Carve by Melanie Abrantes

Carve by Melanie Abrantes

     I enjoy examining wood carvings, but never seriously considered doing it myself. That someone can turn a block of wood into a polished, rounded spoon just seemed mysterious and esoteric.

     I have started whittling on my own now, thanks to Carve, by Melanie Abrantes, who shows that using a few basic principles and simple tools you can create impressive (and useful) things out of wood. There are over dozen projects divided into three categories ranging from a decorative bird (simple) to spoons, spatulas (hard), soap dishes, and much more. Unlike many books which seem to simply show off the author's skills, these projects are attainable and the instructions walk the reader through them. Accompanying photographs shows the step by step process for each item.

  

    The cover, layout, and design quality all call out for the reader to read and use the book.

If you like woodworking, you will find it an enjoyable guide; if you've never considered it, you will.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review

Understanding Color In Photography

For photographers, Understanding Color in Photography is like hearing your favorite song for the first time again.

 I'm a photographer and can say photography books are fairly predictable; explain the principles of aperture and rules of 3. Throw in some portraits, still life, stunning vistas, maybe some artsy street scenes with lots of concrete and you have just about any instructional book.

But in Understanding Color In Photography, Brian Peterson does more than just explain color. It puts a refreshing new spin on photography as a whole by showing you how to see differently. He describes the properties of each color, what colors go well together, what they evoke, and samples of images with descriptions of how he got them. Photography is not simply about framing the image; using color you can compose images that evoke emotions and even sensations. Peterson's photography- his mind-bending use of colors, reflections, and natural elements- is enticing and leaves the reader begging for more.

Some knowledge of the basics is kind of required to get the most out of it, although a complete newbie can appreciate its message too.

I thought my photography was original but Understanding Color In PHotography shows there is always something new to learn.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review

A Charm of Goldfinches- A Book That Will Charm Everyone.

A Charm of Goldfinches by Matt Sewell

A Charm of Goldfinches by Matt Sewell explores through art and humor the origin of peculiar names for groups of animals. We all know of nouns like "herd" and "flock" but these are just the tip of the iceberg. There's charms, scurries (squirrels), plagues (rats), unkindnesses (ravens), memories (elephants), and many more.






Each page gives the noun, describes the animal, and gives the source of the noun where possible with a description of the animal's habits that makes each one seem perfect. It is a great conversation piece to leave out on your coffee table or to use to astonish your friends.





The cover art sold me before I even read the description. Sewell's illustrations are original and artistic and capture the animals perfectly. As a fellow birdwatcher artist I found myself trying to paint my own versions of them (not possible....). The book itself is a durable hardback with glossy paper that invites reading.






A Charm of Goldfinches is a great book for animal lovers but will appeal to everyone who can appreciate perfectly woven humor, art, and facts.








I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.