By Diana Wenger, Grand Rapids Public Library, West Leonard Branch

Have you been hanging on to that old window because you know it can be used to create something special, or the few pieces of tile left over from your last home improvement project “just in case”? Then this is the book for you. This Old House Salvage-Style Projects by Amy Hughes, editor of the magazine This Old House provides some wonderful ideas and projects to keep you busy for seasons to come. Projects range from re-purposing a medicine cabinet to making a headboard out of an old door. Great photographs illustrate the step-by-step directions.

The 22 ideas for using old house parts have the potential for keeping you occupied for many hours. Ideas include using old metal door handles to create a coat rack, making a stained glass window into a door for a wall cabinet, and creating a picture frame out of a salvaged wood window. These projects show you how to create new functional pieces for your house. Each project includes a list of resources needed to complete the project.

If you’re ready to re-purpose some of the items you have been holding on to or just like to recycle what you find, this book offers ideas to get you started on salvage-style projects that you can use in and around your house. Included in the book are tips for installing your own vintage house parts, tips for finding pieces to re-purpose at salvage yards and reuse centers, and what you need to set your own workshop.