Handmade Home is the new book by Amanda Blake Soule, the creative mind behind the Soulemama and the author of The Creative Family. Amanda's latest book is all about using existing materials to make new treasures, which is an old fashioned idea, but one that seems more relevant than ever.

Handmade Home contains thirty beautiful sewing ideas including a sturdy baby sling, a pretty Memory Tree Quilt, and this wonderful, yet totally practical, Letter Satchel. This little folio would be perfect for anyone (big or small) in school or at the office. Handmade Home also ventures beyond the familiar world of sewing and into all kinds of creative endeavors like paper mache and decoupage.

One of the best things about this book is how it incorporates ideas for the whole family to enjoy. There are projects for children, adults as well as projects to do together. For Amanda, a busy mother of four young children, it's about taking time out to be together and make special things. She writes, "Through the act of making I find solace and peace in the small moments of my everyday life... I am reminded rather symbolically that we can only do one stitch at a time, and therefore one step at a time and one breath at a time in this life."

This book has already inspired some of us at The Purl Bee with it's spirit of thrifty and heartfelt creativity! Jen recently made the cute "One-Word Banner" featured on the book's cover.

The moment Jen saw the cover of Handmade Home she knew she fabric leftover from the Party Garland she made earlier this year, as well as felt bundles, contrasting Valdani Thread, solid fabric, and matching machine thread.  With these materials she created Liam's banner in about two hours. Jen reports that not only was it fun to make, but it was also very appreciated by Liam's mother Heather. It will be a wonderful thing for little Liam to have, a lovely memento celebrating his arrival into the world!

This book is chalk full of wonderful personal projects and many of them will make fabulous gifts. The book itself would make a perfect gift for any creative families on you holiday list as well! I'd you'd like to order your own copy you can find Handmade Home, as well as Amanda Blake Soule's previous book, The Creative Family, here. And don't forget to check out Soulemama for even more inspiration!