Calling all Crafters!

The queen of crafts does it again in her new book—Martha Stewart’s handmade Holiday Crafts: 225 Inspired Projects for Year-Round Celebrations. If you are looking for ideas for gifts, decorations or holiday displays, check it out! You'll love the colorful creative crafts for all ages. They range from very easy to a bit complex. The materials may cost a little, but the final product will be worth it. She lists several crafts for each major holiday. The book also includes basic techniques and templates. The buyer’s guide lists brands and contact information for supplies. A new how-to for the holiday season --now's a great time to get started!DB

Outbuildings Galore

Thinking about building additional storage for your outdoor treasures? Barns, Sheds, & Outbuildings is a great resource for ideas. It contains practical information about designing structures, foundations, framing, roofing, wiring and plumbing. The section with projects and plans has detailed drawings with dimensions. Great color photos accompany the detailed instructions for every step of the process, characteristic of Creative Homeowner Press books.

Size Matters

Wondering what to do with all that seemingly useless stuff stashed in the garage, basement, or attic? Don't pitch it. Give it new life using one of the ideas in The Big-Ass Book of Crafts. Compiled by master crafter Mark Montano, this hefty volume lives up to its name, containing the widest variety of craft projects I've ever seen in one place. Packed into its nearly 400 pages are detailed how-to instructions to all things crafty including: reviving old furniture, creating plates unique enough to spark mealtime conversations, making personalized stationary, updating old picture frames and mirrors, and much, much more. Crafts range in difficulty level from easy to expert. Although not all projects are practical (some of the stuff is downright bizarre!), everything in The Big-Ass Book of Crafts is decidedly unique. And it's a fun book to page through even if you don't plan to try any of the project ideas.