Outdoor furniture and garden crafts are great projects to hone DIY skills. Slight imperfections are at ease with a rustic aesthetic; weathering can add character. Over the years I have discovered that adapting design to suit your skill level usually improves the outcome. If you get ambitious, t
hen you need to stretch those skills – and acquire more power tools (which makes you happy, happy, happy, if you are a tool geek).
Search the CPL catalogue with subject keywords “outdoor furniture” for a fine list. The three books below come from different areas of the collection and offer different perspectives on the topic.
Outdoor Furniture: Timeless Woodworking Projects for the Yard, Deck and Patio is a new title in our woodworking collection. Projects, including benches, tables, chaise longue and serving trolley, are built with traditional woodworking techniques specifically designed to produce furniture that will withstand the elements. They offer tips for choosing the right wood, joinery and hardware, and finish.
There is a pattern for each project and detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and illustrations.
In Garden Mosaics: 19 beautiful mosaic projects for your garden (2009) authors Biggs and Hunkin work with all types of mosaic including vitreous glass, slate, marble, pebbles and broken china. The projects range from easy-to-make house numbers to a more demanding tabletop design inspired by an Italian herbal dating from the 14th century.
Junk Beautiful: Outdoor Edition (2009) demonstrates the repurposing of flea market finds for furnishing garden and patio. Author Sue Whitney, founder of Junkmarket, is a crusader for creative reuse.
In the book she offers some inspired contraptions: an old pipe and gauge is attached to a battered red scooter. A weathered bucket hung from the pipe holds the ice that chills the wine that makes the company mellow.
Friday: Back indoors, looking at fancy ways with walls.