Designing, Creating, and Working with raw materials are some of my favourite things to do, This Blog looks at some of the most influential and useful books included within our Crafted Landscapes library. If you have an interest in Woodland Crafts, Landscaping, Cabin Porn or Tree houses, then please read on to find 8 information packed, and easy to read books for you to learn new skills, dream up ideas, and mesmerise over out of this world architectural creations.
by Ben Law
If you are a fan of Channel 4s Grand Designs, then you may have heard of Ben Law, Master Craftsman. He featured on the popular Architectural series which followed his amazing achievements, that being the creation of a bespoke built, Chestnut, "A" framed home, beautifully located within a West Sussex woodland setting. After feeling immensely inspired by his hand made creation, I felt obliged and excited to purchase his book "Ben Law, Woodland Craft"
Whether your a complete novice or professional Craft enthusiast, this book is a must have. It starts by displaying Common UK trees, how to identify them, and what there uses are within Woodland Craft building projects. There are plentiful images and photographs detailing how to build your own handmade items, some of which I have done so my self. Such craft projects include Spoon Carving, Basket Building, Tree felling and for the more ambitious, Yurt construction. Its a guide book that makes you feel back in touch with nature.
Simple but informative explanations combined with clear illustrations and imagery, Overall this book is a must have for any outdoor enthusiasts looking to get hands on and creative.
With heaps of information and inspiring projects waiting to be discovered, this review is merely a sneak peak into what the book really offers !
by RHS
I purchased this Book whilst visiting Wakehurst Place and Botanical Gardens in West Sussex. As the title suggests, its a comprehensive guide into, Planning, Building and planting your perfect outdoor Space.
If you didn't already know, CL Offer Landscape and Garden Design services, we can always rely on using this book for inspiration or helping a client understand the fundamentals of garden architecture. The RHS Encyclopedia will help guide both professionals and novice enthusiasts looking to re imagine a new flower bed or re invent an entire outdoor space. The Book beautifully illustrates a plethora of Garden Portfolios that you can mix n match ideas from. I personally discovered varying new materials that I had previously not heard of, or discovered working in the industry.
With a handy visual dictionary and coverage of all the latest gardening trends, this book combines style with substance to guide you as you plant your perfect outdoor space.
Its the type of guide book that you can go back to time and time again for reference or inspiration, learning something new every time.
by Robert Penn
The Title and front cover images say it all, I received this book as a Christmas Present, If you, or somebody you know like making "things" out of trees, Then check out this delightful and fun book. An exuberant tale of craftsmanship for nature lovers and rugged outdoor types everywhere Robert Penn cut down an ash tree to see how many things could be made from it.
a Catapult, Axe, Baseball Bat, Arrow, Bowl, Spoon, you get the picture...
by Ben Law
As you can see, Crafted Landcaspes are a big fan of Ben Law, After purchasing his Woodland Crafts book as recommended above, We looked to see what else was on offer. Spending time in the great outdoors is a big passion of mine, I find it refreshing, inspiring and intimate. This Book is all of those things compiled into one.
It is rare to find somebody that successfully Practices Round Wood Timber Framing. It is a skilled, relatively complex and time consuming traditional construction method that Ben Law has become renowned for.
If you are a woodsman, Builder, Architect, Planning consultant, Carpenter or just passionate about sustainable building and traditional construction skills, this book will be for you! Full of photographs, detailed drawings and plans that demonstrate innovative ideas with regards to building durable, ecological, and bespoke built round wood timber buildings. Learn more from the Master Craftsmen, Ben Law.
by Roger Sweetinburgh
A charity shop buy for me ! If, like many of us, You are restricted for garden space, it is essential to make the most of every square metre available. If you are planning a Small garden makeover, then this book will provide you with some very helpful information with regards to designing, constructing and planting your outdoor havens.
Featuring over 15 detailed garden plans, this book shows how to turn even the most challenging site into an attractive garden with design solutions, imaginative planting ideas and construction details.
6. Cabin Porn by Zach Klein
I love designing and building with materials that are sustainable, and in-keeping with a projects surrounding context. Cabin Porn collates a vast array of bespoke built structures, often built through innovation and up-cycling creativity, Zach Klien will have you smiling with joy.
If you live in the city, then sometimes the fast paced lifestyle can make you feel detached from the natural world.
Find a quite place somewhere, and Grab this book, feel the architectural pleasure pouring out of every page.
Cabin Porn will enlighten and inspire you, with hand made houses, simply crafted for a slower, more relaxed outlook on life. After reading this, Your be upping the concrete jungle and heading to the woods!
by E. Ashley Rooney
I personally ordered this book, Just before attending a Job Interview for Blue Forest Architecture, I thought it would be wise to purchase Tree Houses Re imagined and learn a bit about what this fantastic company get up too. With 28 luxurious retreats wonderfully detailed and displayed with photographs and architectural plans, This inspirational book is second to none if your looking to reconsider the possibilities of building up in the canopies.
A few buzz words that will help you get into whats on offer here -
Zip lines
Fairy Tale Towers
Crows Nests
Whimsical Stairways
Suspended Rope Bridges
Thatched roofs
Oak Shingles
Cedar Tongue and groove interiors
Sustainable construction
Overall this magical book will be loved by kids and adults, even if you don't have a space to design or site a tree house, the creativity found within will inspire you to get outdoors.
PS. If your wondering? I never got the Job at Blue Forest !
by Max Bainbridge
A good friend of mine recommended this book after I showed a keen interest in trying his forest school activities, more specifically, spoon carving.
Eager to get going, I sat in front of our log burner at home, with my book, knives, piece of apple wood, and large dust sheet to collect the shavings ! I started to follow the step by step photography guide. I Couldn't believe how satisfying and therapeutic I found hand carving a spoon. before I knew it I had created a very usable and elegant spoon like object.
Whether your a novice or experienced carver I think this book will inspire you to make something that you will be proud of.
Conclusion
This Blog post has looked into some of Crafted Landscapes favourite reads held within our library. As we all know, the world has gone digital mad ! Sometimes getting back to nature and simplicity can do the human mind a world of good. So get offline and outdoors, re-landscape your garden, Carve a wooden spoon or just indulge on some of the amazing architectural projects featured within these reads.
Whether or not you have been inspired by any of our suggested titles, leave us a comment, Like and share this post, and feel free to visit any other of our social media platforms, for all round outdoor beauty and more creative design, PLEASE VISIT craftedlandscapes.