Wood Steam Bending: Discover the unique craft of steam bending

About this book

When you bend a hot piece of wood it is briefly reanimated into a living thing and you can see and feel aspects of the wood which are not perceptible until that moment; there is a sort of conversation going on between you and the ghost of the tree and you must respond or risk losing the piece you are working on. In this beautifully compiled book Charlie Whinney the UKs leading expert on the topic shares the secrets of the unique and magical craft of steam-bending. Although his creations look quite impossible the reader will soon discover that wood can be made to behave in remarkable ways with the application of a little heat and steam. Charlie guides you through the ecological sourcing of wood for your projects and then with practical instructions reveals how to create your own steam-bent masterpieces. Form a wooden coathanger in the embers of a campfire create perfectly round wooden hoops using just a saucepan and a mug or use the steam from a kettle to shape a beautiful fruit bowl. With step-by-step instructions and inspiring photography from Charlies workshop in the Lake District this will make the perfect gift for anyone interested in developing a new skill.