Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

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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Have you read?

Add a Splash of Joy to Your Crafts with The Big Book of Happy Crafts

If you love filling your home with color, personality, and handmade charm, then The Big Book of Happy Crafts by Lucia Mallea is going to be your new favorite creative companion. This book is an absolute celebration of cheerful DIY, packed with 24 vibrant and joyful projects designed to spark your imagination and make your space a little brighter.

Lucia Mallea brings her signature style—bold, colorful, and totally fun—to every project, from paper flower arrangements and party décor to custom accessories and playful home accents. The instructions are easy to follow, even for beginner crafters, and the materials are accessible—think paper, craft tools, and glitter (because yes, everything’s better with glitter).

What makes this book especially fun for those of us who love thrifting and upcycling is how effortlessly it encourages you to reimagine simple supplies into something magical. Whether you’re decorating for a celebration or just want your daily surroundings to feel a little more fun, this book offers creative ways to craft with joy.

It’s also a great reminder that crafting doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful—it just has to make you smile. And The Big Book of Happy Crafts does exactly that.

Shellie