When people find we’re designing a cabin, the questions progress in a certain order. Spike Carlsen is known for woodworking books like The Backyard Homestead Book of Building Projects and Woodworking FAQ. His new book,  Cabin Lessons, isn’t a woodworking how-to; it’s an honest … Read More

You can use this multipurpose tote for ferrying tools into the garden or woods and for carrying berries, vegetables, and mushrooms back out. It’s lightweight and easy to sling over one shoulder so that both hands are free for carrying or picking. And it’s large … Read More

I can’t precisely pinpoint the first time I dumpster-dived, but I know I started young. My parents added on to our home six times when I was growing up, and there was an ever-changing set of crews reconfiguring walls, adding a porch, or fixing the … Read More

Cabin Lessons: A Nail-by-Nail Tale, my latest book, explores the journey our family embarked upon while building a cabin on the north shore of Lake Superior. The cabin was built fewer than 10 years ago — yet some parts are more than … Read More

Where Does Your Water Come From? I grew up with a neighborhood water supply in Northern California. An artesian spring filled a storage tank that fed a dozen houses on our country road. If a neighbor left the hose on all night, or if a … Read More

You want to declutter your home. I know you do. I also know that the hardest part is getting started. So I’ve come up with five things you can do to declutter, organize, and simplify your life — without even getting out of your seat. Read More

What is it about hosting a gathering at home that illuminates every speck of dirt, fingerprint-marred window, and layer of dust? Surely you know this phenomenon: you think your home is in decent shape for an upcoming brunch or dinner party until, in the light … Read More

Keep Out, by Lee Mothes, is a step-by-step guide to building your own backyard clubhouse. Lee recently shared Leslie’s work on his blog, The Clubhouse Builder, where he reminds readers that everyone needs a space to call their own. Take it away Leslie! My … Read More

This year, my husband, Adam, and I decided on a unique vacation: hoping that someday we’d be able to assist in building our own house, we signed up to take a timber framing course at The Heartwood School for the Homebuilding Crafts in … Read More

Renewable Habits Put technology to work for you, but don’t expect technology to do it all. Living with renewable energy is about living within the means that nature provides. Adopt renewable habits, such as “one person, one light,” and simply be aware of all energy … Read More