One of our favorite design book publishers, Phaidon, recently collaborated with Thomas Bärnthaler, the design editor of Süddeutsche Zeitung, on the book Do It Yourself, which contains 50 DIY projects devised by famous designers and artists. According to Phaidon, the book “redefines DIY for the Ikea generation,” presenting easy-to-make projects anyone can tackle at home. The 224-page book includes a photographic list of tools you’ll need, plus a materials list for each project, along with details of the cost and time frame.
Here are a few favorite DIY projects from the book.

Above: Each project comes with a biography of the designer and a description of the inspiration behind the idea and design. Shown here is a spread of Michael Anastassiades’ seed germinator project, called Floating Forest. Photograph courtesy of Michael Anastassiades.
Above: Every project includes hand-drawn, step-by-step illustrations and photography. Shown here are the instructions for creating the Floating Forest project by Anastassiades, courtesy of Michael Anastassiades.

Above: The Floating Forest by Anastassiades. Photograph courtesy of Michael Anastassiades.

Above: Gesa Hansen’s Precious Light. (For more on Hansen, see our post, A Scandi Furniture Designer at Home in Paris.) Photograph by Sorin Morar.

Above: The components needed to complete Hansen’s Precious Light project. Photograph by Sorin Morar.

Above: The Branch Lamp, a pendant...