Cynthia writes,"My new obsession is those old vintage Sunset DIY home design books form the 70s. 
I saw a bunch of good ones on Ebay today and thought they might make a cool post for ye."
Thee are right, Cyn! We really like the images and love the alternative to the coffee table book... one can only look at Monet's Giverny for so long, right?
The Leasure and Recreation Rooms books look hysterical. The Sunset Ideas for Hillside Homes is lovely, but it's the book on Mosaics that has us thinking about placing a bid.
Thanks, Cyn!
how funny! i am also obsessed with these books too! I actually have the Mosaics book and it is really fun- I just wish they printed more books in color back in the day... I would try going to your local thrift shops before buying on Ebay. I have found so many of these for only 25ยข to $1- and you don't have to pay for shipping and can browse through it before you buy. A lot of these look great on the cover, but once inside, not so great...
Great point about thrift stores. If anyone ever comes across the 1962 Furniture You Can Build book (including instructions on building Eames pieces) *snap* it up. The "holy grail" of the Sunset series, it typically goes for about $75-$100 online.
The "Do-it-yourself" Encyclopedias from Better Homes and Gardens are amazing. My favorite projects include DIY bomb shelters with conversation pits.
If you find vintage books on ebay you want, check out Amazon.com first...I got on a kick with these mid-century decorating books, and saw one bid up over $100.00 on ebay..found it on amazon for under $20.00. Of course, some are going to be expensive even there, or unavailable, but if you can save money on MOST of the books you want, you can splurge on the few really rare ones.
This is so funny... I was just bubbling to a friend about how wonderful my 70's Sunset sewing books are. Sewing for interiors is my profession, and I have piles of design books, but I always go back to the clear instructions and charts in the Sunset books.
I love these books -- wait, that's my auction! The Mosaics book is only $1.05, people. Bid, bid away.