'It is more motivating to make something that you genuinely desire, to create an object that you want in your home. The things we choose to have around us say something about who we are, but things we have made ourselves do that even more strongly. I want every project in the book to be something that the reader wants to make, to work really well in use and be something that can be proudly shown to others.'

This book is aimed at people who are engaged in a career, but looking to learn a physical craft to balance out their lives and make nice things for their home into the bargain.

Offering a series of desirable projects that all relate to each other, use the same small collection of tools and gradually build your skills and tool collection as you progress. The projects are backed up by sections about wood, design, and tools - including fixing up old tools as this is one of my specialities. The book uses mainly hand tools as they create less mess, take up less room, are quieter and offer less potential danger than power tools.

The projects range in size and skill level and are designed to made at home.