Format Read: Trade paperback
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: August 2, 2014
Buying Links: Amazon*
| Book Depository* | OmniLit* | Barnes & Noble | * affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.
Blurb from goodreads:
Step inside the world of Elsie and Emma, the sisters behind the décor blog A Beautiful Mess. With tiny budgets and a crafty, can-do attitude, they overhauled each room in their first homes with DIY projects using family photos, vibrant fabrics, flea-market finds, and affordable furniture. Now, you can learn how to paint, craft, and decorate your way to a happy, bright space with distinct personality. In the same upbeat spirit and modern style found on their blog, you’ll find fresh, all-new projects including:
• An inspired geometric-pattern coffee table made of balsa wood
• A hand-lettered statement wall featuring your favorite quote
• A quick and easy electrical tape update for your refrigerator
• A set of beautifully designed serving dishes
And more!
Packed with bonus styling tips from hanging the perfect gallery wall to making mismatched furniture work, Happy Handmade Home is design inspiration for personalizing your own space.
Bea's Thoughts:
I saw this book on the Blogging for Books site and thought it looked like fun. It's not my usual style.I'm not crafty and I am definitely not a do-it-yourselfer. But this looked like a book that even I could manage.
One thing that Larson and Chapman emphasize is that you will make mistakes but they're fixable. Don't like how something turned out? You've changed your mind? Redo it. No harm done. They also emphasize that their projects are guidelines. They provide the directions and inspiration but it's up to YOU to make it yours. As I looked at the projects, I found myself going, "Well, that won't work for me but I could paint it this color and change the shape and it would be perfect." More than a few had me thinking, "Oh, I could do that!" The projects are easy with only a few being complex. I haven't actually made anything yet but I have a list of projects to do and others I'm considering.
The photos are colorful and pretty to look at it. A few of the more detailed projects could have used more photos illustrating the steps but overall they're perfect and add quite a bit. Every project has one, usually more than one, photo to show you the final results. Larson and Chapman have an easy, chatty style that's like talking to a friend. The directions are simple and easy to follow and I was pleased to see that most materials are easy to find and many you may already have around the house. There are even a few recipes included along with projects for the kitchen or for entertaining.
When I finally get around to doing a project, I'll put up a post but in the meantime I recommend this book. If you are already an experienced DIYer, you won't find much in here to challenge but you may find some new ideas. At the least, you'll enjoy looking at the pictures.
Oh I had been looking at this one. I love crafty things. And their philosophy behind it so works for me. Sometimes those "mistakes" can turn out pretty awesome too :D
ReplyDeleteYep, sometimes the 'mistakes' turn out better than the plan. :) I liked how downhome the book was and not all high-falutin'. It's an anyone can do this attitude.
DeleteOh this looks fun! I like the relaxed attitude that it sounds like this book has. I'm not crafty but I want to be so I'll have to add this to my wishlist.
ReplyDelete