Country Woodworker: How to Make Rustic Furniture, Utensils, and Decorations

by Jack Hill, James Merrell (Photographs)

Now in paperback, this immensely popular and stylish how-to book provides practical information and design advice for artists, craftspeople, and woodworkers of all levels of experience. Step-by-step instructions for eighteen projects detail how the work can be carried out using simple tools and mainly traditional methods. Handsome color photographs illustrate and identify a wide range of rustic furniture and artifacts. There is also a brief history about each piece and a handy tools and techniques resource section. With Country Woodworker, anyone can add beauty and charm to his or her home.

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1995

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only does this book provide a range of projects for both inside and outside the home, it also gives a good inroduction to wood and how it has been used by over the millenia from early tools and buildings to creating and recreating of styles and statements. Each chapter focuses on a particular room or space from the living, dining and cooking areas to bedrooms, bathrooms and gardens. Each section/chapter has an introduction to the use of wood in these areas and the key aspects of the country style to be found complete with beautiful photos chosen to illustrate these points. The projects are clearly written with excellent supporting diagrams and sketches and each one has an ability level so you can be sure to choice the right starting point for your own abilities (although they didn't include a 'next to useless' level for me). At back of the book there is a fairly detailed section on tools and techniques from getting started measuring out to finishing off. Oerall I would say this is a very handy starting point for those wishing to aquire and develop homely woodworking skills.

[Jonah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of particular interest to me is the section of kitchenware: ladles, spoons, cutting boards and a wall-hung cupboard. While the actual instruction part of the book is rather limited, the book is rich with photographs to give you further ideas and inspiration.

Top marks for the gorgeous photography.