Product Description
This practical directory details a comprehensive range of decoration techniques, from processes at the raw clay stage (including textures, moulds and painting) to underglaze decoration, special glaze firings and alternative firing techniques. Designed for both the novice and the experience potter, this guide will inspire and encourage potters to explore new techniques and combine them in a fresh and creative way. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Complete coverage of ceramic surfaces
Just checked this book at our local library and found it to be one of the best books I have read on ways to treat ceramic surfaces.The sections are short but very complete with excellent photos for examples.This book is inclusive and it is worth purchasing or checking out from your local library.

The Potters Guide to Ceramic SurfacesJo Connell
I have just received this book and it is excellent.I am in the middle of a porcelain ceramics course and the demonstrations in the book are clearly backing up what I have been shown in the course, it is extremely useful and clear.If you are interested in decoration in any form, this is an excellent reference book and worth having in your library.

A must have for your library...
A fantastic reference book for beginners to experts.This is one book I have not regretted purchasing as I still often refer to this book for ideas.Potters will find well presented, practical information and photos for most types of surface decoration.

Scratching the Surface.....
This book is very useful, has clear illustrations and instructions.I am a ceramic teacher and plan to use the book and some of the decorating techniques in my classes.

A must-buy for beginners
This book serves as a very good starting guide for beginners.It is so comprehensive that almost all the techniques for surface decoration are covered.It should be unparalleled if further enriched on the glaze part. ... Read more

Product Description
Wood has traditionally been a common medium for rendering religious icons such as the Christian cross, and this carving book offers 33 patterns for carving images central to different faith traditions. Covered are the basics and theory of relief carving as well as instructions on how to create an original pattern. Workspace, proper lighting, safety, and wood storage are discussed, and suggestions are offered for creating an ideal carving shop. The techniques involved in these projects include carving water, sunlight, and background textures and detailing faces, clothing, and letters. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

I carve and this is a good book
Good photos and instructions.Well worth the read.I carefully tore mine apart, trimmed the edge and took it down to Kinko's to have it spiral bound. Now it'll lie flat on the workbench.You don't have to be copying Norbury's carvings to find this book useful.

eye opening
I have just started to learn, how to carve stone. And like averyone else, I wanted to carve a figure,face,eye etc. But did not know how to even start. Even though it is about wood carving,it helped a lot.

Great book
Lots of pictures and very detailed descriptions of the process.He spends a lot of time on the technique.It's a very hard thing to do, but if you want to carve people, you must own this book.

Fine how to and esthetic guide to carving the figure in wood
Mr. Bradbury has written the best book I've seen for the woodworker that would like to do realistic full relief carving of the human figure.Having started out to do this myself (without the aid of his book) the verypractical way that he approaches carving picked up for me right where I wasstuck:I found that it was one thing to carve an abstract figure but quiteanother to carve one with a high degree of realism.

In multiple cases,for both full figure and busts and for both male and female subjects, heshows the process from initial photos or sketches through outlining,blanking, and all of the succeeding carving, sanding, and finishing steps. All of the steps are well and amply illustrated.There is no hiding on hispart, either, with each step described along with his intended purpose forit.Comparing his finished product with the photos of the original subjectshows that you are being taught by a master who makes you understand theobjective of each step and how to do it. ... Read more

Product Description
This guide to woodcarving takes the reader through various projects, developing techniques and skills whilst crafting rewarding carvings. Timbers, tools and equipment to use are all detailed in this book. ... Read more

Product Description
This guide offers a host of practical, useful ideas. It contains full instructions for making pots, jugs, vases, models, miniatures and jewellery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Loved this book
I have many polymer clay books, but when I saw this book, I knew I had to have it.The cover was cute enough, but when I saw the view from inside with the little bird, I was hooked.This book is hard to find, and even on ebay, it was like a gazillion dollars.Loved it.Can't wait to try the projects. Thanks

Brilliant!
This is a fantastic & inspirational instructional book.
Great photos & fun ideas & creatures to make.

Another Birthday Gift
Recently I gave my grandson this book for his birthday. Here are his comments "I'd say both rate around four stars out of five, or an 8 (scale of 1 - 10)"
Somewhat terse, but then what do you expect from a 15 year old boy? I had seen the book, lent to me by a friend, and when I heard that my grandson was interested in clay figures I thought this would be an ideal book as there were lots of weird characters that would appeal to someone of his age. Don't get me wrong, this is a book for adults mainly, not just for kids, but I thought he would be inspired by the creatures within.

A Polymer Clay Fantasy Figure Book
A cute book for anyone who likes to dabble in the fantasy world of polyamer clay.

