CARVING FISH DECOYS: A TRADITIONAL AMERICAN FOLK ART. By James T. Cottle.

1990 1st edition. Small 4to (187 x 238mm). Ppxvi,141,ads. Colour and b/w photographs, illustrations, templates, bibliography. Maroon cloth, spine titled in gilt.

"Fish decoys, used by Native and Early American ice fishermen to lure food fish within range of the spear, are now luring so many collectors that the prices are out of sight. But if you appreciate traditional American folk art ...you can carve your own fish decoys. it's easy, with the help of author James Cottle. Trace one of the 22 patterns from this book, cut it out of pine, carve it to shape, paint it and weight it, add fins and tail, and it's ready to use, either under ice or on your mantlepiece." Chapters include; Growing up on the ice; Ice fishing and fish decoys; Basic woodcarving; Tools and materials; Patterns; The body; Fins, line-ties, and eyes; Weight and balance; Painting; Putting it all together. A useful guide with plenty of black and white step-by-step photographs and 22 full-size patterns.