Hobbies are activities you do in your leisure time for enjoyment, and they can be just about anything. From a sport, to knitting, to painting, or even building things try a new hobby, or reacquaint yourself with an old favorite.


Compiled by:
Elizabeth G.
The Art & Craft of the Blacksmith: techniques and inspiration for the modern smith

Robert Thomas
682 Tho

The Art and Craft of the Blacksmith is an introduction to the tools, techniques, and traditions every modern smith needs to know. This title includes projects from fundamental skills to advanced forging as well as a gallery showcasing inspiring artists using innovative techniques today.


Basic Illustrated Edible Wild Plants and Useful Herbs

Jim Meuninck
581.632 Meu

Discover how to identify and gather more than 100 of the most nutritious wild plants and useful herbs in the contiguous United States, prepare delicious recipes using your wild harvest, determine the identity of poisonous plants and poisonous look-alikes, and take charge of your personal health by making wild plants and herbs a part of your diet.


Build-it-Yourself Birdhouses: 25+ DIY birdhouses and bird feeders

Chris Peterson
598.0723 Pet

Home improvement pro Chris Peterson shares a variety of creative designs for birdhouses and bird feeders that are approachable for beginning woodworkers, and includes customizations for more skilled carpenters. Once you’ve built your bird home enjoy watching local birds appreciate your design.


Calligraphy: a guide to classic lettering

Margaret Morgan
745.61 Mor

This title introduces the basic pen strokes, the most frequently used scripts, and guidelines for writing each one, with 12 step-by-step projects. Useful tips include everything from ruling up to write, letter spacing, sharpening nibs, and essential design skills to experimenting with unusual new tools techniques.


Chinese, Celtic & Ornamental Knots for Beaded Jewelry

Suzen Millodot
745.942 Mil

Use traditional decorative knotwork with beads and pendants to create over 40 projects.  This title includes information about the historical origins of the knots used, the materials and equipment needed, and techniques for weaving the knots.


LEGO Micro Cities: build your own mini metropolis!

Jeff Friesen
688.725 Fri

Relive your childhood with this illustrated guide to recreating classic architectural styles using only LEGO bricks. The author includes suggestions for how to customize the buildings and create something completely new.


Making Marbled Paper: paint techniques & patterns for classic & modern marbleizing on paper & silk

Heather RJ Fletcher
745.72 Fle

Fletcher provides step-by-step instructions on how to create marbled paper and silk projects based on the four basic marble patterns. Learn to create marbled designs for home décor, clothing, stationery, ceramics, and more.


Statement Macramé: create stunning large-scale wall art, headboards, backdrops and plant hangers with step-by-step tutorials

Natalie Ranae
746.4222 Ran

Natalie Ranae is renowned for her large custom designs and guides you step by step through 12 amazing pieces. From floor-to-ceiling backdrops for your special event to impressive wall art and multi-plant hangers for your home, these designs are big, bold, beautiful and guaranteed to make an unforgettable statement in any space.


Storey's Curious Compendium of Practical and Obscure Skills: 214 things you can actually learn how to do
- How-To Experts at Storey Publishing
646.7 Sto

Have you ever wondered how to capture a swarm of bees? Predict the weather by the clouds? Darn a pair of socks? Anyone curious about the myriad ways people have taught themselves to make, grow, and build things will find everything they’ve ever wondered about in this colorful book. This title contains useful and intriguing visual tutorials including how to carve a turkey, create a butterfly garden, set up a dog agility course, keep a nature sketchbook, navigate by the stars, and more.


Vibrant Punch Needle Décor: adorn your home with colorful florals & geometric patterns

Melissa Lowry
746.44 Low

Melissa Lowry shows readers how to embellish their home with the quick and easy art of punch needle embroidery. This title provides patterns and simple step-by-step instructions to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Unlike traditional embroidery, knitting and crochet, there are no complicated stitches or special techniques. Slip the yarn into the needle and punch through the fabric to create a textured design. 


The Wild Dyer: a maker's guide to natural dyes with projects to create and stitch

Abigail Booth
667.2 Boo

Onion and avocado skins, chamomile and birch bark, and nettles and acorns can produce lovely, ethereal colors and effects. The Wild Dyer demystifies this eco-conscious art, focusing on foraging and growing dying materials. Easy-to-follow instructions illustrate how to make eight household items, from a drawstring bag to a gardener's smock and a reversible patchwork blanket.


Woven Art: 15 modern weaving projects for you and your home

Elena Vilar
746.14 Vil

Learn how to create 15 woven masterpieces with a modern twist from a professional weaver. Follow the illustrated techniques section at the beginning of the book to master the basics before you delve into Elena's simple yet sophisticated designs. Discover how to make a cardboard loom, thread a shop-bought loom, dye wool using natural dyes, make homemade jersey yarn, wind pompoms.