The Homesteading Handbook

August 11, 2011 | Anne Heidemann

The homesteading handbook : a back to basics guide to growing your own food, canning, keeping chickens, generating your own energy, crafting, herbal medicine, and more by Abigail R. Gehring — Are you interested in being more self-sufficient? This book is truly a one-stop resource for virtually all aspects of homesteading including herbal medicine, useful crafting, keeping animals like chickens and goats, building sheds and other small structures, canning, generating energy, growing edibles, and more. If all that sounds like a lot of work, it also includes fun things like how to make your own ice cream.

The Repurposed Library

August 8, 2011 | Anne Heidemann

The repurposed library : 33 craft projects that give old books new life by Lisa Occhipinti ; photographs by Thayer Allyson Gowdy — It can be so hard to say good-bye to an old book, even when it has lost its usefulness as a resource or story. This book provides a bunch of great ideas for repurposing them instead, including instructions for creating a birdhouse, a lamp, a chandelier, a clock, and many more. Perhaps you might find a re-purpose-able book in Second Hand Prose.

Garden Up!

August 4, 2011 | Anne Heidemann

Garden up! : smart vertical gardening for small and large spaces by Susan Morrison & Rebecca Sweet — Like a lot of gardeners, I have filled up the spaces in my yard and am often looking for more creative ways to use my limited space. This book has a wealth of ideas for small spaces like mine but also for large gardens. It starts with the basics - arbors and trellises - and moves on to less common techniques like living walls and growing edibles vertically. There's plenty of inspiration here!

Simple Knitting

August 1, 2011 | Anne Heidemann

Simple knitting : a complete how-to-knit workshop with 20 projects by Erika Knight ; [photography by Yuki Sugiura] — The "simple" in the title of this book refers to the fact that knitting doesn't have to be difficult, but it also points to the streamlined, unadorned style of these projects. Made from mostly earth-toned yarns and in earth-friendly fibers, these knitted objects have a modern feel.

Hooray for Amanda and Her Alligator!

July 28, 2011 | Anne Heidemann

Hooray for Amanda & her alligator! by words and pictures by Mo Willems — Who can resist a book by Mo Willems? Not me! Here we find Amanda and her alligator friend, who is not that great at being patient but is tremendously talented at being hilarious and entertaining. The illustrations here are in Willems' trademark deceptively simple style and will draw you in no matter what your age. Don't miss this one!

Growing Tasty Tropical Plants In Any Home, Anywhere.

July 25, 2011 | Anne Heidemann

Growing tasty tropical plants in any home, anywhere by Laurelynn G. Martin and Byron E. Martin — Have you ever wanted to grow oranges, olives, or avocados, but thought that because we live in Michigan, it wasn't feasible? Think again - it can be done! This book outlines which tropical plants are best for beginners, where to grow which tropicals, how to prepare them for eating or drinking, and much more.

Knitted Wild Animals

July 21, 2011 | Anne Heidemann

Knitted wild animals : 15 adorable, easy-to-knit toys by Sarah Keen — If you're looking for a cuddly, cute gift for a child, it's hard to beat a handknit toy. Included here are patterns for animals including the tiger you see on the cover as well as for an elephant, zebra, panda, crocodile, snake, warthog, koala, moose, penguin and more. Also included are basic knitting instructions, tips for construction, and other helpful hints.

Modern Vintage Style

July 18, 2011 | Anne Heidemann

Modern vintage style by Emily Chalmers ; words by Ali Hanan ; photography by Debi Treloar — Do you have an appreciation for items that have been around for awhile? For furniture that was carefully designed to fit a certain era or aesthetic? This book can help you pull it all together, including furniture, lighting, textiles, decorating, and collections, and displays. Even better, the second half of the book is dedicated to making a beautifully curated home actually livable for day-to-day use.

Landscaping for Your Home

July 11, 2011 | Anne Heidemann

Landscaping for your home by Catriona Tudor Erler — Curb appeal is extremely important to many homeowners. Buyers look for good landscaping when scoping out a possible purchase, and attractive exteriors help raise property values even if you're not planning to sell anytime soon. This book is a how-to DIY guide for many projects, as well as offering inspiration and ideas that can be as easy as adding a sundial or a container garden. Whatever the scope of your landscaping project, you will likely find this book helpful.

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