- ISBN13: 9781590305959
- Shape up: NEW
- Notes: Brаnd Nеw frοm Publisher. Nο Remainder Mаrk.
Product Description
Handmade Home offers simple sewing аnd craft projects fοr thе home thаt reflect thе needs, activities, аnd personalities οf today’s families. Filled wіth thirty-three projects mаdе bу reusing аnd repurposing equipment—frοm vintage feedsacks tο ancient sheets аnd towels—аnd counting ѕοmе projects thаt family саn hеlр wіth, аll οf thе items here offer a matter-οf-fact υѕе іn thе home. Amanda Soule dοеѕ much more thаn simply present a pool οf handmade items; ѕhе … More >>
Handmade Home: Simple Ways tο Repurpose Ancient Equipment іntο Nеw Family Treasures
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I find Amanda’s blog interesting and her second book is full of gorgeous photos of projects I can make! The only disappointment was there is only plain text instructions. No diagrams or drawings or photos. When I buy a craft book I expect better details on how to make an item. As I bought this book as a pre-order I couldn’t peruse it prior to buying it. I am not going to go turn on my computer and look something up. Her first book “The Creative Family” had a couple of drawings in it like the one for the felt colored pencil roll and the wool felt block and the bedtime bags for example. I wonder why this book didn’t have any? I like Amy Karol’s “Bend The Rules Sewing” book better since it is easier to understand.
Rating: 3 / 5
I wasn’t sure what I’d get in “Handmade Home”, but now I can tell you! The first part of the book is a primer on the eco-friendly art of reusing old materials. It’s filled with tips for getting the best finds at thrift stores, garage sales, etc. She shares what to look for, even with reminders to leave behind those great deals that one doesn’t need for the next thrifter – it’s “thrifting karma” says Amanda. Excellent advice! There’s also brief ideas for setting up a sewing space in a small area.
The second part is a large collection of 30+ projects organized by categories: Nourish (as in kitchen items), Nurture (as in wellness), Play, Seek (as in adventure) and Retreat (as in decor). The categories are loose, but they do give you a peak into the scope of the projects. And they are not “the usual” projects. No patchwork quilts or aprons here. Those are useful patterns (and can be found in “Bend-the-Rules Sewing”) that anyone might want, but not what you’ll find in Handmade Home. Amanda Soule’s book brings many ideas that incorporate childrens’ art – “Portrait Bookmarks” – or make use of fabric scraps – “One-Word Banner”. She includes several non-sewing projects, often using decoupage. There are useful, but “alternative” patterns for items like cloth diapers, rag bags and women’s cloth. And then, there are memory-preserving projects like the “Memory Tree Quilt Art.” Everything is beautiful! And, just as with her blog SouleMama, everything is presented along with inspiring photography. Along the way she shares “crafty tips” and “earthy tips” – both of which share ways to craft smart, making safe, eco-friendly choices.
I have only begun to absorb the goodness to be found in this little volume. But, just this weekend, I have finished an embellished bath mat and have begun a “One-Word Banner” for my son’s room, using my husband’s discarded wool sweater and fabric scraps from my son’s crib bedding and nursery items. I think that “Handmade Home” will enrich the life of many a “Green Mama” interested in creating and reusing. Enjoy!
Rating: 5 / 5
I love Amanda’s Blog and own her first book “Creative Family.” Her words are inspiring and although the craft projects are less than inspiring or unique in her 2nd book, her voice is lovely to read. Her first book has a bit more of her in it as opposed “Handmade Home” which jumps from project to project. The recycled paper the book is printed on is a nice touch but it dulls the photos, and there could be a few more images added to readily inspire.
If you are new to crafts and recycling in your home you may love this book, but I would recommend “Creative Family” first. “Handmade Home” has similar info on recycling/thrifting and if that’s a new concept to you the book is worth a look at a library or bookstore but not a great reference or a great read. I feel that in the book the author seems to be spending to obtain all these “thrifted items” whereas most folks have plenty og old sheets and towels around and wouldn’t use any designer fabric to make cloth napkins…
The author is an inspiring mom, author and blogger, and for those who may never enter her world on her blog the book may help to stimulate creativity. But it’s not original nor have any concepts been taken to the next level for perhaps her more interested fan base. Kudos that she has published 2 books with 4 kids and let’s you take a peak into her world via her blog, but the book, unless you wish to support her efforts, doesn’t jump off the shelf and seems to have been rushed by the publisher.
Rating: 2 / 5
Yes, as other reviews have said, there is nothing “new” or that hasn’t been created before, but I think what AMandas book and Blog is all about is to INSPIRE, and to ENCOURAGE people to create. Which I think It’s the MOST important thing here. The book is very well written and you can see all the love and care she has put into every page. It’s wonderful to see Amandas concern for the planet, our bealoved Earth and how she lovingly points ways to live our family lifes in a more conscious way. Specially if you consider how we are all so Disconected from our real nature and the things that REALLY matter.This is why her contribution is so important.She masterly does this by being a living example.
The only thing I can tell you I didn’t like is that I would have LOVE for the book to have a 100 more pages!!!!
Rating: 5 / 5
Amanda Soule, so beloved for her popular blog, SouleMama, doesn’t disappoint with her second venture into the printed book. She is true to her sweet self, sharing with us simple ways to be creative with our families and displaying the efforts in our home. What better way to encourage your child’s talents than by spending time making something together and then showcasing their art in your house? All involved will have the ‘warm fuzzies’. This book is a permanent member of my craft library.
Rating: 5 / 5