Publisher: Chronicle Books
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 04/09/2013
ISBN-13: 9781452104157
ISBN-10: 1452104158

Barb Blair, owner of furniture design shop Knack Studios, certainly does have a knack for creating charming and original repurposed furniture, and in this lively, colorful book, she shares 24 of her favorite furniture makeover techniques. Photo-illustrated step-by-step instructions walk you through the various makeover methods, which include spray painting, distressing, dip dyeing, wallpapering, and applying gold leaf. And if directions alone aren't enough, the gorgeous gallery of before and after photos at the end will surely inspire you to transform those shabby hand-me-down items and thrift store furniture into beautiful, unique pieces you'll want to show off.

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Publisher: Stewart, Tabori & Chang
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 04/02/2013
ISBN-13: 9781617690174
ISBN-10: 1617690171

With warm, good-humored style, designer Amy Herzog takes the guesswork out of knitting sweaters in this empowering, body-positive book. Not only does Herzog show you how to measure and assess your own body type, select a sweater that works with your shape, and modify your knitting to achieve the best fit, she also provides several customizable patterns and a diverse array of models, making Knit to Flatter a valuable resource for knitters who want sweaters that are attractive at any size. For a more comprehensive look at knitting to fit, check out Knitting Pattern Essentials by Sally Melville.

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Publisher: Sterling Epicure
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 04/02/2013
ISBN-13: 9781454907268
ISBN-10: 1454907266

As you might guess from the one-word title, Food is a refreshingly uncomplicated celebrity cookbook -- nothing show-offy here, just wholesome, delicious food to make at home and share with the people you love. Photographer Mary McCartney (yes, Paul and Linda's daughter) presents over 60 fresh, accessible, vegetarian recipes, such as Lightning Lentil Soup, no-meat Shepherd's Pie, Asparagus Summer Tart, and Lemon Drizzle Cake, all accompanied by cozy, conversational stories about her family and friends. But what makes this book a "feast for the eyes as well as the appetite"(Wall Street Journal) are McCartney's vibrant and dynamic color photographs, which emphasize the natural beauty of food and the simple joy of family.

Publisher: Roost Books
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 04/23/2013
ISBN-13: 9781590309179
ISBN-10: 1590309170

While many people go to great lengths to keep wildlife out of their gardens, author April Pulley Sayre suggests that families with kids should do the exact opposite and invite the local critters in. Sayre takes a bit-by-bit approach to creating an appealing garden habitat for animals (such as birds, butterflies, bees, deer, raccoons, and more), breaking it down into hands-on activities that kids can achieve, like observing which animals already live nearby, and then experimenting with plants, water, and shelter to see what entices those animals most. Bursting with fascinating eco-facts and savvy tips for encouraging kids to go outdoors, Touch a Butterfly is a great pick for families who like to get their hands dirty.

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Publisher: Storey Publishing
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 03/26/2013
ISBN-13: 9781612120249
ISBN-10: 1612120245

Put 'Em Up! Fruit is a how-to guide that takes you one step further: not only does it provide inventive recipes for canning and preserving 18 kinds of fruit, it also features tons of recipes for using what you've preserved in other dishes and drinks. Quick Apricot Jam, for instance, tastes great with Sticky Chicken Legs; Grapefruit and Sultana Conserve makes a tasty dressing for Sauteed Greens; and Maraschino Cherries are perfect in Momma's Manhattan. No matter how much you preserve, the jars will never get dusty on your shelves with this book around. For a low-sugar approach to canning and preserving, check out Preserving with Pomona's Pectin by Allison Carroll Duffy.

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Publisher: Rodale
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 09/28/2010
ISBN-13: 9781605294872
ISBN-10: 160529487X

Whether you ride for fun or you depend on your bike to take you everywhere, this comprehensive repair and maintenance manual has all the basics for avoiding common mistakes and preventing costly repairs. It's loaded with practical advice on how to adjust and maintain your bike for maximum performance; and for when you do hit bumps in the road, it's got a highly visual (over 450 photos) and detailed troubleshooting section to help you identify the problem, find the parts you need, and correctly perform the repair. This convenient guide is thorough enough to appeal to more experienced DIY bike mechanics, yet  straightforward enough for beginners.

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Publisher: Hearst Books
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 04/02/2013
ISBN-13: 9781618370556
ISBN-10: 1618370553

It's often said that anything that can go wrong, will go wrong, and that's never truer than when it comes to home maintenance. But never fear -- this clear, concise, and handily-indexed introduction to home problem-solving covers quick fixes for plumbing, electronics, appliances, furniture, yard maintenance, and more. No matter what goes wrong -- whether it's a dangerously shaky ceiling fan, a mysteriously crashed computer, or an endlessly running toilet -- this book will make you better prepared to take it on. (Of course, duct tape still makes for a solid back-up plan.) For a more proactive take on home maintenance, check out Terry Kennedy's Fix It Before It Breaks.

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Publisher: Collins
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 09/01/2005
ISBN-13: 9780060577001
ISBN-10: 0060577002

Although it's written for women, Dare to Repair Your Car is useful for any auto repair newbie looking for a maintenance and repair manual that's cheerful, competent, and never condescending. Handywomen Julie Sussman and Stephanie Glakas-Tenet start at the very beginning -- how to open the hood of your car -- and proceed to explain all of your car's systems in easy-to-understand language, offering beginner-level instructions for common tasks such as replacing a flat tire or changing the oil, as well as advice for dealing with mechanics or purchasing a new vehicle. If you want to save money and feel more knowledgeable about your own car, Dare to Repair Your Car is for you.

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Publisher: Interweave Press LLC
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 11/27/2012
ISBN-13: 9781596685987
ISBN-10: 1596685980

If you've ever despaired after tearing a much-beloved garment or struggled to re-attach a button, this collection of tips and tricks from sewing instructor Nicole Vasbinder may have the solutions you need. With a no-nonsense style that will "set novices at ease while also providing near professionals with a handy reference" (Booklist), Vasbinder presents highly organized introductions to basic sewing tools, techniques, and troubleshooting methods (including how to mend tears and attach buttons). Along the way, she also incorporates the kind of small-but-valuable details (such as why pincushions are important) that only an experienced sewist can share. And once you're ready to experiment with your sewing skills, check out Improv Sewing by Nicole Blum and Debra Immergut.

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