Great step by step explanation
The characters in this book are somewhat goofy, however, the author provides excellent basics on armature building for creatures like horses and dragons. If you are looking for a lighter side to the fantasy world and would like to sculpt some fun creatures, this book is perfect. I think that kids will really love how achievable the sculptures in this book are for them. ... Read more

Product Description
This work contains 13 step-by-step projects that guide readers through stained glassmaking techniques, including leading, copper-foiling, glass applique, painting and sandblasting. It includes a comprehensive introduction to glass types, cutting techniques, tools and equipment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Stained Glass Course
A coworker brought this book to work and I took a look at it. Just looking at it ten minutes I knew I had to have it.Its the most complete book on working with stained glass in so many unbelievable ways. I especially liked the idea of glass panels made through what they called applique. They had you gluing artglass onto a clear panel of glass then grouting a thin line inbetween the pieces. That way you can get the look without the lead came or foil. But if you want to work with came or foil they have plenty of tips on how to use it.I think this is one the best and most complete books on glass I've ever bought.

exelent
In fact I had expected something else. I saw another book from Lynette Wrigley, where I found more examples on colours and forms. As I coundn't take a look inside that especific book, I think, if I had a choice to peruse on it, I would have taken another book.
But it's an exelent book.
Thanks
Magda Bisinger

Basic Book with a little bit of everything
I bought this book two years ago and it was very useful to start doing stained glass.It is very good in explaining different techniques, but it doesn't explain very well some basic stuff like how to cut and grind properly, how to tape the glass correctly and how to use the "lines" or pattern of the glass.It also assumes that the design is correct and it doesn't warn about the hinge effect of straight lines in the design.

Excellent
This book had great detail and was very informative.I would recommend it.

Gorgeous
Glorious book - All pertinent basic information included, including tools and step-by-step processes. Differs from the others in quality of paper, artistic layout and goes far beyond merely presenting the information. Also includes other glass art techniques. A treasure. ... Read more

Product Description
The carver's art lies in knowing how to remove only the unwanted wood, and not a sliver more - for once its gone you can't glue it back. This text presents the oppertunity to learn about woodcarving tools and techniques, carved lettering, furniture carving and carving-in-the-round. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

40 advanced articles on wood carving.
This book is a compendium of 40 articles that appeared in Fine Woodworking magazine. The articles are almost exclusively for the advanced woodworker, and cover topics from tool usage to advanced patterns. In general thearticles appeared short (as one would expect from a magazine), merely anintroduction. Therefore, I would not recommend this book to anyone who isnot already advanced in woodcarving. ... Read more

Product Description
This title provides an overview of ceramics for readers at all levels of competence and experience. The text is supported by illustrations and with practical information and advice should prove to be a useful handbook. Topics covered include: handbuilding techniques - pinching, slabbing, coiling and assemblage; throwing on a potter's wheel - both conventional and unorthodox techniques; and decoration - slip-trailing, sgraffito, on-glaze, under-glaze, body stains, stencils, silkscreen and sprigging. Glazes - what they are and how they work, how to experiment and test glazes, together with tables and recipes; firing - a range of techniques from bonfire and sawdust procedures to firing sophisticated contemporary kilns; and personal approaches - illustrated examples and insights from a variety of professionals are also covered. ... Read more

Product Description
First Projects for Woodcarvers is a pictorial starting place for the adventure of woodcarving. It introduces the new carver to safety considerations, the fundamentals of sharpening and carving. Three pro-jects are included, designed with the new carver in mind: a cowboy boot, a dog called Gandolf, and a 3-piece stylized nativity. The step-by-step photos and text will lead the carver through the three projects. A pictorial gallery includes completed carvings of the three projects featured in the book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent for beginners
I've always enjoyed woodworking, so it seemed only natural to give wood carving a shot. This book definitely helped me to get started and has a good section on sharpening your knives. There are a handful of typos and a few captions that don't match the pictures, but that's ok. I would like to have seen a few more projects, but I'm sure the authors did not want to overwhelm the beginner carver. All in all, I would recommend this book to others.

