Making Wood Decoys
Type
Book
Authors
ISBN 10
0806976608
ISBN 13
9780806976600
Category
Woodworking
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Publication Year
1899
Publisher
Pages
160
Description
From the back cover:
If you're looking for decoys to use for duck hunting only, you can go into any sporting goods store and buy a set made from nearly indestructible plastic. These decoys will be lightweight, durable, inexpensive and very realistic. They give the buyer everything he needs except for the one thing which cannot be bought in any store for any amount of money - the satisfaction of creating real and beautiful carvings, both working and decorative, to his own specifications. It is this satisfaction that can convert a duck hunter to a dyed-in-the-wool decoyist.
When a beginner is exposed to the strikingly beautiful creations of veteran decoyists, there is a tendency for him to be a bit overwhelmed. The author quickly dispels this tendency by clever dissecting each project step by step. As the mystery falls away, what remains is an easily followed series of smaller steps accompanied by an insider's tips and dozens of clear, concise illustrations with individual patterns for many classic decoys drawn up by the carvers themselves.
Because there is no single way to make a decoy, you'll see a wide range of tools and techniques. Amazingly realistic results are achieved using sophisticated and elaborate equipment while, at the same time, excellent work can be done by hand-holding a block of wood and carving with a sharp pocketknife. In between the extremes of complexity and simplicity is a wealth of information on the different species of wood used various shaping techniques, and the ways of finishing, with considerations of the intended purpose of your decoys. There are also descriptions of the different waterfowl that decoys imitate as well as ways of modifying and stylizing your creations.
Whichever way your technique evolves, an appreciation of fine craftsmanship will grow along with it and you'll become increasingly aware of the scarcity of old, high-quality, hand-painted and carved decoys. Because of this scarcity, the decoyist plays an important part in preserving a piece of real Americana for future generations to enjoy. But even more important its the preservation of individual creativity with the qualities of substance and character, which can be wrought only by the human hand.
If you're looking for decoys to use for duck hunting only, you can go into any sporting goods store and buy a set made from nearly indestructible plastic. These decoys will be lightweight, durable, inexpensive and very realistic. They give the buyer everything he needs except for the one thing which cannot be bought in any store for any amount of money - the satisfaction of creating real and beautiful carvings, both working and decorative, to his own specifications. It is this satisfaction that can convert a duck hunter to a dyed-in-the-wool decoyist.
When a beginner is exposed to the strikingly beautiful creations of veteran decoyists, there is a tendency for him to be a bit overwhelmed. The author quickly dispels this tendency by clever dissecting each project step by step. As the mystery falls away, what remains is an easily followed series of smaller steps accompanied by an insider's tips and dozens of clear, concise illustrations with individual patterns for many classic decoys drawn up by the carvers themselves.
Because there is no single way to make a decoy, you'll see a wide range of tools and techniques. Amazingly realistic results are achieved using sophisticated and elaborate equipment while, at the same time, excellent work can be done by hand-holding a block of wood and carving with a sharp pocketknife. In between the extremes of complexity and simplicity is a wealth of information on the different species of wood used various shaping techniques, and the ways of finishing, with considerations of the intended purpose of your decoys. There are also descriptions of the different waterfowl that decoys imitate as well as ways of modifying and stylizing your creations.
Whichever way your technique evolves, an appreciation of fine craftsmanship will grow along with it and you'll become increasingly aware of the scarcity of old, high-quality, hand-painted and carved decoys. Because of this scarcity, the decoyist plays an important part in preserving a piece of real Americana for future generations to enjoy. But even more important its the preservation of individual creativity with the qualities of substance and character, which can be wrought only by the human hand.
Number of Copies
1
