I have been devouring this book, Make Your Place— Affordable, Sustainable Nesting Skills, by Raleigh Briggs for the last week or so. It's so flipping good. It's got recipes for all kinds of homemade goodness; cleaning products, bath and personal care items, general gardening info—just a ton of great stuff. She also includes bits about working with herbs and has another zine that's about assembling a herbal first aid kit, which I also love. I know I saw this book on a blog somewhere, but I don't remember where right now. It was a few months ago and only just recently remembered it.
The whole book is hand lettered and hand drawn. I there is about 100 levels of cool here. As someone who makes her own deodorant and underwear, I feel a urge to stalk this woman.
I got my copy, along with some other rad zines, over at Microcosm Publishing here in town. But in a fit of extreme lameness, I actually ordered it online rather than going to the shop, because dang with the 3 kids and nap times and all that, it just wasn't happening. You know how it goes. I actually was able to browse more and take my time online than I would have with the 3 lovelies in tow. So, I still need to actually go there, but the mail service was mighty fast anyway. You can also get a copy at buy olympia.
mildly related (herbs and stuff):
We are headed out to one or two of the farms taking part in the Oregon Lavender Festival this weekend. There are so many farms to choose from—any of you Portland peeps have recommendations? I am so excited.
totally unrelated:
I am super excited to have a Designer Profile over here the British site, Crafts Beautiful and have been featured (in very good company) over here in an AOL article about sewing.
Wow, the hand letting is about a 100 levels of cool. I will have to try to remember to pick up a copy. Sounds like it would come in handy around here.
Posted by: Shannon | July 09, 2009 at 05:51 AM
That looks like a great book! I am trying the no shampoo thing that I read about here and made my own nettle rinse. I'd love to know how to make sustainable cleaning products too, I'm inspired, thanks for all the cool info.
Posted by: Sarada | July 09, 2009 at 06:06 AM
I too have been enjoying this book for some time now--it's super cool and the zine style is so inspiring. I originally saw it on Ohdedoh, I think. Clicked over immediately to buy it.
Posted by: Mary Beth | July 09, 2009 at 06:22 AM
This book never makes it to its place on the bookshelf. I'm constantly using it! Definitely a must have. I love microcosm.
Posted by: Vanessa | July 09, 2009 at 06:34 AM
what's that saying about not having anything in your house unless you think it to be beautiful or know it to be useful? sounds like that book would fulfil both criteria spot on for me - i love the look of it and the content sounds like the kind of stuff I am always looking to collect. i am going to check it out right now!
Posted by: lydia | July 09, 2009 at 06:35 AM
must have...
Posted by: Melody | July 09, 2009 at 06:41 AM
this looks great! I like the cover illustration too! :)
Posted by: Stephanie | July 09, 2009 at 06:44 AM
Hope you don't mind this long post, but a friend of mine, in Vernonia, has opened her own lavender farm, and you HAD asked for ideas near Portland... she's wonderful and has had this dream of this farm for a long time, so it would be great to support her:
Mosquito Lodge Lavender will be open starting on Friday, July 17th for U-Cut Lavender. U-Cut Lavender is $5 per bunch and we will also have lavender plants, dried lavender and crafts available.
The season schedule is Friday - Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, starting July 17th through August 2nd. Depending upon how the lavender matures, it might not last this long. Please call if you have any questions or if you would like to schedule another time to visit us.
We are hosting a Grand Opening on Saturday July 18th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Please join us for lavender themed snacks!
Mosquito Lodge Lavender
58329 Wilson Cutoff Road
Vernonia, OR 97064
503-429-0589
Directions: Hwy 47 to Timber Road, about 1/2 mile to Wilson Cutoff Rd and turn left. First house on the right, you can't miss the big barn. Come around back to see the lavender.
Molly
http://mollylee.etsy.com/
http://mollyleecards.blogspot.com/
Posted by: molly | July 09, 2009 at 06:46 AM
Oh my, a lavender festival? That sounds like heaven. I'm brewing a pot of lavender tea right now! Have fun!
Posted by: Ophélie | July 09, 2009 at 07:06 AM
Awesome find...sounds like the author is a modern "green" version of Emily Post. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Cat | July 09, 2009 at 07:07 AM
Awesome book! I've never head of it... *off to find one to buy*
Posted by: Stephanie | July 09, 2009 at 07:32 AM
This book looks and sounds absolutely stunning, I just have to get it...
Posted by: Linda | July 09, 2009 at 07:48 AM
I've read about this book but hadn't heard any reviews so thank you! I'm really looking forward to ordering one.
