Book excerpt: Surpassing the conventional ""cookbook approach"" to woodturning, this remarkable collection of eight projects highlights the important roles that passion and state of mind play in woodturning projects. Each project--accompanied by step-by-step photos and a bill of materials--is not only designed to help woodworkers improve their skills, but also to act as a starting point for them to brainstorm more effectively about their own pieces. The exercises gradually increase in difficulty, building towards the ""Inside Out Vase,"" a sleek and elegant project pierced by four lancet windows. Along the way, turners will learn about gouge orientation, turning hollow forms, turning a ball, and many other essential woodturning techniques.