When the stresses of modern life get too much, what could be better than gathering a few simple tools, heading into the woods and literally whittling away a few hours? The gentle art of whittling is a relaxing and absorbing hobby that can be enjoyed almost anywhere from round the campfire to in a cozy armchair at home. All you need is a good pocket knife, a piece of wood and your imagination.

Projects can range from the delightfully simple to impressively intricate--it's up to you.

Woodland Whittling guides you through the basics explaining what equipment you need, how to hold the knife, and what timber to use. The projects are then all described in detail with clear step-by-step photographs.

Projects include: letter opener, thumb stick, ring tree and egg cup.

Maximize your outdoor living spaces through creative woodworking

Today's challenging economic climate has motivated many homeowners to stay in their current homes rather than upgrade, and this has sparked a major trend in what is often called the "don't move: improve " movement. By putting a small amount of money (and some time) into sprucing-up your backyard, you can create a veritable oasis with the projects in this book. Not only can these projects improve quality of life, but building them can also be a great financial decision.

Backyard Projects for Today's Homestead includes:

• 20 illustrated step-by-step projects that are within the skill level of beginning woodworkers
• Information on choosing durable materials, working with reclaimed lumber, applying finishes appropriate for outdoor wear
• More than just outdoor furniture - includes chicken coops, decking, gates, etc

Shop Class as Soulcraft meets Norwegian Wood in this gorgeously illustrated DIY guide for aspiring woodworkers of all levels.

"There's just something about wood. It's an imperfect material with cracks, knots, and irregularities. As an imperfect being, I find that by working with wood and all its inconsistencies, I can also tackle my own." -Aleksandra Zee

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to master the basics of woodworking in Aleksandra Zee's cozy Bay Area studio. The Way of the Woodshop is a meditative guidebook and a feast for the eyes, an illustrated journey through the joys of working, decorating, and crafting with wood. Packed with gorgeous photography and do-it-yourself projects ranging from easy to advanced, The Way of the Woodshop takes you step by step through the process of creating nesting cutting boards, a blanket ladder, a daybed, a table and bench, and more.

Zee covers the basics, from choosing the right lumber, to understanding different wood types and grains, to curating a tool collection, along with tips on decorating with wood and curating a space that you love. Along the way, she encourages you to tap into your creativity and relish the joys of working with your hands, and she shares lessons from her own empowering journey, as a woman carving out her space in a stereotypically male profession.

Whether you want to decorate your home, create personal gifts, or just love handmade objects, The Way of the Woodshop will inspire you to grab a sander and discover the joy of making

REDO OR NEW? GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME

Author Chris Gleason designs and builds kitchens for a living. In Kitchen Makeovers For Any Budget he offers his advice and how-to knowledge to help you make the correct decisions about whether to re-face or paint your present kitchen cabinets, add new appliances and cabinets, redo the workflow, move walls, etc.

Kitchen Makeovers For Any Budget includes four complete remodeling projects; each one deals with a particular aspect of demolition, design and/or accessorizing. The companion DVD focuses on the design, workflow and accessories available to maximize your space and provide convenient storage solutions.

Create astonishing artwork with crayons

Crayons aren't just for kids anymore Sculptors use them whole, bundling thousands of crayons to create environmental and installation-size sculptures. Carvers pierce and reshape crayons with scalpels, turning them into mini totems, helixes, and portrait busts. Landscape and still-life artists layer crayon shades in works on paper that rival paintings in their subtlety and depth. What will you do?

The Art of Crayon will guide you through a gallery of works by contemporary artists who use crayons as a diverse and dynamic medium. Each chapter includes a specific style of crayon artwork, complete with engaging projects from author Lorraine Bell to help you learn different techniques. From sculpture, to carving, to melted wax and drawing, you'll soon become a master crayon artist

This third entry in the Art of Jewelry series brings crafters an eye-opening assortment of wood necklaces, bangles, and earrings to make--alongside a gallery of inspirational work from the best contemporary artists. Filled with stepped-out examples of each project in different stages, it covers all the basics, including an exploration of sawing, sanding, drilling, carving, pyrography, and painting. The 30 inspiring projects feature such standout pieces as a carved ebony ring, copper and wood brooches embellished with pyrographed patterns, and a rich mahogany pendant dotted with delicate pearls. All the items are showcased in beautiful color images, accompanied by the artists' professional insights and creative tips.

World-class woodworker Sam Maloof (1916-2009), the first craftsperson to receive a MacArthur Foundation grant, inhabited his family compound in Alta Loma, California, for 45 years until the State of California decided that a new highway was needed, and that the Maloof homestead was in the way. The result was the move, between 1998 and 2001, of the historic residence, two woodworking studios, guesthouse, and twenty trees to a new site three miles away. As it explores the human side of historic preservation, the book explains how Sam, a beleaguered but plucky elderly California Living Treasure and master woodworker, survives his historic property's relocation by the government. Construction manager and architect Ann Kovara relates this true story of how progress and tradition, public needs and private lives, managed to reach an accord.