Originally published in 1939, this decorating how-to manual was penned by Dorothy Draper, a famed interior decorator in the '30s and '40s known for her bold designs and colors. The reissued version carries all the pizzazz of the time — as Draper declares, "the drab age is over!" — and offers a host of both timeless and charmingly dated nuggets of decorating wisdom.

-LS

It's 2007. Weren't we supposed to have jetpacks by now? Robotist Daniel Wilson laments the space vacations, robot assistants, and unitards that never materialized with the millennium, offering this book as a guide to find, build, steal, or patent your own technology.

-EMM

From pillows to bags and wall organizers, Lotta Jansdotter shares 24 sewing projects that even the most thread-shy can conquer. The patterns are simple and colorful, with easy-to-follow directions and plenty of room to improvise.

-LS

Channel your DIY impulses into home and wardrobe embellishments with the aid of the gurus from Craft magazine. The current Japanese style issue illustrates how to create your own Zen garden pot (complete with mossy patina), add Japanese punk flair to your daily garb, and personalize jewelry with your favorite stones.

-HGM

Comedian Amy Sedaris offers a kitschy how-to for any reluctant hostess — predominantly compiled of actual recipes, including one for her Li'l Smokey Cheeseballs, but also spiced with wacky tips for every step of party planning and garnished on the side with photographs of her in whipped-cream bikinis.

-EMM