Posted by: hbic | July 09, 2009 at 07:53 AM
I just ordered a copy off of Microcosm Publishing. Only $7.88 with shipping! I cannot wait to get my copy. Thank you for the suggestion, Amy!
Posted by: Amy | July 09, 2009 at 07:54 AM
This reminds me very much of an old(er) hippy book -- also hand drawn and lettered --called Living on Earth. You might dig. Also smacks of the Moosewood Cookbook. It looks like an awesome book!
Posted by: amanda | July 09, 2009 at 08:04 AM
WOW - you should get kick backs on this one...I just bought a copy. Great review. Looks so fun - can't wait to get mine in the mail.
Posted by: Dayna | July 09, 2009 at 08:08 AM
I just ordered it. thanks!
Posted by: beth | July 09, 2009 at 08:12 AM
I just ordered this! I'm excited to receive it!
Posted by: DK | July 09, 2009 at 08:17 AM
What a cool book! I definitely want to get a copy for my home. Looking forward to hearing about the lavender fest!
Posted by: Emily | July 09, 2009 at 08:31 AM
love the zine! will totally pick one up.
thanks for the wonderful inspiration as usual :)
Posted by: beth | July 09, 2009 at 08:46 AM
wowza! i'm going to buy 1 for me, 1 for a friend's bday, and 1 for a friend's wedding. hooray for local!
Posted by: Liz | July 09, 2009 at 09:45 AM
That zine looks awesome.
I'm taking my two lovelies to the Helvetia Lavender Farm on Saturday morning.
http://www.helvetialavenderfarm.com/
Posted by: hayley | July 09, 2009 at 09:50 AM
I think the book was mentioned by Make Grow Gather: http://www.makegrowgather.com/posts/2009/4/9/this-is-like-crack-for-diy-ers.html
At least that's where I read about it.
Posted by: Jennifer O. | July 09, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Any you may have first seen this via Make, Grow, Gather a while back. I read her post, ordered this book and another Raleigh Briggs zine immediately, and have had one or the other practically glued to me ever since. I used her tips on antibacterial/antimicrobial essential oils to inform my choice of oils to include in batches of deodorant for my husband and me using your recipe. Thank you, we smell heavenly.
Posted by: em | July 09, 2009 at 10:47 AM
That book looks like a keeper! And have a blast at the Lavender Festival, can't think of a nicer place to spend time.
Posted by: Suzanne | July 09, 2009 at 11:14 AM
For those in Portland who want to Visit them, they move recently (By bike =) ) to a closer inner SE location.
833 SE Main St. #107
I <3 microcosim
Posted by: KJ | July 09, 2009 at 12:38 PM
Posted by: amy k. | July 09, 2009 at 12:42 PM
Thanks Amy! Just bought my copy from buyolympia.com and plan to make it to the Oregon Lavender Festival. Sounds like fun!
Posted by: Carmen | July 09, 2009 at 01:33 PM
Wow, mucho thanks to you Amy for this recommendation! I've been making quite a bit of my own cleaners and have completely delved into learning anything made at home - homemade goodness. I also do some aromatherapy, so I'm excited to check our her first aid zine. Tre' Cool Mama! I totally dig it :D
Posted by: MamaRose | July 09, 2009 at 03:18 PM
Amy- we have been to Mountainside for the Lavender Festival, the had a whole gamete of stuff.... music, food, u-cut...etc. My kids loved it.
hope to see you there!
Posted by: tif | July 09, 2009 at 04:10 PM
Posted by: amy k. | July 09, 2009 at 04:36 PM
"As someone who makes her own deodorant and underwear, I feel a urge to stalk this woman."
Great blog line!! Make me chuckle.
Posted by: Rebecca. | July 09, 2009 at 05:49 PM
Oooops! Made me chuckle. LOL.....
Posted by: Rebecca. | July 09, 2009 at 05:49 PM
Had to order the book and the other one, for like $1.00 on herbal healing (?)- so cool. Thanks for the tip on this book- it looks so good! Can't wait for it to get here....
Posted by: melissah. | July 09, 2009 at 08:47 PM
whooooo hand lettered?? Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: ning fathia | July 09, 2009 at 09:27 PM
Yup, I am going to have to get that book.
Posted by: Mychelle | July 09, 2009 at 10:13 PM
It's look like interesting book. May be I will get that book. Thank you for sharing
Posted by: bisovi | July 09, 2009 at 11:35 PM
Thanks! Sounds like a great book....I've just ordered a copy.
Posted by: Tricia | July 10, 2009 at 01:40 AM
I just ordered my copy. I'm giddy thinking about it. Thanks! The lavender fests sound wonderful. We don't have any I know of around here. Have fun!
