Amazon.com Product Description (ISBN 0764154257, Hardcover)

Through the centuries, artisans have decorated and embellished wooden furniture, chests, and smaller wooden objects in countless ways. This handsomely illustrated book offers instruction and presents projects representative of the finest wood-decorating techniques. An opening section discusses styles from different countries and eras, with photos that show ornate Italian Renaissance pieces, elegant eighteenth-century French marquetry, modern pieces, and many others. Subsequent chapters show and describe tools and materials that home handicrafters will need to carry out the projects described in the rest of the book. The projects instruct in methods of decorating wood with paints, enamels, shellac, gold leaf application, etched and engraved designs and figures, marquetry, wood veneers, decoupage, and stains to enhance wood's luster and grain. Here is detailed instruction presented by a team of experts in wood restoration and decoration. Hundreds of clearly detailed color photos demonstrate how each project can be completed to professional standards.