Metal Casting: A Sand Casting Manual for the Small Foundry, Volume 2 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)A Sand Casting Manual for the Small Foundry, Volume 2 goes way beyond basic shapes in sand, pushing the small foundry hobbiest to produce professional results. Especially useful is the knee valve for the matchplate vibrator from Volume 1. True to form, he has lots of tables showing how to use different metals. Discussions include various Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, and Iron compositions, along with sepeific guidelines on how to gate and riser them for optimal results.
He includes sections on making your own insulating sprue sleaves, covered sprues, riser and sprue geometry, runner and gating systems, and many others. He also includes a generous section covering pattern making for engines, including discussion of aircooling fins, and water cooled heads.
I have cast and used the rammer, and cast the matchplate vibrators, and flask hardware from his first book. I am currently working on a Gingery Lathe, using a propane burner, but have found Steve's books to be the next big leap after Gingery. If you are new to the hobby, consider starting with Gingery's Charcoal Foundry also from Lindsay. If you are already casting, Steve's book is what you need to start producing real professional work.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Metal Casting: A Sand Casting Manual for the Small Foundry, Volume 2

The Sand Casting Manual, Volume 2, continues with solidification of metals and why it matters. Specifics of aluminum, copper alloys, brass and bronze are discussed along with solution heat treatment and precipitation hardening. Ductile and gray cast iron are covered. Gating systems, filters, chills and risers are described along with the design of proper gating systems. Several "hands on" projects includepattern making, match-plates and rubber molds, casting a cylinder head and pistons all in your own back yard! The plans for a sturdy flask latch are worth the price of the book alone. Historical topics include the details of casting the Ford Flathead V-8 and piston rings. This is a must have reference for the foundry enthusiast, auto restorer, or experienced metal caster!

Click here for more information about Metal Casting: A Sand Casting Manual for the Small Foundry, Volume 2

Read More...

Felt Fashion: Couture Projects from Garments to Accessories Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Felt Fashion by Jenne Giles is a beautifully illustrated book that every Felter will enjoy owning. It has easy to follow instructions which are very detailed. There are numerous projects from "up-cycled" clothing through the addition of felt; to more advanced techniques in garment making. This book covers a lot of ground, with something for everyone. Jenne combines innovative felting techniques with dye colors, fiber combinations, and patterns to make captivating felt fabric, from which she designs and constructs pieces that are truly wearable art. She captures the art and sophistication that is possible with handmade felt, while keeping it simple and attainable for anyone to master. Jenne shows us how to make a; collar, a necklace, or an entire dress, each project is irresistible and brings felting to an entirely new level. She shows several basic felting techniques, including basic wet felting, needle felting, Nuno, and punch needle felting. She also teaches methods for embellishing ready-to-wear items with fashionable felted accents. She provides patterns and instructions for original clothing designs including vests, jackets, dresses, and skirts. Felt Fashion is a standout from other felting books! I love the flower scarves and flowers from her book and I am going to try a few projects from this lovely inspiring book.
Jenne is a San Francisco-based artist whose work ranges from traditional fine arts and crafts to innovative performance and installation art. She received her B.A. Degree in Art and Art History from Rice University in 1997. After working professionally in the arts and trades she began her own business, Harlequin Feltworks, in 2007. Harlequin Feltworks is dedicated to creating unique pieces of wearable art combining painterly color, sculptural form, folk art and costume. Jenne's innovative work pushes felt to the cutting edge of fashion and design and is truly wearable art. She is self-taught in the art of felting and is very proud of this fact. Jenne sells her art on ETSY as well as the Artful Home, a shop I adore.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Felt Fashion: Couture Projects from Garments to Accessories

Felting is an ancient craft that enjoys an endless variety of forms and uses. Felt Fashion captures the art and sophistication that is possible with handmade felt, while keeping it simple and attainable for anyone to master. Whether it's a collar or an entire dress, each project is irresistible and brings felting to an entirely new level. The author demonstrates several basic felting techniques including: basic wet felting, needle felting, nuno, and punch needle felt­ing. For the more advanced fiber artist and sewer, she provides patterns and instructions for original clothing designs including vests, jackets, and skirts. Felt Fashion is a standout from other felting books for its scope, originality, and its distinct ties to couture.

Click here for more information about Felt Fashion: Couture Projects from Garments to Accessories

Read More...

Complete Craft: Making Beautiful Projects at Home Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Normally i steer away from craft books because there always full
of cottagey,patchworkish,floral or granny type projects,but this book is exceptional.It has a very simple/country/scandinavian air about it,all the designs/projects are modern and timeless and great to make.I also liked that you could easily add your own creative input to a project.Its also a enormously big book and best of all has a history to each project/craft e.g the history of ceramic painting,the history of weaving etc.Excellent book.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Complete Craft: Making Beautiful Projects at Home

Complete Craft contains over 60 unique projects, each specially devised by a leading practitioner in the field to be easily completed at home. Over 900 stunning photographs and clear step-by-step instructions demonstrate how to achieve the best results, no matter the level of the crafter's experience. All the projects, from table linen and jewelry to handbags and bowls, are practical as well as desirable, and while many of the techniques are traditional, the results are fresh, elegant, and contemporary.

Click here for more information about Complete Craft: Making Beautiful Projects at Home

Read More...