Home and Garden

Ideas For DIY

Book Review – A Well Crafted Home

by

I recently picked up a copy of “A Well-Crafted Home: Inspiration and 60 Projects for Personalizing Your Space” by the DIY maven and I have to say, I’m thoroughly impressed. This book is a beautiful, practical guide for both aspiring and seasoned makers looking to add some personal touches to their home. With 60 projects ranging from beginner to more advanced, there’s something for every room in your house.

One of the things I love about this book is the emphasis on using good materials – like linen, leather, and wood – so that the finished products will last a lifetime. The author really knows her stuff and provides all the techniques you need for dyeing or sewing fabric, cutting leather, antiquing mirrors, working with wood, and so much more. And the photos of the completed projects are stunning – they’ll definitely inspire you to start your own DIY journey.

I love that the projects in this book are more than just DIY crafts – they’re carefully designed to elevate a room in a way you’d never expect. Take the large-scale painting with the effortless dot design, for example – it looks like a modern piece of art. And the flax linen bedding sewn with a few easy seams is such a gorgeous way to set off the bed – and more affordable than you might think!

Every room in the house is covered in this book, from the entryway to the living room, kitchen, dining room, bedroom, closet, bathroom, and even the outdoor oasis. I love the variety of projects, from the Dowel Wall Hooks and Reclaimed Wood Bench for the entryway, to the Woven Leather Basket and Soft Planter Cover for the living room. In the kitchen, the Wooden Herb Planter and Rustic Footed Cutting Board caught my eye, while the Heirloom Linen Tablecloth and Indigo-Stripe Napkins would be perfect for the dining room.

And the bedroom? The Framed Cane Headboard and Linen Bedding with Duvet, Shams, and Pillowcases are so lovely, while the Simple Stitch Throw Pillow and Sewn Leather Pillow would make great additions to any bed. And the closet? The Copper Garment Rack and Wall Shoe Display are not only practical, but also beautiful. And the bathroom? The Natural Wood Stump and Oak Tub Tray are so stylish and would add some warmth to any bathroom.

Finally, the Outdoor Oasis section is a beautiful bonus. The Simple Sewn Hammock and Painted Wood Stump would be perfect for a lazy summer day, while the Restored-Frame Tray and Ice-Dyed Blanket would be great for a cozy evening outside.

Related Posts:

Have you read?

5 Must-Know Secrets to Turning Your Suburban Home into a Profitable, Sustainable Homestead

If you’re dreaming of creating a self-sufficient homestead but feel limited by your suburban setting, you’re not alone. Many homeowners believe that homesteading is only for those with acres of land, but the truth is, it’s entirely possible to transform your suburban home into a profitable and sustainable homestead. Whether you’re aiming to cut grocery bills, reduce your carbon footprint, or even earn some extra income, here are five must-know secrets that will help you turn your suburban space into a thriving, sustainable homestead!

Maximize Your Garden Space with Vertical Growing

In a suburban backyard, space can be limited, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow a bountiful garden. Vertical gardening is the key to utilizing your space more efficiently and maximizing your yield.

You can grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs vertically by using trellises, hanging planters, and vertical garden towers. Plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, and beans do especially well when grown vertically, as they can be trained to grow upwards instead of sprawling out.

Secret Tip: Consider using vertical gardening methods for food that you and your family consume regularly—like herbs, lettuces, and even strawberries—so you’ll have a fresh supply right at your fingertips. Not only does this save money, but it can also reduce your grocery bill over time.

Incorporate Small Livestock for Eggs, Meat, and Manure

Raising small livestock like chickens, rabbits, or even bees can greatly contribute to your homestead’s sustainability and profitability. Chickens, for example, provide fresh eggs and natural pest control, and they can even be kept in smaller, urban-friendly spaces.

Secret Tip: Chickens are relatively low-maintenance, and with a well-designed coop, they can thrive even in a suburban backyard. If you’re interested in expanding your livestock options, rabbits can also be a great choice. They reproduce quickly and offer meat that is lean and nutritious. Plus, their manure can be composted and used to fertilize your garden!

Profit Tip: By selling eggs, surplus poultry, or even honey from your bees, you can generate some extra income. A small side hustle like this can help pay for your homesteading supplies or even turn into a full-time business over time.

Harvest and Store Water with a Rainwater Collection System

Water is essential to every homestead, and one of the easiest ways to become more self-sufficient is by harvesting rainwater. A rainwater collection system can help reduce your water bills and ensure you always have water available for your garden, livestock, and even for household use (if treated properly).

Secret Tip: Set up rain barrels or a larger rainwater collection system with gutters to capture rainfall from your roof. The collected water can be used for irrigation, washing your car, or even cleaning outdoor spaces. Just make sure to use a proper filtration system if you plan to use it for drinking or cooking.

Profit Tip: Rainwater harvesting also reduces your dependence on the local water supply, which could be especially beneficial during dry spells or in areas with water restrictions. You’ll save money while helping conserve natural resources!

Implement Solar Power to Cut Energy Costs and Increase Sustainability

If you’re serious about sustainability, investing in solar power is a must. Solar panels are a great way to reduce your energy costs, and depending on where you live, you may even be eligible for tax credits or rebates to offset the installation cost.

Secret Tip: Start small by adding a few solar panels to power outdoor lights, a small garden pump, or a shed. If your energy needs grow, you can gradually add more panels to your home. Some homeowners even sell excess energy back to the grid, which can help offset the cost of installation and lead to potential income!

Profit Tip: In addition to cutting your electric bill, generating your own solar power means less reliance on external sources of energy, making your homestead more resilient and eco-friendly.

Monetize Your Homestead: Sell Homemade Products and Services

One of the best things about turning your suburban home into a homestead is the ability to generate extra income from the hard work you put in. Whether it’s selling homemade preserves, eggs, flowers, or even hand-crafted items, there are plenty of opportunities to profit from your homesteading efforts.

Secret Tip: Start by making small, high-demand products like jams, pickles, or soaps and selling them at local farmers’ markets or online platforms like Etsy. If you’re raising livestock, selling fresh eggs or meat can also be a great way to earn some cash.

Profit Tip: The key to monetizing your homestead is to identify products or services that you can consistently produce and that have a steady demand in your area. Your local community may be looking for fresh, local produce or sustainable, handcrafted goods—and you can meet that demand while earning a profit!

Turning your suburban home into a profitable, sustainable homestead doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. By using smart space-saving techniques, raising small livestock, harvesting rainwater, and implementing energy-saving solutions like solar power, you can reduce your reliance on external resources and create a thriving homestead right in your own backyard.

And don’t forget the potential to monetize your homestead! Whether you sell homemade products, eggs, or garden surplus, there’s money to be made in homesteading.

Start small, take it one step at a time, and before you know it, your suburban home will not only be more sustainable, but it will also be a profitable, self-sufficient homestead!