How to Make Rustic Furniture

"Once you start making rustic things, a walk in the forest takes on a whole new meaning," says host and demonstrator Kim Eltond. "You begin to see chairs in the trees." Rustic furniture, also known as twig garden furniture, became popular in the last century as a reaction against highly ornate interior furnishings. Requiring very little in the way of tools (saw, knife, drill, hammer and nails), this is a good craft for beginners, and viewers here will learn how to make a plant stand and a garden love seat. The solid instructions include on-screen titles with important reminders, and an inset picture which provides close-ups during the discussion of tools. A couple of weak points: Eltond uses alder trees, which only grow on the Pacific coast; mention of some alternative woods would have been helpful. Also, the musical interlude starts in too soon and too loud during an explanation of how to make the oil finish to coat the green wood; patrons will need to listen carefully. Despite these minor flaws, this tape is enjoyable and highly recommended. Aud: P. (R. Reagan)