Posted by: Carrie | July 10, 2009 at 07:33 AM
I *adore* hand-lettered books, what beautiful art. Always reminds me of Mollie Katzen's glorious cookbooks that I love to read like novels (novels with illustrations!!).
Posted by: Amy | July 10, 2009 at 08:01 AM
i saw it at the makegrowgather blog...she features great stuff. now i really have to get it.
Posted by: mamie | July 10, 2009 at 01:43 PM
What a clever and oddly comforting title...I've always loved the term nesting.
Posted by: Laura | July 10, 2009 at 08:51 PM
Just bought it. And I never just buy things like that....but I couldn't help myself, it is too beautiful, and only $7. Can't wait to have it in my hands.
Posted by: Ellie | July 10, 2009 at 09:17 PM
I'm going to get one for myself, + 10 more for gifts! Great price, really. I think I may love the layout even more than the contents - genius!
Posted by: Leslie | July 10, 2009 at 09:35 PM
My daughter and I were driving home after taking a clay class in Dallas last week. We spotted a
lavendar farm on the way home called Lavendar Lake and though small it was very nice, they even have their own distillery. In addition to the U-cut lavendar we also had to try the lavendar brownies and cookie too. Oh and the Lavendar honey is great! Its probably too far from you but if anyone is in the Salem Monmouth Dallas area ( McMinnville too ) it would be worth a stop!
Posted by: ann | July 10, 2009 at 09:43 PM
must. buy. this. book.
Posted by: stacey | July 11, 2009 at 06:56 AM
Posted by: amy k. | July 11, 2009 at 09:34 AM
Wow, you should really get a cut! I just ordered my copy too--that was an easy sell. Thanks for the recommendation!
Posted by: molly! | July 12, 2009 at 05:09 AM
Hey, thanks for the shout-out! This is Kelly from Make Grow Gather. I do love that book madly. And, of course, this blog too!
Posted by: Kelly | July 13, 2009 at 02:06 PM
FYI, the effects of your blog are evident on Amazon.com. On the "Make Your Place" listing, the "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought" section includes that cherry pitter you recommended and the "Rustic Fruit Desserts" cookbook. Way to go, trendsetter...
Posted by: Dana | July 13, 2009 at 06:35 PM
Okay - I bought the book on your recommendation and my d-i-l promptly stole it from me. How dare she!?! Seriously, I'm so happy she did because I've been dripping on her for years about what she uses in the home as well as in and on their bodies, including my grandchildren's. I'm ecstactically happy to have to buy another book. Thanks for the recommendation.
Posted by: Its_Lily | July 15, 2009 at 09:01 AM
what a joy that i landed on this post.
i'm always looking for creative ways that folks manage free-range chickens and your blog somehow came up.
not much farming info here but i ended up learning about "nesting skills" instead!
thanks for sharing this wonderful book and, by the way, your blog is beautiful.
Posted by: free range chickens | July 19, 2009 at 06:58 AM
After reading this post I ordered the book. I'm loving it!! Thanks for the suggestion :)
Posted by: Amy | July 19, 2009 at 07:45 AM
I'll have to get that. I love your shop!!!
Posted by: susan the shoppe owner | July 21, 2009 at 05:13 PM
Thanks for the tip on the book, I ordered one and it came right away, and it is indeed adorable and useful!
Posted by: Shadowgoddess13 | July 29, 2009 at 03:28 PM
Oh! I've had hir herbal first aid zine forever. I think I traded for it at a zine fair
I would do anything to go to a lavender fest. maybe i'll fly out to Ore. for it next year
I didn't realize you liked zines. I have a zine: faerygrrrl.com/zine1.html It's all USPS, bikes, and love. but then again, i guess you live in oregon, and it's a state requirement, right? Live there, like zines
Posted by: miss fae | July 29, 2009 at 05:45 PM
Went to the Microcosm store here in Portland to pick up this book, such a cool little shop. Thanks for the recommendation!
Posted by: Keatra | August 02, 2009 at 10:38 AM
I bought this book (postage free at amazon.de) because of your description here and I am really happy about it. The drawings inside are really inspiring and I learned a whole bunch of new english words and also already bought hydrogen peroxide and used baking soda for my hair wash. Boy that book sure started to change my life already. And my penfriend in Richmond/Virginia also ordered it because I told her about it. Thank you for recommending it here, without you, I would never have come across it and neither would have she. Thank you Amy.
Posted by: Elisa | August 20, 2009 at 06:20 AM
Hey thanks for sharing this fantastic blog with us, i am glad to be here because i am addicted to a good novel books and i get one overhere only. Today only i purchase this book and give you the review of this book tom or the day after tom ok..
Posted by: disques durs externes | September 12, 2009 at 12:50 AM