20 Folk Bird & Fish PatternsPaperback, 6 January 1999

Al Streetman takes devoted readers and beginning carvers alike back to the wonderful world of folk carving, which leaves less to "the rules" and more to the imagination! In older days, folk art was a way of transforming plain everyday objects and materials into decorative accent pieces to brighten the home. Here are 20 patterns for bird and fish, with a simplicity that makes the carving process quick and enjoyable, and the final product charming and elegant. In full-color photography, Al guides the carver step-by-step though the carving of a bird and a catfish, providing not only careful instructions for carving but also for painting and presenting each piece. The basic patterns make either wonderful learning tools or a solid foundation for more intricate carvings.