Books in the DIY series

"Whittling for me is more than just an art. It is like meditation and rather therapeutical. Every single time you create something, it brings you the delight and also the happiness that meets your mind and soul". This is the reply I got from an old practitioner when I asked him how do you interpret Whittling. Then I realized the core idea behind this craft. It comes with no deadline, no pre-written script, no rules, and just pure expression of your emotions through a knife and a piece of wood.In the present times, when all the self-help gurus are talking about Digital Detox, Whittling comes as a strong contender to pass on to the young and the old alike.My Journey in WhittlingMy wife introduced me to the world of Whittling 5 years ago. As I was already into Leathercraft and Pyrography, I got the basics quickly. But reaching the intermediate level in any art requires practice and patience. It has been an incredible journey for the last few years, working alongside her on various Whittling projects.About the BookThis book is like a friend sharing his experiences and taking you from point A to B in your Whittling journey. The examples and references are real and taken out of the conversations with various experienced Whittlers.The book covers:Introduction: History of Whittling, how it started and became part of popular culture.Wood: All about the type of wood, grains, and tips for starting.Tools: All about pocket and carving knivesTechniques: All type of cutsSafety: Gloves, Thumb pads, duct tape, and other innovative options.Starter projects with photos and step by step instructionsFrequently asked questions: 22 beginner questions as answered by experts: Multiple solutions to a single problemList of online resources for patternsI have included realistic photographs, discussions, tips, FAQs, which I have received along the way of my journey in Whittling over the years.  Still on the fence?Okay, let me explain to you the difference between Wood Carving and Whittling?Whittling is like an unplanned vacation (go with the flow), and Wood Craving is like planning a vacation through a tour operator!And lastly my favorite analogy:When I was struggling to understand the concept of wood grain initially, one old-time whittler told me, "Think of the grain-like petting a cat. When you pet it head to tail, the fur all lies down, and the cat purrs. If you try to go from tail to head, it spikes up, and the cat gets very angry. Keep the cat happy."So what are you waiting for, get the book now and start your Whittling Journey! 

There are very few crafts in the world which gives as much satisfaction as Pyrography- AnonymousWhether you are a Technology professional like me or Financial Consultant or a Teacher, we all need to unwind and splash our creative juices once in a while and appreciate the power of imagination. This book is targeted at people from diverse backgrounds, trying Pyrography as a beginner and looking for to the point, minimalistic, value-packed information to start off with their first project.Why Pyrography?Of all the crafts I have done, Pyrography is the most value for money. It gives me immense satisfaction and serves the purpose for which I practice the art on the weekends.The best part is this art has got something for everyone.If you are a beginner, get a scrap wood and use your existing soldering pen to start the artwork. Later, you can shift to a proper burner. If you like calligraphy, you can burn letters. A friend of mine is a space enthusiast, and he is making space ships!With experience, you master the art of shading, which gives depth to the artwork. Drawing hair, fur, or skin of an animal takes time, but it is worthwhile to put the effort.The best part of this skill is it makes one of the best presents for the loved ones. As the art ages with time, it leaves a memorable piece of history to the coming generation.The best person to guide you is the one few steps ahead of you!This is not a traditional book but an effort from your friend to present the experience and discussions while learning this art in the last few years. I am not an expert (there are many I know who are just fabulous) but just a learner improving with each project.This book provides a minimalistic approach to the information required to start your first Pyrography project. It covers:Introduction to the art: The history and steps involvedTools: All about tools involved: Detailed instructions on using Wood Burner including different tipsDesigning, Tracing, and Shading: I must say the shading part only comes by practicing!Coloring, Polishing, and FinishingSafety Instructions: Very important and highlighted all through the bookStep by Step instructions on 10 starter projects with picturesFrequently Asked Questions (All the ones I could remember and not covered in other chapters)Sample Designs: Mandala, Tiger, Dragon, and more.I still remember the initial doubts I had and the tips which helped me.This book is for people who are in their first lap of Pyrography journey and want to have a holistic idea of processes, tools and need help in their initial projects.I have included photographs of realistic projects of beginners explaining the process and standard operating procedure while starting.So, what are you waiting for? Get this updated book and start your Pyrography Journey Today! 

Are you looking for hobbies that can be a favorite weekend pastime for young, old, and teens alike?Well, you can get 3 of them in a single book: Leather Crafting Wood Burning WhittlingWe all need a few hobbies to unwind, relax, and cut off from the routine chores and excessive technology (Digital Detox).Also, whether you are young, old, or teen, across all age groups, these activities are required for different reasons.So I started writing this book to provide a minimalistic approach to information required to start your first leather project. It covers:Leather Crafting History of Leather Basics Tools and their usage Making Patterns Cutting Patterns Gluing Beveling, Embossing, Stamping Stitching basics Coloring and Finishing Tips, Techniques for the beginner Appendix: List of online resources available for free patterns, tips, and techniquWood Burning/Pyrography Introduction to the art: The history and steps involved Tools: All about tools required: Detailed instructions on using Wood Burner including different tips Designing, Tracing, and Shading: I must say the shading part only comes by practicing! Coloring, Polishing, and Finishing Safety Instructions: Very important and highlighted all through the book Step by Step instructions on 10 starter projects with pictures Frequently Asked Questions (All the ones I could remember and not covered in other chapters) Sample Designs: Mandala, Tiger, Dragon, and more.Whittling Introduction: History of Whittling, how it started and became part of popular culture. Wood: All about the type of wood, grains, and tips for starting. Tools: All about pocket and carving knives Techniques: All type of cuts Safety: Gloves, Thumb pads, duct tape, and other innovative options. Starter projects with photos and step by step instructions Frequently asked questions: 22 beginner questions as answered by experts: Multiple solutions to a single problem List of online resources for patternsWell, if you ever wanted to start your Journey in these crafts, this would be the perfect enabler and a guide for you.Why?Because I genuinely believe in the saying, "The best person to guide you is the one few steps ahead of you."So, what are you waiting for? Get this updated book and start your Journey Today!

Raleigh Briggs collects her zines, illustrations, and thoughts around what it is that makes a great DIY household--homemade cleaning solvents that aren't made from poison, herbs that will heal you, and how to setup a great garden. These tips and tricks fill in the gaps for those of us longing to live this lifestyle but lacking the necesary know-how.