When I was asked to review The Handbuilt Home, a new book by Ana White, I jumped at the chance. Not only because I want to learn how to build furniture, but because I’m a big fan of Ana’s. I was able to attend her session at the Haven Conference over the summer, and I even won the cubby organizer that she designed and built there. If you aren’t familiar with Ana, here’s what you need to know: She’s a mom and homemaker from Alaska with an awesome DIY blog, Ana-White.com. She taught herself how to build furniture after developing serious do-it-yourself skills while building her own home, board by board, with her husband. Yes, you read that correctly. They built their house all by themselves. They lived in their garage while the whole building process was going on, and even had a baby who learned to crawl on the garage floor while the home was being built. Not only can Ana handle power tools, but I was totally awed and amused by her ability to build furniture while wearing super high heels at Haven.
So, if you want to learn how to build furniture, she’s your girl. This book makes the task of building your own furniture seem much less daunting. She starts with the very basics and explains everything a beginner would need to know, including descriptions of each tool and technique. She provides building plans that are easy to follow, and her plans call for materials that are very easy to find and tools that people commonly already have on hand.
The book is divided into sections based on what room each piece belongs in. (Entryway, Family Room, etc.) It features pieces built by Ana and also by other DIY-ers using Ana’s plans. There are some seriously beautiful pieces of furniture in this book. I especially loved all of the fun ideas for children’s rooms. This book is so inspiring to me as a DIY-lover and it really makes me want to get in gear and build something! Ana really makes you feel like if she can do it, then so can you. (In high heels.)
I’m in love with this daybed built by Layla from The Lettered Cottage, using plans from Ana White. |
How cute is this play kitchen? Kirsten White from The Crafting Chicks made it using Ana’s plans. |
If you are interested in learning more about building your own custom pieces of furniture, I highly recommend that you check out this book. It’s available at Barnes & Noble, on Amazon and at most independent book stores. This book would also make a great holiday gift for any DIY enthusiasts in your life.
Now, the fun part! One of my readers is going to win a copy of Ana White’s book, The Handbuilt Home! Simply wait for the Rafflecopter box to load below, and follow the instructions. RSS and email subscribers will have to click over to the blog to enter. The giveaway ends on Monday, November 5 at midnight EST.
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Disclosure: I received this book for free to review. All opinions are my own. This post contains an Amazon affliliate link.