Artist and author Diana Thompson follows up her first book, '3D Patterns for the Scroll Saw,” with a second book chock-full of brand new, inventive three-dimensional designs.

The book begins with an in-depth look at the techniques behind cutting three-dimensional compound pieces. A step-by-step demonstration featuring close-up photography and detailed captions shows the process from start to finish. A table explains the properties of domestic and exotic woods. Beginning through intermediate scrollers will appreciate the tips and techniques laid out here by the author to help scrollers make the most of their scrolling time.

The remainder of the book is filled with patterns and projects for 3D pieces. The author provides shop-tested patterns for a dozen clocks, a dozen candle sticks, more than two dozen delightful critters and a carousel music box. Special instructions address the insertion of miniature working clock parts into the wood and the drilling of candle stick holes.

All of the projects featured in this book include a color photo of the finished piece and special notes on its creation. The notes may address special cutting techniques or point out alternate ways to make the compound cuts. Each one of the projects is accompanied by a double-faced pattern that is specially drawn to fold over the edge of a block of wood, thereby ensuring a perfect cut and a fabulous finished piece.

Readers will gain an extensive knowledge of domestic and exotic woods as they work through the projects included in this book. The author includes a chart outlining the different properties of various woods — color, grain and density — and adds her own personal experiences with her favorite woods.

Still a resident of her much-loved Mobile, Alabama, Diana Thompson is an avid scroller and designer, focusing especially on compound cutting. She began scrolling several years ago when she experimented on her husband's old scroll saw while he was at work. Since then, she has written four books on compound designs, and her husband, Bob, has bought five scroll saws just for her. When she's not scrolling, Diana finds time to escape to the golf course. You can see more of her work online at www.scrollsawinspirations.com.