Back to Basics Handbook

Many families have made the life-changing decision to experience life afresh through self-sufficient living. Though this lifestyle holds a certain mystique, many of the skills needed for success were once common knowledge. This handbook is designed to give you the knowledge base for a thriving lifestyle of simplicity. It covers topics such as buying and building on the land (ie. log cabin, stone house, and raising a barn); gaining energy from natural resources (ie. wood, water, wind, and solar power); raising livestock; and growing/preserving fruits and vegetables. It also teaches household skills and crafts, including creating natural dyes, spinning, tanning, leatherwork, soap making, candle making and basketry. Each section provides background information, "how to" details, and user-friendly illustrations. This is a condensed version of Back to the Basics: (#000743).

If you're wondering which Back to the Basics resource is the best for your family, the Complete Guide covers the above information as well as additional instructions for Adobe style homes and log building kits; building saunas and hot-tubs; how to build a fireplace; creating herb gardens and herbal medicine; regional recipes including beverages; quilting and making hook rugs and braided rugs, plus a section on recreation at home and in the wild. While both are valuable to families seeking simplicity in their lives, many will find this condensed version to be less overwhelming and easy to use. Detailed Index. 268 pgs, pb. ~ Deanne