American Peasant

by Christopher Schwarz

“American Peasant” is an introduction to a style of furniture and decoration that is almost unheard of in the Americas. Built primarily with tongues, grooves and pegs, the furniture is frequently engraved with geometric symbols that beautify the piece and protect its owner.

With this book, you will learn to build 10 simple pieces using common tools and whatever lumber is on hand. And you’ll learn to engrave the pieces using nothing more than a cheap craft knife and a vinyl flooring cutter.

In addition to furniture making, “American Peasant” delves into other areas of the craft that will make you a more independent woodworker. Learn to make your own commercial-grade glue using only three ingredients (food-grade gelatin, salt and water), all of which you can find at the grocery store. The glue is strong, reversible and non-toxic (it’s edible, though we don’t recommend eating it).

Genres: Woodwork

300 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[Jens Lange]

Good info about natural finishes, traditional nails, making your own glue, carving protective spells, and generally living like a peasant

[Emily Carlin]

just wonderful. practical, inspiring, generous. chris schwarz is such a gift.

[James]

A delightful book about making peasant furniture with basic tools and a kitchen table!!! Considering the number of workbench books Schwarz has written, that's quite a change. If you want a copy, you probably need to buy it direct.

The gelatin glue recipe is the cat's meow! A few other items that are unique as well.

https://lostartpress.com/collections/...

Note that there is a free PDF download, that doesn't require a purchase.

A well made and bound book, made in the USA.

[Josh Jacobs]

A great book. I especially enjoyed the parts about how to set up different carvings with the tools and compasses.

[Timothy Curry]

I devoured this. In my wheelhouse for sure.