Readymade: How to Make [Almost] Everything: A Do-It-Yourself Primer

This book appears to provoke profound ambivalence. However, for me, it was pee-in-your-pants funny and extremely inspiring, in the creative sense. In my review of the magazine by the same name, I said that it leads one to view the built environment in new and wonderful ways. The same holds in this case. In the reduce-reuse-recycle scheme, it makes an absolutely compelling case for creative reuse. This has two major benefits: (1) it helps overcome mindless consumerism and (2) it makes one a more appreciative and thoughtful person. Excellent outcomes. I recommend it highly.

Judging the book by its COVER, this is not a fantastic book. It looks bound in cardboard! It looks like a high school notebook, at first glance. But the exterior's pragmatic and unusual binding does not represent the sleek feel of its insides. Once opened, you'll see that it has the interior of an expensive coffee table concept book that costs $40 at Barnes and Noble. It's like opening the door to a '74 Volvo station wagon only to find that the interior is as luxurious as a top of the line Lexus. The heavy matte finish of the pages of this book, along with its ultra artistic clean design lines, make it far from flimsy. But enough about the superficial stuff. This book has substance despite its unattractive appearance. Let's get 2 things out of the way: 1) I am super impressed by this book, and yes there quite a few attractive projects that would look great in my urban apartment, like the lamp cozy, the chopstick clock, the shoebox organizer, the jug stepping stones, and others. 2) I have never heard of nor subscribe to "ReadyMade" magazine, and perhaps if I did, I too would have the negative bias and expectations that other reviewers have of this book. The 3 main independent personalities of this book are: A) As a project manual to reuse or use everyday disposable or cheap items into novel, practical, and occasionally handsome pieces of furniture, tools, or decorations for the home or office; B) As quick historical lessons on where everyday things come from. Segments include: The Ringed History of Wood, A Closer Look at the History of Glass, A Brief History of Fabric, A Brief History of Paper, A Wrap on the History of Plastic, etc. C) As a self-help guide comprised of serious mini-chapters completely unrelated to building projects, segments likes of "How to Avoid Plastic Surgery," "How to Start a Business on Credit Cards," "How to Break Through Your Own Glass Ceiling," "How to Tell a Good Story," "How to Pen the Perfect Love Note" Not all of the building projects under (A) can pass for million-dollar aesthetics to all its readers, but even the worst projects can be good looking given the correct environment or with just a touch of extra creativity to make it match one's living space. But the point of these projects isn't to make furniture that rival Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrel. It's NOT ONLY to make reasonable uses or reuses for things destined to be discarded, but also to get you to take a second look at your every day environment and see new functions in common objects. This book is geared towards younger people who aren't working with a huge budget, who nonetheless are inclined to heed the call to eco-idealism. The projects here include how to make a martini bird feeder, how to make a wall mural out of old CD cases, how make a coat hanger wine rack. Orthodox traditionalists who expect a Home-Depot style 1-2-3 instruction book on how to build traditional shelves, or how to install sheetrock up and use drywall to make object

To the people who are complaining that none of the projects are appealing, I see your point, but you're missing the point that the book is making. I am new to the world of ReadyMade, having never seen the magazine before, but I loved the book for it's attitude and style. See, I understand the point of the authors, despite the fact that I wouldn't want to make anything in there either, aside from the Yellow Pages coffee table. I like the idea of using old FedEx tube packaging as a CD rack, but for myself, I would cover it with some cute fabric. However, the philosophy of the authors is to find beauty in junk without feeling the need to cover it up, which is a philosophy that not many would share, in reality. So, I understand not really finding all of the projects do able, even for the crafty (as these projects are crafty-dressed-down, with far less conceded to the world of decorating for beauty's sake) but I think you're really missing the point by whining as though the projects in the book are ugly. They're supposed to be ugly: it's reused trash; that's the point.

This book is amazing. "Nobaboon", when you said the plastic bottle chair wasn't functional, that wasn't even one of the actual projects!!! The projects (which number over 100) made me gasp aloud at their ingenuity. Also, the book provides whimsical "how-to" guides for more than just furniture-- one of the pages is titled "How to Write a Love Letter"!!! Plus, the book tracks the composition and breakdown of all of the major substances- wood, metal, etc. This was such a fantastic book! Great projects included the shopping-bag rug, CD-jewel case mural (even my dad liked it!), and the water-bottle chandelier. Crisp design and colorful photos make the experience complete. This book is highly underrated. If there is only one book you buy in the entire universe, make it this one!

Unlike the reviewer who felt this was only practical for dorm room dwellers, I found this book to be just right for those who appreciate thoughtful and well designed projects. Sure there are silly things (as the revewer mentioned) but even those proved insightful - I have a new appreciation for exercising my creativity and considering new and different solutions for my home which I never would have otherwise. Finally, a book filled with projects which are accessible, creative, and inspiring. Thank you ReadyMade!