The Blue Ox
is a combination living-history museum, sawmill, and custom woodworking
shop, specializing in the distinctive gingerbread decoration of
Victorian-era homes. It is also a workplace for area artisans and
craftspeople whose work ranges from blacksmithing and metal casting
to boat building, pottery and vintage printing.
This book marks
the first attempt to tell the story of the Blue Ox in its entirety,
while sharing the skills that have been kept alive there. Starting
with a tale of the Victorian craftsmanship that inspired it all,
subsequent chapters elaborate on specific crafts ands skills practiced
at the Blue Ox.
Also included
are dozens of formulas for homemade paints, varnishes, glues, and
other concoctions useful to artisans and craftsmen alike. Lavishly
illustrated with nearly 300 pen-and-ink drawings by the author,
Tales From the Blue Ox is a source of both information and inspiration
for anyone interested in the traditional arts and/or the golden
age of craftsmanship: the Victorian Era.
232
pages. 8-1/2 x 11. Soft cover. Illustrated throughout. © 2004.
ISBN: 1931626162.
Order Number: AP162. Price: $29.95
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"…that
rare combination: a "history of" and "how to" book that
manages to be both informative and entertaining. A wonderful
teaching tool for those who want to learn, and preserve,
the traditional techniques of doing custom woodwork (without
contemporary tools or machines), using the same simple tools
and materials that artisans have used for centuries."
— Beti Trauth, Humboldt Beacon
"The
story of a working historic park engaged in preserving,
practicing and teaching a variety of trades from the Victorian
era, all of which are beautifully illustrated with drawings
by the author." —
The Gristmill
"A
source of information and inspiration for a reader interested
in the traditional arts or the craftsmanship of the Victorian
era. The section on boat building provides the basis of understanding
boat design and construction as well as sail configurations,
hull types, planking and caulking, the tools of the trade
and the creation of the steam box." — Paul Ridgway,
Editor, The World Ship Review
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