Altered Curiosities: Assemblage Techniques and Projects Book

I think that "Altered Curiosities" was meant to be an introductory book, but nearly every technique and project within requires some very advanced materials, such as: a full silversmithing setup, including soldering torch and stand, jewelry saw, and dapping tools; a pipe cutter; a drill with large router bits; a jigsaw; leftover framing store samples - and that's leaving out the more common items needed in most projects: patina, etching solution, resin, hand-sawn wood, and anvil-worked wire. Additionally, the techniques section is pretty slim and basic; most of the book comprises projects which are extremely specific, and given the unique nature of found objects, are therefore necessarily practically impossible to perfectly reproduce. Many of the projects also strike me as extremely impractical to the point of dangerous - both a bird feeder and a set of drawer pulls are spiked with rusty nails! Finally, while it will certainly appeal to some people, everything in this book uses very dark imagery and some very morbid materials, such as amputated doll parts, human teeth, and deceased bugs. Be forewarned if this sort of thing is not to your taste.