Made by Hand :: Mark Frauenfelder- a review and give-away

 A while back, I was contacted by Penguin to see if I was interested in receiving an advanced copy of a soon to be released book. I've been asked to review quite a few books this year, which is very exciting but I'm extremely selective. The title: Made by Hand- Searching for Meaning in a Throwaway World hooked me in an instant. The author, Mark Frauenfelder, is none other than the founder of the mega blog: Boing Boing and Editor in Chief of Make. I figured he must have an interesting perspective on the DIY culture and handmade movement... and wasn't disappointed. I assumed that the book would be a how to of sorts by a leading maker/ creative. The reality is that Mark had little or no experience before writing about the various projects he tackles: from urban chicken farming, beekeeping, and growing food to making cigar box guitars and hacking his espresso maker (to name a few). He takes the reader along on his journey as he embraces a slower, more hands on approach to life... and shares his foibles and self doubts on the way. Mark's successes had me cheering him on as if he were my favorite next door neighbor. I don't know if it was his simple egoless honesty or the fluidity of his writing, but I felt as if I was hanging out on his back porch listening to him tell stories as he whittled a wooden spoon (another handmade project featured). One of the most interesting aspects of Made By Hand is the extensive research covering each topic, along with the fascinating "alpha makers" that are profiled, to give you real insight into each subject. Because of my own lifestyle and the DIY family I was born into,  I could relate to so much within the pages, but I think anyone would find this a can't put down kind of book. Rich, thought provoking and utterly readable!
Mark was kind enough to take some time to talk to me (via phone), and here's a little summary of some of the highlights of our conversation:
-The DIY movement was gaining in popularity well before the economic downturn, maybe as a reaction to materialism and consumerism. Do you think that the drive to make things is influenced more by necessity now?  
Yes, but not what usually comes to mind when we think of necessities. Doing/making things yourself is still often more expensive, but it's just so much more satisfying. The amount of gratification, plus hours spent pursuing a new passion make for a new kind of equation. In a time when costly leisure pursuits(travel, etc.) are falling by the wayside, spending free time creating, building, fixing things is the least expensive hobby you can have.

- Resourcefulness and invention were part and parcel of other eras. How does and/or will technology interact with the new culture of invention?  
It's tremendously beneficial as a source of info and even better for connecting to other people with similar interests and ideas. Within 15 seconds of going on-line you can find an evolution of plans, ideas, iterations on designs to make and/or perfect anything at all. People love to show off what they can do, it's simply human nature. The internet creates the perfect platform for this.

-One of my favorite parts of the book was hearing your process, both trial and error, as you tried something new. You discussed the importance of getting over the fear of making mistakes. How has that changed the way you approach a new project?
The defining characteristics I learned from experienced DIYers were:

• make lots of mistakes
• laugh about them
• learn from each attempt 

Items made by hand hold little expressions of yourself. "Once I discovered how much fun it was to become active in the process of making, maintaining, and  modifying the things I use and consume every day, the little flaws, quirks, and imperfections in my handiwork stopped becoming shameful and instead felt like badges of honor."  - page 30 from chapter 1 The Courage to Screw Things Up

Thank you Mark for a great chat and a fabulous new book that will  inspire and celebrate the creative urges in all of us!

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I'm happy to say that Penguin sent me an extra copy to give away to one of you. If you'd like a chance to own one of my new favorite books, Made By Hand, please leave a comment within this post by Monday 5 pm EST. I'll announce the winner on Tuesday morning. Good luck and happy weekend!