Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

I had pre-ordered this book months ago and was eagerly awaiting it's arrival what a huge disappointment. The book has artistic photo's but lacks any diagrams, or detailed instructions. The whole first chapter (21) pages are about getting started they are nothing more than a vanity photo shoot on the cleverness of the author, as if we are not smart enough to recycle our own old containers or put our grandmothers button jars to good use. Many of the projects look ratty, and are ill conceived. Lacking any diagrams or detailed instructions the author who claims to be writing simple ways to re purpose old materials assumes you are an experienced seamstress. What a waste of money. A simple way to repurpose your money would be to buy a plain composition book and use your own head. I have not found a single original idea in the whole book, nor any idea that was conceived from beginning to end with attention to details or easily followed instructions.

Well im working on the rag rug right now, making it large enough for my living room, its an amazing project, I love it!!!! I am just using quilting weight fabric and its beautiful. I cant wait to make the bathroom rug and the baby sling next. I love her taste, I will be purchasing the rest of her books and I think you should too!

This is really a "feel good" book. The handmade articles are useful, & they can usually be made with what you find in your home or can purchase inexpensively. All of Amanda's books & her blog give one the "warm fuzzies" and show us the importance & love of family. Mary Ann Cauthen

Most of the directions are entirely written. I would have loved pictures for braided rug -how to connect the braids.Lots of cute simple projects.Lovely photos.

This book is full of inspiration; not only are there plenty of projects that can be accomplished with and also for your family, as well as yourself, there is so much spiritual inspiration and insight into what it really means to put your heart into the work that your hands create. I love that the focus is on being truly creative in the most simple way - by repurposing. We all have plenty of things sitting on our shelves, in our closets, in our attics, just waiting to be reborn and given new life to become something newly treasured and loved. I also appreciate that so many of these projects can simply be a springboard for your own creative ideas...in my mind, I'm already crafting a table runner with my children's art work with a holiday theme, and I am supersizing the art and hook rack while finally knowing what to do to utilize a great piece of wood we have left over. And I won't be spending any money that we are currently lacking, anyhow. Thanks to this book, my family and I will be so full of creative projects for many moons to come, and I look forward to watching these ideas grow right along with us. This is a beautiful book, well worded, wonderful photographs, with lovely anecdotes. Keep in mind, it won't teach you much in the way of sewing, etc., but rather lays the groundwork for helping you to discover a way to craft with truly unique materials and ideas. I only wish it were longer!

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 loved the ideas and project in the book. It really makes you think about connecting with yourself, your creativity, your family, home and the earth. Great for crafters who want to explore earth friendly crafts!