The ultimate beginners guide to Wood Carving.
Hats off.......or in this case, boots off,to Larry Green!. The "First Projects for Wood Carvers" is a wish come true for beginners. Clear, step by step instructions for creating three seperate projects. The cowboy boot, Gandolf the Dog and the Nativity is wonderfully illustrated and so easy to carve. My daughter and I have spent many enjoyable hours creating these projects. I believe this book is a must for beginner and intermediate Wood Carvers. ... Read more

Product Description
Creative Glass Techniques provides a complete introduction to three fascinating methods of working with glass: fusing, painting, and lampwork (shaping glass with a torch). Every procedure is explained in detail: fusing glass by melting pieces together in a kiln, shaping glass by using a kiln and moulds, using a torch to make glass beads, and decorating work with paints and precious metal preparations. Once the basic techniques are mastered the reader is guided to more advanced projects and suggestions are given for further things to make. All in all, it is an ideal introduction to working with this fascinating material, glass. "The perfect introduction into the world of glass as well as inspiring many wonderful projects." Practical Crafts & Card Making ... Read more

Product Description
This guide offers a host of practical, useful ideas. It contains full instructions for making pots, jugs, vases, models, miniatures and jewellery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Ceramics Book
This is an older book, but very informative for someone new to ceramics.It was here in no time and in good condition as stated. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (16)

great ideas
My parents just started getting into glass work and this book has tons of great ideas. Most are more advanced then I was going for, but each project seems to be explained with lots of pictures and there is a short introduction that is pretty helpful in the beginning. Overall, it was a worthwhile purchase.

An Ok addition to a lampwork library.
It's important to note (as several reviewers have) that this is a book on working borosilicate (hard glass) and will be of comparatively little interest in those who work soft glass.I fall into the latter category, but am always looking to expand my skills.I have a pretty somprehensive library of flameworking books, and have to say that this proved to be one of the less useful any way you look at it.It is not as comprehensive as many of the technical books, does not detail as many techniques as most of the soft glass books and guides and has neither the breadth or depth of some of the boro books out there )e.g., Contemporary Lampworking. A Practical Guide to Shaping Glass in the Flame, 2 vol. set.

I'd recommend this for people who already have pretty good libraries, know the basics and are looking to add a few techniques; not for those who need to know annealing schedules & other technical information, or who are rank beginners.It might be a nice adjunct to a class.A few techniques/ projects are demonstrated.Look at this as a way to expand your skill set if you are a relative novice at offhand lampwork, but not a rank beginner.

Great book for the next step in lamp/flame working
I haven't had the opportunity to take any flameworking classes and I progressed quickly through the skills described in the beginning lampwork books.I felt like I'd stalled in learning with lampwork.I saw lampwork by artists that I wished I knew how they'd done that and this book finally crossed that bridge for me.It's rather advanced and requires a larger torch than I have but at least I can see things to work towards.

I like this book.

Flameworking Madeto Look Easy
As a novice flameworker this book has given me the desire to move forward and do more than just beads. It provides detailed instructions with pictures to move into other types of glassworking.

Excellent Book
I am new to flamework.I ordered this book to prepare me for a seminar.It was ideal for this purpose.It is written clearly.The photographs help to illustrate the author's points.I would recommend this book to anyone who is new to flamework.To be fair, the book does not focus on beadwork.It provides an overview of flamework including the making of beads and figurines. ... Read more

Product Description
This definitive guide takes you through all the processes from clay to kiln: from designing your own pieces, to making, decorating and firing them. The book is clearly laid out and packed with factual information that creative ceramists will want to have to hand, including descriptions of the very latest materials, and instructions on how to use them effectively in your work. Step-by-step instructions for traditional methods and new products, such as paper-clay and print-on-clay, are combined with examples of work by some of the world's top ceramicists and details of how they achieve their results. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

class stuff
i got it for class.
it came on time and that's it.
im not a huge fan of pottery and
im looking forward to getting rid of this book
after class is finished this december.

Really is the "Complete" potter's book!!
I recently got this book for my dad, a new potter, who absolutely LOVES it. He takes classes several times a week at a local potter's guild, but uses this book often to supplement as a teaching aid for more in-depth instruction. The pages are colorful and glossy, and the instructions/techniques outlined are easy to understand. I'm so glad I took a chance and purchased this book!!

great book
this is thee greatest book you ever want to own if you are doing pottery it isa very helpful book to own and it has many great ideas and tips . it also has great building plans for kilnsand it has some interesting things in it iv learned a lot from this book

Great Resource
This book would make an excellent textbook for a beginning ceramics class.It covers a wide breadth of topics and is clearly written and easy to understand.For experienced potters it is a good choice for a overall studio resource.One of the things that I like most is that the examples of artists works shown have a decidedly European bent; it is nice to see the work of different artists.

