Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7569 in Books
• Published on: 2009-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Customer Reviews

Life is what you make for it.
Another blogstar in another book..... that's not a bad thing, either.
Amanda Soule has a huge following on the web with her blog of a North-Eastern American life and this book is her manifesto; why she lives how she lives and what she makes for her family. There is a heavy emphasis on recycling and reusing stuff, with instructions for making things as diverse as material sanitary equipment, beach blankets and jumper hats and plenty of pictures to browse through. The book lives up to its green pretentions by being printed on recycled paper and the whole emphasis is not on living as Amanda and her family live but on living as you live, but by making what you need, not just buying things.
It's not an unbelievable craft book, the sort filled with bright bags you could not imagine using and large teddies and dolls to decorate a home, but a real-life book. The children are real children and the stuff is real stuff. Just look at the little one asleep on the front cover. This book is the chronicle of a life lived with meaning and purpose. Read it (for it has pages of text as well as pictures to linger over) and think beyond the superstore; what do you need and how can you make it?

A sweet book that has simple and easy projects.
This is a good book for busy families who want to create 'new from old' with everyday items around the house, because all the projects are quick and simple. The projects range from homemade nappies and a child's homemade dress to a wool blanket and a hot water bottle cover.

I recommend this book to all busy mums and dads who would like to make eco projects with their children and for their homes.

simple, great inspiration and motivation
I Love the simplicity of many of Amanda's ideas. I can see why some may think them too simple, and yes if I'd put my mind to it I could have come up with similar, but sometimes its good to see someone elses ideas to inspire you. The vast majority of these projects I would approach differently, put my own spin on them, I am quite creative and crafty, but will still use this as a source of inspiration. I think for anyone scared of creativity or stumped for ideas this may well be a good starting point, Amanda really does take away any fear of not being able to get it right. The philosophy of making treasures for your family from family belongings is just lovely. This is a great read for anyone wanting to slow down and really appreciate their family and cherish all that goes with it. Think Kirstie Allsop's homemade home - but down to earth and achievable, without the need for expensive materials or courses! I have already made items from this book - including the sling and CLOTH SANITARY PADS! Personally I think they are great, I cloth nappy my kids, so why buy nasty plasticky things for me? I would highly recommend them, had been going to buy some until Amanda in her simplicity pointed out that I could simply make them myself from stuff I had lying around!