Vintage Book Haul

When I went thrift shopping and yard-sale hopping a couple of weeks ago (I wrote about it here) I picked up various goodies for next to nothing. I didn't spend more than $4.00 that day!

But my favorite finds were these vintage books. For mere pocket change, these DIY books will provide me with a plethora of knowledge and ideas.

The book I'll use the most in the coming months is Coats & Clark's Sewing Book (1974). The instructions are easy-to-follow. They detail each process from beginning to end.

The best part of the book are the delicate, retro illustrations. The graphic designer in me loves the page layouts and colors.

"How to Make Bookshelves & Cabinets" details how to make every kind of bookshelf imaginable. Even a precarious, dangling hanging bookshelf- replete with glass knick-knacks. (Were parents in the 70s just looking for excuses to punish the kids?)

I especially enjoy the recycled storage section- detailing how to make various shelves and shadow boxes out of "trash". The book has projects for various skill levels. I can't wait to make some of them! As evidenced by my enthusiasm over my three "new" books, I have a bit of a book addiction that requires adequate shelving.

My final DIY purchase of that thrifty day out was the "Handbook for the Home" (1973). It was my cheapest purchase at .25 cents, I bought it from a yard sale in the Avondale area of Jacksonville. I have to admit I was seduced by the graphic design on the cover, but the book has some potentially helpful information. And some unintentional comedy as well.

Check out the photo for the furniture section below.

Resplendidly groovy!

I might have enough in these three books to build and outfit an entire house from top to bottom if I had the resources and the desire. Sure, you can check out books from the library or research a technique online, but vintage books and materials give you a unique, voyeuristic peek at the past.