The new year often brings the desire to learn something new. Granted, this past year a lot of us have tried a new hobby more than once while we've been sheltering in place in our own homes. Anything to pass the time, right? If your sourdough starter has started to lose its pizzazz, or if that ukulele you bought in April has started collecting dust, perhaps it is the right time to try something new. Here are a few books to highlight some hobbies that might be worth giving the old college try.
Choose Your New Hobby Adventure With One of These Titles!
Baking with Kim-Joy by Kim-Joy
Kim-Joy is best known for being a finalist on series 9 of Great British Bake Off. Her whimsical creations won her the hearts of viewers and judges alike. Her style was unlike anything seen on GBBO before: carefully molded birds, perfectly piped foxes, and a beautifully designed self-portrait made from entirely edible frosted biscuits. If you're looking to challenge your sugar work and your piping, you'll find no better teacher than Kim-Joy. You'll wow your family (and close friends at a safe distance), not to mention your Instagram followers, with your fantastic new creations.
The Ultimate Fluid Pouring & Painting Project Book by Jane Monteith
If you're interested in something other than painting and pottery, but looking for something truly unique? The projects in this book are incredible and most definitely worth a try. This is a beginner's guide, as well as a guide for experienced artists, too, starting with the variety of tools and solutions needed, and the techniques involved for creating beautiful colors, designs, and textures on a variety of surfaces. Check out the author's own work to get an idea of what is possible with this new kind of mixed media art.
Everyday Bicycling: How to Ride A Bike for Transportation (whatever your Lifestyle) by Elly Blue
I noticed that during this pandemic there were fewer cars on the road, which made bicycling to work that much more attractive. Cycling can be a fun and enjoyable hobby. If you're interested in getting out on your bike more for those small and limited errands around town, this book will help you gain the confidence and knowledge to get on that bike. Not only does this cover the basic street smarts and rules of the road, but it also provides guidance for finding the right bike and even how to dress for bike and work!
The Food Lover's Garden by Jenni Blackmore
Are you a hobby gardener with vegetables and herbs you aren't sure what to do with? Are you a hobby cook who wishes they had more ready access to their favorite ingredients? Both can find a new friend with this helpful guide for not only growing vegetables and herbs, but what you can do with your bounty when it's harvest time. Even if you're just starting out, this book could be invaluable for growing and cooking healthy homegrown meals for you and yours.
If you're looking for even more inspiration for a new hobby this new year, beyond the books in our collection, head over to our eResources page and click on the Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center. There you'll find numerous online articles, magazines, and ebooks on a vast variety of hobbies and crafts.
Remember, you can place holds on the books listed above for pickup at your nearest Express Pickup Location, and check out more books on a variety of hobbies that just might interest you to try in 2021 on our Staff Picks list of new hobbies to try.
Have fun and Happy New Year!
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