Although almost everything is for available sale, more and more people are choosing to make things.
The maker movement is about empowering people to make food from scratch, fix things that are broken and re-purpose items already at hand. The maker movement isn’t just trendy, it saves money and the environment.
Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or wanting to make something for the first time, here are some books to inspire you:
• Homemakers: A Domestic Handbook for the Digital Generation by Brit Morin: Morin’s book is based on content from her website, www.brit.co. After working long hours for Apple and Google, Morin decided to focus on turning her hobby into a job. She started a website to share her creative projects and inspire others. In her book, Morin goes through each room in the house and offers tips, DIY projects and apps that will help make your room more beautiful and fun. Homemakers is interesting blend of basic knowledge and new technology. Whether you’re looking for a great chocolate cake recipe or an app to help you buy the right bra, this book is filled with tips to make life easier and more attractive.
• DIY Dammit! by Joselyn Hughes: Hughes is not a natural DIY goddess. After her sister-in-law shared a “simple” apple caramel recipe, Hughes tried seven times and still couldn’t make an appetizing candy. Hughes wants to encourage people who are afraid of crafting. All of Hughes’ crafts come with a difficulty rating and hilarious instructions. You even get a glimpse at her failed attempts, like when she messed up her concrete and it cracked. This is a great book if you want to make something cute but you don’t have all month to do it.
• The Useful Book:201 Life Skills they Used to Teach in Home Ec and Shop by Sharon and David Bowers: The Bowers write, “We may live in the information age but that doesn’t mean the drain won’t clog. And there’s no app for that — only life skills.” Their book is a crash course for those of us lacking in life skills. Divided into two sections, Home Ec and Shop, the Bowers’ book carefully dissects simple and complicated tasks that come up in most households. From unclogging a toilet to washing the curtains, the Bowers use diagrams and simple language to get the job done. This is a great resource for anyone who wants to be a less reliant on professionals every time something goes wrong.
• Oh Joy by Joy Cho: Cho is another blogger turned published author. Her blog features articles, lifestyle tips, reflections on parenting and crafts. This book includes 60 crafts for home and for gifts. Her projects range from the cute — like flower arrangements in a painted squash — to the odd — like making customized stickers for fruit — but her style is unique. I like her ideas for kids’ gifts, such as the magic fortune jar for a school-aged kid and her photo block puzzle for a pre-schooler.
For these suggestions and more, visit your local library.
A Good Read is a column by Tri-City librarians that is published on Wednesdays. Dana Ionson works at Port Coquitlam’s Terry Fox Library.
