More Inaction & some book nerditude

Well, this week has so far been mostly taken up with non-house time commitments - doctor's appointments, historical society meeting, grocery shopping. However, a couple of good things came of it.

First, we now own a copy of the Schoolhouse Electric catalog. WOW! We definitely want to upgrade to some of those fixtures in the future. Lots of them are perfect for our house.

Next, I'm an enormous book nerd. I used to be a bookstore employee, prior to finally becoming a professional graphic artist about 10 years ago. So, in that vein, here is my book geekery for those who care to read it:

Dover Books offered me a Presidents' Day discount coupon ( I saved a whopping 10 bucks, but I had wanted to get some more books for a long while now) and I took advantage of it to buy some references.

• The 1912 and 1915 Gustav Stickley Craftsman Furniture Catalogs


This was mostly purchased for the purpose of getting a better idea of the overall look of a furnished Craftsman house. I might keep it, but I may also donate it as I already have a much more practical reference for building my own repro furniture.


• Aladdin "Built in a Day" House Catalog, 1917


I bought this, just in case my house might be an Aladdin, since Rosemary Thornton can't pinpoint it as any particular Sears kit model. So far, I've determined that it clearly isn't an Aladdin, either (all the hardware/details being Sears items is a big giveaway there). However, this catalog shows several light fixtures identical to several that are reproduced by Schoolhouse Electric. If you have an Aladdin, they are definitely the company to get your replacement fixtures from!

Since I've answered my own question, this catalog will probably get donated to the local library. There are probably at least a couple of Aladdins around here, since they were the other major manufacturer of kit houses in this region.


• Easy-to-Make Arts and Crafts Lamps and Shades


I bought this out of curiosity, and I may actually be getting quite a bit of use out of it. The instructions are for making lampshades (and building lamps and light fixtures) out of cheap, lightweight materials. Very Sexy. Chris has been inspired.


• Arts and Crafts Designs


I bought this as I have several other Dover Pictorial Archive books from the Art Nouveau and Arts&Crafts periods. I was hoping it would have new things. Unfortunately, no. Most of the things in it are redrawn from other sources, all of which I have. However, if you want a nice cheap general design ref and can only afford one, it's worth it. This is going to the library, too.

Since I am reviewing books here, let me list several (also Dover books) that I already own and like:

• Making Authentic Craftsman Furniture: Instructions and Plans for 62 Projects
  

I LOVE this book. It's great, and if you have the basic skills and tools, you can make great stuff using the diagrams. It's what I'm using to help me plan my built-in buffet (an eventuality).


• Authentic Designs from the American Arts and Crafts Movement

This is a nice reference, but mostly really useful for graphic artists and ceramicists. I like it, and it has many of the designs that are redrawn in Arts and Crafts Designs.


• Art Nouveau: An Anthology of Design and Illustration from "The Studio"

Art Nouveau, of course, but I am as much in love with this style as I am with the Arts&Crafts style (which was both a companion and a reaction to it). Lots of great stuff in here :)


• Art Nouveau Animal Designs and Patterns: 60 Plates in Full Color

In addition to having fabulous designs in it (this is the book from which one of the small historical wallpaper companies drew its lavendar and green bat wallpaper), this book is a great color reference, and while it's title says it's Art Nouveau, it clearly demonstrates the stylistic flow from Art Nouveau to Arts&Crafts and finally showing the beginnings of Art Deco. A great reference for anyone who loves these styles.


• A Treasury of Art Nouveau Design & Ornament

This one has lots of designs suitable for making stencils or wall murals from, if you are at all ambitious. Also a great all around graphic reference.

And, finally, some I'd like to get:

• Limbert Arts and Crafts Furniture: The Complete 1903 Catalog


I just want to get a copy of this because I like the odd combination of basic and wacky that is embodied in this furniture.


• Arts and Crafts Stained Glass Coloring Book


See, I'm a big kid, and I love coloring books. I can't come up with a better excuse.


• Arts and Crafts Stained Glass Pattern Book


I'm not a glass craftsperson, but I have a friend who is. I really just want to give her this.


• Floral Stained Glass Lampshades


I do, however, have a better excuse for this one. I might be able to adapt the designs to the Easy-to-Make Arts and Crafts Lamps and Shades instructions. I can dream.


• Arts and Crafts Furniture: The Complete Brooks Catalog of 1912


This is just me wanting to have every available reference. Greed, plain and simple. ;)


• Stickley Craftsman Furniture Catalogs


I just want to see this one. If I buy it, it will probably end up in the library too.


• Craftsman Homes


• More Craftsman Homes


• Craftsman Bungalows: 59 Homes from "the Craftsman"


These are fairly obvious. I want to find a house plan like my house. It might be in one of these books. Ah, if I had disposable income!

Well, also, there are lots of interior images in these books which might be useful in my renovation. But I really don't need to be buying these books :)