A nice work on a sticky subject. I have a feeling this book will stick with me for a long time.

As the title suggests the book is focussed on glue usage. What it doesn't tell you is that it is focussed solely on woodwork and woodworking glues. The author is obviously a master at his woodwork yet manages to set out the usage of the glue types in different types of woodwork in a plain, friendly manner that often feels like advice from a friend. Very well done. I am a chemist who works with wood as a hobby and I found the glue treatments sound, simple and practical. A must read and an excellent buy at the price.

This is the only source I have ever found for non-commercial molding of rubberlike compounds. While this 1986 edition does not address possible new developments in this area (Loctite now sells material which appears to be the same as the Devcon product highlighted in the book), it is the only information I have ever seen on creating rubber parts for the home hobbyist and restorer. The chapter on weights and volumes is valuable, as these materials are rather expensive. The metal casting section is similar to others on the market, and is primarily focused on sand casting of aluminum. This limited focus, skimming over most other methods and materials, limits it to a four star rating. If you want to mold rubber parts though, this is IT.

An amateur can quickly learn casting techniques to make small and simple metal and rubber parts by following examples and illustrations in this book. The Make it yourself foundry equipments chapter is helpful for beginner to start with this hobby without spending too much money. However, the main technique presented is sand casting, there is not enough examples or info on other casting techniques.

There were some very nice projects in this book. However,detailed instructions are lacking severely. In fact, the amount ofwire needed for each project is not in the materials list. Sometimes you get lucky and the instructions state to cut a certain number of pieces a certain length. I need an idea of how much wire I need to have in a continuous length. (Try "Making Wire Jewelry" by Clegg & Larom for great jewelry projects with step-by-step instructions). Also, the authors seem to be fascinated by chicken wire. Far too many of the projects use chicken wire; from the look of the cover photograph, I really didn't think this would be such a sculpting book. And forgive me for being snide, but there is even a *pipe cleaner* project. I was really hoping for more examples of the fine work done on the cover. However, it does have some great projects, and the chicken wire stuff is very nice. I am exaggerating here - I guess there are only 3 chicken wire projects. Combined with the pipe cleaners, and silly projects like the "Pocket Clips" (really, I can't begin to explain them), the toilet paper holder (yes, really!), and the bicycle toy, I was really disappointed.

But there are a few gems. There is a votive candle chandelier that is fabulous, along with the bowl seen on the cover. The toast rack is too cute. There are no jewelry pieces in this book. If you are looking for a solely wire book (as opposed to wire mesh/chickenwire), this book is not for you. It really is a nice book, but just not what I expected. But then again, for the price, it is a nice little book.

I loved this book! Photos are beautiful--instructions are easy and understandable even for the beginner. Projects are varied--from the chandelier to the seascape mobile to the wine bottle carrier. Great how-to instructions for every technique.

i found this bk in the library. usually i just photocopy the good ideas but there were too many so i need to buy the book. its a great price for a hardcover with good detailed photos. make jewlery, buttons or beaded curtains. embellish pillows, screens, scarves and albums. fun beautiful stuff! enjoy!

This book (which is British) does a good job explaining the basics of drying wood. While it is written for English woodworkers, the tables list common American woods too. I myself have some oak logs to saw up, and I am pleased with their ideas and plan to use many.

Fabric painting is introduced here to the beginner. Almost anyone over 12 can do any of these projects alone, and with help, children as young as 6 or 7 can find success here as well.Projects include painted espadrilles, customized jeans, a butterfly T-shirt, abstract patterns, vegetable-printed apron, prining with flowers, folk art picture, child's wall hanging, marine lampshade, shopping bag, napkins, animal pillows, pillow cases, doll (very cute), and an herb sachet. Templates are provided to make things easy. Lots of fun! Enjoy!

"Greek Vases" by Dyfri Williams of the British Museum is a 72-page survey of Greek Vases. It includes 86 beautiful prints (36 in color) and reviews the history of Greek vase design and painting from its origins through the second century b.c. The text focuses on the progression of styles over time and in different regions including vases made in southern Italy and elsewhere by Greeks or in the Greek tradition. This is a very nice stepping stone from the basic art history book such as Janson's and a good primer to read before heading to the museum. It would have been nice if there were more cross-references between plates to show the connections between styles and a bit more about events in Greek history to help explain the major turning points. Additionally, a book like this would benefit tremendously with a short guide to Greek iconography for the novice. Nevertheless, if you are interested in Greek vases, this brief survey is a worthwhile and enjoyable! introduction.

This is an exquisite book full of inspirational ideas for bringing art in to the home. The book showcases the homes of famous American craftsmen. Each home is a signature of the craftsmen's artistry and vision for living. The styles vary from minimalist to folksy to art nouveau. This book makes a perfect gift for those artistically inclined or for those looking for creative ideas when designing their home.

Author Harry Rinker does a great job in bringing back the images of a forgotten hero, Hopalong Cassidy as portrayed by actor William Boyd. His book recaptures, vividly, the massive Hoppy merchandise of the 1950's when Boyd-a marketing genius- was a superstar to children the world over, including this Australian who, as a six year old during Boyd's Australian tour of 1954, was absolutely devastated that Hoppy didn't come west to WA. We got the Queen instead! This book, complete with lavish colour plates of the thousands of Hoppy items is not just a book for collectors of Cassidy memorabilia.Rinker's early chapters include the effect of Hoppy on him as a child, the evolution of Cassidy in novels films and television, the history of Boyd's visionary marketing skills and an interview with his widow, Grace, who is still alive some 28 years after her husband's death. The durability of the film and TV Hoppy (vastly different from novelist Clarence E Mulford's original character) lasted for 20 years thanks to Boyd fusing his own persona with that of the character. Boyd commenced in the Cassidy role in 1935, as a middle aged actor of 40( making 66 films as Cassidy over the next 13 years) and retired in 1954 as a TV and radio hero, internationally renowned. The transformation of Boyd into a hero of children is well captured by Rinker- albeit briefly- although a more detailed biography of William Boyd is long overdue. Boyd's morals,responsiblity,concern and many acts of kindness towards his youthful supporters, as Hoppy, was an example of the very best America had to offer-and America's best is very good indeed. That is why people who grew up in the middle of the 20th century will always recall with affection the black-garbed knight gallant of their childhood - Bill Boyd as Hopalong Cassidy.

This is a book of Turner postcards with perforations -- so that you can send the postcards or keep them as a reference. At around 20 cents each (even less when I bought it) it seems like good value.