Drawing from the ancient art of Asian brush painting, Craig Vandall Stevens introduces a unique form of chip carving to the hobbyist. With clean flowing lines the knife creates delicate images in wood, relying on the play of the grain and light to bring the images to life. These make beautiful wall hangings on their own, or can be used as a decoration on plates boxes, and screens. Craig goes step-by-step through the carving, beginning with an introduction to the tools and the wood. Two projects are included with clear color photographs and concise descriptions of the carving technique. The pattterns are included as is a gallery of variations and applications.

In Craig Stevens's unique chipcarving style he creates images from nature by using carved shapes and patterns rather than outlining the subject. With a brush painter's sensitivity these carved shapes create a flow and movement that imitates the simple but graceful patterns of the natural world. The initial drawing creates the foundation of each carving. The book shares Craig's method with other carvers, taking them step-by-step through the carving process, beginning with an introduction to the tools and the wood. Every carving step for the main project is included with a clear color photograph and a concise description of the carving technique that is used. The pattterns are included as is a gallery of variations and applications.

Marquetry is a technique where different natural colors of wood veneers are carefully cut to fit precisely together, creating a spectacular design in a single sheet or picture. In the mid 16th century, Italian craftsmen began using marquetry as a furniture decorating art. Using a technique called the double-bevel cut, the novice to advanced woodworker is led through a fully illustrated step-by-step process from the design to the finish. Hundreds of color photographs demonstrate in detail how to saw your own veneers out of solid wood planks, the tools and materials required, using the scroll saw and the fret saw, choosing woods for color and grain, design tips, shading with hot sand, and finishing. Four patterns ranging from simple to challenging projects are included as is an extended gallery of finished works to inspire the marquetarian in you.