Do It Yourself: 50 Projects by Designers and Artists

by Thomas Bärnthaler

50 of the world's most exciting designers and visionary artists have devised simple objects that anyone can make at home.

Do It Yourself collects 50 simple, beautiful projects by the world's best designers and artists. From lamps and tables to toys and chairs, all items can be constructed using basic tools and everyday items, making designer classics from the everyday. Each project is illustrated with full color photographs of the finished piece and all tools and materials required to make it, in addition to hand-drawn illustrations for the step-by-step instructions. Text for each object describes the design concept and gives a bio for the designer plus the price of materials and time to complete.

The book features designers and artists from all over the globe and from a variety of disciplines, including Konstantin Grcic, Rafael Horzon, Hella Jongerius, Sarah Sze, and Ai Weiwei.

This book offers readers affordable access to world-class design – as well as hours of fun – and will inspire young designers for years to come.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 14, 2015

Reviews

[Russ · Rating 1 out of 5]

My seven-year-old has more creativity and design sense than this euro-hipster collection of precious crafts. On the up side: it could be a tie-in to Portlandia if it showed any sense of humor.

[Steele Anderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could give zero stars I would. Beautifuly published book with great instructions, but I've seen children with more artistic talent than these university degree "artists". There is close to zero technique or skill to any of these "designs". If you're considering art school to become an artist this book is proof that it's a waste of time and money. You're better off spending the time on YouTube learning from Tom Sachs or even looking into the design of great artists and designers like Ray and Charles Eames, DaVinci, George Nakashima, Frank lloid Write, and Eero saarinin. What a waste of paper and time this book was.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like the minimalist style then theses are great diy projects.

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such cool projects that got me to know some relevant designers

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some are cool. some are elegant. some are really hum drum and made me wonder how they made it into the book. The instructions are not worth much; I would need very many skills to be able to achieve the projects. But bookshelves are not on my list.