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Scandinavian Arts, Hobbies & Crafts Rapala
by John E. Mitchell So, your family draws names and just your luck! For the second year in a row you got Uncle Leroy, a mostly silent bachelor who — other than the Want Ads in the weekly Shopper — doesn't like to read much, and prefers fish over people! Well, here you go. This book will reel him in, and keep him busy all winter. Uncle Leroy will be hooked, and you will be his favorite nephew or niece for life! The book includes the official history of the company and its status today (now the Rapala-Normark Group, the worlds largest fishing lure and tackle producer); a detailed guide to the lures Rapala now makes; personal stories and anecdotes; and 130 color and 60 B&W photos. Appendices include detailed graphs and charts showing world record fish caught on Rapala lures; casting and trolling depth charts for lure selection; charts cross-referencing matching snaps, lines and hooks; plus more. AC - 07 Hardcover $29.95 NOW $19.95 Passing the deal on to you!
This book was created to celebrate ten years of instruction at the North House Folk School, a non-profit formed by "spontaneous combustion," in Grand Marais, MN, on the north shore of Lake Superior. Celebrating Birch is a tribute to the Folk School as well as a salute to the popular birch tree. It covers everything from a recipe for "Birch Splittin Bitter, Icicle Lickin Sweet Root Beer" to birch tar, spoons, throwing logs, and carved toys. Excellent photography and clear photos of how-to procedures accompany 20 practical projects you can create — woven bark baskets, carved or turned wooden bowls, a carved box, and more. You will discover the rich history and fascinating cultural myths of this legendary tree. "Lore and Legends", an entertaining chapter telling worldwide traditions and explaining the tree's symbols, brings together history, geography and myth to relay the significance of this widely dispersed species in many cultures. There are also instructions on harvesting the tree and on using leaves and fungi for medicinal teas and the sap for sweetener. School founder Mark Hansen says, "This is about doing, making things happen, and finishing something. There's a healing that happens when you work with your hands. It's not about efficiency; it's not about proficiency. It's about learning to be a human being with all your senses." AC - 02 Paperback $24.95
Harley Refsal, recently retired Scandinavian Studies professor at Luther College in Decorah, IA, is an internationally recognized carver who has been decorated by the King of Norway for his contributions to Norwegian culture. But better yet, he is also my first-born's godfather! Refsal is a very talented artist who now teaches the old Scandinavian style of flat-plane carving to Norwegians, and Refsal — a Norwegian-American — is responsible for reviving this art form in Norway. This book offers detailed, clear instructions for 40 flat-plane projects. Directions for carving and painting — with front and side-view patterns — and step-by-step photographs reveal how to make a few simple cuts and leave large flat planes intact. Out of a piece of wood (and a knife, a few gouges, and some patience), readers will bring to life typical figures such as a school teacher or ice fisherman or traditional Scandinavian creatures such as trolls, nisser, and the Christmas tomter. Scandinavian-Americans will enjoy carving images of their rural neighbors like Aunt Trine or Selma all dolled up to head out and do "shores," or Willie who isn't much of an athlete, but knows his ancestors from Sweden would be proud of his carving talent. I really think some of these folks grew up near Harley in Hoffman, MN, and I think I met a few of them at the annual lutefisk supper at my church, but I'm not sure. That was a long time ago, and everyone feasting in the church basement looked alike. AC - 03 Paperback $17.95
The whittled little folk are delightful. From Kristian to Thea to the Woodsman, acclaimed artist Harley Refsal provides patterns and instructions for carving over 20 delightful characters in wood. Readers will find step-by-step carving and painting instructions for a Scandinavian-inspired man and woman. Once they have learned to carve these, they will find 20 more patterns to create. Each project includes four separate patterns (one from each view), carving instructions, and painting notes. An overview of Scandinavian flat-plane carving and details on customizing patterns are also included.
This winter you can learn to carve, and
next Christmas give Onkel Oskar, Tante Berte, and Prest Kringerud their
own little statue. As the book cover says, "Little in size, but big in
personality", just like your relatives! Oh, and don't forget to carve
some abstract wooden fish decoys to lure lazy Cousin Herb out of the
house and onto a frozen lake.
This trivet is a tribute to Harley Refsal: author (including two books above), teacher, carver extraordinaire, and recipient of the St. Olav Medal of Honor. Depicting Refsal at work, artist Suzanne Toftey has accurately captured the likeness of Refsal and his characters. Reviving the art of flat-plane carving, Refsal is best known for his carvings of rural people who emigrated from Norway a century ago. AC - 10 Ceramic tile with cork back $15.00
CR - 6 Hardcover $14.95 Order by using the 'Place an Order' form or you may order by phone (800 494-9124). For payment and shipping charges, see 'Place an Order.'
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Celebrating Birch: The
Lore, Art and Craft of an Ancient Tree
Folk Art Trivet
