attack machine. The Hurricane served in every wartime theatre, from Norway and France, the Battle of Britain, the defence of Malta, to the campaigns in the Western Desert and the Mediterranean, on the Russian Front and in the Far East where it saw service until the end of hostilities. Split into three primary sections, this volume offers a concise yet informative history of the Hurricane's development, operational career and design improvements, including many contemporary photographs with detailed captions; a 16-page colour illustration section featuring 48 separate aircraft (in profiles and 2-views); and finally a section prepared by that well-known and established doyen of model makers, Tony O'Toole, listing and illustrating the plastic model kits produced of the Hurricane in all scales. As with the other books in the Flight Craft series, whilst published primarily with the scale aircraft modeler in mind, it is hoped that those readers who might perhaps describe themselves as 'occasional' modelers - if indeed they model at all - may also find that this colourful and informative work offers something to provoke their interests too.