Tsia Carson's Craftivity: 40 Projects for the DIY Lifestyle is brimming with clever ideas for transforming the worn-out (old t-shirts become panties), the almost-ruined (a moth-eaten sweater is salvaged via red embroidery thread and an abstract design sensibility), and the nearly-trash (a reusable tote crocheted from plastic grocery bags). Its attitude is infectious, too -- after only a few pages, you should be itching to visit a local thrift store, the back of your closet, or the dumpster behind your apartment for interesting (and free) supplies.

Craftivity highlights projects that draw inspiration from everyday refuse, with many innovative how-tos for all skill levels. As a bonus, the easy stuff isn't boring or obvious. (Because one is going to fall in love with crafting while knitting one more plain, solid-colored scarf.) Carson's take on an "easy" scarf is simpler, quicker, and more beautiful than a standard beginning pattern. This theme runs throughout the book: turning familiar ideas into fresh, engaging ones.

Tsia Carson is the head editor at Supernaturale, and a partner at FLAT, a multi-disciplinary design firm based in New York.

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