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Book Review: PlyDesign: 73 Distinctive DIY Projects in Plywood (and other sheet goods)

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If you like building furniture or it’s on your “to do” list PlyDesign: 73 Distinctive DIY Projects in Plywood (and other sheet goods)  is an awesome resource! The designs are modern and stylish and the tutorials with great patterns make them completely do-able. Whether you follow the directions to the letter or use the designs in the book as a jumping off point for your own creations PlyDesign: 73 Distinctive DIY Projects in Plywood (and other sheet goods) is sure to be a great guide and make the process of making your own furniture a pleasurable and satisfying experience. I happen to have made a recycled bit of furniture which I hadn’t had the opportunity to do much and so loved the challenge of looking around the house to see what I had to work with before going out to buy supplies. You can see my creation over at Sweater Surgery.

Another great book by  is Philip Schmidt is Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Treehouses and you can see a great tip for sketching your designs here.

More about PlyDesign: 73 Distinctive DIY Projects in Plywood (and other sheet goods) from the publisher Storey Publishing:

PlyDesign presents 73 ideas for sleek, smart home furnishings that you can make from off-the-shelf sheet materials using only basic hand and power tools. With designs contributed by more than 50 creative builders across North America, the projects include tables, stools, workstations, benches, laptop stands, shelves, art panels, organizers, headboards, doghouses, dollhouses, and more. A photo of each finished project is accompanied by a list of needed tools and materials, cutting and assembly diagrams, and clear step-by-step instructions.

“Strength, Flexibility, Uniformity & BeautyPlywood–that versatile blend of nature and engineering–is easy to work with, inexpensive, and good-looking. Get to know its great qualities as you explore 73 projects contributed by design professionals and enthusiasts who love building with plywood.Among the PlyDesigns, you’ll find sleek furniture for every room (including several knock-down pieces for those really tight spaces), simple toys and games, and even whitewashed paneling, a great alternative to drywall.There’s something for every taste, need, and skill level!

About the Author

Philip Schmidt is a former carpenter and the author of 17 books, including Decorating with Architectural Details and Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Treehouses, 2nd edition: Design & Build Your Kids a Treehouse.(for an inside peek into this book pop on over to Craftside) He lives in Colorado with his family and loads of leftover building materials. ”

Looking for more Pallet Crafts? Check out these Pallet Project books.

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Handmade with a Past: Tuesday’s Top Recycled Etsy Find

Looking for a way to add some sustainable flair to your home decor? These recycled newspaper bowls are not just practical, but they’re a creative, eco-friendly statement piece for any room. Made from upcycled newspaper, these paper bowls have a rustic, natural feel that can be styled in so many ways.

I personally love the idea of repurposing something as ordinary as newspaper into something beautiful and functional. Whether you use them to hold keys by the door, as a decorative centerpiece, or even to organize small items on your desk, these bowls are perfect for adding a touch of eco-conscious charm to your space. Plus, they tell a story, each bowl made from layers of recycled paper, giving it unique texture and character.

Why these bowls are a must-have:

  • Made from recycled newspaper, turning everyday materials into functional art

  • A stylish, sustainable storage solution for your home

  • Ideal for those who love upcycled home decor and eco-conscious living

These newspaper bowls are perfect for those who want to make a small change that has a big impact on both style and sustainability. It’s a simple, yet effective way to add some thoughtful design to your home, while helping the planet.