Authentic Arts & Crafts Furniture Projects

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With its straightforward lines and rich finish, arts-and-crafts furniture nestles well into any design style. Yet that is not its only appeal. Hordes of collectors, beginning in the 1970s, snatched up every signed and nonsigned period piece at auctions, flea markets, and antique stores. So, with ever-escalating prices, what is an admirer to do? Obviously, the editors of Popular Woodwork ing^B are convinced that any crafter, even those with minimal skills, can successfully complete one of the 20-odd^B projects. Introduced by historical notes and excellent instructions on mortise and tenon construction (square pegs fitting into square holes), each of the patterns, from a Morris chair to a Greene & Greene patio table, includes encouraging details such as plenty of pictures and text as well as information about saving money on lumber and aging steel hardware with gun blue, among other topics. A well-planned and well-executed crafts book. Suggested reading appended. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


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Arts and crafts furniture was originally created in the early 20th century as a backlash against increasing industrialization and mass production (although, ironically, this style became so popular that it was eventually mass-produced). It is characterized by strong, simple lines, exposed joinery, and a classic appearance, which helps to maintain its popularity today. With original pieces fetching huge prices at auction, making one's own arts and crafts furniture is a good option. In the Craftsman Style is a compilation of articles originally appearing in Taunton's excellent Fine Woodworking and Home Furniture magazines, a pedigree that speaks for itself. The articles are well written by experts in the field, and the text is profusely illustrated with photos and drawings. The first part of this book presents the history of the arts and crafts style, and the rest covers a variety of projects (tables, chairs, and cabinets) and stylistic details. Generally commissioned by wealthy clients, these projects are beautiful, but many of them are far too complex for the average crafter. Authentic Arts & Crafts Furniture Projects shows how to create projects that originally appeared in Popular Woodworking magazine. After a short historical section, a helpful chapter covers construction and finishing methods specific to this style (e.g., mortise and tenon joinery and ammonia fuming), giving many tips and techniques. The rest of this title covers projects from chairs to a cradle and even a wastebasket. The projects are beautiful, and the fine instructions and illustrations are clear and to the point. Both of these titles are excellent, but for the typical public library user, Authentic Arts & Crafts Furniture Projects has a definite edge. Its projects are more numerous and more varied, and its step-by-step instructions make it much more accessible to the average woodworker. Most public libraries will want this book, while only the largest collections or those with a specific interest need consider In the Craftsman Style.--Jonathan Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., OH Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.


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