Today I’m sharing the second and final installment of my guide to summer activity books for adults. Why do you need an activity book to keep you busy in the months that were built for relaxing? Well, let’s face it: After a certain age, summer just isn’t as fun as it used to be.
When you were little, you had roller-skates, swim lessons and tree climbs to keep you blissfully occupied. So, if you’re feeling a bit nostalgic for the craft classes at summer camp or the veggies in grandma’s garden, I’ve got a summer reading list that should help you recapture some of that summertime magic.
1. One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Fabric Projects by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins, Storey Publishing: Give her a yard, and she’ll make apparel. Whether you’re a sewing whiz or a needle-and-thread novice, this guide offers clear directions (and tons of clever ideas—101 to be precise!) on how you can take a yard of fabric and whip it into everything from toys and dresser organizers to clothes and pet accessories. Definitely enough inspiration to rescue you from any bought of summer boredom.
2. Paper + Craft: 25 Charming Gifts, Accents, and Accessories by Minhee and Truman Cho, Chronicle Books: Got papers, scissors and glue handy? Great. Add the genius ideas of Minhee and Truman Cho, the founders of popular stationery company PAPER + CUP, and you’re ready to get crafty. Whether you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive gift idea (pretty hair clips or vintage-inspired frames) or something to brighten up your summer digs (hanging bird mobiles), you’ll find it in this delightful guide to all things pretty paper.
3. The Big-Ass Book of Home Décor by Mark Montano, Stewart, Tabori & Chang: Don’t you love a book title that tells it like it is? This aptly named home décor book presents more than 100 simple and inventive projects—using everything from masking tape and glue to spray paint—to transform shabby, boring and just plain ugly home décor. Expect practical and very doable ideas on how to makeover headboards, dressers, chairs and even IKEA goodies.
4. The Urban Homestead: Your Guide to Self-Sufficient Living in the Heart of the City by Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen, Process: I love the city life, but sometimes I can’t help but wish for more room to plant and grow things. However, as adult life has brought homes surrounded by more concrete than soil, I mostly assume that such wishes aren’t feasible. Enter The Urban Homestead. With illustrated, step-by-step instructions, this guidebook (the authors of which farm in Los Angeles!) includes projects on everything from growing food on a patio or balcony to converting to solar energy and cleaning your house sans toxins. Even if all of the ideas aren’t your cup of tea, I can’t imagine a better summer project than learning how to live greener and more self-sufficiently.
5. Porch Parties: Cocktail Recipes and Easy Ideas for Outdoor Entertaining by Denise Gee, Chronicle Books: If crafting, sewing or other artsy endeavors aren’t really your thing, what about learning how to make some mean summer sippers that are best enjoyed on a porch? With simple, charming ideas for outdoor entertaining and 50 recipes for Southern punches, cocktails and snacks—think Tipsy Tea or Prosecco Martinis—this guide by Denise Gee will give you all of the tips, tricks and ideas you’ll need to become the summertime hostess with the mostest.
{ 1 trackback }