This blogging world is a funny place… I have connected with so many creative people I never would have otherwise in my life met! Over the last few months, a few of these amazing friends published books and I wanted to pop in to share them with you for a few of reasons. First of all, I 100% believe in celebrating the accomplishments of creative entrepreneurial women. As we all know, a rising tide lifts all boats, and I want to lift up these people and support them and bring their work to light. It’s one thing to support a business, but it’s another when you know the people who pour their blood, sweat and tears into creating that business and putting something out there for the rest of us. Secondly, all three of these books that I am going to share with you are fantastic resources for DIYers, designers, and homemakers. Thirdly, I am dang proud of my friends! When people I know achieve something wonderful, I am the friend who wants to shout their praises from the mountain top! This is as close as I can get to that proverbial mountain top, so here I am, shouting out about these wonderful three new DIY & Design Books I know you are going to love! (Full disclosure: I was gifted and asked to review these books, and whole heartedly said yes! I have also used affiliate links throughout this post. Also, I apologize that these are quick phone photos, but the struggle is real now that the kids are back in school and I am maximizing nap time to the best of my abilities!)
Big Style in Small Spaces by Sarah Dorsey, Wood Plank Projects by Carrie Spalding, Restoration House by Kennesha Buycks
Big Style in Small Spaces is a DIY book with awesome modern projects written by my good friend Sarah Dorsey who happens to be one of the most insanely talented and creative bloggers I know. Sarah and I have known each other for a long time now and I actually had the pleasure of living just 5 minutes from her in my last house (once she moved back to Maryland that is!). When she told me which house she and her husband had bought I knew exactly the one and was so excited to see them work on it, and boy have they blown it away in that home! Sarah is a fellow thrifter, lover of all things midcentury, and mama to a toddler and one on the way. When she sent me her book, I was impressed (though not surprised!) by the number of gorgeous modern projects she had created for it.
There are some larger scale projects, such as this beautiful slat console table.
And there are also smaller projects if you’re not yet feeling up to those larger ones. A couple of my favorites are these leather sconce shades… (note, that nightstand DIY is also in the book!)
…and this modern wood veneer family sign.
If you love midcentury and modern style as well as creating things with your own two hands, this book is definitely one you will want to check out!
The second book I want to share is from another blogger I have known for a very long time, Carrie Spalding of Lovely Etc. Carrie and I both painted a lot of furniture back in the day, and she has always worked hard to create a home on a budget. What I love about Carrie aside from her creative projects, is that she is very down to earth and open and has shared so many personal and relatable stories on her blog, such as marital struggles and more. (All is well now!) I love a person who I can connect with like that! I also had the pleasure of rooming with Carrie at a conference about 5 years ago, and we had a fabulous time! She’s a genuine, kind and beautiful girl who I am happy to call my friend. As you can see on her book cover, she is one talented lady, and that plank wall in her home remains a favorite project of mine. Carrie’s book, Wood Plank Projects, is just what it says it is! It’s full of 30 DIY projects you can easily create with her step to step tutorials. I don’t think I am too handy with power tools, but I think I could handle these projects so I know that you can, too!
My favorite project in Carrie’s book is this plank headboard. It’s got such a great boho vibe! I would have a lot of fun styling a bed like this one!
Emmy is a fan of all things mappish, so she would love this USA created from planks.
Another favorite is this modern house number planter. I could totally see this one on my front porch!
Carrie’s book is one that is perfect for beginner wood workers or those with more skill. It will just probably take the beginners (ahem, me!) a little more time to create. There are rustic and modern projects and the steps are easy to follow.
The last book I want to share with you today is Restoration House by Kennesha Buycks. Out of these 3 ladies, Kennesha is the one I have known the longest… we go waaaaay back! She has always been one of the kindest and most genuine souls on the planet and we connected right away through our love of furniture and self restoration. She and her family recently bought their first place and it’s been so fun to see her create a home. You’ll have to check out her blog because I know you will love her realness and style.
Kennesha’s book is different from any design book I have ever read because she addresses home on a much deeper level. Her book is filled with inspiring images and inspiring words to help you become more confident and at home in your own home.
In addition to helping you achieve that confidence, she helps guide you through being a gracious host. And here’s a hint, it’s not about how nice your home looks, but it’s about the comforting feel you give your guests. Just check out her words below.
As I mentioned, there are also beautiful images to appeal to your eyes as well.
Kennesha’s book really makes you think and dig deep into your soul and into what really matters when creating a home. It’s a perfect book to give the new homeowner, or maybe a friend who is struggling in today’s social media crazed world to remind them of what is important.
Like I said, I am SO DANG PROUD of my friends! These women are creative, kind, and genuine, and deserve all of the success that comes their way. I hope you will take some time to visit their blogs, check out their books.