Zodiac signs and their symbolism have always intrigued people, and with Zodiac Puzzles for the Scroll Saw, crafters and scrollers will now find inspiration in the stars with an exciting new collection of wooden puzzle patterns based on the astrological signs of the Western and Chinese Zodiac.

With 2 complete projects for Capricorn and Year of the Horse, new scrollers will get step-by-step guidance from start to finish, and once they've mastered the techniques, readers will be ready to move on to more than 22 zodiac patterns, plus an additional 6 bonus patterns for other constellation, like the Big Dipper and Orion.

Each project includes fascinating information about the astrological sign, such as the character traits associated with it, and it's corresponding calendar dates. Patterns are provided in a detailed cutting version, and a solid silhouette version - making these patterns adaptable for all craft mediums - from scrolling and painting to needlework and woodburning.

And for those readers interested in understanding the design process - each pattern includes a photo of the original design inspiration - whether it be an oil painting or historic drawing - allowing artists to see the transformation of each pattern, from it's conception to creation.

Perfect for the crafter who wants to make fun items for the next craft fair, or for their family and friends.

A former school teacher and librarian, Judy Peterson found her niche in life as a woodworker. She bought her first saw in 1990 and within the first six months was cutting and creating her own designs. She does business as Fan Tanimals, selling wood-crafted puzzles at art and craft shows around the country . A winner of many prizes, Judy was featured in the December 1997 issue of Wisconsin Trails. She has been published in Scroll Saw Workshop magazine. She teaches scroll sawing at Woodcraft in Madison, Wisconsin.

Dave Peterson is a Senior Systems Analyst for a small mail order company and provides business support for Fan Tanimals. Judy and Dave can be reached via e-mail at FanTamdsp@aol.com

I promise that this book will not be the Genesis of a new astrological forecasting feature for woodworkers in our ShortCuts columns. However, this book may be an inspiration for those woodworkers that are reliant upon the stars to guide them.

What a fun book the Paterson's have put together. They have put together close to 100 pages of 30 really great zodiac puzzles. They include both Eastern and Western zodiac symbols that also include the constellations. The latter includes Cassiopeia and Andromeda while you can find patterns for the dragon and the rat in the Eastern zodiac, Capricorn to Sagittarius in the Western zodiac.

The authors provide the sawyers information not only on recommended wood types and grain direction but also on the patterns themselves.

Scrollers will love this book.

Perfect for the crafter who wants to make fun items for the next craft fair, or for their family and friends. Projects are included for beginner to experienced s.croll saw artists. Each project indudes fascinating information about the astrological sign. Patterns are provided in a detaiied cutting version and a solid silhouette veriion. making these patterns adaptable for ail craft mediums, from scrolling and painting to needlework and woodburning.