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Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift, or simply looking for some reading material for the new year, we’ve got you covered. These books make great gifts for the woodworkers on your list – especially if they happen to be you.
Good Clean Fun
Nick Offerman
The book I’d recommend is Good Clean Fun by Nick Offerman. My recommendation is a little skewed though, I can’t tell you what a great book it is because it’s on MY Christmas list. I’ve been wanting to read if for some time and I’ve finally ordered it as a gift for myself. ‘Misadventures in Sawdust?’ Nick Offerman? Yep, looking forward to finding out just how good it is!
– David Thiel, Video Producer
Read Megan Fitzpatrick’s review of Good Clean Fun.
How to Build Shaker Furniture
Thos. Moser
Shaker furniture really speaks to me. This was the first book I read on the topic, and it’s one of the best I’ve found. There’s a thorough explanation of Shaker design – in depth without getting too academic – as well as insight into how pieces were originally built. Then there’s advice on tools and setting up shop. These are the chapters I’ve read over and over again. But the real prize here is the collection of 45 measured drawings of authentic Shaker pieces. There are enough projects here to last a lifetime of furniture building, and the book offers inspiration in spades.
– Andrew Zoellner, Editor
Building Small
David & Jeanie Styles
My pick is “Building Small” by David & Jeanie Stiles. There’s a tiny house in my future. Maybe the distant future, but my future all the same! My favorite parts of this book are:
• the space-saving solutions
• the success stories
• and the format—clear illustrations & gorgeous photos!
– Patty Craft, Publisher
Handmade: A Hands-On Guide: Make the Things You Use Every Day
Asa Christiana begins with a maker manifesto that almost prevented me from reading the rest of the book. I wanted to drop everything and go make something! He covers 22 projects, spanning many disciplines–the perfect introduction to the maker world for someone that is interested in joining the movement.
– David Lyell, Senior Editor
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Each of these recommendations is great. The only book I can speak about directly is the Moser book on Shaker furniture. I would heartily recommend it to anyone interested in Shaker furniture or American furniture history and design. It is extraordinary.
Pretty lame list. Where’s Pekovich and Tesolin?
Our web producer said we had only one pick. I was pretty torn on mine, Mike’s book is incredible. I would’ve also added Thibodeau’s veneering book too.