DigeeBooks

Over 200,000 copies sold—fully updated! Dye your own wool, raise chickens, make your own cheddar cheese, build a log cabin, and much much more.Anyone who wants to learn basic living skills—the kind employed by our forefathers—and adapt them for a better life in the twenty-first century need look no further than this eminently useful, full-color guide.Countless readers have turned to Back to Basics for inspiration and instruction, escaping to an era before power saws and fast-food restaurants and rediscovering the pleasures and challenges of a healthier, greener, and more self-sufficient lifestyle.Now newly updated, the hundreds of projects, step-by-step sequences, photographs, charts, and illustrations in Back to Basics will help you dye your own wool with plant pigments, graft trees, raise chickens, craft a hutch table with hand tools, and make treats such as blueberry peach jam and cheddar cheese. The truly ambitious will find instructions on how to build a log cabin or an adobe brick homestead.More than just practical advice, this is also a book for dreamers—even if you live in a city apartment, you will find your imagination sparked, and there’s no reason why you can’t, for example, make a loom and weave a rag rug. Complete with tips for old-fashioned fun (square dancing calls, homemade toys, and kayaking tips), this may be the most thorough book on voluntary simplicity available.

Journey into the realm of traditional skills with "Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills," an indispensable resource that guides you through an array of practical and time-honored techniques. This comprehensive guide delves into a vast spectrum of traditional skills, encompassing everything from homesteading and gardening to crafting and woodworking.

As you flip through the pages of this book, you'll discover a treasure trove of knowledge that spans generations. Learn how to cultivate a sustainable lifestyle, with chapters dedicated to gardening, foraging, and animal husbandry. Master the art of preserving food through canning, pickling, and smoking, ensuring a bountiful supply of homemade delicacies.

Unleash your inner artisan with detailed instructions on crafting, woodworking, and metalworking. Transform raw materials into beautiful and functional objects, whether it's a handcrafted piece of furniture, a rustic knife, or a delicate piece of jewelry. The book provides step-by-step tutorials, accompanied by clear illustrations, making it accessible even for beginners.

Step back in time and explore the intricacies of traditional building techniques, such as cob construction, timber framing, and stone masonry. Learn how to construct sturdy and eco-friendly structures that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. Immerse yourself in the world of traditional textiles, delving into the art of spinning, weaving, and dyeing. Discover the joy of creating unique and timeless fabrics.

"Back to Basics" not only equips you with practical skills but also connects you with the wisdom and ingenuity of our ancestors. It's an invitation to embrace a simpler, more self-reliant lifestyle, while preserving valuable traditions for generations to come. Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just starting your journey towards a more sustainable life, this book is an invaluable guide that will empower you with the knowledge and skills to thrive in any situation.