photo from the Rockefeller Center Anthropologie store gallery, collage from South Africa
When I wrote Mothers and Daughters at Home, some readers wondered why I didn't include sons in the title. Well, I have three daughters, sadly no sons, and the book was about my creative life at home with them, the projects we made together, those I made especially for them. It was our story.
That's one reason why I love Amanda's new book, Handmade Home. It's more of her story, one that I enjoy so much through her blog. Her home is handmade, her children (sons and a daughter) are crafty and resourceful in the Yankee tradition of their parents and the book is full of simple, updated projects that demonstrate that in an honest, charming way. In a welcoming voice, Amanda shares the projects she has created for her home and family. You will be inspired. Not to run out and buy, but rather to look around you and see what is there now. Every project begins with a guide to using what you might already have. Look in the cupboard or even wait until you stumble upon something similar.
A girl after my own heart.
My very first book proposal in the mid 80's, long before I started writing books with Mary and Barbara, was titled Use It Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do or Do Without. It didn't find a home (surely the length of the title kept it in the slush pile), but I do believe that the idea has finally found its time. New Englanders have that proverb right.
Get started here, make something and use it up. Surely, the make-it-do is the best part. Invite your children in, and happily discover that there is no need to do without.
***** The publisher is offering a signed copy of Handmade Home for one of you. Please leave a comment on this post to enter. The winner will be announced on August 24th.
***** edit: Thanks so much, everyone. The random number generator chose Brenda as the winner!
I would love to read both books: yours if you ever get a chance to write and publish it, and Amanda's sooner. :)
Posted by: Mary | August 16, 2009 at 09:00 PM
I have been eyeing this book and would love to win... and the 24th is my birthday so maybe it will be my time! Thanks, Peggy
Posted by: Peggy | August 16, 2009 at 09:02 PM
I agree the time has come. My mother was so creative in her frugality; she never understood why folks wanted to buy new when they could fix what they already owned. She made beautiful things from what she had on hand.
Posted by: Elaine Blaine | August 16, 2009 at 09:07 PM
Would love to peruse that one! Yours too. Need some great ideas!
Posted by: blop | August 16, 2009 at 09:26 PM
Would love to see book - thank you to the publisher for this generous opportunity! LindaSonia
Posted by: LindaSonia | August 16, 2009 at 09:29 PM
I'd love to have a copy of that book! I think I first herd that saying in an Elisabeth Elliot book. We tend to forget it in prosperity but it is just as needful then as in harder times.
Posted by: Barbara H. | August 16, 2009 at 10:00 PM
My mom is one of the craftiest women I know. Being a single parent with 5 children every holiday and celebration was about being Handmade from the heart. I still think the best gifts are homemade and heartfelt!!
Posted by: missy | August 16, 2009 at 10:08 PM
I'm waiting for my copy of Amanda's new book to arrive in the mail Charlotte, so please exempt me from the publishers giveaway drawing.
I love that old adage, so very much. I need to practice it more though, I buy too much stuff. Ay yi yi.
I so hope you will try again with your book on the topic - sounds like it couldn't be a better fit of author and timing.
Posted by: Sally | August 16, 2009 at 10:15 PM
I also love the adage you shared - and would be so great for our world to pay heed to!
Can't wait to see you in November!
Posted by: Heather A. | August 16, 2009 at 10:28 PM
thank you for your lovely give-away.
Posted by: patty cole | August 16, 2009 at 11:11 PM
Oh, I'd love Amanda's book and yours, too, Charlotte. You are both such inspirations. Thanks.
Posted by: beth p | August 16, 2009 at 11:21 PM
I'm sort of captivated by GreenCraft these days, so this book sounds like it would be great!
Posted by: Karen B | August 16, 2009 at 11:37 PM
I love the idea of these books! Thanks!
Posted by: Rachel | August 17, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Sounds like a very inspiring book!!
Posted by: DebbieLynn | August 17, 2009 at 12:05 AM
You know I live by those words! Not just because it's easy on the budget and good for the earth, but it is also aesthetically pleasing!
Your Pal,
Linda
Posted by: Linda Crispell | August 17, 2009 at 12:12 AM
I have your books Charlotte, and love them. Can't wait to read this one!
Janey
Posted by: jane jennings | August 17, 2009 at 01:38 AM
Hello Charlotte,
I will tell you a secret. We have that same saying South of the Mason Dixon line... imagine that. Something called the Depression, I hear, made it popular. Others say it was Reconstructionism that sprouted it.
Whatever, whenever, and wherever this homily came from, it would be considered a real treat to have such a wonderful book!
Take care.
Candace in Athens (Georgia, that is).
Posted by: Candace | August 17, 2009 at 03:19 AM
oooh! That book sounds like such a treat! Contentment with what we already have--let's live that way!
Posted by: Cristie | August 17, 2009 at 03:30 AM
I'm constantly looking for ways to re-use before I even start to recycle. One of my few indulgences is new fabric. I figure I'll end up using every bit and each quilt is a few notches down on the central heating. So it's not so bad. Love your blog.
Abbe
Posted by: Abbe | August 17, 2009 at 03:59 AM
I'm with you on this. Unfortunately, my husband doesn't like the fact that I don't like to throw anything out :)
Posted by: Zita - Mlle Magpie | August 17, 2009 at 06:48 AM
Amanda's new book looks like such a lovely treat!
Posted by: Tami B. | August 17, 2009 at 07:21 AM
I'm on board with the repurposing mantra! Love Amanda's book -- already have it checked out of our library -- and have sewn a little hotpad from a few scraps of cherry fabric. Would love my name in your giveaway bowl . . . thanks for the opportunity.
