A Handmade Cottage

The book offers a variety of projects and ideas for every room in the house using simple craft and DIY techniques. Almost everything can be made by an absolute beginner, yet there are also inspiring projects that will appeal to the more skilled crafter. From candles and lampshades to dressers and curtains, there's a range of projects and an introduction to some of the most useful DIY techniques, such as sanding, sewing and painting.

Restoring old furniture, repurposing forgotten fabrics, decorating your home using whatever nature has to offer ­- it's possible to create a picture-perfect cottage frugally and simply with some creative ideas and a little DIY know-how. Jodie May Seymour has transformed her English country cottage on a tight budget and created an idyllic home for her family.

With a recent, sharp increase in people leaving town for country, especially younger professionals, there's a particular interest in cottage chic and of course sustainability through upcycling and repurposing.