The "Rules of Magic" series is a collection of novels by Alice Hoffman. It consists of three books: "Practical Magic," "The Rules of Magic," and "Magic Lessons." These novels explore the lives of the Owens family, a lineage of powerful witches. "Practical Magic" is the first book in the series and was published in 1995. It introduces the readers to the Owens sisters, Gillian and Sally. Raised by their eccentric aunts, they grow up in a household filled with magic and mystery.

veneer

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• Veneering.net - Wood Veneering
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veneer, extremely thin sheet of rich-coloured wood (such as mahogany, ebony, or rosewood) or precious materials (such as ivory or tortoiseshell) cut in decorative patterns and applied to the surface area of a piece of furniture. It is to be distinguished from two allied processes: inlay, in which cutout pieces of decorative wood or other materials—such as metal, leather, or mother-of-pearl—are inset into cavities cut into the main structure of the piece being decorated; and marquetry, or boulle work, which is a more elaborate kind of complex veneering.

There are two main types of veneering, the simplest being that in which a single sheet, chosen for its interesting grain (yew or purple wood, for example), is applied to a whole surface of inferior wood in one unit. In the more complex variation called crossbanding, small pieces of veneer wood are fitted together within a surrounding framework in such a way that the grain changes pattern, thus altering the tone according to the light. This process can produce complex fan shapes, sunbursts, and floral patterns.

When the veneers are made up of small pieces cut from the same larger piece of wood and affixed so that their grain runs in opposite directions in accordance with a formal geometric pattern, the process is known as parquetry.

Veneering allows the use of beautiful woods that because of limited availability, small size, or difficulty in working cannot be used in solid form for making furniture. In addition, it significantly increases the strength of the wood by backing it with a sturdier wood and, through the process of laminating veneers at right angles in successive layers, offsets the cross-grain weakness of the wood.

Modern veneering, which uses special glues, drying, and testing equipment, produces a strong and beautiful product. Basically, the process involved in making all veneers is the same. First, the decorative wood is sawn, sliced, shaved, or peeled, sometimes by a rotary machine, into pieces between 1 / 16 and 1 / 32 inch in thickness. Then the veneer is glued to a prepared, coarser wood and secured by the application of mahogany, zinc, or cardboard presses; for curved and intricately shaped surfaces, molded sandbags are used. Early hand-cut veneers were thicker than the later machine-sawn product; although they were seldom less than 1 / 8 inch in thickness, they were cut by hand to 1 / 10 inch in 16th-century southern Europe.

Although the craft of veneering was practiced in classical antiquity, its use lapsed during the Middle Ages. It was revived in the 17th century, reaching its apogee in France and spreading from there to other European countries. Because of their preference for ebony, the French masters of the craft of veneering were known as ébénistes, although they later combined veneering with technical variations such as marquetry. By the end of the 17th century, woods such as almondwood, boxwood, cherry wood, and pearwood were commonly used.

The considerable craftsmanship involved in the artistic use of veneers is most evident in the 18th and early 19th centuries, when Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton employed mahogany and satinwood veneers. Later, exotic woods, various metals, and organic materials such as tortoiseshell—which was also popular with 17th-century Flemish craftsmen—were in vogue. By the mid-19th century, with the introduction of mechanical saws, the veneering process was sometimes used in mass production to make high-style furniture out of cheap pine or poplar wood.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Kuiper.

veneer

Words related to veneer are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word veneer. Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

noun as in cover; coat

noun as in covering

noun as in cover-up, mask

noun as in wrapping, cover-up

noun as in covering, makeup for deception

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Raised by their eccentric aunts, they grow up in a household filled with magic and mystery. The story follows their journey as they navigate love, loss, and the consequences of using magic. "The Rules of Magic" is the prequel to "Practical Magic" and was published in 2017.

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It delves into the lives of the Owens siblings, Franny, Jet, and Vincent. Set in the 1960s and 1970s, the book unveils the family's ancestral curse and how it shapes their lives. It explores themes of love, identity, and the balance between embracing magic and fearing its power. "Magic Lessons" is the latest installment in the series, published in 2020. It serves as a prequel to both "Practical Magic" and "The Rules of Magic" and takes readers back to 1664. The story revolves around Maria Owens, the matriarch of the Owens family. It explores her journey from the English countryside to Salem, Massachusetts, and delves into the origins of the family's magical bloodline. Throughout the "Rules of Magic" series, Hoffman weaves a tale of enchantment, family bonds, and the complexities of life as a witch. The novels beautifully blend elements of historical fiction, romance, and fantasy, creating a rich and captivating narrative. Hoffman's lyrical writing style and her ability to evoke emotions make the series a delight for readers who enjoy magical realism. Overall, the "Rules of Magic" series is a mesmerizing exploration of the Owens family and their magical heritage. It showcases the power of love and resilience in the face of adversity and celebrates the beauty and complexities of the magical world. Whether you are a fan of fantasy or simply enjoy well-crafted storytelling, this series is sure to enchant and captivate you..

Reviews for "The Four Rules of Magic: Empowering Your Magical Practice"

1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really excited to start "The 4ules of magic series" as I had heard great things about it. However, I found it to be extremely slow-paced and lacking in action. The characters were underdeveloped and I couldn't connect with any of them. The plot felt predictable and I was left feeling unsatisfied after finishing the series.

2. John - 1 star - I have to say I was disappointed with "The 4ules of magic series". The writing was incoherent and the story lacked any depth. I couldn't understand the purpose of the magic system and it felt forced and poorly executed. The pacing was off and I found myself losing interest in the story halfway through. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this series to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written fantasy series.

3. Samantha - 2 stars - I found "The 4ules of magic series" to be quite underwhelming. The world-building was weak and the magic system felt inconsistent and confusing. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any depth or development. I struggled to stay engaged with the story as the plot meandered and didn't seem to have a clear direction. Overall, this series fell flat for me and I wouldn't recommend it.

4. Michael - 1 star - I couldn't get through "The 4ules of magic series". The writing style was convoluted and hard to follow. The plot was disjointed and didn't make much sense. The author seemed to introduce new elements without explaining them properly, leaving me feeling confused and frustrated. I had high hopes for this series, but sadly, it just didn't deliver.

Getting Started with the Four Rules of Magic: A Step-by-Step Guide