Great for beginners and experienced potters
I have been taught and produced pottery for 35 years. I found this book to be a great informative reference for those just learning the craft and for those who have applied it for years. It was well thought out and full of exact information. It is an excellent resource. ... Read more

Product Description
The ancient and wonderful art of direct stone sculpture is brought to life in this comprehensive new book by the noted sculptor, Milt Liebson. After a brief, informative historical overview of stone sculpture, he leads the reader through the hands-on experience of sculpting in stone. This is an invaluable book for artists and would-be artists in stone. The types of stone used in sculpture are covered, as well as the basic tools for hand sculpting and the techniques for their use. For the advanced sculptor there is detailed information on power tools and their use, the methods of lamination and repair, the business side of stone sculpture, and other helpful information gleaned from years of experience. Detailed photographs take readers from rough stone to the polished and mounted piece. Already a standard reference, **Direct Stone Sculpture now includes 47 new pictures, updated stone-working techniques, and a gallery of students' work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Great practical book
This book covers all aspects of sculpture and carving in stone from a beginner's point of view. I will refer to it frequently

Direct Stone Sculpture
The author understands the medium of stone well and brings the techniques to life in a way that one can visualize, reproduce and gain the desired skills. The photo illustration works well with the material. However, I rated this book as three stars instead of five because of the publishers formatting (or lack there of.) Photo groups, necessary for following along were not labeled and quite often out of order visually or even on the wrong page. It was a distraction that could have easily been fixed if it had been proof read and/or laid out a little more carefully. Also, all of the photos in the book are black and white. Normally this is not a problem, but to see some of the detail and processes described, a color section may have been warranted.

Since there are few good books on the subject of direct carving in stone, I would recommend it, but with some mild hesitation and a disclaimer. From the standpoint of conveying information, it was a good book, kudos to the author. However, I don't like sloppiness and would more readily recommend a higher quality book if one existed.

A Beginner's dream!
As an utter beginner, 10-15 years ago, I purchased this book.It told me where to get rocks, tools, workbench - all of which I was able to mail-order (since he also gives addresses).I did so, and started carving on a piece of lovely pink alabaster, with only this book as a guide.I couldn't find ANY local instruction.And I did pretty well, using just this book.Go for it!

Direct Stone Sculpture
This was a gift for my husband. He is very pleased with this book and the information contained in it.

Stone Carving instructions
This is an excellent book on the techniques and mental process involved in learning to "direct" carve stone. You will see many examples and styles of carvings and a very through and well planned course showing how to select your stone which tools to buy and how to use them. This book contains everything you need to get started in stone. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

carving figureheads & other nautical designs
I am quite torn on this book. It has some good ideas, and the project sections in the beginning of the book are very complete. However, the second half of the book is a different story. As you are rushed through the carvings, critical details and views are left out, some of the directions become unclear and confusing due to a poor flow in writing and bad use of verbiage, and the authors even contradict themselves on their woodcarving techniques. If you are a beginning woodcarver, be wary, you might end up a bit lost. Even though the book is a bit lacking, it may still be worth it as a reference book if you are interested in nautical carving. ... Read more

Product Description
When first invited to give talks and demonstrations on carving techniques to school children, Howard K. Suzuki quickly found out that wood was not the most suitable medium. It took too long to show much progress in the limited time available. He decided to use bars of soap to demonstrate basic techniques on carving and sculpturing. Soap is an inexpensive and very desirable carving medium. Soon demonstrations developed into hands-on experiences for his students. In this book, Dr. Suzuki describes and illustrates with color photographs how to make safe and simple wooden carving tools. He demonstrates basic soap-carving techniques using several stepwise how-to examples, from a simple heart to a more complex turtle. Dr. Suzuki integrates art and science into his instructions and combines them to produce a super learning experience for children (of all ages) who do learn to carve through his methods. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Soap carving
Bought this for my 12 yr old grandson. He had a lot of fun carving the soap. It is easy and very safe way for him to get started learning to carve.

Soap Carving
This is an excellent book!We've used it as a guide for Cub Scout and Girl Scout projects.Well written, easy to follow instructions!It was an inspiration for my son to continue his carving skills and become a wood carver!

Great Projects
Great book, has lots of detail. Especially like the instructions for making your own carving tools out of popsicle sticks.
My 6 yr. old grandson carve a soap owl and it came out good.

Now kids can carve too!
I am a teacher and I carve in my free time. I have always regretted that the tools for carving are too sharp and dangerous for kids to use , so sharing my hobby with the children was out of the question until I read this book.
What a nice idea, tools made out of popsickle sticks!!
I made a class set of thetools and my kids happily carved some of the figures suggested in the book.
I did it with a grade three class when the kids learned about Inuits carving soapstone. The kids enjoyed it a lot. Children in higher grades will have as much fun doing it and hopefully they will be as proud of their creations.
I can recommend this book for anyone who would like to carve with kids but is afraid to do so.
One suggestion. Have the children bring a serving tray, or baking sheet and have them carve on that so the chips of soap will stay in the tray rather than fall on the floor!

carving for kids
Excellent book for carving.The kids enjoyed it.Well written and illustrated. ... Read more