The Handbuilt Home

September 3, 2012
Ever wrestled with nails, screws, and hex wrenches on “ready to assemble” shelves, chairs, or tables, all the while thinking that you could just as easily make the same design cheaper and better from scratch? If so, White cheers you on. Her principles—“keeping plans simple, using standard off-the-shelf materials and working with the most basic tools” make for well-thought-out projects even a rank beginner would itch to try. Each piece of furniture is identified with icons for difficulty, cost, and time required, so you don’t get caught unawares mid-project. The proof of this DIY book’s value is in the “Getting Started” section, which describes simply the tools you’ll need. You can use this book to build 34 simple designs, such as tables (including a Lego coffee table), chairs, beds, and benches. Author and blogger White (ana-white.com), who first built furniture during her newborn’s naptime, still remembers her fear of firing a nail gun. Those of us who still feel that fear should be glad she’s there as a guide.

September 15, 2012

Targeting a female audience with little or no woodworking experience, White (anawhite.com) intends to instill confidence in her readers. Furnishing projects are arranged by room. Organization is consistent, with a chart for each project indicating the skill level, time, and costs required. Instructions are numbered to correspond with drawings, but despite promises, details on construction are lacking. Most of the projects are attractive, but those at beginning level are unimaginative. VERDICT Generally a nice collection, but beginners will need tool instruction. Pair this with Fox Chapel's "Missing Shop Manual" series (Table Saw: The Tool Information You Need at Your Fingertips & others). Recommended for public libraries with popular woodworking collections.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.