American Folk Toys: Easy-To-Build Toys for Kids of All Ages [Hardcover]

John R Nelson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1998

Folk toys, with their simple, rustic charm and virtual indestructibility, have been fascinating children and adults alike for almost two centuries. They are uncomplicated, yet often ingenious in design and operation. Best of all, making them requires only basic woodworking skills and a desire to create lasting treasures. In American Folk Toys, author John R, Nelson, Jr. takes the reader back to a simpler time when low-tech, one-of-a-kind craftsmanship was the norm. In it, readers will learn to make folk toys using the same hand tools yesterday's toy makers used over 150 years ago.

This charming book:
-- Makes an ideal gift for woodworkers, history buffs, toy collectors and anyone interested in starting a folk toy business.
-- Offers over 30 toy projects with detailed instructions including a Carousel, Climbing Bear, Sailboat, Checkers, Doll House and more.
-- Gives historically accurate and fascinating information about each toy.
-- Covers materials and tools, painting, staining and varnishing.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (May 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561582212
• ISBN-13: 978-1561582211
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #755,941 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on hand-crafted toys I've ever seen!!, May 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: American Folk Toys: Easy-To-Build Toys for Kids of All Ages (Hardcover)

Wow! What a terrific book! My daughter came across it when we were Mother's Day shopping. We fell in love with it because of the beautiful pictures and clear illustrations.

The way the book is designed and written makes it very easy-to-use. The writing is so engaging that my daughter asked me to read the Climbing Bear section over and over! The clearly written instructions and sharp illustrations get even me, not a woodworker, ready to go ahead and give it a try.

I especially like the introductory material presented for each toy or game. The author gives interesting anecdotes on the toy's origin, history, and often how he stumbled upon it. The author, in addition to being a careful writer, clearly has first-hand knowledge of how children love and use toys and games. He also has a penchant for beautiful simplicity.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Timeless toys anyone can build, August 22, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: American Folk Toys: Easy-To-Build Toys for Kids of All Ages (Hardcover)

Tired of buying your kid another mindless, souless piece of useless plastic? Then try John Nelson's book about American folk toys. Not only does Nelson delve into the history of toys in America, he also provides blueprints and step-by-step instructions on how to build them. The book should appeal to anyone interested in toys, anyone looking for gift ideas, anyone who is handy with tools, and anyone who wants to learn!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My son loves his rocking horse., January 28, 2006

By 

Jane (Midwest, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: American Folk Toys: Easy-To-Build Toys for Kids of All Ages (Hardcover)

My grandfather finished making the rocking horse from this book last week - he had checked the book out from the library. My 15 month old son loves his white horse! I looked through the book and saw many other toys that I know my son will like, so I'm going to order it and ask my husband to get started!