Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials Into New Family Treasures

Very nice book with lots of interesting and easy ideas that trigger your creative side. I am loving it and I have read it like three times now. I am getting plenty of new, original ideas based on Amanda's work. A must have!

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!!!!

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!