I have watched Max McMurdo often on British television, and love the recycle project he come up with - some of which are extremely clever and require great deal of time and skill. This book is written in his very engaging style, simple projects, but something for everyone to get stuck into to.
There are step by step photos that accompany the explanation for each project, a little less that will end up in landfill, and a fun result.
The last chapter is about tools and tips and tricks about upcycling outdoors which I found really good. Looking forward to more books from this very talented man

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book through Net Galley. I really enjoyed it, but found it had limited use for me personally.

Pros:

There are really cool projects in here. Some of my favorites were the toolbox barbecue, bicycle picnic set, pallet play tent, three door potting shed, and the giant domino set.

It is FULL of detailed instructions and full color photos.

The author is knowledgeable and really likeable. His voice comes through in the projects and his enthusiasm is contagious.

I love the focus on reusing instead of buying new. Not only does this keep old items out of landfills, but it reduces our need for mass marketed new items that use up resources and saves money (often).

The projects are whimsical and attractive. The three-door potted shed alone is worth the cost of the book if you're handy enough to make one (and he helps you be that handy pretty easily).

Cons:

You'll still need to source the materials, which went against what I was specifically looking for. For instance, he has a hanging gutter garden that's really sweet, but he tells you where to buy the gutters and end caps and then you need to fill it with specific types of plants like succulents. Is it a darling project? Yes. Do I have any of the items needed in my overfilled house or garage? Nope. Do I want to go buy more stuff to repurpose it? No.

A lot of the projects are just too high of a learning curve for me. I love that he teaches you how to do them, but I'm not looking to master that much construction skill personally. I'm looking more for simple inspirations to reuse things with pretty minimal skills (painting, sanding, screwing, tying, nailing, sawing wood but not necessarily copper pipe and such...).

The projects tend to be a fair amount of work. Are they worth it for the end result? Probably for sure. But as a working, homeschooling mom of 5, I don't have that much time to spend making projects even if they're awesome projects. I personally am more interested in much more short, easy projects and information on how to make those items weatherproof for outside.

All that said, it's still a fantastic book. The projects really are brilliant and fun, and the author is a delight.

Some lovely ideas in this book and all the instructions were very clear. I have my eye on the pallet play house and I'm hopeful that I will get a bit of help from my husband to make one this summer.

There was apart at the end about finishes, Varnishes and weatherproofing that I found very helpful some very simple tips that can make the world of difference when finishing off an item!

This is a really good book with some great hints and tips. I love the pallet tent and suitcase planter, I'd like to try these myself. The photographs really help you to see how the finishes product will look and the instructions and tips are all really helpful throughout.

4.5 Stars!! Such cute ideas in this book! I have a few things I want to try! The instructions are easy to follow & the photos are really helpful! Towards the back of the book the author has tips & techniques and a glossary of different tools. Very informative & easy to follow!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*