Readers with a hunger for knowledge and an interest in the myriad ways people have taught themselves to make, grow, and build will discover the ins and outs of how to do everything they've ever wondered about in this colourful, inviting volume. With dozens of useful and intriguing visual tutorials that cover how to carve a turkey, capture a swarm of bees, predict the weather by the clouds, darn socks, create a butterfly garden, set up a dog agility course, keep a nature sketchbook, navigate by the stars, and more, this rich compendium will educate, fascinate, spark conversation, and inspire new hobbies and experiences.

With advice on tools, materials and methods and written in an easy-to-follow, step-by-step format, this is a book that makes it easier to say 'No' to our disposable society and make a real difference. Not everything has built-in obsolescence - as this fantastically handy guide to fixing everyday objects proves! Whether you need to repair a strap on a favourite handbag or mend a leak in a washing machine, How to Repair Everything is packed full of tips and tricks of the trade for the person who likes to do-it-yourself. From quick fixes that will get you out of a jam to permanent solutions that make the item good as new, this is perfect for anyone who hates the throwaway society and would much rather refurb and recycle. With advice on tools, materials and methods and written in an easy-to-follow, step-by-step format, this is a book that makes it easier to say 'No' to our disposable society and make a real difference. Whether it's a sweater that's shrunk in the wash, a broken umbrella spoke or fixing a microwave oven, you'll be amazed just how many things can be mended with a few tools and a bit of patience.

'(Gaff Goddess) should be taught in schools. It's genuinely, hands-on empowering! After four paragraphs I am fully convinced I could build my own house and go on Grand Designs!' - Marian Keyes

Laura de Barra is quite simply a Gaff Goddess. Expanding on her popular online home hacks, Laura will teach you how to handle the problems we all encounter in our homes.

Straight-talking and hilarious and packed with Laura’s stunning illustrations, her step-by-step guides will prepare you to handle the most common household emergencies with style. From dripping taps to hanging a frame, how best to look after your white goods, how to treat moths, mould and everything in between, and with invaluable design ideas to improve the living spaces in your home, this book is for everyone who has ever wanted to tackle a bit of She-IY without really knowing how.

Ingenious and sure to be an instant household must-have, Gaff Goddess will empower you to make those repairs and rediscover your space saving you time, money and stress in the process.

What do you do when you need furniture for a specific space or purpose in your home and nothing you find fits the bill? Build your own!

This book is comprised of 20 furniture projects based on the popular I Can Do That method presented in Popular Woodworking's ICDT video series hosted by Chad Stanton. These projects look good, are well made, yet at the same time achievable for even a beginner with an inexpensive (but decent) set of tools. You'll find clear instructions with complete step-by-step photos, illustrations and cutting lists to help you every step of the way.

One of the best ways to get power to remote, off-grid locations, whether in developed or developing countries, is through the use of solar electric systems. This practical guide describes how to plan, design and install solar electric systems in a manner that is hands-on, graphic and technically complete. Highly illustrated chapters cover:

• solar energy basics
• components of solar electric systems (modules, batteries, regulators, inverters and appliances)
• installation practice
• on planning and servicing systems
• water pumping
• refrigeration
• village electrification.

This is the must-have guide for electric technicians and designers, development workers, and anyone who wants to install their own off-grid system.

Woodcarving remains one of the most popular crafts in the U.S. and continues to grow in popularity. While there are many books on how to carve wood, including Taunton's popular How to Carve Wood (1985), this book provides inspiration for carvers through original patterns. Any carver knows that once the technique is mastered, the greatest challenge is finding clear, well-illustrated designs to carve. This book solves that problem by offering a wide variety of carefully detailed drawings of designs especially suited to carving.

Trained in European carving and drawing techniques, artist/author Lora Irish presents an extensive library of ornamental designs with a traditional look. Included here are classic ornamental motifs from 18th century and other period furniture as well as original designs by the author. The motifs include line designs, triangular designs, square and rectangular designs, circular and oval designs, S- and C-curve designs, mirror-image designs, and free-form designs.

The book can be used in number of ways: The drawings can be adapted to the carver's preference or used directly as patterns, easily enlarged by photocopying and transferred directly to the wood to be carved. The patterns can also be used in other woodcrafts including woodburning and woodpainting.

This guide takes one of the most important aspects of maintaining a successful workshop and breaks it down into all of the key areas in an easily accessible manner. Keeping tools sharp is one of the most fundamentally important disciplines to master to ensure top-quality results. This book will show the reader how. Aimed at both those new to woodworking as well as the experienced woodworker, the book is broken down into three main sections: sharpening by hand; machine sharpening; and putting the theory into practice. Traditional sharpening techniques and tools are covered as well as those using the latest innovations for both hand and machine sharpening. Areas covered include: sharpening with oilstones, waterstones and diamond stones; correct methods for holding tools; power grinders and grinding wheels; and using jigs and tool rests.

