Author Description

The power of the forest is as much a part of rustic furniture as the joints and seating. says well-known rustic maker Daniel Mack. In The Rustic Furniture Companion, his second book on this subject, he engagingly describes the history, allure, styles, tools, and techniques of building with materials collected from trees. A richly evocative text and more than 200 photographs-color and black and white-bring to life this time-honored and now very popular approach to making furniture and other objects for the home. Mack briefly traces the origins of rustic furniture and reviews its international roots. Then a photo gallery illuminates the work of contemporary rustic makers. Many stunning examples of Mr. Mack's own work are showcased. The gallery is organized by the main types of rustic work: sticks or twigs, trees and logs, bentwood, bark applique, and root and burl. There are also many intriguing examples of furniture built from found and salvaged wood, such as the pallets in which consumer goods are shipped.