Crafts & Hobbies

The aim of the Watching series is to draw attention to some of the very interesting items around us, things that perhaps we don't notice as much as we might. The first was Bridge Watching, and when this was put ''on the Net'' it produced, to the surprise of the author, such a pleasant flood of e-mail that another was written, called Water Watching. This, too, was kindly received. So it was tempting to continue with the theme. Boat Watching doesn't set out to teach you how to design a boat, build a boat, or even how to use a boat. I hope it will help you to look at boats, though, really look at them, and to enjoy doing so. When I say ''boats'', I mean ''boats and things'', for boats have things on and about them, and they are all interesting. If you are looking at boats, you can't help seeing all the other things, too. Boats are truly lovely things, from the humblest to the noblest. Given a bit of time, you can lounge against a wall, or a post, or stretch out in a chair, and just drink in the happiness of looking. Looking at things is one of the great free benefits of being alive. You don't have to be an expert, but a little knowledge does help to enjoy the details. This treatment doesn't set out to turn you into a mariner or boat designer. It isn't meant intended for that kind of person. It is chiefly for idlers, loafers, those who have time to like stand and stare, or who can make such time, taking life at a reasonable pace, and enjoying it, even if only between bouts of frenzied exertions. more...

Price: $19.95

Buckles & Bobbins, A Beginning Sewing Book for Boys. This sewing book teaches techniques in a step-by-step format, from pillowcases to backpacks and fishing and hunting vests. Boys and young men love the projects! All patterns included, Boys sizes 8 - 16. You will receive 2 downloadable PDF files, zipped together, one with the instruction book, and another with the patterns which can be printed off and taped together. more...

Price: $22.95

Houses, garages, sheds, gazebos, kitchen cabinets, wood floors, wooden play sets, decks, remodeling projects, built-in bookshelves – what do all these projects, large and small, have in common? They need people with carpentry skills and, in the larger projects, contractors to manage the project. The kinds of projects done by carpenters and contractors are varied in size, scope and value. Someone may hire a carpenter to help frame a new house, or add a deck to the side of the new house, or even to install a built-in desk and shelves into a home office. The carpenter may work alone, or in teams of carpenters, especially in large projects like house framing. On a large project, the carpenters have probably been hired by a contractor, someone whose job it is to study the requirements of the job, estimate the number of carpenters it will take to complete the work in the specified time period and to the standards set by the general contractor in compliance with local and national codes. The contractor may be a carpenter as well, joining in with the work in progress. Or the contractor may be in a strictly supervisory role, inspecting the work as it’s being done to make sure that it will pass the city inspector’s assessment. The contractor will also monitor safety issues on the work site. The contractor may be the owner of the company or be one of many employed by a large contracting firm. In either case, the contractor will have considerable experience and a thorough understanding of the work of the carpenters hired to complete the job. The world of carpentry and contracting offers a diverse and rewarding career for individuals with strong motor skills, manual dexterity and organizational capabilities, as well as those with the ability to visualize beyond a pile of wood into a finished product, whether it’s a cabinet for a laundry room or an entire home. It’s a career field that offers opportunities for both entry level and experienced professionals, and it also offers wor more...

Price: $15.00

Catch the Sewing Bug provides simple, do-able, fun projects for the younger, beginning sewing students. There is a great sense of satisfaction from being able to actually sew a project...especially one they can use themselves or give as a gift. This book is very basic, very easy, and requires a very minimal amount of supplies to complete the projects. All patterns and directions are included for each of the 25 projects. A wonderful resource for any child who has an interest in sewing! more...

Price: $8.95

Whether you love old-time music, unplugged rock, traditional American craftsmanship, or simply gifted storytelling, Clapton's Guitar is an engaging work that you will want to savor and share with friends. more...

Price: $17.99