Book Reviews

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by Scott Kochendorfer

Marilyn Carmin is a well-known and resected pattern designer who has lieen creating her unique patterns for quite some time. I have always respected Marilyn's work and when aslccd to review her latest bod; for Creative Woodworks & Craft'.v. I gladly accepted. 3f you arc a regular reader of this magazine, you have seen Marilyn's projects in many past issues, with some of them having been featured on the cover. THeie is a reason for this: tier design style, coupled with her wood selection, has become very popular atnojig the scroll sawing community.

Marilyn's book is titled Artistic Wildlife Projects for the Scroll Saw and is published by Fox Chapel Publishing, 'i he book is divided into three sections. Tn the first section. Making a Scroll Saw Project Your Own, Marilyn shares with the reader her insights as an artist and designer. Her goal is to have the wader experiment with a pattern anil, by making changes to il. achieve the best look possible. Marilyn offers how-to instructions on enhancing patterns using several methods, including overlaying a design, reversing a design, and converting designs into a relief, inlarsia and fretwork. Also included in this section arc instructions Icq' modifying a pattern to fit onto an irregularly shaped piece of wood and making frames for your completed projects.

Section two, the Gallery, includes beautiful photographs of completed projects. The patterns lor many oi' these projects arc included in the final section of the book, Patterns. This section contains over 50 of Marilyn's designs for your experimentation and enjoyment, among them, North American birds of prey, North American cats and canines, and North American bears.

Artistic Wildlife Projects for the Scroll Saw is quite a value, priced at $1V.¹J5 U.S. 1 would include this book in my "must have" category for all scroll sawers. Marilyn Carmin's true talent and artistry flow from page to page, while she constantly challenges us to tap into our own creativity. Thanks lor sharing your knowledge and wisdom, Marilyn.

Editor's mite: at. our request, Marilyn is making signed copies available for $19.95 plus $2.50 S&iJ. Send check or money order (and make payable) u> Marilyn Carmm. 4569 m 78th Place, Portland, OR 972J S. US. funds only.

Editor's note: at our request, Dirk « making signed copies available for $19.95 plus $2.50 S&H.

Send check cr money order (and make payable) to The Art Pactory, P.O. Itox70l, f'latteville, Wl 53X18. U.S. funds only.

Creative Woodworks S. Crafts April 2005 • 99

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Every now and then, sometlung comes along that you jusl know will be. a "winner." It might be a song, a movie, or even a significant other, tn this case, 1 am talking about a book titled Scroll Saw jbr the: First Time, written by Did Bochnati and published by Sterling/Chapelle.

At last, a sensible book for the new scroll sewer that is easy to follow and understand. There have been many books written tor the beginning seioll sawer, but none of them, in my opinion, has been able to convey the beautiful and simplistic art form that is scroll sawing, until now.

Scroll Saw for the First Time is well constructed and thought out. It is divided into four sections: Scroll Saw Basics. Basic Scroll Saw Techniques, Beyond the Basics, and New Dimensions in Scroll Sawing. Quite simply, Dirk does an excellent job of explaining each project and scroti sawing technique while nevei losing the reader's interest. The beginning scroll sawer will be able to advance from section lo section and bom. project to project with relative ease, while watching his or her confidence grow lo new heights.

Duk's book covers fifteen projects, ranging from a simple cutout of a dog, to a pilule, a 3-D project, and even a collapsible basket. At the begimiwig of each project, Dirk explains exactly how to complete the project and includes a lisl of tools and materials needed to complete the design. But remember, this is not a scroll saw pattern book. Tliis is a scroll saw technique book, and no one explains the techniques of scroll sawing quite as well as Dirk. Contained in Scroti Saw j'or the. First Time is information on scroll saws and what to look for in a saw, as well as information on scroll saw blades, and blade adjustment, how to perform inside and outside cuts, squaring the scroll saw blade to the tahle top and much, much more.

There are 112 pages in this hardcover book with over 160 outstanding, professional photographs that show ihe reader even the smallest of derails. Priced at $19.95 ($29.05 Canada), this book is a must tor every beginning scroll sawer as well as those who are thinking of entering the wonderful world of scroll sawing. Scroll SflM> for the. First Time, along with a little practice, will ensure many fun-tilled hours of scroll sawing for the reader. Dirk, my friend, you have indeed hit upon the recipe that truly explains the basics of scroll sawing simply, yet elegantly. Great job!