Product Description

A contemporary take on gorgeous things to make Making it yourself rather than buying it off the shelf has never been trendier. Whether driven by eco considerations and anti-consumerism or by the desire to own or give something personal rather than uniform, many more of us are getting out the knitting needles and sewing kit, and taking pleasure in lavishing some TLC on our homes, our friends, our children and ourselves. Homemade is packed full of ideas for things to make that make life that little bit better. From crocheted coat-hangers to cordials and cupcakes, from cushion covers made from vintage blankets, old shirts cut up to make summer bunting or beautifully simple decorating ideas for an old-fashioned Christmas tree, here are over a hundred ways of adding individuality to your home and to the things you give. You'll save some money along the way - and using materials you have to hand not only saves the cash, it also means building a little bit of your history, whether from a favourite worn-out skirt or pebbles you've collected on holiday, into the things that surround you.While the book is practical and project-based, covering everything from knitting gloves to making natural moth repellents and devising the most gorgeous hand-made gift wrapping, it is also aspirational and chic - a key requirement is that the finished result has to look better and more desirable than a shop-bought version. Many of the ideas are incredibly simple and can be done in minutes; some are more of a labour of love; all have clear instructions and gorgeous accompanying photographs that cannot fail to inspire you to get going and add some homemade glamour to your home and your life.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2071 in Books
• Published on: 2009-04-30
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 288 pages

About the Author
Elspeth Thompson writes a weekly gardening column and regular features for the Sunday Telegraph, and also the Guardian. She has written numerous gardening books and is also the writer of Tricia Guild's titles. Ros Badger previously owned a children's knitwear company, Little Badger, and is now a freelance stylist, as well as teaching at the Design Museum.

Customer Reviews

Inspiring and beautiful
Ros Badger and Elspeth Thompson must be congratulated for creating a work of great style and integrity. These authors obviously know their stuff. It makes me think nostalgically of a time when all these activities were the norm in most households, and perhaps we should take note that they had it right- to be creative with what we have, to recycle and ultimately to enjoy the process of making things yourself. Not to say this isn't contemporary- it could hardly be more relevant in the current climate to be encouraged to make your own. A truly inspiring, useful and beautiful book.

Gorgeous and Green
Beautifully produced, with gorgeous photography and loads of ideas for creative projects requiring little cash, often re-using materials from around the home or scavenged from nature. Arranged seasonally, there is a wealth of ideas here, things to sew, cook, knit, paint: from crocheted blankets to sloe gin. Perfect for rainy days, holidays - simply and stylishly re-invigorating the art of the homemade. Forget Blue Peter, this is the chic side of crafts, and this lovely and very timely book would made a fantastic present for anyone - if you could bear to give it away!

Gorgeous book
Everything about this book is gorgeous. From the retro feel of the cover, the natural photography by Benjamin J Murphy, the styling and the inspirational ideas. I have made the newspaper pots today and will be making the bunting for our summer party. Both ideas are practical, economic AND stylish. Love it.