Written by seasoned builders from across the country, this revised edition of Foundations & Concrete Work features 17 new articles from Fine Homebuilding magazine, all focused on helping builders form and pour the absolute highest-quality foundations. more than 375 on-the-job photos and drawings 272 pages chock-full of advice, tips, and tricks from the world's most foremost home building experts from Fine Homebuilding magazine, the most respected residential construction magazine in the country. Foundations & Concrete Work, is the only book on the subject that builders will ever need!

Stair building combines precision carpentry with tricky math, so even experienced builders can find it challenging. But as this extensively illustrated book demonstrates, any builder who can measure the distance between two floors can plan and build a stunning set of stairs. By clearly laying out the geometry, planning, and construction involved, author Andy Engel takes the reader from a simple structure of framing lumber to a set of stairs fit for a king. From building and installing railings to using off-the-shelf stair parts, Building Stairs lays out the process clearly and completely. All the reader needs to is a router, saw, drill, and level. This elevating book fills in all the rest -- step by step by step.

Joints: A Woodworker's Guide takes one of the most important and challenging aspects of woodworking and demystifies the all-important subject of choosing, designing and cutting woodworking joints. Strong, appropriate and well-fitting joints are one of the hallmarks of the skilled woodworker. Making them properly and accurately calls for good planning and marking out as well as a good degree of care in the cutting, fitting and final assembly. It is essential to approach making joints methodically, this book provides all the necessary information to ensure success. Aimed at both those new to woodworking as well as the experienced woodworker. Joints: A Woodworker's Guide is broken down into three main sections: planning and preparation, basic techniques of joint making and individual joints in detail. Areas covered include: planning the work and preparing the wood; measuring and marking; cutting and fitting, glues and assembly.

Woodturned Christmas ornaments are a delight to make and are beautiful pieces to hang on a Christmas tree or anywhere throughout your home during the holiday season. In this book, the author presents some of his favourite Christmas ornament designs. Each project is accompanied by detailed step-by-step instructions and photos, ensuring your success in every endeavour. The book includes information on making popular birdhouse ornaments and adding finials and mandrels to an ornament design. Nish has also included work from some of his favourite turners, resulting in a vast collection of elegant holiday decorations. Whether you're looking for something special to add to the tree this year or are searching for a gift idea, you're sure to find a design you like on these pages.

UK author Derek Jones shows readers how to make the projects featured in this book using pieces of wood from the scrap pile. Ranging from a simple serving platter to a beautiful bird box, projects are explained in a clear and straightforward way, with step-by-step photos. The projects in this book can be tackled by woodworkers of all skill levels. Every workshop has a collection of offcuts that have been saved because they will come in handy one day. When you see the enticing projects presented in this book you will know that that day has come! All the projects in this book can be made using pieces of wood from the scrap pile and can be tackled by woodworkers with a range of skill levels. Ranging from a simple serving platter to a beautiful bird box there is a project to suit every level of expertise. All projects are explained, in a clear and straightforward way, with clear step-by-step photos. There is also a guide to the tools and materials you will need, plus the basic techniques.

A kitchen or bathroom renovation raises the value of a home, and kitchen cabinets (and bathroom vanities) are a large part of the cost. Yet cabinets and vanities are surprisingly straightforward to build. Strong, attractive and durable cabinets can be built for a fraction of what they cost to buy. In this heavily illustrated guide, Steve Cory shows how to build sturdy face-frame cabinets in a variety of styles (Shaker, slab, cottage) and also includes a chapter on building bathroom vanities. Steve takes readers through each step of the project clearly explaining step-by-step how a less skilled builder with basic tools can build each component. Then he takes the reader through more complicated construction techniques, making this book both accessible to the novice but also interesting and informative for more skilled builders.

Delightful Decorations and Gifts to Make with Your Scroll Saw Create holiday masterpieces for the home, family and friends with the tried-and-true scroll saw projects and patterns from the archives of Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts. This collection of holiday favorites features fretwork, compound-cuts, intarsia, and inlay projects for ornaments, wreaths, Santas, portraits, candleholders and more. Big Book of Christmas Ornaments and Decorations also features a stunning gallery of work. Readers will gain information and inspiration from some of scrolling's leading experts including Judy Gale Roberts, Kathy Wise, Sue Mey, Paul Meisel, John Nelson, Theresa Ekdom, Tom Sevy, Volker Arnold, and more. There is a project inside Big Book of Christmas Ornaments and Decorations for everyone, from beginners to advanced craftsmen. With step-by-step instructions and color photos, readers are guaranteed a very merry scrolling experience. Some of the projects inside: " Vintage Fretwork Sleigh Scene " Poinsettia Wreath " Inlay Snowman Ornaments " 12-Piece Intarsia Nativity Set " Christmas Card Tree