No comments about Creative Scroll Saw Segmentation.

1 comments about Focus on Materials: Furniture Studio 4 (Furniture Studio series).

1. This series by the Furniture Society overall is wonderful. It is kinda like an annual newsletter about the major trends in the studio furniture world. The photos in this year's edition present the theme, varioius materials, very well.
   
   The book is a compliation of different articles. And the articles are quite varied. For example, there is an article on "Old Brown Furniture", a review of 18th century furnture from Rhode Island. And there is an article called "Furniture as Prop in the Social Theater of Life". There is an article about the design of inexpensive furniture used in dormitories and articles about furniture that is so 'arty' that it will never used as furniture.
   
   If you are interested in studio furniture, you will definitely find something to like in here. You probably won't enjoy every article but the book is still quite useful.

4 comments about Craftsman-Style Houses (Great Houses).

1. This book will be a real disappointment to readers who expect a collect of articles on the restoration or reproduction of houses in the Craftsman style. Most of the builders/architects whose work is included seem to think that "Craftsman style" means "use a lot of visible wood in the interior." Additionally, there is one real horror of a remuddling of a hapless bungalow.

   However, there are a handful of articles of real value, mostly on restorations. These are almost worth the relatively inexpensive price of the book.




2. While the houses featured are not the finest examples of the style, the diagrams of construction details are good.



3. At best, this book is mis-titled. With a few exceptions, it takes a smattering of abstract interpretations and applications of the Craftsman Style and incorporates them into new homes. Maybe it was my fault for literally interpreting the title, but this is not a reference for Craftsman/Arts & Crafts/Bungalow style architectural elements nor design. I am a Taunton Publishing fan, but this was a real disappointment and a waste of my money.



4. Ok, I'll break from the pack and say I really like this book. As previously mentioned, it's actually a collection of older articles from Fine HomeBuilding. I bought the book many years back, when I first started to develop an interest in architecture. My architectural library has now outgrown a medium-sized bookcase, and I've even designed and built several houses. Nonetheless, I still find myself coming back to the articles in this modest book.
   
   Go forewarned - this collection does not focus purely on craftsman bungalows. Instead, the theme tying these articles together is a craftsman-like approach toward design, materials, and building. There are indeed some true Arts and Crafts treasures highlighted, like the Bolton house by Greene & Greene. Others though have a somewhat modern feel about them. Others still...well...we won't go there.
   
   I must say that even the articles about houses that I don't care for offered up something of value. Sometimes this is just a clever detail or use of material. My favorite article is the Greene and Greene inspired home by Rodger Whipple. This showed me how heavy timber could be elegantly integrated with conventional modern stick framing. I'd never seen this done so well and this little article heavily influenced the direction I took with my own work.
   
   Don't write this one off - I consider it a hidden gem.

1 comments about Tables for Your Trains (Easy Model Railroading).

1. This is more of a general concept book than a detailed guide. That being said, it does provide some explicit instructions and it could reasonably be expected to take an enthusiast a long way. It is meant as an introduction but many people may find that they don't need anything more complete. The subject matter is pretty simple.
   
   A model railroad needs a good foundation to be reliable. This books explains how several different styles of foundation can be used. It explains the tools needed and gives steps for construction. All that is needed is for the reader to adapt the instructions to his or her own particular situation. The instructions are easy to follow and are accompanied by plenty of diagrams.
   
   This is a beginner book that may be all that is needed for some people.

No comments about Carving Characters.

1 comments about Celebrating Boxes.

1. I bought this as an inspiration for my wife who makes boxes. We both love the book and have come away with some great ideas!

2 comments about Western Scroll Saw and Inlay Patterns.

1. Terrific scroll saw pattern book with lots of very nice Western theme projects such as coyotes, Indians, Cowboys etc.etc...
   Lots of patterns and some extremely beautiful projects for those with scroll saws ....
   Very pleased ----



2. I really like this book and am having a great time with the patterns. I still haven't gotten to work on them yet, but I am planning my project carefully at the moment. The pictures are awesome and I am really looking forward to the finished project.

2 comments about Feng Shui With What You Have: Maximum Harmony, Minimum Effort.

1. I have browsed other books about feng shui that have made the subject seem impossibly arcane as well as very impractical for a westerner. FENG SHUI WITH WHAT YOU HAVE is accessible and clear; it not only explains what feng shui is and how it works as a philosophy, but also how you can put it to practical work in your home. One of the beauties of the book is that it's full of advice whose implementation requires only your attention and some time--you can make many positive improvements without spending a cent. I keep going back to the book as I tackle one problem spot or another in my home. In the long term relationship between you and your space, this book is a keeper.



2. As a college student, I found Feng Shui with What You have an insightful book on how to make any living space harmonious without breaking the bank. The book contained many great tips on how to create a stylish yet comforting environment using what you already own. After using the remedies found in the book to properly feng shui my apartment, it transformed into a more welcoming space. The book combines ancient feng shui methods with contemporary trends. By making simple changes to the placement of my furniture and by adding touches of specific colors, my apartment and the mood of all those in the apartment changed for the better. I would recommend Feng Shui with What You Have to anyone looking to make an improvement to not only their living space but their life in general.

2 comments about 101 Things To Do in a Shed.

1. Get those boys out of the television's gravitational field and send them out to do one of these nifty projects. Make stuff, do stuff, learn cool tricks from this great little book. If you have a grownup boy to buy a birthday gift for, this would be a perfect present paired up with a hammer, a pair of pliers, a couple of screwdrivers and a tool belt.



2. Grab a child or just go outside and away from it all. Interesting book with easy to do projects overall. Though written in the male gender, I'm old enough to ignore or forgive and get over it. Many a female has found memories of Dad giving a hammer and nails with scrap wood while they were building things. An 8 yr old friend finds it interesting with enough words that they don't get overwhelmed with building a project. Home schoolers can use this book for math problems, reading comprehension, imagination and of course getting away from the all controlling television or Game Boy...
   
   Good book for beginners and experienced alike. Would have been better if he hadn't left out the female persuasion. Oh I did say I was old enough...

No comments about Grinling Gibbons & English Woodcarving Tradition.