Thinking of you as the wedding nears. I'll be returning to my hometown for a nephew's wedding this weekend. Many memories, old and new. Laughter and tears.
Posted by: katie | August 17, 2009 at 07:36 AM
My grandmother used to say that phrase. She was born in 1894...so you know the era she was from.
:)
I still think it is a good thing to do. I appreciate Amanda's recycling/repurposing efforts. She reminds me of myself in the days when I was raising our children.
I would love to be entered in the giveaway for her latest book!!!!!
Posted by: Dawn | August 17, 2009 at 08:24 AM
Oh how neat!I'd love to read this book :)
Posted by: andrea | August 17, 2009 at 08:41 AM
SOUNDS GOOD- SIGN ME UP! TERRY
Posted by: TERRY SWEET | August 17, 2009 at 09:03 AM
What a freeing movement for us all - buy less, make more, use what you've got - now that is a great change! I'd love the opportunity to win Amanda's book. Thanks!
Posted by: Katie | August 17, 2009 at 09:23 AM
This would be the right time for that book...as more baby boomers reach this time in their life they seem to share this philosophy. Working in retail..I see more and more people shopping with totes (like the ones you dress up) and not taking bags from the shop. Some say they will take a bag because it is nice....they will use it to cover a book or wrap a present.
Posted by: Geralyn Gray | August 17, 2009 at 10:06 AM
I love handmade, I love home and I love books, so I would definitely like to win. I know there's "stuff" I throw out that could probably be made in to something really neat. I just need the inspiration.
Posted by: Teri | August 17, 2009 at 10:41 AM
What a great idea and a fun book. I would love the opportunity to win this book.
Posted by: Barbara | August 17, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Your books were such an inspiration to me along my craft journey..would love to share the latest "Soule" book ideas with my grands, the 2 eldest can sew thanks to 4-H !
Posted by: nwnonna | August 17, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Thank you for the opportunity to own this book or give it to a favorite friend.
Posted by: Tish | August 17, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Ooh I would love to have a chance to see this book. We are headed to the Falkland Islands to live at the end of the year so your quote will definitely ring true, make do et cetera as there are no fabric, clothes, or craft shops for well hundreds and hundreds of miles around. We have to take everything bar food that we might want to use :) Now there is an interesting planning list.
Posted by: Helen Shields | August 17, 2009 at 01:17 PM
I just bought a copy of HANDMADE HOME and I love it!!!
Posted by: Amy | August 17, 2009 at 01:35 PM
I think it's time for a new book from YOU! In the meantime I'd be happy to win a copy of Handmade Home.
Posted by: Debby Schuh | August 17, 2009 at 02:07 PM
Would love to get a copy of the Handmade Home! Virginia
Posted by: Virginia Burrows | August 17, 2009 at 04:50 PM
I would absolutely love this book - fingers are crossed.
Posted by: Anne | August 17, 2009 at 08:40 PM
I'd love a chance to win this book!
:)
Posted by: anne campbell | August 17, 2009 at 09:20 PM
My grandson is just getting to that age where he can look at an object and see possibilities besides just what meets the eye.
Two more are coming up quickly behind him, and I am SO happy to be making stuff with kids again!
Posted by: judy | August 17, 2009 at 10:47 PM
I would love to win Amanda's book, I have been reading her blog for about a year now and really enjoy her resourcefulness! As always, I am still so inspired by you dear Charlotte. Thanks for all that you give! karen...
Posted by: karen | August 18, 2009 at 12:20 AM
I have always been proud of making do.It brings out your creative side.
Posted by: ginny | August 18, 2009 at 01:19 AM
I love that sentiment! It should probably hang in every home ;-)
Posted by: Hagit | August 18, 2009 at 01:26 AM
I would love to see both books. Your creativity always inspires me. So I am sure any book you recommend will do the same. Thank you for sharing your ideas and photos from over the years.
Posted by: Rebecca | August 18, 2009 at 08:42 AM
Oh I can't wait to see this book. Saw your post on Amanda's comments and thought I'd come over. I think you're a crafter after my own heart (paper, scissors, glue!) and so I will add you on my following list!
-genny
Posted by: gennysent | August 18, 2009 at 10:25 AM
...l wish l could read your book and the other ones...you have to send to the bookshops in buenos aires...l will LOVE TO READ THEM!!!KISSSES FOR YOU!!!
Posted by: ale | August 18, 2009 at 10:38 AM
That sounds awesome! A little old fashioned ingenuity is sometimes lacking in todays society with the 'gotta have it now' mentality. -Alisa
Posted by: alisa | August 18, 2009 at 11:19 AM
With the economy as it is, that is what I have started to do. I need to. I don't have the money to go out and get something new. Plus I have tons of things lying around. I keep telling my sons...I have all son and 0 daughters...we need to be resourceful as it tells us to be in the Cub Scout program.. this they understand and work hard to do better.
Posted by: Shelly | August 18, 2009 at 11:52 AM
A book with a title like deserves to be used over and over, used up, just used.
Carol
Posted by: Carol Ryan | August 18, 2009 at 01:02 PM
Having just returned from Vermont, I appreciate this adage all the more. The New England, Yankee spirit is all about this. I will have to look for this book.
♥, Susan
Posted by: black eyed susans kitchen | August 18, 2009 at 01:03 PM
Thanks for the info.
I would love to read this book.
Upcycling is a good thing.
<3Cindy
Posted by: Cindy | August 18, 2009 at 01:19 PM
No longer working away from home and daily finds of goodies to craft with, I would love this book to share with my family and coming soon first grandchild. "Green Craft" has me smiling and saving plastic bags for some cute "to do" projects.
Posted by: Pat | August 18, 2009 at 02:08 PM