I was at the library last week and was brosing through the 'recommended reads' section when this book caught my eye. It seemed so randomly placed among the piles of mystery and romance novels.
When I finally got around to reading it (I have this issue where I feel like I should be finishing up work rather than reading), this book had me captivated from beginning to end. The chicken chapter that I planned on skipping? I loved it! I wish somebody would keep some chickens in our community garden! Oh, and the honeybees! The bee keeping chapter had me wanting a source of fresh honey as well. Yes, the likely hood of me going out and tending livestock and sewing up my own underwear may be slim, but if I wanted to, this book is what will tell me what to read, where to look and who to talk to.
In a world of mass produced items, Jenna teaches you how to slow down and appreciate the handmade life by looking at the world differently. Use your skills and knowledge to grow your own food, sew your own clothes, thrift for new to you items and even how to train your dog haul supplies.
The back of the book lists a few of the author's favourite recipes and a full list of resources including making pasta from scratch and optional reading on each topic. The book also includes a recipe for fresh bread that I am planning on testing out today. I will let you know how it turns out.
(made by me: rice krispie squares with marshmallows made from scratch!)
The book was written in 2008, but Jenna still has an active blog called the Cold Antler Farm where you can read about what she is currently up to.
How are you discovering the pleasures of a handmade life?
Reading is one of the few things that I don't feel guilty about doing instead of finishing projects or doing the dishes etc. I will definitely read this. It looks great. Can't wait! Thanks!
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