|
Home, Garden, and DIY
January 2014
|
"The best kind of rain, of course, is a cozy rain...the rain that falls on a day when you'd just as soon stay in bed a little longer, write letters or read a good book by the fire, take early tea with hot scones and jam and look out the streaked window with complacency."
~from Susan Allen Toth's England for All Seasons
|
|
New and Recently Released!
|
|
| Spruce: A Step-by-Step Guide to Upholstery and Design by Amanda BrownDedicated home decorators who are desperate to refresh worn-out old furniture or revamp their thrift store finds will relish this modern, practical introduction to DIY upholstery. Using a framework of five simple projects, professional upholsterer Amanda Brown walks readers through the skills needed to reupholster furniture of various shapes and sizes. Some specialty tools are required, but Brown writes with authority and verve, and her detailed, beginner-friendly instructions are illustrated with photographs at every step. Brave DIY-ers will come away feeling empowered by this "wonderfully readable volume that speaks to current style" (Library Journal). |
|
| The Unforgettable Photograph: 228 Ideas, Tips, and Secrets for Taking the Best Pictures... by George Lange with Scott MowbrayGeorge Lange's photographs have appeared in The New York Times, GQ, and Esquire, and in this insightful, hands-on guide, he shares his advice on how to capture the drama and energy of human emotions on film. Though he certainly offers plenty of useful technical tips, it's Lange's ideas for creative photography exercises that will really get those shutters clicking. Challenges such as "Feel the Rhythm" and "Embrace Intimacy" are a fantastic way for amateur shutterbugs to feel out their personal style as well as an opportunity for more experienced photographers to shake up old habits and invigorate their art. |
|
| Vintage Crafts: 75 Do-It-Yourself Decorating Projects Using Candles, Colors, and... by Clara LidstromIf you love prowling the flea market for bargains or scouring the Internet for upcycled designs, you'll definitely want to check out this collection of shabby-chic craft projects. Here you'll find tons of ideas for repurposing vintage items (champagne box bookshelves; baby shoe planters) and putting scraps to good use (decoupaged cabinets; lace-covered speakers), interspersed with low-budget, eco-friendly household tips and pointers for exploring flea markets. Highlighted by winsome photos, this enthusiastically written book is an "idiosyncratic and inspiring romp" (Publishers Weekly) through the world of retro-inspired DIY. |
|
| One Bowl Baking: Simple, from Scratch Recipes for Delicious Desserts by Yvonne RupertiSatisfy your sweet tooth without breaking a sweat using this clever book for bakers who are short on time, space, and patience. Each of the 100-plus recipes presented here requires just a single solitary bowl (some are even mixed right in the pan!), and many can be prepared in 15 minutes or less. Desserts like cream streusel muffins and chocolate tart with sea salt deliver maximum flavor for minimum effort, while adorable "tiny cakes" provide a perfect last-minute option for parties or gift-giving. If you appreciate these concise, high-quality recipes, you may also want to try Short & Sweet: The Best of Home Baking by Dan Lepard. |
|
Start off the new year by cozying up to comforting cooking and soft fiber crafts.
|
|
| S'mores: Gourmet Treats for Every Occasion by Lisa AdamsWhether you're gathered around a fire or a microwave, the gooey indulgence of s'mores is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This innovative volume boasts over 60 interpretations of the classic graham cracker, chocolate, and toasted marshmallow treats. If you can stop drooling over the scrumptious-looking photos long enough to read the recipes, you'll immediately want to start mixing and matching ingredients like cookies, croissants, Nutella, pumpkin pie, popcorn, and even fresh fruit. Bursting with delectable versatility, S'mores is a great go-to for cozy gatherings at any time of year; for desserts specifically suited to cold weather, check out Wintersweet: Seasonal Desserts to Warm the Home by Tammy Donroe Inman. |
|
| 200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws, and Afghans by Jan EatonExpert crocheters and beginners alike are sure to find inspiration in this bright and delightfully varied book. Along with a wide array of block patterns and suggested color combinations, a primer on color theory, and a review of stitches and edgings, 200 Crochet Blocks provides clear instructions, a color photo of each block, and suggestions for mixing and matching the different designs in afghans or other projects, so that you (or the lucky recipients of your crocheted goodies) can snuggle up in style. Pair this book with Edie Eckman's Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs for a more comprehensive crash course in crochet shapes and techniques. |
|
| Love Soup: 160 All-New Vegetarian Recipes by Anna ThomasMany vegetarians cut their culinary teeth on Anna Thomas' classic The Vegetarian Epicure, but the soups in this book "may just charm even a die-hard carnivore" (Publishers Weekly). Arranged seasonally, these mostly vegan recipes include such mouthwatering bowl-fillers as Smoky Eggplant Soup, Wild Mushroom Soup, Creamy Potato and Roasted Garlic Soup, Carrot Orange Ginger Soup, and two full chapters' worth of soups that feature dark, leafy greens. Ever the consummate host, Thomas appends a chapter of recipes for accompaniments (spreads, breads, salads, etc.) that turn a simple soup into a hearty meal. |
|
| Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Sock Book: History, Technique, Design by the editors of Vogue Knitting MagazineVogue Knitting Magazine redefines "fancy footwork" in this comprehensive volume on hand-knitted socks. More than just a collection of patterns, The Ultimate Sock Book includes a history of sock knitting going all the way back to 700 B.C. (who knew?); descriptions of different sock-building techniques (top-down, toe-up, and with various heel and toe styles); stitch patterns specifically designed for sock-weight yarns; and 25 patterns for women's, men's, and children's socks. There's even a sock design worksheet to help you create your own patterns. Put your best (dressed) foot forward! |
|
Contact your librarian for more great books!
|
|
|
If you are having trouble unsubscribing to this newsletter, please contact NextReads at 919-489-3713, 3710 Mayfair Street, Durham, NC 27707 |
|
|